The mandate that Prof Kälin takes over lasts until 2014. Walter Kälin is one of the leading specialists in the field of international human rights protection and was previously a member of the Committee from 2003 to 2008. In addition to other functions, from 2004 to 2010 he was Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons.
The 18-member UN Human Rights Committee, which is composed of independent experts and convenes alternatively in Geneva and New York, deals exclusively with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It is not to be confused with the United Nations Human Rights Council which is a body of 47 member States that reports to the United Nations General Assembly and is based in Geneva.
Further information:
Human rights in the context of the United Nations
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