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Human Rights Council starts general debate on the promotion and protection of all human rights
Promotion and protection of all human rights
16 September 2016
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MIDDAY
Hears Presentation by the Chairperson of the Working Group on the Right to Development and the Presentation of Thematic Reports by the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights
GENEVA (16 September 2016) - The Human Rights Council in a midday meeting started a general debate on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, after hearing a presentation by the Chairperson of the Working Group on the right to development and the presentation of thematic reports by the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Zamir Akram, Chairperson of the Working Group on the right to development, said the Working Group had made two recommendations to the Human Rights Council. The first was for the Working Group to study the contributions made by States to the implementation of the right to development. The second was to request the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to consider facilitating the participation of experts in discussions on the implementation and realization of the right to development at the eighteenth session of the Working Group.
Peggy Hicks, Director of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, introduced 18 thematic reports by the United Nations Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights and his Office, including on preventing and countering violent extremism; on human rights of migrants in the context of large movements; on universal birth registration; on technical guidance on how a human rights-based approach could help reduce preventable maternal mortality and morbidity; and on the death penalty.
During the general debate on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, speakers emphasized that the right to development was a shared responsibility whose recognition had to be assessed in the light of the growing inequality and poverty resulting from State policies and other exogenous factors, such as climate change, natural disasters, violent extremism, social unrest and deprivation. Some speakers regretted the systematic opposition of certain developed countries to the implementation of the right to development. They urged all States to positively respond to the urgent need for timely and concerted protection of migrants and refugees, and raised concern about the shrinking space for public participation and respect for indigenous peoples’ rights. They also stressed the need to address violent extremism and limiting global warming. Some speakers regretted the resumption of the use of the death penalty in a number of countries, which had adopted new laws on counter-terrorism, providing for the death penalty for vaguely and broadly defined terrorism-related crimes.
Speaking were Slovakia on behalf of the European Union, Namibia on behalf of a group of countries, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, China on behalf of a group of countries, Sudan on behalf of the Arab Group, Morocco on behalf of a Group of Friends on Countering and Preventing Violent Extremism, Czechia on behalf of a group of countries, Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, Dominican Republic on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, South Africa on behalf of the African Group, Russia, Qatar, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Venezuela, India, Netherlands, China, United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Nigeria, Bolivia, Namibia, Botswana, Republic of Korea, Kenya, Morocco, Ecuador, Belgium, Finland, Montenegro, Fiji, Pakistan, Brazil, Canada, Libya, Greece, Malaysia, Iraq, Benin, Singapore, Haiti, Sudan, Ireland, Uganda, Holy See, Iran, Tunisia, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka and the United States.
Today, the Council is holding a full day of meetings, it will next continue its general debate on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development.
Documentation
The Conference has before it the Report of the Working Group on the right to development (A/HRC/33/45).
The Council has before it the Report on the Composition of staff of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/18).
The Council has before it the Report on the Question of the death penalty - Report of the Secretary-General (A/HRC/33/20).
The Council has before it the Summary report on the panel discussion on the promotion and protection of the right to development as part of the celebrations of the thirtieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/21).
The Council has before it the Report on Strengthening policies and programmes for universal birth registration and vital statistics development - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/22).
The Council has before it the Report on the Implementation of the technical guidance on the application of a human rights-based approach to reduce and eliminate preventable mortality and morbidity of children under 5 years of age - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/23).
The Council has before it the Follow-up report on how technical guidance on the application of a human rights-based approach to the implementation of policies and programmes to reduce preventable maternal mortality and morbidity has been applied to States and other relevant actors - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/24).
The Council has before it the Summary report on the expert workshop to discuss existing guidance on the implementation of the right to participate in public affairs - Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/25).
The Council has before it the Summary report on the high-level panel discussion on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Human Rights Council - Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/26).
The Council has before it the Report on Human rights and indigenous peoples -Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/27).
The Council has before it the Summary report on the panel discussion on human rights and preventing and countering violent extremism - Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/28).
The Council has before it the Compilation report on best practices and lessons learned on how protecting and promoting human rights contribute to preventing and countering violent extremism - Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/29).
The Council has before it the Comprehensive report on the human rights of migrants - Report of the Secretary-General (A/HRC/33/30).
The Council has before it the Consolidated report on the right to development - Report of the Secretary-General and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/31).
The Council has before it the Communications report of special procedures (A/HRC/33/32).
The Council has before it the Report on the Promotion and protection of the human rights of migrants in the context of large movements - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/67).
The Council has before it the Summary report on the panel discussion on violence against indigenous women and girls and its root causes, held during the annual full-day discussion on women’s human rights – Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/68).
Presentation of Reports
ZAMIR AKRAM, Chairperson of the Working Group on the right to development, introducing the report, said the Working Group had engaged in an interactive dialogue on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the context of the right to development. In the discussions, Member States had underscored the importance of engaging with the mechanisms entrusted with the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Working Group had made two recommendations to the Human Rights Council. The first was for the Working Group to study the contributions made by States to the implementation of the right to development. The second was to request the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to consider facilitating the participation of experts in discussions on the implementation and realization of the right to development at the eighteenth session of the Working Group. For the Working Group to remain relevant and make progress, it needed to engage with the global development agenda and its follow-up mechanisms. The Working Group would benefit from pertinent expertise.
The Working Group had considered two other substantive items on its agenda. Firstly, it continued its work refining the draft right to development criteria. Positions on the bulk of the text were wide apart. The Working Group recommended that the Council mandate the Group to continue its consideration of the draft right to development criteria and operations sub-criteria with a view to finalizing the text as expeditiously as possible. Secondly, it had considered a report to identify standards for the implementation of the right to development. Four standards were proposed. The first was that all States should demonstrate the necessary political will. Secondly, all States should cooperate to create the political, economic, and social environment necessary to allow the implementation of the right to development. Thirdly, the right to development should be centred on the individual and promoted at the national level, among other specifications. Fourthly, priority should be given to addressing the most basic human needs, namely, poverty, food, water and sanitation, health, education, housing, and gender equality.
PEGGY HICKS, Director of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, introduced 18 thematic reports of the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner. Four reports contained the summary of the discussions already held, on the right to development, on the tenth anniversary of the Council, on violent extremism, and on violence against indigenous women and girls. The report on technical guidance on how a human rights-based approach could help reduce preventable maternal mortality and morbidity demonstrated how applying a rights-based approach to maternal health helped challenge unjust power dynamics which fostered inequality, recognizing the inherent dignity and autonomy of every individual. The report on preventable mortality and morbidity of children under five years of age analysed issues that required further attention from a human rights perspective, including in relation to the new-born child, the quality of care in the delivery of health services for children, the marketing of breast-milk substitutes, and the impact on children of attacks on health facilities. Millions of people continued to be born and died without leaving a trace in civil registration systems; the report on universal birth registration argued that comprehensive, well-functioning systems for civil registration and vital statistics were key to ensuring respect for rights, and that registration of births and other vital elements must be accessible to all without discrimination.
Presenting the report on preventing and countering violent extremism, Ms. Hicks highlighted five action points to States, including to clearly define key concepts related to violent extremism and that it was violence that must be prevented and not peaceful extremism; provide clear and evidence-based justification for measures that entailed human rights restrictions; clearly set out the legal basis on them and how online content was blocked or removed as part of efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism online; carefully review policies and practices concerning surveillance, collection and retention of personal data; and make sure that measures must not discriminate or stigmatize particular groups or communities.
The report on the human rights of migrants in the context of large movements mirrored some key provisions contained in the New York Declaration to be adopted next week as a result of the United Nations Summit on refugees and migrants, and called upon all to confront violence, stigmatization, discrimination, social exclusion and other manifestations of xenophobia against migrants and refugees. A second report on the human rights of migrants contained a summary of the written submissions received from Governments concerning the implementation of the resolution. The annual report on the rights of indigenous peoples addressed the issue of violent deaths of indigenous human rights defenders connected with development projects and showed how the rights of indigenous peoples continued to be violated through development policies, conservation initiatives and investment projects designed without due diligence, and sometimes supported by multilateral banks.
The summary report on the expert workshop on the right to participate in public affairs stressed that the Council’s Universal Periodic Review should systematically assess the right to participate. The yearly supplement to the Secretary-General’s report on the death penalty confirmed the trend towards the universal abolition of trafficking in persons and highlighted initiatives restricting its use in several States; at the same time, a minority of States continued to use the death penalty in contravention of international human rights law. The report on the right to development, which now had an imminent action agenda in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasized that the follow up and review of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals provided a solid basis for assessing the progressive realization of the right to development. The report on measures taken to correct the imbalance in the geographical composition of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights highlighted the results of continuing efforts to expand the geographical diversity of the Office.
The Secretary-General’s report on alleged reprisals against those cooperating with the United Nations and its mechanisms highlighted that if initial warning signs were ignored, acts of intimidation and reprisals were likely to become more severe over time. Two reports, on national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights and on the activities of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, addressed the issue of accrediting national institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles and stated that the enhanced participators right of A status national human rights institutions in this Council and the achievement of their goal to realize similar rights in other United Nations mechanisms and processes, required a more rigorous and transparent accreditation process.
General Debate on the Promotion and Protection of All Human Rights, Civil, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, including the Right to Development
Slovakia, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said that while an overall trend was seen toward the universal abolition of the death penalty, the European Union was concerned about the resumption of its use in a number of countries where a de facto moratorium had been in place. Regarding the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on migration, hope was expressed that the Summit could be a starting point for a global response to migration challenges.
Namibia, speaking on behalf of a group of States, said that a common objective was shared, namely the achievement of a universal and comprehensive moratorium on the execution of the death penalty with a view to universal abolition thereof. The death penalty was contrary to the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The group of countries looked forward to the March 2017 high-level panel in the Human Rights Council on efforts toward universal abolition of the death penalty.
Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, said that challenges faced by the Council today were primarily political in nature. The international community needed to refocus its attention on the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity. The right to development should be mainstreamed in policies and operational activities across the entire United Nations system.
China, speaking on behalf of a group of countries, said that development was vital to national well-being and people’s livelihood, as well as the realization and enjoyment of human rights. Development was uneven across the world, and the international community was called on to ensure the realization of all categories of human rights in a balanced manner, support developing countries to strengthen capacity building, and uphold the spirit of equality and mutual trust, among other measures.
Sudan, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, agreed that the realization of the right to development was a comprehensive process though which all other rights would be achieved progressively. It was clear that the responsibility for the realization of this right lay with States, but for a number of poor ones this responsibility would be void of meaning without the action of developed countries, including by strengthening the international community through the transfer of technology and facilitating investment in vital sectors.
Morocco, speaking on behalf of a Group of Friends on Countering and Preventing Violent Extremism, underscored that action by States to counter violent extremism must not encroach on human rights and said that the Group of Friends had joined together to promote and advance the implementation of the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. Preventing and countering violent extremism and the effective promotion and protection of human rights were mutually reinforcing; in this context particularly important was human rights education and civil society as a means of countering all forms of violent extremism.
Czechia, speaking on behalf of a group of countries, said that the right to participation in public affairs was a human right, founded in international human rights law, which was not optional but needed to be protected and promoted. Despite the efforts, much remained to be done to make the right to participate in public affairs a tangible reality for many in the world - solutions must include non-discrimination and equality, including gender equality. The resolution to be introduced in this session would propose the drafting of guidelines to assist States in the effective guarantee and implementation of this right.
Iran, speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, recalled the duty of States to cooperate with each other on the basis of respect for cultural diversity and urged for the elaboration of a legal instrument to ensure the implementation of the right to development. The realization of all human rights must take account of specific circumstance of all States and societies; the approach based on coercion would not lead to any results and that was why the Non-Aligned Movement was disturbed by the continued use of unilateral coercive measures.
Dominican Republic, speaking on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, said that the Community’s member countries were committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights, including the right to development. With a view to the fact that 2016 would begin the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it was noted that it was universal and human-centred. The Community reiterated its rejection of unilateral coercive measures.
South Africa, speaking on behalf of the African Group, said that at a challenging time when the world faced a series of crises from the economic to the social to the climate sphere, African States firmly believed that the realization of the right to development was a necessity. The international community should acknowledge its duty to promote international cooperation for the realization of the right to development and act collectively to remove obstacles.
Russian Federation said that the Human Rights Council had been created to strengthen comprehensive respect for human rights, but it was moving away from its initial purpose. Increasingly, a disingenuous use of the Council was seen, stigmatizing transgressor States. The narrowing space for dialogue was worrying. Today, upholding human rights was hampered by international terrorism. Fighting for human rights could not serve as a justification for terrorism.
Qatar welcomed the efforts of the Working Group on the right to development to reach a final version of standards. The realization of the right to development required an appropriate national legal and institutional framework, international cooperation and multi-stakeholder partnership. Qatar had therefore adopted the Vision 2030 as a roadmap for sustainable development and had also transformed its international cooperation policies.
Cuba said that the millions of people still living in poverty, who were illiterate or lacked access to health care, demonstrated how much remained to be done to realize the right to development and remove the multiple barriers to it such as conflicts, unilateral coercive measures and embargos. There must be a genuine determination of all to move towards the common goal of the right to development, and to step up international cooperation without the imposition of anyone’s world view.
Saudi Arabia worked on many aspects to promote development and had launched Vision 2030 to reduce unemployment, guarantee citizen welfare and improve household savings as some of measures to improve growth and stability. Saudi Arabia believed that humanitarian work was the jewel in every crown and it significantly contributed to a number of United Nations mechanisms, programmes and agencies, which made it one of the highest-ranking donor countries.
Algeria said that the realization of the right to development required favourable conditions for the realization of the potential of each individual and nation and it was the duty of the international community to provide such conditions. Algeria expressed regret that the work of the Working Group was hindered by the political deadlock between developing and developed countries and said that 30 years after the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development, the time was right to breathe new life into the efforts to make this right a reality.
Venezuela said that committing to the development of peoples included providing an appropriate international environment that was conducive to human dignity. Negative consequences generated by the predatory economic system and the failure to supply official development aid adversely impacted on sovereign States. The right to development should be applied in the spirit of equality and solidarity. Peoples should be allowed to choose their own path to development, stressed Venezuela.
India was concerned over the impasse in the Working Group on the right to development; discussions ought to commence on a binding international document on the right to development. India emphasized that terrorism remained the greatest violator of human rights globally. The international community could not be allowed to take half-measures against terrorism. Expanding legal channels of migration and combatting rising xenophobic tendencies against migrants should be among priorities.
Netherlands stated that the prevention of human rights violations remained one of the core responsibilities of the Council. There could be no justification for acts of violent extremism, but sweeping national security measures encroaching on human rights should also be avoided. The Netherlands was deeply concerned about a global trend of shrinking space for civil society. Many journalists were killed each year for simply doing their job. Equal and pluralistic participation in public life ought to be supported.
China stressed that the eradication of poverty was an important task for all countries, especially developing ones. As the largest developing country, China had always been a strong advocate for poverty alleviation, helping hundreds of millions of people to leave poverty behind. The Government was trying to ensure that no ethnic or religious group was left behind. Over the years, China had incorporated poverty alleviation into its overall national development strategy. Through South-South cooperation projects, China had helped over 120 countries develop and lift people out of poverty.
United Arab Emirates reminded that three decades had passed since the adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development, noting that the international community had to show more solidarity in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. It placed great hopes on those goals, which were key to eradicating poverty and hunger, and ensuring social justice, gender equality, health and education. The United Arab Emirates had used its oil wealth to improve the living standards of its citizens, in particular in the area of health, education and housing.
Kyrgyzstan noted that migrants and refugees were often vulnerable to human rights violations, adding that xenophobia and racism were steadily increasing and becoming more widespread. The scale of mass movements was increasing as a result of ongoing violent conflicts, poverty, inequality, climate change, natural disasters and environmental degradation. International cooperation and existing measures needed to be strengthened in order to find an answer to the issues of mass refugee and migrant movements.
Philippines remained concerned that while there had been significant improvement in gender balance in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, officers remained dominated by nationals from a certain regional group. It urged all States to positively respond to the urgent need for timely and concerted protection of migrants and refugees. It was concerned about the shrinking space for public participation and respect for indigenous peoples’ rights. It also stressed the need to address violent extremism and for limiting global warming.
Nigeria regretted conflicts, instability, insurrection and suppression in some regions of the world, which had led to forced migration, internal displacement, refugees, incarceration and deaths, as well as the unfairness of the overall global trading system. The right to development was a shared responsibility whose recognition had to be assessed in the light of the growing inequality and poverty resulting from State policies and other exogenous factors, such as climate change, natural disasters, violent extremism, social unrest and deprivation.
Bolivia stressed the importance of the right to development as a fundamental human right for peoples and individuals. Bolivia was conducting its policies based on a comprehensive decent living strategy. There were many international barriers, including economic sabotage, which prevented the enjoyment of the right to development. The international economic order, including monetary and trade systems, ought to focus on the right to development. It was regrettable that some countries failed to acknowledge development as a human right.
Namibia remained steadfast on the implementation of the Declaration on the Right to Development. Reducing inequalities in and among countries would remain a dream as long as the Declaration was not implemented. Namibia believed that mainstreaming human rights, including the right to development, into all United Nations activities, was necessary. The existing mechanisms ought to be revisited and a new impetus given to putting the Declaration into practice.
Botswana said that there was no doubt that the death penalty needed to be implemented with caution. Whilst there was no international consensus on what constituted “most serious crimes”, it was clear that capital punishment had to be restricted to a very limited set of circumstances. The death penalty should not be applied to people with mental impairment, pregnant women and minors. States had the right to decide whether or not to retain the death penalty, and Botswana would retain it.
Republic of Korea was deeply concerned about the increasing attacks by terrorists and violent extremists around the world. Human rights dimensions ought to be integrated in global efforts to combat violent extremism. The Office of the Human Rights was encouraged to redouble its efforts to prioritize the protection of vulnerable people, such as children, persons with disabilities and indigenous women and girls.
Kenya noted that 30 years since the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, the desired goals had not been achieved due to poverty, conflicts, terrorism, inequality and discrimination. Effective development policies at the national level, as well as equitable economic relations and a favourable economic environment at the international level, were needed to implement the 2030 Agenda, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the Paris climate agreement.
Morocco reiterated its commitment to the right to development, which had to continue to be a priority for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The development outlook had to be integrated in combatting terrorism and extremism, and in the overall attainment of human rights. Combatting poverty and unemployment was the focus of the Government of Morocco’s policies.
Ecuador stated that the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Development required the concerted effort of all human rights mechanisms. It regretted the systematic opposition of certain developed countries to the implementation of the right to development. Unfortunately, current advances were insufficient in the face of the multidimensional poverty of millions of persons worldwide, which was due to the lack of political will and to an economic order that was non-democratic and unequal.
Belgium remained concerned that those few States which continued to apply the death penalty did so in ways that were incompatible with their obligations under international law. It further regretted that several States had adopted new laws on counter-terrorism providing for the death penalty for vaguely and broadly defined terrorism-related crimes. Belgium strongly encouraged States that no longer applied the death penalty to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Finland said that freedom of assembly and association, as well as freedom of speech and expression, enabled individuals to hold governments accountable. Concern was expressed about increasing attempts to limit the work of human rights defenders in many countries. Human rights defenders could be supported in concrete ways, but when silent diplomacy did not work, means of public diplomacy were also required.
Montenegro welcomed the report on the death penalty, and further welcomed certain countries’ abolition of the death penalty, regretting its reintroduction for terrorism-related crimes in other countries. The imposition of the death penalty was not a solution in the fight against terrorism or drug trafficking. There was a worrisome practice of juvenile executions in some countries.
Fiji expressed support for the work of the Working Group on the right to development and its mandate, adding that development should focus on eliminating all forms of poverty and addressing those in direst need. Fiji supported the ongoing review of the draft “right to development criteria and operational sub-criteria” to advance toward a legally binding instrument to make the right to development a reality for all.
Pakistan said that the United Nations Security Council in several resolutions had declared that the Kashmir issue had to be resolved. A non-governmental organization had confirmed the presence of unmarked mass graves, and there had been an extrajudicial killing of a young Kashmiri leader. Over 100 had recently lost their lives, and 700 people had been injured and blinded. The international community should take note of rampant human rights violations in Kashmir.
Brazil underscored the role of relevant human rights bodies in promoting the right to development. It should be recalled that the 2030 Agenda incorporated the right to development in its core. The 2030 Agenda placed people squarely at the centre of development, and would contribute to the eradication of poverty and decreasing of inequalities between and within countries.
Canada stated that inclusion was only arrived at consciously, and Canada was committed to foster the inclusion of the diverse peoples and communities that comprised it. Canada was deeply committed to renewing the relationship with indigenous peoples in Canada, based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. In order to prevent violent extremism, an inclusive approach based on tolerance had to be developed.
Libya reaffirmed the importance of the recommendations in the report of the Working Group on the right to development. Respecting human rights was necessary for ensuring equality. In order to strengthen capacities and ensure transfer of technologies, the right to development needed to be based on respect for human rights. Fostering development was necessary to help young people; developing countries ought to be helped through expertise and assistance.
Greece stressed its long-standing view on the importance, interdependence and indivisibility of both political and civil, and economic, social and cultural rights. Greece referred to the rights of persons in vulnerable situations, such as children, women, older persons, migrants and refugees, who faced serious challenges as well as all forms of discrimination on a daily basis.
Malaysia stated that 30 years after the adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development, discourse on that issue continued to be polarized and marred by political posturing, preventing the achievement of tangible results. Malaysia expressed grave concern over the fact that developing countries were among the most disadvantaged within the reality of politicization and belittlement of development benefits.
Iraq denied that its Ministry of Justice approved all death sentences, explaining that that was the prerogative of the President. It noted that the threat of terrorism was a major barrier to sustainable development in the country. Nevertheless, the Government had undertaken steps for the better protection of the economic empowerment of its citizens, notably of women.
Benin noted that the right to development was a fundamental right that had to be adopted in various economic, social and cultural fields, including the environment and climate. The specific needs of developing countries, especially of least developed countries, required particular attention. States had to focus on achieving sustainable development as an intergenerational and inter-social right.
Singapore said that ensuring citizens’ fundamental human right to safety and security was of paramount importance for the Government of Singapore as the country was situated in a region with major drug trafficking centres and burgeoning drug production and consumption. It used the death penalty to deter what it considered to be the most serious crimes in terms of their impact on society at large, such as drug trafficking and murder.
Haiti said that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was a compass for governments; it contained 17 goals for sustainable development. To reconcile the spirit of the Declaration on the Right to Development with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, States had to take a holistic approach based on non-discrimination, participation, inclusion and transparency.
Sudan welcomed the report of the Working Group on the right to development, noting that Sudan was carrying out a strategy based on a comprehensive development plan. As the world was embarking on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, countries subject to unilateral coercive measures saw their development efforts hampered. The Council was called on to consider the impact of unilateral coercive measures, especially those imposed by the United States on Sudan.
Ireland thanked the High Commissioner for the range of reports presented, especially welcoming the report on the mortality of children under the age of 5, which showed the value of a human rights-based approach to the issue. Ireland also welcomed the report on the question of the death penalty, expressing deep concerns that some States were still carrying out executions without ensuring certain standards.
Uganda expressed concern that even countries with longstanding commitments to international development had not fully embraced the concept of the right to development. The world now had a new opportunity with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was a blueprint for translating the right to development from a political commitment to a development practice.
Holy See expressed concern that some 783 million people still lacked access to safe drinking water and more than 2.5 billion did not have access to basic sanitation. In order to reach the ambitious objectives of the 2030 Agenda, the universal access to drinking water and sanitation as well as issues of quality and supply must be addressed. Advanced nations had a very heavy obligation to help developing peoples.
Iran said that the current report on the root causes, systemic issues and structural challenges in the realization of the right to development had been concentrated on a human rights-centred and not development-based approach. The realization of this right was necessary more than ever and the international community must demonstrate its unequivocal commitment and take concrete action in order to achieve common goals, including those in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Tunisia remarked that 30 years had passed since the Declaration on the Right to Development, which concerned all persons regardless of their nationality, language or religion. Still, development had not kept up with the rampant poverty. There was a need to go beyond the rhetoric and for all concerned to make additional efforts to adopt international policies which would heed the specific needs of all parties.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea said that the recent abduction of people by “South Korea” represented a serious violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. “South Korea” had sensationalized the incident as a defection from “North Korea”, but there was a need for the public to know the truth. “South Korea” must disclose all information about abductees and return them to their families who were worried sick about their daughters who were missing.
Sri Lanka reminded that the United Nations had recognized the right to development as an inalienable human right and had provided an alternative vision for development policy and global partnership to advance the three pillars of the United Nations system: human rights, development and peace and security. Stronger political will and consensus at all levels were an effective way forward to translate commitments towards concrete action.
United States said that political participation by everyone helped reduce extremism and violence because it gave an opportunity to realize their goals. It remained concerned about increased restrictions on human rights, namely where Governments impeded civil society activity. The United States affirmed the right of all people to participate in public life, and it was committed to take all actions to achieve that goal.
GENEVA (16 September 2016) - The Human Rights Council in a midday meeting started a general debate on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, after hearing a presentation by the Chairperson of the Working Group on the right to development and the presentation of thematic reports by the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Zamir Akram, Chairperson of the Working Group on the right to development, said the Working Group had made two recommendations to the Human Rights Council. The first was for the Working Group to study the contributions made by States to the implementation of the right to development. The second was to request the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to consider facilitating the participation of experts in discussions on the implementation and realization of the right to development at the eighteenth session of the Working Group.
Peggy Hicks, Director of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, introduced 18 thematic reports by the United Nations Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights and his Office, including on preventing and countering violent extremism; on human rights of migrants in the context of large movements; on universal birth registration; on technical guidance on how a human rights-based approach could help reduce preventable maternal mortality and morbidity; and on the death penalty.
During the general debate on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, speakers emphasized that the right to development was a shared responsibility whose recognition had to be assessed in the light of the growing inequality and poverty resulting from State policies and other exogenous factors, such as climate change, natural disasters, violent extremism, social unrest and deprivation. Some speakers regretted the systematic opposition of certain developed countries to the implementation of the right to development. They urged all States to positively respond to the urgent need for timely and concerted protection of migrants and refugees, and raised concern about the shrinking space for public participation and respect for indigenous peoples’ rights. They also stressed the need to address violent extremism and limiting global warming. Some speakers regretted the resumption of the use of the death penalty in a number of countries, which had adopted new laws on counter-terrorism, providing for the death penalty for vaguely and broadly defined terrorism-related crimes.
Speaking were Slovakia on behalf of the European Union, Namibia on behalf of a group of countries, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, China on behalf of a group of countries, Sudan on behalf of the Arab Group, Morocco on behalf of a Group of Friends on Countering and Preventing Violent Extremism, Czechia on behalf of a group of countries, Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, Dominican Republic on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, South Africa on behalf of the African Group, Russia, Qatar, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Venezuela, India, Netherlands, China, United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Nigeria, Bolivia, Namibia, Botswana, Republic of Korea, Kenya, Morocco, Ecuador, Belgium, Finland, Montenegro, Fiji, Pakistan, Brazil, Canada, Libya, Greece, Malaysia, Iraq, Benin, Singapore, Haiti, Sudan, Ireland, Uganda, Holy See, Iran, Tunisia, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka and the United States.
Today, the Council is holding a full day of meetings, it will next continue its general debate on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development.
Documentation
The Conference has before it the Report of the Working Group on the right to development (A/HRC/33/45).
The Council has before it the Report on the Composition of staff of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/18).
The Council has before it the Report on the Question of the death penalty - Report of the Secretary-General (A/HRC/33/20).
The Council has before it the Summary report on the panel discussion on the promotion and protection of the right to development as part of the celebrations of the thirtieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/21).
The Council has before it the Report on Strengthening policies and programmes for universal birth registration and vital statistics development - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/22).
The Council has before it the Report on the Implementation of the technical guidance on the application of a human rights-based approach to reduce and eliminate preventable mortality and morbidity of children under 5 years of age - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/23).
The Council has before it the Follow-up report on how technical guidance on the application of a human rights-based approach to the implementation of policies and programmes to reduce preventable maternal mortality and morbidity has been applied to States and other relevant actors - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/24).
The Council has before it the Summary report on the expert workshop to discuss existing guidance on the implementation of the right to participate in public affairs - Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/25).
The Council has before it the Summary report on the high-level panel discussion on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Human Rights Council - Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/26).
The Council has before it the Report on Human rights and indigenous peoples -Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/27).
The Council has before it the Summary report on the panel discussion on human rights and preventing and countering violent extremism - Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/28).
The Council has before it the Compilation report on best practices and lessons learned on how protecting and promoting human rights contribute to preventing and countering violent extremism - Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/29).
The Council has before it the Comprehensive report on the human rights of migrants - Report of the Secretary-General (A/HRC/33/30).
The Council has before it the Consolidated report on the right to development - Report of the Secretary-General and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/31).
The Council has before it the Communications report of special procedures (A/HRC/33/32).
The Council has before it the Report on the Promotion and protection of the human rights of migrants in the context of large movements - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/67).
The Council has before it the Summary report on the panel discussion on violence against indigenous women and girls and its root causes, held during the annual full-day discussion on women’s human rights – Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/68).
Presentation of Reports
ZAMIR AKRAM, Chairperson of the Working Group on the right to development, introducing the report, said the Working Group had engaged in an interactive dialogue on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the context of the right to development. In the discussions, Member States had underscored the importance of engaging with the mechanisms entrusted with the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Working Group had made two recommendations to the Human Rights Council. The first was for the Working Group to study the contributions made by States to the implementation of the right to development. The second was to request the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to consider facilitating the participation of experts in discussions on the implementation and realization of the right to development at the eighteenth session of the Working Group. For the Working Group to remain relevant and make progress, it needed to engage with the global development agenda and its follow-up mechanisms. The Working Group would benefit from pertinent expertise.
The Working Group had considered two other substantive items on its agenda. Firstly, it continued its work refining the draft right to development criteria. Positions on the bulk of the text were wide apart. The Working Group recommended that the Council mandate the Group to continue its consideration of the draft right to development criteria and operations sub-criteria with a view to finalizing the text as expeditiously as possible. Secondly, it had considered a report to identify standards for the implementation of the right to development. Four standards were proposed. The first was that all States should demonstrate the necessary political will. Secondly, all States should cooperate to create the political, economic, and social environment necessary to allow the implementation of the right to development. Thirdly, the right to development should be centred on the individual and promoted at the national level, among other specifications. Fourthly, priority should be given to addressing the most basic human needs, namely, poverty, food, water and sanitation, health, education, housing, and gender equality.
PEGGY HICKS, Director of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, introduced 18 thematic reports of the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner. Four reports contained the summary of the discussions already held, on the right to development, on the tenth anniversary of the Council, on violent extremism, and on violence against indigenous women and girls. The report on technical guidance on how a human rights-based approach could help reduce preventable maternal mortality and morbidity demonstrated how applying a rights-based approach to maternal health helped challenge unjust power dynamics which fostered inequality, recognizing the inherent dignity and autonomy of every individual. The report on preventable mortality and morbidity of children under five years of age analysed issues that required further attention from a human rights perspective, including in relation to the new-born child, the quality of care in the delivery of health services for children, the marketing of breast-milk substitutes, and the impact on children of attacks on health facilities. Millions of people continued to be born and died without leaving a trace in civil registration systems; the report on universal birth registration argued that comprehensive, well-functioning systems for civil registration and vital statistics were key to ensuring respect for rights, and that registration of births and other vital elements must be accessible to all without discrimination.
Presenting the report on preventing and countering violent extremism, Ms. Hicks highlighted five action points to States, including to clearly define key concepts related to violent extremism and that it was violence that must be prevented and not peaceful extremism; provide clear and evidence-based justification for measures that entailed human rights restrictions; clearly set out the legal basis on them and how online content was blocked or removed as part of efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism online; carefully review policies and practices concerning surveillance, collection and retention of personal data; and make sure that measures must not discriminate or stigmatize particular groups or communities.
The report on the human rights of migrants in the context of large movements mirrored some key provisions contained in the New York Declaration to be adopted next week as a result of the United Nations Summit on refugees and migrants, and called upon all to confront violence, stigmatization, discrimination, social exclusion and other manifestations of xenophobia against migrants and refugees. A second report on the human rights of migrants contained a summary of the written submissions received from Governments concerning the implementation of the resolution. The annual report on the rights of indigenous peoples addressed the issue of violent deaths of indigenous human rights defenders connected with development projects and showed how the rights of indigenous peoples continued to be violated through development policies, conservation initiatives and investment projects designed without due diligence, and sometimes supported by multilateral banks.
The summary report on the expert workshop on the right to participate in public affairs stressed that the Council’s Universal Periodic Review should systematically assess the right to participate. The yearly supplement to the Secretary-General’s report on the death penalty confirmed the trend towards the universal abolition of trafficking in persons and highlighted initiatives restricting its use in several States; at the same time, a minority of States continued to use the death penalty in contravention of international human rights law. The report on the right to development, which now had an imminent action agenda in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasized that the follow up and review of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals provided a solid basis for assessing the progressive realization of the right to development. The report on measures taken to correct the imbalance in the geographical composition of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights highlighted the results of continuing efforts to expand the geographical diversity of the Office.
The Secretary-General’s report on alleged reprisals against those cooperating with the United Nations and its mechanisms highlighted that if initial warning signs were ignored, acts of intimidation and reprisals were likely to become more severe over time. Two reports, on national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights and on the activities of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, addressed the issue of accrediting national institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles and stated that the enhanced participators right of A status national human rights institutions in this Council and the achievement of their goal to realize similar rights in other United Nations mechanisms and processes, required a more rigorous and transparent accreditation process.
General Debate on the Promotion and Protection of All Human Rights, Civil, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, including the Right to Development
Slovakia, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said that while an overall trend was seen toward the universal abolition of the death penalty, the European Union was concerned about the resumption of its use in a number of countries where a de facto moratorium had been in place. Regarding the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on migration, hope was expressed that the Summit could be a starting point for a global response to migration challenges.
Namibia, speaking on behalf of a group of States, said that a common objective was shared, namely the achievement of a universal and comprehensive moratorium on the execution of the death penalty with a view to universal abolition thereof. The death penalty was contrary to the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The group of countries looked forward to the March 2017 high-level panel in the Human Rights Council on efforts toward universal abolition of the death penalty.
Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, said that challenges faced by the Council today were primarily political in nature. The international community needed to refocus its attention on the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity. The right to development should be mainstreamed in policies and operational activities across the entire United Nations system.
China, speaking on behalf of a group of countries, said that development was vital to national well-being and people’s livelihood, as well as the realization and enjoyment of human rights. Development was uneven across the world, and the international community was called on to ensure the realization of all categories of human rights in a balanced manner, support developing countries to strengthen capacity building, and uphold the spirit of equality and mutual trust, among other measures.
Sudan, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, agreed that the realization of the right to development was a comprehensive process though which all other rights would be achieved progressively. It was clear that the responsibility for the realization of this right lay with States, but for a number of poor ones this responsibility would be void of meaning without the action of developed countries, including by strengthening the international community through the transfer of technology and facilitating investment in vital sectors.
Morocco, speaking on behalf of a Group of Friends on Countering and Preventing Violent Extremism, underscored that action by States to counter violent extremism must not encroach on human rights and said that the Group of Friends had joined together to promote and advance the implementation of the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. Preventing and countering violent extremism and the effective promotion and protection of human rights were mutually reinforcing; in this context particularly important was human rights education and civil society as a means of countering all forms of violent extremism.
Czechia, speaking on behalf of a group of countries, said that the right to participation in public affairs was a human right, founded in international human rights law, which was not optional but needed to be protected and promoted. Despite the efforts, much remained to be done to make the right to participate in public affairs a tangible reality for many in the world - solutions must include non-discrimination and equality, including gender equality. The resolution to be introduced in this session would propose the drafting of guidelines to assist States in the effective guarantee and implementation of this right.
Iran, speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, recalled the duty of States to cooperate with each other on the basis of respect for cultural diversity and urged for the elaboration of a legal instrument to ensure the implementation of the right to development. The realization of all human rights must take account of specific circumstance of all States and societies; the approach based on coercion would not lead to any results and that was why the Non-Aligned Movement was disturbed by the continued use of unilateral coercive measures.
Dominican Republic, speaking on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, said that the Community’s member countries were committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights, including the right to development. With a view to the fact that 2016 would begin the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it was noted that it was universal and human-centred. The Community reiterated its rejection of unilateral coercive measures.
South Africa, speaking on behalf of the African Group, said that at a challenging time when the world faced a series of crises from the economic to the social to the climate sphere, African States firmly believed that the realization of the right to development was a necessity. The international community should acknowledge its duty to promote international cooperation for the realization of the right to development and act collectively to remove obstacles.
Russian Federation said that the Human Rights Council had been created to strengthen comprehensive respect for human rights, but it was moving away from its initial purpose. Increasingly, a disingenuous use of the Council was seen, stigmatizing transgressor States. The narrowing space for dialogue was worrying. Today, upholding human rights was hampered by international terrorism. Fighting for human rights could not serve as a justification for terrorism.
Qatar welcomed the efforts of the Working Group on the right to development to reach a final version of standards. The realization of the right to development required an appropriate national legal and institutional framework, international cooperation and multi-stakeholder partnership. Qatar had therefore adopted the Vision 2030 as a roadmap for sustainable development and had also transformed its international cooperation policies.
Cuba said that the millions of people still living in poverty, who were illiterate or lacked access to health care, demonstrated how much remained to be done to realize the right to development and remove the multiple barriers to it such as conflicts, unilateral coercive measures and embargos. There must be a genuine determination of all to move towards the common goal of the right to development, and to step up international cooperation without the imposition of anyone’s world view.
Saudi Arabia worked on many aspects to promote development and had launched Vision 2030 to reduce unemployment, guarantee citizen welfare and improve household savings as some of measures to improve growth and stability. Saudi Arabia believed that humanitarian work was the jewel in every crown and it significantly contributed to a number of United Nations mechanisms, programmes and agencies, which made it one of the highest-ranking donor countries.
Algeria said that the realization of the right to development required favourable conditions for the realization of the potential of each individual and nation and it was the duty of the international community to provide such conditions. Algeria expressed regret that the work of the Working Group was hindered by the political deadlock between developing and developed countries and said that 30 years after the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development, the time was right to breathe new life into the efforts to make this right a reality.
Venezuela said that committing to the development of peoples included providing an appropriate international environment that was conducive to human dignity. Negative consequences generated by the predatory economic system and the failure to supply official development aid adversely impacted on sovereign States. The right to development should be applied in the spirit of equality and solidarity. Peoples should be allowed to choose their own path to development, stressed Venezuela.
India was concerned over the impasse in the Working Group on the right to development; discussions ought to commence on a binding international document on the right to development. India emphasized that terrorism remained the greatest violator of human rights globally. The international community could not be allowed to take half-measures against terrorism. Expanding legal channels of migration and combatting rising xenophobic tendencies against migrants should be among priorities.
Netherlands stated that the prevention of human rights violations remained one of the core responsibilities of the Council. There could be no justification for acts of violent extremism, but sweeping national security measures encroaching on human rights should also be avoided. The Netherlands was deeply concerned about a global trend of shrinking space for civil society. Many journalists were killed each year for simply doing their job. Equal and pluralistic participation in public life ought to be supported.
China stressed that the eradication of poverty was an important task for all countries, especially developing ones. As the largest developing country, China had always been a strong advocate for poverty alleviation, helping hundreds of millions of people to leave poverty behind. The Government was trying to ensure that no ethnic or religious group was left behind. Over the years, China had incorporated poverty alleviation into its overall national development strategy. Through South-South cooperation projects, China had helped over 120 countries develop and lift people out of poverty.
United Arab Emirates reminded that three decades had passed since the adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development, noting that the international community had to show more solidarity in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. It placed great hopes on those goals, which were key to eradicating poverty and hunger, and ensuring social justice, gender equality, health and education. The United Arab Emirates had used its oil wealth to improve the living standards of its citizens, in particular in the area of health, education and housing.
Kyrgyzstan noted that migrants and refugees were often vulnerable to human rights violations, adding that xenophobia and racism were steadily increasing and becoming more widespread. The scale of mass movements was increasing as a result of ongoing violent conflicts, poverty, inequality, climate change, natural disasters and environmental degradation. International cooperation and existing measures needed to be strengthened in order to find an answer to the issues of mass refugee and migrant movements.
Philippines remained concerned that while there had been significant improvement in gender balance in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, officers remained dominated by nationals from a certain regional group. It urged all States to positively respond to the urgent need for timely and concerted protection of migrants and refugees. It was concerned about the shrinking space for public participation and respect for indigenous peoples’ rights. It also stressed the need to address violent extremism and for limiting global warming.
Nigeria regretted conflicts, instability, insurrection and suppression in some regions of the world, which had led to forced migration, internal displacement, refugees, incarceration and deaths, as well as the unfairness of the overall global trading system. The right to development was a shared responsibility whose recognition had to be assessed in the light of the growing inequality and poverty resulting from State policies and other exogenous factors, such as climate change, natural disasters, violent extremism, social unrest and deprivation.
Bolivia stressed the importance of the right to development as a fundamental human right for peoples and individuals. Bolivia was conducting its policies based on a comprehensive decent living strategy. There were many international barriers, including economic sabotage, which prevented the enjoyment of the right to development. The international economic order, including monetary and trade systems, ought to focus on the right to development. It was regrettable that some countries failed to acknowledge development as a human right.
Namibia remained steadfast on the implementation of the Declaration on the Right to Development. Reducing inequalities in and among countries would remain a dream as long as the Declaration was not implemented. Namibia believed that mainstreaming human rights, including the right to development, into all United Nations activities, was necessary. The existing mechanisms ought to be revisited and a new impetus given to putting the Declaration into practice.
Botswana said that there was no doubt that the death penalty needed to be implemented with caution. Whilst there was no international consensus on what constituted “most serious crimes”, it was clear that capital punishment had to be restricted to a very limited set of circumstances. The death penalty should not be applied to people with mental impairment, pregnant women and minors. States had the right to decide whether or not to retain the death penalty, and Botswana would retain it.
Republic of Korea was deeply concerned about the increasing attacks by terrorists and violent extremists around the world. Human rights dimensions ought to be integrated in global efforts to combat violent extremism. The Office of the Human Rights was encouraged to redouble its efforts to prioritize the protection of vulnerable people, such as children, persons with disabilities and indigenous women and girls.
Kenya noted that 30 years since the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, the desired goals had not been achieved due to poverty, conflicts, terrorism, inequality and discrimination. Effective development policies at the national level, as well as equitable economic relations and a favourable economic environment at the international level, were needed to implement the 2030 Agenda, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the Paris climate agreement.
Morocco reiterated its commitment to the right to development, which had to continue to be a priority for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The development outlook had to be integrated in combatting terrorism and extremism, and in the overall attainment of human rights. Combatting poverty and unemployment was the focus of the Government of Morocco’s policies.
Ecuador stated that the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Development required the concerted effort of all human rights mechanisms. It regretted the systematic opposition of certain developed countries to the implementation of the right to development. Unfortunately, current advances were insufficient in the face of the multidimensional poverty of millions of persons worldwide, which was due to the lack of political will and to an economic order that was non-democratic and unequal.
Belgium remained concerned that those few States which continued to apply the death penalty did so in ways that were incompatible with their obligations under international law. It further regretted that several States had adopted new laws on counter-terrorism providing for the death penalty for vaguely and broadly defined terrorism-related crimes. Belgium strongly encouraged States that no longer applied the death penalty to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Finland said that freedom of assembly and association, as well as freedom of speech and expression, enabled individuals to hold governments accountable. Concern was expressed about increasing attempts to limit the work of human rights defenders in many countries. Human rights defenders could be supported in concrete ways, but when silent diplomacy did not work, means of public diplomacy were also required.
Montenegro welcomed the report on the death penalty, and further welcomed certain countries’ abolition of the death penalty, regretting its reintroduction for terrorism-related crimes in other countries. The imposition of the death penalty was not a solution in the fight against terrorism or drug trafficking. There was a worrisome practice of juvenile executions in some countries.
Fiji expressed support for the work of the Working Group on the right to development and its mandate, adding that development should focus on eliminating all forms of poverty and addressing those in direst need. Fiji supported the ongoing review of the draft “right to development criteria and operational sub-criteria” to advance toward a legally binding instrument to make the right to development a reality for all.
Pakistan said that the United Nations Security Council in several resolutions had declared that the Kashmir issue had to be resolved. A non-governmental organization had confirmed the presence of unmarked mass graves, and there had been an extrajudicial killing of a young Kashmiri leader. Over 100 had recently lost their lives, and 700 people had been injured and blinded. The international community should take note of rampant human rights violations in Kashmir.
Brazil underscored the role of relevant human rights bodies in promoting the right to development. It should be recalled that the 2030 Agenda incorporated the right to development in its core. The 2030 Agenda placed people squarely at the centre of development, and would contribute to the eradication of poverty and decreasing of inequalities between and within countries.
Canada stated that inclusion was only arrived at consciously, and Canada was committed to foster the inclusion of the diverse peoples and communities that comprised it. Canada was deeply committed to renewing the relationship with indigenous peoples in Canada, based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. In order to prevent violent extremism, an inclusive approach based on tolerance had to be developed.
Libya reaffirmed the importance of the recommendations in the report of the Working Group on the right to development. Respecting human rights was necessary for ensuring equality. In order to strengthen capacities and ensure transfer of technologies, the right to development needed to be based on respect for human rights. Fostering development was necessary to help young people; developing countries ought to be helped through expertise and assistance.
Greece stressed its long-standing view on the importance, interdependence and indivisibility of both political and civil, and economic, social and cultural rights. Greece referred to the rights of persons in vulnerable situations, such as children, women, older persons, migrants and refugees, who faced serious challenges as well as all forms of discrimination on a daily basis.
Malaysia stated that 30 years after the adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development, discourse on that issue continued to be polarized and marred by political posturing, preventing the achievement of tangible results. Malaysia expressed grave concern over the fact that developing countries were among the most disadvantaged within the reality of politicization and belittlement of development benefits.
Iraq denied that its Ministry of Justice approved all death sentences, explaining that that was the prerogative of the President. It noted that the threat of terrorism was a major barrier to sustainable development in the country. Nevertheless, the Government had undertaken steps for the better protection of the economic empowerment of its citizens, notably of women.
Benin noted that the right to development was a fundamental right that had to be adopted in various economic, social and cultural fields, including the environment and climate. The specific needs of developing countries, especially of least developed countries, required particular attention. States had to focus on achieving sustainable development as an intergenerational and inter-social right.
Singapore said that ensuring citizens’ fundamental human right to safety and security was of paramount importance for the Government of Singapore as the country was situated in a region with major drug trafficking centres and burgeoning drug production and consumption. It used the death penalty to deter what it considered to be the most serious crimes in terms of their impact on society at large, such as drug trafficking and murder.
Haiti said that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was a compass for governments; it contained 17 goals for sustainable development. To reconcile the spirit of the Declaration on the Right to Development with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, States had to take a holistic approach based on non-discrimination, participation, inclusion and transparency.
Sudan welcomed the report of the Working Group on the right to development, noting that Sudan was carrying out a strategy based on a comprehensive development plan. As the world was embarking on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, countries subject to unilateral coercive measures saw their development efforts hampered. The Council was called on to consider the impact of unilateral coercive measures, especially those imposed by the United States on Sudan.
Ireland thanked the High Commissioner for the range of reports presented, especially welcoming the report on the mortality of children under the age of 5, which showed the value of a human rights-based approach to the issue. Ireland also welcomed the report on the question of the death penalty, expressing deep concerns that some States were still carrying out executions without ensuring certain standards.
Uganda expressed concern that even countries with longstanding commitments to international development had not fully embraced the concept of the right to development. The world now had a new opportunity with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was a blueprint for translating the right to development from a political commitment to a development practice.
Holy See expressed concern that some 783 million people still lacked access to safe drinking water and more than 2.5 billion did not have access to basic sanitation. In order to reach the ambitious objectives of the 2030 Agenda, the universal access to drinking water and sanitation as well as issues of quality and supply must be addressed. Advanced nations had a very heavy obligation to help developing peoples.
Iran said that the current report on the root causes, systemic issues and structural challenges in the realization of the right to development had been concentrated on a human rights-centred and not development-based approach. The realization of this right was necessary more than ever and the international community must demonstrate its unequivocal commitment and take concrete action in order to achieve common goals, including those in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Tunisia remarked that 30 years had passed since the Declaration on the Right to Development, which concerned all persons regardless of their nationality, language or religion. Still, development had not kept up with the rampant poverty. There was a need to go beyond the rhetoric and for all concerned to make additional efforts to adopt international policies which would heed the specific needs of all parties.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea said that the recent abduction of people by “South Korea” represented a serious violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. “South Korea” had sensationalized the incident as a defection from “North Korea”, but there was a need for the public to know the truth. “South Korea” must disclose all information about abductees and return them to their families who were worried sick about their daughters who were missing.
Sri Lanka reminded that the United Nations had recognized the right to development as an inalienable human right and had provided an alternative vision for development policy and global partnership to advance the three pillars of the United Nations system: human rights, development and peace and security. Stronger political will and consensus at all levels were an effective way forward to translate commitments towards concrete action.
United States said that political participation by everyone helped reduce extremism and violence because it gave an opportunity to realize their goals. It remained concerned about increased restrictions on human rights, namely where Governments impeded civil society activity. The United States affirmed the right of all people to participate in public life, and it was committed to take all actions to achieve that goal.
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