The Forty-Fourth Session of the UN Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities and the Special Session of the Commission on Human Rights on the Situation in the Former Yugoslavia

Abstract

The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) established the Sub-Commission in 1947 to study issues related to discrimination and protection of minorities. The Sub-Commission is an expert body of twentysix members who serve in their individual capacity. Members are elected to four-year terms by the Commission on Human Rights. Like other UN subsidiary bodies, the composition of the Sub-Commission reflects a geographical balance that is maintained by allocating seats on the basis of five regional groups: