Marc Limon | University of Cambridge (original) (raw)

Marc Limon is Executive Director of the Universal Rights Group (URG), a think tank focused on international human rights policy, with offices in Geneva, New York and Bogota.

Prior to founding the URG in 2013, Marc Limon worked as a diplomat at the UN Human Rights Council from the body's establishment in 2006 until the end of 2012. This included participating in the negotiations on the institution-building package, on the Council's mid-term review, and on a wide-range of thematic and country-specific issues. He was lead negotiator on nine different UN resolutions dealing with issues such as human rights and climate change, human rights and the environment, freedom of assembly and association, and the Third Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Alongside his colleague Subhas Gujadhur (Mauritius), he also established the Human Rights Council’s Trust Fund to support the participation of Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.

Between 2006 and 2012, Marc also prepared reports for and interacted with all UN human rights treaty bodies, drafted national reports under the Universal Periodic Review, and organised five Special Procedure country missions.

Outside the Human Rights Council, Marc also negotiated agreements and resolutions in the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR).

Prior to entering diplomatic service, Marc worked as a government relations consultant in Brussels, advising a range of corporate and public clients on EU external relations, human rights, trade and environmental policy.

Marc has written extensively on the international human rights system. He has published articles in various journals including, inter alia, the Harvard Environmental Law Review, the Review of European Community and International Environmental Law (RECIEL), and the Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law; and chapters for books on, inter alia, Special Procedures and freedom of religion or belief. He holds Masters degrees from the University of Cambridge (UK), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium) and the Libre Universite de Bruxelles (Belgium).

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Papers by Marc Limon

The Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law, 2010

* Marc Limon works as an Advisor for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives,... more * Marc Limon works as an Advisor for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, where he specializes in international human rights law and international environmental law. Mr. Limon drafted and negotiated the Male' Declaration on the Human Dimension of Global Climate Change, and Human Rights Council Resolutions 7/32 and 10/4 on Human Rights and Climate Change. He was also part of the Maldives negotiating team at the Fifteenth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen, which secured the inclusion of human rights wording in the draft outcome document on Long-Term Cooperative Action. The views expressed in this Article are those of the author alone and do not represent or reflect the official position of any government or organization.

Cambridge University Press eBooks, Nov 13, 2017

Cambridge University Press eBooks, Jun 8, 2018

Brill | Nijhoff eBooks, Nov 14, 2022

Review of European Community and International Environmental Law, Nov 1, 2012

In recent years human rights have begun to feature prominently as a tool to address climate chang... more In recent years human rights have begun to feature prominently as a tool to address climate change. This article explores how the institutions and tools of the human rights system are being deployed to complement the negotiations within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, close the emissions gap and hold the increase in global average temperature below 2°C or 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. It offers an explanation of how the interface between rights and climate change has helped to evolve our analysis of socio-ecological thresholds, created a strong and compelling narrative centered on climate justice, and enhanced political processes to better account for the experience of vulnerable populations. The article shows that the various Special Procedures and Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council are already advancing the cause of urgent and ambitious climate action and suggests ways in which they can become more influential in a wider climate change regime complex. 4 Including paragraphs 8 and 12 of Decision 1/CP.16, n. 1 above, and subparagraphs 2(c) and (d) of Appendix I to the Decision.

Religion and Human Rights, Apr 30, 2016

The main United Nations (UN) global policy framework for combating religious intolerance, stigmat... more The main United Nations (UN) global policy framework for combating religious intolerance, stigmatisation, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons based on religion or belief is set down in UN Human Rights Council resolution 16/18. Adopted in March 2011, this resolution was hailed by stakeholders from all regions as a turning point in international efforts to confront religious intolerance. After more than five decades, UN member states had, it was hoped, at last come together to agree a common, consensus-based approach and practical plan of action. Some four years on, and against the backdrop of heightened religious hostility, UN consensus around the '16/18 framework' continues to be contested. Rather than working together to implement the 16/18 action plan, states have returned to pre-2011 arguments over the nature of the problem. These divisions have re-emerged in large part because of conceptual confusion among policymakers about what implementation of resolution 16/18 means and what it entails. Linked to (and indeed flowing from) this conceptual opacity, states-especially states from the Western Group (WEOG) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)-contend over whether resolution 16/18 is being effectively implemented or not and, if not, why this is so. This article offers an assessment of levels of implementation of resolution 16/18 as well as recommendations for strengthened compliance in the future.

Review of European, Comparative and International Environmental Law, May 9, 2022

On 8 October 2021, members of the Human Rights Council adopted a historic resolution recognizing ... more On 8 October 2021, members of the Human Rights Council adopted a historic resolution recognizing a new universal human right: the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Recognition by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly is expected to follow in 2022, meaning that the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment will become one of the first universal human rights to be fully recognized by the UN since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. These momentous events, with important implications for international efforts to promote and protect the full enjoyment of human rights, and address the three interlinked environmental crises facing the planet—the climate, biodiversity and pollution crises—mark the end of a journey begun with the adoption of the Stockholm Declaration and Action Plan for the Human Environment in 1972 and given renewed impetus by a Small Island Developing State, the Maldives, from 2008. This article provides an eyewitness account of that journey.

Brill | Nijhoff eBooks, Nov 14, 2022

Review of European, Comparative & International Environmental Law

A C K U preface the links between climate change and human rights are more widely accepted than e... more A C K U preface the links between climate change and human rights are more widely accepted than ever before. the Human rights council has adopted a series of resolutions calling attention to the effects of climate change on the full enjoyment of human rights, and the conference of the parties to the unFccc has also recognised that 'the adverse effects of climate change have a range of direct and indirect implications for the effective enjoyment of human rights.' While climate change impacts have implications for the human rights of individuals in all parts of the world, it is well established that the rights of those in already vulnerable situations are at particular risk. as sea levels rise and extreme weather events increase in frequency and magnitude, more and more people in such situations are expected to be displaced by disasters, some of them across international borders. and yet, despite a growing recognition of the human rights implications of climate change, including in the context of human displacement, and despite an understanding that adherence to international human rights commitments and principles can help to strengthen policymaking in response to global warming, relatively few concrete steps have been taken to bring a human rights perspective to climate negotiations. likewise, beyond expressing concern about a possible human rights protection gap for the increasing number of people who are expected to be displaced across borders in the context of climate change, the international community has not done enough to consider how to fill that gap. this report is an important step towards clarifying what un bodies can and should do to begin to safeguard human rights against the effects of climate change, including in the context of human displacement. John H Knox un special rapporteur on Human rights and the environment Henry c lauerman professor of international law Wake Forest university school of law © universal rights group 2015 acknowledgements the authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of a number of researchers who helped prepare this policy brief, including rebecca dowd, asu durmus, diya Jugessur and Kunal sharma.

Religion & Human Rights, 2016

The main United Nations (un) global policy framework for combating religious intolerance, stigmat... more The main United Nations (un) global policy framework for combating religious intolerance, stigmatisation, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons based on religion or belief is set down in un Human Rights Council resolution 16/18. Adopted in March 2011, this resolution was hailed by stakeholders from all regions as a turning point in international efforts to confront religious intolerance. After more than five decades, un member states had, it was hoped, at last come together to agree a common, consensus-based approach and practical plan of action. Some four years on, and against the backdrop of heightened religious hostility, un consensus around the ‘16/18 framework’ continues to be contested. Rather than working together to implement the 16/18 action plan, states have returned to pre-2011 arguments over the nature of the problem. These divisions have re-emerged in large part because of conceptual confusion among policymakers about what implementation of...

Harv. Envtl. L. Rev., 2009

... hereinafter ICCPR]; accord International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights art... more ... hereinafter ICCPR]; accord International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights art. ... emphasis added), available at http:// www2.ohchr.org/englishlissues/climatechange/docs/canada. pdf. ... Assessment at National Level of the Impact of Climate Change (Experienced or ...

Review of European Community & International Environmental Law, 2012

In recent years human rights have begun to feature prominently as a tool to address climate chang... more In recent years human rights have begun to feature prominently as a tool to address climate change. This article explores how the institutions and tools of the human rights system are being deployed to complement the negotiations within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, close the emissions gap and hold the increase in global average temperature below 2°C or 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. It offers an explanation of how the interface between rights and climate change has helped to evolve our analysis of socio-ecological thresholds, created a strong and compelling narrative centered on climate justice, and enhanced political processes to better account for the experience of vulnerable populations. The article shows that the various Special Procedures and Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council are already advancing the cause of urgent and ambitious climate action and suggests ways in which they can become more influential in a wider climate change regime complex. 4 Including paragraphs 8 and 12 of Decision 1/CP.16, n. 1 above, and subparagraphs 2(c) and (d) of Appendix I to the Decision.

Transplantation Proceedings, 2007

Plasma hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is considered a risk factor for chronic allograft dysfunction ... more Plasma hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is considered a risk factor for chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD), the main cause of functional loss in transplant recipients. Genetic polymorphisms that alter enzymes involved in homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism, such as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), and vitamin deficiency can result in HHcy. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between HHcy and CAD development, and to evaluate the effect of intake of folate and vitamins B 6 and B 12 as well as MTHFR C677T polymorphism on Hcy concentrations. Ninety-eight renal transplant recipients including 48 showing CAD and 50 with normal renal function (NRF), were included in this cross-sectional study. Peripheral blood samples were collected for plasma Hcy quantification by liquid chromatography/sequential mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and for MTHFR polymorphism analysis using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Dietary intake was evaluated using a nutritional questionnaire. HHcy (P ϭ .002) and higher mean concentrations of Hcy (P ϭ .029) were associated with CAD. An association was observed between HHcy and 677T variant allele in the CAD group (P ϭ .0005). There was no correlation between Hcy concentration and folate, vitamin B 6 or vitamin B 12 intake in the CAD group. However, a negative correlation was observed between Hcy concentration and folate intake (P ϭ .043), and also between Hcy concentration and vitamin B 6 intake (P ϭ .030) in the NRF group. According to our study, HHcy is associated with CAD development. In patients with CAD, MTHFR polymorphism seems to have a greater effect on the Hcy concentration than the vitamin intake. Increased folate and vitamin B 6 intakes seem to reduce Hcy concentrations among transplant recipients with NRF, and could contribute to reducing the risk of CAD development.

Transplantation Proceedings, 2004

Hyperhomocysteine has been reported to be an important risk factor for the development of atheros... more Hyperhomocysteine has been reported to be an important risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Identification of risk factors, such as hyperhomocysteinemia, is crucial for a better understanding of the events that lead to degenerative processes in the vascular system and for a correct understanding of the potential role of methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase enzymes (MTHFR) to help in the treatment of vascular disease observed in chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). In this study we analyzed the plasma homocysteine concentrations and MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphism frequencies among 110 renal transplant recipients (53 with CAN and 57 with normal renal function). All recipients had undergone renal transplantation at least 12 months prior to this investigation to establish a possible correlation with the posttransplant outcome. Plasma homocysteine concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and MTHFR polymorphisms were investigated by the PCR-RFLP technique. The results demonstrated that in renal transplant recipients, hyperhomocysteinemia in addition to the presence of the allelic variants for both MTHFR polymorphisms (677T/1298C) might play a role as an additional risk factor for CAN. We understand that analysis of these polymorphisms might have a role in the CAN process. Therefore, studies to evaluate their presence in renal transplant patients may be extremely useful to individualize immunosuppressive protocols to inhibit or retard the progression of CAN.

Transplantation Proceedings, 2008

Introduction. The therapeutic potential of adult stem cells for the treatment of chronic diseases... more Introduction. The therapeutic potential of adult stem cells for the treatment of chronic diseases is becoming increasingly evident over the last few years. In the present study, we sought to assess whether the infusion of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (MoSCs) and mesenchymal cells (MSCs) could reduce/stabilize the rate of progression of chronic renal failure (CRF) in rats. Methods. We used the 5/6 renal mass reduction model to induce chronic renal failure in male Wistar rats. Renal function was assessed by measurements of serum creatinine (sCr), creatinine clearance (Clcr), and 24-hour proteinuria at baseline as well as 60 and 120 days after surgery. MoSCs and MSCs obtained from bone marrow aspirates were separated by the Ficoll-Hypaque method. After a 12-to 14-day culture, 1.5 ϫ 10 6 MSCs and the same number of MoSCs were injected into the renal parenchyma of the remanant kidney of rats with CRF on the day of surgery. Results. Among the control group, at day 120, the results were sCr ϭ 1.31 Ϯ 0.5 mg/dL, Clcr ϭ 0.64 Ϯ 0.35 mL/min, and proteinuria ϭ 140.0 Ϯ 57.7 mg/24 h. Rats treated with MoSCs at day 120 had sCr ϭ 0.81 Ϯ 0.20 mg/dL, Clcr ϭ 1.05 Ϯ 0.26 mL/min, and proteinuria ϭ 61 Ϯ 46.5 mg/24 h, while rats injected with MSCs had sCr ϭ 0.95 Ϯ 0.1 mg/dL, Clcr ϭ 0.68 Ϯ 0.24 mL/min, and proteinuria ϭ 119.2 Ϯ 50.0 mg/24 h. Analysis of the progression to CRF showed that the treatment significantly reduced the rate of decline in Clcr after treatment with MoSc: control: Ϫ0.0049 Ϯ 0.0024 mL/min/d versus MSC: Ϫ 0.0013 Ϯ 0.0017 mL/min/d versus MoSC: ϩ0.0002 Ϯ 0.0016 mL/min/d (P ϭ .017). Proteinuria tended to be lower among the treated groups. Histological scores of chronic damage were not different, but distinct patterns of chronic lesions were observed among treated rats. Conclusion. Our results showed that progression of CRF in rats could be slowed/ stabilized by intrarenal parenchymal injection of MoSCs. A trend toward reduction in the progression rate of CRF was also observed with injection of MSCs.

Archives of Dermatology, 1999

Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias Letras & Ciencias Exatas, Dept Biol, BR-15054000 Sao... more Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias Letras & Ciencias Exatas, Dept Biol, BR-15054000 Sao Jose do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil

The United Nations Special Procedures System, 2017

How to strengthen cooperation between Special Procedures and the un membership has been a constan... more How to strengthen cooperation between Special Procedures and the un membership has been a constant source of debate and negotiation since the establishment of the first mandate in 1967. Over the intervening years, many ideas have been generated. Unfortunately they have rarely been acted upon or implemented. Building on the author's experience as a diplomat and as head of a human rights think tank, this short chapter looks at the current situation of state cooperation with Special Procedures. In so doing, it identifies where the key problems lie, analyses reform efforts of the past 50 years, and describes contemporary steps being taken at the Human Rights Council to strengthen cooperation in line with that body's founding documents.

The report analyses the historical underpinnings of the UN human rights petitions system (compris... more The report analyses the historical underpinnings of the UN human rights petitions system (comprised of the Special Procedures communications, Treaty Body communications, and the Human Rights Council’s Confidential Complaint Procedure); assesses the visibility, accessibility, responsiveness, and effectiveness of the current system; and makes recommendations for strengthening this vital protection tool in the future Authors: Marc Limon, Universal Rights Group Other Contributors: Elvira Dominguez-Redondo, University of Middlesex Hilary Power, formerly with the Universal Rights Group Ingela Stahl-Zulu, independent consultant Nathalie Munoz Tord, Universal Rights Group

The Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law, 2010

* Marc Limon works as an Advisor for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives,... more * Marc Limon works as an Advisor for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, where he specializes in international human rights law and international environmental law. Mr. Limon drafted and negotiated the Male' Declaration on the Human Dimension of Global Climate Change, and Human Rights Council Resolutions 7/32 and 10/4 on Human Rights and Climate Change. He was also part of the Maldives negotiating team at the Fifteenth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen, which secured the inclusion of human rights wording in the draft outcome document on Long-Term Cooperative Action. The views expressed in this Article are those of the author alone and do not represent or reflect the official position of any government or organization.

Cambridge University Press eBooks, Nov 13, 2017

Cambridge University Press eBooks, Jun 8, 2018

Brill | Nijhoff eBooks, Nov 14, 2022

Review of European Community and International Environmental Law, Nov 1, 2012

In recent years human rights have begun to feature prominently as a tool to address climate chang... more In recent years human rights have begun to feature prominently as a tool to address climate change. This article explores how the institutions and tools of the human rights system are being deployed to complement the negotiations within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, close the emissions gap and hold the increase in global average temperature below 2°C or 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. It offers an explanation of how the interface between rights and climate change has helped to evolve our analysis of socio-ecological thresholds, created a strong and compelling narrative centered on climate justice, and enhanced political processes to better account for the experience of vulnerable populations. The article shows that the various Special Procedures and Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council are already advancing the cause of urgent and ambitious climate action and suggests ways in which they can become more influential in a wider climate change regime complex. 4 Including paragraphs 8 and 12 of Decision 1/CP.16, n. 1 above, and subparagraphs 2(c) and (d) of Appendix I to the Decision.

Religion and Human Rights, Apr 30, 2016

The main United Nations (UN) global policy framework for combating religious intolerance, stigmat... more The main United Nations (UN) global policy framework for combating religious intolerance, stigmatisation, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons based on religion or belief is set down in UN Human Rights Council resolution 16/18. Adopted in March 2011, this resolution was hailed by stakeholders from all regions as a turning point in international efforts to confront religious intolerance. After more than five decades, UN member states had, it was hoped, at last come together to agree a common, consensus-based approach and practical plan of action. Some four years on, and against the backdrop of heightened religious hostility, UN consensus around the '16/18 framework' continues to be contested. Rather than working together to implement the 16/18 action plan, states have returned to pre-2011 arguments over the nature of the problem. These divisions have re-emerged in large part because of conceptual confusion among policymakers about what implementation of resolution 16/18 means and what it entails. Linked to (and indeed flowing from) this conceptual opacity, states-especially states from the Western Group (WEOG) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)-contend over whether resolution 16/18 is being effectively implemented or not and, if not, why this is so. This article offers an assessment of levels of implementation of resolution 16/18 as well as recommendations for strengthened compliance in the future.

Review of European, Comparative and International Environmental Law, May 9, 2022

On 8 October 2021, members of the Human Rights Council adopted a historic resolution recognizing ... more On 8 October 2021, members of the Human Rights Council adopted a historic resolution recognizing a new universal human right: the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Recognition by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly is expected to follow in 2022, meaning that the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment will become one of the first universal human rights to be fully recognized by the UN since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. These momentous events, with important implications for international efforts to promote and protect the full enjoyment of human rights, and address the three interlinked environmental crises facing the planet—the climate, biodiversity and pollution crises—mark the end of a journey begun with the adoption of the Stockholm Declaration and Action Plan for the Human Environment in 1972 and given renewed impetus by a Small Island Developing State, the Maldives, from 2008. This article provides an eyewitness account of that journey.

Brill | Nijhoff eBooks, Nov 14, 2022

Review of European, Comparative & International Environmental Law

A C K U preface the links between climate change and human rights are more widely accepted than e... more A C K U preface the links between climate change and human rights are more widely accepted than ever before. the Human rights council has adopted a series of resolutions calling attention to the effects of climate change on the full enjoyment of human rights, and the conference of the parties to the unFccc has also recognised that 'the adverse effects of climate change have a range of direct and indirect implications for the effective enjoyment of human rights.' While climate change impacts have implications for the human rights of individuals in all parts of the world, it is well established that the rights of those in already vulnerable situations are at particular risk. as sea levels rise and extreme weather events increase in frequency and magnitude, more and more people in such situations are expected to be displaced by disasters, some of them across international borders. and yet, despite a growing recognition of the human rights implications of climate change, including in the context of human displacement, and despite an understanding that adherence to international human rights commitments and principles can help to strengthen policymaking in response to global warming, relatively few concrete steps have been taken to bring a human rights perspective to climate negotiations. likewise, beyond expressing concern about a possible human rights protection gap for the increasing number of people who are expected to be displaced across borders in the context of climate change, the international community has not done enough to consider how to fill that gap. this report is an important step towards clarifying what un bodies can and should do to begin to safeguard human rights against the effects of climate change, including in the context of human displacement. John H Knox un special rapporteur on Human rights and the environment Henry c lauerman professor of international law Wake Forest university school of law © universal rights group 2015 acknowledgements the authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of a number of researchers who helped prepare this policy brief, including rebecca dowd, asu durmus, diya Jugessur and Kunal sharma.

Religion & Human Rights, 2016

The main United Nations (un) global policy framework for combating religious intolerance, stigmat... more The main United Nations (un) global policy framework for combating religious intolerance, stigmatisation, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons based on religion or belief is set down in un Human Rights Council resolution 16/18. Adopted in March 2011, this resolution was hailed by stakeholders from all regions as a turning point in international efforts to confront religious intolerance. After more than five decades, un member states had, it was hoped, at last come together to agree a common, consensus-based approach and practical plan of action. Some four years on, and against the backdrop of heightened religious hostility, un consensus around the ‘16/18 framework’ continues to be contested. Rather than working together to implement the 16/18 action plan, states have returned to pre-2011 arguments over the nature of the problem. These divisions have re-emerged in large part because of conceptual confusion among policymakers about what implementation of...

Harv. Envtl. L. Rev., 2009

... hereinafter ICCPR]; accord International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights art... more ... hereinafter ICCPR]; accord International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights art. ... emphasis added), available at http:// www2.ohchr.org/englishlissues/climatechange/docs/canada. pdf. ... Assessment at National Level of the Impact of Climate Change (Experienced or ...

Review of European Community & International Environmental Law, 2012

In recent years human rights have begun to feature prominently as a tool to address climate chang... more In recent years human rights have begun to feature prominently as a tool to address climate change. This article explores how the institutions and tools of the human rights system are being deployed to complement the negotiations within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, close the emissions gap and hold the increase in global average temperature below 2°C or 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. It offers an explanation of how the interface between rights and climate change has helped to evolve our analysis of socio-ecological thresholds, created a strong and compelling narrative centered on climate justice, and enhanced political processes to better account for the experience of vulnerable populations. The article shows that the various Special Procedures and Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council are already advancing the cause of urgent and ambitious climate action and suggests ways in which they can become more influential in a wider climate change regime complex. 4 Including paragraphs 8 and 12 of Decision 1/CP.16, n. 1 above, and subparagraphs 2(c) and (d) of Appendix I to the Decision.

Transplantation Proceedings, 2007

Plasma hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is considered a risk factor for chronic allograft dysfunction ... more Plasma hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is considered a risk factor for chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD), the main cause of functional loss in transplant recipients. Genetic polymorphisms that alter enzymes involved in homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism, such as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), and vitamin deficiency can result in HHcy. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between HHcy and CAD development, and to evaluate the effect of intake of folate and vitamins B 6 and B 12 as well as MTHFR C677T polymorphism on Hcy concentrations. Ninety-eight renal transplant recipients including 48 showing CAD and 50 with normal renal function (NRF), were included in this cross-sectional study. Peripheral blood samples were collected for plasma Hcy quantification by liquid chromatography/sequential mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and for MTHFR polymorphism analysis using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Dietary intake was evaluated using a nutritional questionnaire. HHcy (P ϭ .002) and higher mean concentrations of Hcy (P ϭ .029) were associated with CAD. An association was observed between HHcy and 677T variant allele in the CAD group (P ϭ .0005). There was no correlation between Hcy concentration and folate, vitamin B 6 or vitamin B 12 intake in the CAD group. However, a negative correlation was observed between Hcy concentration and folate intake (P ϭ .043), and also between Hcy concentration and vitamin B 6 intake (P ϭ .030) in the NRF group. According to our study, HHcy is associated with CAD development. In patients with CAD, MTHFR polymorphism seems to have a greater effect on the Hcy concentration than the vitamin intake. Increased folate and vitamin B 6 intakes seem to reduce Hcy concentrations among transplant recipients with NRF, and could contribute to reducing the risk of CAD development.

Transplantation Proceedings, 2004

Hyperhomocysteine has been reported to be an important risk factor for the development of atheros... more Hyperhomocysteine has been reported to be an important risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Identification of risk factors, such as hyperhomocysteinemia, is crucial for a better understanding of the events that lead to degenerative processes in the vascular system and for a correct understanding of the potential role of methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase enzymes (MTHFR) to help in the treatment of vascular disease observed in chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). In this study we analyzed the plasma homocysteine concentrations and MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphism frequencies among 110 renal transplant recipients (53 with CAN and 57 with normal renal function). All recipients had undergone renal transplantation at least 12 months prior to this investigation to establish a possible correlation with the posttransplant outcome. Plasma homocysteine concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and MTHFR polymorphisms were investigated by the PCR-RFLP technique. The results demonstrated that in renal transplant recipients, hyperhomocysteinemia in addition to the presence of the allelic variants for both MTHFR polymorphisms (677T/1298C) might play a role as an additional risk factor for CAN. We understand that analysis of these polymorphisms might have a role in the CAN process. Therefore, studies to evaluate their presence in renal transplant patients may be extremely useful to individualize immunosuppressive protocols to inhibit or retard the progression of CAN.

Transplantation Proceedings, 2008

Introduction. The therapeutic potential of adult stem cells for the treatment of chronic diseases... more Introduction. The therapeutic potential of adult stem cells for the treatment of chronic diseases is becoming increasingly evident over the last few years. In the present study, we sought to assess whether the infusion of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (MoSCs) and mesenchymal cells (MSCs) could reduce/stabilize the rate of progression of chronic renal failure (CRF) in rats. Methods. We used the 5/6 renal mass reduction model to induce chronic renal failure in male Wistar rats. Renal function was assessed by measurements of serum creatinine (sCr), creatinine clearance (Clcr), and 24-hour proteinuria at baseline as well as 60 and 120 days after surgery. MoSCs and MSCs obtained from bone marrow aspirates were separated by the Ficoll-Hypaque method. After a 12-to 14-day culture, 1.5 ϫ 10 6 MSCs and the same number of MoSCs were injected into the renal parenchyma of the remanant kidney of rats with CRF on the day of surgery. Results. Among the control group, at day 120, the results were sCr ϭ 1.31 Ϯ 0.5 mg/dL, Clcr ϭ 0.64 Ϯ 0.35 mL/min, and proteinuria ϭ 140.0 Ϯ 57.7 mg/24 h. Rats treated with MoSCs at day 120 had sCr ϭ 0.81 Ϯ 0.20 mg/dL, Clcr ϭ 1.05 Ϯ 0.26 mL/min, and proteinuria ϭ 61 Ϯ 46.5 mg/24 h, while rats injected with MSCs had sCr ϭ 0.95 Ϯ 0.1 mg/dL, Clcr ϭ 0.68 Ϯ 0.24 mL/min, and proteinuria ϭ 119.2 Ϯ 50.0 mg/24 h. Analysis of the progression to CRF showed that the treatment significantly reduced the rate of decline in Clcr after treatment with MoSc: control: Ϫ0.0049 Ϯ 0.0024 mL/min/d versus MSC: Ϫ 0.0013 Ϯ 0.0017 mL/min/d versus MoSC: ϩ0.0002 Ϯ 0.0016 mL/min/d (P ϭ .017). Proteinuria tended to be lower among the treated groups. Histological scores of chronic damage were not different, but distinct patterns of chronic lesions were observed among treated rats. Conclusion. Our results showed that progression of CRF in rats could be slowed/ stabilized by intrarenal parenchymal injection of MoSCs. A trend toward reduction in the progression rate of CRF was also observed with injection of MSCs.

Archives of Dermatology, 1999

Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias Letras & Ciencias Exatas, Dept Biol, BR-15054000 Sao... more Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias Letras & Ciencias Exatas, Dept Biol, BR-15054000 Sao Jose do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil

The United Nations Special Procedures System, 2017

How to strengthen cooperation between Special Procedures and the un membership has been a constan... more How to strengthen cooperation between Special Procedures and the un membership has been a constant source of debate and negotiation since the establishment of the first mandate in 1967. Over the intervening years, many ideas have been generated. Unfortunately they have rarely been acted upon or implemented. Building on the author's experience as a diplomat and as head of a human rights think tank, this short chapter looks at the current situation of state cooperation with Special Procedures. In so doing, it identifies where the key problems lie, analyses reform efforts of the past 50 years, and describes contemporary steps being taken at the Human Rights Council to strengthen cooperation in line with that body's founding documents.

The report analyses the historical underpinnings of the UN human rights petitions system (compris... more The report analyses the historical underpinnings of the UN human rights petitions system (comprised of the Special Procedures communications, Treaty Body communications, and the Human Rights Council’s Confidential Complaint Procedure); assesses the visibility, accessibility, responsiveness, and effectiveness of the current system; and makes recommendations for strengthening this vital protection tool in the future Authors: Marc Limon, Universal Rights Group Other Contributors: Elvira Dominguez-Redondo, University of Middlesex Hilary Power, formerly with the Universal Rights Group Ingela Stahl-Zulu, independent consultant Nathalie Munoz Tord, Universal Rights Group