KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sujata Koirala today left for Geneva to attend the 13th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council slated from March 1.

The Council is an inter-governmental body within the UN system made up of 47 States responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.

Talking to reporters, DPM Koirala informed that she would address the assembly covering the wide range of issues in Nepal.

She said, “During the assembly, I will hold the bilateral talks with foreign ministers from different countries."

She also said that the government is considering extending the tenure of OHCHR-Nepal office through consultations with stakeholders concerned.

The Council's main annual session will last from March1 to 3, where some 70 dignitaries are expected to address the Council on their countries' efforts to promote and protect human rights.

According to the UN, as part of the high-level segment, the Council will organize two thematic discussions. On the afternoon of Monday, March1, the panel on economic and financial crises will hold a high-level discussion, and, on the morning of Tuesday, March 2, participants will take part in a high-level discussion on the draft Declaration on human rights education and training.

Following its high-level segment, the Council will hold an interactive dialogue with Navi Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, after she presents the annual report of the activities of her Office, said UN in a press statement.

During the session, the Council will hear presentations from independent human rights experts on various topics.

The Representative of the Secretary-General on internally-displaced persons and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on violence against children will engage in an interactive dialogue with the participants.

The Council will also hold an interactive discussion with the Working Group of Experts on African Descent and the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.