10th Meeting - 62nd Session of Human Rights Council

Excellency, distinguished participants, I hereby declare open the tenth meeting of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council.
We shall now continue the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on discrimination against persons with leprosy, Hansen's disease.
We proceed with the list of speakers.
Accordingly, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia.
You have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Namibia aligns with the statement of the Africa Group and welcomes the Special Rapporteur's report.
Sadly, Madam Speci Rapporteur, persons affected by leprosy and their families continue to face multiple forms of discrimination and various barriers to their effective and meaningful participation in all spheres of life.
Namibia underscores the special Rapporteur's call for states to repeal discriminatory laws and address stigma against persons affected by leprosy and their families.
While leprosy is no longer considered a major public health concern in Namibia, recent assessments have uncovered 11 new cases in three regions of the country, this highlighting the need for continued early detection and public awareness.
This prompted the Namibian government to adopt a national strategy to eliminate the disease by the year 2027.
In Namibia, leprosy is effectively treated and cured at all district hospitals using multi drug therapy in line with WHO guidelines.
To conclude, Namibia calls on states that have not yet done so to dismantle discriminatory laws and ensure the meaningful participation of persons affected by leprosy in all spheres of life.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe.
Vice President, Zimbabwe welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur.
The protection and promotion of human rights, including the right to the highest attainable standard of health, is key to our national development plan.
The eradication of tropical diseases remains a priority for Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe achieved the elimination of leprosy as a public health problem in 1992 and continues to strengthen efforts to prevent its resurgence.
Despite socioeconomic challenges, the country has enhanced national surveillance systems to ensure early detection and effective responses to cases.
Sustain progress, Zimbabwe is implementing the national master plan for the elimination of neglected tropical diseases 2023 to 2027.
Increased health sector funding supports early diagnosis, decentralized health services, and access to more drug therapy for affected patients.
Also strengthened support to the Mota Care Center through improved health care services, specialized staff, water infrastructure, and community based agricultural initiatives.
These interventions promote long term recovery, food security, social integration, and the elimination of stigma.
Zimbabwe calls for collective action to build resilient health systems, eliminate stigma and guarantee that all people enjoy their right to a healthy and dignified life.
I thank you, Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Angola.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Angola aligns itself with the statement delivered by the African group on behalf of the African group and thanks to the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of her report.
The report rightly reminds us the consequences of leprosy have extended far beyond the medical sphere.
In many parts of the world, persons affected by the Hansen's disease were subjected to stigma, segregation, exclusion, and violations of their fundamental rights, the effects of which continue to be felt by survivors, their families, and communities today.
Adré these legacies requires a comprehensive framework based on truth justice, reputation, memoization and guarantees of non recurrence.
As a global community, we owe a debt of recognition and dignity to those who have endured discrimination and exclusion because of this disease.
In Angola, health authorities and medical professionals continue to strengthen awareness raising initiatives, community based screening, professional training, and the epidemiological monitoring.
Our efforts to strengthen national health systems include surveillance, capacities and evidence based responses are aimed at ensuring that no one is left behind.
In conclusion, Angola reaffirms its commitment to advancing both the right to health and the rights of persons affected by leprosy and their families.
I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia.
We serve Vice President.
The history of leprosy belongs to the story of human rights and must be met with truth, dignity, and justice.
Leprosy remains present in our archipelago, where stigma can still delay the moment a person seeks help.
Our goal is zero leprosy, zero disability, and zero stigma.
We match our commitment with action, including through our national action plan for leprosy elimination and unlocking village funds for financing this effort.
We undertake community led surveillance into schools and primary care and over single dose revamp Pisin to close context to break transmission early.
However, a cure means little to a person too afraid to be seen.
We work through survivor led organizations such as Parmata and let those affected lead.
However, ending stigma requires more than medicine.
We must open the door again and welcome people back as neighbors, workers, and family.
This is the heart of our campaign.
Detect early, treat fully, and end stigma.
Madam Sash Reporter, your report places persons affected at the center of every remedy.
What models have you seen that let them lead in shaping the loads and the reparations, as well as ending the stigma? I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.
Mr.
Vice President, India takes note of the report of the SR and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the global goal of a leprosy free world.
As a country with a substantial share of global leprosy burden, India approaches the issue with both humility and determination.
Our experience has demonstrated that sustained political commitment, community participation, and strong public health systems can drive transformative changes.
Through the National leprosy eradication Program, leprosy services have been fully integrated into primary health care, ensuring that diagnosis, treatment, and follow up care are accessible, free of cost, and available even the most remote areas.
India continues to strengthen early detection through active case finding campaigns, while ensuring universal access to W recommended multi drug therapy.
Innovative initiatives such as the SUS leprosy Awareness campaign and the NiquiT Digital Surveillance Program have improved case tracking, strengthened outreach, and help foster greater public awareness.
We are also working to dismantle stigma and discrimination by promoting inclusion, protecting rights, and empowering persons affected by leprosy to participate fully in the society.
India remains committed to sharing knowledge, strengthening partnership, and supporting collective global efforts to ensure that every person affected by leprosy can live with dignity, equality, and full participation in the society.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Dibouti.
Thank you, Vice President of Dibouti Alliance with a statement by the African group and we thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting a report which highlights the longstanding effects of discriminatory practices and exclusion that survivors and family members remain confronted with.
Dibouti welcome human rights perspective in your report, which is articulated around five pillars, truth justice reparation membrane, guarantee of non repetition.
We are convinced of the need to strengthen and accelerate policies to allow inclusion, empowerment, and effective participation of persons with leprosy and members of their family in life in society, which requires the establishment of support and care systems aligned with human rights principles.
We also think it's important to achieve major progress in exercising the rights of persons with leprosy, that the definition of any framework or action with consequences on their living conditions or the exercise of their fundamental rights should be taken into account.
Could you tell us what best practice you'd recommend to states to ensure effective participation of persons with leprosy and members of their family in developing, implementing and follow up to public policy which concern them or which have an impact on their lives.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Japan Shang's special rapporteur for report which highlights the continuing impacts of historical human rights violations related to leprosy Hansen and underscores the importance of truth, justice, reation, memorialization, and guarantees of nos.
Discrimination against persons affected by leprosy has DDs and their family members is a historical and systematic human rights issue that is shaped and perpetuated through discriminatory loads, segregation ps, and other forms of exclusion.
In many countries such discrimination extended beyond persons affected by leprosy themselves and had profound impacts on their family members.
The consequences of this discrimination continue to be felt today.
Japan also has its own history in this regard, reflecting on that experience and listening to the voices of persons affected by leprosy and their family members.
We have gained important insights that continue to guide our efforts to eliminate discrimination.
As the report points out, discrimination and human rights violations related to Dp HansenCD persist today.
For this reason, Japan, together with Brazil, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fizi India, Kyrgyzstan and Morocco is presenting a resolution on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by deploy Hans NCDs and their family members at this session.
Through this resolution, we will continue to promote implementation of the principles and guidelines and advanced international efforts to eliminate discrimination.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Morocco thanks the Special apportur for her important reports on truth, justice, and reparation for persons affected by leprosy.
We firmly believe that health based discrimination violates human dignity.
This principle is protected by Morocco's Constitution.
Having met the WHO goal of eliminating leprosy as a public health issue as early as 1991, Morocco has moved from basic disease control to long term care and social inclusion.
Its universal social protection policies, Morocco ensures full and equal access to health services for all.
Morocco also leads in prevention.
In 2012, we became a leader in our region by providing preventative treatment to the families of patients, successfully stopping new infections and protecting vulnerable households.
We fully agree with your call to move away from charity and focus instead of genuine empowerment, especially in Africa, where stigma remains a heavy burden.
To conclude, we would like to ask, what specific steps do you recommend to help states secure the right to truth and reparation, especially where old records Our foster migration, our miss are incomplete.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon.
President.
Thank you, Vice President, Cameron supports the statement by the African group.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting a report.
My country shares the conviction that fighting leprosy cannot be limited to just a medical response.
It must also integrate dimensions linked to human dignity, non discrimination, social inclusion, and effective access to the fundamental rights of persons concerned in Cameroon.
Persons with leprosy receive comprehensive medical care and the same fundamental rights as all other citizens.
However, as in many countries, they often continue to face prejudice and stigmatization, which can hinder their full social integration.
In 2025 of 114 samples from suspect cases analyzed, 24 proved positive for leprosy.
Those persons in question were immediately placed under treatment, the National Program against leprosy continues to provide free of charge testing, polychtherapy, and guidance for patients towards the appropriate health care structures around the country between July 25 and May 26th, the health ministry in partnership with the FAM Meda NGO boasted its interventions through a new triennial eradication program, as well as a national outreach campaign to fight stigmatization.
Cameron also held the World Day against leprosy, 2026 under the theme Lea, can be healed the true challenges stigmatization, recalling the importance of promoting a more inclusive society, one that's respectful of the dignity of all.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Portugal welcome the Special Rapporteur and thanks her for the presentation of her report.
Madam Special Rapporteur, historical leprosy policies have had deeply entrenched consequences.
Persons affected by Asen's disease continue to face to this day the long lasting effects of arbitrary detention, the separation of families, and coerced sterilization, alongside persistent stigma and structural discrimination.
While welcoming the evolution of medical health policies towards a human rights based approach grounded in human dignity, equality, and non discrimination, states must adequately address past human rights violations suffered by persons affected by Asin's disease and their family members, including through accountability, access to remedies, and adequate preparations.
The framework presented in your report is helpful to address structural discrimination and to ensure guarantees of non recurrence for persons affected by leprosy and their families.
Portugal has a long history of supporting initiatives in this field through public health efforts, participation in international reserves, research, and community based organizations, including in the African countries of Portuguese language.
Madam Special Reporter, Portugal expresses its sincere thanks and commends your work, as well as that of your predecessor in addressing the human rights violations inflicted upon persons with Asin's disease and for providing states with concrete recommendations to eliminate persistent and structural discrimination.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ecuador.
Thank you, Vice President.
My delegation thanks the special rapporteur and recognize that it's treaty timely to ensure adequate treatment since this is a key condition for guaranteeing dignity, inclusion, and well being of persons with leprosy and family members.
Ecuador reaffirms its commitment to prevention, universal access to treatment, non discrimination, and protection of the rights of persons with leprosy and their family members.
That's why it promotes comprehensive care with a human rights based approach guaranteeing medicine treatment and free of charge services without discrimination and under conditions of equity.
Therefore, in line with the global strategy towards zero leprosy, we've strengthened the national response to the adoption of the national strategy for interruption of transmission and elimination of Hansen disease 2025, 2030.
The National Committee has been strengthened to address comprehensively this disease contributing to improving care and access to treatment and life quality for patients and their family members.
With without prejudice to the aforesaid, Ecuador has mechanisms for participation and accountability that enable persons with leprosy to provide consultations, submit complaints related to access to health care services, thus strengthening transparency and protection of their rights.
We wish the Special Rapporteur Beatrice, all the very best and we thank her for our work and her predecessor Alice also and we trust that this theme will continue to receive the attention that it deserves.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of UNICEF.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
UNICEF welcomes the report of the Special Heporter.
As the report notes, legal, social and economic discrimination, including forced segregation in Leprosar and leport colonies have long characterized responses to leprosy.
The impacts are wide ranging and multi generational.
UNICEF appreciates the Special Heer's discussion of the consequences for children when families and communities are ripped apart, including when children are placed in institutions or adoption systems at much greater risk of severe health and well being problems from neglect and inadequate living conditions.
In one devastating account, the report also highlights a child diagnosed with the disease being taken from his parents and sent to a leprosy colony where he died a few years later without ever seeing his parents again.
Preventable suffering and death of children should never be accepted or rationalized, but they continue to be as long as many people, families, and communities affected by leprosy are left behind in so many ways.
They often are poor and marginalized due to lack of access to basic services and stigma with little support to help them overcome the challenges from the legacy of discredited leprosy policies.
UNICEF agrees with the Special He reporter that a comprehensive Human Rights framework is needed to address these continuing violations under international human rights law.
UNICEF welcome steps taken by states towards realizing this framework and recommends wide dissemination of the approaches taken and the lessons learned.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nigeria.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Nigeria, thanks, Special Rapportur for her report.
Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to eliminating discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members.
We support the emphasis on truth, justice, reparation, memorialization, and non recurrence.
In this regard, Nigeria remains committed in its effort to eliminate leprosy through the National Tuberculs leprosy and Bl ulcer Control Program.
By integrating care with other skin related neglected tropical diseases and partnering with civil society organizations like the leprosy Mission, Nigeria, we continue to strengthen support healthcare access, social inclusion, and restoration of dignity of those affected by leprosy.
Furthermore, Nigeria recognizes the importance of preserving historical memory and documenting the experiences of affected persons.
As a key partner in global health and one of the primary countries implementing comprehensive leprosy elimination strategies in Africa, Nigeria calls for increased international cooperation to support leprosy elimination, community rehabilitation, and efforts to address stigma and discrimination.
Finally, Niger reaffirms its commitment to dignity, equality, inclusion, and leaving no one behind.
We will continue to support efforts aimed at promoting the rights and dignity of persons affected by leprosy.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President and Madam Special Rapporteur.
Brazil, thanks you for your report and welcome to the's approach on Truth, justice and reparation for persons affected by Hensen's disease.
Particularly, appreciate the recognition of our national efforts in paragraphs 44 to 46.
And so as stated in your report, our law number 11 520 established a pension for persons subjected to compulsory isolation.
In 2023, another law expanded the scope of beneficiaries to include those subject to home isolation, isolation in rubber plantations and children who have been separated from their parents as a result of isolation or compulsory hospitalization.
Beyond the direct transfer of income, the Brazilian regulation promotes the dignity and the memory of those who suffered compulsory hospitalization under state sanitary policy.
As President Lula stated, no amount of money can compensate for or erase the scars that segregation inflicted upon the souls and hearts of persons with Hansen's disease and their families.
However, extending the right to a special pension to their children is a significant step toward addressing the profound debt Brazil owes to those who were for years deprived of the care and affection of their parents.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Mr.
Vice President, the URIity thanks Special Rapporteur for the presentation of her reports.
We note with concern the continued stigma discrimination and social exclusion faced by person affecting repressy and their family members, as well as the enduring consequences of historical policies of segregation and institutionalization.
Tanzania affirmed that all persons are entitled to the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedom without discrimination.
We support efforts aimed at promoting equality, dignity, social inclusion, and access to quality healthcare, education, employment, and social protection for person affected by repressy.
My delegation underscored the importance of raising public awareness, combating stigma through community engagement, and strengthen national health system to ensure early diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
We also recognize that the value of preserving historical memory and promoting measures that contribute to healing reconciliation and social coercion.
Tanzania remains committed to working with international partners and relevant stakeholders and to advance the rights and well being of persons affected by repressy and their families in line with our national priorities and international human rights obligation.
I thank you, Mr.
President Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Ethiopia aligns itself with the statement made by the African group and would like to thank Madam Special Rapporteur for the report and the important Human Rights framework that advances.
Ethiopia recognizes the historical practices of forced segregation and discrimination against persons affected by leprosy have resulted in serious and continuing human rights consequences.
We support the report's call to address these legacies not merely as past public health approaches, but as structural injustices that require sustained attention and remedial action.
Ethiopia has longstanding commitments to the prevention, treatment, and social inclusion of persons affected by leprocy including advancement and special care and research on neglected tropical diseases to improve clinical outcomes and strengthen public health responses.
Beyond the health response, Ethiopia is also addressing the social dimensions of the disease by working to reduce stigma and strengthen the socioeconomic inclusion of persons affected and their families.
Ethiopia underscores the importance of human rights based person centered approach that ensures a meaningful participation of persons affected in all relevant processes, consistent with the principles of equality and non discrimination.
Finally, we emphasize the value of international cooperation and capacity building and supporting states to address remaining challenges.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.
Thank you, Vice President.
My delegation takes note of the report of the special rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members.
We appreciate the efforts made to promote awareness with regard to the humanitarian social challenges related to this disease, especially stigma and the need to ensure human dignity and non discrimination.
Leprosy is not spread in Kuwait, but my country continues efforts in terms of health awareness.
We provide early detection and treatment.
We reiterate the need to protect the rights of persons affected by liracy and their family members and to ensure that they are not subject to any discrimination or social exclusion.
We need to promote international cooperation, exchange expertise, and provide early detection and health care.
Special Rapporteur, what are the empirical most effective practical measures that states, including states that are not directly affected by this disease, could adopt in order to eliminate stigma and promote social integration of persons affected by leprosy and their family members.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malawi.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Malawi aligns itself with the African Group statement and welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy.
We agree that historical segregation of persons affected by leprosy constitutes structural injustice that should be analyzed alongside other forms of institutionalized discrimination, and that addressing its consequences requires a human rights framework grounded in truth, justice, reparation, memorialization, and guarantees of non occurrence.
Malawi attained the WHO defined leprosy elimination goal of fewer than one case in 10,000 inhabitants in 1994, and has since maintained this national status while continuing to strengthen surveillance and case detection.
We recognize the continued need to preserve, digitize, and make accessible historical archives on leprosy policies and institutions and support documentation initiatives, including oral history projects and record survivor testimonies.
Malawi welcome the special Rapporteur's engagement and looks forward to engaging in depth with her mandate.
In conclusion, we ask the Special Rapporteur, what practical steps would you recommend for states to ensure meaningful participation of persons affected by leprosy in the design and monitoring of national policies affecting their rights.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia.
Mr.
President, Malaysia thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report.
The report's emphasis on truth, justice, and reparation in addressing the historical legacy of forced segregation and discrimination is pertinently notable.
Efforts to address laprosy must go beyond medical treatment and include sustained measures to combat stigma, preserve dignity, and ensure full participation in society.
Malaysia's own experience reflects this tradition.
While persons diagnosed with laprosy were historically subjected to mandatory isolation, the National laprosy Control Program established in 1969, supported the shift away from compulsory isolation.
Today, laprosy services in Malaysia are fully integrated into primary health care.
Malaysia also continues to work with civil society, including the Malaysian laprosy Relief Association in providing financial and social support, rehabilitation, advocacy, and community reintegration for persons affected by laprosy.
We note the Special Rapporteur's reference to the Suhai Bulo settlement in Malaysia as a site of historical importance.
Malaysia recognizes the need to preserve such histories in ways that respect the dignity of affected persons and avoid stigmatization.
We would appreciate the Special portur's views on ways states could pursue anti stigma initiative that is sensitive to the life experience of persons affected by the proceeds and their families.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Bangladesh, thanks to the special rapporteur for her report.
We welcome the report's emphasis that care and support must extend beyond medical treatment and encompass the full realization of human rights.
Despite significant advances in diagnosis and treatment, many persons affected by leprosy and their family members continue to face stigma discrimination, social exclusion, and barriers to accessing healthcare, education, employment, and social protection.
Bangladesh remains committed to achieving the elimination of leprosy by 2030.
Through our National Strategic Plan for leprosy, we continue to strengthen early detection, treatment, disability prevention, rehabilitation services, and community based interventions.
The repeal of the colonial era Lepros Act of 18 98 marked an important step towards eliminating discriminatory legal barriers and promoting the dignity and inclusion of persons affected by leprosy.
Mr.
Vice President, we remain concerned by persistent gaps in access to care and support, particularly in low resource settings as gradual decline in global attention, technical expertise, and financial resources dedicated to leprosy related programs.
Enhanced international cooperation, sustained financing capacity building technology transfer, and evidence based research and are essential to strengthen national systems and ensure that no person affected by leprosy is left behind.
These efforts are crucial to advance the vision of zero leprosy disability, and zero discrimination.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq.
Sun.
Thank you, Vice President.
My delegation appreciates the efforts of the Special Rapporteur on leprosy.
Iraq is committed to combating neglected tropical disease, including this disease.
We are committed to protecting the right to health and human dignity, placing health of citizens at the core of our priorities.
The Iraqi government secures a national response through the Ministry of Health that provides, diagnostic and treatment services for registered cases.
In addition to follow up care for those affected by leprosy, we provide also awareness programs in order to early detect cases.
We support the national leprosy strategy, 2021, 2030 of the WHO.
We align our national efforts with the objectives of this strategy in order to eliminate the disease and to register zero new cases and also address disability related to leprosy.
In closing, Iraq reiterates that it addresses leprosy through a human rights based approach and we believe that elimination of this disease is not confined to medical treatment, but requires combating stigma, social discrimination against persons affected by leprosy in their family members and to ensure their full integration in society in line with human rights principles and SDGs.
Thank you, vice Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt.
Sra.
Thank you, Vice President.
We welcome the S porteur and we take note of her report vis vis truth, justice, and reparation for persons affected by leprosy, as well as the efforts and recommendations throughout the mandate period.
Infection rates in Egypt are limited in accordance with the WHO reports.
We provide aation and treatment free of charge.
We reiterate the need to eliminate all forms of discrimination, violence against persons affected by leprocy and their family members and to ensure that affected persons have access to health care in a just and non discriminatory manner and to implement programs to raise awareness that takes into account culture, language, gender, age, disability, and that leprocy is mainstreamed into poverty alleviation programs so that affected persons have access to services on a par with other individuals.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
Vice President Venezuela appreciates the porter's report and recognizes the focus on qualifying historic force segregation policies as structural violations and ongoing violations of human rights, which require truth, justice, reparation, and above all, guarantees of non repetition.
Venezuela has contributed to combating let proceed pursuant to the development of a vaccine against this disease by doctor Jacinto Convert.
This is an example of genuine international solidarity and cooperation.
Special Rapporteur, your report states that, although we still have approximately 139 discriminatory laws across 24 countries restricting civil and family rights of those affected by this disease.
In that context, we would like to ask, how can we achieve an obligation on states to remove these discriminatory standards on the principle and with the principle of non intervention internal affairs and what role can be played by this council to promote changes, updates, and improvements in full respect of national sovereignty.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.
Mr.
Vice President, China notes the focus of the Special Rapporteur on the systemic and historical discrimination faced by lepacy patients and his five pillar framework to safeguard their rights.
China attaches great importance to the protection of their rights of subsistence, right to health, and right to equal development of persons affected by lepacy.
Sustained efforts have been made to formulate national plans and programs for lepacy prevention control.
Relevant sectors including disease control, health development, education, and civil affairs have coordinated their efforts to eliminate epacy After more than 70 years of Dahl's efforts, the incidence of lepasy in China is much lower than the global criteria for elimination.
The phenomenon of discrimination has markedly decreased.
As lesion treatment is no longer needed since long, the approach has shifted towards early detection, integrated care, and social reintegration.
The disappearance of so called lepasy village is clear reflection of the progress.
China stands ready to cooperate with all countries and make it still contribution to the global fight against leprosy.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.
Vice President, we're grateful for the presentation of the Special Rapporteurs report, and we agree that segregation of those affected by leprosy represents a form of structural injustice comparable with other historic injustices.
We recognize the work of the mandate over nine years to promote the elimination of damage and discrimination against those affected by leprosy and their family members.
Cuba supports the efforts of the Special Rapporteur in progressing towards a comprehensive framework based on truth, justice, reparation, memory, and guarantees of non repetition as a channel to confront historic and structural injustice suffered by these people.
Although leprosy continues to be a significant public health issue, but has ceased to be so in Cuba.
Each year we detect over 100 cases.
To combat this, we have awareness raising campaigns to deal with the stigma associated with this disease.
We also provide psychological support to patients and family members contributing to prevent any discrimination.
All these services are offered free of charge.
Cuba remains committed to the aim of getting to zero leprosy.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has taken note of the Special Reporteur's report.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has made significant strides in addressing leprosy as a public health issue lining with the principle of non discrimination and guarantees of non recurrence outlined in the Special Rapporteur's report.
Through robust national programs since the 1990s, Iran achieved WHO elimination targets of 1991 at national and sub national levels, providing free multi drug therapy early detection and full integration of services into the primary health care system.
These efforts have substantially reduced stigma supported community inclusion and ensured access to treatment and social protection while focusing primarily on medical care elimination and prevention, Iran continues to monitor and strengthen policies promoting equality and participation.
The government remains committed to upholding human dignity and advancing the rights of persons affected by leprosy and their families in line with international human rights standards.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished Representative of Colombia.
The Columbia delegation is grateful for the visit made to the country by the rapporteur and appreciates dialogue held with national authorities and the various stakeholders that she had the opportunity to meet during the mission.
We take note of the comments made by the preliminary report conveyed in the press release on the 10th of June, we appreciate them and they will be taken duly into account.
Columbia reiterates its preparedness to continue constructive and cooperative dialogue with the special procedures under the HRC.
In that vein, once the report of the visit has been drafted and officially posted, And brought to the attention of the Colombian state in line with the procedures and working method, duly established Colombia will take a position on its content.
Thank you.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker on my list.
We will now turn to the list of speakers for national human rights institutions and non governmental organizations.
Now, I give the floor to the representative of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission intervention by video.
Distinguished President, members of the Human Rights Council, and the special reporter on the elimination of discrimination against persons with leprosy.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission recognized that Ethiopia remains among the countries most affected by leprosy and persons affected continue to face serious human rights violations.
They related stigma in Ethiopia is widespread and driven by culture and religious misconceptions that portray affected persons as impure or highly contagious.
Sigma continues to undermine the dignity and inclusion of affected persons with many living in segregated communities and are facing barriers to full participation in society.
Access to healthcare remains a major challenge for persons affected by leprosy in Ethiopia.
Only few special institutions provide treatment and related services, severely limiting the availability and accessibility of healthcare.
The impact of barriers and stigma affecting persons affected by paliprocy extends beyond individuals, affecting families and communities and deepening poverty, exclusion, and vulnerability.
HR is therefore on Ethiopian government and international stakeholders to address the challenges faced by persons affected by leprosy and to ensure the full enjoyment of their human rights.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Interfaith International.
Mr.
Vice President, Interfaith International thanks the Special Reporter for her report and endorses her recommendations.
The report reminds us that the consequences of historical discrimination extend far beyond health care.
This has resulted in the loss of dignity, belonging, and recognition for persons affected by Hansen's disease and their families.
The persistence of discrimination is reflected in the fact that approximately 139 discriminatory laws remain in force across 24 countries.
Stigma remains not only a human rights challenge, but also a moral one.
Across faith traditions, there is a shared conviction that every human being possesses inherent dignity and worth.
The true measure of any society lies in how it treats those who are most vulnerable and excluded.
We therefore welcome the report's emphasis on truth, justice, reparation, and meaningful participation.
Lasting change requires acknowledgment of past injustice, the restoration of dignity, and the inclusion of affected persons and their families in shaping the policies that affect their lives.
Special Reporter How can states move beyond consultation to ensure that persons affected by Hansen's disease and their families are genuine partners in shaping policies and that commitments translate into meaningful change in their daily lives? Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of China Health Charity Foundation intervention by video.
Mr.
President, we appreciate the Special Rapporteur's report.
Your daily clinical work, we find that stigma bones often outlast the disease itself.
What patients need most is community support and health education to restore dignity.
Over the past two years, we have worked with six partner hospitals in Inan Province, providing direct services to more than 20 patients with leprosy and their family members through community based health education and rehabilitation programs.
We encourage physicians to deliver community based health education, guiding affected persons toward health death and rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, peer networks are currently being established in schools and workplaces through health lectures.
Ultimately, protecting the health and dignity of affected persons is not Wednesday's responsibility alone.
It is a shared obligation of the international community.
We urge governments and civil society to build integrated care systems where medical treatment and education reinforce each other and to act effectively to ensure that the human rights of affected persons are equally protected.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of CEJA.
Thank you very much, President.
The African Center for Legal Studies, Sega and the African Center for Democracy and the Study of Human Rights, the African Center, thank the Special Rapporteur for her report dedicated to memory, belonging and belonging, realizing cultural, social and economic rights in former leprosy colonies and settlements.
We greet the attention and focus dedicated to segregation policies which have impacted so many people affected by leprosy.
Although the most documented examples come from other regions of the world, it's also important to recognize that many African countries have experienced forms of isolation, belittlement, or separation of people affected by leprosy, nonetheless, the story of these communities remains largely unknown and insufficiently documented.
We believe that the responsibility of memory must also concern Africa, preserving witnesses of former residence, documenting stories of colonies and recognizing suffering experienced, as well as contributing to reconciliation, dignity, and justice.
We call for African states to incorporate these policies into their general practices and supporting initiatives to seek history and document the experiences.
Madam Special Reporter, what special recommendations would you recommend to preserve the memory of former colonies of leprosy, while also strengthening their social inclusion, dignity, and a sense of belonging.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of ARC intervention by video.
Madam Chair, we wish to draw attention to the situation of former leprosy patients in the Bababa settlement in the Azerbijani region of Iran.
This modern settlement was originally pioneered in Tabriz by an Azerbijani philanthropist who sought to provide dignity and protection for those affected by leprosy.
However, the Iranian authorities have never introduced updated social and medical practices to support these vulnerable groups.
Local activists have become increasingly reluctant to communicate as they fear being accused of spying.
However, our latest reliable information obtained shortly before the outbreak of the current war in Iran indicated that approximately 170 individuals, including former patients and their families, continue to live in Baba Baa under conditions of deep social stigma, psychological distress, and with limited access to adequate services.
Although leprosy is now a fully curable disease, no meaningful steps have been taken to integrate these individuals into society or to reduce the stigma that continues to shake their lives.
What remains clear is that leprosy patients were never a priority within Iran's social welfare agenda, and under current conditions, they are even more likely to be overlooked and uncounted.
We therefore express our concern for this vulnerable group in the Azerbijani Province of Iran and urge their situation be monitored within the broader human rights framework.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of Appa Giovanni.
Vice President, EPG 23 thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report, which examined the historically systematic forced segregation and discrimination of person affected by the Anson disease and offers in a human rights framework, an essential path forward truth justice and reparation.
Decades ago, the introduction of a multi drug therapy turned leprosy into a fully curable, non contagious condition after the very first dose.
Yet, as the report clearly outlines, many former settlements, particularly in endemic countries continue to be home to persons affected by leprosy and their relatives, creating obstacles in accessing basic services, and ongoing discrimination.
Furthermore, globally, over 100 discriminatory laws still exist on the books, legally permitting the isolation of patients, authorizing the dissolution of marriages, and restricting freedom of movement and employment.
Stigma is the greatest barrier to eliminating the disease as it deters individuals from seeking early lifesaving diagnosis and treatment out of fear of exile.
We urge member states to immediately repeal all outdated laws that legitimize segregation, dismantle the structural barriers in health care, and that promote community based rehabilitation.
Finally, we regret that the mandate will come to an end and hope that through neglected tropical disease resolution, the attention on neprosy will be still kept high.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Im Ali Popular Students Relief Society, intervention by Video.
Thank you.
Miss Special Rapporteur.
In recent years, the integration of persons affected by leprosy have improved in many places.
However, in countries with poor human rights records, the legacy of these policies continues to undermine the rights of those affected.
Forced segregation of persons affected by leprosy began 93 years ago at the Pa Bahri Center in Ugan.
Today, approximately 117 families support their relatives in this center.
As the son of one resident explains, the Pa Bari authorities are telling us to place our parents in the center's hospital and leave the area ourselves.
How can I leave my mother in the care of staff members who are afraid of the patients? In addition, efforts by patients and their families to draw public attention to their living condition have been met with intimidation and reprisals not long ago after residents released the video highlighting the problems faced by the community, the Tap Cyber Police Patar responded by summoning and interrogating persons affected by leprosy and their family members.
Miss Special Rapporteur, it may not be realistic to expect compensation from states that systematically violate the human rights of their own people.
However, what recommendations do you have for the international community to encourage the Iranian authorities to support leprosy patients and their families and to ensure that new patients receive timely and effective treatments.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the representative of Shanxi Patriotic Volunteer Association intervention by video.
Thank you very much, Chair Special Rapporteur delegates.
I am a representative of OPPI and I've been studying carefully the reports on discrimination against those with leprosy, denouncing isolation as a structural injustice.
We believe that the historic damage thus caused must be re examined three time.
Paragraph 58 of the report addresses the current state of former leprosarium sites in China in the past constrained by scientific understanding and economic conditions as well as compulsory or compulsory isolation rather was a measure of necessity is of last resort.
With the elimination of leprosy, these sites are now described in the report in their dilapidated state.
Campaigns against poverty in China have significantly improved the lives of vulnerable groups, including leprosy survivors.
This is the most powerful safeguard of a nation's right to development.
On the cultural front, China is actively renovating these sites, transforming them into wellness centers and giving them a new life.
As an NGO representative, we support a patriotism that does not overlook the rights of other countries.
We call for integrating this spirit into the global combat against leprosy, eliminating fear and discrimination.
Thank you very much, President.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker on the list.
I now give the floor to miss Miranda Galarza for her concluding remarks.
You have 6 minutes and 15 seconds.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you so much for all your comments and observations.
Thanks to.
Thank you very much as well to the delegation of the Dominican Republic, which has brought a great deal of color and joy into the room.
I'd like to also begin thanking you for reading this report, which has been so important because it sounds a note of approximation regarding our management of leprosy from a human rights perspective through the recognition of truth, memory, and the preservation of history connected to leprosy disease.
I'd like to in summary, respond to all participants using three key pillars in my response.
The first relates to priority actions, actions which still are pending.
Among these are one of the key problems that we confront in the sphere of leprosy, which relates to the right to access to health and specifically, it relates to late diagnosis.
Cases that are being reported in many countries are Connected to situations and contexts which haven't been diagnosed in time.
I'm talking about cases of disability.
This is connected a lack of capacity building of healthcare professionals.
Leprosy is or is no longer a current theme that is much discussed in the corridors of hospital training establishments.
I'd like to call the foreign states to step up the focus granted to this subject above all in educational spheres and educational and university hospitals, as well as universities more generally, allowing measures and capacity building as well as an update in the training of professionals.
We've also heard reports in many countries of cases that have even become fatal thanks to a lack of response and a lack of reactivity.
If there isn't capacity building and a training update of staff concerning leprosy, you can imagine the knock on impact that has in terms of due diligence and the reactivity of that staff.
Now, we've found that this is often connected to the fact that oftentimes, as has been reported, we still see discrimination within the health care and educational context.
We also still see many barriers around the issue of recognition of the fact that disability is connected to leprosy if there isn't a timely and rapid response to the onset of the disease.
It can trigger disabilities can be sensory disabilities and physical diseases and this can become a central problem which becomes persistent and that's the case, even when a country has declared leprosy to be eliminated.
The persistent healthcare impacts on mental health and physical health can continue to linger and we've seen cases of children, and this is concerning.
I'm very grateful for UCF statement on this subject when they referred to the rights of children and teenagers, not only in terms of their need for priority healthcare but also education and family protection.
One of the key issues that I've been looking at over my mandate is the inclusion of the issue of leprosy within existing agendas connected to climate change, water and sanitation, but also migration, displacement, conflict and violence, and of course, within care agendas.
The gender discussion, for example, isn't often discussed in connection with leprosy in those agendas because we continue to imagine that leprosy is simply a health issue and this is a serious issue because if you see it as simply a health issue, it relegates it to the spheres that specifically just relate to health and disease and it ignores the fact that even health is a right.
I'd also like to refer to I think integration that's necessary in health care systems when it comes to leprosy treatment in many countries.
Nepal, for example, is an example of Brazil, another.
Where there's been integration of treatment of the illness and treatment for patients within the general health care system.
That's an example to be followed.
A central problem, which in one of my reports last year was presented is that lack of availability of medication.
Here I call on not just states, but also the WHO to adopt measures to help guarantee for patients that they should receive the treatment on time.
States should guarantee strengthening of organizations representing people with leprosy and their families.
It's only by strengthening those organizations that we can have an effective impact on the ground within society.
I congratulate Colombia because Colombia is an example of how leprosy organizations have worked together with states and with civil society.
In conclusion, I want to thank you all for your support throughout these years of raporteurship, and please keep supporting the rights of persons with leprosy, their family members, and the organizations working in the field.
Thank you.
Thank you.
This brings us to the end of this interactive dialogue.
Miss Beatrice Miranda Galarza as your mandate as a special rapporteur comes to an end.
I wish to take this opportunity to express on behalf of the council our deep gratitude for the valuable contributions you have made to the work of the council and to wish you every success in your future endeavors.
We will now take a short break before holding the interactive dialogue with the special Reporter on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change.
Excellencies, dear participants.
We shall now begin the interactive dialogue with the special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change.
Let me welcome the mandate holder, miss Alyssa Morguera.
The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes.
I now give the floor to miss Morguea to present the reports.
Thank you very much, Mr.
President.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates, representatives from civil society, the UN and participants.
It is in a time of deepening paradoxes that I present my report on transforming food systems for a safe climate and health for all.
We are experiencing extreme heat earlier than ever here in Geneva and in many other parts of the globe and yet during the last few days in Bonn at the UN climate negotiations, delegates were debating about the validity of climate science.
They had to debate whether or not to refer to the obligation of keeping the 1.5 temperature limit within reach instead of focusing on making overdue progress on climate change mitigation.
These paradoxes and the price we are all paying, albeit to very different extents in different parts of the world are much deeper.
Since the beginning of the year, we have witnessed climate obstruction escalating into illegal military aggressions, attacks to democracy and multilateralism and targeted weakening of the UN human rights pillar.
These are essentially assaults to peace and the role of law in protecting it.
They must be assessed in the broader context of the everyday physical and digital repression of climate and other human rights defenders and the systemic undermining of the support systems for victims across civil society and the judiciary from local to international levels.
The current global fuel crisis has led to skyrocketing costs of living and exacerbated inequalities everywhere whilst fossil fuel and associated businesses made record profits.
The availability and accessibility of energy and food was particularly undermined in the countries most affected by climate change and least responsible for it.
Beyond doubt, this crisis has further exposed how disentangling our lives from fossil fuels is essential for our economies, our security, and all human rights in their interdependence.
My thematic report this year further clarifies the human rights imperative of deoizing our economies.
It sheds light on who else is part of a fossil fuel based economy and the extent to which their profits are premised knowingly on harming human and planetary health.
Crucially, the report also shows the alternative solutions already exists.
They are led by indigenous peoples, peasants, small scale fishers, pastoralists, and rural women.
This has been pointed out by other UN human rights experts, by several global scientific processes, and by children and young people that I had the opportunity to consult with during the preparation of this report.
Those solutions must now be clearly recognized, prioritized, and effectively supported legally and financially.
They also serve to protect human rights locally and globally and to globalize hope at a time when we most need it.
After setting the context, allow me to share a few findings from my thematic report.
It is clear in climate science that global food systems are a major driver of climate change, contributing to a third of greenhouse gas emissions, which are projected to increase up to 90% by 2050.
Let us consider two specific examples, among several aspects that are not sufficiently discussed in UN climate and other negotiations.
The climate impact of nitrogen fertilizers alone exceeds to commercial aviation and more than 1 billion tons of wasted food every year generate emissions equivalent to those of the world's third largest emitter.
Those emissions are only a portion of the environmental harm caused by fossil fuel dependent food systems, which are proven to be responsible also for the transgression of multiple planetary boundaries and deepening economic inequality.
These human rights impacts are compounded with widespread patterns of localized violations of the human rights of workers and frontline communities and the human health to everywhere of the reliance of industrialized food systems, including meat and dairy production, large scale fisheries and aquaculture, on fossil fuels, and also fossil feedstock for petrochemicals, plastics, fertilizers and pesticides.
Due to the global reach of toxic pollution across food systems and the reach of ultra processed foods, we are witnessing a combined epidemic of obesity, hunger, malnutrition, and non communicable diseases with disproportionate impacts on children's health and development and higher cancer rates in increasingly younger people.
There's been a significant contribution and engagement in my work with the medical community across the world.
Transforming food systems should thus be prioritized as climate action that is essential to protect everyone's human rights to health, taking an intergenerational approach to the interdependencies of the human right to development and the human right to a healthy environment in all its substantive dimensions.
Yet finance is going in the opposite direction.
Paradoxically, we provide almost $700 billion annually in subsidies to industrial agriculture and aquaculture and large scale fisheries, in addition to subsidies on fossil fuels, plastics, and petrochemical production.
I've been wondering how many taxpayers are aware that they are subsidizing several times over an industrial complex that causes several trillion US dollars per year of environmental harm and ever worsening health impacts.
My report connects these findings with the recent work of the former UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food on the unprecedented concentration of corporate power across food systems, linked to well documented practices of disinformation, greenwashing, and climate obstruction.
This is where we see a shared playbook of fossil fuel companies, petrochemicals, meat and dairy companies, as well as global food and beverage companies.
Increased climate instability and food insecurity are thus linked to few identifiable global actors who are evading accountability while exercising disproportionate control over lands and territories, over production, inputs, and markets.
Yet it is small scale farming that produces 35% of the food in the world, while only using 12% of agricultural land.
The report clarifies the interrelated human rights obligations not only to decarbonize, but also crucially to de fossilize and detoxify our food systems in accordance with state obligations to protect the climate system clarified by the International Court of Justice in its 2025 advisory opinion.
On the one hand, this requires the effective regulation and accountability of large scale food businesses supporting and expanding the fossil fuel based economy, which should be ensured through all legal means available, and on the other hand, it requires prioritizing indigenous peoples, peasants and women led agology, ecosystem based, small scale fishing and pastoralism, which should be effectively protected and supported financially as urgent climate action and a health intervention to the benefit of all.
Distinguished participants, I'm also presenting to you my country visit report.
In May 2025, I had the privilege to visit Dominica at the invitation of the government for which I'm very grateful.
The visit was the first by a United Nations S P to the country and it was my second visit to a small island developing state or large ocean state.
Like other seeds, Dominica represents the depth of the injustice of the climate crisis, contributing less than 0.01% to the global climate crisis, and yet facing the most severe and compounding human rights impacts.
2017 Hurricane Maria alone caused damage equivalent to more than 200% of GDP, 90% of the housing stock, and 80% of agricultural production.
Dominica also represents extraordinary resilience, drawing on strong traditions of community solidarity and distinctively preserved cultural heritage and biodiversity.
Such extraordinary resilience was also driven by explicit political commitment and a clear vision to become the world's first climate resilient country through health infrastructure, renewables, and ecosystem based approaches.
My visit focused on exploring how the human rights based approach can expand the potential of transformative climate resilience, based on inclusive co development of measures and projects that are enriched by the insights and contributions of the Kalinago people, young climate leaders, environmental human rights defenders, displaced and relocated communities and migrants, as well as the country's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
At the same time, the human rights based approach is needed to strengthen participation and accountability, which are guarantees for effective intersectional protection of human rights in the context of climate change.
Similarly to my previous country visit report, this report paid specific attention to clarifying the corresponding human rights obligations of historically high em states and the international community in terms of climate action and finance that are commensurate to the harm experienced in the highest possible ambition in Dominica.
The report clarifies the responsibilities also bilateral donors, development partners, and business to both avoid foreseeable human rights harm in their support and to really enhance the human rights based approach to climate resilience that is responsive to the lived experiences and agencies of those most affected and those left behind.
This is essential, again for intersectionality and to fully support the unique ecological and socio cultural resilience of the nature island of the Caribbean.
I look forward to a conversation with you on those two reports.
Thank you.
Thank you.
According to our practice, we shall start by hearing the delegation of the country concerned.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Dominica.
You have 5 minutes.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The government of the Commonwealth of Dominica wishes to acknowledge the visit of Professor Elisa Meguea, special rapporteur on climate change to Dominica from May seven to 14, 2025 and expresses appreciation for work undertaken in fulfilling the mandate.
We also value her engagement with national stakeholders and attention to the considerable challenges confronting Dominica as one of the most climate and disaster vulnerable countries in the world.
For Dominica's small island developing states, climate change is an existential threat, affecting not only the environment, but also development and the enjoyment of fundamental human rights.
We therefore view our first engagement with a special procedures mandate holder on this important issue as a valuable opportunity to strengthen efforts to safeguard human rights in the context of climate change while also fostering greater international attention to these interlinkages.
We welcome the report's recognition of the profound impacts of climate change on Dominica, particularly the lasting impacts of tropical storm Erica in 2015 and Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Similarly, we note with appreciation the report's recognition of progress made in achieving climate action through strengthened national policy and planning frameworks, investments in climate resilient housing and community relocation and expansion of renewable energy.
On this last point, we are pleased to note that our ten megawatt geothermal plant has entered advanced commissioning and is already supplying power to the National Grid, substantially reducing Dominic's dependence on imported fossil fuel.
Mr.
Vice President, while the government of Dominica welcomes many of the observations and recommendations contained in this report, we wish to address areas of concern.
The report highlights concerns relating to inclusive and meaningful participation, access to information, equitable access to recovery resources, the rights of Kalin Ngo people, and the human rights implications of major development projects.
In this regard, the government affirms its shared commitment to the principles of inclusion, transparency, accountability, and non discrimination as fundamental to effective climate governance and safeguarding human rights.
Dominica's approach to recovery and resilience builds on the foundation laid by the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Domino, which led and coordinated post Hurricane Maria recovery efforts and advanced the vision of becoming the first climate resilient nation during its operational timeline of 2018 to 2023.
Today, our efforts are guided through the National Resilience Development Strategy 2030, a multi sectoral plan policy framework, which emphasizes inclusive and participatory development, strengthened institutional coordination, and transparent and evidence based decision making.
Accordingly, recovery programs, including the Housing Recovery Project, have been implemented on the basis of vulnerability assessments and establish eligibility criteria with the objective of prioritizing those most affected by disasters and climate related risk.
The government has also taken steps to enhance public access to information by disseminating program requirements and eligibility criteria.
In response to concerns on the rights of Car Ngo people, the government remains committed to advancing these rights and ensuring their meaningful participation in decision making processes through ongoing engagement with the Car Ngo Council and other community representatives, with a view to ensuring that cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and community priorities are reflected in relevant policies and initiatives.
The government further recognizes the importance of balancing economic development, environmental protection, and human rights.
In this context, major infrastructure and tourism projects are subject to environmental and regulatory processes intended to mitigate adverse impacts and promote sustainable outcomes.
Moreover, the government wishes to underscore that while implementation challenges may arise in undertakings of this scale, it does not consider that such challenges amount to systemic exclusion.
We further believe that assessments of participation, discrimination, and access should be grounded in objective evidence, reflect a broader range of stakeholder perspectives and take into account the constraints faced by SIDS.
At the same time, the government remain committed to strengthening participation transparency, accountability, and equitable access across its recovery and resilience efforts and welcomes continued constructive dialogue in that regard.
Mr.
Vice President, the government shares the Special Reporter's concerns regarding the disproportionate burden bond by countries that have contributed the least to global greenhouse gas emissions and supports the call for enhanced international cooperation and support for SIDS.
In closing, Mr.
Vice President Dominica reaffirms its commitment to advancing climate action in a manner that is inclusive, rights based, and consistent with international law.
We look forward to continued constructive engagement with human rights mechanisms, including these special procedures mechanism to address human rights impacts of climate change and to ensure that no one is left behind.
I thank you.
Thank you.
The list of speakers is now closed.
I now invite our interested delegations to ask questions to the special Reporter and make comments on her report.
The speaking time is 1 minute, 30 seconds for all.
I'd like to recall that the duration of interactive dialogues is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
However, if time permits, additional delegations will be able to speak.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
The EU thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report.
Fostering sustainable and responsible corporate behavior is paramount.
EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive aims at identifying and addressing adverse human rights and environmental impacts of actions of large scale companies.
We have introduced social conditionality concept ensuring that labor intensive sectors such as agriculture can only access public funds if they comply with fundamental labor standards and social rights.
Legislation also bans products linked to deforestation, land use conversion, or forced labor from entering the EU market aiming to protect rights of indigenous and local communities marginalized by industrial monoculture.
Result of this significant shift is better protection of human rights, labor rights, and a healthier environment, including climate change mitigation and adaptation.
EU is world's largest provider of climate finance with total contribution in 2024 amounting to 43 billion euros to support developing countries in combating climate change.
Over a third of that amount goes specifically to adaptation and mitigation benefits crucial to safeguarding rights to life, health, adequate food, and housing.
Madam Special Raporteur, how can we ensure that policies on food systems uphold rights based principles addressing disparities and ensure that climate relief efforts reach those in vulnerable and marginalized situations first? I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vanuatu on behalf of a group of countries.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
I have the honor to deliver this joint statement on behalf of the following specific small Islands developing states, Fiji, Kilius, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, the Marshall Islands, Papua Ne Guinea, Samoa, and my own country, Ranuat.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for her important report on food systems and her steadfast commitment to advancing a human rights based response to the climate crisis.
We also acknowledge her support together with other UN special procedures mandate holders for welcoming the UN General Assembly's unanimous adoption of the resolution on the advisory opinion of the ICJ on the obligations of states in respect of climate change.
Pacific seeds, climate change poses the greatest threat to the enjoyment of human rights by present and future generations.
Advancing climate justice, accountability, and the rule of law are fundamental human rights imperative to ensure no one is left behind.
Climate justice also requires enhanced ambition and mitigation efforts, scaled up support for adaptation, predictable and accessible climate finance, and their effective operationalization of funding arrangements for responding to loss and damage.
As countries strive to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement in the lead up to Cp 31, the Pacific will continue its goal and regional climate leadership underscoring the urgent need to accelerate a just, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuels and energy systems and climate resilient development pathways.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sudan on behalf of the Arab Group.
Sure.
Thank you, Vice President.
I have the pleasure to make this statement on behalf of the ERP Group.
The Eg Group takes note of the report prepared by the special report that highlights the importance of building sustainable food systems capable of adapting with the increasing impact of climate change to ensure strengthening food security and protecting the right to food for current and future generations.
The Erg Group realizes that climate change constitutes a growing challenge to food systems through its impact on agricultural production, water resources, biodiversity, and food supply chains.
Therefore, we reiterate the need to promote the ability of these systems to adapt through sustainable agricultural practices and investing in innovation, technology, and capacity building.
We also welcome the the need to support small farmers and rural communities given their key role in achieving food security and promoting environmental sustainability, we reiterate the need to promote international cooperation, provide climate finance and technology transfer to developing countries so that they can address climate change challenges.
Policies in connection to um moving towards more sustainable food systems should pay heed to different national circumstances while also taking into account the importance of just transition to strike a balance between environmental, economic and social aspects, Vice President Inter.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Estonia on behalf of a group of countries.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic States.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for the report on states human rights obligations in transforming food systems to mitigate and adapt to climate change and address its impacts.
We trust that effective climate action requires a comprehensive food systems approach across the full food value chain.
Strengthening sustainable and resilient food systems is essential for ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food, reducing emissions, and enhancing food security and strengthening national resilience in face of climate risks, geopolitical instability, and supply chain disruptions.
Emphasize transparency, accountability, and inclusive food system governance to support equitable and sustainable outcomes.
We see clear opportunities to advance environmentally responsible and science based agricultural practices and encourage healthier and more sustainable consumption choices that benefit both public health and the environment.
We believe that national and international cooperation, together with locally led adaptation is essential for accelerating the transformation of food systems, including through knowledge sharing, best practices, and capacity building.
Madam Special Rapporteur, most practical and effective entry points for states to advance sustainable and resilient food systems in line with climate and human rights obligations.
How can we strengthen international cooperation in this regard? Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya on behalf of the African group.
Mr.
Vice President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the African group.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for the report and its focus on the intersection of human rights, climate change, and food systems, a theme that resonates deeply with the African continent.
The African Union has long recognized that food security and health environment are fundamental to human dignity.
Guided by the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program under Agenda 2063, the continent has made significant achievements in scaling up climate resilient agriculture.
Across Africa, there is an encouraging surge in state supported local agrology, ecosystem based fisheries, and smallholder farming practices.
These initiatives empower women, preserve biodiversity, and protect livelihoods against climate shocks, translating human rights commitments into practical sustainable realities.
However, severe challenges persist.
Africa is disproportionately bearing the burden of a global climate crisis it did not create drastically, undermining the right to food.
Extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, and erratic rainfall severely disrupt continental food production.
Our efforts to transition to sustainable decoupled food systems are heavily constrained by global structural inequalities.
The African group echoes the special Rapporteur's call for paradigm shift in international cooperation.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahrain on behalf of the GCC.
Bahrain, you have the floor.
At could do well and helm house to act it and not a real enough, you must the Heian is me in.
Our states have taken note of the Special Rapporteur reports and highlight that climate change is a global challenge that directly impacts human rights, particularly the rights to food, health, water, and development.
This demonstrates the importance of a reliable and robust water production system and that will feed.
Subsistence means it's important to update our water management and combat food waste as well as consolidate international cooperation, including through technology transfer and capacity building according to national priorities and needs.
Efforts to combat climate change must take account of varying national circumstances and the rights of states to choose their trajectory in the sphere of development to consolidate the combat against climate change, food security, and the rights to development.
It's also equally important to observe the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibility to ensure that advanced and developed countries honor their commitment to developing countries.
It's also important that we support international efforts in negotiations on the impacts of climate change on human rights while respecting the role and qualifications of each body to avoid any overlaps.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guatemala on behalf of a group of countries.
Thank you very much, President.
Madam Special Rapporteur.
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, Canada, Finland, Mexico, and my own country, Guatemala.
As it states, we recognize the protection of human rights and the resilience of our food system are deeply interconnected across borders.
The best available science underscores the importance of advancing sustainable and resilient food systems that support human well being, food security, environmental sustainability, and the progressive realization of human rights.
We remain concerned that unsustainable consumption and production patterns and insufficient accountability mechanism contribute to the biodiversity loss and pollution, increased vulnerability to climate impact and affect the livelihoods of rural communities and smaller scale producers.
Madam Special Rapporteur, to achieve a transformative change, we must pivote through climate resilience requires us to value indigenous people's knowledge, science, and practices as a legitimate and necessary development models.
We acknowledge that international climate policy has two often privileged narrow approaches.
Where a complex fragmented financing system continue to limit the part, the participation of a small holder of indigenous peoples and women in critical climate change.
We must prioritize participatory inclusive financing models that shift investment towards sustainable food system.
We call on all the state and relevant stakeholders to promote inclusive and participatory approaches, asting accountability, facility access to climate, thank you very much.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Marshall Islands on behalf of a group of countries.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
I have the honor of delivering this statement on behalf of an informer group of 17 small and developing states.
For as, climate change is an unprecedented threat to our ecosystems and communities and it is already transforming daily life, including how people produce, access, and consume food.
Stronger storms, prolonged droughts, rising seas and including king tides and warming oceans are disrupting farming, fishing, food supply systems, contributing to food insecurity and rising malnutrition.
Combined with limited land and small domestic markets, many seeds are increasingly dependent on costly and high processed imported food with supply chains that have a high environmental and climate footprint.
Mr.
President, many of our islands food systems are rooted in indigenous and traditional knowledge and governance.
However, community based knowledge and resources are insufficiently considered in adaptation policy.
We therefore call for international assistance that support locally grounded climate resilient food systems and nutrition policies.
Moreover, we welcome the SRs country visit to our fellow Cs Dominica and recognition of their impressive efforts in respect of climate adaptation, resilience, and mitigation.
Noting the minimal contribution of CDs like Dominica to the current crisis, we echo the SRs call for major emitting countries to provide international cooperation and takes into account the unique needs of CIS, including through mobilization and provision of adequate finance, such as capitalizing the loss and damage fund.
Kala, thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to you again, the Marshall Islands.
You have the floor, Excellency.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The report of the Marshall Islands, thanks to Special Rapportur for a report.
Our islands and oceans have fed Marshallese people for thousands of years.
Coconut and pnadns trees, which are part of traditional diet, have been essential for protecting our shorelines, but rising seas are pushing ecosystems to their extreme limits.
The food systems and our sors knew have been significantly weakened by the climate crisis with the degradation of freshwater sources, the erosion and salnization of land, and the disruption of fisheries due to ocean warming and acidification.
As a result, the Marshall Islands is a growing reliant on important importing costly and highly processed foods, which are the products of carbon intensive global supply chains.
We therefore echo the SR's call to decarbonize, de fossilize, and detoxify food systems while grounding these systems in indigenous and local knowledge, needs, and capacities.
Reclaiming food systems through a locally grounded approach would allow us to strengthen our reliance on traditional foods and better protect our environment.
Acro the Marshall Islands, local communities play an irreplaceable role in supporting small scale food systems, protecting the environment, and strengthening our collective resilience.
It is therefore crucial that any approaches to climate change adaptation strengthen the protection of local biodiversity, as well as our traditional knowledge systems.
For more Dada and I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal.
Mr.
Vice President, Nepal thanks the S O Rapporteur for presenting the report.
The report rightly underscores the need for decarbonization, deposization, and detoxification to ensure sustainable and resilient food systems.
Food systems are one of the major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions with contributions of about 20 to 40% and it is rising.
In addition, the growing use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and plastic exacerbated the impacts of climate change as a country committed to ensure effective enjoyment of human rights to live in a healthy and clean environment, Nepal is important to advancing a smooth, just and green transition strategy.
Mr.
Vice President, there is no alternative to climate action, and we must act now and Depoalization of system must be our priority as reflected in the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.
Madam Sci Rapporteur, what innovative and technology friendly mitigation and adaptation measures would you recommend for mountainous and climate vulnerable countries and communities? I thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mauritius.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We thank the Special Reporter for highlighting the link between climate change and food production, especially as the sixth assessment report of the IPCC had indicated that around 25% of GHG emissions come from agriculture, forestry, and land use.
Cids like Mauritius are facing the brunt of climate change which affects particularly the livelihoods of our farmers and fishers.
It is also a concern for us in terms of food security and sovereignty and the current geopolitical tensions which are causing havoc in global supply chains.
Mauritius agrees with the recommendation of the Special Reeur on the need to develop sustainable and climate resident agree food systems and the imperative for removing all forms of subsidies which lead to market ine inefficiencies.
Subsidies and climate change are dealt in specialized fora, where the principle of single undertaking and consensus paramount.
This, however, results in the ambition of agreed action to be either severely diluted or no agreement being reached.
In this regard, we would be grateful if the Special aporteur could provide some insights on how to elevate the level of ambition in these negotiations so that the decisions reached reflect the wishes of the majority instead of the concerns of a few.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka.
Mr.
Vice President, Sri Lanka welcomes the Special Rapporteurs Report and appreciates her sector specific recommendations.
Sri Lanka recognized that modern food systems can contribute towards climate change through the intensive use of fossil fuels, synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and plastics across agriculture productions, processing, transportation, and distribution.
Being a developing island nation, Sri Lanka is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts.
It posses significant challenges for Sri Lanka with potential economic losses ranging from 3.3 to 3.5% of our GDP by mid century.
These adverse effects disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable populations, particularly those in agriculture and coastal areas.
Sri Lanka, through its manifesto, thriving nation, your beautiful life is committed to elevating the nation's food security by promoting environmentally friendly operations for sustainable food productions.
International cooperation remains vital in this process.
Sri Lanka stresses that developed countries are required to fulfill their obligations under the UNF and the Paris Agreement by scaling up climate finance, technology transfer, capacity building, and knowledge sharing in accordance with the principle of EQT and CBD and RC.
Finally, we stress that it is our common responsibility to transform food systems for a safe climate and health for all.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya.
Mr.
Vice President, Kenya aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Africa Group and thanks the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of the report.
Kenya recognizes that climate change continues to pose significant challenges to the realization of human rights, particularly the rights of food, water, and health.
Recurring droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events that have disrupted livelihoods, increased food insecurity and placed pleasure on vulnerable communities.
These impacts are often felt most acutely by pastoralists and nomadic communities whose livelihoods depend directly on climate sensitive ecosystems.
Kenya remains committed to addressing these challenges through national policy and legislative frameworks.
The Climate Change Amendment Act strengthens Kenya's climate governance framework, including through the establishment of transparent and accountable carbon market mechanisms that support sustainable development.
In addition, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights continues to monitor and document climate induced human rights vulnerabilities at the county level, helping to inform policies aimed at protecting affected communities and local food producers.
Kenya further underscores the importance of international cooperation, climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building in supporting developing countries efforts to build resilient and sustainable food ecosystems while advancing the realization of human rights.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Food and Agriculture Organ, FAO.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
FAO underscores the importance of clear pathways towards a just transition in agri food systems, ensuring that livelihoods, decent work, and social protection remains central to inclusive climate action.
We share the report's emphasis on low emission agri food systems, cleaner energy in agriculture, and reduced reliance on hazardous chemicals as critical measures regarding climate change while safeguarding health.
We also commend its focus on resilience and equity, including recognition of indigenous peoples, small scale farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, alongside agriclogical practices as vital for climate adaptation and food security.
In this International Year of Range Land and pastoralist, we highlight pastoralist communities indispensable contributions to climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
FAO supports countries in advancing sustainable agriculture and livestock management, strengthening climate adaptation and resilience, promoting responsible investment in agri food system, and upholding the right to food and environmental rights.
FAO stands ready to further strengthen multi stakeholder cooperation, transforming agri food systems, and guaranteeing a climate safe future, ensuring no one is left behind.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the United Nations Environment Program.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The United Nations Environment Program welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur and its grounding in the recent advisory opinions of the ICJ and the Inter American Court of Human Rights.
UNEP wishes to underscore the question of implementation, which lies at the heart of its mandate.
The clarification of states obligations is an essential step and the enduring challenge is to translate those obligations into national legislation that can be enacted and applied.
Line with the recommendations in the report, UNEP is committed to working with member states and other stakeholders to strengthen legal frameworks that can promote decarbonization, deossilization, and detoxification of food systems through the Montevideo Program for the development and periodic review of environmental law, UNEP provides technical assistance and capacity building to support states in reflecting these obligations in their domestic legal frameworks.
Mr.
Vice President, UNEP further takes note of the report's recommendation to intergovernmental organizations and is committed to ensuring the meaningful participation of indigenous peoples and peasants and to support related agroecology and to guarding against conflicts of interest.
UNEP reiterates its full support for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and looks forward to continued collaboration.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Samoa.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report, which identifies emissions driven food systems that are burdened with pollution and ultra processed foods that perpetuate NTDs in our communities.
NTDs is among the leading causes of premature death and disability in Sayore, placing a heavy burden on our public health system and economy.
Furthermore, rising cost of living, increased dependence on imported processed foods, and vulnerability to climate change pose significant challenges in ensuring sustainable, healthy food systems for Sayo's growing population.
We believe that Siao's climate and food systems are interconnected and must be addressed together.
Siao's third NDC sets ambitious mitigation adaptation targets aimed at achieving food security, gender equality, and a climate resilient production system.
Through our district development program and the recently launched second pathway for the development of Siaore, we are also strengthening community led development through targeted support for increasing domestic production and export readiness for agriculture and fisheries.
The report states that only 5% of agri food related climate finance in 2023 was received by low income countries.
We therefore ask what international reforms are needed to ensure simplified access to climate finance for SIDs that is sufficient for sustainable and inclusive food systems.
Finally, Mr.
Vice President, SMO aligned itself with the statement delivered by Vanuatu on behalf of the Pacific SDS and the statement delivered by the Republic of the Marshall Islands on behalf of an informal group of SDs.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guyana.
Mr.
Vice President, Guyana thanks the special rapporteur for her comprehensive report and takes note of its recommendations.
Expanded sustainable economic sectors, including agriculture and fisheries is a core tenet of Guyana's low carbon development strategy 2030, which is our country's national framework to combat climate change and promote sustainable economic growth.
This is complemented by CC's initiative to reduce the region's food import bill by 25% by 2030, which Guyana has the honor to lead.
Guyana was identified as the only country that is 100% self sufficient in a recent joint study undertaken by the Universities of Gottingan and Edinburgh, which evaluated 186 countries.
Guyana wishes to commend other states, particularly small developing states, which are working towards resilient and sustainable food systems.
We emphasize the importance of sustainable financing for adaptation and mitigation and responsibility of states to prioritize technology transfer and capacity building in this regard.
Guyana underscores the importance of adequate support for least developed countries, which as we know, are the least responsible for the climate crisis but are disproportionately affected by it.
Mr.
Vice President, as revealed by the report of the Special Rapporteur, there remains a global need to increase investment in sustainable agriculture and rethink our approach to food systems as a whole.
We therefore call on international partners to make this a priority.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam.
Mr.
Vice President, Vietnam thanks the special reporter for her comprehensive report as a country on the final line of the climate chain with the Mekong Delta among the world's most climate exposed to agricultural reasons.
Vietnam understands firsthand that protecting human rights, including the rights to food, how the environment requires transforming food system in a just and inclusive manner.
Vietnam has translated this understanding into concrete action.
In 2023, we adopted our national action plan on food system transformation toward transparency, responsibility, and sustainability until 2003.
The landmark initiative under this plan is 1 million hectas of high quality, low emission drives program in the Mekong Delta demonstrating that smallholder transitions can simultaneously enhance food security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve farmers' livelihoods.
Internationally, Vietnam remains committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, global middle pledge and the Glass Word Leaders Declaration on for We call on developed countries and international financial institutions to provide adequate, accessible and grant based climate finance, particularly for the adaptation gaps in small scale agricultural fisheries so that developing countries can accelerate a changeful system transformation.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Maldives.
President, the Morris thanks the Special Reporte for the presentation of her reports, including the insights from her visit to fellow seeds Dominica.
In the Maldives, climate change is increasingly undermining food security through its impacts in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
The Malice has long championed sustainable fisheries management, including through pool and Line Tuna fishery, demonstrating how locally grounded approaches can strengthen resilience while supporting livelihoods.
We are also promoting climate smart technologies through public co financing initiatives to support community led adaptation and resilient food systems.
As a city that imports over 90% of its food supply, the molds remains vulnerable to disruptions in local production and global supply chains.
Climate related impacts including sea level rise, saltwater intrusion and changing rainfall patterns further threaten agricultural production, particularly in communities with limited access to land.
These impacts are felt disproportionately by women, small scale farmers, and fishers.
Building resilient food systems in seeds such as the Mls requires integrated approaches that link food security with water, energy, health, and ecosystem protection.
It also requires strengthened international cooperation, including grant based climate finance, technology transfer, and support for locally driven solutions.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mr.
Vice Chair, first of all, we would like to associate ourselves with the statement delivered by the GCC.
We take note of the report of this special rapporteur.
We reaffirm that climate change is an international challenge with direct impact on human rights, including the right to life, to health, and to food.
This means that we must reinforce international cooperation in order to build more resilient societies.
This context, we continue to implement policies and national programs to face climate change, as well as taking a number of initiatives in the agriculture and fisheries fields.
We also invest in agricultural technologies.
Vice President, in conclusion, the Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms that facing climate change needs a balanced approach that takes into account national priorities, and we must strike a balance between all the different imperatives.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Gabon.
Vice President, Gabon aligns itself with the statement made by the African group and congratulates the Special Rapporteur for the quality of this report.
We share the finding that certain large scale production models, which are seriously dependent on fossil fuels and petrochemicals, contribute to climate change and compromise the enjoyment of human rights, particularly the right quality health for all.
Aware of these challenges, my country, whose political will is to reduce its dependence on food imports while responding to global imperatives concerning the climate change has undertaken a number of actions aimed at strategically transforming its agricultural sector.
Above all, I'm talking about the establishment of a agricultural development agency and a soil analysis laboratory, as well as IT systems aimed at geographic analysis and management and monitoring of agricultural activities.
We are well aware that The culture, the soils and the land that we have are a key lever which must be brought to bear to ensure resilience and sustainability for our country and for the planet.
In this vein, my delegation echoes the findings of the Special Rapporteur and would like to have more information on this subject.
Thank you very much, Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic.
Thank you very much, Vice President.
We're grateful to the Special Rapporteur for this timely report, which highlights the profound interconnection between climate change, food systems and the full enjoyment of human rights.
As I said, we are concerned by the effects of climate change.
And the impact of them on our coastal communities.
The increase in sea levels, coastal erosion, sanization and extreme meteorological phenomena increasingly affect fishing, agriculture, and the food security, as well as the ways of life of thousands of families.
We are also encountering emerging challenges such as the massive proliferation of the sagaso which is negatively impacting our marine ecosystems, fishing and tourism.
These are the economic engine of our country and this has an impact on the full enjoyment of human rights, particularly for the most vulnerable communities.
As a result, we are pleased to see the emphasis being placed on strengthening international cooperation and broadening access to climate finance for the most vulnerable countries.
My country has actively promoted the impacts of the rise in sea levels in this council through the first resolution tackling this matter in the light of the recent consultative opinion of the ICJ.
Mr.
Apporte, how can your report's conclusions contribute to strengthening this council's agenda concerning increasing sea levels and climate finance for CDs? Thank you very much, Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ghana.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Ghana aligns itself with a statement by the African group and thank the Special Rapporteur for a timely report.
We agree that the nexus between food systems, climate change, and human rights is of particular importance to developing countries, especially in Africa where millions depend on small hold agriculture, artisanal fisheries, and pastoralism for their livelihoods and food security.
In Ghana, climate change continues to adversely affect food production and livelihoods through coastal erosion, sea level rises, and increasingly erratic rainfall patterns.
We therefore welcome the call for a just transformation of food systems that promote sustainability, resilience, and the protection of human rights.
To strengthen climate resilience and food security, Ghana has reviewed its Environmental Protection Act to enhance the capacity of the Environmental Protection Authority to safeguard the environment and coordinate national climate response efforts, including within the agricultural sector.
We are also implementing our commitments under the Paris Agreement and our nationally determined contributions while actively engaging with international initiatives such as the Climate Vulnerable Forum to advance climate resilient food systems.
Madam Saciir Rapporteur, what practical measures can the international community take to ensure that climate finance for food system transformation reaches smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities directly and equitably.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Gambia.
Gambia.
I understand Gambia is absent.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malta.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Malta aligns itself with the statement delivered by the EU and thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report.
The report presents an important analysis on the link between food production and climate change.
We appreciate the Special Rapporteur's inclusion of the report on the environmental effects of, among others, pesticides and plastics.
Recent strengthening of regulations on the use of pesticides control under the 2019, 2023 National Action Plan for sustainable use of pesticides, reinforced by EU regulations have led to a much reduced utilization of pesticides in agriculture, leading to a higher rated product.
Plastic is a matter of grave concern.
In particular, plastic particulate matter in the sea and its impact on the ecosystem as a whole, including marine and seashore life.
This is why Malta is implementing its single use plastic products strategy 2021, 2030 to limit marine plastic debris and contamination.
Furthermore, Malta maintains its support to the global plastics treaty.
While negotiations have reached a deadlock, Malta remains optimistic that discussions will continue with a view to achieving an international agreement which would significantly benefit the environment as a whole.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Bangladesh thanks the special report here for her report.
As a climate vulnerable country, Bangladesh recognizes the interlinkages between climate change, food security, public health and human rights.
We agree that transforming food systems is essential for safeguarding the rights to food, health, and development.
The report rightly underscores the need for food systems that are resilient, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of those most affected by climate change.
Climate induced salinity intrusion, floods, droughts, and extreme weather events are already undermining agricultural productivity, food security, nutrition, and livelihoods in Bangladesh and other climate vulnerable countries.
These challenges are further compounded by inadequate access to climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building.
Mr.
Vice President, we therefore emphasize that any global effort to transform food systems must fully reflect the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
Developing countries require predictable, adequate, and accessible means of implementation to pursue sustainable and climate resilient food systems.
Finally, we stress that food systems transformation must advance climate action, eradicate poverty, strengthen food sovereignty, and contribute to the realization of all human rights for present and future generations.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia.
Thank you, Vice President for Colombia.
Transforming agri food systems should be tackled on the basis of dignity of communities, climate justice, and protection of territories and not just through the lens of criteria of production or economic efficiency.
Therefore, our country has promoted rural reform to bolster food sovereignty.
Campesino agriculture, family farming, community and ethnic farming as well as sustainable productive systems that recognize the role of indigenous peoples, people of African descent, campesinos, rural women, artisanal fishers and local communities.
Sustainable food systems should contribute to reducing rural inequalities, protecting biodiversity, promoting the sustainable use of soil and water, and reducing dependence on fossil fuel dependent inputs, guaranteeing access to healthy, nutritional, culturally adequate, and environmentally sustainable foods.
We would highlight the importance of the second International Conference on Agrarian reform and Rural Development that was held in February in Colombia.
There we reaffirmed the need to promote rural reform, equitable access to land, sustainable rural development as pillars to ensure more just, more inclusive societies and to confront the climate crisis.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Morocco thanks the Special Rapporteur and welcomes the report on transforming food systems for a safe climate and health for all.
This theme addresses a fundamental human rights issue, the rights to food, health, and water.
As highlighted by the Special Rapporteur, the solution depends heavily on a complete overhaul of climate finance.
This is why Morocco has officially adopted its climate finance development strategy by 2030, driven by our Ministry of Finance and regulatory authorities.
This national strategy positions resilience agriculture as one of its three highest financial priorities.
Our objective is to correct a major global imbalance.
While 90% of global climate finance currently targets mitigation, Morocco is structuring innovative blended finance instruments to scale up private capital for agricultural adaptation and water transition.
Morocco echoes the report's call for an enhanced international solidarity.
We call for an ambitious reform of the global financial architecture to ensure it delivers concessional non debt creating finance.
This is critical to protect the human rights of smallholder farmers, particularly across Africa.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mozambique.
Mr.
Vice President, Mozambique aligns itself with statement deliverate by the Afghan group and thanks the Special Reporter for the presentation of her report.
My delegation notes with concern that food systems are currently responsible for approximately one third of global greenhouse gas emissions.
We are also concerned about the adverse impacts they continue to have on forests and ecosystems, thereby undermining the protection of human rights and efforts to achieve a safer and more sustainable climate.
Our concern is heightened by the fact that Mozambique is among the counts that have contributed the least to climate change yet remains one of the most vulnerable to its impacts.
Prolonged droughts, recurrent floods, and tropical sequen continues to severely affect livelihoods.
Exacerbating food insecurity, water scarcity, and long scale displacement.
In this context, it is important to promote the transformation of food system in order to strengthen both climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts while also addressing loss and damage.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize Mozambique commitment to promoting a safe and healthy climate for all.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.
Tran.
Thank you, Vice Chair.
We take note of the report and regret that it does not sufficiently reflect several issues raised during the consultations with the Special Rapporteur or in written contributions.
First, it fails to address the human rights and development implications of unilateral trade measures, including carbon related border measures on agriculture, food systems, and export competitiveness in least developed and developing countries.
This would eraise the cost of production and would also reduce revenues without a reduction of emissions Second, the report treats food security concerns too narrowly by placing them largely within a disinformation narrative.
It should instead recognize the legitimate links between energy security, food security, poverty eradication, and sustainable development goals.
Food production depends on reliable and affordable energy.
Article 2 of the Paris Agreement is clear that climate action must be pursued in a manner that does not threaten food production.
Third, the report does not adequately reflect recent real world experience, energy disruptions including those linked to crises in the Middle East.
Have had disproportionate effects on low income import dependent and food insecure countries.
Finally, climate action must therefore protect food availability, affordability and accessibility.
It should not treat energy input simply as a problem to be eliminated without e credible and equitable transition pathway for developing countries.
Thank you, V.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lesoto Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
La Soto welcomes the opportunity to reflect on the insightful report of the Special Rapporteur on promotion and Protection of human rights in the context of climate change.
As indicated in the report, transforming food systems means changing how we grow, process, and eat food.
The primary objective is to protect the planet from climate harm while providing safe, healthy, and affordable food for every person.
It has been mentioned in various platforms that most current farming and eating habits drive global warming, harm nature and lead to poor health for people.
As a result, state must take up the obligation and responsibility to create a system where food nourishes people without destroying the earth.
It is a fact that healthy produced foods reduce the risks of diseases associated with poor eating habits.
On the other hand, to improve climate protection, states should encourage people to strive to engage in sustainable farming methods that store carbon in the ground as it lowers overall greenhouse emissions.
In conclusion, Desoto acknowledges that if governments can subsidize sustainable farming and make nutritious foods cheaper and more accessible, that can make measure impact in contributing to improving public health.
Secondly, that states should accelerate actions that reduce greenhouse emissions with a view to fight climate change.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq.
Sura Sid rise.
Thank you, Vice President.
We wish warm welcome to the Council to the Special Rapporteur on promotion protection of human rights in the context of climate change, we welcome international efforts to meet shared climate challenges under the Iraqi Constitution, Article 33 Roman one.
We assume the responsibility to live in a healthy environment for all citizens and to preserve the environment, and biodiversity.
Also the law and the protection of the environment.
And the National Development Plan, 2024, 2028 guarantees the right to live in a healthy environment.
Owing to high temperatures, droughts, dust storms and salination of soil.
We've established a national plan for climate Investment 2025 30 and a national strategy for the environment 2024, 2030 to take into account climate commitments in investment plans and improve water management, increase agricultural productivity for the benefit of smallholder farmers, introduce modern irrigation techniques and renewable energies by bringing on board women and youth, President Inter.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbijan.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President and Madam Special Rapporteur.
As a country exposed to the adverse effects of climate change, including water stress, land degradation, and changing weather patterns, Azerbijan has placed addressing these challenges among the key priorities of state policy through investments in climate smart agriculture, efficient irrigation systems, land restoration initiatives, and renewable energy development, Azerbijan is working to strengthen food security while advancing its climate commitments.
Today, crisis transcends borders, making it imperative to enhance international cooperation.
Cop 29 reflected Azerbgian's commitment to strengthening international cooperation and advancing practical solutions that promote environmental protection, economic development, and social well being in a balanced manner.
In this regard, Azerbijan supports enhanced access to finance, technology, and capacity building for developing countries.
Such support should facilitate nationally driven solutions that enable countries to advance climate resilience and sustainable development in accordance with their priorities and commitments.
We remain committed to constructive engagement and inclusive dialogue in advancing practical, science based and cooperative responses to climate change for the benefit of present and future generations.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Côte D'ivoire.
Vice President, the Ivorian delegation thanks the Special Rapporteur for a report which highlights the impact of climate on food systems and human rights, stressing the need for sustainable transformation to mitigate climate change, protect the health of populations, and guarantee sustainability.
Risks linked to climate phenomena, have had a troubling impact in Côte D'ivoire, whose economy is chiefly based on agriculture.
According to projections, it could lead to a GDP drop of 13% between now and 2050 and push thousands of people into extreme poverty.
Given the situation, our government committed to fighting climate change has integrated ag agroecology into its agr forestry national strategy 2025, 20 2034, supported by its agricultural law of 2015 to bolster food sovereignty, promote empowerment of farmers, and restore soils.
Moreover, my country has outlawed the production, import, mass production, holding, and use of plastic bags.
It also has a new environmental code which enshrines expanded liability for producers and promotes the circular economy to encourage recycling.
In conclusion, Code de Voir calls for decarbonization, a move away from fossil fuels, and a detoxification of food systems.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone.
Mr.
Vice President, my delegation thanks the Special Rapporteur for a comprehensive report.
We're concerned that large scale fossil fuel dependent food systems contribute to human rights violations, including land disposition, land exploitation, gender based violence, child labor, and the erosion of local food systems.
These practices undermine the rights to food, water, health, development, and a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
We reiterate our commitment to sustainable rights based food systems.
Through our National Agricultural Transformation Program and the Fed Salon Initiative, we are advancing a go ecology, including climate smart agriculture and support for small farmers.
The Fisheries Management and Development Act strengthens protections for small scale fishes and addresses illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
The National Climate Change Act of 2023 establishes a comprehensive climate governance framework that includes safeguards for environmental human rights defenders.
Ongoing water resource reforms, expand access to clean water and improve pollution control.
As part of a just transition towards sustainable food systems, CLN supports the report's recommendation to strengthen domestic regulatory frameworks, enhance corporate human rights due diligence, phase out environmentally harmful subsidies, and ensure the protection of vulnerable communities.
I thank you, Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mali.
Mm.
Thank you, Vice President.
Many, thanks the special rapporteur for the high quality report.
My delegation notes that May with accelerated climate change, a number of innovations have been implemented with products to boost agricultural productivity and improve health of communities, including the system for improving rice production in conditions of climate variance and the involvement of women in processing of rice brings tangible progress.
The rice fish cycle has been improved.
There also participative approach for women involved in improving soil quality and using solar energy is also used adapting food systems to climate change is a priority.
Every drought in our country diminishes food security while climate change is responsible for a drop in crop production.
My delegation believes that fossil fuels, plastics, and pesticides contribute directly to increase in risk of microplastics, which are a big threat to health at a global level.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Oman.
Thank you, Vice President.
My delegation takes note of the report of the Special Rapporteur on climate change that highlights the growing challenges posed by climate change to food systems and the direct consequent impact on the right to food, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Oman realizes that food security is no longer a development issue.
I but a key element in promoting stability and resilience to global crises.
Therefore, we reiterate the need to adopt a comprehensive approach that promotes sustainable food systems and preserves natural resources and at the same time ensures availability of food and access to it by all.
We believe that promoting the ability to adapt to climate change requires investment in sustainable agriculture.
Developing agriculture infrastructure, improving water management, supporting innovation and scientific research, and also to expand the use of modern technologies that would improve production and reduce environmental footprint.
We reiterate the key role of international cooperation in terms of technical and financial support to two countries that are most affected by climate change.
Thank you, Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta.
The Sovereign Order of Malta is concerned about the role that food systems play in climate related impacts upon vulnerable communities, especially so during this period when we recognize the role that current global and regional conflicts are playing in food insecurity.
We welcome this report on transforming food systems presented to the council that outlines the many ways in which climate risks are increasing for local communities with particular note of the impacts upon human health, food security, and environmental resilience.
In its work, Maltaser International, our worldwide relief agency is working with local communities in developing sustainable food production systems, particularly in Lebanon, where we have launched innovative projects under the title of Agro Humanitarian Work, in agronomy and sustainable and use with local Farm community leaders.
There are currently ten Agro Humanitarian project sites in Lebanon providing sustainable food system support to local communities.
To ensure our agro humanitarian work may continue to benefit these local communities and the environments where food system impacts from climate change are often acutely experienced, we would impress upon the council the need for climate risk resilience to be established in public policy and supported by international law.
We look forward to continuing our work with our global partners to share best practices and to ensure that science and technology are aligned with economic and social development so that we can expand our work in agro humanitarian innovation in order to counteract the effects of climate change on food systems and to provide an adequate nutritionally dense diet for local communities worldwide.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President, Republic of Korea thanks to the Special Rapportur for her report.
We take note of the Special Rapporteur's analysis of the close interconnections between climate change and food systems.
Food systems are increasingly affected by the impacts of climate change while the way they are organized and operated can also contribute to climate change.
This relationship carries important implications for food security and human well being.
We share the Special Rapporteur's concern that food systems warrant more comprehensive consideration in climate action discussions.
To address climate change and food security effectively, we consider it important to look beyond the agricultural production and take into account the broader food system perspective, spanning production, processing, distribution, and consumption.
My delegation believes that transforming food system to become more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive can over the long term contribute to addressing climate related challenges and enhancing food security and human well being.
At the same time, such transformation should be pursued with due consideration of national context.
Against this backdrop, we would be grateful for the special Rapporteur's views on the practical priorities and measures the states should consider in promoting sustainable and resilient fish systems while ensuring food security.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
My delegation thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report.
Malaysia supports the report's call to decarbonize, de fossilize, and detoxify food systems while protecting the rights of rural communities, smallholders, indigenous peoples, women, and children.
Climate action must safeguard the rights to food, health, water development, and a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
We remain committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The Malaysian government has undertaken concrete initiatives to achieve this goal, including one, the National Energy Transition Roadmap, two, enacting a climate change bill, and three, integrating climate action with biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, and environmental protection.
Malisia calls for the strengthening of national efforts, regional coordination, and international cooperation towards achieving our common objectives.
To conclude, we seek the special Rapporteur's views on how to advance food system transformation while ensuring the rights and agricultural sustainability of smallholders and vulnerable communities are protected.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Albania.
Monsieur Vice President Vice President, Albania thanks the Special Rapporteur for her enlightening report on transformation of food systems towards a safe climate and health for all.
We support the call for a transformation of food systems based on approaches, sustainable, low emission and human rights friendly approaches.
We want to stress the important role that could be played by small scale food systems in bolstering resilience and protecting ecosystems.
Albania recognizes that climate change poses serious risks to full enjoyment of these rights.
Remain determined to align our policies with EU norms and to strengthen the climate environmental framework, notably through adoption of a national plan, Energy Climate.
Vice President Albania supports the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur, especially the call to transform food systems while ensuring protection for vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and rural communities.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe.
Vice President, Zimbabwe welcomes the report of the special rapporteur.
It is undeniable that climate change is a threat to our food system with implications on food security and livelihoods, especially for vulnerable people around the world.
Zimbabwe continues to experience severe climate impacts, including prolonged drought and recurring tropical cyclones.
These challenges affect citizens' rights to food, clean water, healthcare, and adequate housing.
We remain committed to a human rights based approach to climate action through Zimbabwe National climate change response strategy and other national frameworks.
The country is implementing adaptation measures, including climate smart agriculture through the FFA IntS program, climate resilient infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and research on climate related diseases.
Climate change responses also integrate gender considerations and support vulnerable communities.
Our efforts are, however, constrained by limited access to international climate finance, green technologies and enforcement due to external barriers, including unilateral coercive measures.
Zimbabwe stresses that climate justice requires global solidarity, equity, and predictable support for developing countries.
We call for increasing enforcement in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure while aging fulfillment of commitments under international climate agreements.
I thank you vice chair.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Libya.
Vice President, we welcome the report of the special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights in the context of climate change.
We appreciate highlighting the nexus between food systems and climate change and enjoyment of human rights.
Vice President Libya, like other countries, faces growing challenges related to climate change that affect food security and the livelihood of people.
This requires international cooperation to address these challenges in a more effective equitable manner.
The report reitates the need to build a more sustainable food system that can also be resilient to contribute to food security, protection of natural resources, and ensure that everyone access healthy food.
In this respect, we reiterate the importance of supporting developing countries through finance technology transfer capacity building to enable them to adapt to the impact of climate change and to proceed with more sustainable development pathways.
Libya reiterates that the right to food, health, and clean, safe and sustainable environment are integrated rights and protection of such is a foundation for sustainable development.
Thank you Vice President.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Thank you very much, Vice President.
The DRC is grateful to the Special Rapporteur for the excellent report.
Global transformation of our food systems is no longer a choice.
It's a moral, climate and health obligation.
The connection between climate change, food, and human rights is undeniable.
Continues to hit the most vulnerable, exacerbating malnutrition and threatening the fundamental right to health.
The DC is a key actor in the solution for the global climate challenge.
We are a solution country and we preserve the second largest lungs of the planet in the Congolese basin.
Nonetheless, our country is suffering disproportionate ramifications of a crisis it hasn't caused.
Devastating floods and seasonal disturbances disturb our agricultural infrastructure, weakening the food security of millions of our citizens.
Faced with this situation, we would like to solemnly call on the international community and our technical and financial partners to act.
The preservation of our ecosystems is a shared responsibility and the imperative of honoring the commitments made and massively investing in climate solutions is essential.
The DRC has 80 million hectars of arable land.
We want to transform that potential into a sustainable development lever.
Do that, climate justice must become a reality.
To conclude, the DRC reaffirmed its commitment to build resilient food solutions and we refused the false dilemma pitting our population against environmental protection.
The world must invest in countries protecting the planet.
Thank you.
Thank you.
This was the last speaker we could accommodate for this dialogue.
We will now turn to the list of speakers for national Human Rights institutions and non governmental organizations.
I now give the floor to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights institutions.
President.
Thank you very much, Vice President Gane.
Thanks to the Special Rapporteur for the reports and recognize the undying commitment to NHRIs.
For NHRIs this report is echoing increasing concerns frequently expressed by rights holders, in particular, food insecurity, the loss of means of subsistence, pollution, and the growing risks of natural disasters.
The effects of climate change also constitute a growing factor in displacement and migration.
Aware of these challenges, Ganry has chosen to dedicate its 15th international conference to climate change and human rights.
Across all regions, NHRIs are committed to support affected communities, monitoring the impacts of climate change on human rights, supporting people's access to information and participation and contributing to accountability as well as access to responses, in particular, a clean environment which is healthy and sustainable NHRIs are ensuring that states respect their obligations and contribute to the implementation of a fair transition.
G calls states to formally integrate NHRIs in their national climate governance processes, allocating appropriate resources and supporting increased participation of NHRIs to conferences of the parties.
Madam Special Rapporteur, in which spheres do you believe that the commitment of NHRIs is most needed to promote human rights based responses in the face of the impact of climate change on food systems, and what specific recommendations would you address to states and international partners to further foster NHRIs in accomplishing this mission? Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Soca Gai International for a joint statement, intervention by video.
The Geneva Interfaith Forum on Climate Change, Environment and Human Rights, thanks the S Reporter for her comprehensive report on transforming food systems for a safe climate and health for all.
We strongly commend the report's central framing that food systems cannot be decoupled from the fossil fuel economy and that decarbonization alone is insufficient without the fossilization and detoxification.
From an interfaith perspective, this integrated vision addressing pesticides, fertilizers, plastics, and corporate power concentration reflects the moral imperative to protect both people and the Earth as a whole.
The IPCC and EBS assessments highlight that agroecology and indigenous food systems are among the most highly synergistic response options across the biodiversity, water food health climate nexus.
We fully support the report's call to prioritize indigenous peoples and peasants agroecology as climate action on its own right, not merely as a complementary measure.
Guided by our commitment to climate justice, ethics, and the dignity of all life, we call on states to urgently implement the special reporter's recommendations, to phase out subsidies to large scale food businesses, to protect the rights of indigenous peoples and peasants as stewards of a safe climate, and to ensure that food systems transformation leaves no one behind.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Vivat International for a joint statement.
Mr.
Vice President, Vivat International and allies alert this council of the grave violence and corporate impunity against environmental defenders in Honduras.
On May 21, the rigorous sector in Thio saw a brutal massacre of 20 peasants fighting predatory oil palm and mining operations.
This atrocity followed directly the targeted assassination of prominent environmental whistleblower.
Juan António Lopez.
Sadly, the Bajo Araguyan region has now become an extermination zone.
Indigenous and rural communities act as buffer against ecological degradation and climate destabilization.
Rather than receive protection, they face violent territorial dispossession and systemic state impunity.
Recent penal code reforms are weaponized to criminalize peasant cooperatives rather than dismantling the criminal networks driving this violence.
It protects agribusiness, deepens criminalization, persecution, and land dispossession, and clashes with Honduras conventionality obligations.
True climate action cannot exist without human rights and land security.
We therefore urge this council to demand an independent, internationally monitored investigation into these massacres.
Urge the Honduran state to hold the criminalization of land protectors and enforce immediate agrarian reforms that ensures transparent land restitution.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Earth's Justice.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
We thank you Madam Special Rapporteur for this excellent report and for grounding it in solid scientific and legal references.
Food systems are indeed a critical issue for the climate as they are currently responsible as noted in your report, for 21 to 37% of global greenhouse gas emission, sectorial emissions that are projected to increase by another 60 to 90% towards 2050.
This is primarily due to the growing entanglement of the agri food, petrochemical, and fossil fuel industries.
This trends negatively affects the enjoyment of human rights, both directly through the massive use of toxic substances or the deprivation of resources for many local communities and indirectly through practices that degrade the dynamics of living systems or through the concentration of power.
This dual trend is disconnecting agricultural systems from their ecosystemic and biophysical foundation, including the water, carbon or nitrogen cycles, and making them increasingly dependent on fossil resources while reducing the possibilities and capacities for transitions and reorientation.
We can therefore only endorse your call to redefine the priorities of climate action.
Madam Special Rapporteur, among all your recommendations, on which priorities should the Council and human rights bodies begin to exert more decisive influence to ensure that a turning point is set in motion and what guidance do recent opinions from regional and international courts do offer? Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Fan International intervention by video.
Lisa Marga The report of Rapporteur Liza Morguero demonstrates how the corrosion of the food system and the industrial food system in particular is having a ravaging impact on the Fonseca Gulf in Honduras.
The Gulf is one of the most important ecosystems in the country.
It's network of mangroves doesn't only shelter four of the seven species of turtle in the world.
It also operates as a vital space for reproduction and raising of various marine species.
Furthermore, this environmental system is the first line of defense of the coast against climate phenomenon.
With the degradation of forests, The rising sea levels provoke the loss of many homes.
This has been the case of communities in the municipality ofcovia.
Nonetheless, the Honduran state has placed historic efforts to support agricultural operations and fishing operations and pursuant to the fiscal and customs rules that have been put in place, state policies have facilitated a accumulation of capital which is based on displacement.
The indiscriminate use of the mangroves, change of use of soils, as well as the change of the ecological cycles and pollution is all an exacerbating factor.
We reaffirm that we can not have development without human rights and nature.
We call for an immediate reversal of these policies and environmental justice.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Just Atonement.
Intervention by Video.
Thank you, President of the Council.
Just Attonment Inc commends the recent report of the Special Rapporteur.
We strongly support the report's focus on the many interconnections between industrialized agriculture and worsening climate change in human rights and applaud the three part recommendation to decarbonize, de fossilize, and detoxify food systems.
We strongly endorse the report's recommendation that states hold companies accountable for climate disinformation and harmful industrial agriculture.
We also echo the report's conclusions that states obligations to address climate change as set forth by the International Court of Justice and Inter American Court of Human Rights, extend into the industrialized agriculture sphere.
States must act in line with international law to prevent significant harm to the environment.
Furthermore, we welcome the recommendations in the report that states must work with and encourage participation of indigenous peoples and peasants in food system transformation.
We encourage the Special Rapporteur to continue to stress the need for policy frameworks rooted in alternative worldviews of the relationship between humanity and nature.
In addressing climate, it is essential to avoid repetition of colonial structures.
We add that the Inter American courts, 2007 Sama decision and S Measures Doctrine provide another legal avenue to further protect the collective existence of indigenous peoples.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Center for International Environmental Law.
Thank you.
The Special Rapporteurs report on food systems importantly outlines the need for decarbonization, deosization, and detoxification, as well as the uplifting of indigenous peoples, peasants, and other communities in food systems for the agrcological and resilient farming methods they uphold.
Since the 1950s, the agricultural industry has tied food systems to fossil fuels through fertilizers, pesticides and plastics, displacing sustainable agriculture approaches and turning food into a commodity instead of a basic human right.
Fossil dependent food systems intensify persistent hunger, undernutrition, the obesity epidemic, loss of biodiversity, environmental damage, and climate change.
The report highlights the alarming consolidation of power of agri food companies and holders and the geopolitical precarity of a food system dependent on globular supply chains and fossil fuels.
Meanwhile, pesticides, PFAs and fertilizers pollute and toxify soil, water, and human bodies and further enable systems of dependency on fossil fuels, agri food, and even pharmaceutical companies, all of which are deeply intertwined.
What is needed are bold shifts toward agricology and community led fossil free agriculture.
Human rights institutions, including human rights treaty bodies, can support this by clarifying states human rights obligations in the context of food systems, and we're grateful for this report to advance this understanding.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of ARO, intervention by video.
My name is Amin Tang, speaking on behalf of the Asian Pacific Research and Center for Women or Aero.
We welcome the S Rapporteur's report and its recognition that indigenous peoples are essential actors in transforming food systems and addressing the climate crisis.
Across Asia Pacific, indigenous communities continue to protect biodiversity, food production, and ecosystems while facing increasing threats from climate change.
We must acknowledge that these crises are not gender neutral.
The current industrial food model, heavily reliant on fossil fuels and toxic petrochemicals, is directly undermining the sexual and reproductive health and rights or HRHR of women and girls.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development or IFA in 2023 has recognized indigenous women as knowledge bearers, transmitters, and guardians of community well being.
We welcome the report's call to reprioritize indigenous solution that promotes agro ecology and the protection of land and natural resources.
In this context, we want to highlight the importance of indigenous women's leadership and building gender just resilient communities whose knowledge and leadership are often overlooked despite their central role in building gender just resilience communities.
We used that to recognize that the right to a healthy environment is inseparable from the right to health and comprehensive HRHR services for those on the front line of climate change.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of Franciscans International.
Mr.
Vice President, Franciscans International, Fn International, and Fasten Action welcome the report and share the concern that the growing reliance on fossil fuels within food system is undermining the rights to health, water, food, and a healthy environment while accelerating climate change.
As the report notes, the largest 1% of food businesses control over 70% of global farmland, whereas small scale farmers manage only 12% of agricultural land.
This concentration of corporate power drives land grabbing, weakens food sovereignty, and erodes democratic oversight.
In the absence of binding global rules on corporate accountability and mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence, affected individuals and communities are left without remedy.
The deepening dependence of agribusiness on fossil fuel hinders climate action and perpetuates harm.
Thus phasing out fossil fuels is essential not only for climate mitigation, but also for safeguarding human rights.
A just transition must ensure that no one is left behind.
Just transformation of food system requires dismantling corporate dominance, addressing structural drivers of harm, and redistributing power and resources to world rights holder.
We welcome the recent UNGA resolution to operationalize the ICG advisory opinion on climate obligation.
We urge the council to reaffirm that phasing out fossil fuel in line with science and human rights law is indispensable for resilient and equitable food system.
Finally, we call on states to support advancing a robust legally binding instrument on business and human rights.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of minority rights group.
This is going to be intervention by video, but I understand that the audio quality of this video may not allow for interpretation.
I thank the interpreters for their flexibility.
You have the floor.
Special Reporter.
My name is Christine Kier.
I'm Indigenous women Leader, Executive Director of Eros, Indigenous Women Empowerment Network in Ken.
I'm also a person with disability.
For the ens people, food systems are inseparable from ancestral land, water, pastrolsm, culture, health, and self contamination.
The ripple effect of eviction from our ancestral land continue to weaken our traditional food system, reduce access to ping land, disrupt intergenerational knowledge transfer and deepen anger, poverty, trauma, and exclusion.
Today, climate induced disaster are worsening these historical injustices.
Rising water levels have submerged approximately 9.3 square kilometers of enrois land, affecting more than two a houses, homes, gracing areas, sacred spaces, community food system, and places of healing are being lost.
This has exposed our people to prolonged mental health risk while our elders and knowledge elders are being lost at a very high rate.
We welcome the special acteur recognition that indigenous people arocology, pastoralism, traditional knowledge and ecosystem based learning flutes are essential for climate ation, adaptation, and transport.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the representative of India Water Foundation.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President, India Water Foundation, alliance with the Special Reeers report and affirmed that transforming food system is inseparable from fulfilling human rights, the right through food, health and clean environment, and a life of dignity.
India recognizes that climate change and food insecurity are deeply intertwined and hedge responded with bold systemic action.
India has developed over 1,900 climate resilient crop varieties, including a rice variety, requires 25% less water and has released one oh nine high yielding biofortified varieties across 61 crops directly protecting farmers' livelihoods and the nutritional right on the front lines of climate vulnerability.
In 2024, the cabinet approved the National Mission on natural farming a around 290 million USD centrally sponsored scheme for ecosystem based farming and targeting 10 million farmers.
India Water Foundation contributes to sustainable food system through policy advocacy, knowledge sharing, capacity building, research, multi stakeholder partnerships that promote climate rest agriculture, sustainable livelihoods, nutrition security, and ecosystem restoration by engaging farmers, researchers, civil society, and policymakers.
The foundation supports integrated approach that strengthen food security enhance resilience to climate change and advance the well being and dignity of vulnerable community.
This was the last speaker we could accommodate for this dialogue.
I now give the floor to miss Morguea for concluding remarks.
You have 6 minutes and 30 seconds.
Thank you very much to all the delegates and participants for what seemed overwhelming support and appreciation for the report.
That means really a lot to me.
I would also like to thank Minority Rights International for bringing into this room the voice of an Norous woman with disabilities and really giving us an example of what that knowledge and understanding adds to those conversations.
The emphasis on how we're losing places of healing and what that means not only for physical health, but also mental health.
In the couple of years in which I've been on the mandate, I've heard time and again how mental health is a crucial element in our fight against climate change, but also in our protection of human rights and supporting solidarity.
This leads me to a further reflection, which I think was already highlighted in many interventions, which I'm also particularly grateful for of the usefulness of the country visit reports and the opportunity not only to understand and learn about distinctive, contextual, diverse knowledge systems in the context of the distinctive and disproportionate challenges that seeds in other countries are facing, but also to explore The objective challenges of how do we bridge the gap between what we see as objective evidence of climate change and other areas of sciences that are dominating our climate responses and how also governments and others perceive communities, individuals views, knowledge, and understanding of needs and systemic changes as opposed to stakeholders views and perceptions.
This is a gap that's been identified in transformative change science as really critical.
I think the human rights based approach provides such a solid grounding and process for coming to understand how the lived experiences of those who have been most impacted, of those who have been left behind by our climate responses, of indigenous peoples, local knowledge holders, children and others provide equally relevant objective evidence that should be brought into conversation with other sources of knowledge with the understanding that there are power dynamics at play.
But crucially for the question that so many of you have raised about how do we redirect climate finance? How do we make it accessible to those who have that precious knowledge and who are most impacted by climate change? That work exactly in our understanding that there are diverse knowledge systems that are all legitimate and have all a role to play, including in constructively challenging our dominating understanding of the climate crisis, its root causes, and the most effective solutions that will provide benefits for all is really the work.
I'm hoping that all my reports and all the countries who engage in such cooperative manner with those challenges really advance a collective understanding about this.
I also would like to reflect on several questions that had been raised about how we advance the findings of this report in international cooperation, considering the difficult geopolitical context in which we are in.
I think that again, transformative science encourages all of us to be active in any possible space for potential change.
That means that I'm hoping that different states, civil society advocates can bring the findings of my report into the Rio Conventions Conference of Parties, which will all be held this year, but also at the next ECRD conference, which will happen much sooner than the second one that Colombia hosted after 20 years of hiatus as land and Agrarian reform is essential part of climate justice, but crucially in the process is under the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Committee on Food Security, ongoing reforms related to plastics at the Yan Plastics negotiations, and of course, the international legally binding instrument on business and human rights.
Crucially, I think those findings from the thematic report and the country visit reports should be brought into the Yan climate negotiations, but also in the context of any multilateral exchange with international financial institutions so that we can engage in any space for redirecting climate finance and readjusting the sources of knowledge and understanding that will hopefully support the change of direction.
I also welcome all the comments around the need for advancing corporate accountability.
I can't overemphasize how that disproportionate, unprecedented corporate power accumulation is a matter of utmost concern for all human rights.
Emphasized and making even worse the impacts of climate change and narrowing down the opportunities for states and business and others to find the most meaningful solutions.
It's important to challenge assumptions that large scale food systems are better equipped to provide for food security.
It's important to understand that deeply harmful global food practices have been allowed by a retreat of the use of regulatory power and use of accountability tools, and with many other rapporteurs, we're experiencing day in day out examples of further aggression of environmental regulation across the world.
In my view, something that should be prioritized by the Human Rights Council by FAO, UNEP, and other UN agencies, by national human rights institutions.
He's really looking at specific advice for legal reforms and protection of existing legal guarantees across all areas, environmental, corporate laws, taxation, all areas of our legal system that need to be aligned with the obligations clarified by the International Court of Justice and the other advisory opinions.
Finally, I really thank Saudi Arabia for sharing their concerns.
That is very helpful for me to understand how my work can continue and help bridge what may be very difficult conversations.
The question about unilateral trade measures and other coercive measures has been on my mind since the start of my mandate, and I'm hoping that the next reports will be able to provide a discussion of that together with other concerns and hopes that have been shared today around the role of technology and the critical questions of ensuring energy and food security while advancing climate justice.
Thank you.
Thank you.
This brings us to the end of this interactive dialogue.
I wish to thank miss Alyssa Marga for her participation.
Excellency, distinguished participants.
This brings us to the end of this meeting.
We will reconvene Monday at 10:00 A.M.
To hold the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of migrants to be followed by the interactive dialogue with the Special Reporter on contemporary forms of slavery and trafficking in persons.
Let me remind you that the National Dress Day celebration is going to take place right after this meeting at La Salle de P Perduce and with that, I hereby close the TENS meeting of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council.