UN General Assembly
1997

Pacific attended as observers, some of which are considering the establishment of their own human rights commissions. A most effective area of United Nations operations in this field has been the work of the Special Adviser to the High Commissioner for Human Rights on National Institutions, Regional Arrangements and Preventive Strategies. The United Nations work with a number of Governments, including in our own region, is at an important stage. Australia was therefore pleased to provide additional financial support this year to enable the United Nations to continue to support national institutions. We welcome the Secretary-General’s commitment in his report on the work of the Organization to strengthening cooperation on issues of democratization and good governance. We note his comment that “This past year has seen a dramatic increase in activities relating to the establishment of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights.” (A/52/1, para. 30) We are heartened by this development and by the responsiveness of the Secretary-General. His report clearly reflects the need I am stressing here for support