To Overcome Urgent, Immense Challenges, States Should Adopt Human Rights-Based Actions, Speakers Say as High-Level Thematic Debate Concludes

While creating institutions to promote and protect human rights and ratifying conventions were important, the true test lay in actions, the General Assembly heard today as it concluded its two-day high-level thematic debate, titled “UN@70 – Human rights at the centre of the global agenda”.

“Whether it is ridding the world of discrimination, safeguarding the rule of law or protecting fundamental freedoms, all countries must do more to meet their human rights obligations,” said Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft (Denmark), in closing remarks.  Today’s debate had demonstrated that the struggle for human rights was a constant and universal one, he said, adding that the United Nations and its next Secretary-General must continue to fight for those rights.

During the plenary session, many speakers said humanity had never enjoyed a higher standard of living with more resources at its disposal to find solutions to its problems.  However, challenges remained immense and urgent, several said, stressing that too many people lived in fragile and conflict-affected States, violent extremism was on the rise and forced displacement worldwide had reached unprecedented levels.

The European Union’s representative said to attain lasting solutions and prevent violent extremism, the international community must address its root causes by advancing universal human rights and fighting marginalization, discrimination, violence, poverty and corruption.  “Even when confronting the gravest violence, there can be no trade-off between security and human rights,” he said, adding that solutions and policies based on the rule of law were more effective and sustainable.

Indeed, Greece’s speaker said, the international community was legally and morally obliged to respond with aligned and coordinated action.  “Inclusive procedures, dialogue and cooperation at all levels and among all stakeholders is a necessary element for the development and implementation of coherent policies,” he said, adding that only such an approach could effectively advance the universality, indivisibility and interdependency of human rights.

The representative of Indonesia, expressing a different view, drew attention to the trust deficit between and within societies, noting that the United Nations must provide a cooperation framework that was beneficial for all.  In addition, he spoke of the unique characteristics of each country, emphasizing that a creative approach must be taken to improve the Organization’s role in addressing human rights issues.

Also today, a number of delegates pointed to the refugee crisis.  The Philippines’ speaker said her country had launched the Migrants in Countries in Crisis guidelines.  Encouraging all Member States to utilize that tool, she said “let us work together to ensure that migrants caught in conflict or disaster will have better protection and decreased vulnerabilities”.

Echoing that sentiment, the representative of Portugal welcomed the convening of an upcoming high-level meeting to address large movements of refugees and migrants.  In addition, he said, Portugal had launched an emergency scholarship programme, Global Platform for Syrian Students, providing access to higher education in Portuguese universities.

Several speakers raised the issue of the Human Rights Council and its working methods.  “The Human Rights Council is acting no different than its predecessor,” Eritrea’s representative said, emphasizing the politicization and double standards that were undermining its mandate.  Furthermore, he rejected the proliferation of country-specific mandates, which sought to punish and isolate countries rather than engage and assist them in meeting human rights obligations.

In response, the representative of Sri Lanka encouraged States to cooperate with international human rights bodies and procedures, acknowledge their shortcomings and failures, and learn from past mistakes.  Similarly, Brazil’s delegate expressed support for the Council’s special procedures, which favoured prevention and were well positioned to function as early-warning mechanisms.  In addition, Brazil had worked for the establishment of new procedures, including the new mandate for a Special Rapporteur on the Right to Privacy.

Delegates also took up the issue of human rights violations against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons.  The representative of the United States drew attention to the recently adopted Human Rights Council resolution, which had created an independent expert on violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.  The expert would serve as a global focal point on combatting challenges faced by LGBT persons, a step that reflected a growing global momentum.

In a similar vein, Israel’s delegate shared national experiences, emphasizing that the Government was committed to pursuing social inclusion and equal opportunity for all, especially minority groups.  “From the city of Tel Aviv to the halls of the Israeli Parliament, LGBT people are fully represented,” he said.

Speakers also shared their unique approaches to advancing human rights.  The representative of Japan said the Government attached great priority to women’s participation and protection.  Having deepened cooperation with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, Japan had established its liaison office in Tokyo last year.  Ecuador’s delegate said the Government had undertaken various measures to improve economic, social and cultural rights, which had reduced extreme poverty and reduced social exclusion.  Also recognizing the right to refuge and asylum, he said Ecuador hosted the highest number of refugees in Latin America.

Also delivering statements today during the plenary session were ministers, representatives and high-level officials of Denmark, Montenegro, Republic of Korea, Kazakhstan, Bahamas, Paraguay, Germany, Italy, China, Czech Republic, Syria, Viet Nam, United Kingdom, Cuba, Poland, Austria, Pakistan, Australia, Sudan, Cyprus, Croatia, Russian Federation, Switzerland, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Norway, Rwanda, Iran, Latvia, Armenia, Georgia, Mexico, India, Morocco, Tajikistan, Thailand, Chile, Panama, Estonia, Kenya, Maldives, Jordan, Egypt, France, Ukraine, Netherlands, Uruguay, Azerbaijan, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Liechtenstein, Ghana, Nepal, Iceland, Palau and Chad, as well as the Holy See.  Representatives of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and International Labour Organization also spoke.