Jewish Groups Insists on Right to Petition U. N. on Human Rights

The Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations, at a meeting held yesterday at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel here, unanimously decided to support the right of individuals and organizations to petition the United Nations “without reservation” on matters concerning human rights, without submitting their grievances through their national governments.

The Coordinating Board, which has consultative status with the United Nations, is composed of representatives of B’nai B’rith, Board of Deputies of British Jews and South African Board of Jewish Deputies. Leaders of the three organizations, as well as leaders of Jewish communities in Latin America, participated in the meeting. A statement issued after the meeting by Philip M. Klutznik, B’nai B’rith national president, said that the meeting has also given attention to questions involved in UN Charter revision.

“Our views on that subject will be made known from time to time, ” the statement said. “But we were unanimous in the conclusion that the United Nations must be supported as the best available instrumentality for achieving peace and human understanding in the world. In this connection, we look with extreme disfavor on the position taken by some to utilize the discussion of charter revision as a means of annihilating the United Nations Organization. “

Two proposals introduced in the United Nations Human Rights Commission which would have given individuals and organizations the right to petition the UN on violations of human rights, were withdrawn this week-end by their sponsors. One proposal was submitted by France and the other was presented jointly by Chile, Egypt, the Philippines and Uruguay. The proposals met with strong opposition in the commission.