The United Nations Commission on Human Rights, which is currently meeting here, today turned down a request by the non-governmental organizations accredited to the UN that they be permitted the right to submit petitions on matters pertaining to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The non-governmental groups, including a number of world Jewish organizations, have urged the right of petition as a protection for the people of the world, asserting that such types of organizations might bring to international attention human rights violations by governments.
The UN commission today also turned down the right of petition for individuals sponsored by organizations. Finally, the commission voted that it could not itself act on human rights matters on its own initiative. This matter will be referred to the UN Economic and Social Council, the commission’s parent body, for action.
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