The United Nations Commission on Human Rights, which met in Geneva form 17 February to 21 March 1969, concluded its 25th Session today. In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, 21 March, the Commission met in Special Session in the Assembly Hall at the Palais. A message from UN Secretary-General U Thant, was read by Marc Schreiber, Director Division of Human Rights, and statements were made by Mrs. Qamar Ahmed (India), P.E. Nedbailo (Ukraine), Rita Hauser (USA), Hernen Santa Cruz (Chile) and Joseph Yinza (United Republic of Tanzania).
A general view of the meeting.

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights, which met in Geneva form 17 February to 21 March 1969, concluded its 25th Session today. In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, 21 March, the Commission met in Special Session in the Assembly Hall at the Palais. A message from UN Secretary-General U Thant, was read by Marc Schreiber, Director Division of Human Rights, and statements were made by Mrs. Qamar Ahmed (India), P.E. Nedbailo (Ukraine), Rita Hauser (USA), Hernen Santa Cruz (Chile) and Joseph Yinza (United Republic of Tanzania).
Representatives of all Geneva-based Un specialised and Related Agencies are seen here attending the meeting in the Assembly Hall.

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights, which met in Geneva form 17 February to 21 March 1969, concluded its 25th Session today. In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, 21 March, the Commission met in Special Session in the Assembly Hall at the Palais. A message from UN Secretary-General U Thant, was read by Marc Schreiber, Director Division of Human Rights, and statements were made by Mrs. Qamar Ahmed (India), P.E. Nedbailo (Ukraine), Rita Hauser (USA), Hernen Santa Cruz (Chile) and Joseph Yinza (United Republic of Tanzania).
The Delegation of the United States of America, headed by Mrs. Rita Hauser (left forreground), is seen here attending the meeting in the Assembly Hall.

Somalia today became the 49th State signatory of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Adopted by the General Assembly on 21 December 1965, the Convention binds States which become Parties to "condemn racial discrimination and undertake to pursue, by all appropriate means and without delay, a policy of eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms and promoting understanding among races." The Parties also commit themselves to taking "special and concrete measures to ensure the adequate development and protection of certain racial groups or individuals belonging to them". The Convention provides for the establishment of machinery to oversee the implementation of its provisions.

Ambassador Abdulrahim Abby Farah, Permanent representative of Somalia to the UN, signing the Convention.Looking on is Mr. C.A. Stavropoulos, Under-Secretary and the Legal Counsel.

Somalia today ratified the Convention the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Dicrimination. The Convention, adopted by the General Assembly on 21 December 1965, came into force on 4 January 1969. Under the Convention, States parties condemn racial discrimination and undertake to pursue, by all appropriate means and without delay, a policy of eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms and promoting understanding among races. The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination oversees its implementation.
Ambassador Abdirizak Haji Hussein (left) is seen depositing the instrument of ratification with Mr. F. Blaine Sloan, Director of the UN General Legal Division. At right is Mr. Abdinur Yusuf, Counsellor, Mission of Somalia.