Human Rights Council Continues High-Level Segment, Hearing from the Prime Minister of Vanuatu and Dignitaries from 21 States

The Human Rights Council this morning continued its high-level segment, hearing statements from the Prime Minister of Vanuatu and dignitaries from 21 States. 

Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau, Prime Minister of Vanuatu, said the ravaging effects of global warming had become existential for Vanuatu, and for many peoples across the planet.  As economies were ravaged, livelihoods decimated and lives lost, it was clear that the climate crisis was a human rights crisis.  Today, States continued, through their acts and omissions, to cause significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment.  In support of a rules-based international order, Vanuatu would ask the International Court of Justice to review international law, to answer a simple question: “What were the legal consequences for States, where they have caused significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment, with respect to peoples and individuals of the present and future generations?”

Also speaking were Aurélien Agbenonci, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Benin; Juan Carlos Holguín Maldonado, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador; Fayssal Mekdad, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Syria; Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Monaco; Christian Trimua, Minister of Human Rights, Citizenship Training and Relations with the Institutions of Togo; Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States; Nanaia Mahuta, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Local Government of New Zealand; Urmas Reinsalu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia ; Kitlang Kabua, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Marshall Islands; Gordan Grlić-Radman, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia; Nakatani Gen, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan; Damas Ndumbaro, Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs of Tanzania; Zheenbek Kulubaev, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan; A. K. Abdul Momen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh; Nabil Ammar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of Tunisia; Dawda A. Jallow, Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia; Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of Sierra Leone; Omer Ahmed Berzinji, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iraq; Wojciech Gerwel, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Poland; Elnur Israfil oglu Mammadov, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan; and Josip Brkic, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Some speakers said that the Human Rights Council was being convened at one of the most challenging times in modern history.  This session of the Council coincided with the one-year anniversary of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which had changed the world and shook the foundation of international order.  Some speakers reiterated their strong support for Ukraine, and called on Russia to immediately withdraw its troops and cease aggressions.  Other speakers called on the Council to continue to focus on climate change, describing this as one of the greatest threats to human rights.  Many speakers extended their sympathies to the victims of the Türkiye and Syria earthquakes and expressed the willingness of their countries to provide aid and assistance.  The empowerment of women was recognised as a key component within the development process by many countries, especially the representation of women in public life.  In light of the events occurring around the world, speakers called on the international community to come together to work towards durable solutions to prevent further loss of lives and destruction.  Through multilateralism, countries could exchange experiences, share best practices, and coordinate efforts to address human rights challenges.

The webcast of the Human Rights Council meetings can be found here.  All meeting summaries can be found here.  Documents and reports related to the Human Rights Council’s fifty-second regular session can be found here.

The Council will next meet at 3 p.m. to conclude its high-level segment and then to hold its general segment. 

High-level Segment

AURÉLIEN AGBENONCI, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Benin, said Benin was proud to be a member of the Human Rights Council since 1 January 2022, for the second time in its history.  Since then, the international context had undergone profound changes, with the spread of security threats throughout the world, including the outbreak on the European continent of a high-intensity international armed conflict.  One year after the outbreak of the conflict, Benin continued to call for a cessation of hostilities and for a peaceful solution.  All armed conflicts should receive appropriate attention and active mobilisation by the international community, regardless of their location, as they seriously affected the enjoyment of human rights.  This was the case with the current situation in the Sahel and the coastal countries of the Gulf of Guinea, where terrorism had been impacting civilian populations for many years.  Despite the national and regional mobilisations and initiatives at work to eradicate it, the persistent spread of terrorism in the subregion called for more active solidarity on the part of the international community.

Since the election of President Talon in 2016, the Government's action programme had been aimed at strengthening democracy, the rule of law and good governance, and improving the living conditions and social well-being of the Beninese population.  The Minister reiterated the gratitude of the Government of Benin to all Member States for their attention and support during the Universal Periodic Review exercise and reiterated the country's commitment to examine closely, within the required time, all the 258 recommendations addressed to it in order to give them appropriate follow-up for the benefit of the continuous improvement of the human rights situation in Benin.  Benin would continue its action in favour of the universal abolition of the death penalty, with a view to the adoption of a new resolution on the subject at the fifty-fourth session of the Council in September.

JUAN CARLOS HOLGUÍN MALDONADO, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador, said Ecuador had endorsed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from its outset, demonstrating its respect for and commitment to human rights, which represented a fundamental pillar of the State’s foreign policy.  Ecuador had received recommendations under the Universal Periodic Review in November 2022, with an emphasis on protection policies for persons on the move, actions to fight COVID-19, trafficking and violence against women and girls, and the protection of persons with disabilities, the indigenous, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.  Ecuador was fully committed to the full respect of human rights, gender equality, and the eradication of all forms of discrimination against women and girls.  Ecuador worked to protect and promote the indigenous languages spoken within its borders, as well as in other countries. 

Ecuador was closely collaborating with United Nations agencies working in the field of migration.  The State would also continue to call on the international community to pay appropriate attention to the linkage between human rights and the environment, and to combatting climate change.  Ecuador was actively involved in the agenda items of the Council and made a constructive contribution thereto, as well as to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, whilst ensuring that nobody was left behind.

FAYSAL AL-MIKDAD, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Syria, said the establishment of the Human Rights Council had represented an opportunity for a new start in collective work.  Syria had continued its efforts to develop and strengthen the legislative and institutional frameworks related to the promotion and protection of human rights.  It had always aspired to multilateral work in the field of human rights on the basis of the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.  The catastrophe of the earthquake that struck Syria on 6 February had deepened the harsh conditions that the country had been going through for 12 years.  It had added grave challenges and doubled the suffering of the Syrians.  The Syrian Government had quickly launched an emergency response plan at the national level to address the repercussions of the disaster, and appealed to countries and international organizations to support the affected areas.  The Syrian Government affirmed its commitment and readiness to ensure that humanitarian aid reached those who deserved it in all parts of Syria.

Syria expressed its gratitude and appreciation to the countries and organizations that had shown solidarity and extended a helping hand during its most recent crisis.  The devastation of the earthquake had not shaken the consciences of some countries and their leaders who always claimed humanity but did not hesitate to politicise the natural disaster.  These countries continued their policies based on politicisation and double standards, and turned a blind eye to the cries for help of the victims under the rubble.  The immoral, inhumane and illegal blockade had caused enormous humanitarian suffering - and had undermined the enjoyment of basic human rights, including the right of the Syrian people to life, decent living, health, education and development in all its forms.  Syria affirmed that item seven of the Council's agenda was an essential item that addressed a unique and ongoing case of racial settlement colonialism.  It stressed its inalienable right to fully restore the occupied Syrian Arab Golan, and rejected any measures taken by the Israeli occupation to perpetuate its occupation.

ISABELLE BERRO-AMADEÏ, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Monaco, said many years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, its universal implementation was not guaranteed.  This could be seen in the situation in Ukraine.  There was a duty of truth and justice towards the victims of these crimes.  Monaco had supported the establishment by the Council of an International Commission of Inquiry, and would continue to support initiatives within the Council aimed at condemning the situation in Afghanistan and remedying it.  Monaco had supported the organization of a special session on the situation of human rights in Iran and co-sponsored the resolution establishing a fact-finding mission.  The State called on the Iranian authorities to cooperate fully with that mechanism, as well as with the Special Rapporteur.

Climate change, loss of biodiversity and ecosystems, and pollution seriously impeded the full realisation of the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  The interlinking between human rights and nature was one of the cornerstones of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted last December.  Monaco had contributed to the development of the instrument, which promoted a human rights-based approach to preserving nature.  Geopolitical events over the past 12 months had given rise to new threats, particularly with regard to energy supply and food security.  The uncertain economic context seriously undermined the realisation of the right to an adequate standard of living, enshrined in article 25 of the Universal Declaration.  It was up to the international community to take measures to mitigate the combined effects of these crises. 

CHRISTIAN TRIMUA, Minister of Human Rights, Citizenship Training, and Relations with the Institutions of Togo, said the celebration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights offered to the entire community of States an opportunity for reflection that was sincere and frank over actions to improve human rights, but also to move forward with ambition and determination.  All the relative initiatives taken by the Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights were commended - the opportunity should be taken to make this not only a celebration, but a moment of review to take pragmatic decisions.  The increase in the cost of living directly impacted the socio-economic rights of populations, and Togo was affected by this, whilst facing it with determination, and taking appropriate measures to mitigate the effects of inflation on the everyday lives of the population. 

Togo had also supported the primary education and agricultural sectors, with significant impact on the protection of fundamental rights, such as food, transport and education.  All of these actions had been implemented in a very difficult context linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a challenge to human rights in its constant impact on society, leading to drastic restrictions, losses to the economy, and bereavement.  In this difficult situation, the Government had consistently evaluated the necessity and adaptability of all measures, with vigorous and proactive reactions that allowed it to keep the mortality rate quite low.  Today, based on lessons learned, the main challenge of the international community was the sustainable strengthening of public health systems.  The international community must predict, rather than react, and in order to do so needed genuine international cooperation on healthcare, sharing knowledge and expertise, and strengthening capacity.  Terrorism was the number one enemy of human rights - it was damaging agriculture, creating socio-political instability, and radicalising youth.  Togo was committed to inter-regional dialogue, and was working to strengthen stability and resilience in the country. 

ANTONY J. BLINKEN, Secretary of State of the United States, said human rights were universal.  It was the responsibility of this Council - and every United Nations Member State - to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ universal vision, and defend the human rights of everyone, everywhere.  That included protecting the human rights of the most vulnerable populations, and continuing to advance economic, social, and cultural rights.  The United States was committed to enabling people around the world to enjoy these rights.  Fulfilling the Declaration’s universal promise also meant advancing human rights within all countries—something the United States had sought to do, especially over the past two years, doing this because it believed that transparency and openness were not a threat to sovereignty, but a way to make governments better at advancing the rights, needs, and aspirations of their peoples.  Each government should hold itself to the same standards as it did every other government, and this was particularly important at a time when human rights around the world were under assault, perhaps nowhere more than in Russia’s brutal war on Ukraine.

Governments that committed atrocities abroad were also likely to violate the rights of people at home, and that was exactly what Russia was doing.  The Iranian regime was also once again cracking down on citizens demanding their human rights and fundamental freedoms.  The United States condemned the Taliban’s draconian repression of women and girls in Afghanistan, including barring them from universities and secondary schools.  The United States remained gravely concerned about the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity that China was committing against Muslim Uyghurs and other members of minority groups in Xinjiang.  Nearly a dozen years since launching its crackdown on Syrians demanding their human rights, the Assad regime continued to commit widespread abuses.  The United States continued to strongly oppose biased and disproportionate treatment of Israel, reflected in the Commission of Inquiry with no end date, and standing agenda item seven.  Members of the human family were entitled to human rights, and the international community should strive to make those words real through the actions of the Human Rights Council, within countries, and around the world.

NANAIA MAHUTA, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Local Government of New Zealand, acknowledged the people of Syria and Türkiye and the devastating damage caused by the recent earthquakes.  New Zealand had intimately experienced climate crisis and natural disasters with Cyclone Gabrielle two weeks ago, an unprecedented weather event which had affected a third of the country’s population.  As the world marked the one-year anniversary of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, New Zealand continued to condemn Russia’s actions which had caused immense suffering.  In Iran, the world was witnessing the further erosion of the rights of women and girls, and violent repression of protest activity, including the execution of protesters, as well as further deterioration of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.  The findings of serious human rights violations committed against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang also remained of serious concern.  New Zealand stood with the peoples of these nations to speak up and defend their rights. 

Seventy-five years ago, the international community had come together to recognise the fundamental rights and the equal value of every person.  It was incumbent on everyone to do better to promote and protect human rights for all people.  The scale of humanitarian crises and human rights violations across the globe would continue to increase unless climate change was not collectively addressed.  New Zealand was proud to continue to co-lead resolutions on the rights of persons with disabilities with Mexico, in the Council and the General Assembly.  The State would also lead a Council resolution on the prevention of maternal mortality and morbidity. 

URMAS REINSALU, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia, said one year ago, a vicious full-scale war of aggression was unleashed by Russia against Ukraine.  Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, as well as Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine, was an attempt to establish a new colonial power in the region.  This was a grave violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a grave violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.  In the past year, the international community had seen killings of civilians, torture, ill-treatment and gender-based violence in Ukraine, including rapes as a tactic of war.  More than five million people were displaced within Ukraine and 40 per cent of the Ukrainian population were in need of humanitarian aid.  Russia’s heinous actions did not only harm Ukraine: the global food security had been weaponised by Russia, threatening to leave millions of people across the globe at the risk of starvation. 

Imperialistic ambitions had no mercy and no limits – Russia had violated human rights and international humanitarian law.  It had committed atrocity crimes in Ukraine and must be held to account.  The way ahead was simple – to fight against impunity and ensure proper investigation, trial and prosecution of crimes committed by Russia on Ukrainian soil.  In 2022, the international community had seen a steady decline in human rights in various parts of the world.  The grave human rights violations and abuses against women and girls in Afghanistan aimed to gradually erase them from public life, depriving them of education and opportunities.  In Belarus, crackdowns on opposition leaders, journalists and media workers continued as well as unprecedented brutality and mass violence.  In Iran, brave citizens, especially women and girls, had been out in the streets for months, demanding their human rights.  Finally, Estonia wished to stress the importance of guaranteeing the rights of children, both online and offline, urging the international community to do all it could to support free and universal access to quality education in all parts of the world, including digital learning.

KITLANG KABUA, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Marshall Islands, said it was only a few months ago, in September 2022, that the Marshall Islands had presented a resolution of immense importance to the Marshallese people.  The resolution presented at the fifty-first session of the Human Rights Council spoke to the nuclear legacy of the Marshall Islands, which the Islands continued to struggle with.  From a historical perspective, while under a United Nations trusteeship, the human rights of the people of the Marshall Islands were violated; they were exposed to nuclear radiation, studied, tested, and documented.  Today, the truth remained elusive.  The country would continue to pursue the truth and demand answers, in order to move forward. 

Before the nuclear legacy resolution, in 2021, the Marshall Islands had presented a resolution to establish the Special Procedure mandate on climate change.  Climate change was a major threat to the Marshall Islands and its people and would remain a high priority for the Marshallese Government.  The Marshall Islands were proud to see progress being made through the reports presented by the Special Rapporteur and the dialogues held.  As a low-lying atoll nation, climate change was the greatest threat to human rights, due to rising sea levels.  The Marshall Islands’ membership of the Human Rights Council ended in 2022 and the country was putting forward its candidature anew for the term 2025-2027.  If the Council was to aspire to the universality of human rights, it must be ready and willing to address the human rights challenges faced by all persons in all States, even ones as small as the Marshall Islands.  In Geneva, the Permanent Mission was hosting a two-day exhibit at the Musée d'ethnographie de Genève to share more information and spread awareness about the Marshall Islands nuclear legacy.  All delegations were invited to attend.

ALATOI ISHMAEL KALSAKAU, Prime Minister of Vanuatu, said tyranny and excesses of some individuals and States against fellow human beings must not continue to plague communities.  The ability of human beings and nations to unleash their destruction and disrespect to humanity must be discouraged. Vanuatu remained firm and resolute in recognising the inherent dignity of equal and inalienable rights of all as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace, committing and affirming its faith in fundamental human rights, cognisant of the dignity and worth of each person and equal rights for all.  But 75 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ironically, many aspects of the world and behaviour remained the same: the continuance of preying on the weak and the poor, and on communities that were experiencing the domination and indignity of colonialism, and peoples and individuals suffering grave violations of human rights due to natural resource extraction and profit-driven environmental destruction.

The ravaging effects of global warming had become existential for Vanuatu, and for many peoples across the planet.  As economies were ravaged, livelihoods decimated and lives lost, it was clear that the climate crisis was a human rights crisis.  Today, States continued, through their acts and omissions, to cause significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment.  Vanuatu saw past and present greenhouse gas emissions as a breach of the rule of existing international law which regulated the conduct of States in relation to activities that contributed to climate change and its adverse effects.  In support of a rules-based international order, Vanuatu would ask the International Court of Justice to review international law, having particular regard to the Charter of the United Nations, the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and other international legal instruments and principles, to answer a simple question: “What were the legal consequences for States, where they have caused significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment, with respect to peoples and individuals of the present and future generations”.

GORDAN GRLIĆ RADMAN, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, said 2023 marked important anniversaries - the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Vienna Declaration, and the International Criminal Court Rome Statute.  In 2022, devastating events had been witnessed.  The unprovoked armed attack of the Russian Federation on Ukraine had shocked the world and caused severe human rights and humanitarian law violations.  It had exposed millions of innocent civilians to suffering and caused a global food and energy crisis.  The Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine had concluded that war crimes had been committed.  Therefore, the international community should do its part and ensure accountability for the committed crimes.  Croatia empathised and rendered its full support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.  Having experienced the consequences of the war, Croatia fully sympathised with victims of armed conflicts around the world and their families.  Three decades after the Homeland war, Croatia was still searching for 1,816 missing persons.  Croatia had given special attention to the issue of missing persons and the related question of casualty recording; it had joined forces with partners to present the first resolution on casualty recording and human rights, which was adopted by consensus in the Council last year.

Today's global challenges required intensive multilateral action and international cooperation - especially in the international human rights fora.  Croatia said it planned to present its mid-term Universal Periodic Review report, which would reflect on recommendations received during the third Universal Periodic Review cycle.  Numerous conflicts around the world showed how fragile the existing mechanisms for the protection of human rights could be.  In 2022, women’s rights had been under attack, peaceful protestors had been arbitrarily detained, while the independent media and non-governmental organizations had been shut down.  The promotion of gender equality, women empowerment and eradicating gender–based violence remained among Croatia's priorities.  The worldwide abolition of the death penalty also remained high on Croatia’s agenda.

NAKATANI GEN, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, said Japan firmly rejected Russia’s outrageous act of aggression against Ukraine, and would continue to strongly support Ukraine.  Japan had experienced numerous major natural disasters, including the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, and was providing maximum support to the people of Türkiye and Syria.  Japan had already dispatched Japanese Disaster Relief Teams, and provided emergency relief goods and emergency humanitarian assistance of approximately 27 million United States dollars.  The country had drafted resolutions on the human rights situation in Cambodia that supported Cambodia’s own efforts in this area.  The issue of abductions by “North Korea” was a serious humanitarian issue with time constraints.  Japan would continue to urge “North Korea” to take concrete and positive actions toward the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.

Last September, for the first time in Asia, Japan had published the Guidelines on Respecting Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains, introduced to the Council last year.  The State had contributed 14 million United States dollars to the United Nations Development Programme and other organizations to support the introduction of human rights due diligence by Japanese companies operating around the world, and the improvement of related systems in developing countries.  To promote women’s economic empowerment, as of July last year, Japan required employers whose companies were above a certain size to disclose the gender pay gap within their organizations.  Japan had been addressing the discharge of treated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station with the highest priority on safety in accordance with domestic and international safety standards, which was vital for the revitalisation of Fukushima.  As a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and the holder of the G7 Presidency, Japan was determined to defend the international order based on the rule of law.

DAMAS NDUMBARO, Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs of Tanzania, said any successful nation was built on a national foundation that included self-governance, unity, patriotism, integrity and responsibility, rule of law, justice and performance.  These important words were enshrined in the Constitution of Tanzania and such attributes could be achieved through the promotion and protection of human rights, centred on the basic human rights principles of equality and non-discrimination.  The current governance model of Tanzania was anchored on four pillars: reconciliation, resilience, reform and rebuilding.  This inclusive approach was proving fruitful in the realisation of human rights in Tanzania.

This had been the approach in promoting the right to freedom of expression and the access to information.  The judiciary of Tanzania was playing a significant role in ensuring access to justice and bringing its services closer to the people, as well as adjudicating civil matters, thus bringing justice services closer to the people.  The Government had continued implementing its fee free education policy to ensure access to education and the monthly education budget had been increased from 20.8 billion Tanzanian shillings to 26 billion Tanzanian shillings per month.  Access to higher education was being enhanced by increasing loan funds for students.  Further, a population and housing census was held in August 2022 and the results were officially launched in October 2022.  The results of the population census would assist the Government in establishing development projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that no one was left behind in the development agenda.

ZHEENBEK KULUBAEV, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, extended condolences to Türkiye and Syria on the tens of thousands of earthquake victims.  Kyrgyzstan was celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  Significant progress had been achieved in the development of humankind.  These achievements had been connected to the acknowledgment of human rights for individuals and communities.  However, much potential in the human rights field remained largely unrealised.  It was very relevant amid growing global challenges related to inequality, discrimination, hate speech, misinformation, instability and conflicts.  The world was faced with serious tests with problems interconnected - that could only be solved if everyone demonstrated common solidarity in achieving goals for the well-being of humanity.  The realisation of human rights was based on national responsibility.  Broad and sustained engagement with States was required - and also with civil society and other stakeholders.

Kyrgyzstan was fully committed to the goals and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  It supported the universality of human rights and their application on an equal, non-discriminatory and non-selective basis.  To date, Kyrgyzstan was party to eight of the nine core universal human rights treaties.  It enjoyed constructive cooperation with the United Nations Special Procedures.  In the year 2020, it extended a standing invitation to all thematic Special Procedure mandate holders and considered the Universal Periodic Review as an important mechanism for effective assessment and monitoring of the human rights situation in United Nations Member States.  Kyrgyzstan continued to build a strong and democratic form of government and all the necessary conditions had been established there for further development of civil society.  There were more than 6,000 active independent non-governmental organizations, human rights activists, the Ombudsman, the National Centre for the Prevention of Torture, and numerous international agencies.  Human rights remained the central pillar of its 2030 Agenda and Kyrgyzstan was fully committed to further strengthening its credibility as a country that respected and protected human rights.

A. K. ABDUL MOMEN, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, said Bangladesh was born out of a long struggle against injustice, misrule, discrimination, and oppression.  The country had remained constructively engaged with human rights bodies and mechanisms, and last year hosted former High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet.  In the last year, Bangladesh had welcomed visits of five Special Procedure mandate holders.  Bangladesh’s steadfast commitment to human rights and respect for human dignity had led the country to provide shelter to over one million forcibly displaced Rohingyas, saving thousands of lives.  Global efforts remained inadequate to force Myanmar to make any positive shift in its mindset, policy, and approach towards the Rohingyas.  Bangladesh called on the international community to mount pressure on Myanmar so that it was obliged to fully comply with the international criminal justice order, cooperate with all human rights and international judicial mechanisms, and commence repatriation immediately.

The Council should articulate strong messages on addressing the root causes of climate change.  Each year nearly 650,000 residents of Bangladesh’s coastal areas were uprooted from their homes and traditional jobs due to erratic climate changes.  The Council should also pay adequate attention to protection and promotion of the rights of migrants, irrespective of their status.  Mr. Abdul Momen urged the Council to crystalise aspects under the right to development and realise them in letter and spirit.  Bangladesh reiterated its commitment to continue working towards ensuring the human rights of all individuals all over the world, while at the same time being appreciative of the advancement of societies in their own contexts.

NABIL AMMAR, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of Tunisia, said this was the seventy-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  Here, the international community renewed its collective commitment to protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms on the basis of cooperation, solidarity, and mutual respect for State sovereignty.  Tunisia was committed to protect human rights and freedoms, and cooperate constructively with all mechanisms of the Council.  Tunisia had presented in November 2022 its report to the Universal Periodic Review and had presented reports to various treaty bodies.  In recent years, Tunisia had adopted a number of instruments and measures to improve the situation, reflecting the people’s aspiration to build a new Republic and a true democracy that served Tunisians.  The rights of women and the equality of all citizens were reaffirmed by the State to ensure equal opportunities for men and women. 

A new cornerstone of the institutional human rights architecture had been installed, bringing the right to quality education to all Tunisians.  There had been considerable obstacles due to bad governance and political upheavals, and Parliament had not been able to play its institutional role, becoming the backdrop to violence and corruption.  Reform had taken place, leading to the adoption of a new Constitution and the election of a new Parliament which would in the next few days be taking up its role.  These measures had been taken in full transparency and in the light of fundamental rights and freedoms, on the basis of serious information connected to State security.  Freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate were guaranteed in the context of the respect for the freedoms and dignity of others, as this was not a pretext to circulate hate speech.  Tunisia had chosen to establish a democracy that guaranteed rights and freedoms, and this was irreversible.  However, this democracy must also be authentic and meet the aspirations of Tunisians, with a reliable legal system free from corruption and all other abuses.  Economic, social and cultural rights and civil and political rights could not be ensured without the right to development, and Tunisia was committed to making process in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

DAWDA A. JALLOW, Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia, condemned human rights violations, including violence against women, children and persons with disabilities - and also condemned human trafficking and the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, as the world continued to witness such atrocities.  The Gambia reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of universality, indivisibility, and interdependence of human rights.  The promotion and protection of human rights remained fundamental to The Gambia's vision of a democratic and prosperous society, and it remained committed to upholding the values at home and abroad.  Since the change of government in 2017, important steps had been taken to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions to protect human rights, to ensure accountability, and to promote the rule of law in The Gambia.  The establishment of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission was a significant step towards promoting human rights, justice, and reconciliation.

The Gambia was committed to making great strides to protect the rights of women and children and had enacted legislation to combat domestic violence and gender-based discrimination in all its forms.  In 2022, the State took steps to promote the rights of persons with disabilities in order to improve their access to public facilities, including transportation and public buildings, through the enactment of the Persons with Disability Act.  However, the country recognised that much work remained to be done as it continued to face challenges related to poverty, inequality, and discrimination.  The Gambia was committed to addressing the challenges through inclusive and participatory policies and programmes.  In addition, The Gambia had been actively engaged in international climate change forums and had been advocating for stronger action on climate change at a global level.  Through multilateralism, countries could exchange experiences, share best practices, and coordinate efforts to address human rights challenges.  This included the promotion of international human rights standards and the strengthening of national human rights institutions. 

MOHAMED LAMIN TARAWALLEY, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of Sierra Leone, said Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and supporting proposals aimed at reinforcing the efficiency of the organs of the Council.  Since the reintroduction of a multi-party democracy in 1996, following years of dictatorship, Sierra Leone had enjoyed a peaceful transition of power from one administration to another.  The Government had introduced legislative measures to reinforce the independence of the justice system, including an unprecedented recruitment exercise to ensure the presence of judicial staff in every district in the country.  In November 2022, the Sierra Leonean Parliament unanimously passed the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Bill, a monumental advancement for gender equality in Sierra Leone.  The law established a 30 per cent quota for women’s participation in government for both appointed and elected positions.  A significant human rights milestone achieved was the abolition of the death penalty and the repeal of criminal libel, in July 2021. 

From the third Universal Periodic Review cycle, Sierra Leone had recognised that some recommendations, like those on consensual or same-sex relationships and the criminalisation of female genital mutilation, asked to achieve ideals which conflicted with national laws and cultural values.  Another significant human rights milestone was that Sierra Leone had signed all the nine fundamental human rights treaties and submitted initial and periodic reports under five of the treaties.  The country had made progress in the area of the President’s flagship programme - Free Quality Education - allocating almost a quarter of the national budget to education.  Sierra Leone reaffirmed support for the Council’s resolution 9/10 to help promote economic, social and environmental policies and actions that would protect people and nature.

OMER AHMED BERZINJI, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iraq, said since the Council’s high-level segment of last year, Iraq had undertaken developments on the level of legislation and institutions, with a new Government that had gained the confidence of Parliament, presenting an ambitious programme of reform, with effective tools to combat corruption, unemployment and reconstruction of the areas freed from the Islamic State on the basis of human rights.  The aim of these measures was to establish good governance and lessen the challenges faced by citizens, whilst combatting inflation and returning the prestige of the country, supporting all people, in particular young people, and combatting all human rights violations.  At the legislative level, the Government was working hand in hand with Parliament to review the laws on freedom of assembly, expression and freedom to protest, as well as the law on combatting terrorism and other issues such as combatting terrorism and forced disappearances, and domestic violence.  Significant legislative progress had been made in the field of reparations. 

In terms of the empowerment of women through strengthening their role in the national development process, a national team had been established to determine a National Strategy for Women, which would be launched very soon.  The recent elections strengthened the participation of women in politics, with an increase of women in Parliament and in government.  Accountability was a key priority for the Government, and work was ongoing, with the aid of the United Nations, to ensure this.  The Government was continuing its efforts to ensure that accountability was ensured for violations to the rights of freedom of expression and peaceful demonstration.  The Government had approved the Human Rights Plan 2021-2025, and implemented all Universal Periodic Review recommendations that had been accepted by Iraq, as well as those made by treaty bodies.  Iraq was on the point of installing a Ministerial Council responsible for human rights and a National Human Rights Institution in line with the Paris Principles.

WOJCIECH GERWEL, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Poland, reaffirmed Poland’s unwavering commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms around the world.  Russia’s aggression against Ukraine had changed the world.  Russia had totally disregarded international law and the principles of the United Nations, and unleashed a brutal and blatant war.  For more than a year, Poland had received almost daily reports of horrific atrocities committed by Russian forces.  Each human rights violation had a name – a name of a victim, a name of a place or a name of a horror.  Russian-occupied territories had become lawless zones with restricted access to humanitarian aid.  Those responsible for the violations would be held accountable.  Without accountability, human rights would be denied.  Poland supported international initiatives towards ensuring accountability and adequate redress of all wrongs inflicted by Russia in the war with Ukraine.  The Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, established last year by the Council, was an important element.  Poland would further support the Human Rights Council mechanisms to seek justice for all victims of the unjust invasion.

Since 24 February 2022, over 9.5 million Ukrainians had crossed the border into Poland.  Poland was proud that 1.5 million Ukrainian refugees had found protection in the country and enjoyed the same access to public services as Polish citizens.  They found safe places in Polish homes and hearts – so that no refugee camp was necessary.  Poland underlined the utmost need to respect freedom of assembly and association, freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief - and noted how it was seriously concerned over restrictions imposed around the world.  Poland reiterated its objection to silencing dissenting voices or persecuting civil society and human rights defenders.  A free and independent civil society was essential for human rights.  Poland called upon Russian and Belarussian authorities to abide by international human rights obligations.  Poland also remained committed to protecting those in vulnerable situations - including women, children and persons with disabilities.

ELNUR ISRAFIL OGLU MAMMADOV, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, noted that today marked the thirty-first anniversary of the membership of Azerbaijan to the United Nations.  In 2022 and earlier this year, periodic reports of Azerbaijan under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child were successfully reviewed.  The country had undertaken ongoing reforms, including the adoption of new legislative acts, improvement of social protection of the population, and support to the development of judiciary and public administration.  The “2022-2026 National Action Plan to Strengthen the Fight against Corruption” served to consolidate the anti-corruption efforts of various agencies and increase transparency.

Azerbaijan, together with other members of the Core Group, would present a draft resolution on promoting human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals through transparent, accountable and efficient public service delivery.  The recent despicable acts against the holy Quran were clear examples of Islamophobia.  States should take appropriate measures to address these actions.  Azerbaijan had entered a strategic phase in the post-conflict era, following the liberation of sovereign and internationally recognised territories which were under unlawful military occupation by Armenia for almost three decades, which was one of the key factors seriously impeding the implementation of the relevant Sustainable Development Goals.  Several international legal proceedings had been instigated to hold Armenia accountable for the consequences of the armed aggression against Azerbaijan.  Azerbaijan welcomed the International Court of Justice’s rejection of Armenia’s requested measures and called on Armenia to comply with a legally binding order of the Court issued on 7 December 2021, demanding that Armenia take all necessary measures to prevent the incitement and promotion of racial hatred, targeted at persons of Azerbaijani national or ethnic origin.

JOSIP BRKIC, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said Bosnia and Herzegovina was concerned about the rising civilian death toll, mass displacement and the destruction of civilian objects in Ukraine, where the humanitarian situation had worsened sharply in 2022, when a large number of people had to leave Ukraine, resulting in a major humanitarian crisis.  If anyone understood the horrors of the war, it was Bosnia and Herzegovina, which went through aggression and war in the 1990s that left deep scars.  The international community was witnessing gross violations of international human rights law, possible war crimes and serious violations of humanitarian law in Ukraine.  Bosnia and Herzegovina supported all efforts of the international community to end the gross violations of the fundamental rights of Ukrainian people. 

After general elections in October 2022, the Governments in Bosnia and Herzegovina had been established in record time.  As a candidate for full membership in the European Union, the country would use this as an additional impetus to align itself more closely with European Union standards, including in the area of human rights and fundamental freedoms.  There were challenging times ahead, but Bosnia and Herzegovina was committed to the reform processes and fulfilment of 14 priorities on its European Union path, as well as North Atlantic Treaty Organization integration.  As a signatory State of numerous human rights conventions, Bosnia and Herzegovina would continue to fulfil its commitments under human rights instruments, especially in relation to the rights of refugees and displaced persons, the rights of the child, the rights of national minorities, efforts to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and similar intolerance.  It also advocated for their fulfilment by other States, Member States of the United Nations and the Council of Europe.

Link: https://www.ungeneva.org/en/news-media/meeting-summary/2023/03/morning-human-rights-council-continues-high-level-segment