ABSTRACT
The UN Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities which the Commission created at its first session in 1947 is a subsidiary organ that member governments have alternatively regarded as a blessing and a curse. Despite its subordinate status and precise title the Sub-Commission has taken initiatives concerning the full range of human rights with minimal supervision by the Commission. The Commission resolved to establish a Sub-Commission of independent experts serving in an individual capacity rather than as government representatives. In practice, political considerations have influenced the selection, expertise, and independence of Sub-Commission members. Political factors have also determined the size and regional balance of the Sub-Commission's membership. In 1959 the Commission increased the membership from twelve to fourteen. African and Asian members held only five of the Sub-Commission's fourteen seats in 1962. Since 1968, regional balance has determined rotation of officers on the Sub-Commission bureau and composition of each five member working group.
