Peace, development and human rights the focus of annual UN treaty event

International pacts that deal with peace, development and human rights will be the focus of this year’s annual campaign to promote the signature and ratification of treaties during the opening of the General Assembly session.

Already 30 countries have signalled that they planned to sign, ratify or accede to at least one multilateral treaty deposited with the United Nations Secretary-General during this year’s event, the ninth in the series.

The Focus 2007 Treaty Event, which will be held on the sidelines of the General Assembly’s General Debate at UN Headquarters in New York on 25-27 September and 1-2 October, is set to highlight 43 treaties and pacts, including those that cover human rights, terrorism, organized crime, corruption, environmental issues, the law of the sea, disarmament and international trade.

Recently adopted treaties, such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and its Optional Protocol, as well as the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances, are expected to generate the greatest interest from UN Member States.