resolution proposed for adoption by the Commission on Human Rights, the Economic and Social Council should be requested to consider the matter at its next session. 36. Recourse to secret ballot should not be automatic but it would be difficult for the Sub-Commission to define exactly what the prerequisites should be. In his view it was the responsibility of the Economic and Social Council to define the procedure. 37. Mr. van BOVEN said that where consensus had been reached, members would of course be able to express their views; no special procedure would be involved. 38. Arbitrary decisions must be avoided. Any procedure for a secret ballot must be consistent in its application. He therefore favoured flexibility and could not accept any element of arbitrariness. He preferred the text of the draft resolution as it stood. 39. The three proposals contained in draft resolution E/CN.4/Sub.2/1990/L.7 were complementary. In particular, the draft resolution would suggest that the rules of procedure should be considered in a more comprehensive manner as regards the future; that would be useful. 40. In order to minimize future discussion of the issue, it would be helpful if a decision on draft resolution E/CN.4/Sub.2/1990/L.4 could be reached as soon as possible; there was no assurance however that the parent body ·would be prepared to adopt it. 41. Mr. EIDE considered that the draft resolution as amended by Mr. Joinet was adequate. 42. Mr. ALFONSO MARTINEZ asked whether the sponsors would be prepared to recommend that the draft resolution should apply not only under item 6 but also under the 1503 procedure. 43. Mr. TREAT said that the sponsors were prepared to accept Mr. Alfonso Martinez's proposal. 44. Mr. van BOVEN said that the sponsors would not object to the addition of the phrase "at its next session". E/CN.4/Sub.2/1990/SR.24 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be discussing the process and procedure of a United Nations commission, specifically the Commission on Human Rights, and the Economic and Social Council. The language used is formal and technical, suggesting a focus on institutional and procedural matters rather than specific issues related to human well-being or economic development.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Human rights