November 2012 NEWSLETTER 21st session of the Human Rights Council 10 to 28 September 2012, Geneva, Switzerland Report //International Agenda ITU World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) 03 to 14 December 2012, Dubai, United Arab Emirates The Geneva based International Telecommunication Union(ITU) will convene the World Conference on International Telecommunications(WCIT) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 3 to 14 December 2012. This landmark conference will review the current International Telecommunications Regulations(ITRs), which serve as the binding global treaty designed to facilitate international interconnection and interoperability of information and communication services, as well as ensuring their efficiency and widespread public usefulness and availability. Further information 1st Annual UN Forum on Business and Human Rights 04 to 05 December 2012, Geneva, Switzerland For the first time, the UN invites to this forum to“discuss trends and challenges in the implementation of the Guiding Principles[on Business and Human Rights] and promote dialogue and cooperation on issues linked to business and human rights, including challenges faced in particular sectors, operational environments or in relation to specific rights or groups, as well as identifying good practices.” The forum will be open to all stakeholders and is expected to become an important place for information exchange and discussion. It will also provide an opportunity to make the claims of victims of business related human rights violations heard at UN level. Further information //Publications The Universal Periodic Review: A work in progress An Evaluation of the First Cycle of the New UPR Mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Author: Edward McMahon Published by Friedrich ‐ Ebert ‐ Stiftung, September 2012 Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung  Director: Dr Matthes Buhbe  6 bis, Chemin du Point-du-Jour  1202 Geneva, Switzerland 5 Tel.+41 22 733 3450  Fax:+41 22 733 3545  E-mail: info@fes-geneva.org  www.fes-geneva.org