34th Meeting - 62nd Session of Human Rights Council

Distinguished representatives, colleagues, I hereby declare open the 34th meeting of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council.
We shall continue with where we left off, and that is on the general comment on L 26 slash ref one on the Protection of healthcare in armed conflict, and I give the floor to the Distinguished representative of Indonesia, followed by Iraq and Switzerland.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Indonesia thanks Qatar for initiating draft resolution L 26 slash ref one.
We share our grave concerns over recurring attacks on healthcare in multiple armed conflicts across the world.
Hospitals are being bombed, medical supplies are being blocked, and medical personnel are being killed while saving lives.
These are no longer isolated incidents.
They have become deliberate destructions of healthcare system.
Such attacks constitutes serious violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to gross violations of international human rights law.
Both legal frameworks are complementary and mutually reinforcing and must be upheld.
Therefore, the presentation of this draft resolution is timely.
It will amplify the council's collective response to the widespread attacks against civilians, healthcare personnel, and humanitarian workers during armed conflict.
We believe the adoption of these draft resolutions together with the resolution L 25 slash ref one on the protection of humanitarian access and Humanitarian personnel will further strengthen the work of these councils in safeguarding the rights of those affected by armed conflict.
To this end, we support the adoption of these draft resolutions by consensus and we urge this council to ensure the protection of healthcare in armed conflict remains high on its agenda.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Iraq, followed by Switzerland.
Ses.
Thank you, President.
We welcome draft resolution L 26 rev one and commend the efforts by the delegation of Qatar and the balanced language adopted in the draft resolution.
We welcome Qatar's cooperation with all other delegations during the negotiations.
This draft is extremely important.
It seeks to protect medical and hospital staff and facilities.
In particular, we point to the need to protect women and children, particularly since conflicts are striking an ever increasing number of countries in the occupied Palestinian territories, aid deliveries are increasingly obstructed.
The occupying forces block them.
The situation is similar in Alpha Seran Sudan.
During armed conflict, states must shoulder their responsibilities and protect medical workers and health care facilities.
They must also comply with IHL and international law, complying with their international obligations in terms of protecting health services.
In conclusion, we reiterate our call for this draft resolution to be supported.
We call on other members to support it.
Thank you.
I give the floor to a distinguished representative of Switzerland.
President.
President, we thank the delegation of Qatar for presenting draft resolution L 26 Rev one.
As orally revised, Switzerland is committed to protecting health care in armed conflicts.
Attacks on hospital, medical staff and patients cause suffering beyond that of the immediate victims.
Harming entire health care systems and enjoyment of the right to health.
We welcome in particular reference to accountability with WHO monitoring systems for attacks on health care and specific vulnerabilities of women, children, and persons with disabilities in affected health facilities, as well as the inclusion among the stakeholders of the relevant actors.
L 26 recognizes in its preamble that international human rights law and international humanitarian law are complementary and mutually reinforcing.
This is the consistent position of Switzerland.
The two systems were not designed as alternatives, but in order to support one another in protecting individuals, including in armed conflict.
As regards is, this is a question of interpretation which makes it possible to resolve an apparent conflict between two norms where both cover a single case, specialis would then apply.
It should not in any way be used to suggest that international human rights law does not apply to armed conflict situations or allowing selective implementation or to allow selective implementation of International Human Rights La L 26 rev one as revised orally, points to human rights obligations using the term as applicable.
A second reading would have contributed to reduce the number of such cases or specify the obligations.
But we wish to be clear in complementarity of the two branches of law, this qualifier cannot be understood as allowing selective application of international human rights law or suggests that obligation its obligations are less normative than those of international human rights law.
We call on the Human Rights Council to give priority to this matter in promoting and protecting human rights.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I see no further requests for general comments.
I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft proposal and that the corresponding PPI oral statement has been made available on the HRC extranet.
I now give the floor to members of the council who wish to make an explanation or vote before the vote on draft proposal L 26 slash ref one as orally revised.
I give the floor to the Distinguished representative of India.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
India supports the humanitarian objective of protecting health care in armed conflict and rereates its firm commitment to international humanitarian law, under which the wounded and sick medical personnel, health facilities, and ambulances must be respected and protected at all times.
India also calls for full respect for medical ethics and for safe, timely and unhindered passage of humanitarian relief, including medical assistance.
However, we note that these obligations are already well established under international humanitarian law and should remain anchored in that framework.
While the council's concern is fully justified, India believes that the present discussion should avoid shifting an IHL issue into the domain of international human rights law.
India therefore sees merit in strengthening compliance, accountability, and implementation of existing norms rather than multiplying resolutions where efficiency and streamlining are being discussed across the council.
With that understanding, India would join the consensus and support the resolution's humanitarian purpose.
However, we interpret it as reinforcing the protection owed to health care in armed conflict under IHL and not as creating parallel legal standards.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I see no further request for the floor.
Is there a request for a vote? I see no such request.
May I take it, therefore that draft resolution L 26 f one orally revised may be adopted without a vote.
It is so decided.
The Council will now consider draft resolution L 27 as already revised, entitled Human Rights and Neglected Tropical Diseases.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of the Gambia to introduce the draft text.
You have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
I have the honor to introduce draft resolution L 27 entitled Human Rights and Neglected Tropical Diseases, on behalf of the core group comprising Malawi, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Morocco, and Tanzania, and my own country, Gambia.
Neglected tropical diseases remain one of the clearest examples of how health, poverty, inequality, and human rights are deeply connected.
They continue to affect more than 1 billion people globally with a disproportionate impact on persons living in poverty, remote rural areas, informal settlements, humanitarian settings, underserved communities, and other situations of vulnerability.
For many affected communities, these diseases are not only a medical concern, they're also linked to stigma, discrimination, exclusion, loss of income, limited access to education, inadequate water and sanitation, and barriers to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
This draft resolution therefore, seeks to place the human rights dimension of neglected tropical diseases more firmly within the work of the Human Rights Council.
Recognizes that preventing, controlling, eliminating and eradicating these diseases requires strong public health systems, universal health coverage, primary health care, access to essential medicines, safe drinking water, sanitation, health, education, and meaningful participation of affected communities.
The draft also highlights the disproportionate impact of neglected tropical diseases on women and girls, including true stigma, discrimination, violence, social and economic exclusion, and unequal access to health services.
It further recognizes the need for disability inclusive responses, including rehabilitation, mental health, and psychosocial support for persons affected by diseases related impairments.
The core group also consider that it important for the resolution to reflect current realities affecting disease prevention and control.
The text therefore addresses the impact of climate change, humanitarian crisis, conflict, displacement, and natural disasters, all of which can disrupt health systems and create conditions in which neglected tropical diseases thrive.
At the operational level, the draft urges states to strengthen prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, including by integrated neglected tropical disease programs into universal health coverage and primary health care systems.
It encourages stronger data collection, cross border cooperation, community based health systems, and predictable technical, financial and capacity building support in accordance with national priorities and needs.
This resolution, Mr.
President, is not about creating a new disease specific mechanism or duplicating the work of the World Health Organization.
It is about ensuring that the people and communities affected by neglected tropical diseases are not invisible in the human rights system.
Additionally, the draft further requests the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a comprehensive report on the human rights dimension of neglected tropical diseases in consultations with member states, relevant United Nations entities, including the World Health Organization, international organizations, civil society, and other stakeholders, and to present this report at the 66th session of the Human Rights Council.
This report will help identify concrete steps to better support member states in integrating human rights considerations in national, regional and global responses to neglected tropical diseases.
The core group wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all delegations and stakeholders that engage constructively throughout the negotiations.
The text before the council reflects a balanced and practical approach.
It is grounded in the right to health equality and non discrimination.
While recognizing the primary responsibility of states and the importance of international cooperation.
In conclusion, we therefore respectfully invite all delegations to support this important initiative and request that the draft resolution be adopted by consensus.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 28 additional co sponsors.
I'll give the floor to members of the council who wish to make general comments.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mauritius, followed by Cuba.
Mr.
President, the achievement of the highest standard of health is a major human right enshrined in various instruments.
Health figures prominently in the SDGs for GL three.
Much attention and resources have been devoted over the years to fight HIV ADS, tuberculosis and malaria.
Over diseases that are caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins have not obtained such level of attention and hence the name neglected tropical diseases.
The name by itself is misleading as these diseases, which are for the majority preventable and curable are prevalent in all continents and is believed to affect some 1 billion people.
They do not concern only tropical countries.
The incidence and prevalence is growing in the wake of climate change and global warming.
The WHO has defined some 20 diseases as NTDs, including Hansen's disease, which was the subject of a resolution adopted by the council during this morning session.
Moreover, global experts have suggested that this list should be examined to include other diseases that are caused by similar pathogens which suffer from the same non recognition.
In this regard, we welcome the initiative of Malawi to place this issue on the agenda of the Human Rights Council.
We hope that this will garner efforts among the concerned stakeholders so that similar outcomes as regard combating and preventing HTB and malaria are attained with respect to diseases categorized as entities.
To show our support, Mauritius has co sponsored the resolution.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba, followed by Cotivir and Ethiopia.
So you proceed.
State, we welcome the presentation of L 27.
This is a timely initiative.
Over 1,000 million people in this world have at least one neglected tropical disease, but they continue to be left aside.
We call for predictable, sustained, sufficient financing to be provided to ensure adequate investigation and treatment of neglected tropical diseases.
As oh 57 states, it is impossible to eradicate this type of disease without addressing the social causes Yes.
The text also recognizes that it is essential to strengthen national health services in order to provide adequate services to communities where the greatest prevalence of this disease is found.
Cuba attaches the highest priority to the human right to health.
We dedicate over 20% of our national budget to providing universal free health coverage for all.
We have national institutions at very high levels specialized in tropical diseases.
We have also supported other nations with health care, including prevention and addressing tropical diseases.
Over 750,000 Cuban health professionals are assisting in nations across the world.
We will continue to provide cooperation to other countries that require it.
In conclusion, Cuba supports draft L 27 and we call on all members of the council to do likewise.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cortvoir followed by Ethiopia.
President.
Thank you, President.
Court devoir, thanks to the group of countries that presented this resolution.
And congratulate them on this initiative that recognizes a major public health problem.
This resolution recalls that neglected tropical diseases are avoidable and treatable, but unfortunately continue to affect over 1 billion people among the most vulnerable.
These diseases are neglected because they are underfnanced, in terms of research.
In addition to keeping people in poverty, they create disability and social stigmatization.
Inequality in health care is a factor that prevents the full enjoyment of human rights.
It is an obstacle to achieving the SDGs, particularly goal three.
Côte D'ivoire, for its part, has a national plan to combat disease with a free distribution of medicines and awareness campaigns in order to inform local communities.
Despite this progress.
Many challenges remain, including insufficient access to health care in rural areas, limited financial resources among the population and resistance to medicines.
My country therefore welcomes this draft resolution, which recalls the right of all without discrimination to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and emphasizes the requirement that states guarantee this right.
In conclusion, Cote devoir supports unreservedly this draft resolution and calls on all states to be co sponsors and to adopt it by consensus.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Ethiopia.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Ethiopia commended the lead sponsors, Gambia, Malawi, Burkinafaso, Kenya, Morocco, and the United Republic of Tanzania for tabling this important and timely draft resolution, which appropriately highlights the intersection between public health development and human rights.
Ethiopia welcomes the clear recognition that entities remain a significant global health challenges disproportionately affecting populations in situations of vulnerability, particularly those living in poverty and underserved areas.
This text rightly underscores diseases are not on a public health concern, but also a matter of human rights closely linked to inequalities in access to safe water, sanitation, housing, education, and health services.
We particularly appreciate the resolution synthesis on strengthening health systems, advancing universal health coverage, and integrating NHTD prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care into primary health care approaches.
Those elements are essential for ensuring sustainable and equitable health outcomes, especially in developing countries where health system capacities remain constrained.
Ethiopia further welcomes the resolution's strong focus on the social determinants of health, including poverty reduction, improved living conditions, and access to essential services, as well as its recognition of the importance of addressing stigma, discrimination, and gender based vulnerabilities associated with NTs.
We also commend the constructive emphasis on international cooperation, including support from relevant United Nations entities, development partners, and other stakeholders, as well as the call for enhanced research financing and capacity building.
In this regard, Ethiopia underscores the importance of ensuring predictable and sustained support aligned with international priorities.
Finally, Ethiopia supports the objective of this draft resolution and encourages all delegations to join in its adoption by consensus as a reflection of our shared commitment to advancing the right to health and leaving no one behind.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I see no further requests for general comments.
I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution.
The corresponding PBI oral statement has been made available on the HRC extranet.
I now give the floor to members of the council who wish to make explanations of vote before the vote.
I see no request.
Therefore, is there a request for a vote? I see none.
May I take it, therefore that draft resolution L 27 as already revised, may be adopted without a vote? It is so decided.
The Council will now turn to agenda item five and consider draft resolution L seven entitled The Social Forum.
And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba to introduce the draft text.
You have the floor, sir.
President Cuba has the honor to present L seven on the social forum on behalf of the 40 co sponsors.
The forum is an open forum for dialogue, which makes it possible constructively and respectfully to discuss economic, social, and cultural issues of the development.
It allows the active participation of a large number of civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
On an equal footing.
It is not limited to exchange, but it also involves seeking agreed solutions on human rights.
The draft provides that the forum for 2027 focus on the achievements, challenges, and good practice in social protection for the implementation of human rights, including the role of cooperation and solidarity internationally in this context.
Social protection is an essential component of public policy to ensure the effective enjoyment of human rights, reduce poverty and inequality, and promote social inclusion.
We are convinced that the Social Forum of 2027 will contribute to enriching the council's debate and to the effective enjoyment of all human rights.
On behalf of the co sponsors, Cuba Thanks, members of the council in advance for their support to L seven.
We hope that it may be adopted by consensus.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 27 additional co sponsors.
I now give the floor to members of the council who wish to make general comments.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Ethiopia.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
As sits, Ethiopia wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the Republic of Cuba for its constructive leadership and continued commitment to strengthening inclusive dialogue within the framework of the Human Rights Council.
Ethiopia is pleased to join the list of sponsors of this draft resolution and commend the collective efforts of the main sponsors in advancing this important initiative.
Ethiopia attaches great importance to the social forum as a unique and valuable platform within the United Nations human rights system, which facilitates open, interactive and action oriented dialogues between status, United Nations entities, and other relevant stakeholders.
In this regard, we reaffirm the forum's contribution to enhancing mutual understanding and promoting practical exchanges on social justice, equality, and solidarity.
We particularly welcome the focus of the 2027 Social Forum on social Protection for the realization of human rights and the role of international cooperation and solidarity in addressing social dimensions of contemporary global challenges.
This focus is timely and relevant, especially in the context of multiple and interlinked crises that continue to affect vulnerable populations across the world.
Ethiopia believes that the social forum remains an important space for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of people centered approaches to human rights is consistent with the principles of the charter of the United Nations and the objectives of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
Ethiopia therefore calls for the adoption of this resolution by consensus and encourages all delegations to join in supporting it.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I see no further requests for the floor.
I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution.
The corresponding PBI role statement has been made available on the HRC extranet.
I now give the floor to members of the council who wish to make explanation of vote before the vote on draft resolution L seven.
I see no request.
Is there a request for a vote? I see none.
May I take it, therefore that draft resolution L seven may be adopted without a vote.
It is so decided.
We will now move to explanations of vote and general comments after the vote on resolutions adopted under Agenda item five.
Are there any delegations wishing to take the floor for explanation of vote after the vote on agenda item five? I see none.
The Council therefore shall now consider draft resolution L ten entitled strengthening the Voluntary Funds for the Universal Pedic Review mechanism of the Human Rights Council.
And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway to introduce the draft text.
President, I have the honor to introduce draft resolution L ten, strengthening the voluntary funds for the Universal periodic review mechanism of the Human Rights Council.
My delegation presents this resolution on behalf of a cross regional core group that consists of Argentina, Armenia, Fiji, Pakistan, and South Africa in addition to my own country, Norway.
This draft resolution builds on and updates resolution 51 30 from 2022, adopted by consensus with a very substantial number of co sponsors.
The two UPR voluntary funds were established in 2007.
One facilitates participation and greater engagement of states with the UPR, especially least developed countries and small island developing states.
The other supports the implementation of UPR recommendations at the national level.
Resolution 51 30 requested inter alia the scaling up of the dedicated capacity of OHCHR's UPR branch to implement the mandates of the two UPR voluntary funds.
As a result, 11 UPR advisors have been deployed in OHCHR regional offices and hubs.
President, draft resolution L ten acknowledges the importance of the deployment of these UPR advisors and the work that they do in cooperation with states.
It also recognizes the important and impactful support that the two funds provide to states, both when it comes to participation and implementation.
Furthermore, and importantly, draft resolution L ten requests the continuation of OHCHRs dedicated capacity by way of the UPR advisors to implement the mandates of two voluntary funds during the fourth and fifth cycles of the UPR.
Lastly, draft resolution number ten encourages states to consider contributing to the funds.
President, this initiative clearly resonates among members and observers alike.
The core group wishes to thank delegations for their positive engagement, both in and out of informals.
We thank in particular the over 70 co sponsors from all regions, and we encourage other delegation to consider co sponsoring as well.
We ask the council to adopt this draft resolution by consensus.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I have been informed by the Secretariat that there are 37 additional co sponsors.
I now give the floor to members of the council who wish to make general comments.
I recognize the distinguished representative of the Gambia, followed by Ethiopia.
Mr.
President, the Gambia welcomes draft resolution L ten on strengthening the voluntary funds for Universal periodic review mechanism of the Human Rights Council.
We thank members of the core group for bringing forward this very important draft resolution and for their continued commitment to strengthen the universal periodic review mechanism.
The UPR mechanism stands out as one of the most effective tools of the Human Rights Council as it creates a conducive environment for constructive dialogue and cooperation, peer review, and national ownership of human rights obligations.
The strength of the UPR rise in its universal character, its equal treatment of all states regardless of size or influence, and its focus on capacity building.
For the Gambia, The real value of the UPR does not lie in Geneva.
It lies in the capitals, in the cities and towns where the recommendations are translated into legal and institutional reforms and concrete national actions and programs that improve the lives of people and the victims of human rights violations on the ground.
In this regard, the Gambia welcomes the important role of the Voluntary Fund for participation in the Universal periodic review and the Voluntary Fund for Financial and Technical Assistance to support the work of the UPR.
These funds are particularly important for LDCs and CTS to ensure their effective participation in the review process.
The Gambia has benefited from such support over the years and extends our sincere appreciation to all the donors for their generosity.
Gambia also welcomes the deployment of UPR advisors in regional offices of the OHCHR, which play a pivotal role in bringing technical support closer to the doorsteps of states and more timely and responsive to their needs and priorities.
In this regard, we welcome the call for the adequate resources to be provided within the offices of the OHCHR during the fourth and fifth UPR review cycles.
For these reasons, the Gambia supports draft resolution L ten and encourages all members to adopt it by consensus.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia, followed by the Republic of Korea and Slovenia.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
As I sit, Ethiopia wishes to express its appreciation to the distinguished lead sponsors for their constructive engagement and continued commitment to strengthening the universal periodic review mechanism and it is supporting voluntary funds.
Ethiopia aligns itself with the spirit of this draft resolution and reiterates its strong support for the UPR as a cooperative, state driven process that remains one of the central pillars of the Human Rights Council.
We underscore the importance of ensuring that the mechanism continues to function in a manner that is inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the capacity building needs of states, particularly developing countries, least developed countries, and small island developing status.
Ethiopia attaches particular importance to the effective functioning of the two voluntary funding supporting the UPR process as they play a critical role in facilitating participation in the review and in supporting the implementation of accepted recommendations.
We further commend the ongoing efforts of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in operationalizing these funding, including through it strengthened field presence and deployment of UPR advisors in regional offices.
In the current context of financial constraints facing the United Nations, Ethiopia emphasizes the importance of maintaining and strengthening the support mechanisms in a manner that is efficient, well coordinated, and sustainable, ensuring maximum impact while avoiding the publication of efforts.
Ethiopia therefore supports the adoption of this draft resolution and encourages all delegations to join in its consensus adoption, reflecting our shared commitment to strengthening the effectiveness of the universal periodic review mechanism.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Republic of Korea, followed by Slovenia and China.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
The Republic of Korea appreciates the efforts of the core group in preparing this draft resolution and expresses its support for the draft resolution.
The UPR is a core mechanism of the Human Rights Council, universal and cooperative in nature in which all member states participates on an equal footing.
Its effectiveness depends not only on constructive dialogue and review, but also on the faithful domestic implementation of accepted recommendations.
Implementation of recommendations requires not only the commitments of states, but also institutional and financial capacities.
In this regard, the voluntary Fund for participation in the UPR and the Voluntary Fund for financial and technical assistance in the implementation of the UPR are important tools to support developing countries, including least developed countries and small island developing countries meaningfully participating in the UPR and sustaining the implementation of recommendations.
We also expect that the dedicated capacities of OSHR including UPR advisors deployed in its regional offices and hubs will help support states implementation of recommendations and capacity building efforts.
We further appreciate that this draft resolution has been prepared in a manner consistent with the rationalization efforts of the Human Rights Council.
As a co sponsor of this draft resolution, the Republic of Korea supports this adoption by consensus.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia, followed by China and Cuba.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Slovenia thanks the core group for its leadership on this timely resolution tabled at the pivotal moment as the fourth cycle of the Universal periodic review will conclude early next year and preparations for the sixth cycle will begin.
We are pleased to be amongst its co sponsors.
Slovenia is a consistent supporter of the UPR, a unique peer reviewed mechanism whose universality and cooperative nature remain unmatched among these council tools.
At its core, it is founded on mutual trust and provides a unique space for constructive dialogue and often challenging human rights issues.
Preparations for the fifth cycle must focus on the strengthening the link between the review process and the effective implementation of recommendations at the national level.
Adequate operational capacity, sufficient resources, inclusion of all relevant stakeholders and political will are essential for delivery on the ground.
The two voluntary funds are indispensable to that impact, supporting universal participation on one hand and assisting in translating recommendations into tangible change on the ground on the other.
Mr.
President, a time of serious financial constraints of the United Nations, particularly the human rights pillar, sustaining OHCHR's regular budget dedicated capacity beyond the fourth cycle is not merely a technical detail.
It is a clear political signal that this council stands behind its most distinctive mechanism.
Slovenia is pleased to support L ten as presented by the core group and we call on this council to adopt this resolution by consensus.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of China, followed by Cuba and Iceland.
Mr.
President, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Human Rights Council.
One of the major innovations and achievements of the Council is the creation of the UPR mechanism.
UPR is established under the principle of equal treatment of all countries and has avoided the shortcomings of the former Human Rights Commission and its subsidiary mechanisms where developed countries acted as judges and selectively reviewed the human rights situation of the developing countries.
This mechanism has been widely welcomed by the international community.
However, a certain major country has assumed the role of Judge of Human Rights, frequently making unwarranted comments on the human rights situation of other countries while refusing to cooperate with the UN human rights mechanism and declining to participate in the review originally scheduled for November last year.
We urge that country to return to the right path, play an exemplary role, and resume cooperation with human rights mechanism.
China has actively participated in the full cycles of the UPR and has taken concrete actions to implement the recommendations to promote and protect human rights.
At the same time, China has provided financial contributions to the two voluntary funds to fulfill its international obligation.
Draft resolution L ten meets the common aspirations of the international community and has our full support.
We'd like to join the consensus of this draft resolution.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba, followed by Iceland and Egypt.
President, Cuba supports draft resolution L ten.
The Universal Periodic Review has shown itself to be the most effective mechanism of this council.
It allows us to address the human rights performance of all countries on an equal footing and on the basis of mutual respect, constructive dialogue and cooperation.
We cannot call into question the benefits of the voluntary funds for the universal periodic review.
Cuba is one of the countries that has benefited and we do appreciate this valuable support.
At the same time and despite the positive results, we believe that voluntary contributions don't go far enough on their own in order to ensure the continuing participation of states in the UPR and the necessary technical assistance for implementing the accepted recommendations.
There must be predictable and lasting funding coming from the regular budget.
The resources are there, they just need to be reallocated.
Cuba has made a proposal to cut the funding for mechanisms imposed on specific countries by 15% because for a number of years they've proved to be ineffective and those resources which are saved could be used to support the participation of states in the universal periodic review and in implementing the recommendations they accept.
Now, our proposal would open up $6 million for lasting support for the participation of states in the UPR that need this support and it would also be used this money for helping states that request support to implement the accepted recommendations.
We do hope that Cuba's proposal will receive the support of other delegations.
We continue to nevertheless call for consensual adoption of draft L ten.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iceland, followed by Egypt.
Mr.
President, Iceland thanks the core group for presenting this important draft resolution on strengthening the voluntary funds for the universal periodic review.
The UPR remains one of the Human Rights Council's most important mechanisms, providing a unique platform where states engage on an equal footing to advance the promotion and protection of human rights.
Over the years, it has consistently demonstrated its value by driving tangible progress and supporting the implementation of human rights obligations and commitments worldwide.
As we enter the fifth cycle of the UPR, it is essential that we continue to strengthen the voluntary funds so that all states can participate fully in the review process.
The establishment of regional positions at the 52nd session of the council was an important step towards enhancing the effectiveness and accessibility of the UPR process, and as such, this initiative should be maintained.
As a consistent donor to the voluntary funds, Iceland fully supports the renewal, together with the broader messures contained in this resolution to strengthen the UPR and ensure its continued effectiveness.
Strong voluntary funds are essential to ensuring that capacity constraints do not prevent meaningful participation in the UPR process.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Egypt.
Mr.
President, Egypt welcomes the draft resolution as it comes at a time when the council is facing a funding crisis impacting its various activities.
The UPR remains one of the council's universal and cooperative mechanisms and voluntary funds has long played a vital role in ensuring the effective participation of delegations from states, particularly developing, least developed and small island developing states.
The funds are not merely a financial instrument, they are enablers of participation, dialogue, and the effective implementation of accepted recommendations.
Through targeted technical assistance and capacity building, they strengthen national capacities to turn these recommendations into concrete action.
They further guarantee that the UPR remains a mechanism that delivers real and measurable progress in the human rights on the ground.
The cooperative nature of the UPR is one of the greatest strengths, providing a platform for states to interact in a spirit of openness, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.
Strengthening voluntary funds will foster the spirit of constructive engagement, and in this regard, we are pleased to announce that Egypt provided financial support to the UPR mechanism this year as a positive contribution to the mechanism to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness.
We commend the core group for presenting this resolution as the continued support to the voluntary fund funding maintains the collaborative nature of the mechanism and ensures that the UPR remains a central pillar of the Human Rights Council's work, promoting dialogue, building trust, and advancing human rights for all.
In this regard, we call on the council to adopt the resolution L ten by consensus.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I see no further requests for general comments.
I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution, and the corresponding PBI oral statement has been made available on the HRC extranet.
I now give the floor to members of the council who wish to make explanation or vote before the vote on draft resolution L ten.
I see no such request.
Is there a request for a vote? I see none.
May I take it, therefore that draft resolution L ten may be adopted without a vote.
It is so decided.
We will now move on to explanation of vote and general comments after the vote on resolutions adopted under agenda item six.
Is there any request for the floor for explanation of vote after the vote under agenda item six I see no request.
The Council will now consider draft resolution L 14 entitled Technical Assistance and Capacity Building for the State's members of the Community of Portuguese speaking countries.
This is under agenda item ten.
And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sao Tome and Principe to introduce the draft text.
Thank you, President.
On behalf of Angola, Brazil, Cabalb, Mozambique, Portugal, Salme Principenimo or Ls, it's my honor to present draft resolution L 14 on technical assistance and capacity building for the member states of the community of Portuguese speaking countries.
I'd like to thank delegations for the constructive consultations, as well as those who've already co sponsored this draft resolution.
President, the CPLP is far more than just a linguistic community.
It's an intergovernmental organization which brings together nine countries from four continents promoting cooperation in a broad range of sectors including health, education, science, environment, sustainable development, and human rights.
Thus, draft resolution L 14 is a truly interregional initiative in every meaning of the term.
In the area of human rights, the CPLP has developed a growing framework of cooperation, notably through its network of human rights focal points and implementation of commitments made by the member states.
Cooperation with the High Commissioner's Office is governed by a memorandum of understanding signed in 2006.
Thus, on the 20th anniversary of that memorandum, this draft resolution, which is concise and operational, reiterates the importance of international cooperation for protecting human rights and recalls the council's mandate to provide technical assistance and support capacity building.
Hence, this draft strives to encourage and support the continuing assistance from the Office of the High Commissioner to CPLP member states and strengthen cooperation between these countries in the area of human rights.
By doing so, this initiative doesn't reinvent the wheel, nor does it duplicate existing cooperation mechanisms.
What it does do is request an oral update from the High Commissioner on the results and opportunities of technical assistance and capacity building activities for CPLP member states.
This would be useful for the states to be able to monitor their commitments in the area of human rights.
This inter regional initiative is based on the active involvement of CPL member states with the council, and we're convinced that this body will recognize that the proponents of this initiative is coming from almost all the regional groups wish to cooperate with and receive the support from human rights mechanisms.
President, we submit the 014 draft for the council's consideration.
We hope that it can be adopted by consensus.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I have been informed by the Secretariat that there are 20 additional co sponsors.
I now give the floor to members of the council who wish to make general comments.
I recognize the distinguished representative of Japan.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Japan thanks the member states of the community of Portuguese speaking countries for presenting draft resolution at 14 on technical assistance and capacity building for the state's members of the community of Portuguese speaking countries.
We particularly commend the core groups nationalization effort to pursue an old update instead of a report and I believe the resolution strengthen the Council technical assistance and capacity building mandate by supporting practical implementation, including improved reporting, follow up, and national institutional frameworks.
We also value the core group contribution to enhancing coordination between regional and unit actors, leveraging the CPLP to foster synergy and ensure more effective and cost efficient delivery of human life support.
Japan is therefore pleased to join the consensus on this resolution and we encourage other council members to follow suit.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.
Senor President, President, we welcome the presentation of L 14.
Cuba recognizes the efforts by the sponsors to promote a constructive approach to cooperation, promoting the capacities of the CPLP member states.
As the text sets out, international cooperation is essential for the effective protection of all human rights.
This type of initiative shows that the council can and must act constructively and respectfully in technical assistance and capacity building on the basis of requests by concerned countries to make progress on human rights without interference no imposition.
As expressed in the text, it is important to provide the necessary support to developing countries, including small island developing states, least developed countries, and landlocked developing countries.
We welcome the readiness of the CPLP countries to promote Portuguese language in international organizations and regional organizations, which corresponds to the strong commitment of Cuba to multilingualism.
Cuba will continue to support initiatives that promote a genuine cooperation and respectful, constructive dialogue.
This is the most effective way to act.
We call for this draft resolution L 14 to be adopted by consensus.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I see no further request for general comment.
I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution.
The required resources.
Apologies.
I was referring to the wrong resolution.
Let me correct myself.
I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are no PBIs for this draft resolution.
I I give the floor to members of the council who wish to make explanation or vote before the vote on the draft resolution.
I see no request.
Is there a request for a vote? I see none.
May I take it, therefore that draft resolution L 14 may be adopted without a vote.
It is so decided.
The Council will now consider draft resolution L 17 entitled Technical Assistance and Capacity Building for Empowering women's access to education and work in the digital and cybersecurity related fields.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia to introduce the draft text.
Thank you, President.
I have the honor on behalf of the core group composed of Qatar, Greece, Gambia, Bangladesh, and my country, Saudi Arabia, to introduce to your Augusta Assembly draft resolution L 17 entitled, Technical Assistance and Capacity Building for Empowering women's access to education and work in the digital and cybersecurity related fields.
President, the Kingdom started this initiative stemming from its commitment to empowering women in the field of cybersecurity through the Crown Princess Initiative, in order to empower women in cybersecurity.
This initiative aims to increase the number of qualified women in the field of cybersecurity and support women's career progression towards senior leadership positions.
President, the core group has sought to ensure that this draft resolution provides a practical framework to address the challenges in the field, recognizing that despite the progress achieved in digital transformation, significant gaps remain in women's access to education skills development and empowerment opportunities in the digital and cybersecurity related fields, particularly in developing countries and least developed countries.
These challenges requires strengthened international cooperation, technical capacity, and capacity building that respond to national priorities and sport, states strengthening their national capacities in order to empower men to enjoy the right of education and work in digital and cybersecurity fields.
This draft resolution also involves holding a panel on human rights reporting on it in order to exchange expertise and ensure the council's focused interest in this topic.
The core group has received comments from civil society and delegation of States and take on board these comments in order to reach this resolution in order to reach a consensual balanced text.
In closing, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all delegations and for their constructive spirit during the consultations and I look forward to the adoption of L 17 by consensus.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 35 additional co sponsors.
I now give the floor to members of the council who wish to make general comments, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuait, followed by Cuba.
Sis Bay.
Thank you.
President.
I take the floor on behalf of the GCC states.
We thank the core group for the efforts made in presenting the draft resolution.
This draft resolution sheds light on a pressing issue in light of technological and digital development, addressing access by women to capacity building and access to work in the digital and cybersecurity fields.
The GCC states believed that women's participation in these emerging fields is crucial.
In order to build more inclusive and developed societies, the GCC states hope that technical assistance and capacity building will make it possible in coordination with states and at their request to build capacities of women and facilitate their access to education and to employment in the digital and cybersecurity fields.
We express support to this draft resolution and hope that it can be adopted by consensus.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the Distinguished representative of Cuba, followed by Egypt and Pakistan.
Thanks.
Thank you, President, globally.
There is a gender gap in access to IT and telecommunications.
The statistics show this.
Women use IA less than men.
They are less connected to the Internet.
They only have a small part of leadership posts.
This leads to less access to employment and education opportunities in the technical fields.
We support L 17, which promotes Technical assistance to overcome this gender gap, we find this call timely.
The text calls on states to promote inclusive egalitarian quality education for women and girls including developing aptitudes in the digital and cybersecurity fields.
We also support a round table on the role of technical assistance and capacity building and empowering women in areas connected to digital technologies and cybersecurity president.
In Cuba, women at the center of education policy as well as science and technology policy This allows universal free access in our country to all levels of education.
We have high levels of participation by girls in science and technology careers.
UNESCO recognizes Cuba as one of the seven countries that has achieved gender parity in scientific research.
Cuban women are 54% of the workforce in science.
66% of people in our country with specialization in technology are women.
Of the ten Cuban inventions that have received the gold medal of WIO to date, six were invented mainly by women.
We ensure women's participation decision making, including in digital technologies and cybersecurity.
In Cuba, women have 53% of leadership posts in the state and government.
This progress has taken place despite the major obstacles facing our country because of the economic blockade by the USA, which is an aggression to the life and rights of Cuban women who disproportionately suffer its cruel effects, both on professional life and on personal life.
Cuba supports draft resolution L 17 and calls for its adoption by consensus, thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Egypt, followed by Pakistan and Japan.
Bishop.
Thank you, President.
Egypt, thanks the core group, Saudi Arabia, Qatar Greece, Bangladesh, and Gambia.
We thank them for their efforts in presenting this draft resolution, which is so important in a very constructive spirit of openness, technological transformation, requires us to remodel the workplace and the labor market.
Despite certain progress, we note that women and girls continue to be marginalized in terms of access to digital education.
There is a digital, a digital gender divide, particularly in developing countries.
That prevents women from acquiring new skills to allow them to take up decision making posts.
Thus, we need to strengthen women's participation so that women can keep up with future developments.
We believe that it is important, therefore to adopt this draft resolution by consensus in order to step up efforts to allow women to improve their digital competencies and overcome the digital gender divide affecting cybersecurity and digital fields.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished Representative of Pakistan, followed by Japan and Gambia.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the OIC Group.
The advisory group thanks Saudi Arabia and Core Group members, Bangladesh, Gambia, Greece, and Qatar for the timely resolution contained in document L 17 on technical assistance and capacity building for empowering women's access to education and work in digital and cybersecurity related fields.
The draft resolution addresses a critical gap.
Digital transformation is reshaping every aspect of modern life, yet women remain disproportionately excluded from the opportunities it offers, particularly in developing and least developed countries.
Persistent digital divides, structural barriers, and limited access to skills development continue to restrict women's full enjoyment of the right to education and the right to work.
The OIC group welcomes the resolution's recognition that the rights to education and work are complementary and mutually reinforcing.
Without equal access to quality education, including digital and technical and vocational training, women cannot exercise their right to work on an equal footing.
Conversely, without equal opportunities in the workforce, the full benefits of education remain unrealized.
The full exercise of women's rights to education and work in digital contexts is also essential to ensure that their growing online presence and participation is not only meaningful but also safe from fear, intimidation or harassment.
The provision of technical assistance and capacity building by the Office of the UN Hig Commissioner for Human Rights and the ITU is essential to identify capacity gaps and strengthen women's full meaningful and effective participation in cybersecurity and other emerging technological sectors.
We also welcome the emphasis on international cooperation, including South South and triangular cooperation.
We therefore request the council to adopt resolution L dot 17 by consensus and for states to demonstrate support for women's empowerment in science, technology, and digital sectors through co sponsorship as my delegation has already on behalf of the OIC group, and I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Japan, followed by Gambia and Ethiopia.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
At the outset, Japan would like to express its appreciation to the core group for their tireless efforts to present this draft resolution, ensuring women and girls have equal access to education and employment opportunities in the digital and cybersecurity sectors is essential to achieving gender equality and sustainable development.
Japan therefore supports the approach taken in this draft resolution, which emphasizes technical cooperation and capacity building tailored to national needs and priorities.
At the same time, we recognize that barriers to the participation of women and girls extend beyond limited access to digital skills.
It is equally important to address structural and social barriers, including and transgender stereotypes, unconscious bias, and the under representation of women in decision making processes.
Efforts to remove those barriers should be pursued alongside initiatives to enhance digital skills.
Furthermore, mainstreaming a gender perspective across all policies and initiatives is essential for achieving sustainable and lasting outcomes.
Based on the sixth basic plan for gender equality, Japan is promoting greater participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM disciplines, fostering digital talent among women and girls and supporting women and girls career development.
We are also advancing women's economic empowerment and expanding or their participation in the decision making processes.
In addition, Japan actively promotes the women peace and security WPS agenda, both domestically and internationally by enhancing women's participation and capacity building in the fields of peace and security, while also addressing emerging challenges including those related to digital technologies.
Japan will continue to work closely with the international community and civil society to build an inclusive and gender equal society in which women and girls can fully enjoy their human rights and realize their potential across all sectors.
In light of these considerations, we express our support for the adoption of this draft decision by consensus.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Gambia, followed by Ethiopia and Iraq.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Digital transformation is reshaping access to education, employment, public services, security and economic opportunity at an unprecedented pace and scale.
Yet, women and girls, especially from many developing countries continue to face barriers in accessing digital technologies, digital skills, technical education, and descent work in emerging sectors, including in the area of cybersecurity.
This is a gaping lacuna with severe human rights implications for women and girls, requiring the council's urgent attention.
For many developing countries and least developed countries, technical assistance and capacity building, as well as removing structural barriers to access to digital education and cybersecurity are imperative to ensure that women are not left behind in the digital transformation era.
Therefore, the Gambia welcomes the resolution's strong focus on practical support to help states to close the digital gap disproportionately affecting women and girls and ultimately expand opportunities for women in education, skills development, and decent work in the digital and cybersecurity sectors.
For all these reasons, the Gambia calls on all delegations to support the draft resolution L 17 and to joint consensus on its adoption.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the Distinguished representative of Ethiopia, followed by Iraq and Qatar.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
As I sit, Ethiopia commends the core group, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Gambia, Greece, and Qatar for their constructive leadership in advancing this important initiative on technical assistance and capacity building for empowering women's access to education and work in digital and cybersecurity related fields.
Ethiopia aligns itself with the spirit of this draft resolution and reaffirms its strong commitment to the promotion and protection of the rights of women and girls, including their equal access to education and employment opportunities.
We underscore that the full equal and meaningful participation of women in digital transformation and emerging technology sectors, including cybersecurity is essential for the realization of sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Ethiopia further emphasizes the importance of addressing the persistent gender digital divide through strengthened international cooperation, capacity building, and technical assistance, particularly in support of developing countries.
We highlight the need for practical, demand driven support upon the request and with the consent of states concerned to enhance national capacities in education, the skills development, and labor market inclusion for women and girls.
We also welcome the role of the relevant United Nations entities, including OHCHR, the International Telecommunication Union, and UNESCO in supporting those efforts within their respective mandates and encourage enhanced coordination to ensure effective and current delivery of assistance.
Ethiopia therefore supports the adoption of this draft resolution by consensus and encourages all delegation to join in its adoption, reflecting our shared commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls in digital and cybersecurity related fields.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Iraq and Qatar.
Thank you, President.
Iraq has the honor to deliver the statement on behalf of the Arab Group on draft resolution L 17 entitled, Technical Assistance and Capacity Building for Empowering women's access to education and work in the digital and cybersecurity related fields.
This is tabled by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Gambia and Bangladesh, and Greece under Item ten of the Council's Agenda.
President Arab Group welcomes the balanced approach adopted in the draft resolution, which focuses on enforcing international cooperation and technical assistance together with capacity building on the basis of countries requests and in line with their needs and national priorities.
This will reinforce access of women to education and work in the digital and cybersecurity related fields.
The resolution attaches a great importance to supporting countries to identify their needs and the capacity gaps so that they build the relevant national capacities.
President Arab Group hails the efforts deployed by the core group during the consultation so that to hammer out a balanced consensual resolution, and we call upon delegation to adopt it with consensus.
Thank you, President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Qatar.
Thank you, President.
Qatar, as a member of the core group, to express its thanks to the delegation of Saudi Arabia and it's a group for leading negotiations on this draft resolution and for giving the core group and their participation.
We thank the delegations for their contributions during the informal consultations on the draft resolution.
President's resolution, China's alliance on digital transformation as key for sustainable development, while stressing on the need for granting women digital skills and AI skills as an investment in a more prosperous and inclusive future.
The draft resolution shows that gender based digital gap requires international support and cooperation and building capacities to ensure equal opportunity.
The resolution shows that full effective and equal participation by women in cybersecurity and digital spheres are key so that women enjoy fully their rights.
Participation should be related to professional training, high quality education and equality between men and women in the promotion and leadership positions.
The resolution shows that reinforcing technical assistance, capacity building, and supporting programs, and adoption of legislations ensuring equal participation of women and digital sphere.
All of these are key to achieving human rights and achieving a comprehensive digital transformation that leaves no one behind.
We look forward for the council to adopt this resolution with consensus.
Thank you, President.
Thank you.
I see no further requests for general comments.
I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution.
The corresponding PBRO statement has been made available on the HRC extranet.
I now give the floor to members of the council who wish to make explanation or vote before the vote.
I see none.
Is there a request for a vote? I see none.
May I therefore take it that draft resolution L 17 may be adopted without a vote.
This so decided.
The Council will now consider draft resolution L 23 entitled Technical Assistance and Capacity Building for South Sudan.
I give the floor to a distinguished representative of Kenya on behalf of the African group to introduce the draft text.
You have the floor.
Mr.
President, my delegation is honored to table the draft resolution on technical assistance and Capacity Building for South Sudan under agenda item ten on behalf of the African Group.
The draft resolution is similar in language to the previous resolution 58 slash 31, adopted by consensus in April 2025, except a few new elements and two new preamblear paragraphs inserted based on the communique of the African Union Peace and Security Council dated 23, January 2026 and on the declaration of the African Union high level Ad hoc Committee on South Sudan plus Summit of 15 February 2026.
Which emphasized on the importance of dialogue as the most constructive and effective means to resolving outstanding challenges in South Sudan and that the revitalized Agreement remains the paramount instrument for the resolution of conflict in South Sudan, as well as to ensure its full implementation.
The recent appointment of the former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, his Ecellcy Jakari Cote, by the chairperson of the African Union Commission, a special envoy for South Sudan, and a request to train and build the capacity of military personnel as part of law enforcement agencies in addition to the police and prison personnel have also been inserted into the draft.
The draft resolution recognizes the progress made and efforts undertaken by the government of South Sudan with the support of regional and international partners to improve the promotion and protection of human rights.
It also reaffirms the importance of continued technical assistance and capacity building support to South Sudan with the aim to supporting institutions building, strengthening the rule of law, enhancing the administration of justice, prisons, police and military personnel, and advancing the participation of women and youth in peace building and governance processes.
Mr.
President, the draft is balanced and forward looking.
We believe it promotes constructive engagement and provides a solid basis for consensus and contributes meaningfully to the council efforts to support South Sudan in the field of technical assistance and capacity building.
The group reiterates its steadfast position that the provision of technical assistance and capacity building for South Sudan as a post conflict country is the best way to assist the rule of law institutions and enhance the promotion and protection of human rights in the country, as well as the implementation of the revitalized Agreement.
We highly appreciate and thank all the delegations who participated and constructively contributed in the informal consultations to improve this draft resolution.
I therefore, on behalf of the African group, table the draft resolution on technical assistance and capacity building for South Sudan for action.
The African Group calls upon all delegations to adopt this draft resolution by consensus and without a vote as it has always been the case in the past.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I have been informed by the Secretariat that there are three additional co sponsors.
I now give the floor to members of the council who wish to make general comments on this draft resolution.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Cuba.
President, Cuba appreciates the African group's efforts to through this draft resolution, promote cooperation to build capacity in South Sudan.
This is following a request made by this country to the Council for technical assistance.
We believe that this draft resolution is a positive example as to how the council can act effectively by providing technical assistance on the basis of request from the country concerned.
Nevertheless, we are concerned about the way in which resources are being used.
The Office of the High Commissioner will set aside $1.149 million with South Sudan for cooperation over the next year.
Nevertheless, the Human Rights Commission in South Sudan, which is a mechanism which was imposed by a council decision and without the consent of the concerned country, will have a budget of $5.5 million over the same period.
That means to say that in the same year, technical cooperation with South Sudan will have a budget which is just one fifth of the budget which is being used to sustain a punitive and interfering mechanism which has been imposed and which has not had any tangible impact on human rights on the ground.
As member states, we want to make sure that our financial contributions are used in the most responsible fashion, particularly at a time when we're facing significant linquidity constraints.
So Cuba will always advocate respectful Cooperation and genuine dialogue in the area of human rights without interference or imposition.
This is an approach which we have consistently defended and which is reflected in this draft resolution L 23.
This is why Cuba is supporting this draft and we do hope that it will be adopted by consensus.
Thank you very much, President.
Thank you.
I see no further request for general comments.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of the Gambia.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
The Gambia welcomes draft resolution L 23 entitled Technical Assistance and Capacity Building for South Sudan.
As a member of the African group, the Gambia supports this important initiative, which reflects the collective commitment of the group to assist in South Sudan through diplomatic dialogue, cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity building.
Attach great importance to Agenda item ten as a constructive platform to assist states in addressing human rights challenges through national ownership, cooperation, and practical support.
In this regard, we welcome the focus of the draft resolution on strengthening South Sudan's national institutions during its post conflict transition.
We welcome the recognition that dialogue remains the most constructive and effective path for resolving outstanding issues and consolidating peace.
In this regard, we look forward to the full implementation of the revitalized Agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan.
The Gambia F encourages the government of South Sudan to reinforce efforts towards transitional justice, constitutional review, elections preparation, and cooperation with the international organizations operating in South Sudan.
At the same time, we recognize that South Sudan continues to face serious challenges that require sustained support from the international community.
Technical assistance must therefore be practical, coordinated, and responsive to the needs of national institutions including in the areas of rule of law, justice, security sector reform, accountability for accountability and protection of civilians and humanitarian access.
We also welcome the emphasis on the participation of women and youth in the implementation of the revitalized Agreement, as well as their meaningful involvement for lasting peace and good governance.
For all these reasons, the Gambia supports draft resolution L 23 and encourages its adoption by consensus as has been the case, as used in the past.
Thank you.
Thank you.
So the delegation of Kenya wants to take the floor.
It has introduced a draft resolution.
So, Mr.
Chair.
That was a confusion on our part.
I apologize.
Are there any further requests for general comments? I see none.
We shall now hear from the concerned country.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of South Sudan.
Thank you.
Mr.
President, South Sudan expresses its sincere appreciation to the African group, particularly our coordinator, Kenya, for their pivotal role in leading informal consultation on the draft resolution on technical assistance and capacity building for South Sudan.
We also thank all delegation that participated constructively to improve the text.
As introduced on behalf of the African group, this draft resolution builds upon the previous resolution 58 slash 31, updated with key recent development, which I don't want to repeat them as they were actually mentioned by Kenya.
But just to add that we also added in the draft resolution training for military officers as important part of law enforcement agencies alongside police and prison personnel, as well as also we have updated the dates of recent visits of the EU high level ad hoc committee and the AU Peace and Security Council to South Sudan.
The government initially identified further areas for technical assistance, but these were omitted following consultation with the Secretariat to reflect recent UN financial constraints, the reduced capacity building scope of the UN mission in South Sudan, and most importantly, our desire to maintain a spirit of consensus after the queries raised and observation made by some delegation during the informal consultations.
The draft is therefore balanced and we believe it promotes constructive engagement and provides a solid basis for consensus.
South Sudan family believe that providing technical assistance and capacity building while fully appreciating national ownership and sovereignty remain the most effective way to supporting countries navigating complex post conflict challenges such as South Sudan.
This conviction is precisely why my country consistently requests that this con address our situation under item ten rather than under item two.
We extend our forfund gratitude to the office for the support they have been given and other stakeholders.
We remain fully committed to engage constructively with the council and all regional and international partners to advance the promotion and protection right for our people.
We assure the council of our political will to effectively utilize all support provided.
In light of this, we therefore call upon all the delegates or the delegation to adopt this draft resolution by consensus.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution.
The required resources have already been included in the proposed program budget.
I now give the floor to members of the council who wish to make explanations of vote before the vote.
I see no request.
Is there a request for a vote? I see none.
May I therefore take it that draft resolution L 23 may be adopted without a vote? It is so decided.
We will now move to explanation of vote and general comments after the vote on resolutions adopted under agenda item ten.
Are there any delegations who wish to take the floor for explanation of vote after the vote.
The Council will now consider drafts under Item three, and we will consider draft resolution L 19 slash ref one as orally revised, entitled 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council.
And I give the floor to distinguished representative of Mexico to introduce the draft resolution.
Madam, you have the floor.
Thank you, President.
On behalf of the core group comprising Mexico, Cabot, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Morocco, and Thailand, it's my honor to present draft resolution L 19 slash rev one with oral revisions.
This is on the 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council and has been circulated to all delegations.
The 19th of July 2026 will mark the 20th anniversary of the first period of the Human Rights Council as established by the United Nations General Assembly on the 15th of March 2006.
This anniversary gives us an opportunity to commemorate the achievements of the Human Rights Council to consider the challenges and how to strengthen its work and improve its efficiency and effectiveness in implementing its mandates and resolutions.
In the current political context, we believe that we must Through this draft resolution, reaffirm the importance of multilateralism and the role of the Human Rights Council in promoting and protecting human rights as well as in implementing its preventive mandate.
The draft resolution reaffirms the Council's mandate in line with General Assembly Resolution 60 slash 251 and the institutional package at the same time as we commemorate the achievements and the contributions of all the stakeholders who've contributed to its work, that is member states, national Human Rights institutions, human rights mechanisms, and special procedures, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, civil society Organizations, and many more.
Thus, We appreciate the Human Rights Council's role in developing international standards and international human rights law and in preventing human rights violations through dialogue and cooperation and the attention that it pays to human rights emergencies and promoting human rights education, technical assistance, and capacity building with a view to further fostering human rights.
The text also recognizes the adverse impact of the liquidity crisis on the Human Rights Council's work and the need to provide sustainable and sufficient funding.
Lastly, the draft resolution calls upon the council to next year hold a high level round table on the 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council in order to build on its achievements and its effectiveness throughout the United Nations system.
This will allow all participants to reflect upon this important subject.
President, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all delegations who took an active and constructive part in negotiating this draft resolution.
The text with the oral amendments which we are presenting this afternoon is a balanced text which has taken into account a number of the suggestions that we received and we believe that it is ready for adoption by consensus without a vote.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I would like to inform the council that amendments L 32 to L 37 have been withdrawn.
I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 31 additional co sponsors, and I now give the floor to members of the council who wish to make general comments.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Japan would like to begin by expressing its appreciation to the members of the core group for the initiative in presenting this draft resolution.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Human Rights Council, and Japan welcomes this important opportunity to recognize and celebrate its achievements.
This milestone is also timely occasion to consider how to build on the council's legacy by reflecting on its challenges and exploring how to reinforce its work.
To that end, given the ongoing liquidity and financial crisis, Japan considers it essential that the Human Rights Council continue its efforts to more efficiently and effectively implement its mandate, including through the continuous review and improvement of its working methods.
Japan greatly appreciates the important role played by the Council's mechanisms such as the universal periodical review, the special procedures, and technical assistance and capacity building supported by OHCHL.
These mechanisms have contributed significantly to the promotion and protection of human rights, development of the international human rights standards, and the strengthening of national implementation across the world.
In this regard, Japan further recognizes the valuable contribution of civil society organizations and other stakeholders that have played an important and legitimate role in the work of the Human Rights Council.
Japan remains committed to constructive engagement and cooperation with all relevant stakeholders in the promotion and protection of human rights.
In light of these considerations, Japan expresses its hope that this draft resolution will be adopted by consensus.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt, followed by Cotivar and Estonia.
President, we'd like to extend our thanks to the core group for submitting draft resolution L 19 slash rev one.
We would like to thank them for the way in which they steered the negotiations.
We appreciate the efforts made to respond to the concerns expressed by various delegations.
We also commend the spirit of trying to achieve consensus through these negotiations.
The 20th anniversary of the council is an opportunity for us to take stock of the council's achievements over the past two decades.
That's without a doubt, but it also gives an opportunity to set out a roadmap and define the path that the council should follow in order to continue its mission.
We believe that the council is the ideal forum for discussing human rights issues within the UN system.
The council's importance is achieved through ensuring its neutrality and non selectivity and impartiality in all doubts debates, as well as technical assistance and capacity building.
We believe that these are among the most significant achievements of the council, we'd like to thank the core group for having taken on board a number of amendments suggested and we'd like to thank the core group for having included certain stakeholders whose participation enabled us to respect the council's mandate and the procedures which should be followed.
For example, the participation of NGOs in the council's work.
This is all done with a view to ensuring the neutral and balanced nature of the Human Rights Council.
The council works on the basis of broad consensus.
That's why we believe that we really should commemorate this 20th anniversary, particularly as it comes at a time when we see proliferating conflicts.
This anniversary will enable us to rally around the council and help us overcome any outstanding differences through dialogue and finding common denominators which unite us.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cotivoir followed by Estonia and India.
Thank you, President.
My delegation would like to thank the core group for this initiative and for the inclusive consultations which have led to the submission of this draft resolution devoted to the commemorations of the 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council.
Cote de Vvoir appreciates this opportunity because it allows us to highlight the essential contributions made by the council to promoting and protecting human rights over the past two decades.
In addition to this being a commemoration, this resolution also recognizes the pivotal role played by the council in the international human rights architecture.
It also encourages us to look forward to the future by reiterating our collective commitment to an ever more effective and credible council which is equipped to respond to today's challenges in the area of human rights.
In this regard, Côte D'ivoire reiterates its attachment to the founding principles of the council, impartiality, objectivity, non selectivity, and the absence of any politicization of human rights issues.
My delegation remains concerned at the financial constraints affecting the Human Rights Council and the UN as a whole.
This actually undermines the council's ability to discharge its mandate.
We call upon member states to support this resolution and to support predictable and sufficient funding to the system by paying contributions on time and if necessary, by also paying voluntary contributions.
This is why we support this draft resolution and we encourage Everyone to join consensus because this will reflect our commitment to strengthening the Human Rights Council and Universal Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Estonia, followed by India and Ethiopia.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the EU member states that are members of the Human Rights Council.
This general comment has been agreed by the EU as a whole.
The European Union warmly welcomes the adoption of this timely and forward looking resolution commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council.
This resolution rightly reaffirms the Council's role as the primary intergovernmental body within the United Nations human rights architecture and recalls the principles that have guided its work over the past two decades.
Universality, impartiality, objectivity, non selectivity, constructive dialogue and cooperation.
It also recognizes the Council's important contribution to the development of international human rights standards, prevention, accountability, technical assistance, and capacity building, as well as the indispensable work of its mechanisms, including the universal periodic review, and the special procedures and investigative mechanisms.
The European Union particularly welcomes the resolution's recognition of the valuable contributions made by national human rights institutions, civil society, human rights defenders, and other stakeholders to the council's work.
We also want to emphasize that HRC has provided an important platform for victims and survivors to have their voices heard.
The work of all these stakeholders has also encouraged the Council and UN member states to move forward in developing international human rights standards, as well as to address human rights situations of concern and to ensure that the voices of those affected by human rights violations are heard.
Their engagement remains essential to the credibility, effectiveness, and impact of this institution.
As we look ahead, the council must continue to evolve to respond to new and emerging human rights challenges while remaining firmly anchored in its mandate.
Its effectiveness depends on the full cooperation of states with the council and its mechanisms, the protection of those who engage with the United Nations human rights system from intimidation and reprisals and adequate, predictable and sustainable resources for the council and its mechanisms.
We also look forward to the high level panel convened at the Council 64 session to reflect on how to build on the Council's achievements and further strengthen its effectiveness and its impact across the United Nations system.
The European Union remains firmly committed to supporting a strong, effective, and adequately resourced Human Rights Council in the service of human rights for all.
Therefore, the EU supports the adoption of this resolution by consensus and calls on all states to do the same.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of India, followed by Ethiopia and Mauritius.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
India thanks the core group for presenting this resolution.
It is a special moment to celebrate and to reflect on what we've achieved in the last two decades.
We welcome the mandate for instituting a high level panel discussion at the 64th session of the Human Rights Council.
This council has become the principal universal forum in which every state is held to the same standard, nowhere better expressed than its universal periodic review.
Celebrate the contributions of all council member and observer countries as well as non governmental organizations and other stakeholders whose engagement continues to enrich the council's discourse.
For India, the universality of human rights is fundamental.
They belong to every human being without distinction and can be advanced meaningfully only through cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect.
This council was established, the then president of the General Assembly called resolution 60 slash 251 a unique opportunity for a fresh start for human rights and its adoption the first step in a continued process.
My delegation is also reminded of what the then Indian PR in New York observed that the future strength of the council would depend on principles of cooperation and dialogue.
Two decades on, our experience shows this remains an aspiration we are still striving to fulfill.
Mr.
President, at 20, the council stands at a crossroads.
We should seek to resolve the divisions that have emerged over these two decades so that the council continues to be the lodestar of collective efforts to promote and protect human rights.
For this council to become more effective and durable, We need to hold strongly to the principles of non selectivity, objectivity, and non politicization, prioritizing consensus, respecting the consultation and consent of the states concerned and striving above all to speak with one voice.
As a member of the council for 2026 to 2028, India reaffirms its commitment to work in this direction.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Ethiopia, followed by Mauritius and Indonesia.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Ethiopia thanks the core group for its leadership and constructive engagement throughout the consultations leading to the tabling of this resolution.
As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council, we are presented not only with an opportunity to celebrate its achievements, but also with a responsibility to strengthen its credibility, effectiveness, and responsiveness to the aspirations of all peoples.
Over the past two decades, the council has established itself as the Principal United Nations Forum for Dialogue and cooperation on human rights.
Its rendering relevance, however, depends on its unwavering fidelity to the principles that underpinned its creation, namely universality, impartiality, objectivity, non selectivity, constructive dialogue, and genuine international cooperation as enshrined in General Assembly Resolution 60 slash 251.
Those principles are not merely procedural, they are the foundations of the council's legitimacy and effectiveness.
Ethiopia firmly believes that the promotion and protection of human rights are best advanced through partnership rather than polarization, dialogue rather than confrontation and cooperation rather than politicization.
In this regard, technical assistance, capacity building, and respect for national ownership must remain central pillars of the council's work enabling stats to fulfill their human rights obligations in accordance with their national priorities and circumstances.
We reaffirm our strong support for the universal periodic review as the council's most universal, cooperative, transparent, and state driven mechanism.
The UPR embodies the principles of equality and mutual respect and should continue to serve as the cornerstone of the council's engagement with all member status without distinction.
As we look ahead, it is imperative that all council mechanisms and mandate holders operate strictly within their mandates and uphold the highest standard of professionalism, independence, impartiality, objectivity, and non selectivity, while fully respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national ownership of status.
Safeguarding these principles is indispensable to preserving the confidence of member status and the integrity of the council's work.
Finally, Ethiopia underscores that a stronger Human Rights Council requires a stronger United Nations human rights pillar.
With these observations, Ethiopia is pleased to join consensus on the draft resolution.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mauritius, followed by Indonesia and Chile.
Mr.
President, Mauritius thanks for the core group comprising of Mexico, Cap Varia, Estonia, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, and Thailand for presenting this resolution.
We commend the core group for commemorating an important milestone for this August Body, the core UN body responsible for protection and promotion of human rights, one of the main pillars of the United Nations.
Mauritius was one of the privileged countries to be a member of the council upon its establishment in June 2006.
We're also the first member of a small island developing state to be a member of the Human Rights Council.
After an absence of 13 years, we are again a member of the Human Rights Council, and we still recognize and acknowledge its crucial role in human rights governance through mechanisms such as the UPR, special procedures, the complaint procedure, debates on critical issues, as well as involvement of both state and non state actors and the provision of technical assistance and capacity building.
We are pleased that the text of the resolution contains a reference to the voluntary trust fund to support the participation of LDCs and CTs in the work of the Human Rights Council, which was established following a resolution proposed by a core group comprising diverse countries from different regions, including my country.
The trust fund has been of invaluable assistance to help small delegation from CTs and LDCs to meaningfully participate in the work of council, including those countries Which do not have a mission in Geneva.
We also join many others in expressing our concern that the liquidity and financial crisis is having an impact on the outreach and effectiveness of our organization.
We use this opportunity to call for adequate and predictable funding to the Human Rights pillar.
Mr.
President, Mauritius has co sponsored the resolution, and we join the call for its adoption by consensus.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Indonesia, followed by Chile and South Africa.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Indonesia welcomes the core Group's initiative through this draft resolution to mark the Council's 20th anniversary.
This anniversary is an occasion both to recall the Council funding objectives and to address the challenges that test them today.
In this regard, Indonesia welcomes the references in the draft resolution, two, one, the importance of continued cooperation by all state with the universal predict review in PP 15.
Second, The role of national Human Rights institution recognized in both the preamble and operative parts.
Amidst rationalizations, efforts and financial constraints, we believe a strengthened role of N HRI could significantly contribute to the implementation of the council's outcomes at the national level.
Third, the applicable framework governing conduct in the council, including ECS resolution 1996 slash 31 in PP 20.
This is a reaffirmation that we should oppose conduct not in line with the purpose of our cooperation.
Including those that advocate reprisals against the council mechanisms or amount to harassment among participants.
In light of these considerations, Indonesia supports this trust resolution and will co sponsor it.
Finally, the council was funded to promote and protect human rights on the basis of the UN charter, including the principles of friendly relations and cooperation among states.
We believe these principles remain the prerequisite for meaningful impact on the ground.
Looking forward, Indonesia believes the council future and effectiveness depend on trust.
Built through consultation, dialogue, and genuine partnership.
We urge members and observers to embrace this approach.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Chile, followed by South Africa and Cuba.
Thank you, President Chile.
Thanks to the core group for the initiative to commemorate this resolution, 20th anniversary of the establishment of this council, and for a negotiation process that is open and responsive to the different sensitivities of membership.
In these two decades, the council has been progressively building a space for dialogue and cooperation on human rights that is now an essential part of the multilateral system.
That result is not the work of a single actor, is the result of an ecosystem of contributions that this resolution is right to recognize.
States have upheld through participation and willingness to dialogue, The legitimacy and universality of this body, the chem special procedures and other mechanisms have been its eyes and voice on the ground, even the most adverse contexts.
National human rights institutions have bridged the gap between international standards and their domestic implementation.
The indigenous peoples have contributed direct experience and ancestral knowledge enriching the work of the council with an irreplaceable perspective.
Civil society and human rights defenders have provided information and testimony without which many urgent situations would never have reached this room.
The private sector has been assuming responsibilities previously reserved for states.
Victims and survivors have given ultimate meaning to all this work, reminding us that behind every resolution there are people whose dignity we're called to protect.
None of these actors replaces the others and the absence of any of them would have left the achievements we celebrate today incomplete.
Chile therefore appreciates the fact that the text recognizes this plurality and the draft resolution fully reflects the various aspects of the council work, both its achievements and its challenges.
Thus, Chile is co sponsoring this draft resolution reject the amendments against it and calls on the members of the council to allow it to be adopted by consensus.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of South Africa, followed by Cuba and France.
Mr.
President, as we consider the resolution on the 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council, we recall the words of the former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, whose seminal report in larger Freedom led to the creation of this council.
At the Council's inaugural session in 2006, he stated, Never allow this council to become caught up in political point scoring or petty maneuver.
Think always of those whose rights are denied.
This aspiration is embodied in the council's mandate and remains important today.
In advancing it, South Africa recognizes the council's contribution over the last two decades.
It has provided visibility when there's been silence, scrutiny where there is impunity, and hope where rights holders are being subjugated.
For that, it deserves our continued support.
Beyond its ability to name violators, the council's strength lies in helping states move from commitment to implementation.
Its universal periodic review and its technical assistance and capacity building programs create a platform for dialogue, enabling progress where confrontation entrenches positions.
This aspiration is also bound up with the council's procedures.
Victims, survivors, and affected communities are not peripheral to the council's work.
Instead, they are central to it.
Their voices continue to inform and shape its agenda.
However, the council's anniversary is not only a moment for celebration, but also for reflection.
The council exists in a context where human rights and the multilateral institutions charged with their promotion and protection are under sustained attack and where international law is increasingly treated as optional.
This is regrettably missing from the resolution, as is a reference to the right of self determination, for example.
The right to self determination is reflected in the Council's founding resolution.
It is a right enshrined in the UN Charter and conventions framing the work of this council, and it is also a foundational principle of international law that is a precondition for the full and meaningful realization of all other rights.
One of the dangers that face international law and specifically the charter is as the current Secretary-General Gutierrez has said, when states treat it as an a la carte menu, choosing what they like and rejecting what is politically inconvenient.
This selectivity remains the council's greatest vulnerability.
When the council is seen as sacrificing the lord at the altar of geopolitical interests or is more responsive to some violations than to comparable abuses elsewhere, confidence in the institution and in the universality of human rights is weakened.
South Africa stands ready to work with all stakeholders to ensure that the next 20 years are marked not only by words, but by greater protection, greater accountability, and greater dignity for all so that we can all live in larger freedom.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Cuba, followed by France and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
President, we thank the sponsors for the draft resolution L 19 and for their flexibility and taking into account different procedures during the consultations.
We note the relevance of commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Council with a joint message.
And in that context, we support adoption of L 19 by consensus.
This draft has a commemorative function.
Therefore, it should not be interpreted as a comprehensive report on the achievements of the county over the past two decades or as a pretty for future work.
As a member of the council, we have been a member of the council for the first 20 years.
We have done everything to contribute to its work in an active, constructive way.
In these two decades, the UPR has become the most inclusive, equitable, and effective mechanism that the council has to strengthen human rights in all states on the basis of sovereign equality and non discrimination.
More resources should be dedicated to support states in implementing the recommendations of the UPR.
Various thematic special procedures have led to the progressive development of international human rights law and made it possible to shed light on questions that were previously neglected.
The Council has been a forum for negotiation of relevant instruments such as the Declaration on the Rights Peace and the draft International Covenant on the Rights Development.
However, This body has also been marked by certain practices that distorts mandate, lead to mistrust and damage its effectiveness, including worrying tendencies towards politicization and selectivity to the detriment of universality, objectivity, impartiality as contained in the relevant resolution.
We currently see the implement of punitive interfering selective mandates against countries of the South.
Regrettably, the council continues to assign more resources to punitive mandates than to technical assistance and cooperation.
There needs to be a better distribution of resources.
It is crucial to reorient the council towards its mandate of respectful dialogue and genuine cooperation.
In that path, you may always count on Cuba.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of France, followed by the Democratic Republic of Conngo.
Mercy.
Thank you, President, F.
Thanks, Kt, Estonia, Mexico, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, and Thailand for introducing resolution on the 20th anniversary of the Council.
In particular, welcome to the consruced spirit with which these countries conducted the negotiations and their constant concern that the text reflect a shared vision of the Human Rights Council.
The resolution reflects, in every respect, France's vision of it.
Through its international legitimacy and voice it gives to civil society, the Council is a central institution for defending the universality of human rights.
The Human Rights Council has made major progress in fundamental freedoms, whether for the rights of women, LGBT plus people, rights defenders, for the fight against enforced disappearance and da detentions, for the enshrinment of the right to a healthy environment, or for better regulating the impact of new technologies on human rights.
It plays a crucial role in the fight against impeentry through its investigative mechanisms in documenting and preventing the most serious violations.
It thus paves the way for justice for many victims and is a vector of lasting and inclusive peace.
The Universal periodic Review is another undeniable success of the Human Rights Council.
Despite the financial crisis and the attacks on the United Nations, the council must continue to move forward and remain at the forefront of emerging human rights issues.
Only in this way will it retain full relevance.
For the foregoing reasons, France supports the resolution and calls on all member states of this council to do the same.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of the DRC.
Mercy President.
Thank you, President of the DRC.
Thanks to the sponsors of this draft resolution for their constructive commitment and we support this resolution celebrating the 20th anniversary of the council.
Multilateral consultation on human rights remains crucial.
This anniversary is a moment of collective truth.
Over two decades, the council has developed I tools, the UPR and the special procedures have shown their value.
My country has directly experienced this.
We work actively with these mechanisms to consolidate the rule of law despite major persistent security concerns.
However, this must be time for collective respection.
We're seeing a rise in conflicts and increasing violations of human rights, despite the The respect for human rights can be selective where civilian populations are suffering armed aggression from abroad in particular.
This resolution reaffirms commitment to strengthening technical cooperation to have a real effect on the ground, promoting constructive dialogue, far from double standards which can undermine our credibility.
Our people seek peace, justice, and dignity.
And in honor of these, we call on all states to adopt this resolution by consensus.
I thank you.
I see no further requests for general comments.
I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft proposal and the corresponding PBR or statement has been made available on the HRC extranet.
I I give the floor to members of the council who wish to make explanations or vote before the vote on draft resolution L 19 slash ref one as already revised.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.
To? Mr.
President, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Human Rights Council, an important occasion to revisit the founding mission, review the current momentum, and look to the future.
The initiative promoted by Mexico and the core group to adopt a resolution marking the 20th anniversary of the Council is timely and important.
China welcomes the initiative.
In order to build the board's consensus on the draft, China has actively and constructively participated in the consultation and maintained close communication with the core group.
China appreciates the core group's constructive approach to dialogue and its efforts to continuously improve the draft, including reaffirming that the council should adhere to the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, non selectivity, and constructive dialogue and cooperation.
Given that the draft is generally balanced and in the spirit of solidarity, China is ready to join the consensus on draft resolution L 19 rev one as already revised.
In the meantime, China still Still has reservation on some controversial concepts in the draft such as human rights defenders, that the participation of stakeholders in the council must comply with the pertinent arrangements as set out in GA resolution 60 slash 251 and ECS resolution 1996 lash 71, among others.
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, President.
Thank you.
Any further requests for explanation of vote before the vote? I see none.
Is there any request for a vote? I see none.
May I take it, therefore that draft resolution L 19 slash one as orally revised, may be adopted without a vote.
It is so decided.
The Council will now consider draft resolution L 22 as orally revised, entitled Extreme Poverty and Human Rights.
And I give the floor to distinguished representative of France, followed by Chile to introduce the draft text.
Thank you.
Mr.
President, Distinguished ambassadors, colleagues.
I have the honor to introduce Dreft resolution L 22 on behalf of a trans regional group composed of Albania, Belgium, Chile, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Romania, France, the draft submitted series intensity, both cons and complementary to the substantive resolution discussed in the third Committee in New York.
It proposes to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and Human Rights, which has contributed since its creation to advancing thinking and practices, particularly on social protection mechanisms, and more recently on strategies for the eradication of poverty beyond growth.
This work is being carried out in respect, of course, of the various national strategies to address these crucial issues and in a context that we know will be difficult to achieve the objectives set by the 2030 agenda.
However, the remarkable progress made in recent decades for many countries is an excellent milestone on which we could build.
They are in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its drafters, such as Rene Cassin who considered that every person as a member of society is entitled to the satisfaction of the economic, social and cultural rights essential to his dignity and to the free development of his personality.
I now have the honor to give the floor to the Deputy Permanent Representative of Chile to continue this presentation.
Thank you, President.
I thank the delegation of friends, the core group, aware of the issues raised by my colleague Permanent representative of France and of the need to maintain the broadest possible consensus on this mandate conducted open consultations in a constructive manner.
In this regard, I thank all delegations that participate in the discussions and the more than 60 delegations who expressed their support by co sponsoring this draft resolution.
The text before you incorporates several additions to the previous resolution, referring to the recent work carried out within the framework of this mandate and likewise, to some of the main challenges that undermine efforts to combat poverty.
In addition, in this of responsibility at the core group, propose to render binial reporting of the Special Rapporteur in New York in light of the financial difficulties encountered by the Office of the High Commissioner.
This is in line with the rationalization and efficiency proposals made in 2025 by Spain Thailand.
This is also why after receiving information from the Secretariat on Monday in order to avoid an increase in GDP in another aspect of the resolution, the group of sponsors decided to present an oral amendment.
Finally, we reiterate our support for this mandate and its current holder, Elena DS Gelin who testifies to our commitment to the indivisibility of rights and to our universalist approach in as much as we consider extreme poverty to be an interdependent phenomenon that simultaneously violates many human rights.
In view of these elements, I call on the Human Rights Council to adopt this resolution by consensus.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 19 additional co sponsors.
I I give the floor to members of the council who wish to make general comments.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand, followed by Cuba.
Mr.
President, Thailand thanks the core group for its leadership in presenting this draft resolution extending the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights.
Thailand attaches great importance to this mandate.
Thailand's own experience has demonstrated that sustainable poverty reduction requires more than economic growth alone.
Must also be underpinned by inclusive social policies, including universal health coverage, access to essential services, and the protection of human rights, particularly for those in vulnerable situations.
In this regard, the Special Rapporteur has played an important role in bringing the human rights dimensions of poverty to the forefront.
Thailand also commends the core group's proposal to b annualize reporting to the General Assembly.
This practical adjustment is consistent with the objectives of General Assembly Resolution 79 slash 192 on the working methods of the Third Committee, while ensuring that the issues continue to receive appropriate attention in both Geneva and New York.
We look forward to the consensus adoption of this draft resolution.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba, followed by Ethiopia in Egypt.
So you may proceed.
President, we welcome the presentation of the draft resolution L 22.
Eradication of extreme poverty continues to be one of the main and more urgent challenges of humanity.
In 2030, we will not have eliminated it, as was agreed in the sustainable Development agenda.
On the contrary, we come to this year with 500 million people suffering extreme poverty.
The persistence of it does not arise from a lack of resources.
World income currently would be more than sufficient to overcome it.
However, a small minority has a disproportionate amount of wealth while the great majority struggle to survive 90% 90% poorest have less than 10% richest.
The current international order is designed to perpetuate inequality.
Far from reducing extreme poverty, it has institutionalized it.
We must urgently have a new international world economic order with more social justice and more equality.
Cuba supports the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.
The mandate must give priority to identifying and promoting tangible actions to eradicate the root causes of extreme poverty.
As recommended by the rapporteur, combating poverty must continue to be a crucial objective beyond 2030.
The summit on the sustainable development goals in 2027 will be a good opportunity to start demonstrating that poverty is not inevitable.
We support the call in the draft for the Office of the High Commissioner to give priority to extreme poverty and human rights.
We thank the core group for presenting a balanced text which takes into account the positions of different delegations during the consultations.
Cuba supports the draft resolution L 22 and calls for it to be adopted by consensus.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Ethiopia, followed by Egypt and Slovenia.
President.
As the outset, Ethiopia wishes to commend the lead sponsors for presenting this important and timely draft resolution.
Ethiopia values their continued commitment to advancing the global fight against extreme poverty through a human rights based approach.
Ethiopia welcomes the comprehensive nature of the text, which appropriately reaffirms that extreme poverty remains a persistent and multidimensional challenge that directly undermines the full enjoyment of all human rights.
The draft rightly situates poverty eradication within the broader framework of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and emphasizes the importance of leaving no one behind.
Ethiopia particularly appreciate the resolutions, strong recognition of the structural drivers that exacerbates extreme poverty, including inequality, climate change, debt burdens, and global shocks, as well as it's emphasis on the centrality of social protection systems, access to basic services, and inclusive development strategies.
The focus on strengthening rights based national anti poverty policies and improving measurement tools that complement GDP is also a constructive and forward looking element.
We further welcome the continued emphasis on the mandate of the S Reporter on extreme poverty and human rights, whose work remains essential in providing evidence based guidance, promoting policy coherence, and supporting status upon request in the implementation of poverty eradication strategies consistent with international human rights obligations.
Ethiopia also underscores the importance of international cooperation, capacity building, the exchange of good practices in addressing extreme poverty in a sustainable and inclusive manner, particularly for developing countries that continue to face significant structural and economic constraints.
In conclusion, Ethiopia supports the objective of this draft resolution and encourages all delegation to join in its adoption by consensus as a reflection of our shared commitment to eradicate extreme poverty in all its forms and ensuring the full realization of human rights for all.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to a distinguished representative of Egypt, followed by Slomania and China.
President, we welcome the draft resolution 22 on extreme poverty and human rights.
We wish to thank the core group for tabling this resolution.
Poverty of all types is a staggering challenge facing our world today.
It undermines full enjoyment of human rights, particularly economic, social, and cultural rights.
This shows that it is a priority to be eliminated in light with sustainable development because it relates to all its goals.
Poverty is multidimensional and cannot be countered in isolation with the international economic context due to lack of financing of development and debt burden, digital gap, and lack of financial governance, in addition of the social effects of conflict, arms and wars.
We believe that progress in combating poverty should go beyond economic growth indexes.
However, we believe that countering poverty requires mobilizing collective political will to deal with structural imbalances in international governance so that it becomes more just and equitable in favor of sustainable development and human dignity and ensuring the right of standard level of living And all rights.
In closing, we call upon delegations to adopt a resolution with consensus.
Thank you, President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Slovenia, followed by China and Pakistan.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Slovenia welcomes the resolution on extreme poverty and human rights and the extension of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.
We appreciate the consensual nature of the mandate and welcome the decision to limit Special Reporter's reporting to the General Assembly to a binnial basis, a measure that contributes to the efficiency of the Human Rights Council.
The resolution reminds us that extreme poverty persists in all countries of the world.
According to the World Bank, more than 10% of global population lives in extreme poverty, and there is a growing risk that global poverty could increase rather than continue its long term decline.
Living in extreme poverty directly impacts full and effective enjoyment of human rights and leaves people highly vulnerable to discrimination and exploitation.
At the same time, those living in extreme poverty and in situations of vulnerability are the ones affected most by global challenges and trends, notably the impacts of climate change, deepening of inequalities, lack of access to basic social services.
Moreover, global poverty disproportionately affects women and girls.
Extreme poverty impacts women and girls enjoyment of civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights and perpetuates a cycle of inequalities that undermine sustainable development.
If efforts to combat poverty and reduce inequalities are to be effective, they need to be undertaken comprehensively and led by a human rights based approach.
Slovenia is pleased to co sponsor the resolution and looks forward to its adoption by consensus.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of China, followed by Pakistan.
President, eradicating poverty is one of the most important SDGs on the United Nations 2030 agenda and is a shared aspiration of the international community.
China supports draft resolution on extreme poverty and human rights, which has been proposed by the core group in which focuses on poverty reduction.
China supports the work of the Special Rapporteur as mandated and her constructive engagement with stakeholders.
China is a large and responsible developing country.
Its poverty reduction program has been as swift as it has been efficient.
Our historic eradication of poverty in China has contributed to 70% of global poverty reduction.
So this is how we've managed to achieve the SDG ten years ahead of time.
We're committed to continuing international cooperation and contributing to combating poverty by sharing our practices with our partners, so China will rally to consensus on draft resolution L 22.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I give the floor to a distinguished representative of Pakistan.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Pakistan, thanks to the core group for presenting the draft resolution L 22 Rev one.
At the outset, we acknowledge the constructive and open engagement of the core group throughout the negotiation process.
Extreme poverty remains one of the greatest barriers to the full enjoyment of all human rights.
At the same time, in our view, it is fundamentally a challenge, a development challenge whose causes and solution extend beyond the human rights fair.
Therefore, this council's consideration should reflect not only human rights dimensions, but also the structural and development developmental factors that drive poverty.
It was in this spirit that my delegation put forward specific textual proposal.
Mr.
President, poverty does not affect all countries or populations equally.
Many developing countries remain disproportionately exposed to economic shocks, whether from conflict, the COVID 19 pandemic, climate induced disasters, or volatility in global market and global and commodity markets.
In our view, This asymmetry deserves explicit recognition in the text.
The text contains general references to poverty eradication.
However, it does not clearly reaffirm that while many countries face constraints, developing countries are particularly affected by limited fiscal space, mounting debt burdens and exposure to climate shocks which narrow the policy options available to governments.
Debt servicing, in particular, Mr.
President, diverts scarce public sources away from social protection, health and education, which are essential to breaking the cycle of poverty.
We are also constrained to dissent with the suggestion that such issues belong only in the UN General Assembly.
This council has every mandate to speak with clarity and precision on the structural drivers of poverty, as was mentioned by many delegates who took the floor earlier, as it does on many topics with an important human rights dimension.
With these observations on the record and in view of the importance of speaking with one voice on an issue of immense significance to billions worldwide, Pakistan will join in consensus on the draft resolution contained in document L 22 slash RN.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I see no further requests for general comments.
I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution.
The corresponding PBI oral statement has been made available on the HRC extranet.
And I'll give the floor to members of the council who wish to make explanation of vote before the vote on draft resolution L 22 as already revised.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of India.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
India thanks the core Group for its engagement on this important resolution.
The eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions remains the foremost global challenge and an indispensable requirement for development.
Extreme poverty at its core is a profound denial of economic, social, and cultural rights.
India has consistently held that the enjoyment of the rights to food, health, education, housing, and an adequate standard of living lies at the very heart of any meaningful response to poverty.
We also wish to emphasize that extreme poverty cannot be separated from the development agenda.
It is the subject of the very first sustainable development goal and is intrinsically linked to each of the others.
Any discussion on poverty, even when framed through the lens of human rights, therefore, must be rooted in development.
A rights based approach and a development centered approach are not alternatives.
They are mutually reinforcing.
It is in this context that India, while joining the consensus on this resolution, must place on record our disassociation from OP one that welcomes the work done by the outgoing special rapporteur simply because we are not able to welcome his work.
We had in good faith conveyed to the pen holders our concerns with the aspects of his work that appear politically biased and do not reflect a complete, objective, and balanced analysis of the multidimensional nature of poverty.
My delegation welcomes the new special rapporteur and expresses hope for a constructive and inclusive engagement.
We firmly believe that there is a need to reorient the mandate to reflect the realities, priorities, and development challenges faced by countries of the global South.
I thank you.
Thank you.
I see no further request for explanation of vote before the vote.
Is there a request for a vote? I see none.
May I therefore take it that draft resolution L 22 as orally revised may be adopted without a vote.
It is so decided.
We will now move to explanation of vote and general comments after the vote on all resolutions adopted under agenda item three I give the floor to Distinguished representative of Indonesia, followed by Switzerland.
Mr.
President, Indonesia commends the core group that have rationalized their initiative, and we further encourage other delegation to follow suit in support of the council's continued work on rationalization and efficiency.
Considering some new proposal under this item, we are pleased to co sponsor draft resolution on the protection of the healthcare in armed conflict L 26 and neglected tropical diseases L 27.
We believe applying human rights approach to tackle NTDs will ensure more comprehensive protection for the people affected, especially the most vulnerable.
On the mandate of the SR on extrajudicial and summary execution, L 11, we place our reservation to one of the SR report that conflicts capital punishment with torture.
And stress that any interpretation of international law must strictly adhere to the applicable principle.
On freedom of opinion and expression L 12, we reaffirm that the resolution must be read in line with the applicable international law, particularly the whole set of Article 19 of the ICCPR.
On human rights and climate change L 18, we welcome its focus on adaptation based on the CBDRRC principle.
We reject the view that this principle cannot be conflated with human rights obligation.
The ICJ advisory opinion has confirmed that this fundamental principle is applicable for the interpretation and application of the most directly relevant legal rules, including in this context, international human rights law.
Mr.
President, While joining consensus on a number of resolutions, we regret that several texts continue to employ concept lacking universal agreement, treated as agreed language solely because the previous iterations were adopted without a vote.
On that note, my delegation disassociates itself from the non consensual references, including sexual and gender based violence where it is not specifically linked to women and girls.
Sexual rights, multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, right to bodily autonomy, comprehensive sexuality education, as well as intimate partner, which is not recognized in our national legal system.
Nevertheless, our dissociation shouldn't in no way be construed as evading our serious commitment to protecting the rights of our people, including women and girls.
Finally, we reiterate that the concept of indigenous peoples is not applicable to Indonesia's unique post colonial context.
Yet we fully respect its distinctature and recognize the importance of protecting the rights of indigenous people as enshrined in the UR.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the Distinguished representative of Switzerland, followed by Qatar and Chile.
President, please allow me at the outset to thank the main co sponsors of draft resolutions L four, 11 and 22 for having spaced out the reporting period to the General Assembly of the renewed special procedures mandates.
This is what Switzerland was calling for.
With regard to L 11, Switzerland recognizes the importance of this subject, particularly for victims of organized crime.
Switzerland echoes the sponsor countries in condemning armed violence which has such an impact on human lives.
We condemn armed violence and we call upon better export controls on weapons and more international cooperation on this matter.
We also appreciate that addressing the deep seated cause of violence is necessary.
We believe that we should concentrate our efforts in this area.
This would at least allow us to make sure that measures taken are more effective and we will be able to put inequalities in mental health at the center of our agenda, particularly for people with cognitive disabilities.
Unfortunately, we weren't able to co sponsor the current text because it didn't sufficiently address the deep rooted causes of violence and also because of the link between possessing a weapon and a threat to human rights.
We think that this fails to draw a distinction between respectful citizens and criminals.
Swzerland would also like to take this opportunity, President, to praise transparency and consultations in order to ensure that member states are fully informed in good time so they can take up a position.
We'd like to thank the delegations who took the time and trouble to hold a second round of informal consultations on the basis of revised version of their draft resolution, particularly during this very compact 62nd session.
We encourage all delegations to follow this procedure, particularly when we're dealing with texts which are being submitted to the council for the first time.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I give the floor to distinguished representative of Qatar, followed by Chile and Egypt.
Thank you, President.
I'm taking the floor on behalf of the Golf Corporation Council.
Our member states reserve the right to interpret resolutions adopted under item three in line with our laws and internationally agreed human rights standards.
Thus, we distance ourselves from all concepts and all the terminology which has not been internationally agreed or which is not in line with our religious and social cultures and practices which are not defined in international human rights law.
Our member countries are attached to their definition of the word gender according to our national laws, as we wish to preserve our religious and social characteristics.
We call for this statement to be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I give the floor to Distinguished representative of Chile, followed by Egypt.
Thank you very much, President.
Chile would like to make an explanation of vote following the adoption of the resolutions under item three.
This concerns some of the language used in the resolutions.
We call upon the Secretariat to ensure that this statement is recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
Chile is committed to gender equality and eradicating all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls.
These are cross cutting goals in our foreign policy and are reflected in the international commitments we have made.
Chile protects the right to life in line with its domestic law and its international human rights obligations.
In this context, the framework of sexual and reproductive health rights, we do not see the right to abortion as an internationally recognized right.
This is because the access to an abortion depends on domestic law.
We believe that sexual education should be age adapted and there must be a right to choose by parents and legal guardians as they are involved in the education of their children awards.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the Distinguished representative of Egypt.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
On L 13, we welcome the constructive approach of Ecuador and Peru steering the consultations on the draft.
We appreciate the new references to the situations of foreign occupation introduced in the text.
At the same time, we dissociate from PP 21, referring to the firearms protocol as we are not party to it and also believe that matters related to disarmament should be addressed in the relevant forum.
Egypt dissociate itself from all the language contained in the amendment that join it on various resolutions, as well as from the language reflected in its explanation of vote on these resolutions.
Egypt reserves the right to interpret or implement the provisions contained in the different resolution consistent with its national law and its obligation under human rights law.
We express concern over the increasing attempts to redefine international obligations and universally agreed language throughout over reliance on non legally binding or non internationally agreed document.
Coaching against imposing definition of term that don't have adequately negotiated in intergovernmental organizations like transnational repression.
Egypt dissociate from the concept and the references that don't enjoy consensus or don't have a clear definition in international human rights law, including intersecting form of discrimination, reproductive violence, ministerial health.
Egypt understanding of the references to sexual reproductive health and services and reproductive rights is strictly in accordance to the agreed language of the ICPD.
Egypt three as that any reference to the term gender shall be understood exclusively as sex in accordance to the understanding in Beijing Declaration and platform of action.
Egypt further clarifies that any references to the outcome of the review conferences of Beijing declaration and platform of action and the program of action of the ICPD should be understood as referring only to those adopted by the General Assembly.
Egypt also understand in references to human rights based approach as the one that is fully grounded in the international human rights law.
We further reiterate that our understanding of the concept of the human rights defenders or feminist group are strictly based on the declaration of the right and the responsibility of individuals, groups, organs of society to promote and protect university, recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq.
Thank you, President.
We would like to extend our thanks to all states who have submitted draft resolutions under item three.
We'd also like to thank them for their efforts during the informal consultations and negotiations.
We would once again like to congratulate them on the new initiatives under item three.
We believe that promoting and protecting human rights requires cooperation and partnerships.
This is enriching and helps us overcome any differences.
Nevertheless, we must respect the domestic laws of each member state.
All of these different approaches are important though for enriching the work of international regulations.
We have rallied to a number of resolutions under this item.
Nevertheless, there are certain paragraphs which we would like to mention.
When it comes to 11, we have some reservations concerning the language Referring to the reports of a special rapporteur in L 12, we have rallied to consensus because we are committed to freedom of expression opinion and we would like to thank the core group for having taken into consideration our observations.
We have certain reservations concerning the technologies which may promote gender based violence because this is something which is not consensual and I call for this statement to be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I see no further request for explanation of vote after the vote under agenda item three.
Excellencies, distinguished representatives, colleagues.
This brings us to the end of this meeting.
We have concluded the consideration of all the draft proposals of this session.
We will reconvene tomorrow morning at 10:00 A.M.
To address the outstanding business under agenda item one and then proceed with closing of the 62nd session.
And I hereby close the 34th meeting of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council.
And I wish good luck to some of some colleagues whose team will play tonight.
Some history may be made tonight, so good luck to them.