1a.     The Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection
of Human Rights (formerly Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities)
The Sub-Commission is the main subsidiary body of the Commission on Human Rights. It was established by the Commission at its first session in 1947 under the authority of  the Economic and Social Council.
The Sub-Commission is composed of experts acting in their personal capac- ity, elected by the Commission with due regard for equitable geographical rep- resentation. Half of the members and their alternates are elected every two years and each serves for a term of four years. In addition to the members and alternates, observers attend sessions of the Sub-Commission from States, United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, other intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations having consultative status with the Economic and Social Council.
? Powers and functions
The main functions of  the Sub-Commission are:
• to undertake studies, particularly in the context of the Universal Declara- tion;
• to make recommendations to the Commission on Human Rights con- cerning the prevention of discrimination of any kind relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the protection of racial, national, religious, and linguistic minorities;
• to perform any other functions which may be entrusted to it by the Eco- nomic and Social Council or the Commission on Human Rights.
Studies prepared by members of the Sub-Commission have been undertaken on topics such as harmful practices affecting the health of women and chil- dren, discrimination against people infected with HIV/AIDS, freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial, the human rights of detained juveniles, human rights and the environment, the rights of minorities and indigenous peoples, the question of impunity concerning violations of human rights and the right to adequate housing.
? Working groups
The Sub-Commission is assisted by special rapporteurs (an individual expert working on a particular issue – see Part 3) and working groups (a group of independent experts working together on a particular issue):