text:
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a United Nations System inter-governmental body whose 47 member states are responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world.
The UNHRC is the successor to the UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR, herein CHR), and is a subsidiary body of the UN General Assembly. The council works closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and engages the United Nations' special procedures.
The General Assembly established the UNHRC by adopting a resolution (A/RES/60/251) on 15 March 2006, in order to replace the previous CHR, which had been heavily criticised for allowing countries with poor human rights records to be members.[1]
The UNHRC has addressed conflicts including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and also addresses rights-related situations in countries such as in Burma, Guinea, North Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Libya, Iran, and Sri Lanka. The UNHRC also addresses important thematic human rights issues such as freedom of association and assembly, freedom of expression, freedom of belief and religion, women's rights, LGBT rights, and the rights of racial and ethnic minorities.[a]
Secretaries General Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon, former president of the council Doru Costea, the European Union, Canada, and the United States have accused the council of focusing disproportionately on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.[2][3][4] The United States boycotted the Council during the George W. Bush administration, but reversed its position on it during the Obama administration.[5] Beginning in 2009 however, with the United States taking a leading role in the organization, American commentators began to argue that the UNHRC was becoming increasingly relevant.[6][7]
The UN General Assembly elects the members who occupy the UNHRC's 47 seats. The General Assembly takes into account the candidate States' contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as their voluntary pledges and commitments in this regard. The term of each seat is three years, and no member may occupy a seat for more than two consecutive terms. The seats are distributed among the UN's regional groups as follows: 13 for Africa, 13 for Asia, six for Eastern Europe, eight for Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC), and seven for the Western European and Others Group (WEOG). The General Assembly, via a two-thirds majority, can suspend the rights and privileges of any Council member that it decides has persistently committed gross and systematic violations of human rights during its term of membership. The resolution establishing the UNHRC states that "members elected to the Council shall uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights".[8]
On 18 June 2007, one year after holding its first meeting, the UNHRC adopted its Institution-building package, which provides elements to guide it in its future work. Among the elements was the Universal Periodic Review. The Universal Periodic Review assesses the human rights situations in all 193 UN Member States. Another element is an Advisory Committee, which serves as the UNHRC's think tank, and provides it with expertise and advice on thematic human rights issues, that is, issues which pertain to all parts of the world. A further element is a Complaint procedure, which allows individuals and organizations to bring complaints about human rights violations to the attention of the Council.
On 11 July 2013, envoys from both Syria and Iran announced that they would attempt to run for a seat in 2014.[9] This has sparked controversy among the international community.
"All victims of human rights abuses should be able to look to the Human Rights Council as a forum and a springboard for action." - Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General, 2007 [10]
The members of the General Assembly elect the members who occupy the UNHRC's 47 seats. The term of each seat is three years, and no member may occupy a seat for more than two consecutive terms. The seats are distributed among the UN's regional groups as follows: 13 for Africa, 13 for Asia, six for Eastern Europe, eight for Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC), and seven for the Western European and Others Group (WEOG). The previous CHR had a membership of 53 elected by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) through a majority of those present and voting.
The General Assembly can suspend the rights and privileges of any Council member that it decides has persistently committed gross and systematic violations of human rights during its term of membership. The suspension process requires a two-thirds majority vote by the General Assembly.[8] The resolution establishing the UNHRC states that "when electing members of the Council, Member States shall take into account the contribution of candidates to the promotion and protection of human rights and their voluntary pledges and commitments made thereto", and that "members elected to the Council shall uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights".
The UNHRC holds regular sessions three times a year, in March, June, and September.[11] The UNHRC can decide at any time to hold a special session to address human rights violations and emergencies, at the request of one-third of the member states. To date there have been 20 Special Sessions.
Members of the UNHRC are elected to staggered three-year terms.
The first election of members was held on 9 May 2006.[12] Their terms of office began on 19 June 2006. On 19 May, it was announced that Mexico would serve as the Council's chair during its first year of existence.
2007 Group[13]
- African States: Algeria, Morocco, South Africa and Tunisia.
- Asian States: Bahrain, India, Indonesia and Philippines.
- Eastern European States: Czech Republic and Poland.
- Latin American & Caribbean States: Argentina and Ecuador.
- Western European & Other States: Finland and the Netherlands.
2008 Group[13]
- African States: Gabon, Ghana, Mali and Zambia.
- Asian States: Japan, Pakistan, South Korea and Sri Lanka.
- Eastern European States: Romania and the Ukraine.
- Latin American & Caribbean States: Brazil, Guatemala and Peru.
- Western European & Other States: France and the United Kingdom.
2009 Group[13]
- African States: Cameroon, Djibouti, Mauritius, Nigeria and Senegal.
- Asian States: Bangladesh, China, Jordan, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
- Eastern European States: Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation.
- Latin American & Caribbean States: Cuba, Mexico and Uruguay.
- Western European & Other States: Canada, Germany, Switzerland and Turkey.
2010 Group
The replacement for the 2007 Group was duly elected by the General Assembly on 17 May 2007, known as the 2010 Group, the year when their terms expire.[13][14] In this election, Angola and Egypt were elected to the council, whereas Belarus was rejected.[15]
- African States: Angola, Egypt, Madagascar and South Africa.
- Asian States: India, Indonesia, Philippines and Qatar.
- Eastern European States: Slovenia and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
- Latin American & Caribbean States: Nicaragua and Bolivia.
- Western European & Other States: Netherlands and Italy.
2011 Group
The replacement for the 2008 Group was duly elected by the General Assembly on 21 May 2008, known as the 2011 Group, the year when their terms expire.[16]
- African States: Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ghana and Zambia.
- Asian States: Bahrain, Japan, Pakistan and South Korea.
- Eastern European States: Slovakia and Ukraine.
- Latin American & Caribbean States: Argentina, Brazil and Chile.
- Western European & Other States: France and United Kingdom.
2012 Group
The replacement for the 2009 Group was duly elected by the General Assembly on 12 May 2009, known as the 2012 Group, the year when their terms expire.[17]
- African States: Cameroon, Djibouti, Mauritius, Nigeria and Senegal.
- Asian States: Bangladesh, China, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia.
- Eastern European States: Hungary and the Russian Federation.
- Latin American & Caribbean States: Cuba, Mexico and Uruguay.
- Western European & Other States: United States, Belgium, Norway and Turkey.
2013 Group
The replacement for the 2010 Group was duly elected by the General Assembly on 13 May 2010, known as the 2013 Group, the year when their terms expire.[18]
- African States: Angola, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mauritania and Uganda.
- Asian States: Malaysia, Maldives, Qatar and Thailand.
- Eastern European States: Poland and Republic of Moldova.
- Latin American & Caribbean States: Ecuador, Guatemala and Peru.
- Western European & Other States: Spain and Switzerland.
2014 Group
The replacement for the 2011 Group was duly elected by the General Assembly on 20 May 2011, known as the 2014 Group, the year when their terms expire.[19]
- African States: Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso and Congo.
- Asian States: India, Indonesia, Kuwait and Philippine.
- Eastern European States: Czech Republic and Romania.
- Latin American & Caribbean States: Chile, Costa Rica and Peru.
- Western European & Other States: Austria and Italy.
2015 Group
The replacement for the 2012 Group was duly elected by the General Assembly on 12 November 2012, known as the 2015 Group, the year when their terms expire.[20]
- African States: Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Sierra Leone, Kenya
- Asian States: Japan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, United Arab Emirates
- Eastern European States: Estonia, Montenegro
- Latin American & Caribbean States: Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela
- Western European & Other States: Germany, Ireland, United States
2016 Group
The replacement for the 2013 Group was duly elected by the General Assembly on 12 November 2013, known as the 2016 Group, the year when their terms expire.[21]
- African States: Algeria, Morocco, Namibia, South Africa
- Asian States: China, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam
- Eastern European States: Russian Federation, Macedonia
- Latin American & Caribbean States: Cuba, Mexico
- Western European & Other States: France, United Kingdom
- Mr. Luis Alfonso de Alba (Mexico): 19 June 2006 – 18 June 2007
- Mr. Doru Romulus Costea (Romania): 19 June 2007 – 18 June 2008
- Mr. Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi (Nigeria): 19 June 2008 – 18 June 2009
- Mr. Alex Van Meeuwen (Belgium): 19 June 2009 – 18 June 2010[22]
- Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow (Thailand): 19 June 2010 – 18 June 2011[22]
- Mrs. Laura Dupuy Lasserre (Uruguay): 19 June 2011 – 9 December 2012
- Mr. Remigiusz Henczel (Poland): 10 December 2012 – 15 June 2014[23]
- Mr. Baudelaire Ndong Ella (Gabon): 16 June 2014 – present
Subsidiary bodies that directly report to the UNHRCEdit
Universal Periodic Review Working GroupEdit
A key component of the Council consists in a periodic review of all 193 UN member states, called the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).[24][25]
The new mechanism is based on reports coming from different sources, one of them being contributions from NGOs. Each country's situation will be examined during a three-hour debate.[26][27]
- First session (7–18 April 2008): Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Bahrain, Indonesia, India, Philippines, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Finland, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic.
- Second session (5–16 May 2008): Gabon, Ghana, Peru, Guatemala, Benin, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Pakistan, Zambia, Japan, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, France, Tonga, Romania, and Mali.
- Third session (1–12 December 2008): Botswana, Bahamas, Burundi, Luxembourg, Barbados, Montenegro, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Liechtenstein, Serbia, Turkmenistan, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Colombia, Uzbekistan, and Tuvalu.
- Fourth session (2–13 February 2009): Germany, Djibouti, Canada, Bangladesh, Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, China, Nigeria, Mexico, Mauritius, Jordan, Malaysia.
- Fifth session (4–15 May 2009): Central African Republic, Monaco, Belize, Chad, Congo, Malta, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Chile, Vietnam, Uruguay, Yemen, Vanuatu, Republic of Macedonia,[28] Comoros, Slovakia.
- Sixth session (30 November – 11 December 2009): Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Norway, Portugal, Albania.
- The second half of the complete UPR cycle will take place until 2011,[29] after which the status of the Human Rights Council will be reviewed by the General Assembly.[30] The Universal Periodic Review is an evolving process; the Council, after the conclusion of the first review cycle, may review the modalities and the periodicity of this mechanism, based on best practices and lessons learned.[31]
June 2006: In applying General Assembly Resolution 60/251 dated 15 March 2006, the Human Rights Council adopted a non-official document relating to the procedure of universal periodic review (UPR).
This document was elaborated by the Intergovernmental Working Group, open to all, mandated to develop the follow-up terms and conditions of the UPR procedure and give full effect to Decision 1/103 of the Human Rights Council.
The following terms and procedures were set out:
- Reviews are to occur over a four-year period (48 countries per year). Accordingly, the 192 countries that are members of the United Nations shall normally all have such a "review" between 2008 and 2011;
- The order of review should follow the principles of universality and equal treatment;
- All Member States of the Council will be reviewed while they sit at the Council and the initial members of the Council will be first;
- The selection of the countries to be reviewed must respect the principle of equitable geographical allocation;
- The first Member States and the first observatory States to be examined will be selected randomly in each regional group in order to guarantee full compliance with the equitable geographical allocation. Reviews shall then be conducted alphabetically.
Similar mechanisms exist in other organizations: International Atomic Energy Agency, Council of Europe, International Monetary Fund, Organization of American States, International Labour Bureau and the World Trade Organization.[32]
Except for the tri-annual reports on development of human rights policies, that Member States have to submit to the Secretary General since 1956, the Human Rights Council UPR procedure constitutes a first in the area. It marks the end of the discrimination that had plagued the work of the Human Rights Commission and had caused it to be harshly criticised. Finally, this mechanism demonstrates and confirms the universal nature of human rights.
Advisory CommitteeEdit
The Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights was the main subsidiary body of the CHR. The Sub-Commission was composed of 26 elected human rights experts whose mandate was to conduct studies on discriminatory practices and to make recommendations to ensure that racial, national, religious, and linguistic minorities are protected by law.[33]
In 2006 the newly created UNHRC assumed responsibility for the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, previously the main subsidiary body of the CHR, composed of 26 elected human rights experts whose mandate was to conduct studies on discriminatory practices and to make recommendations to ensure that racial, national, religious, and linguistic minorities are protected by law.[33] The Sub-Commission's mandate was extended for one year (to June 2007), but it met for the final time in August 2006.[33] At its final meeting, the Sub-Commission recommended the creation of a Human Rights Consultative Committee to provide advice to the UNHRC,[34] and in September 2007, the UNHRC decided to create an Advisory Committee to provide expert advice.[35] The Advisory Committee has eighteen members. Those members are distributed as follows: five from African states; five from Asian states; three from Latin American and Caribbean States; three from Western European and other states; and two members from Eastern European states.[36]
Complaint procedureEdit
On 18 June 2007, the UNHRC adopted Resolution 5/1 to establish a Complaint procedure. The Complaint procedure's purpose is to address consistent patterns of gross and reliably attested violations of all human rights and all fundamental freedoms occurring in any part of the world and under any circumstances. Two working groups make up the Complaint procedure: the Working Group on Communications (WGC) and the Working Group on Situations (WGS).
The WGC consists of five independent and highly qualified experts, and is geographically representative of the five regions represented by the Human Rights Council (Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe and Others). The Advisory Committee designates the WGC's experts from among its members. The experts serve for three years with the possibility of one renewal. The experts determine whether a complaint deserves investigation. If a complaint deserves investigation, the WGC passes the complaint to the WGS.
The WGS comprises five members appointed by the regional groups from among the States member of the Council for the period of one year (mandate renewable once). It meets twice a year for a period of five working days in order to examine the communications transferred to it by the Working Group on Communications, including the replies of States thereon, as well as the situations which the Council is already seized of under the complaint procedure. The Working Group on Situations, on the basis of the information and recommendations provided by the Working Group on Communications, presents the Council with a report on consistent patterns of gross and reliably attested violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms and makes recommendations to the Council on the course of action to take. [37]
Other subsidiary bodiesEdit
In addition to the UPR, the Complaints Procedure and the Advisory Committee, the UNHRC's other subsidiary bodies include:
- Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which replaced the CHR's Working Group on Indigenous Populations
- Forum on Minority Issues,[38] established to provide a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation on issues pertaining to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities
- Social Forum,[39] established as a space for dialogue between the representatives of Member States, civil society, including grass-roots organizations, and intergovernmental organizations on issues linked with the national and international environment needed for the promotion of the enjoyment of all human rights by all
Special proceduresEdit
"Special procedures" is the general name given to the mechanisms established by the Human Rights Council to address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special procedures can be either individuals (called "Special Rapporteurs" or "Independent Experts") who are intended to be independent experts in a particular area of human rights, or working groups usually composed of five members (one from each UN region).
Special procedures are categorized according to thematic mandates – which focus on major phenomena of human rights abuses worldwide – and country mandates – which report on human rights situations in specific countries or territories. Currently there are 36 thematic[40] and 10 country[41] special procedures mandates. Country mandates must be renewed yearly by the UNHRC, thematic mandates must be renewed every three years. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights provides staffing and logistical support to aid each mandate-holder in carrying out their work.
The mandates of the special procedures are established and defined by the resolution creating them. Various activities can be undertaken by special procedures, including responding to individual complaints, conducting studies, providing advice on technical cooperation, and engaging in promotional activities. Generally the special procedures report to the Human Rights Council at least once a year on their findings.
Special procedure mandate holdersEdit
Mandate-holders of the special procedures serve in their personal capacity, and do not receive pay for their work. The independent status of the mandate-holders is crucial in order to be able to fulfill their functions in all impartiality.[42]
Applicants for Special Procedures mandates are reviewed by a Consultative Group of five countries, one from each region. Following interviews by the Consultative Group, the Group provides a shortlist of candidates to the UNHRC President. Following consultations with the leadership of each regional grouping, the President presents a single candidate to be approved by the Member states of the UNHRC at the session following a new mandate's creation or on the expiration of the term of an existing mandate holder.[43]
Mandate holders are generally appointed serve for three-year terms, renewable for a second three-year term.
The following is a list of thematic special procedures mandate holders:
Thematic mandate holdersEdit
Special Rapporteurs
- Adequate Housing, Ms. Raquel Rolnik (Brazil)
- Cultural Rights, Ms. Farida Shaheed (Pakistan)
- Education, Mr. Kishore Singh (India)
- Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, Mr. Christof Heyns (South Africa)
- Extreme Poverty, Maria Magdalena Sepulveda (Chile)
- Freedom of Assembly and Association, Mr. Maina Kiai (Kenya)
- Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Mr. Frank La Rue (Guatemala)
- Freedom of Religion or Belief, Mr. Heiner Bielefeldt(Germany)
- Hazardous Substances and Waste, Mr. Calin Georgescu (Romania)
- Health, Mr. Anand Grover (India)
- Human Rights Defenders, Ms. Margaret Sekaggya (Uganda)
- Human Rights While Countering Terrorism, Mr. Ben Emmerson (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
- Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Ms. Gabriela Knaul (Brazil)
- Indigenous Peoples, James Anaya (United States of America)
- Internally Displaced Persons, Dr. Chaloka Beyani (Zambia)
- Migrants, Mr. François Crepeau (Canada)
- Racism, Mr. Mutuma Ruteere (Kenya)
- Right to Food, Olivier de Schutter (Belgium)
- Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, Najat M'jid Maala (Morocco)
- Slavery, Gulnara Shahinian (Armenia)[44]
- Torture, Mr. Juan Mendez (Argentina)
- Trafficking in Persons, Ms. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo (Nigeria)
- Truth, Justice, Reparation and Guarantees of non-Recurrence, Mr. Pablo de Greiff (Colombia)
- Violence Against Women, Ms. Rashida Manjoo (South Africa)
- Water, Ms. Catarina de Albuquerque (Portugal)
Independent experts
- Democratic and Equitable International Order, Mr. Alfred de Zayas (USA)
- Environment (TBD)
- Foreign Debt, Cephas Lumina (Zambia)
- International Solidarity, Ms. Virginia Dandan (Philippines)
- Minority Issues, Ms. Rita Izsak (Hungary)
Working groups
- Arbitrary Detention, Mr. El Hadji Malick Sow (Senegal), Ms. Shaheen Sardar Ali (Pakistan), Mr. Roberto Garreton (Chile), Mr. Vladimir Tochilovsky (Ukraine), Mr. Mads Andenas (Norway)
- Discrimination Against Women in Law and Practice, Ms. Kamala Chandrakirana (Indonesia), Ms. Emna Aouij, (Tunisia), Ms. Mercedes Barquet (Mexico), Ms. Frances Raday (Israel/United Kingdom), Ms. Eleonora Zielinska (Poland)
- Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, Mr. Olivier de Frouville (France), Mr. Ariel Dulitzky (Argentina/USA), Ms. Jazminka Dzumhur (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Mr. Jeremy Sarkin (South Africa), Mr. Osman el-Hajje (Lebanon)
- Human Rights and Transnational Corporations, Ms. Margaret Jungk (USA), Mr. Michael K. Addo (Ghana), Ms. Alexandra Guaqueta (Colombia/USA), Mr. Puvan J. Selvanathan (Malaysia), Mr. Pavel Sulyandziga (Russian Federation)
- Mercenaries, Ms. Faiza Patel (Pakistan), Ms. Patricia Arias (Chile), Ms. Elzbieta Karska (Poland), Mr. Anton Katz (South Africa), Mr. Gabor Rona (USA/Hungary)
- Peoples of African Descent, Ms. Mirjana Najcevska (Republic of Macedonia), Ms. Monorama Biswas (Bangladesh), Ms. Mireille Fanon-Mendes-France (France), Ms. Maya Sahli (Algeria) and Ms. Verene Shepherd (Jamaica)
Country-specific mandate holdersEdit
Special Rapporteurs
- Cambodia, Mr. Surya Prasad Subedi (Nepal);
- Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Mr. Marzuki Darusman (Indonesia);
- "Palestinian territories occupied since 1967", Mr. Richard Falk (United States);
- The Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Ahmed Shaheed (Maldives);
- Myanmar, Mr. Thomas Ojea Quintana (Argentina);
- Syria, Mr. Paulo Sergio Pinheiro (Brazil – to begin once Commission of Inquiry Ends)
Independent Experts
- Côte d'Ivoire, Mr. Doudou Diene (Senegal);
- Haiti, Mr. Michel Forst (France);
- Somalia, Mr. Shamsul Bari (Bangladesh);
- Sudan, Mr. Mashood Baderin (Nigeria)
International response to election of Richard Falk as the Special Rapporteur on the "Occupied Palestinian Territories."Edit
This section's representation of one or more viewpoints about a controversial issue may be unbalanced or inaccurate. (March 2013) |
UN permanent ambassador Itzhak Levanon (Israel) said "that as the list of candidates for Special procedures mandate holders was put forward today, [he] was overwhelmed at the profound sense of lost opportunity. The mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territories was hopelessly unbalanced. This mandate was redundant at best and malicious at worst. It was impossible to believe that out of a list of 184 potential candidates, the eminently wise members of the Consultative Group honestly had made the best possible choice for this post."
Warran Tichenor (United States) said, "that the Special procedures, including country mandates, allowed the Human Rights Council an opportunity to view, monitor and help certain countries develop and improve their human rights situations. The United States respected the integrity of the procedure to elect candidates but expressed its concern on the mandate holder selected for the task of assessing the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories."
Marius Grinius of Canada said, "that the appointment of this slate of Special procedures mandate holders marked an important milestone in the development of the Council. The Special procedures had been referred to as the crown jewels of the United Nations human rights system. The efforts which had gone into the presentation of this list were fully appreciated. Canada hoped that Members could respect the integrity of the agreed process, in which no State should have a veto over candidates. However, based on the writings of one of the candidates, the nominee for the mandate on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Canada expressed serious concern about whether the high standards established by the Council would be met by this individual. Therefore, Canada dissociated itself from any Council decision to approve the full slate."
Mohammad Abu-Koash, a Palestinian representative, said, "It was ironic that Israel which claimed to be representing Jews everywhere was campaigning against a Jewish professor who had been nominated for the post of Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The candidate was the author of 54 books on international law. Palestine doubted that those who had campaigned against him had read that many books. The candidate's nomination was a victory for good sense and human rights, as he was a highly qualified rapporteur. If Israel was concerned about human rights it would have ended its prolonged occupation."[45]
Special Rapporteur on Freedom of ExpressionEdit
An amendment to the duties of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, passed by the Human Rights Council on 28 March 2008, has given rise to sharp criticism from western countries and human rights NGOs. The additional duty is phrased thus:
- (d) To report on instances in which the abuse of the right of freedom of expression constitutes an act of racial or religious discrimination, taking into account articles 19 (3) and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and general comment No. 15 of the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which stipulates that the prohibition of the dissemination of all ideas based upon racial superiority or hatred is compatible with the freedom of opinion and expression
(quoted from p. 67 in the official draft record[46] of the council). The amendment was proposed by Egypt and Pakistan[47] and passed by 27 votes to 15 against, with three abstentions with the support of other members of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, China, Russia and Cuba.[48] As a result of the amendment over 20 of the original 53 co-sponsors of the main resolution – to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur – withdrew their support,[48] although the resolution was carried by 32 votes to 0, with 15 abstentions.[46] Inter alia the delegates from India and Canada protested that the Special Rapporteur now has as his/her duty to report not only infringements of the rights to freedom of expression, but in some cases also employment of the rights, which "turns the special rapporteur's mandate on its head".[47]
Outside the UN, the amendment was criticised by organizations including Reporters Without Borders, Index on Censorship, Human Rights Watch[47] and the International Humanist and Ethical Union, all of whom share the view that the amendment threatens freedom of expression.[48]
In terms of the finally cast votes, this was far from the most controversial of the 36 resolutions adapted by the 7th session of the Council. The highest dissents concerned combating defamation of religions, with 21 votes for, 10 against, and 14 abstentions (resolution 19, pp. 91–97), and the continued severe condemnation of and appointment of a Special Rapporteur for North Korea, with votes 22–7 and 18 abstentions (resolution 15, pp. 78–80).[49] There were also varying degrees of dissent for most of the various reports criticising Israel; while on the other hand a large number of resolutions were taken unanimously without voting, including the rather severe criticism of Myanmar (resolutions 31 and 32),[46] and the somewhat less severe on Sudan (resolution 16).[49]
Specific issuesEdit
As of 2014, Israel had been condemned in 50 resolutions by the Council since its creation in 2006—the Council had resolved almost more resolutions condemning Israel than on the rest of the world combined. The 50 resolutions comprised almost half (45.9%) of all country-specific resolutions passed by the Council, not counting those under Agenda Item 10 (countries requiring technical assistance).[50] By April 2007, the Council had passed eleven resolutions condemning Israel, the only country which it had specifically condemned.[51] Toward Sudan, a country with human rights abuses as documented by the Council's working groups, it has expressed "deep concern".[51]
The council voted on 30 June 2006 to make a review of alleged human rights abuses by Israel a permanent feature of every council session. The Council's special rapporteur on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict is its only expert mandate with no year of expiry. The resolution, which was sponsored by Organisation of the Islamic Conference, passed by a vote of 29 to 12 with five abstentions. Human Rights Watch urged it to look at international human rights and humanitarian law violations committed by Palestinian armed groups as well. Human Rights Watch called on the Council to avoid the selectivity that discredited its predecessor and urged it to hold special sessions on other urgent situations, such as that in Darfur.[52]
The Special Rapporteur on the question of Palestine to the previous UNCHR, the current UNHRC and the General Assembly was, between 2001 and 2008, John Dugard. Bayefski quotes him as saying that his mandate is to "investigate human rights violations by Israel only, not by Palestinians".[53] Dugard was replaced in 2008 with Richard Falk, who has compared Israel's treatment of Palestinians with the Nazis' treatment of Jews during the Holocaust.[54][55][56] Like his predecessor, Falk's mandate only covers Israel's human rights record.[57] The Palestinian Authority has informally asked Falk to resign, among other reasons due to viewing him as "a partisan of Hamas". Falk disputes this and has called the reasons given "essentially untrue".[58] In July 2011, Richard Falk posted a cartoon some critics has described as anti-Semitic onto his blog. The cartoon depicted a bloodthirsty dog with the word "USA" on it wearing a kippah, or Jewish headcovering.[59][60][61][62] In response, Falk was heavily criticized by world leaders in the United States and certain Europen countries.[63] The United States called Falk's behavior "shameful and outrageous" and "an embarrassment to the United Nations", and officially called on him to resign. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, chairwoman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, called on Falk to resign as well. The Anti-Defamation League described the cartoon as a "message of hatred".[64][65][66]
The UN Human Rights Council was castigated by Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for facilitating an event featuring a Hamas politician. The Hamas parliamentarian had spoken at an NGO event in the UN Geneva building. Israel's ambassador to the United Nations Ron Prosor denounced the speech stating that Hamas was an internationally recognized terrorist organization that targeted civilians. "Inviting a Hamas terrorist to lecture to the world about human rights is like asking Charles Manson to run the murder investigation unit at the NYPD", he said.[67]
UN Secretaries GeneralEdit
In 2006, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan argued that the Commission should not have a "disproportionate focus on violations by Israel. Not that Israel should be given a free pass. Absolutely not. But the Council should give the same attention to grave violations committed by other states as well".[68]
On 20 June 2007, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement that read: "The Secretary-General is disappointed at the council's decision to single out only one specific regional item given the range and scope of allegations of human rights violations throughout the world."[69]
United States and UNHRC PresidentEdit
The Council's charter preserves the watchdog's right to appoint special investigators for countries whose human rights records are of particular concern, something many developing states have long opposed. A Council meeting in Geneva in 2007 caused controversy after Cuba and Belarus, both accused of abuses, were removed from a list of nine special mandates. The list, which included North Korea, Cambodia and Sudan, had been carried forward from the defunct Commission.[70] Commenting on Cuba and Belarus, the UN statement said that Ban noted "that not having a Special Rapporteur assigned to a particular country does not absolve that country from its obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."
The United States said a day before the UN statement that the Council deal raised serious questions about whether the new body could be unbiased. Alejandro Wolff, deputy U.S. permanent representative at the United Nations, accused the council of "a pathological obsession with Israel" and also denounced its action on Cuba and Belarus. "I think the record is starting to speak for itself", he told journalists.[71][72]
The UNHRC President Doru Costea responded: "I agree with him. The functioning of the Council must be constantly improved". He added that the Council must examine the behaviour of all parties involved in complex disputes and not place just one state under the magnifying glass.[73][74]
Speaking at the IDC's Herzliya Conference in Israel in January 2008, Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen criticized the actions of the Human Rights Council actions against Israel. "At the United Nations, censuring Israel has become something of a habit, while Hamas's terror is referred to in coded language or not at all. The Netherlands believes the record should be set straight, both in New York and at the Human Rights Council in Geneva", Verhagen said.[75]
2006 Lebanon conflictEdit
At its Second Special Session in August 2006, the Council announced the establishment of a High-Level Commission of Inquiry charged with probing allegations that Israel systematically targeted and killed Lebanese civilians during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict.[76] The resolution was passed by a vote of 27 in favour to 11 against, with 8 abstentions. Before and after the vote several member states and NGOs objected that by targeting the resolution solely at Israel and failing to address Hezbollah attacks on Israeli civilians, the Council risked damaging its credibility. The members of the Commission of Inquiry, as announced on 1 September 2006, were Clemente Baena Soares of Brazil, Mohamed Chande Othman of Tanzania, and Stelios Perrakis of Greece. The Commission noted that its report on the conflict would be incomplete without fully investigating both sides, but that "the Commission is not entitled, even if it had wished, to construe [its charter] as equally authorizing the investigation of the actions by Hezbollah in Israel", as the Council had explicitly prohibited it from investigating the actions of Hezbollah.[77]
January 2008 decreeEdit
The Council released a statement calling on Israel to stop its military operations in the Gaza Strip and to open the Strip's borders to allow the entry of food, fuel and medicine. The Council adopted the resolution by a vote of 30 to 1, with 15 states abstaining.
"Unfortunately, neither this resolution nor the current session addressed the role of both parties. It was regretful that the current draft resolution did not condemn the rocket attacks on Israeli civilians," said Canada's representative Terry Cormier, the lone voter against.[78]
The United States and Israel boycotted the session. U.S. ambassador Warren Tichenor said the Council's unbalanced approach had "squandered its credibility" by failing to address continued rocket attacks against Israel. "Today's actions do nothing to help the Palestinian people, in whose name the supporters of this session claim to act," he said in a statement. "Supporters of a Palestinian state must avoid the kind of inflammatory rhetoric and actions that this session represents, which only stoke tensions and erode the chances for peace", he added.[79] "We believe that this council should deplore the fact that innocent civilians on both sides are suffering", Slovenian Ambassador Andrej Logar said on behalf of the seven EU states on the council.
At a press conference in Geneva on Wednesday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon responded when asked about its special session on Gaza, that "I appreciate that the council is looking in depth into this particular situation. And it is rightly doing so. I would also appreciate it if the council will be looking with the same level of attention and urgency at all other matters around the world. There are still many areas where human rights are abused and not properly protected", he said.[80]
Gaza reportEdit
On 3 April 2009, South African Judge Richard Goldstone was named as the head of the independent United Nations Fact-Finding Mission to investigate international human rights and humanitarian law violations related to the Gaza War. The Mission was established by Resolution S-9/1[81] of the United Nations Human Rights Council.[82]
On 15 September 2009, the UN Fact-Finding mission released its report. The report found that there was evidence "indicating serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law were committed by Israel during the Gaza conflict, and that Israel committed actions amounting to war crimes, and possibly crimes against humanity". The mission also found that there was evidence that "Palestinian armed groups committed war crimes, as well as possibly crimes against humanity, in their repeated launching of rockets and mortars into Southern Israel".[83][84][85] The mission called for referring either side in the conflict to the UN Security Council for prosecution at the International Criminal Court if they refuse to launch fully independent investigations by December 2009.[86]
Goldstone has since partially retracted the reports conclusions that Israel committed war crimes, as new evidence has shed light upon the decision making by Israeli commanders. He said, "I regret that our fact-finding mission did not have such evidence explaining the circumstances in which we said civilians in Gaza were targeted, because it probably would have influenced our findings about intentionality and war crimes."[86]
Goldstone acknowledged that Israel has "to a significant degree" implemented the reports recommendations that "each party to investigate [the incidents] transparently and in good faith," but "Hamas has done nothing". The Palestinian Authority has also implemented the reports recommendations by investigating "assassinations, torture and illegal detentions, perpetrated by Fatah in the West Bank", but Goldstone noted that "most of those allegations were confirmed by this inquiry".
March 2011 controversyEdit
At the UNHRC's opening session in February 2011, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton criticized the council's "structural bias" against the State of Israel: "The structural bias against Israel – including a standing agenda item for Israel, whereas all other countries are treated under a common item – is wrong. And it undermines the important work we are trying to do together."[87]
An editorial in the Jerusalem Post subsequently revealed that the UNHRC was "poised to adopt six resolutions ... condemning Israel," noting that it was the highest number of resolutions ever to be adopted against Israel in a single session. Human rights activist and Hudson Institute senior fellow Anne Bayefsky accused the UNHRC of failing to remove antisemitic propaganda distributed by the IHH during one of its sessions. The material in question was an illustration depicting Israel as a sinister Nazi octopus seizing control of a ship.[88]
Chair of the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R) said she would propose legislation making U.S. funding for the UN contingent on extensive reform. Her bill will also call for the United States to withdraw from the UNHRC, as "Israel is the only country on the council's permanent agenda, while abuses by rogue regimes like Cuba, China, and Syria are ignored".[89]
The hosting of a Hamas member controversyEdit
In March 2012, the UN Human Rights Council was criticised for facilitating an event featuring a Hamas politician. The Hamas parliamentarian had spoken at an NGO event in the UN Geneva building. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu castigated the UNHRC's decision stating, "He represents an organization that indiscriminately targets children and grown-ups, and women and men. Innocents – is their special favorite target". Israel's ambassador to the UN Ron Prosor denounced the speech stating that Hamas was an internationally recognized terrorist organization that targeted civilians. "Inviting a Hamas terrorist to lecture to the world about human rights is like asking Charles Manson to run the murder investigation unit at the NYPD", he said.[67]
March 2012 criticismEdit
The United States urged the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva to stop its anti-Israel bias. It took particular exception to the council's Agenda Item 7, under which at every session, Israel's human rights record is debated. No other country has a dedicated agenda item. The US Ambassador to the UNHRC Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe said that the United States was deeply troubled by the "Council's biased and disproportionate focus on Israel." She said that the hypocrisy was further exposed in the Golan Heights resolution that was advocated by the Syrian regime at a time when it was murdering its own citizens.[90]
"Defamation of religion"Edit
From 1999, the CHR and the UNHRC adopted resolutions in opposition to the "defamation of religion".
Climate changeEdit
The Human Rights Council has adopted the Resolution 10/4 about human rights and climate change.[91]
Candidacy of SyriaEdit
In July 2012, Syria announced that it would seek a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council.[92][93] This is while there is serious evidence (provided by numerous human rights organizations including the UN itself) that President Bashar al-Assad of Syria has authorised and funded the slaughtering of thousands of civilians, with estimates of 14,000 civilians being killed as of July 2012 during the uprising against his dictatorship.[94][95][96] According to the NGO UN Watch, Syria's candidacy would be virtually assured of victory due to the prevailing system of elections.[93] Syria would be responsible for promoting human rights if elected. In response, the United States and European Union drafted a resolution to oppose this move.[97] In the end, Syria was not on the ballot for the 12 November 2012 election to the Council.[98]
Candidacy of Sudan and EthiopiaEdit
In July 2012, it was reported that Sudan and Ethiopia were nominated for a seat on the council, despite being accused by human rights organizations of grave human rights violations. The NGO UN Watch condemned the move to nominate Sudan, and pointed out that President Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan was indicted for genocide by the International Criminal Court. According to UN Watch, Sudan is virtually assured of securing the seat.[99] A joint letter of 18 African and international civil society organizations urged foreign ministers of the African Union to reverse its endorsement of Ethiopia and Sudan for a seat, accusing them of serious human rights violations and listing examples of such violations, and stating that they shouldn't be rewarded with a seat.[100][101] Sudan was not on the ballot for the 12 November 2012 election to the Council, but Ethiopia was elected to the Council.[98]
Bloc votingEdit
Human rights groups[who?] say the council is being controlled by some Middle East and African nations, supported by China, Russia and Cuba, which protect each other from criticism.[102] This drew criticism from the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the ineffectiveness of the council, saying it had fallen short of its obligations. He urged countries to 'drop rhetoric' and rise above "partisan posturing and regional divides"[103] and get on with defending people around the world.[102] This follows criticism since the council was set up, where Israel has been condemned on most occasions and other incidences in the world such as Darfur, Tibet, North Korea, and Zimbabwe have not been discussed at the council.[102] Ban Ki-Moon also appealed for the United States to fully join the council and play a more active role.[103] The UNHRC was criticized in 2009 for adopting a resolution submitted by Sri Lanka praising its conduct in Vanni that year, ignoring pleas for an international war crimes investigation.[104]
Country positionsEdit
Position of the United StatesEdit
In regard to the United Nations Human Rights Council, the position of the United States is: "human rights have been a cornerstone of American values since the country's birth and the United States is committed to support the work of the UN Commission in promoting the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.[105] U.S. President George W. Bush declared that the United States would not seek a seat on the Council, saying it would be more effective from the outside. He did pledge, however, to support the Council financially. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said, "We will work closely with partners in the international community to encourage the council to address serious cases of human rights abuse in countries such as Iran, Cuba, Zimbabwe, Burma, Sudan, and North Korea".
The U.S. State Department said on 5 March 2007 that, for the second year in a row, the United States has decided not to seek a seat on the Human Rights Council, asserting the body had lost its credibility with repeated attacks on Israel and a failure to confront other rights abusers.[106] Spokesman Sean McCormack said the council has had a "singular focus" on Israel, while countries such as Cuba, Myanmar and North Korea have been spared scrutiny. He said that though the United States will have only an observer role, it will continue to shine a spotlight on human rights issues. The most senior Republican member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the U.S. House of Representatives, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, supported the administration decision. "Rather than standing as a strong defender of fundamental human rights, the Human Rights Council has faltered as a weak voice subject to gross political manipulation," she said.
Upon passage of UNHRC's June 2007 institution building package, the U.S. restated its condemnation of bias in the institution's agenda. Spokesman Sean McCormack again criticised the Commission for focusing on Israel in light of many more pressing human rights issues around the world, such as Sudan or Myanmar, and went on to criticise the termination of Special Rapporteurs to Cuba and Belarus, as well as procedural irregularities that prevented member-states from voting on the issues; a similar critique was issued by the Canadian representative.[107] On September 2007, the US Senate voted to cut off funding to the council.[108]
The United States joined with Australia, Canada, Israel, and three other countries in opposing the UNHRC's draft resolution on working rules citing continuing misplaced focus on Israel at the expense of action against countries with poor human-rights records. The resolution passed 154–7 in a rare vote forced by Israel including the support of France, the United Kingdom, and China, although it is usually approved through consensus. United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Zalmay Khalilzad, spoke about the "council's relentless focus during the year on a single country – Israel," contrasting that with failure "to address serious human rights violations taking place in other countries such as Zimbabwe, DPRK (North Korea), Iran, Belarus and Cuba." Khalilzad said that aside from condemnation of the crackdown of the Burmese anti-government protests, the council's past year was "very bad" and it "had failed to fulfill our hopes."[109]
On 6 June 2008, Human Rights Tribune announced that the United States had withdrawn entirely from the UNHRC,[110] and had withdrawn its observer status.
The United States boycotted the Council during the George W. Bush administration, but reversed its position on it during the Obama administration.[5] Beginning in 2009 however, with the United States taking a leading role in the organization, American commentators began to argue that the UNHRC was becoming increasingly relevant.[6][7]
On 31 March 2009 the administration of Barack Obama announced that it would reverse the country's previous position and would join the UNHRC;[111] New Zealand has indicated its willingness not to seek election to the council to make room for the United States to run unopposed along with Belgium and Norway for the WEOG seats.
Position of Sri LankaEdit
Sri Lanka has come under increasing scrutiny with a draft resolution tabled[112] by the United States on reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka.[113]
The draft resolution, which is under review,[114] notes, "with concern that the LLRC report does not adequately address serious allegations of violations of international law, 1. Calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the constructive recommendations in the LLRC report and take all necessary additional steps to fulfill its relevant legal obligations and commitment to initiate credible and independent actions to ensure justice, equity, accountability and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans, 2. Requests that the Government of Sri Lanka present a comprehensive action plan as expeditiously as possible detailing the steps the Government has taken and will take to implement the LLRC recommendations and also to address alleged violations of international law, 3. Encourages the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and relevant special procedures to provide, and the Government of Sri Lanka to accept, advice and technical assistance on implementing those steps and requests the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to present a report to the Council on the provision of such assistance at its twenty-second session."
Sri Lankan Ambassador in Geneva Tamara Kunanayakam pointed out that 80% of the UNHRC's funding requirements are supplied by powerful nations such as the United States and its allies. Also, key positions in the UNHCR are mostly held by those who have served in the foreign services of such countries.[115] Sri Lanka's position is that this fact is significantly detrimental to the impartiality of the UNHRC activities, especially when dealing with the developing world. As a result, Sri Lanka, along with Cuba and Pakistan, sponsored a resolution seeking transparency in funding and staffing the UNHRC, during its 19th session starting in February 2012.[115] The resolution passed on 4 April 2012.[116]
See alsoEdit
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- For women's rights, see UNOG. "Human Rights Council Establishes Working Group On Discrimination Against Women In Law And Practise". Retrieved 15 October 2013.
- For LGBT rights, see "Council establishes mandate on Côte d'Ivoire, adopts protocol to child rights treaty, requests study on discrimination and sexual orientation". 17 June 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2013. and "UN publishes first global report and recommendations to tackle gay rights abuses".
- For freedom of expression, see "HRC Freedom of Opinion and Expression Resolution". Retrieved 2 June 2012.
- For freedom of assembly, see "Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association". Retrieved 2 June 2012.
- For war crimes, see "UN Adopts Resolution on Sri Lanka War Crimes Probe". Retrieved 2 June 2012.
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External linksEdit
Wikimedia Commons has media related to United Nations Human Rights Council. |
- UN Human Rights Council – official website
- International Service for Human Rights A Geneva-based, international NGO providing analysis and reporting on developments at the Human Rights Council
- UN Watch A NGO based in Geneva monitoring the work of the Human Rights Council
- UN Human Rights Council legal news and resources


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SUPERSEDED (click for Active standard)
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Active (view current version of standard)
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers two types of quenched and tempered steel heavy hex structural bolts having a minimum tensile strength of 120 ksi for sizes 1.0 in. and less and 105 ksi for sizes over 1.0 to 1½ in., inclusive.
1.2 The bolts are intended for use in structural connections. These connections are covered under the requirements of the Specification for Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts, approved by the Research Council on Structural Connections, endorsed by the American Institute of Steel Construction and by the Industrial Fastener Institute.
1.3 The bolts are furnished in sizes ½ to 1½ in., inclusive. They are designated by type, denoting chemical composition as follows:
Type | Description |
Type 1 | Medium carbon, carbon boron, or medium carbon alloy steel. |
Type 2 | Withdrawn in November 1991. |
Type 3 | Weathering steel. |
Note 1—Bolts for general applications, including anchor bolts, are covered by Specification A449. Also refer to Specification A449 for quenched and tempered steel bolts and studs with diameters greater than 1½ in. but with similar mechanical properties.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
Note 2—A complete metric companion to Specification A325 has been developed—Specification A325M; therefore, no metric equivalents are presented in this specification.
1.5 This specification is applicable to heavy hex structural bolts only. For bolts of other configurations and thread lengths with similar mechanical properties, see Specification A449.
1.6 Terms used in this specification are defined in Terminology F1789.
1.7 The following safety hazard caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 10, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.
ASTM Standards
A194/A194M Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts for Bolts for High Pressure or High Temperature Service, or Both
A325M Specification for Structural Bolts, Steel, Heat Treated 830 MPa Minimum Tensile Strength (Metric)
A449 Specification for Hex Cap Screws, Bolts and Studs, Steel, Heat Treated, 120/105/90 ksi Minimum Tensile Strength, General Use
A563 Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts
A751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for Chemical Analysis of Steel Products
B695 Specification for Coatings of Zinc Mechanically Deposited on Iron and Steel
D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
F436 Specification for Hardened Steel Washers
F606 Test Methods for Determining the Mechanical Properties of Externally and Internally Threaded Fasteners, Washers, Direct Tension Indicators, and Rivets
F788/F788M Specification for Surface Discontinuities of Bolts, Screws, and Studs, Inch and Metric Series
F959 Specification for Compressible-Washer-Type Direct Tension Indicators for Use with Structural Fasteners
F1136 Specification for Zinc/Aluminum Corrosion Protective Coatings for Fasteners
F1470 Practice for Fastener Sampling for Specified Mechanical Properties and Performance Inspection
F1789 Terminology for F16 Mechanical Fasteners
F2329 Specification for Zinc Coating, Hot-Dip, Requirements for Application to Carbon and Alloy Steel Bolts, Screws, Washers, Nuts, and Special Threaded Fasteners
G101 Guide for Estimating the Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance of Low-Alloy Steels
ASME Standards
B 1.1 Unified Screw Threads B 18.24 Part Identification Number (PIN) Code System Standard for B18 Fastener Products B 18.2.6 Fasteners for Use in Structural ApplicationsRCSC Standard
SpecificationforStruICS Code
ICS Number Code 21.060.10 (Bolts, screws, studs)
UNSPSC Code
UNSPSC Code 31161614(Structural bolts)
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.
Citation Format
ASTM A325-09ae1, Standard Specification for Structural Bolts, Steel, Heat Treated, 120/105 ksi Minimum Tensile Strength, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2009, www.astm.org
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subset: commoncrawl


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Pulse Diagnosis: A Multi Dimensional Method of Pulse Balancing
by Will Morris
The ideal pulse is an expression of a healthy state. It has root, spirit and is moderate. Root can be felt in the depths and in the proximal positions. Spirit expresses through stability in terms of rhythm, rate, volume, force and stable qualities over time. Moderation happens when the appropriate quality for each position as well as the season and the geography are present without being extreme.
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Watch: 9 ball putting challenge
Published 1:14 PM CST Feb 19, 2013
How many balls will make it into the hole?
Take a guess and watch today's viral video to find out if you were right.
The video was submitted by Campbell University's PGA Golf Management program students in North Carolina.


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Murray Feiss VS7402-ORB Oil Rubbed Bronze Bentley 2 Light Bathroom Vanity Light
We still have product details, accessories, replacement parts and reviews below, scroll down to see them!
Technical Specs
Specification Sheet | |
ADA | No |
Base Color | Chrome |
Bulb Base | Medium (E26) |
Bulb Included | No |
Bulb Type | Compact Fluorescent, Incandescent |
Collection | Bentley |
Energy Star | No |
Extension | 5 |
Full Backplate | No |
Genre | Traditional |
Height | 6.5 |
Length | 12 |
Light Direction | Down Lighting |
Location Rating | Dry Location |
Number of Bulbs | 2 |
Product Weight | 6.6 |
Shade | Yes |
Shade Color | White |
Shade Material | Glass |
Shade Shape | Cylinder |
Shade Type | Etched |
UL Listed | Yes |
UL Rating | Dry Location |
Voltage | 120 |
Wattage | 200 |
Watts Per Bulb | 100 |
Wire Length | 96 |
- Designed to cast light in a downward direction
- Fixture can only be installed in the Down Lighting configuration
- Chrome Finish comes with Opal White Etched Glass Shades
- Comes with Cylinder Shades
- Ultra Secure Mounting Assembly
- Bulbs are not included with this model - upon checkout bulbs will be offered
Lamping Technology:
- Bulb Base - Medium (E26): The E26 (Edison 26mm), Medium Edison Screw, is the standard bulb used in 120-Volt applications in North America. E26 is the most common bulb type and is generally interchangeable with E27 bulbs.
- Compatible Bulb Types: Nearly all bulb types can be found for the E26 Medium Base, options include Incandescent, Fluorescent, LED, Halogen, and Xenon / Krypton.
- Height: 6.5"
- Length: 12"
- Extension: 5"
Electrical Specifications:
- Number of Bulbs: 2 (Not Included)
- Bulb Base: Medium (E26)
- Bulb Type: Compact Fluorescent
- Bulb Type: Incandescent
- Watts Per Bulb: 100
- Wattage: 200
- Voltage: 120
- Wire Length: 96"
- UL Listed - Indicates whether a product meets standards and compliance guidelines set by Underwriters Laboratories. This listing determines what types of rooms or environments a product can be used in safely.
- ADA Compliant: No
Additional Murray Feiss Links
- View Manufacturer Warranty
- Shop All Murray Feiss Products
- Shop All Murray Feiss Bentley Collection Products
Our SKU: MF VS7402
This product is listed under the following manufacturer number(s):
- Oil Rubbed Bronze*
*Denotes a finish or option that has been discontinued
3 Questions from the Community
The Murray Feiss VS7402 backplate measures 5.5" in diameter.
Can you tell me the dimensions of the backplate?
A. The Murray Feiss VS7402 backplate measures 5.5" in diameter.
The Murray Feiss MF VS7402 can be hung so that the lights are pointed upward.
Can this light fixture be hung so that the lights are pointing upwards?
A. The Murray Feiss MF VS7402 can be hung so that the lights are pointed upward.
The Murray Feiss MF VS7402 can be dimmable with a dimmer switch.
Can you use install a dimmers ith this light?
The Murray Feiss MF VS7402 can be dimmable with a dimmer switch.
Murray Feiss Bentley Collection
Other Products In The Murray Feiss Bentley Collection
Murray Feiss VS7401
Bentley 1 Light Wall Sconce$74.00-$74.00(3)
Murray Feiss VS7403
Bentley 3 Light Bathroom Vanity Light$149.00-$149.00(3)
Murray Feiss VS7402
Bentley 2 Light Bathroom Vanity Light$115.00-$115.00(2)
Warranty Info
Feiss Import LLC warrants its products are free from defects in workmanship and materials. Such warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, including without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. "Feiss" at its sole option, will repair or replace, a "Feiss" product, defective in workmanship or materials. Such repair or replacement is the sole and exclusive remedy against "Feiss" and is limited to one year from the date of shipment. "Feiss" reserves the right to determine whether to repair or replace. No charge back, or charge for labor or material, that does not have "Feiss" prior written approval, from "Feiss". "Feiss" will not be responsible for any consequential or incidental damages in connection with any breach of its aforementioned warranty. "Feiss" does not make any warranties whatsoever and therefore, will accept no responsibility or liability whatsoever, for any products subjected to inappropriate application, installation, modification, or any manner, not in accordance with "Feiss" written or implied instructions. No representative, employee or associate of "Feiss" has any authority to bind "Feiss" to any warranty concerning goods sold by "Feiss". This is the only enforceable warranty, provided by Feiss Import LLC.


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DesignPrep 101: Tools
- Family & Education
- 111 Central Park North, New York, NY, 10026
Design Kids: Design TalesCooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design MuseumTuesday, February 19, 2013 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM (EST) |
Target Design Tales
Tuesday & Thursday mornings
Join us as we explore design basics for preschoolers between the ages of 2 – 5. Caregivers are invited to participate in interactive reading sessions that focus on design based books. These sessions will engage your littlest designers in visualization, creative play and inspire hands-on activities lead by a museum educator.
Target Design Tales with Jonathan Kruk will be held once a month.
Imagination Playground will be held every last Tuesday & Thursday of the month.
Target Design Kids is made possible by the generous support of Target.
In order to purchase these tickets in installments, you'll need an Eventbrite account. Log in or sign up for a free account to continue.


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Customer Reviews for Child Safe French Doors Solar Screen Kitchen Stripes
"love these shades"
By customer from Swartz Creek, MI
I bought 8 shades for my floor to ceiling windows in my great room. These shades and the best ever. They keep the room cool and prevent m furniture from fading. After a year or so I bought 2 more for my house and house full for my son"s house. I dealt by phone with Robert who was VERY helpful.
View this product"Solar Shades"
By Anne from VA
shipped quickly. everything just as it should be. Looks wonderful
View this product


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(USA & Canada) Call 1 800 745 8883
(Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, UK) Call 00800 10 10 11 11
(Japan) Call 0120 086230
(Italy) Call 800 822 005
Please enter your email address to receive great offers
Save 10% or more on suites and villas.
Suites and Villas
Your return transfer (hotel to airport) is included.
Transfer Inclusive
Save 20% or more at these Leading Hotels.
Seasonal Sale
Join Leaders Club and enjoy access to one-of-a-kind experiences
Which set of exclusive benefits suits you?
Find out more about Unlimited, our highest tier of membership.
Includes everything from exciting cities to gorgeous beaches and romantic countryside escapes.
Where land, sea and sky strike a note of such worldly perfection.
Colorful history, solid traditions, and true multiculturalism.
Excellent restaurants, chic nightspots and cutting-edge theatre.
More for you to discover.
Journey just a little longer for memories of a lifetime.
Please select number of guests for each selected room.
All Other Countries
At the top of the Spanish Steps, the Hotel Hassler is nearly as photographed as the famous attraction itself.
1 slideshow
2 slideshow
3 slideshow
Set on the 6th floor, Michelin-starred restaurant Imàgo offers breathtaking views over Rome, plus Chef Francesco Apreda's creative contemporary cuisine.
The hotel is perched atop the Spanish Steps, near the Pantheon, the Borghese Gardens and the Villa Medici; Via Veneto is also within walking distance.
The hotel is home to Hassler Bar (popular for people-watching), Salone Eva (known for afternoon tea), the Amorvero Spa and the Rossano Ferretti Hair Salon.
Presidential 2Bdrm Ste. 115SQM. 2twin beds. Connected to 1dbl rm
Grand Dlx Rm.2twin beds.34SQM.City/ Garden view. Unique design
Villa Medici 1Bdrm Ste, 7th flr, 92SQ 995SQF, overlook Rome and Spanish Steps
San Pietro 1 Bedroom Suite/6th floor 92SQM/995SQF/Terrace/Spanish Steps views
Deluxe Rm 2twin beds City/Garden view/ 28SQM.Unique blend of modern convenience
Grand Deluxe 1king bed.34SQM.City/Garden View/unique design/twin beds on req
Trinita Dei Monti One Bedroom Suite/5th flr, 85SQM/920SQF/Spanish Steps views
Deluxe Rm 1King Bed.City/Garden view/ 28SQM.Modern comfort/twin beds on req
Classic Room.Garden view. 23SQM Traditional design. King or twin beds.
Single Room 1 Queen bed. Single Occupancy Only
Forum 1Bdrm Ste on 2nd fl. City view. 70SQM/760SQF. 4 poster king bed
Hassler 1Bdrm Ste 1fl. City/Trinita dei Monti Sq/70SQM/Spanish Steps view/ King
Classic 1Bdrm Ste. Partial City/Garden view. Large king bedroom. 47SQM
Double Room - Room type assign upon hotel availability at time of arrival
Grand Deluxe 3Bdrm Ste/125SQM/1350SQF connected to 2 double rooms
Grand Deluxe 2Bdrm Ste/95SQM/1130SQF connected to 1 dbl rm/avail w/2twin beds
Hassler Penthouse, panoramic view 400SQM/4300SQFT, Top floors
6, Piazza Trinità dei Monti 00187 Rome, Italy
5.5km (10 min) from Termini rail station. 42.5 km (54 min) from Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO)
"The Hassler Roma was one of the nicest places I have ever stayed. Our trip in October was for our Honeymoon and although we had traveled elsewhere within Italy, my husband had never been to Rome. I honestly do not believe I could have shown him anything better. The hotel location, gorgeous rooms and kind staff were the perfect compliment to a city that has so much to offer (and even more to take in)! We may not remember everything we saw during our trip, but we will never forget The Hassler Roma!"
Leila R. | United States | Member Since: 2010
430 Independent Luxury Hotels
Best Rates Guaranteed
Global Personalized Service
Free Nights
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Instant VIP Benefits
Traditional Roman dishes and regional Italian specialties are served in this charming and romantic restaurant with a garden in the heart of old Trastevere. Via Garibaldi 18. (39-6) 580-9236; www.anticapesa.it.
If you're interested in purchasing an antique piece of furniture, a clock, a chandelier or a painting, visit this upscale emporium brimming with high-quality treasures. Via del Babuino 181. (39-6) 320-7585.
Sit outside at one of the see-and-be-seen tables at this storied restaurant on Piazza del Popolo and enjoy cuisine derived from the classic Bolognese style of cooking from Emilio-Romagna. Piazza del Popolo 1-2. (39-6) 361-1426.
French architect Odile Decq designed the new wing of this museum with unusual geometries and modern forms, including an elevated walkway and a roof garden with a retractable glass ceiling. 38 Via Nizza. (39-6) 6710-7040; www.museomacro.org.
Discovered in 1867 beneath Basilica di San Clemente, this ancient shrine was a place of worship for the followers of Mithras, a Persian mystery religion popular with Roman soldiers. Via Labiana 95. (39-6) 700-3804; www.basilicasanclemente.com.
Via Condotti, Via Frattina and Via del Babuino are loaded with upscale clothing boutiques and shoe salons dedicated to helping men and women achieve "la bella figura."
Don't leap from the parapet, as Tosca does in Puccini's opera, but stand back and admire the view from the terrace of what was once the Pope's mighty Roman fortress. Lungotevere Castello 50. (39-6) 681-9111; www.castelsantangelo.com.
In this classic portrait of the Italian people, Luigi Barzini delves deeply into the Italian national character in a completely original, thoughtful and probing manner.
The spectacular ruins of theaters, temples, baths, fountains and gardens at this villa 20 miles southeast of Rome attest to the cultured lifestyle of Roman emperor, Hadrian. Largo Marguerite Jourcenar 2, Tivoli. (39-774) 382-733; www.villa-adriana.net.
Both fashionistas and foodies head to this huge new concept store that mixes established brands with young labels and upscale food outlets for a unique contemporary shopping experience. 18/19 Piazza Guglielmo Marconi. (39-6) 5247-7400; www.whitegallery.it.
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Chamilia's Swarovski Collection presents dazzling designs that feature SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS in an array of beautiful colors that shine for any occasion. World-renowned for stunning brilliance and a spectrum of color, each crystal SWAROVSKI ELEMENT is cut in the Swarovski tradition to capture and reflect light from each facet. Chamilia's joint collection with Swarovski continues with this tradition of luxury, embodying timeless sparkle with fresh designs unmatched in quality and distinction.
The exquisite beads from the Chamilia Swarovski Collection are designed to be worn on Chamilia's fine sterling silver necklaces, bracelets, or earrings. With colors inspired by the latest jewel tones and fashion trends, every detail on every bead sparkles beyond compare.
Pay homage to a birth or a birthday, or just celebrate your love of fashion, colors, and some simple shine with this collection of over thirty beads and locks. Whether you're looking for a hint or a lot of sparkle, this is the collection for you.


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New research indicates horses' stress levels do not appear to change from one rider to another--whether those riders be stressed or unstressed, experienced or novice.
To continue reading this article, become a member of TheHorse.com.
It's FREE and you'll get full access to more than 20,000 articles, video, free reports & more.


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I imagine this has been discussed a thousand times but I can't find any debates on it... My obvious question is... what are the pros and cons of wet or dry hulls.
I am planning to build a 1/80th scale model of Surcouf using wood... I like the idea of a dry hull because it feels more natural to me but that isn't based on any science... what are your thoughts on this? Thanks in advance for your help guys.


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Crochet Trim Hooded Towel - Child
A lusciously soft – and wonderfully absorbent – towel is a welcome sight after a bath. Ours is finished with delicate hand-crocheted trim, lending a nostalgic sense of warmth to the task at hand.
- Hooded towels are 380 grams per square meter
- Finished with hand-crocheted trim in a softly contrasting color
- In petal with mist trim, mist with petal trim or white with petal trim
- 100% cotton exclusive of trim
- Made in Turkey
- Machine wash cold with gentle detergent; tumble dry warm
- Avoid fabric softeners, dryer sheets, bleaching agents, household cleaning products, personal care products that contain peroxide, and laundry detergents containing harsh optical brighteners
- Oeko-Tex® Certified
Shown (left to right) in white, petal and mist.
Color Options
Crochet Trim Hooded Towel - Child
- 28" x 55"; 10"H hood
Crochet Trim Hooded Towel - Child
Celebrate someone special. Add an initial, name or date to personalize gifts, apparel, bedding and decorative accents. Choose from our assortment of colors, fonts and styles to customize your selection with one-of-a-kind character.
- Beautifully embroidered in your choice of 22 thread colors, each with a matte finish
- Personalization is centered along back bottom edge, approximately 6" above hem
- Size and shape of embroidery designs have been thoughtfully considered by our design team to best complement the product
- Monogrammed/Personalized items are considered custom order items and are non-cancellable, non-returnable and non-refundable
- An additional fee of $7 per item will be charged unless otherwise noted
Crochet Trim Hooded Towel - Child


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Wild Planet Sardines Variety Kit (24 cans)
Item# ZSQ24
Sardines are one of the best heart-healthy foods you can eat. Sardines contain coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which promotes a healthy cardiovascular system, and restores your youthful vitality. Another benefit is that sardines contain vitamin D and calcium, which are necessary for bone growth.
Wild Planet cans its sardines fresh, which eliminates the fishy smell and captures the delicate flavors of the sardine. And the cans are both BPA and aluminum free. Once sealed, the fish is cooked (for the first and only time) in the can with its own natural, healthy juices.
Most importantly, Wild Planet goes to great lengths to make sure its sardines are safe. They test every single catch for contaminants, including DDE, DDT, and histamine levels. Plus, sardines are more likely to be lower in mercury than larger ocean-dwelling fish because of their size and diet.
All of Wild Planet's sardines are so meaty and delicious—you can eat them right out of the can. But they are also easy to cook with—see the recipes below. The Teriyaki Sardines with Rice is superb!
You get three delicious varieties for every palette:
Olive Oil
Spring Water
*Note: An additional $4.00 heavyweight surcharge will be applied to each item ordered.


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Ed Matthew Theatre Credits
Ed Matthew News Feeds
Latest News on Ed Matthew
From Cowboys to Movie Stars: CEA Inducts 12 Industry Leaders into 2014 CE Hall of Fame (Nov 12, 2014)
BWW Reviews: American Ballet Theatre Presents GISELLE (Jun 25, 2014)
VIDEO: Jesse Eisenberg Talks New Off-Broadway Play THE SPOILS on 'Tonight'STAGE TUBE: May the Fourth Be with You- STAR WARS Meets Broadway and Bea Arthur!VIDEO: Jason Robert Brown Composes Music for Disney Spoof Bra CommercialSOUND OFF World Premiere Exclusive: Adam Pascal Talks & Sings Remixed 'One Song Glory' From RENTBWW TV Exclusive: Backstage with Richard Ridge- SAG Foundation Conversations Series with 2015 Tony Nominee Kristin ChenowethBWW TV: Chatting with the Company of Second Stage's THE WAY WE GET BY- Thomas Sadoski, Amanda Seyfried & More!VIDEO: Idina Menzel Chats Upcoming World Tour & More on THE TALKVIDEO: Tony Nominees Helen Mirren, Chita Rivera & More Reveal Moment They Knew They Were Destined for StageVIDEO: Cynthia Nixon Recalls Starring in 2 Broadway Plays at Once on Bravo!VIDEO: Idina Menzel & James Corden Do Some Dirty Dancing on LATE LATE SHOW!VIDEO: Adam Lambert Performs New Single 'Ghost Town' on ELLENSTAGE TUBE: Audra McDonald Performs 'Rainbow High' from EVITA at Carnegie HallSTAGE TUBE: 13-Year-Old Stuns as 'Jean Valjean' at 2015 EASTER BONNET CompetitionSTAGE TUBE: 'Life is Beautiful!' First Trailer for Signature's CABARET with Wesley Taylor & Barrett Wilbert Weed
SOUND OFF World Premiere Exclusive: Adam Pascal Sings 'One Song Glory'
Cher Attends HAMILTON & Raves, 'I'm Sobbing!'
Andrew Lloyd Webber Talks Longevity Of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Worldwide
Photo Flash: Tina Fey, Tonya Pinkins, and More Visit HAMILTON
LIKE ME- THE SOCIAL MEDIA MUSICAL to Hold Investors Showcase on Broadway


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Rocket Roller Hockey Pucks |
Lowest Price Guarantee
The Rocket puck is the official roller hockey puck of NARCh, State Wars, TORHS, NCRHA and USA Hockey Inline. Practice with what your games will be played with! Great for indoor and smooth outdoor play.
- Perfectly balanced for shot and rebound accuracy
- Low profile glide pegs are infused with Teflon™ for fast action
- Ideal for indoor play, but may be used on smooth outdoor surfaces
- Official hockey puck of NARCh, State Wars, TORHS, NCRHA, and USA Hockey Inline
- Weight- 3.6 oz.
Comments: Don't know why USA hockey switched to these pucks they are horrible compared to the ids puck. This puck drags and doesn't slide nearly as far as ids.
From: Ikaika, Kaneohe, HI
Comments: These pucks are terrible. They roll a lot, get on edge easily and they are bad for saucer passes. IDS pucks have been around forever and they are still much better. IDS pucks do shatter in cold winter but these do too. If you want a better puck I would go with the IDS or even verbero or sonic puck. Some tournaments like NARCH use rocket pucks so we only use them around those tournament times.
From: Andrew, GA
Comments: Best puck I ever played with.Love the response and the weight. Taking a shot or lofting a pass down the rink, you're not worrying about it fluttering or bouncing around.
From: Nick, CA
Comments: Overall not a bad puck. The black and red versions seem to hold up quite well but avoid the new neon green and pink versions: they seem to be made of a cheaper material that peels away from the puck after only a few weeks
Comments: I really like these pucks indoor, but I like other pucks for outdoor rinks. I have the black, yellow, and green models and I didn't see any difference in the green like the guy above me experienced. I can't say anything about the pink though. Overall I would rate this puck 4/5 indoor and 3/5 outdoor.
From: Matt, CA


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Transforming Your Brand Through Your People
from the 2013 Extending Your Brand to Employees Conference
07 November, 2013 | (01 hr)
Sign In to access this Webcast
Transforming a brand, changing strategic direction, or changing culture and behaviors is tough for any organization. Ensuring that the entire company is equipped to bring that brand to life is even tougher. Swarovski, the premium retailer, decided to do all of these things when it decided to aggressively enhance the consumer experience. This session explores how the retailer embarked on the journey using a combination of creative and visual solutions designed to amplify the brand and engage its people.
Audience: Marketing, brand, communications and human resource professionals who are responsible for ensuring that employees receive the right messages and tools for your organization to prosper.
Gary Magenta
Gary Magenta is committed to the development of leaders and managers. He does this based on a strong perspective that if leaders and managers want to change their businesses, they must start by changing how they engage their people. Gary is a Seni... Full Bio | |
Marianne Scaffidi
Ms.Scaffidi is Human Resources Professional with more than 20 years' experience in the Retail industry. During her HR Career, she has specialized in Organizational / Leadership Development, and Employee Engagement. In her current role as Dir... Full Bio | |
Scott Dimmick
Scott is the Regional/Market Vice President of Human Resources with a large multi-hospital Health System. He has held VP and Divisional/Regional roles in Human Resources & Organizational Development with several large Fortune 50... Full Bio |