This leaflet provides an introduction to the Geneva Declaration process, which highlights the links between demand for arms to crucial development questions.

One of QUNO’s earlier studies on the effects of parental imprisonment on children.  All through the criminal justice system, which focuses almost exclusively on the offender from arrest to post-release, the best interests of children are rarely taken into account. The paper highlights some of the experiences of children with an imprisoned parent and identifies some good practices that offer “well-considered and holistic solutions to particular problems.”

In 2005 the Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) extended the transition period for Least-developed countries (LDCs) to implement the TRIPS Agreement, until 2013. This paper draws attention to technical assistance issues arising out of the extension decision, and suggests ideas on how to think about what assistance may be required, and how priority assessments may be done.

This report covers the very first session of the UN Human Rights Council (19-30 June, 2006).

The UN has created a brand new human rights body.  On 15 March 2006, the General Assembly adopted resolu- tion A/Res/60/251 by an overwhelming majority to establish a Human Rights Council. Elections for the new 47- member intergovernmental body will be held on 9 May, with the first session set to take place in Geneva from 19 –30 June 2006. This briefing paper looks at a human rights system in transition.

This document discusses how to enhance and strengthen the effectiveness of the special procedures of the UN Commission on Human Rights (predecessor to the UN Human Rights Council).

Access to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, and the conservation of such resources is vital, as it has far-reaching implications for food security. Patents can hinder access to plant resources for breeding purposes. He discusses the position of several key actors relating to disclosure of origin, says that disclosure of source is not a problem for the seed industry (ISF), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the Biotechnology Industry Association (BIO).

The author of this Occasional Paper argues that developing countries should not require patents on plant resources as they go against their interest and the interests of their citizens. He discusses the merits of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) system for plant genetic resources and finds that the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) should be the sui generis system of choice to achieve the objectives of ABS. In the view of the author, plant varieties out of plant variety protection (PVP) should be deposited in a seed bank (independent from UPOV), as this would be more useful than getting an agreement on disclosure of origin.

In these issues papers, individual authors are invited to examine a subject of importance in the developing international intellectual property regime and highlight the key issues they see arising. The topics have been chosen following consultations with negotiators from developing countries and respond to their concerns. Our aim is to contribute to a greater understanding of the impact of changes in this area upon people’s lives and better inform debate and negotiations. 

This paper addresses the debate on the reform of the UN Commission for Human Rights, looking at the body's current strengths and weaknesses.