11 May 2006 :

on the election of the new Human Rights Council at the United Nations, Hands Off Cain Treasurer Elisabetta Zamparutti stated: “The presence of totalitarian regimes such as China, Saudi Arabia and Cuba amongst the nations elected as members of the new Human Rights Council risks damaging the authority and effectiveness of the body entrusted with improving the UN’s approach to human rights. 
“An election based on a two-thirds majority, as opposed to a simple majority, would have assured a more rigorous selection of states assigned to watch over the respect of human rights. This way is like putting foxes to guard over a chicken penn.
“Nevertheless Hands Off Cain will also request the council for the presentation of the resolution, already approved by the Commission on Human Rights, for a universal moratorium on executions with view to complete abolishment of the death penalty.
“Forecasts are favourable: a similar text will be approved with between 23 and 24 votes in favour, 14 to 15 abstentions and 9 votes against. Hands Off Cain’s ojective to have the resolution approved at the UN General Assembly remains unchanged as that remains the institution most representative of the international community and thus the stronget from a political perspective,”
declared Elisabetta Zamparutti, responsible for the group’s UN initiatives.