Highlighting Leap in Displaced Persons Worldwide, Third Committee Underscores Heavy Burden Placed on Developing Host Countries, Dangers of Forced Returns
Delegates Also Exchange Views on Human Rights Council’s Role in Reporting on Victims of Heinous Conflicts
The responsibility to protect the world’s refugees continues to fall on countries in the Global South, the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) heard today, as delegates also discussed their respective visions for the Human Rights Council.
The Committee continued its discussion on the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons, with delegates voicing concern over the ever-increasing number of displaced persons globally due to increased persecution, conflict, violence and the impacts of climate change.
Among them was Kuwait’s representative, who drew attention to the situation in Palestine. He condemned the barbaric criminal actions by the occupying force, Israel, noting the “miserable” failure of the Security Council to provide Palestinians with protection. Also, he voiced condolences for the 64 humanitarian workers of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) killed during Israel’s indiscriminate shelling of the Gaza Strip.
For his part, Ukraine’s delegate said Moscow’s armed aggression against his country triggered one of the largest and fastest-growing displacement crises of the current time. More than 11 million Ukrainians remain displaced, including 5 million within Ukraine. Further, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, including children, have been unlawfully deported from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to the Russian Federation.
Afghanistan’s delegate focused on Pakistan’s announcement to deport unregistered Afghan refugees, effective 1 November, which places hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Afghan families in an extremely challenging position. Many of these refugees left Afghanistan due to the severe humanitarian and human rights crisis and precarious security environment. Given the gravity of the situation in Afghanistan and dangerous implications of forced and involuntary returns of Afghan refugees, he called on Pakistan’s Government to avoid any forcible returns of Afghan nationals from its territory.
Myanmar’s delegate spotlighted the internal displacement of nearly 2 million people in his country, noting the 360 per cent increase in the onward movement of Rohingya refugees in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. The only sustainable solution to this crisis lies in the immediate end of the military coup, he said, appealing to the regional and international community as well as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide timely protection and assistance to Myanmar’s people.
On that note, the representative of Bangladesh said his country has been hosting 1.2 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals for the last six years. However, a prolonged state of displacement has already threatened the social cohesion, environmental and ecological balance, economic viability and political stability in the area of Cox’s Bazar, he said, calling on regional countries and concerned UN agencies to facilitate their voluntary return.
Developing countries have been bearing the brunt of hosting refugees, many delegates pointed out, including Cameroon’s representative, who underscored that the responsibility to protect the world’s refugees continues to fall disproportionately on low- and middle-income countries, which are hosting 76 per cent of the world’s refugees and other people in need of international protection.
Adding to that, Ethiopia’s delegate highlighted her country’s long history of hosting refugees and noted that it currently provides shelter to over 900,000. Detailing her Government’s initiatives to address root causes of internal displacement, she said it initiated a national dialogue as well as a “green legacy initiative” aimed at climate-change-induced displacement.
Türkiye’s delegate said his country remains the world’s largest refugee-hosting country, with almost 4 million refugees and asylum seekers, including 3.2 million Syrians. The facilitation of their voluntary, safe and dignified return should be an integral part of the overall effort, not an afterthought. Further, he called on Israel to end the siege on Gaza and stop its attempt at mass displacement and forced transfer of Palestinians.
Later in the day, the Committee heard from Václav Bálek, President of the Human Rights Council, who detailed thematic areas considered by the Council this year, including the role of digital literacy in the promotion of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. Spotlighting the Council’s activities, he pointed to the establishment of a new working group on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas. Further, the Human Rights Council convened special sessions addressing the deteriorating situation of human rights in Iran and concerning the human rights impact of the ongoing conflict in the Sudan.
In the ensuing interactive dialogue, numerous delegates underscored the crucial role of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms in the promotion and protection of human rights, while others expressed regret over the Council’s politicization, selectivity and double standards.
On that note, Australia’s delegate underlined that addressing human rights situations or — as some call it — “naming and shaming” is not about politicization but about upholding the Council’s very mandate. No country has a perfect human rights record, including Australia, she said, noting that scrutiny and accountability are crucial to achieving a peaceful world.
Also reiterating his support for the Council, the representative of the United States highlighted critical human rights situations in several countries, including Myanmar, Cuba, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen. Moscow’s war of aggression on Ukraine threatens the lives and liberty of countless innocent civilians, he said, detailing crimes against humanity and genocide perpetrated by China against its own citizens.
Meanwhile, the representative of China emphasized that no country should use human rights as a political tool to exert pressure on other countries and called on the Council to respect a diversity of human rights processes. Opposing Washington’s politicizations of the Third Committee’s work, she denied its allegations regarding Xinjiang.
Also casting a critical perspective on the Council, the representative of the Russian Federation cited its inability to make any significant improvements in the human rights situation worldwide or in individual countries. Instead, under pressure from Western countries, the Council has adopted numerous overtly political resolutions, including the odious initiative on the human rights situation in his country.
General Debate
ARAM HAKOBYAN (Armenia) said that throughout different stages of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, his country hosted hundreds of thousands of people who were displaced due to pogroms, ethnic cleansing, violence and armed hostilities. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has worked in Armenia since the early 1990s, providing much-needed support to ensure the rights and protection of refugees and other displaced persons, he said. In late September and early October, in the aftermath of Azerbaijan's latest military aggression, more than 100,000 persons, a vast majority of whom were women, children and the elderly, fled that region to find refuge in Armenia. “Nagorno-Karabakh now stands fully depopulated,” he said, adding that UNHCR was quick to react to the rapid arrival of a vast number of displaced persons to his country, including through a joint appeal to support the efforts of his Government. As of today, his Government has provided accommodation or temporary shelters to tens of thousands of people, initiated cash assistance programs, and enrolled more than 16,000 displaced children in public schools.
Mr. ALDAIKAN (Kuwait) said the rights of Palestinians continue to be violated by Israel, noting that they are living without food, water or medicine, violating their right to life. Kuwait again condemns the barbaric and criminal actions by the occupying force, he said, lamenting the “miserable” failure of the Security Council to provide the Palestinian people with protection. Kuwait itself is equitable and fair in its treatment of refugees, he said, highlighting non-politicized policies to respond to their needs. Underscoring the value of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) he voiced condolences for the 64 humanitarian workers killed during Israel’s indiscriminate shelling of the Gaza Strip. Voicing support for UNHCR’s efforts to resettle or facilitate return, he called on all international organizations to adopt a unified attitude to ensure security for all.
Mr. ALKHAYARIN (Qatar) noted the huge rise in refugees due to conflicts, climate change and humanitarian crises. In light of the high numbers of refugees, there should be an equal response, a redoubling of efforts and sustainable solutions. To that end, Qatar has contributed to the response to the crisis in Syria, neighbouring Jordan and Lebanon. His country also attaches great importance to diplomacy and preventive diplomacy and values its strategic partnership with UNHCR. Qatar gave 16 unearmarked contributions from 2021 to 2022 and will continue to support the agency from 2023 to 2024.
NATALIIA MUDRENKO (Ukraine) said the Russian Federation’s armed aggression against his country triggered one of the largest and fastest-growing displacement crises of the current time More than 11 million Ukrainians remain displaced. including 5 million within Ukraine, and 17.6 million Ukrainians, or about 40 per cent of the population, remain in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Expressing gratitude to UNHCR for supporting his Government's efforts to address these complex challenges, he also commended the recent European Union decision to extend for another year the Temporary Protection Directive for more than 4 million displaced Ukrainians in the Union. The report erroneously refers to “the armed conflict in Ukraine” instead of “the international armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” he said. This legal classification is crucial because it determines the applicable legal regime, he said, also expressing concern about the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, including children, who have been unlawfully deported from the temporarily occupied territories of his country to the Russian Federation.
KIM SANGJIN (Republic of Korea), voicing concern over numerous conflicts around the world, including in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Ukraine and Palestine, said respect for human rights and international humanitarian law must guide collective efforts. The right to asylum is fundamental in protecting refugees, he stressed, encouraging States to strengthen their own institutions to this end. A substantial number of North Koreans in third countries have been repatriated against their will, in violation of the principle of non-refoulement, facing human rights violations and abuses, retaliatory actions, including the death penalty, in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Against this backdrop, he underscored that the non-refoulement principle must be applied at all times, regardless of persons’ migratory status.
JONATHAN SHRIER (United States) urged the international community to step up its contributions and think creatively about ways to respond to crises. “We condemn in the strongest terms attacks on humanitarian workers and the destruction of their facilities, vehicles and supplies,” he said, reiterating that parties to conflict must adhere to their international humanitarian law obligations. “The United States is the single largest donor of international humanitarian assistance, providing nearly $1.9 billion to UNHCR in 2023, but we know that it’s not enough,” he said, pledging that his country will continue delivering solutions for refugees. “This past year, we resettled refugees from every region in the world, 40 per cent of whom came from Africa,” he noted, adding that his country is working to receive 125,000 refugees next year as well as streamline refugee admission programmes and policies.
Ms. HABTAMU (Ethiopia), aligning with the African Group, said her country has a long history of hosting refugees, noting that it currently provides shelter to over 900,000. A low-income country, Ethiopia along with development partners and donors meets essential humanitarian needs and delivers life-saving support for its refugee and displaced population, despite the country’s inadequate support, considering the population it must serve. However, Ethiopia recently launched the Rome process, addressing irregular migration and human trafficking, which resulted in a raft of legislation granting refugees access to work, education and financial services. Further, the country has adopted a citizen-oriented foreign policy addressing citizens abroad in challenging conditions, which includes voluntary repatriation, she said. To address root causes of internal displacement in the country, Ethiopia initiated a National Dialogue as well as a “Green Legacy Initiative” addressing climate change induced displacement.
MOHAMMAD FERAS ALNWELATI (Syria), aligning with the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations, said Syria is working towards the voluntary repatriation of refugees with several new laws and decrees, including an amnesty decree covering all citizens living overseas. Syria has opened channels of communications with United Nations bodies to ensure swift consultations on refugee returns. It is also working to ensure that humanitarian aid arrives where it is needed, and that forcibly displaced people take informed decisions about when and where to return. It also allows for the monitoring of returnees to ensure their return in dignified conditions. These efforts ensure that refugees are not subjected to discrimination due to their asylum requests abroad, or because they left their towns and cities in the past.
MUJAHID AHMED UMAR (Nigeria), aligning himself with the African Group, said the number of displaced persons globally has exceeded 110 million. This ever-increasing figure has been attributed to increased persecution, conflict, violence and the impacts of climate change. No region is immune to these unfortunate occurrences, he stressed, applauding UNHCR’s efforts to provide assistance and solutions to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced and stateless persons. While Nigeria has witnessed an influx of thousands of displaced persons from neighbouring countries, it has put in place strategies and a preparedness plan to facilitate a seamless registration process for new arrivals, incorporating refugees into the national social register. Further, the Government of Nigeria remains resolute in its efforts to uphold the rights of more than 2 million internally displaced persons in the north-east of the country, who have been victims to conflict, recurrent floods and droughts.
Mr. RADOVIC (Serbia) said his country has witnessed the suffering experienced by forcibly displaced persons for more than three decades. This includes refugees and internally displaced people fleeing wars in the former Yugoslavia, and more recently from Ukraine. Additionally, migrants traveling the Balkan route have also reached Serbia in pursuit of a better life. He stressed that Serbia has the largest number of persons in protracted internal displacement in Europe. More than 210,000 people were forced to flee their homes in Kosovo and Metohija due to ethnic hatred, the majority Serbs, but also Roma, Ashkali, Gorani and others. It is beyond regrettable that, in more than 20 years, conditions for sustainable return have not been ensured. Bearing this in mind, Serbia welcomes the UN Secretary-General's efforts to provide practical recommendations through the Action Agenda on Internal Displacement to find lasting solutions for the complex issue of internal displacement.
ALI RIDA ABDULMOHSIN HASAN AL-MUSAWI (Iraq), speaking about internally displaced persons, said they will become tomorrow’s refugees unless necessary action is taken now. “We would call on all stakeholders to display solidarity internationally and assume that there are shared responsibilities in combatting the impact of climate change, water shortages and their resulting impacts on human rights,” he said. Turning to Al-Hol camp in Syria, he said that, since 2019, his country has been working towards the return of Iraqi families from it. “More than 1,500 families have been able to return out of the camp,” he said, adding that their integration has been a difficult process. “That camp is a fertile breeding ground for extremism,” he stressed, underscoring that the presence of the camp is a threat to international peace and security in the region and calling on all countries to assume their responsibilities for their co-citizens in that camp.
ALI MABKHOT SALEM BALOBAID (Yemen) said his country continues to suffer from terrorist militias displacing civilians and occupying institutions, while inflation rises. Spotlighting support from UNHCR and partners, including Saudi Arabia, he noted that such cooperation has provided for humanitarian projects aimed at refugees living in some of the worst conditions in the country. He called on any party with connections to militias to pressure them to leave refugee camps alone, as informal efforts by the Government are met with daily bombardments. He noted that Palestinians are victims of displacement and worse, adding that the occupying State has turned Gaza into a target, as its citizens have called for their rights and freedoms to be fulfilled. He called for a ceasefire to put an end to the violence. “There is no time to waste”, he said.
Ms. MIHAIL (Romania), aligning with the European Union, said Romania was the first State in the European Union to create a plan for integration of refugees from Ukraine. The plan is constantly updated according to the number of Ukrainians crossing the border. Refugees who opt to stay in Romania are granted temporary protection and livelihood opportunities. Additionally, Romanian language classes are provided. Refugee children are integrated into the Romanian special protection system and given access to schooling. Slowly, the humanitarian response is moving from an emergency to an integration phase. To follow up on its commitment to UNHCR, Romania has made voluntary contributions to support the refugee response in Ukraine and to help those impacted by the earthquake in Syria. The upcoming global refugee forum in Geneva represents a new opportunity to discuss effective solutions and a comprehensive approach on refugees.
NASEER AHMED FAIQ (Afghanistan) drew attention to the dire situation of Afghan refugees and migrants in Pakistan and Iran. Afghan refugees have endured over four decades of forced displacement due to conflicts, violence, and natural as well as human-made disasters in their homeland. Their plight is worsened by a lack of legal status, which denies them basic services, education, and lawful employment, especially for children. Pakistan’s announcement regarding the deportation of unregistered Afghan refugees, effective 1 November, places hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Afghan families in an extremely challenging position. Many of these refugees left Afghanistan due to dire and dangerous conditions, including the severe humanitarian and human rights crisis and precarious security environment, which brings with it fear of persecution, arbitrary arrest, detention, and torture. Accordingly, he called on Pakistan’s Government to reconsider its recent decision and avoid any forcible returns of Afghan nationals from its territory in light of the gravity of the situation in Afghanistan, and dangerous implications of forced and involuntary returns of Afghan refugees. He also urged host countries to grant Afghan refugees the dignity they deserve, assuring them that deportation and persecution are not looming threats amidst evolving circumstances. Additionally, he implored UNHCR to expedite registration processes for Afghan nationals seeking international protection within host countries, demanding an end to punitive actions, detentions, and harassment directed at these refugees.
MICHEL XAVIER BIANG (Gabon) said his country has stood by the international community to welcome refugees and returnees to its land for many years. “In Gabon, refugees live in perfect harmony with the local population and are socially well integrated,” he stressed, adding that refugees are not subject to any discrimination regarding access to health care. “My country recently adopted a biometric passport for refugees allowing them to freely circulate in all safety and participate in income-generating activities,” he said, emphasizing that the Gabonese labour code does not discriminate between nationals and refugees. Besides, equal access to education for the children of refugees from the age of 3 to 16 years is guaranteed, while university registration fees for young refugees are aligned with those for Gabonese people. He called for more commitment from international financial institutions to refugees, repatriates and internally displaced people through empowering projects.
Ms. LASOTA (Germany) said that current crises, particularly the war in Gaza, are tremendously concerning. She called on the international community to uphold its humanitarian obligations, including the right to seek asylum free from discrimination, uphold the principle of non-refoulement and provide access to basic services for refugees. In this regard, Germany underscores that all humans deserve protection from violence, no matter their age, gender, sexual orientation or other factors. The international community must work together to meet the needs of refugees and host communities, and root causes must be addressed, she said, voicing concern over the exacerbating effects that climate change and conflicts have on the issue. This year’s global refugee forum will provide an opportunity for the international community to address issues, including burden sharing. Germany reiterates its commitment to working with fellow States and UNHCR to find durable solutions.
İSMAIL AYDİL (Türkiye) said the human tragedy of displacement is compounded by socioeconomic hardships experienced by host countries and communities. This requires meaningful solidarity, in line with the principle of burden and responsibility sharing. The international community should step up collective efforts in addressing root causes of forced displacement and take more responsibility to reverse current trends. Türkiye remains the world’s largest refugee hosting country, with almost 4 million refugees and asylum seekers, including 3.2 million Syrians. The facilitation of their voluntary, safe and dignified return should be an integral part of the overall effort, not an afterthought. Therefore, the international community must ensure progress in creating conducive conditions in Syria as well as revitalizing the political process. Turning to Gaza, he said indiscriminate attacks against civilians are prohibited under international law and are unacceptable. He called on Israel to end the siege on Gaza and stop its attempt at mass displacement and forced transfer of Palestinians.
MIYAMOTO SOGAKU (Japan) voiced deep concern over the endless rise in displaced persons due to conflicts, including in Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, Africa, the Mediterranean region and the Americas. The need to find innovative, sustainable long- and medium-term solutions for the displaced is urgent, he added, noting that all endeavours must be linked to peacebuilding initiatives to address root causes in countries of origin. Japan strongly supports the “humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach” in that regard. To that end, the country has launched a multi-stakeholder pledge to reinforce that nexus, while doing outreach to other partners. Sharing concerns about the gap between needs and funding in relation to ongoing humanitarian crises, Japan, as chair of the Group of Seven (G7), encouraged discussion of the subject during the May Hiroshima Summit and updated its national Development Cooperation Charter this year regarding its commitment to providing flexible funding. Japan remains dedicated to offering financial support to UNCHR.
NELLY BANAKEN ELEL (Cameroon), aligning herself with the African Group, said the responsibility to protect the world’s refugees continues to fall disproportionately on low- and middle-income countries, which are hosting 76 per cent of the world’s refugees and other people in need of international protection. The number of refugees increased by 35 per cent in 2022, she observed, stressing the urgent need to address the world refugee problem. Refugees should not be burdened due to the failure to respect their rights, she said, adding that xenophobia, racism, false and negative perceptions of displaced people jeopardize their access to rights and services and have contributed to an increase in hate speech and disinformation. The sad and painful memory of the discriminatory treatment suffered by African refugees and refugees of African descent in certain countries during the outbreak of conflict in Europe is still vivid. This situation has not only put a spotlight human rights violations faced by refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and internally displaced people, but has also highlighted underlying disparities in the treatment, including administrative procedures, of people of other races. It is also necessary to address the question of the right to family reunion for refugees, she said, noting that flexible procedures — including remote processing and flexible documentation requirement — should be put in place.
AHMED SAHRAOUI (Algeria) expressed unconditional support to Palestinian refugees who continue to live in camps for over 75 years, calling for an end to the brutal aggression against them. He stressed the need to bridge the financing gap faced by several UN agencies working on the issue of refugees. “We must not politicize humanitarian work, we need to adopt flexible funding and non-earmarked contributions that would allow UNHCR to use their financial resources as they see fit,” he said. “We must especially fight hate speech, we must address the root causes of displacement.” He recalled that his country has hosted refugees from Western Sahara for over five decades and will do so until they are able to voluntarily return to their homeland after they achieve their right to self-determination through a just referendum. He also thanked UNHCR for the support to refugees from Western Sahara and called on all to do the same.
AMINA GURHAN (Uganda), aligning with the African Group, recalled that his country is host to over 1.5 million refugees from the region. Its management model employs an open-border policy, providing refugees with land, freedom of movement and access to social services, including education and health care. The Refugee Response Plan 2022-25 strengthens co-existence and self-reliance among refugees and host communities. She voiced concern that the majority of funding for UNHCR is supplied by only a few donors, leading to donor fatigue and undue influence by nations who demand their own interests be prioritized. Earmarking sends a “disheartening message” to host countries like Uganda, she said, urging development partners not to condition support on internal democratic processes. Welcoming efforts by the UNHCR to help her country address the challenges of refugee hosting, she voiced concern over the hundreds of failed asylum seekers in limbo. She called on Member States to contribute in good faith at the upcoming Global Refugee Forum.
KYAW MOE TUN (Myanmar) said the illegitimate military junta in his country has been waging a campaign of brutal violence against the civilian population, including ceaseless persecution against anyone they perceive as pro-democracy. The biggest part of the current humanitarian crisis in Myanmar is the internal displacement of nearly 2 million people, he said, pointing to the military junta’ indiscriminate air strikes and heavy artillery shelling against the civilian population, brutal mass killings during ground operations and intentional wholesale burning of towns and villages. Noting the 360 per cent increase in the onward movement of Rohingya refugees in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, he said the National Unity Government of Myanmar has been providing as much humanitarian assistance as possible. However, the sustainable solution to this crisis lies in the immediate end of the military coup and establishment of rule of law institutions. Noting the large number of Myanmar people needing protection and assistance as well as mounting frustration in neighbouring countries, he appealed to the regional and international community as well as UNHCR to provide timely protection and assistance to Myanmar people who need help.
DAVID ABESADZE (Georgia) said his country has implemented significant reforms to protect forcibly displaced persons. The Government has strengthened asylum legislation and is now in full compliance with the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol. As of today, close to 300,000 internally displaced persons are registered in Georgia. They were expelled from the Russian Federation-occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, due to several waves of ethnic cleansing carried out by the Russian Federation since 1991. Many more continue to live in other countries as refugees. Among other grave violations, ethnic discrimination, which is also manifested through forceful registration of Georgians as foreigners in their homeland, as well as prohibition of education in the native Georgian language, continue to have extremely negative impacts on the conflict-affected people living in Russian Federation-occupied regions of Georgia and create a risk of another wave of displacement.
SUMAN SONKAR (India) said that, throughout history, her country has welcomed refugees from around the world, despite its own development and security-related challenges. In light of its long-standing tradition of hosting refugees, India has continued to make contributions to durable solutions to the refugee problem by strengthening humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Stressing the need to ensure their basic rights — including the right to life and equality before law — she said the principle of non-refoulement is imperative. No country alone can resolve the issue, she said, highlighting the central role of the UN in dealing with the refugee issue.
BRUNO BERNARDO SERAGE (Mozambique), aligning himself with the African Group, said that the situation with refugees in Africa is largely due to persistent conflicts across the continent, aggravated by disasters, including floods, drought, famine and environmental degradation. “We cannot stress enough the importance of the life-saving assistance that the UNHCR and other partners provide to various Governments,” he said, spotlighting that his country benefits from this cooperation. He underscored the importance of ongoing actions in response to the situation of refugees, asylum seekers and displaced persons in his society. These actions include provision of expert advice and assistance aimed at advancing new legislation and policies on internal displacement; implementation of child protection programmes; strengthening national capacity and prioritizing key child protection services; and creating conditions conducive to the safe, dignified and sustainable return of internally displaced persons, he said. He also underscored the allocation of funds to address humanitarian needs and assist forcibly displaced persons to access banking services.
HANAA BOUCHIKHI (Morocco) said the Algerian obsession with internal Moroccan affairs is “pitiful” and politicizes the Third Committee’s work. The Moroccan Sahara is a matter of internal territorial integrity, she said, adding that Monday’s adopted Security Council resolution underscored that the solution to this Algerian-made problem lies in compromise, which is absent from the Algerian autonomy plan. Algeria is a serious violator of international human rights law, she said, highlighting that for almost 50 years, people in the Tindouf Camps have been denied their right of registration, in flagrant violation of numerous Security Council resolutions. It is the only situation in the world where UNHCR is prohibited by a host country to carry out its obligations. Further, Algeria and Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguía el-Hamra y de Río de Oro (Frente POLISARIO) are misappropriating humanitarian aid, she said, and worse, Frente POLISARIO enlists children to be soldiers.
MOSAMMAT SHAHANARA MONICA (Bangladesh) expressed strong condemnation over the inhuman attack by Israeli forces on the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza and condemned the indiscriminate attacks and killings of an unprecedented number of humanitarian personnel serving there. Further, she called for an immediate ceasefire to stop the illegal, inhuman and barbaric military operations by Israel in Palestine. Separately, the emergence of new conflicts is worsening the refugee situation worldwide. There must be strengthened efforts by all concerned, particularly countries of origin, to address root causes of forced displacement and to create a conducive environment for safe, voluntary and sustainable return. Developing countries have been bearing the brunt of hosting refugees, in many cases in protracted refugee situations, seriously undermining their efforts towards peace and development. For its part, Bangladesh has been hosting 1.2 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals for the last six years. Despite many challenges and resource constraints, it is providing them with the necessary humanitarian assistance. However, a prolonged state of displacement has already threatened the social cohesion, environmental and ecological balance, economic viability and political stability in the area of Cox's Bazar. Bangladesh calls upon international partners regional countries and concerned UN agencies to assist and facilitate their voluntary return.
VICTORIA CHASI, of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), noting that refugees and internally displaced persons are compelled to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, exclusion, human rights violations, disasters, and increasingly, climate and weather extremes, said her organization — the world's largest humanitarian network — is committed to providing them with protection and assistance. The organization’s Humanitarian Service Points are safe and welcoming spaces that provide shelter, food, water, sanitation, hygiene, health care, information and legal assistance to displaced people, regardless of their status, where they come from and without fear of reprisal. Reaffirming her organization’s commitment to saving lives by ensuring that all refugees and displaced persons are safe and have access to essential services, she said it is also essential not to risk lives or undermine humanitarian action. Calling on Governments to ensure that national laws do not undermine access to international protection and do not criminalize humanitarian organizations, she added that the international community must support socioeconomic empowerment and inclusion of refugees and displaced persons in all aspects of their local communities, economies and societies.
Right of Reply
The representative of Azerbaijan, speaking in exercise of the right of reply, responded to Armenia’s earlier statement that departure of Armenian residents was “their personal choice”. On the contrary, Azerbaijan’s Government called on them not to leave their places of residence, she said, adding that UNHCR was on the ground since the first day. There was no harassment or mistreatment of people on the move, she said, adding many Armenian residents expressed their desire to return and leave as Azerbaijani citizens. She reaffirmed her Government’s determination to guarantee to ethnic Armenian residents of the Karabakh region all rights and freedoms in line with its Constitution.
The representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, responding to groundless claims by the Republic of Korea, condemned in the strongest terms such shameless behaviour as provocation. The so-called “forced repatriation” disinformation repeated by the Republic of Korea is a political trick, he added. Meanwhile, he voiced concern over the human rights record of the Republic of Korea, pointing to its fascist dictatorship and corruption.
The representative of Pakistan said that an individual or national of Afghanistan made an intervention in the Committee, not representing the current Afghan government. “It is an anomaly that an individual who receives his means of substance from outside and does not represent any Government or authority, was allowed to deliver remarks,” she said, stressing that this august forum is for Member States and not for individuals to deliver their remarks.
The representative of Algeria said he was speaking not about Morocco’s domestic issues but only about the people living in camps due to the occupation by Morocco. “This is not a domestic matter, this is an issue that is related to decolonization, as the Secretary-General has said in his report 78/249,” he stressed, recalling that the Secretary-General has said that Western Sahara is an issue of international law and security.
The representative of the Republic of Korea called the accusations levelled by the representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea groundless. Her Government and other UN bodies work to improve the human rights situation in their northern neighbour, she said, encouraging the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to concentrate on doing the same, instead of missile development. She expressed concern that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is funding weapons development through forced labour, and over forcibly repatriated defectors, which is well-documented. She called on all parties to respect the principle of non-refoulement in that regard. The National Security Act in her country is necessary to address the threat from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, she said.
The representative of Morocco said that the Algerian delegation is attempting to instrumentalize the debate today in aid of its separatist policies. There is no such thing as the Western Sahara; there has only been the Moroccan Sahara since the beginning of time. Further, there are only a few Sahrawis in the Tindouf camps and the rest are from other places. The continued diversion of humanitarian assistance from the Tindouf camps is documented.
The representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea said accusations by the Republic of Korea are nothing more than a politically motivated campaign and plot to deceive the international community and cover their own human rights abuses. In reality, the Republic of Korea, along with the United States, is gravely restricting the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s right to life and development, by consistently carrying out nuclear war exercises and military provocations against the country. It is intolerable to try to tarnish the image of his country by fabrication, and it is also a grave provocation that triggers counteraction. He called on the Republic of Korea to stop its politically motivated campaign against his country under the pretext of human rights and give priority to its own dire human rights situation.
The representative of Algeria said that in 1975, Western Sahara was divided between Morocco and Mauritania. He expressed uncertainty as to which part Morocco believes is under its sovereignty and which is under the sovereignty of Mauritania. Further, with regard to the Tindouf camps, it has representatives of UNHCR, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other international organizations present. It is therefore impossible to detain people against their will. Further, the education of Sahrawi refugees is better than in many countries in the region, with the rate of child education above 95 per cent. If children in the Tindouf camps are going to school, then they are not carrying weapons as Morocco has said. He declined to respond to a senseless comment about relations with terrorist organizations, but noted that the number of Moroccan terrorists in the diaspora is very high.
The representative of the Republic of Korea urged the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to improve the human rights situation of its people instead of concentrating on its nuclear weapons development programme. She further called on that country to respect the human rights of escapees who have been forcibly repatriated to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
The representative of Morocco said Algeria is “obsessed” with the Moroccan Sahara. Once again, it referred to the referendum, which is “dead and buried”, she said, citing it as “an imaginary idea” of Algeria. After years of discussion, the Secretary-General has noted the impossibility of the referendum plan. Since 2002, the Security Council has called for a mutually acceptable solution for the regional dispute on the Moroccan Sahara — this solution can only be political and based on compromise. Sahara is Moroccan and it will stay so until the end of times, she added.
Interactive Dialogue – Human Rights Council
VÁCLAV BÁLEK, President of the Human Rights Council, presenting its annual report, said that among thematic areas considered by the Council this year was the new topic of centrality of care and support from a human rights perspective. Another new theme was the role of digital, media and information literacy in the promotion and enjoyment of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, he said, adding that the Council established a new working group on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas and also advanced on the right to development. A new resolution on ensuring quality education for peace and tolerance for every child was adopted, as was the triennial resolution on the realization of the equal enjoyment of the right to education by every girl. The Council decided that the fifth phase of the World Programme for Human Rights Education (2025—2029) will continue to focus on youth, expanding to include children. “I was pleased to see the increased participation of children and youth in the Council this year,” he said.
The Human Rights Council convened special sessions addressing the deteriorating situation of human rights in Iran and concerning the human rights impact of the ongoing conflict in the Sudan, he said, adding that the Council held an urgent debate “on the alarming rise in premeditated and public acts of religious hatred as manifested by recurrent desecration of the Holy Qur’an in some European and other countries”. The Council also considered other situations and extended 18 mandates of investigative mechanisms and country-specific special procedures. He recalled that the Council requested the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to support capacity-building in Haiti, Honduras and Colombia. The Council also adopted a resolution on the establishment of an OHCHR regional office for the Caribbean Community, hosted by the Bahamas.
He also said that the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund for least developed countries and small island developing States supported 41 beneficiaries from 34 different countries, including six without permanent missions in Geneva, to participate in the Human Rights Council’s sessions. He noted that the Council continued its efforts to be more accessible to persons with disabilities and promote their full participation in its work. “Civil society continued to play a crucial role in bringing a wide range of voices to the Council by delivering over 2,400 oral statements and holding 227 side events,” he emphasized, adding that such participation is empowering for the victims who share their experiences. The Council adopted its resolutions on reprisals and on civil society space, having renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders. Referring to received allegations of intimidations, threats and reprisals against individuals cooperating with the Council, he said he raised the allegations with the countries concerned and followed up on developments. “We must ensure that the space for civil society’s involvement remains truly safe, open and inclusive,” he stressed, reiterating his call to prevent acts of intimidation and reprisals against non-governmental organizations cooperating with the Council.
In the ensuing interactive dialogue, numerous delegates underscored that Human Rights Council sessions, Special Procedures, the universal periodic review, and investigative and accountability mechanisms are crucial for the promotion and protection of human rights. However, others expressed regret over the politicization of the Council through selectivity and the use of double standards.
The representative of Costa Rica asked Mr. Válek to comment on challenges before the Council relating to civic space as well as to provide examples of best practices with regard to the participation of civil society.
Latvia’s delegate asked the Council’s President to share an example of how the Council tackles the issue of accountability.
Iraq’s delegate asked the Council’s President about his perception of reviewing the legal status of the Council, namely whether he agrees with keeping the Council as a body affiliated with the General Assembly.
The representative of the Netherlands, aligning herself with the European Union, pointed out that regular Human Rights Council sessions have become much longer and, as a result, the workload has become challenging, especially for small delegations. She asked about ways to ensure the Council’s effectiveness by re-thinking its working methods in an inclusive and participative way.
The representative of the United States said the Russian Federation’s war of aggression on Ukraine threatens the lives and liberty of countless innocent civilians. Similarly, in Sudan, a senseless conflict has caused the death of thousands of innocent civilians. Rights are also under threat in Myanmar, Cuba, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen. He further highlighted well-documented crimes against humanity, genocide and other human rights abuses and violations perpetrated by China against its own citizens.
Australia’s delegate underlined that the Council should be responsible for addressing specific situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them. Nevertheless, addressing human rights situations or – as some call it – “naming and shaming” is not about politicization but about upholding the Council’s very mandate. No country has a perfect human rights record, including Australia, she said, noting that scrutiny and accountability are crucial to achieving a peaceful and stable world in which every person can enjoy their human rights. She also stressed the need for diversity of voices in the Council’s sessions, including Indigenous Peoples and human rights defenders.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Russian Federation said there is no sign of a positive change in the work of the Council, which was unable to make any significant improvements in the human rights situation worldwide or in individual countries. Under pressure from Western countries, the Council adopted a number of overtly political resolutions, including the odious initiative on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation. The text is based on Western insinuations about persecution in his county of representatives of civil society, activists and human rights defenders. However, concerns listed in the draft do not reflect the real state of affairs, he said, noting his Government’s refusal to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur on the situation in the Russian Federation. This instrument is aimed at putting pressure on the Russian Federation in the human rights field, he added.
The representative of the United Kingdom said it remains open to innovative approaches to bring the Human Rights Council’s work in line with what is manageable for all delegations, underscoring that the workload exerts undue pressure on smaller delegations. He asked what the largest challenges to efficiency are.
The representative of Ukraine recalled that the fifty-first session of the Human Rights Council was more balanced and less polarizing. Ukraine values its membership on the Council, underscoring its important work. The Council responded strongly to the Russian Federation’s aggression in her country with an urgent debate in May as well as resolutions — most crucially on establishing the Independent Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. The grave violations of human rights committed by the Russian federation in Ukraine cannot be ignored.
The representative of Bahamas said the country is committed to the promotion of human rights and will retain recommendations made to it during its review. The country also welcomes the establishment of a regional OHCHR office in the Caribbean, which will play a crucial role in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The representative of Iran highlighted the plight of those in Gaza who face death every day and night. Her country condemns any attack on multilateralism as well as unilateral coercive measures. It is deeply concerned by increasing acts of religious hatred, including burnings of the Qur’an, and welcomed the Council resolution on the subject. Considering the current politicization of human rights, she asked how the Council can ensure that human rights are not used as a tool by certain countries to pressure other countries.
The representative of Cameroon called for a better representation of cultural and social rights in the Human Rights Council’s programme, asking how they might be better included.
The representative of Saudi Arabia said the President of the Human Rights Council is mandated to respond quickly to situations of human rights, but noted that violations of international human rights law are committed every day in Gaza. He asked how Member States can work with the Council to stop such violations and avoid recurrence.
The representative of Cuba said that allegations against his country leveled by the United States are unfounded. The United States has no right to speak on human rights, he said — rather it should focus on the racist treatment of Afro-descendent people in its country.
The representative of China said that no country should use human rights as a political tool to exert pressure on other countries, noting that the Human Rights Council must also respect a diversity of human rights processes and pathways. China opposes the way the United States politicizes the Third Committee’s work, she said, denying its allegations regarding Xinxiang.
In his response, Mr. BÁLEK said the world is experiencing difficult challenges, and since the Council is seen as the body which can somehow help or address the issues that all are facing, the logical outcome is that its agenda is heavy. In that regard, it is necessary to keep in mind that there are certain limits to its capacity. This year, the Council had its longest sessions in March, July, and September, and next year the cycle will be repeated.
With respect to civil society groups, it is important to make room for them in the Council’s work, he said. Civil society groups, such as non-governmental organizations, make a positive contribution to the work of the Council, as they can bring a different perspective to its deliberations.
In terms of how the Council is perceived, he said the fact that countries are still striving to be elected and become members means that the overall perception is actually positive. Further, he said he is positive about the atmosphere in the Council, where there is a lot of willingness to solve issues and seek common ground.
On how to enhance the interaction between Geneva and New York, he said it is for Member States to discuss. The Council is going to organize a retreat so as to have an informal, out-of-the-box debate, using their brains and experience to discuss how to really increase the efficiency of the system.
Further, he said that with tremendous challenges facing the world the Council cannot afford to ignore any tools it may already have at its disposal.
With respect to the Council in the future, he said it is going to be one of the topics to be discussed in Prague at the end of November. He hopes for an open-minded, honest debate amongst members.
General Debate
ZHANG SISI (China) said there is no one-size-fits-all model for the protection of human rights in the world. “The right of our countries to independently choose their own path of human rights development must be respected,” she stressed, adding that no country can be a self-appointed judge on human rights issues. She said the Human Rights Council should not be a battleground for political manoeuvring and confrontation. “China’s Xinjiang and Tibet enjoy social stability, economic growth, cultural prosperity and religious harmony, and the human rights situation on the ground is at its best in history,” she stated, highlighting the situation in Hong Kong, which has seen a major shift from chaos to order and prosperity, while the local people there enjoy a wide range of rights and freedoms under the law. She noted that China was re-elected for its sixth term in the Council, which demonstrates the international community’s full recognition of her country’s human rights achievements.
Ms. MNGOMEZULU (South Africa) said her country maintains that the Human Rights Council is the appropriate multilateral forum to advance human rights. The politics of division and distraction are exacerbated by the toxic geopolitical context of today. This impedes the Council's ability to effectively fulfil its mandate to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms and to address all situations of violations of human rights. South Africa is encouraged by the Council's adoption of various resolutions aimed at addressing the imbalance between the two rubrics of rights and gives equal emphasis to the advancement of economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development.
Mr. KONDRATEV (Russian Federation), spotlighting no significant changes in the work of the Human Rights Council, said the body was unable to make any contributions to improving the human rights situation in the world or in individual countries. He noted openly political resolutions and Western insinuations about the representatives of civil society, which do not reflect the situation in his country and cannot be a base for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, which his country does not recognize and refuses to cooperate with. “This is an unsuccessful attempt to punish our country for following an independent foreign and domestic policy,” he stressed, adding that the West continues to make efforts to dominate in the human rights activities of the UN. Recalling the anti-Russian Federation campaign during elections to the Council, he said that the West exerted unprecedented pressure on Member States, including overt economic blackmail, but his country will continue to work as an observer.
NELLY BANAKEN ELEL (Cameroon) said the international community must refrain from imposing a specific set of values upon other peoples, for whom those values are inappropriate. Cameroon firmly believes in the value of social and cultural rights, she said, but infrastructure is required to enjoy them. Investments on a large scale are needed to guarantee human rights, including to health, life and thought. In that regard, Cameroon welcomes the Human Rights Council’s adoption of the resolution on promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights in the context of combating inequalities, which marks a turning point for economic and cultural rights. This invites States to redouble their efforts to create conditions to enjoy all rights through the mobilization of resources in a context of combating inequalities within and between countries.
CARMEN NISHIHARA (Chile) invited States to consider three issues. The first is the role of special procedures, which are proliferating, and the overlapping of competency is an area of concern. Efforts should be made to avoid duplication of functions and to achieve better core cooperation and coordination. This is particularly relevant considering limited financial resources. Second, the Council should consider how to establish better follow-up mechanisms. Third, States should resort to dialogue on human rights, particularly with regard to initiatives, mandates and resolutions which involve individual countries. This invitation to a dialogue requires that countries that are most scrutinized at the international level should be open to a frank and open dialogue. Further, the initial countries who promote these initiatives should not engage in stigmatizing but improving the human rights situation.
NATALIIA MUDRENKO (Ukraine) said she regrets reiterating that, despite the Russian Federation's ongoing full-scale invasion of her country, and despite the General Assembly’s numerous resolutions clearly addressing the situation, there have been efforts during this year’s Human Rights Council sessions to allow representatives of the occupying authorities in Crimea to speak on behalf of the Russian Federation, in contravention to Assembly resolution 68/262 (2014). It is apparent that consistent efforts by the Russian Federation to push through the participation of representatives of Crimea’s occupation authorities in the Council’s proceedings are directed towards legitimizing its illegal attempted annexation of Crimea. The Russian Federation is exploiting the Council as a diplomatic tool in its ongoing aggression. The grave violations and abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms committed by the Russian military in Ukraine should not be ignored. They must be stopped, those responsible be held fully accountable, and victims must receive remedy and redress.
GONZÁLEZ BEHMARAS (Cuba) said human rights must be addressed based on the principles of universality, objectivity and non-discrimination. Double standards, selectivity and a punitive approach only lead to confrontation and lack of trust, failing to address human rights on the ground. These negative practices can lead to the disappearance of this Council, he warned. Some countries in the South are selected, he said, voicing concern over the direct impact of unilateral coercive measures on human rights. The United States wants to give lessons to others who did not ask for them; meanwhile, the country is responsible for some of the most abhorrent violations of human rights and complicit to crimes against the Palestinian people in Gaza. Washington is not committed to human rights, he asserted, citing selectivity. The universal periodic review is the only instrument to address human rights. He also denounced the financial blockage imposed on Cuba by the United States.
HYE RYOUNG SONG (Republic of Korea) urged the Human Rights Council to continue its work on monitoring, documenting and examining serious human rights violations to better address them, including in Sudan, Afghanistan, Ukraine and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. She also called on the Council to respond to new challenges by advocating and elaborating on human-rights-based approaches and to address the root cause of human rights violations rather than addressing them when they occur. She urged the Council to empower all relevant stakeholders for the promotion and protection of human rights. “This applies not only to rights-holders but duty bearers should also be equipped with the knowledge, skills and capacity to uphold their human rights obligations and responsibilities,” she stressed. She called for an inclusive governance framework to ensure effective and meaningful participation of all relevant stakeholders and encouraged further actions by the Council, such as suggesting ways to enhance governance structures.
MOSAMMAT SHAHANARA MONICA (Bangladesh) said her country looks forward to a fruitful dialogue between Member States during its upcoming universal periodic review. She noted that the Rohingya issue remains high on the Council’s agenda, calling on Myanmar to address the sociopolitical and legal deficiencies that place the Rohingya Muslims in vulnerable situations. Condemning Israel’s occupation and human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the current military operation in Gaza, she called for a ceasefire as well as dialogue for realization of the two-State solution. She denounced all forms of discrimination and persecution of migrants, calling on the Council to continue its focus on the promotion of human rights of migrants as rights-holders, regardless of their status. Commending the work of the Council in various thematic areas for the protection of human rights, including in the fields of housing, food, environment, and rights of women, she called for peaceful coexistence among peoples.
BOLA ASAJU (Nigeria) urged States to prioritize the needs of persons in the most vulnerable situations, including women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities, the forcibly displaced and migrants. She said human rights must be pursued in a fair manner with due respect to the principles of the UN Charter, national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States. However, the selective focus of the Council on certain human rights issues and situations is counterproductive to its mandate of global promotion and protection of human rights. Nigeria places emphasis on the spirit of dialogue and cooperation that should guide the work of the Council. In this regard, it emphasizes the importance of ensuring implementation of the universal periodic review of the Human Rights Council as an action-oriented operative mechanism based on objective and reliable information. She encouraged the Council to find practical measures to protect and promote economic, social and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights, in a comprehensive and balanced manner.
DANIEL ZAVALA PORRAS (Costa Rica) said his country, as a member State of the Human Rights Council for 2023 to 2025, has maintained active participation in its work in Geneva. He urged States to enhance the synergy between the General Assembly, Human Rights Council and other bodies so that national capacities, early warning and other tools can be improved. “Costa Rica reiterates its appeal made in the Council to promote and contribute to greater rationality between the various mandate holders and special procedures, enhancing their complementarity and cooperation with other United Nations bodies in and outside Geneva,” he said. He stressed that human rights, democracy and the rule of law are intrinsically related, and it is impossible to achieve one without the other. “Costa Rica has been recognizing since 1882 that human life is inviolable and has become the third country to eliminate the death penalty,” he said, calling for the progressive reduction of the use of the death penalty, not delaying its abolition.
Mr. AYAD (Iraq) noted that some Human Rights Council resolutions deviate from initial objectives for which the Council was established. He said that three weeks ago, the Council concluded its longest session, due to the establishment of so many mandates, seminars and debates. The lengthy session increased the workload and budget of the Council and also of delegations, he said, preventing them from proceeding efficiently with work they should be conducting. The Council is the key international organ dedicated to promoting human rights. Highlighting Iraq’s support for special mandate holders upholding their duties within their limitations, he reaffirmed Iraq’s support for the Council President. Draft resolutions must be in line with the universality of human rights, he said. Further, Iraq has submitted its candidacy to the Council for 2026 to 2028 and looks forward to working with States, mechanisms and civil society organizations.
HANAA BOUCHIKHI (Morocco) said climate change continues to threaten the planet with extreme weather phenomena and destructive impacts. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone, and conflicts have shown the importance of peace to preserve stability in the world. Morocco works with UN human rights mechanisms and will continue to contribute to the drafting of various resolutions dealing with hate speech, forced disappearances, transitional justice, the role of institutions and the right to a clean, healthy environment. In March, Morocco launched its first plan of action on women, peace and security. This is in the context of the country’s plans to promote gender equality and to have a democratic and egalitarian society.
KYAW MOE TUN (Myanmar), speaking about the worsening human rights situation and unspeakable tragedy unfolding in his country, called for continuing attention from the Human Rights Council. “Since the illegal military coup in 2021, the situation has deteriorated to the lowest, with the collapse of the rule of law,” he said, stressing the need for continued monitoring and verification of the illegal junta’s widespread human rights violations. He urged the Council to support the Special Rapporteur’s mandate, OHCHR’s reporting mandate and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. “Since February 2021, the Council has adopted a total of seven resolutions on Myanmar, including two this year,” he noted, repeating the call of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to refer the situation of Myanmar to the International Criminal Court. He also urged the Council to take additional measures with new and innovative thinking to stop the widespread and systematic violations of human rights by the illegal military junta.
LUZ DEL CARMEN ANDÚJAR(Dominican Republic) recalled her country’s election to the Human Rights Council for the 2024 to 2026 period. During this period, the Dominican Republic will promote education for all, defend the most vulnerable, including women and children, and work towards effective multilateralism as a tool to promote human rights. Other issues that will be addressed include climate change, the digital realm and fake news. The universal periodic review is an effective tool to ensure that States meet their obligations under international law, she added, recalling her country’s work with the mechanism as well as treaty bodies. Detailing national plans and policies on human rights informed by the mechanisms, she also underscored the importance of special procedures mandate holders, who ensure that work on human rights is informed and impactful. The Dominican Republic reasserts its commitment to the promotion of human rights and calls for increased and more effective multilateralism.
DAVID PEDROZA (Peru) said his country reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms based on the principles of universality, interdependence and indivisibility. His country has historically shown its commitment to the Human Rights Council and led the transition process towards its establishment. Peru’s commitment to human rights is a natural extension of its continuing work in promoting and protecting human rights, especially with regard to persons who are vulnerable, such as women, children, adolescents, older persons, persons with disabilities and Indigenous Peoples. He said Peru is aware that Member States are the ones who are responsible for ensuring that the Council is able to achieve its objectives and ensure human rights are respected.
BILLEL HASSANI (Algeria) said that his country, as a member of the Human Rights Council, is determined to work for international human rights to achieve the objectives for which the Council was established. “We advocate for avoiding the politicization of issues related to human rights,” he said, reaffirming the principles of impartiality, non-selectivity and coordination with concerned States. He also condemned the stark violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed by occupying forces on Palestinian territories, especially in the Gaza Strip. “We reaffirm the urgency of the intervention by the Human Rights Council and the international community to protect the Palestinian people,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of technical cooperation and building the capacities of States in the field of human rights, based on their needs, and of coordination and cooperation between national, regional and international instruments in order to respect these rights.
HEBA MOSTAFA MOSTAFA RIZK (Egypt) recalled that her country was involved in establishing the creation of the Human Rights Council and is committed to the implementation of its mandate guided by principles of impartiality, non-selectivity, and objectivity. It is unfortunate to witness that the Council is diverging from its mandate. Divisions and politicization undermine its work and capacity to promote human rights in a manner reflecting the priorities of States in an equitable manner, she said, decrying country-specific mandates and duplication of work. Moreover, mandates developed by developing countries are not fully supported by OHCHR. She expressed concern that mandate holders and the Council have failed to hold Israel accountable for its historic and continuing violation of the Palestinian people’s right to life and self-determination. It is incumbent upon members of the Council to voice the concerns of violations against civilians bombarded daily in Gaza, she said.
ELIZABETH NORALMA MENDEZ GRUEZO (Ecuador) said that, given current conflicts impacting civilian populations worldwide, it is vital to enhance multilateralism in the area of human rights. Ecuador is concerned at the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, and the increased number of forcibly displaced people as a result of violence. The country appeals for human rights to be recognized as universal, indivisible and interrelated. Further, States are obliged to ensure the full enjoyment of these rights without discrimination of any kind. Ecuador has emphasized a close link between human rights and the SDGs as well as the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Peace. In this regard, the international community has the collective responsibility to do everything possible to ensure that this is achieved.
ELEANE YAOSKA PICHARDO URBINA (Nicaragua), speaking about the manipulation and instrumentalization of human rights for other purposes and hegemonic pretensions, derived from imperialist economic and political interests, said the Human Rights Council report includes a resolution that is totally biased against her country. “Our Government categorically rejects the creation and unilateral designation of a supposed ‘Group of Experts on Nicaragua’ which is mentioned in the report,” she said. This Group is just a smokescreen for non-existent legality in the reports being prepared on Nicaragua, she said, with subjective facts that are false with regard to reality, acting under the guidance of the United States and some European countries. She said that sanctions against her people are a crime against humanity. “We call upon this Council once again to take on its responsibilities before the history of humanity, recognizing the inalienable right of the peoples of the world to take their own decisions and to live in peace, with sovereignty, respect and humane consideration,” she concluded.
Right of Reply
In exercise of the right of reply, the representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea said that the Republic of Korea’s remarks are groundless and a political provocation to tarnish the image of his State. He expressed concern over human rights abuses committed in the Republic of Korea, noting that the Human Rights Council should address these violations. The Republic of Korea must face investigation and be held accountable, he said, calling for an end to its campaign against his country.