4th Meeting - 62nd Session of Human Rights Council

Excellency Excellency, distinguished participants.
Good afternoon.
I call to order the fourth meeting of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council.
We shall now continue the interactive dialogue on the annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
I call on the distinguished representative of Malaysia.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Malaysia thanks the High Commissioner for presenting his annual report, including the oral report on developments in the Middle East.
We remain deeply concerned by the heightened tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, including in Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon, as well as their broader implications for peace, stability, and the enjoyment of human rights.
The current situation underscores the urgent need to address the root causes of conflicts so that the human rights violations and humanitarian risk consequences that arise from such situations can be effectively presented and addressed.
In this regard, Malaysia takes note of the ongoing diplomatic engagements and welcomes the announcement of the peace agreement between Iran and the United States following mediation by Pakistan and Qatar.
Preventing human rights violations requires not only efforts to resolve conflicts, but also sustained support to strengthen national capacities and institutions.
In this regard, Malitia believes that technical cooperation and capacity building remain effective tools for advancing the promotion and protection of human rights and underscores the important role of OHCHR in supporting member states in this respect.
I thank you.
I thank Malisia and cool on Turkey.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We thank the High Commissioner for his annual report.
We take note of his follow up on Middle East, Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, as well as his remarks on the rise of racism and Islamphobia.
We share his concern over the shameless onslaught against international law, which normalizes violence and human suffering.
When the guard rails of civilization rise, everyone stands loose.
We are told the red flags have run out on Gaza, but the absence of flags must not become an alibi for the absence of action.
The killing, displacement, and obstruction of aid by Israel continue.
Israeli policies have turned into the main threat to the regional and global security.
We call on the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities to prevent violations of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
Turkey welcomes the agreement reached between the United States and Iran and underlined that diplomacy remains the only sustainable path to peace.
Mr.
Vice President, a final note.
Before lecturing others, the European Union might look to the shrinking space for free expression within its own borders where peaceful advocacy is criminalized, criticism is branded extremism and islamphobia and anti migrant policies are on the rise.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I call on Cuba Vice President, Cuba recognizes the positive outcome of the work by the High Commissioner and the office.
We welcome the ongoing denunciation of numerous mandate holders the United United States pressure on Cuba.
The military and other aggression against our country leads to suffocation of our economy with a loss of energy and other criminal measures.
This is harming human lives.
The US seeks to create a humanitarian crisis to lead to extreme poverty for millions of people.
Millions of people.
This is not acceptable anywhere.
There is a dictatorship in the globalized world and the US is seizing upon international law to conquer These measures against Cuba tomorrow could affect any other nation and it is urgent that an international coalition that rises above political interests to protect the interests of all states.
Cuba is not going to give up.
We will defend our sovereignty to the last, I think you.
Thank you.
I call on Ecuador.
Senor proceed.
Thank you, Vice President of my delegation.
Thanks, the High Commissioner, for the update.
We agree regarding the need to focus human rights work on how best to improve the safety, dignity, and freedom of millions of people every day with more human rights, and I would add with more multilateralism, more preventive diplomacy, and more respect for international law.
I should point to Ecuador' ratification of all human rights treaties within the universal system and the open invitation to mandate holders under the special procedures.
My country also continues regularly to present its implementation reports to the treaty bodies with information provided by various state bodies through the cide platform, reflecting the national progress and challenges faced in promoting and protecting rights.
We have also received a visit from our regional representative, and we held an interinstitutional roundtable to exchange and good practice and address needs in cooperation and technical assistance for human rights.
As a member and vice president of the Council, Ecuador reiterates its ongoing readiness to continue contributing to strengthening the multilateral system for the promotion, protection of human rights.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I call on Switzerland.
Vice President Vice President, I thank the High Commissioner for the update.
Switzerland remains gravely concerned by the developments in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing deterioration of the situation in the occupied Palestine territories.
We call for rapid, safe, unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza and an end to settler violence and all settlements in the West Bank.
In other contexts in Israel, Lebanon, and Iran, the situation remains very volatile with violence continuing to harm civilians and we call on all parties to conflict fully to respect the cease fire and international law.
Switzerland is gravely concerned at the legislative and political initiatives that seek to broaden the use of the death penalty in a number of countries, including Burkina Faso, the USA, Israel, and the Moldoves.
We're also gravely concerned at the number of executions in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.
We call on the concerned countries to reconsider these measures and to join the global trend towards abolition of the death penalty In this context, Switzerland remains concerned at the opaque application of the death penalty in China and the ongoing repression of religious, ethnic, and linguistic minorities in the country in Turkea Switzerland is concerned that the intensifying pressure on the political opposition.
Respect for political pluralism and the independence of the judiciary is essential to uphold the rule of law.
Thank you.
Gracias.
Thank you.
I call on Portugal.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We thank the High Commissioner for his very pertinent, yet concerning global update and congratulate him on the launch of the Global Alliance for Human Rights, which we are ready to support.
In his report, High Commissioner calls attention to serious human rights challenges and unprecedented attacks against international law which are causing appalling human suffering.
Year after year, we are confronted with mounting human rights violations and abuses, driven by protracted conflicts, climate related emergencies, growing inequalities and fueled by impunity, discrimination, hate speech, anti rights movements, and disinformation.
At the same time, we continue to witness growing disengagement from multilateralism.
The promise of human rights is it's ever more distance and the international community is failing on its commitments.
At a time when human rights are under increasing threat, the UN Human Rights pillar continue to be underfunded and impacted by UNA.
As a newly elected member of the United Nations Security Council, Portugal has pledged to promote human rights worldwide.
Reinforcing the UN Human Rights pillar is indispensable for sustainable peace.
Portugal will continue to uphold international law and to support human rights mechanisms, safeguarding their integrity and effectiveness.
Peace, freedom and equality are the only way forward and the promotion of human rights, it's undisputed path.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Bye on North Macedonia.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
North Macedonia thanks the High Commissioner for his comprehensive report and reaffirms its strong support for the work of his office.
We also appreciate the office engagement in supporting state institutions to strengthen the rule of law and administration of justice in North Macedonia and enhancing community engagement on environmental issues at our national level.
Mr.
High Commissioner, we strongly support your messages conveyed yesterday.
More human rights, not less and larger freedoms, not less.
We are highly alarmed by the impact of armed conflict on civilians, especially women, girls, and children and call for full respect of the international human rights and humanitarian law.
Also, North Macedonia remains deeply concerned by persistent discrimination, inequality, and violence, particularly against women and girls.
We reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and the elimination of gender based violence.
We further underscore the importance of protecting civic space and ensuring the safe participation of human rights defenders, journalists and civil society.
Finally, we underline that human rights must remain also at the core of AI governance, supported by safeguards that ensure transparency, accountability, and protection against discrimination and misuse.
As the United Nations advances its reform agenda, it is essential that human rights remains adequately resourced and fully integrated across the organization's work.
Thank you.
Mi Gracias.
Thank you.
Bye.
On Japan.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
I would first like to thank the High Commissioner for his annual report.
Japan, as a member of the Human Rights Council, will continue to uphold the free and open international order based on the rule of law.
We echo the High Commissioner's alarm concerning violations of human rights in armed conflicts, including Myanmar and Palestine.
We also share concerns about the risks from the new technologies without adequate guardrails.
Japan is committed to realizing a society where the human rights of all individuals are protected and no one is left behind.
In this regard, upholding human rights and the fundamental freedoms, in particular, civil and political rights should not be sidelined in the pursuit of development.
Please allow me to address the issue of abduction by North Korea, which is an urgent humanitarian matter where no time can be shared or spared in resolving it given the aging of the abductees and their families.
We will continue to strongly urge PyongyYang to let the abductees return to their homes immediately in close cooperation with the international community.
Japan will remain engaged with the High Commissioner and we continue to contribute to international efforts to protect and promote human rights through dialogue and cooperation.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I would like to remind distinguished delegations to use the official names of countries and I now call them Distinguished delegation of the Council of Europe.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We thank the High Commissioner for his report.
As the report highlights, the armed conflicts continue, civic space is shrinking.
Human rights defenders face growing threats and human rights are systematically challenged.
Yet, we witnessed the resilient efforts of civil society, youth, and institutions working to uphold human rights and dignity.
At this turning point, we must resist.
Human rights law remains the last common language capable of restraining power in a fragmenting world.
In Ukraine, when aggression struck against the foundations of the UN charter, the Council of Europe did not abandon law to the pressure of force.
We strive to ensure accountability where none existed before.
To date, 36 of our member states, together with the European Union, Australia and Costa Rica, expressed the intention to join the Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression for Ukraine.
We welcome the work of the UN monitoring mission in Ukraine and its cooperation with our office in Kyiv.
The mission findings are important for the work of the European Court of Human Rights, demonstrating how strengthened cooperation contributes to accountability, reinforcing human rights protection on the ground.
Earlier this month, the Council of Europe and the Office of the Hig Commissioner co hosted the first European Environmental Human Rights Defenders Forum.
Last week, we participated in the launch of the Global Alliance for Human Rights with a strong commitment to engage.
The Council of Europe stands ready to further engage with the Office of the High Commissioner in this spirit.
Thank you.
Mira.
Thank you, No distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Vice President.
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomes the presentation of the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and notes the information contained therein.
Venezuela believes that current challenges in human rights require balanced, objective, cooperative approaches that can adequately reflect the complexity of national contexts and the distinct realities that face states.
In this sense, we believe it is important that reports and assessments by the office fully reflect all factors that have an impact on the enjoyment of human rights, including those related to external limitations affecting the capacities for development in countries and the well being of their populations.
In particular, we refer to the unilateral coercive measures whose adverse effects have been broadly reported by mandate holders under the United Nations.
In the context of budgetary restrictions affecting the whole of the UN system, Venezuela believes we must consider the assignment of the resources available within the sphere of human rights.
The concentration of monitoring mechanisms and activities in certain countries, mostly in the global South gives rise to legitimate questions regarding the principles of objectivity impartiality and selectivity, you.
Thank you.
I call on the distinguished representative of Norway.
Thank you, Vice President.
We thank the High Commissioner for his report and the work done by the OHCHR to promote and protect all human rights for everyone everywhere.
High Commissioner, you have earlier stated that the use of the death penalty is egregious against any human being.
Norway couldn't agree more.
The death penalty is, in our view incompatible with the right to life and the right to live free from torture and all the cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment or punishment.
The death penalty is irreversible and its use is often arbitrary and discriminatory, violating the principle of equality before the law.
States that carry out executions thankfully remain a small minority.
We are deeply concerned, therefore, about the recent reversal of the global trend towards universal abolition.
Iran stands out with at least 1,500 individuals executed in 2025.
This is deeply disturbing.
China's and DPRKs lack of transparency and the worrisome increase in executions in Saudi Arabia, United States and Singapore are raising concerns.
We regret the resumption by some states of the periods of suspension or the expansion of types of offenses for which the death penalty can be imposed or even mandated, including in Israel.
We commend efforts by states towards abolition.
The upcoming World Congress against the death penalty is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to universal abolition and through this to human dignity.
I thank you.
Michel Gracias.
Thank you.
I pull on the distinguished representative of Burkina Foo.
Mr.
President, my delegation aligns with the statement by the Confederation of Sahel States and in its national capacity adds the following regarding the human rights situation begins my delegation emphasizes that in the context of terrorist attacks with external sponsors, it has been necessary for the government through law 11 2025 ALT of 17 July 2025 on freedom of association to clean up the world of civil society in order to strengthen the fight against money laundering and financing of terrorism.
This in no way undermines freedom of association and the declaratory regime that is imposed on associations.
Once associations are in line with the law, they can carry out their activities.
My delegation also reaffirms its commitment to equal treatment of human rights situations everywhere in the world to strengthen constructive dialogue with member states and ensure the council's credibility.
I think you.
Thank you.
I call on the distinguished representative of Belarus.
Thank you.
International standards on human rights have made a significant contribution to improving the lives and prosperity of people.
Further progress is possible, but not through seeking unlimited freedom, but rather through responsible fulfillment of the universal obligations and international cooperation based on unshakable state sovereignty and national context.
The problems with armed conflicts, inequality and poverty can be resolved if we honestly recognize the reasons and in the context of state leadership.
But not in a context where resources are wasted.
Belarus is seeking to uphold peace and stability in our country and act decisively on any signs of extremism.
However, our opponents prefer to see as human rights defenders those who are punished for extremist crimes and the dehumanization of Russians in Europe with deliberate killings of children and civilians in Russia is invisible to the human rights system of the United Nations.
In certain European countries, there are ideologies similar to those of the 20th century fascism.
China, on the other hand, is taking a balanced approach prohibiting ethnic discrimination and yet there are anti Chinese initiatives in the Human Rights Council.
These do not serve the great Chinese people and the state.
Politized approaches and double standards do not foster progress, but rather only manipulate human rights.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I call on Azerbijan.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President, I would like to thank the High Commissioner for his comprehensive report.
Indeed, the report has been developed during the difficult times of liquidity and financial constraints across the entire UN system, even further complicated by global turbulent and unpredictable geopolitical environment.
Azerbaijan believes that the protection and promotion of human rights, including the right to development and economic, social and cultural rights, remain at the core of democracy, peace and prosperity.
It's great fortune that the South Caucasus has got now a historical chance to become a place of non confrontation and cooperation, and the benefit of that is already there.
Azerbaijan has opened and offered new economic trade and transit perspectives, not only to the countries in close proximity, but also far beyond the region.
One of the main priorities of the government is reconstruction and rehabilitation activities alongside the return of numerous IDPs to their homes.
The right to return and the right to decent life essential human rights.
An obstacle to realization of these rights, as well as to the identification of thousands of missing persons is the abundance of minds and explosive ordinance across vast areas.
We call on the international community not to remain different and act in solidarity.
We also closely follow the human rights situations in the EU, which is referred to in the uploaded version of this statement.
We wish the High Commissioner successful implementation and accomplishment of all tasks ahead and express our readiness to support the activities of his office.
Thank you.
Michel.
Thank you.
I call on the distinguished representative of the Gamber.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
The Gambia thanks the High Commissioner for his comprehensive oral update and his steadfast leadership at a time of unprecedented strain on the international human rights system.
Escalating conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, the DRC, the Sahel, and between Israel and its neighbors continues to inflict catastrophic harm on human rights.
Yet we share the High Commissioner's optimism.
Despite profound backsliding, human rights instruments and mechanisms still bring relief and hope to victims.
The Gambia's own experience shows that sustainable peace is inseparable from human rights, accountability, and the rule of law.
We therefore welcome the emerging peace deal between the United States and Iran, which we hope will help silence the Guns and deliver redress for violence across the region.
Mr.
President, the global financial architecture continues to constrain developing countries capacity to invest in human rights.
We call on the Orchard to strengthen technical assistance and capacity building so that international commitments translate into concrete national results.
In this regard, we welcome the launch of the Global Alliance for Human Rights as a meaningful space for dialogue and cooperation, and I thank you.
Thank you.
I call on the distinguished representative of Belgium.
President.
Thank you, Vice President, Distinguished High Commissioner as you have said, the world is now facing multiple armed conflicts, and even the most basic rules are ignored.
Violence, including sexual violence continues to spread, including among children and in many countries, including in the Middle East and elsewhere, the international community.
Seems unable to bring change.
We see democratic principles being undermined, anti legal movements financed and organized by others.
We see LGBTQ plus communities unable to enjoy their rights.
Combating discrimination for all is a major issue for Belgium.
Despite the universal abolition of the death penalty, we are concerned that a lot of progress including in Israel and Iran.
Persons cooperating with the United Nations suffering reprisals, including transnationally.
The role of your office on the human rights scene remains essential with adequate, predictable financing needed and the pact for the future and UNAT must be properly implemented.
I thank you.
I call on the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the High Commissioner's condemnation of the act of aggression perpetrated by the Israeli regime and the United States against Iran.
We also join the High Commissioner's renewed call for the public release of the findings of the United States invasion into the horrific attack on Mibcho.
Pas attack on Minab with its high casualties can be considered as the most catastrophic attack on children in a school during the recent history.
Mr.
Vice President, the experience of recent years has clearly demonstrated that national security and territorial integrity are fundamental preconditions for the effective enjoyment of human rights.
In this regard, the public statements of certain United States and other foreign officials regarding their support for and involvement in the January violent protests in Iran confirmed attempts to exploit these events in order to undermine the security and stability of Iran.
With regard to the strait of Hormones that you Excellency mentioned in your report, we emphasize that freedom of navigation and maritime transit constitute an important principle of international law.
However, this principle should not be used as a pretext to disregard the security concerns of coastal states or violate it.
During the reporting period, the naval blockade imposed by the United States created conditions that severely restricted the normal flow of trade and access to essential goods for the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Thank you.
Gracias.
Thank you.
I call on the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine.
Thank you, and we also thank the High Commissioner for his update.
The UN was created in the aftermath of humanity's darkest moments to prevent atrocities and ensure accountability.
Yet today that promise is being fundamentally undermined.
In the illegally occupied Palestine, Israel continues to advance its colonial project through annexation, unlawful settlements, collective punishment, torture, displacement, settler terrorism, and policies of ethnic cleansing.
In Gaza, the genocide continues as Israel's campaign of destruction and killing has not stopped, in addition to its continued obstruction of humanitarian access.
Yet the fear of using the terminology often outweighs confronting the gravity of the crime itself.
In this regard, we would like to ask the High Commissioner why the COI report on genocide has not been published on the Human Rights Council's website.
Mr.
President, when we speak about Palestine, we are also speaking about the credibility of the international system.
Selective accountability in service of colonial agendas and narrow political and economic interests only fuels further chaos, instability, and impunity, as is all too evident in today's world.
It's time for this system to act using the tools already at its disposal if we are truly committed to justice and lasting peace.
Finally, as this is my last statement, I would like to say that history will not judge us by the comfort of our procedures or the word of our condemnations.
It will judge us by whether we had the courage to act when it mattered most.
Thank you.
Michelle.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of France.
Perm Thank you, President.
My thanks also go to the High Commissioner with commendation for his activities, including the Global Alliance of Human Rights.
France supports diplomacy, the only way of putting an end to conflict.
We extend our support to the people of Iran and we'd like to urge Iran to end arrests, generalized detention, and use of the death penalty, which are serious human rights violations, and we roundly condemn them.
We also call for an end of violence against a civilian population and reiterate our support for the mechanisms to combat impunity.
Freeing arbitrarily detained persons, including Ang Shang Su Kyi Counselor oft, is one of the guarantees of inclusive political dialogue.
We denounce recent arbitrary arrests of Afghan women and we strongly condemn the repression of demonstrations against this.
The situation of ethnic, linguistic, and other minorities in China remains of concern.
We encourage a follow up to OCHR work in the Xinjiang region particularly.
We see criminal groups extending in Haiti in Haiti, there is forced prostitution perpetrated by gangs and women and children are the main victims.
We support the Haitian people and call for their protection.
We will shortly be calling for a global Congress to end of the death penalty.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland.
Thank you, Vice President.
Ireland aligns with the statement of the EU and thanks to the Hi Commissioner for his update.
Ireland is deeply concerned by the ongoing erosion of human rights norms manifested through global pushback against women's rights and gender equality and growing restrictions on civic space.
Women human rights defenders are experiencing heightened threats, reprisals, and funding cuts.
We remain acutely concerned by the increased restrictions on civil society space, particularly for LGBTIQ plus persons and representative bodies.
This pushback continues to be exacerbated by escalating disregard for international cooperation and accountability mechanisms.
Global conflict, climate change, and related economic shocks mean that the fight for food security is being lost, placing marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities in increasingly vulnerable situations.
Hi, Commissioner, we take heed of your call that human rights should be central to the world's issues as a force for stability and progress.
Ireland remains committed to ensuring the realization of this goal.
We echo the conviction that human rights provide the legal, moral, and practical foundation for preventing harm, strengthening resilience and sustaining international cooperation at times of intersecting and accelerating global crises.
Ireland takes this opportunity to underline our continued support for the work of the High Commissioner and for the independence of the office, including its special procedures mandate holders.
Thank you.
Many thanks.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jordan.
President, we thank the High Commissioner for the presentation of his national report and for his ongoing efforts when faced with growing challenges for the human rights sector.
The report details the extent of the challenges and the key role played by OHCHR as a specialized UN body for the universal promotion and protection of human rights.
In Jordan, we believe that human rights are not just a slogan, but rather rules which must be respected and principles which must be preserved in order to protect human dignity and fundamental rights.
This is why Jordan has submitted a candidacy to become a member of this council for the period 2027 to 2029.
We want our voice to be heard so that you can become more familiar with our national order founded on the belief that human beings are the most precious thing of all.
We hope that OHCHR will be in a position to fulfill its mandate and continue to provide technical cooperation and capacity building so that everyone can have greater trust in the human rights system.
Jordan will continue to step up its efforts in the human rights sector because we need a more safe environment for human rights and respect for human dignity.
Thank you, says the president.
I give the floor to the representation of Thailand.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President, Thailand thanks to High Commissioner for his report and his initiative on Global Alliance for Human Rights.
Amidst growing conflicts around the world, multilateralism remains indispensable and adherence to international human rights and humanitarian law is essential.
Thailand welcomes the agreement between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran and hopes that this will lead to lasting peace and help ensure freedom of navigation.
At home, Thailand continues to advance its legal infrastructure.
We enacted the law to promote and protect the way of life of ethnic groups and are developing climate and clean air legislation.
Thailand remains concerned about the human rights implications of transnational organized crimes, particularly online scams.
We call for enhanced international partnerships to combat these crimes.
In this regard, we welcome OHCHR regionalization efforts, including the appointment of a D one representative to its regional office in Bangkok.
Thailand also appreciates the High Commissioner's recognition of ASN's role in supporting Myanmar.
We agree that a human rights based approach can help de escalate tensions, prevent further conflicts, and build trust.
Finally, Thailand remains committed to advancing the council's rationalization efforts and broader UN system and deliver principle and practical results.
Thank you.
Many thanks.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany.
President, Germany aligns itself with a statement by the EU and thanks the High Commissioner for his update.
Indeed, the situation of human rights as well as for civil society actors has deteriorated since your last update.
Allow me to make three points.
First, Germany is gravely concerned by the situation in the Middle East.
We welcome the announcement of an agreement between the US and Iran.
We call on all parties to work towards a lasting peace in the region.
We strongly oppose any calls for annexation and forcible displacement of the Palestinian population.
Second, we are happy to announce today a further contribution of 2 million euros to the Human Rights monitoring mission in Ukraine.
The mission advances accountability by securing evidence of human rights violations committed in Ukraine, including the large scale deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children by Russia.
Third, while we must all strive to make the work of this council more efficient, Germany will continue to advocate for a strong and adequately funded human rights pillar of the United Nations.
This is not an end in itself, but it is essential to realize human rights and gender equality.
As a candidate for the Human Rights Council for the period 2027 to 2029, Germany will work towards this goal and we humbly count on your support.
I thank you.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Côte D'ivoire.
Louis.
Thank you, Vice President.
Côte D'ivoire endorses the statement made by the African group and we seize this opportunity to thank the High Commissioner, Mr.
Volker Türk for the presentation of his report.
We commend his ongoing efforts for the promotion and protection of human rights.
My delegation welcomes the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council.
This is an important moment to take stock of our collective work in favor of fundamental rights.
This is a commemoration occurring in a global context which is hallmarked by conflict inequality, the digital divide, and growing polarization and multilateralism itself is under attack.
In this context, Cote des Bois expresses its concern faced at the liquidity crisis faced by the United Nations.
Which is likely to affect the operation of these mechanisms, including within the human rights sphere.
We call on member states to fully honor their commitments in order to make sure that the multilateral system can remain effective.
To conclude, Cote des Bois calls the council to remain faithful to the principles, the fundamental principles of universality, objectivity, non selectivity, and impartiality, and to make sure that the review of human rights situation is guided by cooperation and not politicization, including in the regions of Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representation of Rwanda.
Mr.
Vice President, Rwanda welcomes the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to advance rights based responses across development, climate and digital governance, and to integrate human rights into economic and environmental policy and AI standards.
Protracted conflicts arising inequality and surging hate speech and disinformation stretching the Office's monitoring, protection and accountability capacity Rising gaps in early warning and support for victims.
What concrete measures does the office plan to sustain and scale these core functions? We reiterate that hate speech must be addressed and perpetrators held accountable regardless of the platforms or tools they use.
Sustained monitoring, protection, and accountability can be strengthened through roc grounded solutions, a victim centered approach, and constructive engagement with member states in order to deliver tangible human rights improvements on the ground.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Ws.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Paraguay.
Paraguay, thanks the High Commissioner for the presentation of the annual report, and we support the office.
This is a global context marked by growing inequality, financial instability, and many other factors.
At this time, we recognize the key role played by OHCHR in the promotion and protection of human rights and in providing technical cooperation to states.
We believe that it is essential for human rights to continue to hold a key role in our efforts to achieve sustainable development and lasting peace.
In order to do this, we must have resources which are commensurate with the importance of human rights in the three pillars of the UN.
We particularly value the office's work in strengthening national capacity for the implementation of recommendations, and we highlight the support provided to national mechanisms and the important work done by human rights advisors and the support of the funds.
These are instruments which are essential to make sure there is a sustainable, more coordinated support for the implementation of recommendations which have a real effect on the ground.
However, there are issues which continue to be debated and at the global level, and all societies must bear in mind their domestic law, and we must consider the domestic priorities which are in line with their national priorities.
We believe there must be the promotion of the human rights of all persons with no discrimination.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan.
Vice President, Pakistan thanks the High Commissioner for the presentation of the report.
Today's global environment, marked by conflicts, crises, and calamities, calls for strict compliance with the UN charter and international law.
However, the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory is continuously deteriorating.
The OECHR report detailing atrocity crimes perpetrated by the occupying Israeli forces are a stark reminder that a lasting peace can only be achieved through the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state along pre 1967 borders with Al Kutz Al-Sharif as its capital.
Mr.
Vice President, in the Indian illegally occupied Jamu and Kashmir, grave violations of international law persist unabated for nearly eight decades.
Despite several UNSC resolutions, India continues to deprive Kashmiris of their ill inalienable right to self determination, condemning generations to an unending agony and pain.
India's persistent failure to respect international law extends beyond the IIOJK.
It's illegal suspension of the India's Water Treaty last year is another reflection of India's disregard for international norms.
We urge international community to take serious cognizance of these developments.
Mr.
Vice President, lastly, we believe that Tibet and Xinjiang related matters are China's internal affairs.
We regret efforts to politicize human rights issues in this context.
Thank you, Mr..
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to Mozambique.
Mr.
Vice President, we thank you.
Mozabique aligns itself with the statement delivered by the African group and thanks the High Commissioner for the presentation of EC's report, one that provides an overview of the worrying situation of human rights around the world.
My delegation commends the efforts of the Office of the High Commissioner in promoting, protecting, and advancing human rights in the various countries where it operates, particularly in an international context marked by the escalation of armed conflict, humanitarian crisis, and extreme weather events.
The adverse effects of climate change and the security situation resulting from terrorism in some districts of Cabo Delgado province in the northern part of the country continue to pose significant challenges for my country, affecting national efforts to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights.
Despite these constraints, Mozambique remains firmly committed to the promotion and protection of human rights through the strengthening of democratic institutions, the consolidation of the rule of law, the advancement of gender equality, and protection of the most vulnerable groups.
We would like to um highlight the ongoing inclusive national dialogue process in Mozabique which seeks to consolidate peace, national reconciliation and social cohesion, recognizing the close independence between peace development and human rights.
In closing, Mozabique reiterates its commitment to continuing its open and constructive cooperation with the Office of the UN for Human Rights.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We acknowledge the continued efforts of the OHCHR in promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.
The leadership of the Oh commissioner and the work of his office remain vital in today's increasingly difficult international forum.
We are particularly grateful for the office's steadfast engagement in Ukraine where its independent professional monitoring and reporting continue to provide an accurate account of the grave human rights consequences of Russia's aggression and ensure that the realities on the ground remain firmly on the international agenda.
Today, we want to draw the Council's attention to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the occupied areas of the Khasan region, including Aleshk, Pristina, Stats Buka and Nova Bova.
Civilians remain trapped under occupation.
Before the full scale invasion, the Alesha community had around 40,000 residents.
Today, fewer than 6,000 remain.
In Oleskey itself, about 2000 civilians including 47 children live in isolation under constant shelling.
Evacuation is blocked, access to food, water, and medicine is restricted and civilians seeking basic supplies face direct attacks.
Thus, we call on UN member states to take coordinated action to urge Russia to comply with international law, establish safe evacuation corridors, address the worsening humanitarian situation, prevent further harm to civilians and ensure accountability for these crimes, Essentia.
Gracias.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Austria firmly supports the mandate and independence of the High Commissioner and his office, whose work remains critical in addressing the mounting challenges to human rights worldwide.
We are deeply concerned by the executions and the escalating repression of dissent in Iran.
We urge Iran to immediately halt all executions, uphold its international human rights obligations, ensure due process and fair trial guarantees, and release all persons arbitrarily detained.
Austria reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the ongoing attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and forced deportation of Ukrainian children.
Austria urges Russia to engage in meaningful peace negotiations and agree to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire.
While we remain deeply concerned about the ongoing gang violence, widespread sexual and gender based violence and child recruitment in Haiti, we welcome the establishment of specialized judicial units as a step to strengthen the rule of law and address human rights violations.
We call on Haiti to ensure a swift and effective operationalization of these units.
Thank you.
Thank.
Charles.
Many thanks.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sweden.
Mr.
Vice President, Sweden aligns itself with the EU.
We thank the High Commissioner for his update and for the crucial work undertaken by the OHCHR to protect and promote human rights globally.
We express our strong support for you, High Commissioner, and for your office.
The full and equal enjoyment of human rights without discrimination is a cornerstone of our international human rights commitments.
It is the duty of all states to fulfill that promise.
Yet, human rights are increasingly portrayed as negotiable for women and girls, despite being universal, indivisible, and interdependent.
This undermines decades of progress and reinforces the very structures that perpetuate discrimination and violence.
Women and girls continue to face widespread violations of human rights worldwide.
Sexual and gender based violence, discrimination, and lack of sexual and reproductive health and rights remain deeply entrenched.
LGBTQ persons also continue to face attacks with their very identities increasingly targeted by restrictive laws and harmful rhetoric.
Let us be clear.
Human rights for women and girls are not negotiable.
We, the states that have agreed to promote and protect human rights for everyone without discrimination, must now increase our efforts to honor that commitment.
I thank you.
Many thanks.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal.
Mr.
Vice President, Nepal thanks the High Commissioner for the oral update and shares the high commissioner's concern over continuing human rights challenges highlighted in the report, including the impact of armed conflict, shrinking civic space, and the impacts of climate change.
At a time when multiple crises are straining our societies, we must strengthen multilateralism and the UN human rights system.
We urge all parties to Protect civilian, resolve conflict through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the UN Charter and in the spirit of international law.
Nepal reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and upholds the principle of universality.
We underscore the importance of the international cooperation to address the interconnected challenges of poverty, climate vulnerability, and digital divide.
Nepal remains committed to advancing human rights, democracy, social justice and equality in the country through the meaningful participation of women, youth, indigenous people, and marginalized communities in the national development.
We support the efforts made by the High Commissioner and his office in protecting and promoting human rights globally.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iceland.
Thank you President.
President, High Commissioner, the persistent challenges continuing to impact the human rights landscape.
Inequality is on the rise globally and human rights are under attack as highlighted by the High Commissioner's presentation yesterday.
Civic space continues to shrink with systematic repression of CSOs, journalists, political opponents, lawyers, and migrants, including in Tunisia, Uganda, Turkey, and the Russian Federation.
Media workers are increasingly in the targets of attacks and repression.
As the High Commissioner has said, the death penalty continues to be impossible to reconcile with human dignity and when applied in a discriminatory manner, it can constitute a violation of international law.
Armed conflicts rage across the world from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia and Sudan to the occupied Palestinian territory, Lebanon, Iran, Myanmar, Ukraine, and beyond, resulting in widespread human rights violations and severe humanitarian crises, often escalated by restrictions on humanitarian access.
President June marks Pride month in many countries.
Regrettably, since June 2025, the total number of countries that criminalized consensual same sex relations has risen again.
Together, this council can promote solidarity, peace, and dignity, strengthening our collective efforts to prevent and effectively respond to atrocity risks, and crimes.
I thank you.
Many thanks.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lithuania.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Lithuania Alliance with the EU statement and thanks, High Commissioner for the comprehensive update.
Russia continues to blatantly violate the UN charter and intensifies deliberate attacks against civilians and energy infrastructure with casualties rising to unprecedented levels.
We are particularly alarmed about the fate of deported Ukrainian children with a genocidal intent of erasing their identity through indoctrination and militarization.
Russia's first time inclusion in the list of parties committing conflict related sexual violence underscores the profound gravity of these crimes in Ukraine and make comprehensive accountability efforts even more essential.
Globally, impunity for human rights violations remains on the rise.
We continue to witness arbitrary arrests, politically motivated prosecutions, intimidation of journalists, human rights defenders and activists, further rounding already fragile civil society, especially in Belarus, Iran, Cuba, and elsewhere.
Pushback on human rights worldwide further entrenches discrimination, in particular affecting women and girls in extreme cases leading to gender persecution as we see in Afghanistan.
Furthermore, report cases of conflict related sexual violence more than doubled last year.
Mr.
High Commissioner, what recommendations would you offer to the international community to respond more effectively to this pushback on human rights? Thank you.
Many thanks.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Maldives.
Mr.
Vice President, the Maldives thanks the High Commissioner for his report.
The Maldives remains steadfast in fulfilling our human rights obligations.
In recent years, we have advanced reforms to strengthen institutions, expand access to social services, and promote equal protection under the law.
These efforts include increasing women's participation in governance through electoral quarters.
We have also implemented a national action plan on prevention and response to violence against children, strengthen juvenile justice mechanisms, and advanced policies that promote the rights of persons with disabilities.
As a small island developing state, the Maldives recognizes the adverse impacts of climate change on the full enjoyment of human rights and urges collective action to address this global challenge.
Mr.
Vice President, as this council marks its 20th anniversary, the multilateral human rights system faces growing challenges.
The continued impunity of the Israeli occupying forces in Gaza is a stark reminder of the need to uphold international law and accountability.
We further call for the UN Human Rights pillar to be adequately funded and reaffirm our support to the OHCHR.
I thank you.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks to High Commissioner for his update.
The annual update again paints a very bleak and worrying picture.
Human rights and multilateral human rights cooperation continue to be under threat, while it is imperative that the crisis of our times are addressed precisely through the multilateral institutions that allow us to join hands with respect for the safety, security, dignity, and well being of all.
We reaffirm our commitment to multilateral human rights cooperation, our continued support to the High Commissioner and his office, and our commitment to the success and effectiveness of this Human Rights Council.
Mr.
Vice President, we also want to express our concern about the deeply worrying trends pertaining to the safety of journalists and aid workers and in particular, the relentless violence against and sometimes even deliberate targeting of both journalists and humanitarian workers in conflict situations.
These attacks directly undermine the international rules based order and also further endanger the civilian populations affected by conflict.
We call for an end to the impunity and increased efforts to ensure accountability.
Unhindered and safe access for both journalists and humanitarian workers is essential and they must always be protected.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I call on distinguished representative of China.
Mr.
Vice President, the turbulent changes in the international situation have complicated global human rights governance as the council celebrates its 20th anniversary.
We should uphold respect for the human rights development path independently chosen by each country and China hopes that OCHA should play its due constructive role in this regard to promote dialogue and cooperation on human rights.
China commends the progress made by developing countries including Zambia in the field of human rights and look forward to great contribution from the global source to the global human rights governance.
Recently, China issued a national Human Rights action plan which sets out phased objectives and specific measures for the next five years through continued progress in human rights at home, China will contribute stability and certainty to the World Human Rights cause.
Xinjiang Xi ha and China enjoy prosperity, stability, and ethnic unity.
Hong Kong people are better able to enjoy their rights and freedoms.
Chinese law on promoting ethnic unity and progress is to safeguard the equal rights of all ethnic groups and promote common development prosperity.
This falls within China judicial sovereignty and China will never accept provocation or smear in this regard.
Mr.
Vice President of EU, UK, Australia, Switzerland, France, and Curkia are not countries.
Despite their own human rights Council, we are concerned with the human rights records and we urge them to do some concrete work for human rights.
Thank you.
Romania.
Thank you.
Romania.
Thank you, Vice President.
We thank the High Commissioner for the annual report and reiterate our support to his mandate.
Romania also commends the launch of the global Alliance, which seeks to bring human rights back to the heart of daily life, marked by political tensions.
If this collective action is pursued in a sustained fashion, it will bring the Universal Declaration of Human Rights back into the lives of our people debates and policy decisions.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary with the unemed responsibility to be the moral compass of human rights in the world.
It is vital that the spirit that drove us to its creation remains vibrant.
We must continue to wild its power to sustain people's pursuit to dignity, equality and justice.
Romania became a member of the Human Rights Council on June 19th, 2006, as part of its inaugural membership.
Since we endeavor to promote and respect the principle of the universality of human rights and fundamental freedoms and to support the mandate of the Council and its mechanisms to react to the most serious situations of human rights and violations and abuses in the world.
We will continue to offer our support in the years to come.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I call on the distinguished representative of India.
Mr.
Vice President, India takes note of the report of the High Commissioner rooted in pluralism, inclusivity, and democracy.
India believes human rights are best advanced through dialogue, cooperation, and capacity building.
India remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and aspirations of all its people.
As the world's fastest growing major economy, India has demonstrated how inclusive development can serve as a powerful force for the realization of human rights.
Through transformative investments in digital public infrastructures and financial inclusion.
India today delivers healthcare, housing, social protection, and financial services at an unprecedented scale.
Our technological advances from space and semiconductors to clean energy and digital innovation are guided by the principle that the benefits of progress must be shared equitably and leaves no one behind.
As emerging technologies transform societies, India's MNE framework advances a human centric approach to AI that expands opportunities and human welfare while safeguarding fundamental rights and human dignity.
We welcome OHCHRs continued support for the right to development and its efforts to advance economic, social, and cultural rights.
In the same spirit, India has strengthened its development partnerships across global South, responding to their priorities and contributing to their development aspirations.
Thank you.
Gracias.
Thank you.
I call on the distinguished representative of Montenegro.
Mr.
President, we thank the High Commissioner for the presentation.
The report demonstrates OHCHR indispensable role in protecting and promoting human rights worldwide.
By supporting victims, amplifying silenced voices and documenting violations and abuses, the office provides a vital lifeline to those at risk.
It also offers advisory support as Montenegro has witnessed firsthand the value of its engagement and expertise.
Yet demands on the office continue to grow while resources remain inadequate.
Hi, Commissioner, the growing gap between expectation and resources must be addressed through UNA.
It should recognize the human rights pillar is a strategic enabler of a more effective UN system capable of delivering on its peace and development objectives by acknowledging that human rights are indispensable to resilient societies and lasting stability.
The central role should be reflected in equity support and sustainable resources.
UNA should therefore help address the long standing imbalance between the growing demands placed on the Human Rights pillar and the limited regular budget resources available to meet them.
The human rights group can help translate this recognition into greater coherence across the UN system.
The launch of Global Alliance for Human Rights further demonstrates support for the universality and centrality of human rights that can help translate these principles into tangible improvements in people's everyday lives.
In this spirit, we reaffirm our steadfast support for the office and its mandate.
Thank you.
Muchas.
Thank you.
I call on the distinguished representative of Bangladesh.
Mr.
President, we thank the High Commissioner for his presentation.
Our government remains resolute in advancing human rights, justice, accountability, democratic governance, and the rule of law through inclusive and people centered reforms.
Mr.
President, Bangladesh expresses deep concern over the tension and conflict in the Middle East and welcomes initiatives aimed at de escalation, protection of civilians, and a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
Bangladesh expresses grave concern over the deepening humanitarian and human rights crisis across the OPT.
Particularly in Gaza, marked by continued civilian suffering, restricted humanitarian access and mass displacement.
We firmly oppose settlement expulsion, and annexion and any actions that undermine the Palestinian people's right to self determination.
In our neighborhood, the Rohingya minorities continue to face atrocities and violation of human rights.
We request the High Commissioner to effectively pursue a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis.
As climate change poses one of the most profound threats to the enjoyment of human rights, we emphasize the urgent need for just transition that upholds the principles of equity and climate justice.
As AI is increasingly shaping societies Bangladesh underscores that AI governance must be anchored in human rights, equity, transparency, and meaningful international cooperation.
Bangladesh welcomes the launching of the Global Alliance for Human Rights last week by the OHCHR.
Finally, we urge the High Commissioner to strengthen efforts in promoting international solidarity and cooperation.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
Has Gracias.
Thank you.
I call on the distinguished representative of Peru.
Thank you, President.
We reiterate our support to universal human rights system.
And to a constructive role in this council, we are concerned at the financial restrictions on the office.
Peru supports the office through voluntary contributions.
However, this effort must be collective to ensure adequate financing, which is predictable and sustainable on the reference to Peru.
And the political system in the country.
This is under the relevant constitutional and legislative framework which must be carried out without external interference and respect of sovereignty.
International cooperation must be provided with respect for national institutionality, and always through constructive dialogue.
We recall that Peru is committed to the rule of law, separation of powers, independence of institutions, and strengthening of democratic institutionality, and to protection and promotion of human rights.
In conclusion, we reiterate our commitment to multilateralism and to NOHCHR which contributes to peaceful and free societies.
Thank you.
Yes.
Thank you.
I call on distinguished representative of Togo.
Thank you, Vice President, Togser Thanks the High Commissioner for presenting annual report and welcomes the rigorous work carried out by all of the offices services.
We share the concerns expressed in the report relating to generalized violations of human rights, fragile multilateralism and a lack of financing for the international system.
In this context, we reaffirm our country's unflagging commitment to universal human rights and we reiterate our readiness to work.
Domestically and internationally for a better promotion and protection of human rights.
At the national level, this commitment is being strengthened and consolidated.
For example, Togo was clashed in February 2026, second in Africa for its legal framework that favors inclusion and economic rights of women according to the World Bank.
We remain internationally committed to constructive dialogue with all partners and we reiterate our call for enhanced financing for the OHHR as a sine quin for its effective service of human rights.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I call on the Russian Federation.
President, unfortunately, we have to note that once again, the mandate is spreading and the OHCHR has been selective and biased in assessing the human rights situation in various countries.
Only developing countries seem to come into criticism while there are enormous human rights violations in Western countries which are ignored.
Unfortunately, the High Commissioner is not responding to the rophobia in the Baltic states and does not give an objective assessment of the case of Alexander Gampanienko Victor Gushna and others who have upheld the interests of their compatriots or of the case of the journalist in Estonia.
Indeed, no sorrow has been expressed as regards the victims of the terrorist act carried out by Ukraine against peaceful Russians and infrastructure.
And we see silence regarding the shootings of civilians by those working for Kyiv and We see that Article 100 of the charter is being violated as regards non selectivity.
Thank you.
Regrettably, the statement could not be fully interpreted because of the speed.
Vice President Denmark alliance with the EU statement, and we thank the High Commissioner for his report and reiterate our full support to the work of OHCHR.
We are witnessing an alarming backlash against gender equality and women and girls rights.
Progress that we believe was irreversible is being rolled back and at the heart of this regression lies the direct assault on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
When these rights are restricted, the consequences are profound not only for women and girls, but for families, communities, and society as a whole.
We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing violation of women and girls rights in many places of the world, notably in countries like Afghanistan and Iran.
We call on these countries in particular to immediately ensure the fulfillment of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all women and girls.
Gender equality is not a secondary issues, nor is it a matter of ideology.
It's fundamental to democratic societies, to peace, and to the achievement of the sustainable development goals.
The commitments made in Beijing, Cairo, and beyond were not gifts.
They were hard won accomplishments by generations of women advocates and human rights defenders and we must all reaffirm those commitments without reservation.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you, Vice President.
We have taken note of the report of the High Commissioner and his presentation regarding the human rights situation and the impact of armed conflict around the world.
My country, Mr.
Vice President, is facing a war of aggression with foreign factors combining with internal factors.
It's a war against humans and the government.
The a militia of the rapid support forces has violated every imaginable right and every single provision of the International Human Rights law as well as any instrument on counterterrorism.
These violations have been supported by the political media and the military support that it's benefiting from from some parties.
My country has complained multiple times at the Security Council against the UAE because it supported those militias and this resulted in violations fueling the conflict and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
The findings of the report of Human Rights Watch, a valuable one at the end of last May, it spoke about recruitment and financing of the armed groups that are trained by the UAE.
On the 5th of September 2025, there was an indication in the report that companies headquartered in the UAE with links with Abu Dhabi working for the terrorist militia.
This uh Interruption from the presidency, Nigeria.
Major please.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Nigeria Alliance with the African Group and OIC.
We thank the High Commissioner for his report and reiterate our support for OCHR and other human rights mechanisms.
We appreciate the important role of OCHR in supporting member states, including Nigeria through technical cooperation, humanitarian engagement, and capacity building efforts aimed at strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights.
Mr.
President, Niger shares the Commissioner's concern over the growing number of conflicts, humanitarian crises, and security challenges across many regions of the world.
These situations continue to undermine development, displaced communities, and expose civilians, particularly women and children to heightened risks.
In this regard, we underscore the importance of restraint in the use of force, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and accountability in accordance with international law.
Finally, current global challenges demand renewed commitment to multilateralism, deeper international cooperation, and constructive engagement rooted in the respect for international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
Nigeria remains convinced that the lasting peace, security, stability, and sustainable development can only be achieved through adherence to these principles and genuine international cooperation devoid of politicization, polarization, and double standards.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Gracias.
Thank you.
I call on the distinguished representative of Senegal.
Preside President, the weakening of the multilateral human rights protection system is a worrying trend.
At a time when the world faces climate emergencies and the rapid development of artificial intelligence, these new challenges add to classic problems such as armed conflict, violent extremism, and humanitarian disasters making solutions complex and thus the quasi chronic underfnancing of the third pillar of the United Nations gravely harms work on the ground by the UN, which is crucial for the most vulnerable populations, especially in the countries of the South.
We must commit firmly to preserving and strengthening the progress made.
Because peace and security internationally depend on this as does full implementation of the SDGs.
We commend the High Commissioner and his active commitment to better taking into account of human rights symbolized by the launch of the Global Alliance for Human Rights.
Together, we can work to strengthen strengthen commitment to the central place of human rights on the international agenda and reject everywhere determinately hate speech, supremacism, racism, xenophobia, and religious intolerance.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I call on Slovenia.
Vice President, Slovenia aligns itself with the EU statement.
Mr.
High Commissioner, we thank you for your comprehensive update and commend the dedication of your office's staff working under increasingly difficult circumstances around the world.
Your report reminds us that respect for human rights is not only a moral imperative, but also a legal obligation.
As you pointed out yesterday, the vast majority of people globally wish for more, not less respect for human rights.
Slovenia supports your call to place human rights front and center of the United Nations efforts.
We welcome the establishment of the Human Rights Coordination Group as an important contribution to the UN 80 process responding to needs of the people on the ground.
We remain deeply concerned by the continued erosion of international law and the widening gap between commitments and implementation.
Accountability, impartial and independent justice institutions and meaningful participation of civil society, including human rights defenders remain essential safeguards against impunity and abuse.
Mr.
High Commissioner, you also stressed the corruption has adverse impacts on the enjoyment of human rights.
Combating corruption is one of the key priorities of the new Slovenian government.
Our commitment to the protection of the rights of older persons, children, and the most vulnerable remains strong.
We also reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and the full equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in all spheres of public life.
Thank you.
I call on Colombia.
Vice President, I thank the High Commissioner for the report on the situation of human rights internationally.
Every day it is more alarming to see how the leaders on the world stage neglect rights, including IHL and international rights law and sabotage the function of multilateralism.
Colombia welcomes the Global Alliance for Human Rights launched last week.
To bring human rights back to decision making globally, given the rise in conflicts and inequality.
We also welcome the initiative of the ICRC to bring commitment to international humanitarian law.
There are other initiatives that Colombia also supports.
It is crucial to do so in a time of crisis.
We call on governments, parliaments, judges, civil society, academia, the media and everyone to respect international law and multilateralism.
Neglecting it brings violence which threatens peaceful coexistence.
We must act urgently, peacefully to restore commitment to the frameworks that guarantee coexistence in the human family.
Thank you.
I call on Brazil.
President.
Thank you, Vice President.
Thanks to High Commissioner, for his report in this session dedicated to the promotion of gender equality.
Brazil draws the council's attention to the importance of combating all forms of violence against women and girls, freedom of expression, in particular in the digital sphere.
Ensuring safe environments for all women to express their views is essential to strengthening their participation in public affairs and decision making spaces.
Brazil also highlights the vulnerable situation of indigenous LGBTQIA plus persons.
It is crucial to strengthen multilateral spaces for dialogue that shed light on their realities, promote international cooperation, and support strategies to address the structural violence affecting these populations.
Further draw attention to persons in street situations, reflecting yet another layer of vulnerability.
Addressing this issue requires integrated policies that recognize the diverse circumstances that lead individuals to live on the streets and the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination they face.
At a time when challenges test the resilience of inclusive policies and international cooperation, Brazil reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the full realization of human rights for all without any discrimination.
I thank you.
Thank you.
My call on Morocco.
Thank you, President of Morocco.
Thanks, the High Commissioner for presenting the annual report.
We take the opportunity to congratulate the High Commissioner on the innovatory initiative for the Global Alliance on Human Rights and we reiterate our support to it.
In this spirit, Morocco had the honor to host on fifth and sixth June the retreats devoted to the UPR.
As we approach the fifth cycle of this flagship mechanism, this event allowed reflection, the intense inclusive discussions brought together states, experts and civil society to look to the future.
The shared objective is clear to optimize the effect of the UPR on the ground to clear recommendations, strengthened national implementation frameworks, and reinvigorated international cooperation.
This successful meeting shows our willingness to build on progress, particularly as regards to the UPR, this mechanism which has particular legitimacy within the Council, we intend to work with our partners to ensure that the conclusions of this retreat contribute substantively to the preparation of the next cycle of the EPR.
Thank you.
Gracias.
Thank you.
I call on Sierra Leone.
Vice President Clean Alliance with the African Gu and thanks to their Commissioner for presenting its global report.
We emphasize the importance of maintaining human rights as a central focus of the UN's work alongside peace, security and development.
Upholding human rights is essential to preventing conflict, promoting sustainable development, and safeguarding international peace and security.
We reiterate the role of the council in promoting and protecting all human rights through dialogue, cooperation, and technical assistance grounded in universality, impartiality and non selectivity.
We emphasize on the importance of treaty bodies in supporting the implementation of human rights obligations and acknowledge that funding gaps hinder their effectiveness.
Therefore, we support sustainable, predictable financing, including a dedicated trust fund to ensure long term support while preserving independence.
We support the I Comision' emphasis on the visibility and interdependence of all rights.
The council must give equal attention to economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights.
Recent disruptions in the state of Amos demonstrates how global crisis can jeopardize livelihoods, food security, and essential services, particularly in developing countries by disrupting energy supplies, trade, and living costs.
We call for a balanced, holistic approach to ensure that economic, social and cultural rights receive the attention they deserve as they are essential to human dignity and sustainable development.
I thank you, Vice President.
Thank you.
I call on the distinguished representative Mauritania.
Thank you, Mauritania.
Thanks to the high commission for presenting his annual report and notes the wide range of activities carried out by his office during the reporting period.
We commend the support provided by the OHCHR to human rights mechanisms, including the EPR.
And we welcome the report's focus on technical cooperation, capacity building, and support to national mechanisms for implementation.
This cooperation remains essential to assist states in translating their international commitments into concrete national policies.
We also welcome the attention given by the report to the linkages between human rights, sustainable development, external debt, climate change, the right to development, and the reform of the international financial architecture.
We must address the root causes of poverty inequality, food insecurity and Mauritania reiterates its readiness to continue its constructive cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Human Rights Council in support of a global human rights system that is credible, balanced, and responsive to the needs of all people.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I call on Sri Lanka.
Thank you, President.
Current global challenges including conflict, economic hardship, food insecurity, climate related disasters, and widening inequalities continue to have significant human rights implications.
Adré these challenges effectively requires constructive dialogue, genuine cooperation, fairness, and mutual respect.
At a time of financial constraints within the United Nations, it is also important to use limited resources effectively and focus on areas where cooperation can deliver tangible resources.
We reaffirmed that all human rights situations must be assessed with impartiality, objectivity, and non selectivity.
Sri Lanka remains committed to advancing the rights and well being of all its people through nationally owned democratic and constitutionally grounded processes.
Despite economic and climate related challenges, we continue to strengthen stability, protect vulnerable communities, and promote inclusive recovery.
The government remains focused on national unity, reconciliation, economic recovery, institutional strengthening, transparency, anti corruption efforts and the rule of law.
We also continue our constructive engagement with the High Commissioner and his office.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka invites the council to support nationally owned efforts through cooperation, genuine dialogue, and understanding.
We also reaffirm our support for one China policy and the principle of non interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.
I thank you.
M.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.
Sided is.
Vice President.
Our Kingdom wishes to thank the High Commissioner for his presentation and we remind of the importance to continue global efforts to promote and protect human rights so we can protect human dignity and face growing challenges connected to the poverty crisis, hate speech, et cetera We believe there must be promotion and protection of human rights for all.
We aim to increase capacity building and an exchange of expertise so we can further enhance prosperity and preserve human dignity.
There must be particular attention on the situation of children and ensure that children can enjoy their fundamental rights while we provide the necessary provisions for international commitment.
We are concerned at the situation of children 15-18 years of age.
They are often considered adults.
We believe that youth justice should be brought into line with international standards where this is not the case.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic.
Thank you very much, Vice President.
The Dominican Republic wishes to thank the High Commissioner for the presentation of his report in a context where there are dual challenges.
We agree with the criteria that we're not just facing a liquidity crisis, we're facing also a crisis of collective commitment to the fundamental rights underpinning this council.
Given this, our efforts must focus on making better decisions and achieving better activities which make for a real impact on the life of persons.
We must combat the distorted discourse which erodes the credibility of the human rights system.
We are concerned at the serious situation in Haiti, the persistence of gang violence, insecurity, the humanitarian crisis affect the well being of millions of people.
We reiterate our support for international efforts to re establish security, strengthen institutions, and promote sustainable solutions which are led by Haitians themselves.
We welcome the fact that despite limitations, the office is yielding specific results, demonstrating that technical cooperation and capacity building are essential to turn international commitment into public policy and to ensure that we have a council that is more effective, more credible, closer to victims, but especially is consistent with the principle of universality that brings us together.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Mr.
Vice President, the government of the DPRK remains firmly committed to promoting and protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of its people.
The dignity and rights of our people are safeguarded through a comprehensive institutional framework, legal guarantees, and practical measures aimed at improving their well being.
In recent years, notable progress has been achieved across various areas of human rights, including the development of public health services, the expansion of housing provision, and enhancement of living standards.
The government of D Berk will continue its efforts to strengthen and develop a socialist system, which it regards as the foundation for ensuring the genuine enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Mr.
Vice President, my delegation would like to make a few points.
First, interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states should not be tolerated.
Second, the practice of selectivity and double standards should be put to an end.
In this context, my delegation expresses serious concern that certain mechanisms and mandate holders within the international human rights system, including the Owit its OHC HR and special procedures are increasingly serving political interests instead of facilitating constructive cooperation.
My delegation calls for a comprehensive review of politicized institutional mechanisms and advocates for approaches that promote dialogue cooperation, and mutual respect of all member states.
In conclusion, my delegation rejects unfounded allegations and politicized criticism relating to the human rights situation in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong.
I thank you.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nijer.
Per.
Thank you, Vice President.
Niger endorses the statement made by the sister Republic of Burkina Faso on behalf of the group of Sahel states.
We also would like to thank the High Commissioner for the presentation of his report.
We note that the report recognizes that grave violations are committed by terrorist groups and extremists which are rife in our region.
When faced with this threat, the Nigerian state is exercising its sovereign duty to protect its people and its territorial integrity.
The community self defense structures which have been put in place are provided with a legal framework.
They have a preventive mission to contribute to the protection of populations and to build resilience amongst communities when faced with terrorism.
When it comes to matters relating to homosexuality, Niger restates its attachment to the respect of its national sovereignty, of its domestic legal provisions and its ancestral and cultural values freely chosen by its people.
The provisions that have been adopted in this sphere stem exclusively from the exercise of the sovereign prerogatives of our state.
We remain willing to continue a constructive dialogue with the High Commissioner in a spirit of mutual respect, objectivity, and cooperation.
Ma Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe.
Thank you, Vice President.
Zimbabwe appreciates the comprehensive update by the High Commissioner on the global human rights situation.
We commend the Office of the High Commissioner for its dedication and continued efforts towards the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe in spite of the current challenging environment.
Are concerned by the ever increasing political, social and environmental crisis and the continued financial constraints facing the UN.
We underscore the importance of full respect of the UN charter, international human rights law, and international humanitarian law by all parties.
Zimbabwe concurs with the assertion that world leaders need to put human rights ahead of life changing decisions and that countries need to invest more in human rights for sustainable development.
We however, believe that promotion and protection of human rights are better achieved by going back to the founding principles of impartiality, objectivity, transparency, non selectivity, non politicization, and non confrontation.
We reiterate the importance of fair and balanced reporting, which is essential for maintaining the confidence of member states and ensuring that the council continues to serve as a credible forum for the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cambodia.
Mr.
President, Kambu thank the High Commissioner for the report and express its appreciation for OACHR assistance and engagement with our authorities and community affected and displaced by recent border hostilities.
The current global context reminds us that peace is indispensable to the full enjoyment of human rights.
Cambori reaffirms the importance of resolving dispute through peaceful means in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, International Human Rights Law, and International Humanitarian Law.
We remain deeply concerned about the human cause of ongoing armed conflict in different regions of the world.
Civilian and civilian and civilian infrastructure must be never targeted.
The loss of life, the displacement of community, the destruction of home, and the essential services and other acts affecting civilian population have profound and lasting consequences for the enjoyment of human rights.
We are equally concerned about damage to size, our cultural and historical significance, which undermines cultural right, erodes the heritage and identity of affected community and result in irreversible loss of cultural heritage for both present and future generation.
Mr.
President, can we call upon international community to give due attention to the reality faced by affected civilians on the ground to ensure that their suffering is neither overlooked nor overshadow by computing narrative and to support efforts aimed at ensuring accountability for violation of international law.
I thank you.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Greece.
President, Crees aligns with the EU statement and thanks to High Commissioner for his report.
Unfortunately, the global human rights situation continues to deteriorate at an alarming pace.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to flagrantly violate international law and the human rights of the Ukrainian people.
Regarding the Middle East, we call for restraint, the respect of IHL, which is also vital to address the violations of the human rights of the Iranian people.
We hope that recent developments will lead to a lasting peace and improvement in the human rights situation in the region.
In particular, the suffering of the Gazan people must end and unhindered humanitarian access must be urgently ensured.
The Gaza peace plan should be implemented with a view to advancing a viable two state solution and lasting peace.
We reiterate our call for the urgent and full disarmament of Hamas.
In Syria, an inclusive transition process and accountability are essential for recovery and reconciliation.
Sudan, the international community must act decisively to end this horrific crisis and ensure accountability.
On Lebanon, an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure is imperative.
The human rights situation in Afghanistan, Venezuela, Eastern DRC, and Myanmar remains unacceptable.
Addressing these challenges requires a renewed commitment to human dignity and the rule of law.
We therefore welcome the launch of the High Commissioners Global Alliance and reaffirm our strong support for OHCHR and its efforts to fulfill its mandate independently and with adequate resources.
I thank you.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Tanzania.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The United Republic of Tanzania thanks the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for the presentation of the annual report and commends his continued efforts despite significant financial constraints.
We share the concern over the impact of armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, poverty, inequality, climate change, and emerging technologies on the enjoyment of human rights worldwide.
We underscore the importance of addressing these challenges through dialogue, international cooperation, and human rights based approach that respects national priorities and circumstances.
Welcome the continued support provided by the Office of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights to member states in strengthening national capacities and institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, sustainable development, peace building, and the implementation of the commitment for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
The United Republic of Tanzania remains committed to constructive engagement with the Human Rights Council and the Office of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights in promoting and protecting human rights through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.
I thank you.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burundi.
Thank you, Vice President.
We align ourselves with a statement made by Kenya on behalf of the Africa Group.
My delegation takes note of the annual report of the High Commissioner reminding us that we mustn't get distracted and must continue our tireless work to strengthen human rights.
This is particularly true today when international law is increasingly weakened by the escalation of major armed conflicts, the multiplication of unilateral use of force, and it is also a world where humanitarian needs are ever growing and unfortunately suffer from a lack of financing.
My delegation echoes the voice of the High Commissioner, extremely concerned by insecurity, the catastrophic humanitarian situation, and recurrent violations of human rights caused by military attacks by the Rebel coalition AFCM 23 with the well documented support of Rwanda in the east of the DRC.
This is also heightened by the deadly Ebola epidemic, which according to the WHO has a risk of spreading in the region and is a public health emergency that is global.
We seize this opportunity to reiterate the appeal for international solidarity for an effective response and the mobilization of resources that are both technical and financial to put a stop to contagion.
This is a priority.
My country restates it full support for the principle of one China and its model of socioeconomic development to benefit it people, which is inspiring.
Barbara Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Moldova.
Mr.
President, we thank the High Commissioner for the presentation of the report.
We regret that in this challenging global situation, OCHR continues to face resource constraints.
We commend the office for the efforts to fulfill its mandate through organizational efficiency, as well as we welcome the new initiative on the Global Alliance for Human Rights.
Mr.
President, as it has been emphasized previously, the Republic of Moldova remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in the Transnistrian region.
Freedom of expression and association continues to be limited.
Latenscript schools as well as their teachers and students still face various forms of pressure.
The situation of individuals detained on political grounds is deeply concerning.
They must be unconditionally and immediately released.
We reiterate our appeal for the removal of obstacles to the free movement of citizens, including journalists and civil society representatives.
We once again call on the Russian Federation to execute the relevant Europe Court of Human Rights, judgments originating from the Tsnistrian region.
The Moldovan government remains committed to take measures aimed at bringing the both banks of the Nishu River closer and promote peaceful resolution of the Traisteran conflict, respecting the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders.
I thank you.
Mel.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Afghanistan.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
At the outset, we wish to address high commissioners yesterday's reference to the Taliban decree number 18 as Afghanistan legalization of child marriage.
Afghanistan is not legalizing child marriage, the Taliban are.
The action and the decrees of unrecognized and legitimate authority must not be equated with the state of Afghanistan or its people who are themselves victims of these policies.
The violent killing and detention of women protesters in Heat province last week is the latest evidence.
This is We acknowledge the annual report and the work undertaken by UNAMA during this period.
We recognize the reports overall assessment across key areas, including accountability, participation, and non discrimination.
We take particular note of the report's reference to civilian harm from explosive remnants of war.
We also note the report's finding on the detention of minorities, periodic human rights updates and thematic reporting by OECR and UNAMA as well as engaging with the authorities on the condition and the places of detention and related recommendations.
Regarding civic space, we note that the report's observation on restriction affecting fundamental freedom and UMas effort to engage stakeholders through dialogue, awareness raising and freedom of expression and access to information.
On non discrimination, we understand that the report's concern regarding the situation of women and girls, including constraint on non participation in public life and impact on the UN operations, as well as continued documentation of gender based violence related to protection challenges.
Do you understand underscores important Guterres.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya.
President, Kenya aligns itself with a statement delivered by the Africa Group and thanks the High Commissioner for his comprehensive report.
At a time marked by multiple and interconnected global challenges, including conflict humanitarian crises, climate change, and economic pressures, Kenya reaffirms its commitment for the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
We recognize the important role of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in supporting member states, strengthening human rights mechanisms, and facilitating dialogue and cooperation at national, regional and international levels.
Kenya underscores the importance of technical assistance and capacity building provided in accordance with the national priorities and circumstances as effective tools for advancing the promotion and protection of human rights.
As highlighted in the report, we have witnessed the value of such support through cooperation with OHCHR, including in follow up to the UPR, efforts relating to business and human rights and initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality and the protection of women's rights.
Such cooperation demonstrates the value of dialogue, partnership, and national ownership in supporting sustainable progress.
Kenya takes note of the challenges highlighted in the report and underscores the importance of ensuring that OHCHR is able to effectively and efficiently carry out its mandate.
Kenya remains committed to working with OHCHR and all partners in advancing a human rights agenda that promotes peace development and human dignity for all.
I thank you.
Charles Gracias.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the La of People's Democratic Republic.
President, my delegation, thanks to the high Commissioner for presenting the report, which highlights the human rights situation globally.
We would also like to commence the Hi Commissioner for his proactive law and efforts to promote the work of the council during this challenging period.
The La PDR reiterate its commitments to cooperate constructively with the OHCHR and UN human rights mechanisms.
Recently, the La PDR has submitted the initial National report to the Convention Against Torture and other QR inhumane and degrading treatment and punishment on ten June 2026.
Mr.
President, on another note, we stress the importance of upholding the principle of non interference in internal affairs of other states.
In this connection, the law PRE affirms its support to the one China principle and consider that Hong Kong insang and Xinjiang related issue are China's internal affairs.
In conclusion, the Lapida maintains its support to the work of the council while upholding the principle of impartiality, objectivity, non selectivity, as well as enhancing genius dialogue and cooperation in the promotion and protection of human rights, taking into account needs and parity of the concerned country.
I thank you.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Libya.
Say the right? Mr.
Vice President, at the outset, we associate ourselves with the statements delivered by groups to which we belong, and we extend our thanks to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and we stress the importance of addressing human rights issues in all countries on an equal footing.
In a spirit of neutrality and objectivity.
We stress our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights in a manner that goes in line with each country's priorities and we have taken efforts that have contributed in disbandoning armed groups and the carrying out a number of security operations in this respect.
We renew our commitment to work with the Human Rights Council and other organizations, especially the Office of the High Commissioner in the field of capacity building in order to improve the institutional capacities in the field of promotion and Protection of human rights under Human Rights Council resolution 32 slash 60.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Sudan.
Mr.
Vice President of South Sudan, thanks the High Commissioner for his annual report and align with his African group statement.
A the global human rights landscape is currently at the defining crossroads.
As concluded in the High Commissioner's annual report, we reiterate our steadfast position that the best options to reverse this current situation are to recommit to respect of the principle of the human Of the UN Charter is strengthening multilateralism, poster, trust, and constructive engagement, safeguarding the principle of universality and non selectivity and non interference in the internal affairs of member states.
Shao Suhari affirmed that Xiang and Xin Yang and Hong Kong related issues are China's internal affairs which broke no external interference at it further command China active fulfillment of international human rights obligation.
In conclusion, we call upon the international community and donors in particular to provide funds to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to enable it to carry out its mandate and timely respond to escalating crisis, as well as to provide technical assistance and capacity building to the countries in need, including my country, South Sudan.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chad.
It appears that Chad is not in the room.
Let me give the floor to the distinguished representative of Caoverte.
Thank you, Vice President.
My delegation wishes to thank the High Commissioner for his annual report and for his detailing of the human rights situation throughout the world.
We note with real concern that in very many regions, the human rights situation continues to worsen.
Fundamental rights, notably the right to life, to liberty, and to human dignity, are severely threatened.
We commend the efforts of OHCHR that closely working with all of the UN system continues to work For the promotion and protection and the effective implementation of international human rights standards, these efforts are all the more essential given that they're recurring in a context which is marked by increasing crisis and persistent budgetary stress.
We particularly emphasize the importance of technical assistance and capacity building activities.
These specifically contribute to ensuring that human rights are included within public policy and governance.
We take note of the comments made about Caverde in the commissioner's report.
We are fully ready and willing to continue a constructive dialogue with the High Commissioner and international mechanisms in a spirit of cooperation, transparency, and increasing improvement.
We are a state based on the democratic rule of law and a progressive constitution and where minority rights are guaranteed.
We will continue to work with member states to promote the protection of human rights and to consolidate this principle.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mali.
Vice President, Mali aligns itself with the statement made by the sister Republic of Niger on behalf of the Alliance of Sahel States and we thank the High Commissioner for his report.
My delegation wishes to remind that the security crisis and the terrorism raging throughout the Sahel for more than ten years are the result of armed intervention in Libya.
Recent events in April aiming to destabilize the institutions of my country were coordinated and benefited from the support of different stakeholders inside and outside the country.
These did fail, but they did lead to civilian and military deaths.
Hi, Commissioner, you indicate in your update that you're concerned by information saying that well known journalists have been detained by security forces while doing their job.
The government of the Republic of Mali through me, indicates that the journalists being prosecuted, however well known they are, were are held on the basis of provisions of our Penal Code and our code of criminal proceedings and other relevant tests.
No journalist is detained in Mali due to the exercise of their functions as your report says, but solely basis of violations of criminal law.
Given that this is so, the different prosecutors and investigating magistrates will continue their work, as is the case in all other countries in the world.
Thank you.
Thank you, Adam.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Qatar.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
My country strongly condemns the grave violations committed by Israel against the Palestinians, Lebanese, and Syrians, as well as the expansion of illegal settlement activities, forced displacement and targeting the Palestinian existence in a flagrant violation of international laws and conventions.
We call upon the international community to act immediately to put an end to these violations and to end the Israeli occupation of all Arab lands and to open corridors to provide access to humanitarian assistance to those in need, especially in Gaza and to hold all Israeli officials accountable for such violations.
Achieving a just and lasting peace, stability and sustainable development does not happen through persecution and wars, but through diplomacy and dialogue.
Well as a human rights based approach.
Hence, we welcome the reaching of an agreement on a memorandum of understanding between the USA and Iran on the pending matters between them and we fully support all efforts of mediation in order to promote security and stability by peaceful means.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I call on Estonia.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Estonia aligns with the EU statement.
Hi, Commissioner, Estonia shares your concerns, and we thank you and your office for a commitment to advancing and delivering human rights for everyone everywhere.
As you highlighted yesterday, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has turned deadlier than ever over the past three years.
Just yesterday, Russia carried out yet another massive drone and missile attack against Kyiv, including the 11th century dormito Cathedral, the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Russia has been listed by the UN Secretary-General for violating children's rights in conflict and now also for conflict related sexual violence.
It strikes humanitarian workers and compounds, all in flagrant violation of international law.
We call for full accountability for all crimes committed by Russia.
Hi, Commissioner.
You warned yesterday against lethal autonomous weapons that have becoming a reality.
In Europe, due to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, drones have shed or been discovered in more than ten neighboring countries.
Drones entering sovereign countries airspace, combined with plate and disinformation campaigns and false claims by Russia affect Estonia directly.
We have never allowed our territory or airspace to be used for attacks against targets in Russia.
To conclude, the response to current challenges goes through increased support for human rights, including through adequate financing.
Hence, Estonia warmly welcomes the recent launch of the Global Alliance for Human Rights.
I thank you.
Michelle Gracias.
Thank you.
I call on the distinguished representative of Oman.
Sk.
Thank you, Vice President.
The delegation of the Sultanat Oman would like to express its appreciation for the High Commissioner and his team for preparing the comprehensive annual report and we commend the ongoing efforts by the Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner in an extremely complex and unstable international landscape.
We have been monitoring with grave concern the exacerbating financial crisis at the UN and at the human rights level, which has canceled or reduced some critical programs and activities.
Here we would like to insist on the importance of the collective responsibility in providing sustainable and resilient financial support to the Office of the High Commissioner.
Mr.
Vice President, the Sultanate of Oman has always documented the various forms of cooperation it has with the International Human Rights mechanisms and the various programs that it has with the Office of the High Commissioner.
This was indicated in the High Commissioner's report in paragraph 12, which a has exemplified some of the forms of cooperation that facilitated our accession to the ICCPR and our preparation for periodic reports as well as the fourth round of the UPR, which will be adopted in the 62nd session of the HRC.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Is.
Sra.
Thank you, President.
Tunisia reiterates its strong commitment to the promotion, protection of human rights to lay the basis of a democratic system with the rule of law, good governance, and social justice.
We recall our commitment to working with the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms in accordance with our international commitments and within respect for our sovereignty and non interference, President, Tunisia seeks to protect human rights and freedoms, especially freedom of opinion expression.
Constitution enshrines this in Article 37 and guarantees freedom of opinion, thoughts, expression, information and publication.
As referred to in the oral presentation, Tunisia seeks to ensure that journalists are protected within a framework of respect for the law and that journalists and citizens are only prosecuted where they commit crimes in keeping with the law and judicial procedures.
We have the rule of law in our country and we reject allegations In the statements by Luxembourg and Iceland regarding the human rights situation in Tunisia, this is an unacceptable interference in internal affairs based on unfounded allegations.
We call on all parties to investigate objectively credibly I call on the DRC President, we commend the presentation of the annual report by the High Commissioner and the ongoing commitment to the promotion of human dignity.
As the High Commissioner recalled, the human rights situation is worrying.
Civilians continue to pay a heavy price for geopolitical strivings and regional processes and ceasefires do not prevent the tragedies on the ground.
There are criminals and committers of war crimes who must be prosecuted.
Our government welcomes the deployment of the COI on the ground to identify the perpetrators of atrocities and contribute to international efforts to bring an end to impunity.
We reaffirm our cooperation in order to protect civilians in these two provinces, given the security Marian and health crisis and the Ebola virus, my government calls for respect for the ceasefire for humanitarian truce and for the Bourque to be reopened to provide assistance to the population.
This is the only way to ensure the effective enjoyment of human rights in this part of our territory and in the Great Lakes region.
Thank you.
The interpreters regret that this was read too fast for full interpretation.
I call.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President, Namibia remains committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights and appreciate the report of the High Commissioner.
We also continue to take measures to align our National Legal framework with international standards.
To that effect, Namibia recently ratified the Ilo Convention 190 on sexual harassment and the Ilo Convention 156 on workers with families and responsibilities.
However, Namibia presented its national report to the working group of the Universal Periodic Review eight 52nd session.
Global tension, threaten multilateralism and international law.
As such, Nya firmly believes that international cooperation and solidarity remain the only tools with which states can address global challenges and uphold their international obligation to promote and protect human rights.
To that end, we welcome the announcement of the signing of the MOU between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities in the Middle East.
Namibia also takes note of the oral update by the Commission in which Zambia has been cited as an example of states thickening the authoritarian playbook.
We believe fair and balanced reporting is essential for maintaining the confidence and trust of member states for the safeguarding the credibility, effectiveness, and integrity of the council.
We therefore encourage continued constructive engagement and cooperation with the Republic of Zambia in the spirit of constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.
Nama further reiterates unwavering support for the right of self determination of the people of Palestine and calls for an end to the illegal occupation and ongoing carnage in the occupied territories.
We also reaffirm our for support to the right of the people of Western Sahara to self determination autonomy.
Thank you.
I call on Vietnam Mr.
Vice President, Vietnam thanks the Hi Commissioner for his update and reaffirms our support for his office's work in promoting and protecting human rights for all.
Our world faces multiplying global challenges, conflicts, climate change, widening inequalities, digital transformation, and humanitarian crisis, making our collective mission more demanding than ever.
In this context, the Human Rights Council must strengthen its effectiveness through sincere dialogue, cooperation, and mutual trust while upholding the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, non selectivity, and non interference in internal affairs, and avoiding politicization and confrontation.
As a council member, Vietnam pursues people centered, sustainable, green, and inclusive development, placing human beings at the heart of all policies.
As one of the country's most vulnerable to climate change, we reaffirm our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 and call for enhanced climate finance and cooperation for developing countries.
Vietnam remains firmly committed to genuine dialogue and effective cooperation with all member states and UN human rights mechanisms.
We stress, however, that any assessment of national human rights situations must be grounded in objective, verified, and balanced information.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I call on Cameron.
Thank you, President.
Cameeron aligns with the statements by the groups to which it belongs.
We thank the High Commissioner for presenting his report and commend the efforts by the Office in international context marked by multiple security, humanitarian and economic crises.
My country remain convinced that promoting and protecting human rights requires dialogue, international cooperation, and strengthening of national capacities.
Cameroon welcomes the quality of its cooperation with the Office of the Hi Commissioner for Human Rights and the various council mechanisms.
Cameroon has noted the reference by the High Commissioner to recent confrontations in the regions of Northwest and Southwest and human victims.
We should recall that this violence comes in the context of recurrent attacks by armed groups against civilian populations and state institutions.
Cameroon regrets any loss of human life.
And remains determined to combat terrorism, respecting its national and international obligations.
Despite the security and economic challenges, my country is continuing to implement public policies to promote the strengthening of the rule of law and protecting human dignity.
Cameroon shares the High Commissioner's call for renewal of multilateralism based on solidarity, inclusion and respect for human dignity.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I call on Guinea.
Thank you, Vice President.
My delegation aligns with the statements made by the groups to which it belongs and thanks to High Commissioner Mr.
Fokkuk for presenting his annual report.
We also commend the efforts by the Office of the High Commissioner to promote and protect human rights.
We note with concern the challenges pointed to in the report with the multiplication of armed conflicts, worsening inequalities, shrinkage of civic space, and growing financial constraints facing the international human rights system.
We believe that human rights, development, and peace are in the sociable and reaffirmed the importance of the development and the need to reform the international financial architecture to allow developing countries to mobilize the resources they need to ensure the economic, social and cultural rights of the populations.
We are also concerned by the financial crisis affecting OHCHR.
Predictable adequate sustainable resources are crucial so that they can fully carry out its mandate, especially in the fields of prevention, protection, and technical assistance.
Vice President Guinea remains committed to its cooperation with the OHCHR and the International Human Rights mechanisms.
In this spirit, it continues its efforts to strengthen the rule of law and access to justice and to ensure the follow up recommendations arising from the full cycle of the EPR.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I call Angola.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President, I'm sorry.
Angola aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the African group and thanks the High Commissioner for his comprehensive update.
As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council, Angola reaffirms its unwavering commitment to multilateralism and to the promotion and protection of human rights, guided by the principles of cooperation, objectivity, non selectivity, and mutual respect among states.
Mr.
President, migration remains one of the defining challenges of our time across different regions.
Increasing movements of people have at times been accompanied by incidents of discrimination, intolerance of xenophobia and violence directed against migrants and foreign communities.
Angola believes that migration should be addressed through a human centered approach that safeguards human dignity while respecting national laws and sovereignty.
We therefore encourage the High Commissioner to continue using his good offices to promote dialogue, social cohesion and international cooperation.
As well as to support efforts aimed at ensuring that migrants are welcomed, protected, empowered, and integrated into their host communities in accordance with international law.
Finally, Angola reiterate its long standing call for the lifting of unilateral coercive measures that adversely affect the enjoyment of human rights and impede the achievement of sustainable development.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Michael.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
My delegation commends the High Commissioner for its continued leadership in advancing the promotion and protection of human rights.
We remain concerned by the ongoing scale of armed conflicts and growing disregard for international law and these obligations which continue to undermine peace efforts in many parts of the world with particularly severe consequences for women and children.
Ghana called the importance of the council's active engagement in complementing and strengthening the peace efforts of regional institutions and national governments to effectively address human rights violations.
In this regard, Ghana acknowledges the positive actions taken by the OECSR and several countries to safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms.
My delegation calls on all UN member states to respect the principle of sovereign equality of states and the right of each country to determine their development priorities in conformity with universally recognized human rights.
In this regard, Ghana remains firmly committed to the promotion and protection of human rights as enshrined in East 1992 Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons and provides the foundation for democratic governance, the rule of law, human dignity, equality and justice.
Finally, Ghana calls on all states to genuinely cooperate with the council in the spirit of solidarity to promote and protect human rights consistent with their international obligations.
I thank you.
Thank you.
Michael.
Thank you, Vice President, Gabon aligns with the statement by the African group and congratulates the High Commissioner on the oral update which points to the weakening and shrinkage of human rights internationally.
We are concerned that the spread of disinformation and fake news, which threatens social cohesion and national unity.
Gabon is therefore implementing tangible actions to promote access to reliable information, develop digital literacy, and effectively combat these scourges.
Thus, the Higher Authority for communication decided on 17th February last to suspend social networks in Gabon.
This is a transitional measure as part of our striving to adapt the legal framework to current technological reality.
Through Judgment 11 PR 2026 or 26 February 2026, several measures were taken to regulate the use of social networks in Gabon, including professional recognition of the status of influencers and establishment of digital adulthood at 16.
Other reforms are underway.
In conclusion, Gabon A supporter of peace and dialogue reiterates its commitment to fundamental freedoms and its support to the mandate of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I call on the Sovereign Order of Malta.
Mr.
President, my delegation, thank you the High Commissioner for his presentation.
We share his deep concern regarding the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
The Sovereign Order of Mata has a longstanding humanitarian mission dedicated to protecting the vulnerable population affected by conflict and crisis through medical assistance, emergency relief, displacement, support, and health care service, the Order of safeguards surveillance and upholds human dignity in line with international humanitarian law.
Its activities worldwide are guided by impartiality, neutrality, assistance that's based solely on on need.
The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon has worsened following the Russian military escalation, triggering new waves of displacement and placing additional strain on already overcrowded communities.
Active in the health, social, and other humanitarian sector, the Order of Malta, Lebanon provides huge relief and support across the country.
In Syria, cooperation with local partners and the Order of Malta provides the lifesaving assistance and health care services to internally displaced persons and host communities.
Ukraine, the Or of delivers essential supplies, psychosocial support, children protection, and rehabilitation of prosthetic care to conflict affected communities.
The Order of Malta remains committed to multilateral cooperation with contributing expertise on humanitarian issues, health, migration, and crisis response, while strengthening partnership among states, international organization.
I thank you.
Thank you.
****.
Nice staying solo.
I appear not to be in the room, I call on Uganda.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
We take note of the High Commissioner's oral update.
My government remains committed to the respect of international law, including strengthening our democratic processes in a peaceful environment in accordance with the Supreme law of the land and our 1995 Constitution.
We firmly believe that national legislative processes must be respected because they are the foundation of the rule of law and provide democratic legitimacy for state governance.
In Uganda, our legislative procedures create avenues for public debate, consultation, and stakeholder feedback, which ensures our laws are practical, transparent, and responsive to societal needs and norms.
The Protection of Sovereignty Act recently enacted further cemented our rights of determination, independence, and the exclusive authority of our people to take charge of their destiny.
We are proud of its enactment and invite our partners and the high commissioner to respect the democratic processes and institutions of our country.
We further urge for balanced and fair reporting, which is essential for maintaining confidence of member states and ensuring this council remains a credible forum for the promotion and protection of human rights.
Finally, I wish to reiterate Uganda's commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and our readiness to cooperate with this council and its mechanisms.
I thank you.
Thank you.
N.
Lebanon.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Lebanon thanks the Hi Commissioner and his office for their important work.
We strongly echo the high Commissioner's warning regarding what he described as an unprecedented and shameless onslaught against international law, which continues to inflict immense human suffering.
Welcome the attention given to the situation in Lebanon where continuing Israeli attacks have resulted in grave civilian casualties, large scale destruction of civilian infrastructure and mass displacement, further deepening an already critical humanitarian situation.
While condemning Israeli attacks, we reiterate in the strongest terms our call for an immediate and unconditional cease fire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon in total respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
We stress the urgent need for accountability for violations of international law and welcome the deployment of the OHCHR assessment mission as an important step in this regard.
Despite these grave challenges, Lebanon remains firmly committed to constructive engagement with UN human rights mechanisms to strengthening the rule of law and protection of human rights.
In our region, and as the High Commissioner rightfully stressed, deep crisis cannot be resolved through military means, but only through dialogue and strict adherence to international law.
We hope that the recent agreement between the USA and Iran will mark a concrete step towards de escalation and durable diplomatic solutions that restore regional stability and peace.
Lasting peace cannot be achieved without full respect for international law, effective accountability, protection of civilians, and the genuine commitment to diplomacy.
I thank you, Mr.
Jose.
Thank you.
I call from Costa Rica.
Thank you, Vice President.
Costa Rica, thanks to the Office of the High Commission for the report and for the rigor with which the High Commissioner continues to document the human rights situation in Nicaragua despite the lack of cooperation from the authorities.
We are deeply concerned at the death and custody of the indigenous leader, Brook Lynn Rivera, after almost three years of enforced disappearance and incommunicado detention.
Her worsening health documented with a delay by the authorities confirms the patterns of deliberate abandonment pointed to by her commissioner.
We hope for an independent investigation into the circumstances of her death and immediate freeing of all persons who are held prisoner for political motives, including human rights offenders and family members of indigenous and community leaders.
We reiterate our concern at the use of transnational repression, which continues to affect thousands of Nicaraguans in exile through digital surveillance, abuse of interpol mechanisms, and arbitrary deprivation of nationality as a host country, Costa Rica reffirms its commitment to protecting exiles.
Impunity and institutional corruption have become worse as methods of government in Nicaragua.
We call on the council to keep it under heavy scrutiny, support the work of the high commissioner, and demand effective mechanisms of independent justice and accountability as steps towards a path to bring about a return to democracy in Nicaragua.
Thank you.
G.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker on the list.
We shall now continue with the list of speakers for national human rights institutions and non governmental organizations.
In Anti slavery international by video statement.
Thank you.
I'm delivering this statement on behalf of the Uer American Association and anti slavery International.
We thank the High Commissioner for his report and for his work advancing human rights in a challenging global context.
We wish to raise the situation of state imposed forced labor of Urs and other Turkic and Muslim majority peoples.
Nearly four years on from OHCHR's 2022 report, which concluded that serious human rights violations have been committed and that some of these may constitute crimes against humanity.
We are concerned by the lack of substantive follow up.
We note that in his February 2026 global update, the High Commissioner expressed regret at the lack of follow up by the authorities on previous recommendations and on accountability to protect the rights of Ughs including on labor issues.
Indeed, state imposed forced labor continues.
A group of special procedures highlighted this year that the coercive elements of such schemes are so severe that they may amount to forcible transfer and or enslavement as a crime against humanity.
State imposed forced labor is also an enabler of wider persecution, such as the forced separation of families and the transfer of children to assimilationist residential schools.
We therefore ask the High Commissioner what concrete steps his office will take to ensure follow up on the 2022 report and to provide this council with a comprehensive update on the human rights situation in the Urre region.
Thank you.
Michel.
Thank you.
I give the floor for a joint statement to the International Commission of Jurists.
Thank you, Vice President.
As the HRC celebrates its 20th anniversary, we highlight the critical importance of the HRC's interactive dialogue, engaging states and you, High Commissioner, in advancing the council's mandate.
This includes discussion on Myanmar on which you will present a report later.
In Myanmar, projecting legitimacy on an illegitimate regime must not serve to mask the reality that the Junta continues to carry out atrocities.
While the operation of the rule of law in the country is absent, the military have increasingly weaponized the legal machinery to suppress free expression and shield perpetrators of atrocities from accountability.
Abuses of fair trial rights have become normalized.
There is reportedly widespread corruption within courts, including demands for excessive and unlawful payments in exchange for court documents, access to courts, and timely hearings.
Lawyers representing political prisoners face intimidation, surveillance, arbitrary restrictions on access to clients, and reprisals.
Practice of incommunicado detention is widespread with families and lawyers denied access to information regarding their whereabouts and deplorable conditions of detention.
The people of Myanmar deserves more than promises of supposed stability.
They deserve freedom from arbitrary imprisonment, independent courts, fair trials, accountability, and justice.
We therefore urge this council and all states to increase support for accountability efforts and to demand the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained.
I thank you.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to Action for Development.
Mr.
Vice President, we thank the High Commissioner and draw the Council's attention to deepening repression from legitimizing child marriage to the enforcement of morality law through arbitrary arrest and intimidation and the use of brute force to silence the vices of women, minorities, and civil society in Afghanistan.
Impunity persists while of investigation mechanism in Afghanistan remains extremely slow.
At the same time, those fleeing for their lives to neighboring countries and beyond are forced to return to real danger of torture, killing, and severe human rights deprivation.
Pakistan alone has expelled particularly over 2.3 million people to date.
We are equally concerned about the shifts in European migration policies that are incompatible with the human rights standards.
In light of this, we underscore three priorities.
First, the IM Afghanistan must be adequately funded, including true contributions to its trust fund.
Second, the UN and international community must take concrete steps toward a political process that restores inclusive governance and full respect of human rights.
Third, arbitrary arrest and forced returns of documented refugees must stop immediately.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the International Service for Human Rights.
Commissioner, we welcome the launch of the Global Alliance for Human Rights and call on states and other actors to increase political and financial investments across the entire human rights ecosystem.
When reviewing human rights mandates under UN 80, meaningful consultation with human rights defenders and affected communities must paramount.
Any criteria should assess impact against diverse outcomes from normative development, dialogue, and technical assistance to protection and accountability.
Selectivity and double standards undermine universality and the credibility of the UN system.
We call on states to support the creation of an independent cross regional expert working group with a mandate to apply objective criteria, including your assessments and those of other UN rights bodies to trigger dedicated agency debates and situations of grave and systematic violations without selectivity or discrimination.
In the United States, we're concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation and the commission or complicity in grave violations abroad, including in Iran, Venezuela, Palestine, the Caribbean and Pacific.
The refusal to participate in the UPR undermines constructive dialogue and should be condemned.
We urge increased monitoring and reporting by High Commissioner.
In China, we agree with you that the new ethnic unity law should be repealed as it entrenches forced assimilation.
China should also release Chu Han Tung and Lie Chu Ken unjustly tried for uphold the memory of Tianmen Square massacre.
Hi, Commissioner in line with your global update, what are your plans to ensure meaningful follow up to your Office's Xinjiang report for years after its release? Lastly, in Nicaragua, we condemn the death in custody of Lukin Rivera, a prominent Indigenous leader and call for prompt and impartial investigation.
Thank you.
G Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the Cuban United Nations Association.
The multifaceted blockade imposed by the US government against Cuba is worsening daily with the current Trump administration.
We see an energy blockade which affects all of society, particularly the right to life, health, food, and education.
This is the most serious human rights violation against the Cuban people.
It violates the principle of self determination and the choice of the form of government it prevents development.
Cuba's efforts are also silenced in the human rights sector, and we see constant political and media manipulation.
We thank the High Commissioner for their clear position.
There has been constant denunciation and condemnation of the blockade and its impact on women, children, the elderly, and the ill.
We have seen frustration and desperation because the US has been trying to bring our people to its needs.
Vice President, Cuban civil society calls on the UN human rights and the High Commissioner on civil society throughout the world and honest people throughout the world to raise their voice for peace and sovereignty in Cuba, given the growing threats of a military aggression from the United States, only respectful cooperation and peace can promote and protect human rights for all.
Thank you.
G Thank you.
I now give the floor to Civicus World Alliance for Citizen Participation.
Mr.
Vice President, Civicus commends the annual report of the High Commissioner and OHCHR continued efforts to promote meaningful, inclusive, and safe civil society participation at all levels, including through consultations, policy engagement, and strengthened protection and response to reprisals for cooperation with the UN.
Yet we are concerned by the shifting of civic space with the cascading impacts on civil society engagement and civil society actors who expose grave rights violations, including UN processes.
At the time of escalating crisis, marked by the breakdown of international legal protection, it is essential to mobilize principle and consistent responses to serious human rights abuses.
Civil society can help restore respect for the rules based international order and a new form of networked and inclusive multilateralism guided by an international solidarity.
We urge the OHCHR to take further steps to advance the protection and promotion of civic space, including through a coordinated rollout of the UN guidance note on civic space.
We encourage the High Commissioner to champion reporting on the note, including institute and action taken or status on implementation report.
We welcome the Global Alliance for Human Rights and the UN wide human rights group as key steps towards a cohesive approach to uphold core human rights principles globally.
These initiatives will only be effective if civil society is enabled to hold the UN accountable by participating as a legitimate actor in transparent consultations and structure, operations, and reporting.
Furthermore, we urge the HCHR and this Council to strengthen protection accountability for people on the front lines and from Iran and Diop to Venezuela to promote the unimped application of international law without selectivity and double standards.
We thank you.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to Human Rights Watch.
Hi, Commissioner, we congratulate you on the launch of the Global Alliance for Human Rights and confirm our strong support.
At a time when rights in international law are under assault, global mobilization to protect and reinvest in human rights is much needed.
We repeat our call to states to reverse the chronic long term underinvestment in the Human Rights pillar and support the High Commissioner's appeal for support.
We share your concerns over the lack of progress by the Chinese government on implementation of recommendations, including your 2022 report, which concluded that ongoing abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang may constitute crimes against humanity.
Repression has only deepened since then in Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, across the country, and even beyond its borders.
We repeat our appeal to you to ensure robust reporting on the litany of abuses, particularly those that may amount to international crimes.
In Ethiopia, serious human rights abuses and violations by Ethiopian security forces and armed groups continue, particularly in Amhara and Oma regions.
There are risks of renewed atrocities in Tigray and continued violations against Tigrayans by Eritrean forces in areas they control and by local authorities and armed forces in western Tigray zone.
The environment for independent media, civil society, and political opposition has seriously eroded, including around the June elections.
Impunity is rife and the promised transitional justice process has completely stalled.
Hi, Commissioner, what is your assessment of these situations, China and Ethiopia and when can we expect public updates on the basis of your offices monitoring.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development.
Thank you Vice President.
Hi, Commissioner.
We welcome your report.
We echo your concerns regarding the involuntary return of Afghan asylum seekers and refugees.
The Taliban has intensified persecution of women and girls through the legalization of child marriage, mass arrests for alleged improper Hijab, and violent suppression of protests and repression of religious minorities.
To pursue returns or engage with Taliban under these conditions is to normalize its rule and betray Afghan women and girls.
Member States must instead ensure independent ensure the independent investigative mechanism for Afghanistan is adequately supported so that the possibility of justice and accountability remain open.
In Myanmar, we share your view that Asean has a crucial mediating role to play.
Yet amid widespread and systematic airstrikes and violence targeting civilians and continuing genocide against the Rohingya, some regional actors are engaging with the Hunta on the basis of its discredited sham elections.
This only deepens the human rights crisis.
We urge Asean and the international community to resist the legitimization of the Hanta and support Myanmar people in their quest for justice and accountability.
For human rights defenders persecuted across Asia, from India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, to Kashmir, Papua and Balochistan, the work of your office remains one of the few credible avenues to seek protection and accountability.
This work must center them without compromise and grounded solely in human rights principles.
Thank you.
Musk.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to Frontline Aids Limited.
Frontline Aids thanks the High Commissioner for this report and its sustained focus on non discrimination.
This report warns that hard won e quality gains are being rolled back and civic space is shrinking.
This is becoming increasingly clear within the HIV response.
Senegal's 2026 amendment to its penal code criminalized same sex conduct and those who support it, including potentially healthcare workers.
Government data showed that showed a 25% drop in HIV clinic attendance during Senegal's crackdown on men engaging in same sex activity.
These men were arrested and their HIV status made public and this was before the law was even signed.
Since it passed, many community organizations have had to suspend HIV outreach services altogether.
Adding to this, Ghana's parliament has passed it restrictive family values bill, Burkina Faso and Mali criminalized same sex conduct in 2025 and Asia did so less than a week ago.
These governments may not be announcing the end of their HIV responses, but they are dismantling them indirectly.
Through the criminalization of people the HIV response has always depended upon.
Community led organizations absorb that impact yet often generate the monitoring data that makes violations visible.
That work must be recognized and resourced.
As this report states, the responsibility to act is collective.
We call on this council to protect the right to health without discrimination, support community defenders and ensure that shrinking civic space does not become a death sentence for the HIV response.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the International Council Supporting Fair Trial and Human Rights.
Mr.
Vice President, we would like to thank the High Commissioner for his briefing and we stress the importance role played by the OHCHR to promote and protect human rights in accordance with the UN Charter and relevant international standards.
In this respect, we express our ongoing concern regarding the human rights situation in the occupied Western Sahara.
The continued absence of a standing independent UN mechanism to monitor human rights in the region is a serious gap in the international protection system.
Moreover, reports on the human rights situation of the Saharawe political detainees and the restrictions imposed on human rights defenders and the abuse of natural resources in the region without the consent of its people, as well as the procedures taken that affect its a legal and demographic reality raises serious concern.
Hence, we call upon the OHCHR to redouble its effort in order to independently monitor human rights situation in the Western Sahara and to enable the competent UN mechanisms and special procedures to access it without any restrictions in order to enhance human rights protection and accountability to the Sakrawi people.
We also look forward to the OHCHR carrying out its functions in Syria in order to protect.
Thank you very much.
I give the floor to the High Commissioner and I would also like to thank all member states and all non governmental organizations that have taken the floor.
I know that there are about 90 NGO interventions, and I will assure you that I will ask my colleagues to read them very carefully as well.
I know that we couldn't unfortunately accommodate it in this session.
Look, the state of human rights is what it is, and I think many of you have described it, especially when it comes to conflict and war and when it comes to the violations of international humanitarian law, international human rights law, the impact, the disproportionate impact that it has on civilians, the impact that it has on vital civilian infrastructure, but also on the ecology, we know that conflict has always consequences when it comes to the ecosystems and sometimes lasting for generations.
We need to absolutely be aware of it because the indirect consequences of war are absolutely horrific and we live at a time when we have the highest number of conflicts in the world.
There is an urgency to respect for law and also for heightening, as some of you were saying, the prevention efforts when it comes to atrocity crimes.
For that purpose, the Human Rights Council, as we all know, plays an extremely important role because we need to make sure that the price of committing violations and atrocity crimes is higher and that can only be done through accountability mechanisms, be it at the international level, such as support to the International Criminal Court or at the domestic level when it comes to universal jurisdiction, or the use indeed of all the mechanisms that we have here that you provide through the council in terms of accountability mechanisms, the universal periodic review, the treaty body, but also the very important work of the special procedure mandate holders.
Some of you have mentioned the climate change issues and how it affects the enjoyment of human rights.
I don't think we hear enough about this because this is really the survival of the type of life that we are all used to.
We see it every day not least from the scientific reports that we get from different parts of the UN system and the research communities, but the impact on the enjoyment of rights, especially in countries that have least contributed to climate change are enormous and within those countries, it's in particular the vulnerable groups.
There's a direct link to development and the SEG agenda.
And the interlinkage that we have between human rights and the sustainable development agenda.
Many of you have raised the technological side and the digital side, especially AI, and the specific gender dimension that we have when it comes to technological developments.
I hope that in the upcoming next month when there will be different events around governance of artificial intelligence, that the human rights focus is a very prominent one, in particular, the child protection side of things, but also the gender dimension, and more generally, the responsibility of companies, of big tech, In relation to their own human rights responsibilities coming not least from the UN Declaration on Business and Human Rights.
These are important considerations and I hope we can work on them.
Information integrity and freedom of the press freedom, and the whole free and independent media, is one that we know is very often jeopardized when we see restrictions to civic space, when we see restrictions to civil society organizations, which is part, unfortunately, of a playbook of repression that we see in too many countries these days.
I would also like to mention, and we should never forget this, that human rights is one of the three pillars of the United Nations.
It cannot only be lip service paid to it, it has to be done in act and with the full determination and conviction that this demands.
But it's not just one of the pillars, it is also binding international law.
There's a normative system that stands behind it.
It's not a question of ethics, it's a question of law and it's a question that has its influence.
As we know at the domestic level, it influences legislative proposals, it influences issues of policy making and there is this paradox that you have the national side and you have the international side and they play their role and that's what human rights is all about.
It is this interplay between implementation at the domestic level and national ownership that is crucial, but also the of scrutiny that comes from international engagement and from the whole ecosystem of human rights.
There were a number of comments made by some of you about domestic affairs and interference in domestic affairs and respect for national sovereignty.
The one clear message from the UN charter and all the subsequent developments that we have seen over the last 80 years ever since the United Nations started was that when it comes to international human rights law, international rights standards when it comes to human rights, that this is a matter of legitimate international concern.
Because whatever happens in one country has repercussions elsewhere.
We should never ever forget this because we see this including in supply chains.
We see this in terms of how war affects everyone else, how each and every aspect of life is connected with the human rights ecosystem and as a result, becomes a matter of legitimate international concern, by the way, that was already recognized not only in the charter but also importantly in the Vienna Declaration and program of action.
So it is about ensuring a community of practice that allows an engagement that in some instances needs to support and capacity building and technical cooperation, but also leads to nudging in the right direction and ensuring that when we identify particular issues that they are actually addressed.
And that can only be done in this interaction between domestic and international system.
And as we all know, security policies, foreign affairs, if they are delinked from human rights, they are not going to work.
It is part and parcel of statecraft.
It's part and parcel of the social contract, social cohesion, not only at the national level, but also at the international level.
We should never, ever consider human rights and ideology.
Human rights are the core of the social contract.
What we see is a sustained weakening of the human rights system and that comes in different shapes and forms that weakening.
It comes through in the most a clearing form when it comes to attacks, sanctions against, for example, special procedure mandate holders or against the International Criminal Court, threats that are made, personal attacks, discredit, disinformation.
Um, we see it in the form of reprisals.
Some of you have mentioned it, and I'm very concerned about reprisals in relation to human rights defenders, non governmental organizations who want to work with the United Nations who give us information that is crucial, that they have a right to do, and then there are reprisals set against them.
This is totally unacceptable and we need to make sure that especially with the reprisals report that is being issued every year by the Secretary-General, that we take that very seriously and it affects in particular, the human rights ecosystem.
There is then the financial weakening and we have all lived through a very difficult time.
We continue doing it because on the financial side, both in terms of the budget crunches, but also because of the liquidity issue, the system has been weakened.
There is absolute I mean, we cannot beat around the bush.
That's the case.
And that means less scrutiny, it means less accountability, it means less visits by special procedure mandate orders.
It means less sessions of the treaty bodies.
It means also less follow up on the part of my office in relation to all the things that we have been hearing and less monitoring and so forth.
It means less human rights.
And that's also when it comes to a lot of human rights organizations on the ground, it also means less funding for them because also they have lost a lot of the funding.
This means less eyes and ears and less advocacy and less cohesion, and it does fray the social contract.
So the consequences are very dire and it affects peace and security and affects development, and it affects humanitarian affairs.
Again, we should be very mindful of that and we need to make an all out effort to reverse precisely that.
Let me also say, because it was raised, something that I keep hearing increasingly and I'm worried about.
It is referring to the need for all countries in the world to have comprehensive anti discrimination legislation when it comes because that only helps us to then also promote gender equality, to ensure that there is no discrimination against people of African descent, that there is no discrimination against indigenous peoples, that there is no discrimination on account of sexual orientation or gender identity, that vulnerable groups get the response that they deserve and they have a right to get it, as we heard from some minorities, be it migrants and refugees, and by the way, There is no such thing as an illegal migrant.
Migrants are human beings.
They should never be referred to as illegal.
They may be in an irregular resident situation, but they are human beings first and foremost, and they have rights.
Then there is the whole issue of disabilities and how we deal with this and other groups such as the seafarers that are currently still on the vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and some of them have not been able to disembark for the last couple of weeks and you know what that means, what life that is.
And there are those who live in street situations that was referred to as well, an important element that we need to pay much more attention to.
I should say, again, it's paragraph five of the Vienna Declaration on Human Rights that was adopted over 30 years ago.
I would like to mention this specifically in relation to comprehensive anti discrimination, and I quote, While the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds must be borne in mind, it is the duty of states, regardless of their political, economic, and cultural systems to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
That includes all of the things that we have been discussing.
So what do we do? We launched the Global Alliance last week.
It's the beginning of hopefully very exciting journey.
It is about mobilization.
It is about putting out the human rights cause as central to everything that we do and also reminding everyone that the struggle for freedom and human rights has been a very long one, a hard 11 and one that has lasted in some cases for centuries.
But we can never, ever take it for granted.
It is, especially at this current moment in our history, all the more important that we come together, even if we have differences, if we agree to disagree, but to stand behind that fundamental cause and learn together of how to make it much better and bring it out as what it is, the big transformation that many millions, billions of people around the world have enjoyed and we can never, ever lose sight of that.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
This brings to a close this interactive dialogue, and I wish to thank the High Commissioner for his participation.
Your Excellency, dear participants.
This brings us to the end of this meeting.
We will reconvene tomorrow morning at 10:00 A.M.
In order to start by hearing the rights of reply, and we will then begin the interactive dialogue with the independent expert on human rights and international solidarity.
This will be followed by the interactive dialogue with the special rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
I hereby close the fourth meeting of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council.