Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Shanker Blog � A Hypocritical World Bows a Little More Deeply to Workers' Rights

Shanker Blog � A Hypocritical World Bows a Little More Deeply to Workers' Rights

A HYPOCRITICAL WORLD BOWS A LITTLE MORE DEEPLY TO WORKERS’ RIGHTS

What to think? The UN Human Rights Council (UNHCR) last week approved by “consensus” the creation of a “Special Rapporteur” on freedom of association and assembly. Special Rapporteurs are empowered to investigate, monitor and recommend solutions to human rights problems. In this instance, the Rapporteur will review members’ compliance with a UN resolution on these fundamental rights.

The first reaction to this development, of course, must be skepticism, leavened with deep suspicion. The UNHRC’s membership is usually heavily weighted toward nondemocratic states which routinely infringe on