New High Commissioner for Human Rights addresses opening of the twenty-seventh session of the Human Rights Council

Human Rights Council  
MORNING/MIDDAY

8 September 2014

Council Holds General Debate on the Annual Report of the High Commissioner and Reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General
 
The Human Rights Council this morning opened its twenty-seventh regular session, hearing an update from the new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, on the activities of his Office and latest developments in human rights, followed by a general debate.
 
Baudelaire Ndong Ella, President of the Human Rights Council, welcomed Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein as the new High Commissioner for Human Rights and then presented the programme of work for the session, which he said would include interactive dialogues with 18 mandate holders, including the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in the Central African Republic. 
 
High Commissioner Zeid, in his opening statement, his first to the Council as High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that there was no justification ever, for the degrading, the debasing or the exploitation of other human beings, on whatever basis.  Yet today, the international news was still filled with the sobbing of victims, of the oppressed, of the poor alongside the remains and the ashes of the killed, and this remained a most pathetic stain on humanity’s record of achievement.  The United Nations itself was not beyond reproach and High Commissioner Zeid welcomed the upcoming New York meeting of ministers on 25 September to discuss the adoption of a code of conduct for permanent members of the Security Council regarding the use of veto in situations where atrocities were ongoing and where those facts were well-founded.  Exercising the veto for the sole purpose of blocking action by the Security Council, with no alternative course of action offered, and when people were suffering so grievously, was a form of cruelty, he said.
 
The High Commissioner went on to highlight the dramatic escalation of conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa regions and stressed that the immediate and urgent priority of the international community should be to halt the increasingly conjoined conflicts in Iraq and Syria.  The Israel-Palestine conflict was another example of the need to end persistent discrimination and impunity, the recurring violence and the destructive repetition of crises in Gaza.  Mr. Zaid also spoke about the situations in Libya, Ukraine, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka, and drew the attention of the Council to the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly, the sustainable development goals and the human rights of migrants around the world, which was a particular issue of concern to the Office.

In the general debate that followed, speakers warmly welcomed the new High Commissioner and paid tribute to Navi Pillay, the former High Commissioner, for her determination in finding the root causes of the perpetual stream of crises that destabilized the world and prevented too many people from enjoying human rights.  Speakers concurred with the clear priorities and sense of determination of the High Commissioner on issues ranging from addressing the most urgent challenges in Iraq and Syria, ensuring accountability for gross violations of human rights and combating impunity, as well as looking into the root causes of how such crises erupted.  The international community must discharge its responsibility to guarantee the right of Palestinians to self-determination and increase the cooperation and commitment to overcome the Ebola epidemic.  Delegations condemned atrocities perpetrated by the Islamic State in Iraq and Levant, as well as other acts of terrorism and attempts to associate terrorism with Islam. 
 
Speaking in the general debate were Egypt on behalf of the Like-minded Group of Countries, Viet Nam on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Morocco on behalf of the Francophone Group, Italy on behalf of the European Union, Iran on behalf of Non Aligned Movement, Pakistan on behalf of Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Costa Rica on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Ethiopia on behalf of the African Group, United Arab Emirates on behalf of the Arab Group, Kuwait on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, India, Montenegro, Ireland, Japan, United States, Namibia, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Austria, Gabon, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Chile, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Republic of Korea, Algeria, Mexico, Pakistan, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Argentina, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Cuba, Philippines, Russia, Romania, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Morocco, Republic of the Congo, Botswana, Kazakhstan, Benin, Qatar, Egypt, Netherlands, Norway, Turkey, Syria, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iceland, Israel, Portugal, Oman, Iran, Armenia, Mozambique, Jordan, Libya, Switzerland, Paraguay, Uruguay, Niger, Nepal, Serbia, Democratic People's Republic of Korea Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sudan, Rwanda, Holy See, Bahrain, Georgia, Ukraine, Belgium, Uganda, Council of Europe, Lebanon, Angola, Honduras, Ghana, Uzbekistan, Republic of Moldova, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan, Nigeria, Senegal, El Salvador, Canada, Tunisia, Spain and Australia.

Also speaking was the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and the following non-governmental organizations: Allied Rainbow Communities International, Human Rights House Foundation, International Service for Human Rights, International Federation for Human Rights, Centre for Reproductive Rights, United Nations Watch, CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, International Muslim Women Union, Verein Sudwind Entwicklingspolitik, Agence Internationale pour le Developpement, World Muslim Congress, Maarij Foundation for Peace and Development and Human Rights Watch.
 
The Council is holding a full day of meetings today.  At 4 p.m. this afternoon, the Council will hold a clustered interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons and the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery.
 
Opening Statements
 
BAUDELAIRE NDONG ELLA, President of the Human Rights Council, introduced the session by welcoming Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein as new High Commissioner for Human Rights.  He then presented the programme of work for this session, which would include interactive dialogues with 18 mandate holders, including the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in the Central African Republic.  During this session, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights would present an oral update on the human rights situation in Iraq under agenda item 2.  There would also be during this session eight panel discussions, an annual half day discussion and the nomination of seven Advisory Committee Members and seven Special Procedure mandate holders.  Finally, Mr. Ndong Ella condemned all acts of reprisals against persons who collaborated with United Nations human rights mechanisms and urged all States to prevent such acts. 
 
ZEID RA’AD AL HUSSEIN, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in his statement said that violence at the extreme was so callous, sickening and beyond the absurd, the human mind could barely edit into comprehensible thoughts what it saw.  No war was worse than another in that regard.  All wars, big and small, revealed factories spewing the same wickedness.   And yet, astonishingly, the authors of the crimes themselves and their supporting communities would always believe their actions were somehow necessary, even if they knew they were also wrong.  There was no justification ever, for the degrading, the debasing or the exploitation of other human beings, on whatever basis.  Yet today, the international news was still filled with the sobbing of victims, of the oppressed, of the poor alongside the remains and the ashes of the killed.  This remained a most pathetic stain on humanity’s record of achievement.  There was a need to persevere together until they bent the course of humanity’s future into a destination more hopeful and enlightened, in which human decency was the only currency of human interaction, and was valued above and beyond material wealth or cleverness alone.  The courageous individual was he or she who had nothing to wield but common sense, reasons and the law, and was prepared to forfeit future, family friends and even life in defense of others, or to end injustice.  In its most magnificent form, the courageous individual undertook this exertion, without ever threatening or taking the life of someone else, and certainly not someone defenseless.  They all had to be humble and while continuing to shorten their patience with those who discriminated against others, they should also lengthen their memories. 
 
High Commissioner Zeid said the United Nations itself was not beyond reproach.  It was very important to continue to strengthen the third pillar of the United Nations system and to that end, the Secretary-General’s ‘Rights Up Front’ initiative deserved the firmest support.  A ministerial-level meeting would be held in New York on 25 September on the need for a code of conduct to be adopted by the permanent members of the Security Council regarding the use of veto, in situations where atrocities were ongoing and where those facts were well-founded.  When the veto was exercised for the sole purpose of blocking action by the Security Council, with no alternative course of action offered, and when people were suffering so grievously, that was also a form of cruelty.
 
The High Commissioner said his first address to the Council took place at a time when conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa regions, in particular, were escalating dramatically.  The Council was reminded that widespread or systematic attacks on segments of the civilian population because of their ethnic background or religious beliefs may constitute a crime against humanity, for which those responsible must be held accountable.  From a human rights perspective, it was clear that the immediate and urgent priority of the international community should be to halt the increasingly conjoined conflicts in Iraq and Syria.  Another example of the need to end persistent discrimination and impunity was the Israel-Palestine conflict, with the recurring violence and destruction evident in the repetition of crises in Gaza.   Reference was also made to the situations in Libya, Ukraine, Central  African Republic, South Sudan,  Democratic Republic of the Congo,  Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka. 
 
Freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly were rights that enabled people to share ideas, form new thinking, and join together with others to claim their rights.  The High Commissioner echoed the Secretary-General’s condemnation of acts of reprisal against individuals by reason of their engagement with the United Nations.  A year from  now, the Sustainable Development Goals would replace the Millennium Development Goals.  They needed to aim not only for freedom from want, but equally freedom from fear.  The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had been particularly concerned by the human rights situation of migrants around the world.  It was emphasized that the detention of asylum seekers and migrants should only be applied as a last resort, in exceptional circumstances, for the shortest possible duration and according to procedural safeguards.  Human rights were not reserved for citizens only, or for people with visas.  A tendency to promote law enforcement and security paradigms at the expense of human rights frameworks dehumanized irregular migrants, enabled a climate of violence against them and further deprived them of the full protection of the law.  The extraordinary range and significance of the topics he had just outlined underscored the breadth of the Office’ mandate and the importance of the work done by its staff.  The Office would be open to dialogue with all stakeholders and within the limits of its resources, would extend every possible assistance to States to heighten their protection and promotion of human rights.   
 
General Debate on the Annual Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General
 
Egypt, speaking on behalf of the Like-minded Group of Countries, warmly welcomed the new High Commissioner, reaffirmed the commitment to engage in a positive, objective and constructive dialogue and called on his wisdom to ensure that all areas of the Office’s work received the same level of attention and resources.  This approach was crucial to ensure the balance between civil and political rights on one side and economic, social and cultural rights on the other, including the right to development, as well as between the components of monitoring and vigilance vis-à-vis genuine international cooperation in the field of the promotion and protection of human rights.
 
Viet Nam, speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, extended its support to the work of the High Commissioner and stressed that the realization of human rights should be considered in specific national and regional contexts, bearing in mind different historic, cultural, political, economic and religious backgrounds.  It was imperative for the High Commissioner and his Office to continue to ensure universality and non-selectivity in their work, and the elimination of double standards and politicization.  The Association of Southeast Asian Nations strongly condemned the downing of Malaysian Airline flight MH17 in Eastern Ukraine.
 
Morocco, speaking on behalf of the Francophone Group, said that it would spare no efforts to promote and protect human rights worldwide and paid tribute to Navi Pillay, the former High Commissioner, for her exemplary engagement, courage and honesty.  The Francophone Group welcomed the strategic partnership with the Office, formed over the course of the past few years, to protect human rights in French speaking countries, focused on the support to human rights instruments and mechanisms, human rights protection in conflict and in peacekeeping, and the promotion of diversity and the fight against all forms of discrimination.   
 
Italy, speaking on behalf of the European Union, reiterated the European Union’s full support for the work and independence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.  The European Union was alarmed about the situation in Iraq and condemned atrocities perpetrated by the Islamic State armed group.  The European Union condemned the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and demanded full respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.  It expressed its full support for the Office of the High Commissioner’s inquiry on human rights violations perpetrated in Sri Lanka, and expressed concerns over the situation in Libya.
 
Iran, speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, shared the High Commissioner’s concerns about acts of discrimination as well as violations perpetrated in the context of counter-terrorism.  The Non-Aligned Movement also condemned widespread and systematic violations perpetrated against Palestinians as a result of Israel’s military aggression.  It shared the High Commissioner’s concerns about atrocities perpetrated by the Islamic State armed group in Iraq.  The Non-Aligned Movement believed that the post-2015 development agenda should include the right to development and condemned attempts to impose values and cultures under the reasoning of the universality of human rights.
 
Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, reiterated the organization’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, illustrated by the establishment of an Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Independent Permanent Commission on Human Rights in 2011.  It condemned acts of terrorism as well as attempts to associate terrorism with Islam, and rejected the attempts to impose values and cultures under the reasoning of the universality of human rights.  The Organization of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemned the confiscation of lands in the Occupied Palestinian Territories by the Israeli authorities. 
 
Costa Rica, speaking on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, believed that the promotion and protection and effective enjoyment of all human rights without any discrimination had never been as necessary as it was today, bearing in mind the challenges faced which were broad and complex.  A genuine dialogue with all Governments and relative stakeholders was a key tool to improve the living conditions of all fellow citizens.  A desire was expressed to work together to make sure that economic, social and cultural rights truly came about.  The strengthening of literacy was a priority, as was general education for all persons. 
 
Ethiopia, speaking on behalf of the African Group, welcomed the determination of the High Commissioner to further strengthen highly constructive engagement with Member States on human rights issues, including in transparent and cross-regional gatherings in informal settings.  It was particularly grateful that the High Commissioner had highlighted the grave consequences of the Ebola outbreak on the human rights of so many people in several countries in West Africa.  The High Commissioner had also rightly pointed out the plight of migrants around the world.
 
United Arab Emirates, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, said that very many challenges had been faced in recent years in shoring up economic, social and cultural rights. The emergence of new concepts on sexual preferences had been noted.  This was alien to Arab  and other societies and there had to be respect for the principles that governed the lives of people.  There could not be an imposition of cultural values under the pretext of the universality of human rights.  At the same time, rights which were still far from being a reality included health, drinking water and education.  The Arab Group strongly condemned Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian and Arab territories. 
 
Kuwait, speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, welcomed the new High Commissioner and voiced appreciation to Ms. Pillay for everything she had done during her mandate.  This session of the Human Rights Council was taking place against a difficult situation in the Middle East, including on the human rights situation in Gaza where thousands had to leave their homes to protect themselves from Israeli attacks.  The Gulf Cooperation Council welcomed the attention in the update of the High Commissioner on the terrorist activities of the ISIL, the human rights situation in Syria and the situation of irregular migrants.
 
India said that the High Commissioner should always endeavour to ensure that his Office and the various mechanisms functioned in strict compliance with resolutions of the General Assembly and this Council.  Human rights violations in conflicts were issues of concern and should engage the attention of the Council but it was important not to dilute the attention and resources necessary for national capacity building through technical cooperation.
 
Montenegro shared the High Commissioner’s alarm at the growing humanitarian crises and large-scale human rights abuses in different parts of the world, and the risks facing vulnerable populations in conflict zones including in Syria, the Central African Republic and other countries.  Montenegro commended the Office for its work in many challenging environments to reduce the suffering of civilians in conflict and agreed on the need to focus on human rights concerns when negotiating the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals.
 
Ireland underlined the importance of the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and welcomed the High Commissioner’s remarks on the importance and value of civil society.  The Human Rights Council served as a platform where opinions were heard, and non-governmental organizations had to be permitted to fully participate to this dialogue.  Ireland also underlined the importance of the independence of the Office of the High Commissioner.
 
Japan said it would fully cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner.  Japan underlined the importance of addressing the root causes of crises to prevent human rights violations and abuses from erupting.  Japan also underlined the importance of a constructive engagement with civil society.  Japan was concerned about the ever-increasing trend of Human Rights Council mandates and mechanisms.  
 
United States welcomed former High Commissioner Navi Pillay’s engagement against violations on the ground of sexual orientation and gender identity and in favour of accountability in Sri Lanka.  The United States expressed great concerns about atrocities perpetrated by the  Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant as well as about the situation in South Sudan, and underlined the importance of the work of civil society.  
 
Namibia particularly appreciated the High Commissioner’s determination to find the root causes of the perpetual stream of crises that destabilized the world and prevented too many people from enjoying all human rights.  It was no secret that conflict prevention largely depended on political will.  Namibia remained concerned about the suffering of people under foreign occupation and thus shared the High Commissioner’s concern about the persistent discrimination in Palestine and called for more concrete action.
 
Venezuela welcomed the High Commissioner, wished him the best of success, and hoped that his Office would bear witness to a new era where human rights were truly respected, based on the principles of impartiality, objectivity and transparency.  Countries of the South were hoping to build a multi-polar world within a context of unity and diversity and  Venezuela cried out for a peaceful solution to conflicts that beset the world today. 
 
Saudi Arabia stressed the fact that it was proud of espousing the tolerant religion of Islam and was determined to promote human rights at all levels.  The call for the universality of human rights did not mean forcing principles and values that were in contradiction with its values and the tolerant religion of Islam.  Saudi Arabia called on the international community to show ample courage in the protection of the rights of the Palestinian people. 
 
South Africa shared the concern about ongoing human rights violations and said that the situation in Syria was of utmost concern and warranted proper response of the international community.  The nexus between the situation in Syria and Iraq must not be overlooked.  South Africa stressed that the international community must discharge its responsibility to guarantee the right of Palestinians to self-determination, and increase the cooperation and commitment to overcome the Ebola epidemic.
 
Austria said that since the creation of the Office of the High Commissioner, its tasks and resources had expanded and significant progress had been made in protecting human rights and investigating human rights abuses.  Austria was concerned about the fighting and sectarian violence in several Middle Eastern countries leading to serious human rights violations on a mass scale, persecutions of persons belonging to religious or other minorities and repression against human rights defenders in many parts of the world.
 
Gabon said the current emergency for the international community was to mobilize and put an end to deadly conflicts that threatened regional and global peace and security.  Gabon reiterated the appeal to strengthen the resources for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to enable him to address the many challenges, in particular violence and systematic human rights violations around the world.
 
Germany emphasized the importance of accountability as an important aspect within the overall task to promote human rights.  Germany supported efforts to integrate a human rights dimension within the debate on the sustainable development goals.  Germany referred to the situations in Iraq, Syria and Eastern Ukraine, and said it remained committed to propose initiatives on the right to privacy in the digital age.
 
France expressed concerns regarding the situations in Iraq, Syria, Ukraine, Central African Republic and Libya.  France believed that human rights could not be placed in any perspective and had to be put at the core of the United Nations’ action.  France insisted on the importance of the independence of the Office of the High Commissioner, and would work as a priority against the death penalty, discrimination and enforced disappearances.
 
United Kingdom remained extremely concerned about the human rights situations in Syria and South Sudan.  It condemned atrocities perpetrated by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, and remained concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where it called on all sides to secure a durable ceasefire.  The United Kingdom also continued to support calls for the Government of Sri Lanka to cooperate with the Council.
 
Indonesia said that its journey provided an invaluable lesson that democracy and human rights promotion and protection could only take root when the process was wholly owned by the people and for the people.  The recent parliamentary and presidential elections process and results testified to this.  Indonesia constantly advocated dialogue and technical cooperation at the international level, based on the consent of and the request from the concerned States.
 
Chile restated its unconditional support for the promotion and protection of human rights and emphasized that there had to be an appropriate action when there were flagrant and general violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.  Childe firmly condemned terrorism.  It also raised a warning flag about actions that generated new violations and abuses or reduced fundamental freedoms. 
 
Burkina Faso said the reports on human rights situations in some countries reminded of the need to work for peace throughout the world.  There were conflicts which were decimating populations and pushing many into exile.  Countries were urged towards alleviating the suffering of refugees.  Additionally, Ebola was now requiring the attention of the international community.
 
Sierra Leone said that protracted conflicts in Syria, the Central African Republic, Somalia and Gaza, as well as recent situations in Libya, South Sudan and Ukraine were revealing hostilities that could not be ignored.  Sierra Leone stressed that conflicts combined with terrorism made an explosive mixture and called attention to the unprecedented atrocities committed by ISIL.  Other terrorist groups such as Al Shabab and Boko Haram continued their terrorist activities with impunity.
 
Republic of Korea concurred with the clear priorities and sense of determination of the High Commissioner on issues ranging from addressing the most urgent challenges in Iraq and Syria, ensuring accountability for gross violations of human rights and combating impunity, as well as looking into the root causes of how such crises erupted.  Gender-based and sexual violence against women and children in armed conflict was still perpetrated and the  Republic of Korea stressed the importance of ending the culture of impunity and ensuring accountability.
 
Algeria said that a balance must be ensured between civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights, and that the right to development must be included in the post-2015 development agenda.  Algeria expressed concern about the situation in Gaza and said that the situation in the Western Sahara, and human rights violations there, warranted the attention of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
 
Mexico shared the High Commissioner’s views on human rights challenges and opportunities ahead, and shared in particular his concerns with regards to the situation of migrants.  Mexico also believed that it was essential to address the root causes of gross violations and crisis situations, such as discrimination and the lack of social inclusion, including through international and regional collaboration.  
 
Pakistan believed in a greater engagement and cooperation between the Office of the High Commissioner and States based on the principles of impartiality, transparency and constructive cooperation.  Pakistan deplored that severe violations occurred across the globe as a result of the indiscriminate use of force in the context of counter-terrorism, and deplored the recent brutal use of force against Palestinian civilians in Gaza. 
 
China said there were many new problems and challenges in the field of human rights.  The Office should further enhance its dialogue and cooperation with all parties concerned in effectively dealing with all challenges.  It should strictly abide by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.  In planning and implementing its work plan, it should treat on equal footing all categories of human rights, and respect the right of all countries to freely choose their path of development and protection of human rights. 
 
Côte d’Ivoire remained confident that given the priorities declared by the High Commissioner, the Council would continue to be firmly committed to the elimination of all forms of human rights violations around the world, and to work usefully to address and prevent in an efficient manner the effects of the crises on the populations that had become vulnerable. 
 
Argentina thanked the High Commissioner for having shared the priorities and actions to be undertaken under his mandate.  It shared concern as to the grave deterioration of human rights situations described.  The protection of civilian populations in times of conflict should be a priority on the agenda.  It was clear that the universal system of the protection of human rights had to improve to tackle challenges preventing the full enjoyment of human rights. 
 
Maldives believed that institutional frameworks were not sufficient to promote human rights; what was needed was cultivating values and norms for the respect of human rights within communities.  Maldives condemned in the strongest terms the human rights violations committed by Israel in Gaza, called on the international community to find a sustainable solution to the conflict and violence in Syria, and decried the atrocities committed by ISIL.
 
United Arab Emirates said that human rights situations were deteriorating in many countries and called for an end to the occupation of Palestine by Israel.  The situation of migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates had improved over the last several years thanks to the legislation in place and the cooperation with countries of origin.  In closing, the United Arab Emirates reiterated its commitment to work with the High Commissioner and provide resources.
 
Brazil said that the promotion of the equitable realization of all human rights for all remained a priority for Brazil which required dedication to the situation of groups particularly vulnerable to violations or suffering various forms of discrimination.  This meant better understanding and addressing the root causes of risks to right holders and measures that actively promoted the prevention of violations and abuses.  Brazil had promoted a number of initiatives in this Council which involved minorities, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, human rights defenders and others.
 
Cuba said for the first time the Human Rights Council was welcoming as High Commissioner a representative of Asia and of the Arab Muslim people.  High Commissioner Zeid would face sizeable challenges during his mandate, said Cuba, pledging its support to him.  Cuba hoped Mr. Zeid would especially focus on combating racism and xenophobia, and in particular the rights of people of African descent, of Muslims and of migrant workers and their families, as well as the right to development. 
 
Philippines also welcomed the first Asian, Muslim and Arab to hold the position of High Commissioner, recognizing the many challenges he faced.  Mr. Zeid’s wide experience as a diplomat and with a wide range of stakeholders would ensure he was up to the task.  The Philippines noted the reports issued by the Office of the High Commissioner, especially on streamlining the right to development in the United Nations system and putting it at the centre of the sustainable development goals. 
 
Russia said it shared the High Commissioner’s views about violations of economic, social and cultural rights in Ukraine, and hoped the protocol signed in Minsk would improve the situation.  Russia continued to provide humanitarian assistance and care to Ukrainian refugees on its territory, and hoped Kiev would also cooperate to restore peace and human rights in south-east Ukraine.  The international community should focus its efforts in Syria and Iraq on tackling the horrific, inhumane and barbaric crimes of terrorists such as the Islamic State.
 
Romania said that tragically, appalling violations of human rights in some parts of the world were worsening by the alarming spread of new crises of a different nature.  All knew that no conflicts would happen if international law, including human rights law, was abided to by all members of the international community.  Romania strongly supported the call to a three-step approach to the current crisis situations around the globe: halting the conflicts, ensuring accountability and looking into their causes.
 
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia shared the opinion that they were at a very important juncture in the development of human rights around the globe.  It shared concerns about the increased number of acts of violence on the basis of religion and belief, and agreed on the need to tackle manifestations of collective religious hatred and collective hysteria against religious minorities in some regions of the world.  Impunity stayed as one of the main concerns worldwide.
 
Morocco said that due to the large scale security threats, particularly from terrorism, the increase in racist and xenophobic discourse and acts, and the multiplication of crises, it was vital that the Office develop its anticipatory structures through practical tools such as early warning.  The situation in the Middle East was of great concern, given the gravity and scale of the negative impact of crises on human rights.  On the African continent, the Ebola epidemic had a negative impact on peace, security and the enjoyment of human rights. 
 
Republic of Congo noted that its President Denis Sassou Nguesso currently held the Presidency of the International Contact Group, and asked the Council to support him in his conflict mediation efforts to find peace.  Africa was currently stricken by an extremely grave virus – Ebola – which was causing death and devastation in many countries.  Rather than stigmatizing those countries, the international community should show greater solidarity via providing effective treatment and support to victims, and more widely assistance to African countries in achieving the right to health. 
 
Botswana said the Syrian conflict had already claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, and more than half the Syrian population had fled their homes.  The Council’s measures to address the situation in Iraq were commendable, but it must also continue to tackle the situation in Syria, especially in view of the barbaric crimes of ISIL.  Botswana asked the Council to assist the Central African Republic in establishing peace, Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram, and all concerned countries in tackling the Ebola outbreak. 
 
Kazakhstan congratulated High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on his appointment, saying that his vast professional experience and comprehensive devotion to the promotion and protection of human rights would help the United Nations to implement its goals as well as the aspirations of people in need.  The Human Rights Council was a much-needed human rights body, and Kazakhstan commended its ability to take action in a timely manner.  Kazakhstan also highlighted its bid for non-permanent membership in the Security Council for 2017 to 2018.
 
Benin said the presentation of the annual report of the High Commissioner offered an opportunity to take stock of human rights situations around the world.  Efforts had to be united through concrete consensual actions to promote peace, security, human rights and freedoms, as well  as promoting dialogues between populations throughout countries, regions and the world.  Benin reiterated its commitment to guarantee peace and participate in all activities to promote and protect human rights.
 
Qatar said that the High Commissioner had touched upon the increasing and unfolding conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa.  The international community was called upon to find a solution and to hold accountable all perpetrators of violations of human rights.  It condemned in the strongest terms the latest Israeli aggression against the Gaza strip and its continued settlement policy.  Qatar underlined the importance of concentrating on linking sustainable development goals with a human rights perspective. 
 
Egypt shared the High Commissioner’s view and deep concern on the unfolding developments in Iraq and Libya, and agreed that all violations against the Palestinian people had to be addressed.  Egypt thanked the High Commissioner for addressing a number of high priority issues in terms of human rights.  It also shared the idea that the Universal Periodic Review was an unprecedented mechanism that ensured a continuous review of human rights around the world.
 
Netherlands said it was confident the new High Commissioner would lead his Office in a strong, visionary and independent way, highlighting the unique mandate of his Office to promote and protect human rights for everybody, everywhere.  The Netherlands attached great value to the work of the Office, the High Commissioner, the Council, the Special Procedures and the Treaty Bodies and had recently contributed €7.5 million to support the Office in its important work, in a multi-year funding arrangement. 
 
Norway shared the High Commissioner’s view that the immediate priority was to halt the increasingly conjoined conflicts in Iraq and Syria, and subsequent intolerable human rights violations.  The Council also had to address increasing pressure and reprisals on the brave people defending human rights around the world, and new laws restricting freedom of expression and civil society.  A major task for States and the High Commissioner was to substantially strengthen the OHCHR budget, as well as to get more out of existing resources.
 
Turkey said the Assad regime continued to contribute to the oppression of the aspirations of the Syrian people, including by the use of aerial bombardment and even chemical weapons.  The perpetrators must be brought to justice and the Geneva communiqué must be implemented.  Turkey also called on the Council to support the Commission of Inquiry on Gaza, formed as a result of the resolution adopted following the recent Special Session on Gaza.  Turkey  emphasized the need to tackle racism in all of its forms.
 
Syria said that the High Commissioner had a very difficult responsibility and there was  a legacy left to him on dealing with the Syrian crisis, led by certain well-known States, based on politicized solutions which had characterized the Commission of Inquiry.  Syria called upon the High Commissioner to take some distance from the politicization of this issue.  The right approach to face up to the crisis and its ramifications was to determine the true reasons behind the conflict and move away from a selective approach.   
 
Iraq said it had just proven once again, through the democratic process leading to recent elections, the extent to which it respected the principles of human rights and ensured a peaceful transition of power.  This success demonstrated Iraq’s commitment to have a successful democratic process when faced by terrorist attacks.  The Government was fully committed to re-establishing peace, security, and the rule of law in those regions facing systematic attacks from the Islamic State. 
 
Sri Lanka reiterated its categorical rejection of resolution 25/21 and its call for a comprehensive investigation by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.  Notwithstanding, Sri Lanka continued its own domestic process of reconciliation.  However, even as it persevered on the sensitive path of reconciliation, it was unfortunate that a few countries, fuelled by externally motivated agendas and political and electoral compulsions, refused to acknowledge this and persisted in heaping negative attention.
 
Thailand said the High Commissioner’s commitment to reach out to all stakeholders and to strengthen national human rights capacities and infrastructures was an important approach given the challenges of unrest in many parts of the world, as well as in finalizing the post 2015 development agenda.  All countries had human rights challenges, and for many, including Thailand, it was not a matter of policy but of capacity and implementation gaps.  That was why Thailand would this session co-sponsor a resolution on technical cooperation to support inclusive and participatory development at the national level. 
 
Iceland said now as ever the world needed the strong and independent voice of the High Commissioner to denounce atrocities and abuses and to mobilize the international community.  Three priority areas were outlined: gender equality and women’s rights must be further promoted by integrating a gender perspective into all human rights efforts.  Second, the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, who continued to face intolerable discrimination around the world.  Third, the defence of the rights of children, one of the most vulnerable groups to abuses and exploitation.
 
Israel hoped the High Commissioner would work to end the institutional bias against Israel, as demonstrated by the recent seventh special session on Gaza, and the 56 resolutions adopted on Israel: one third of all special sessions and over 50 per cent of all country-specific resolutions adopted by the Council concerned Israel.  The Council could not allow one country to protect itself against terror and condemn another for doing just that – it was double-standards.  All acts of terrorism, whether in Iraq, in Nigeria or in Gaza, should be condemned, and the human rights of all, including Israelis, should be protected.
 
Portugal was committed to support a strong, independent and effective United Nations human rights system.  Portugal considered economic, social and cultural rights a priority, and was confident that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights would positively influence the post-2015 agenda to include a human rights-based approach.  Portugal recalled the dire situation of refugees and internally displaced persons throughout the world.
 
Oman underlined the importance of addressing the main humanitarian concerns worldwide, and in particular the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  The reprehensible military attack on Gaza recently had left destruction and death and did not reflect a real desire by Israel for a peaceful solution.  Oman was committed to ensure economic growth and social integration, as well as freedom of opinion and association. 
 
Iran said the recent strikes on Gaza by the military machinery of the Israeli regime had created an unprecedented horrific human tragedy for more than 48 days.  What had occurred in the Palestinian occupied territories, in particular in Gaza, during the past six decades met all criteria to be called a genocide, a war crime, ethnic cleaning, and a crime against humanity.  Iran strongly deplored all forms of exclusion, stigmatization, prejudice, intolerance, discrimination and violence directed against migrants.
 
Armenia said it shared the High Commissioner’s concerns about the conflict in Syria which had a major impact on Armenians, as tens of thousands of Armenians had been forced to leave their homes in Kessab, a Syrian city where they lived.  Armenia was concerned by the massive human rights atrocities committed in Iraq, particularly against Christian populations.  The historical tragedy Armenia had lived through made it especially conscious of the need to mobilize all efforts to avert such a catastrophe happening again. 
 
Mozambique pledged to give the High Commissioner its fullest support and paid tribute to his predecessor Navi Pillay, who had left a remarkable legacy in the field of human rights.  Mozambique was aware of the daunting challenges he faced, one of which was the implementation of the recommendations on the strengthening of the human rights treaty bodies, which played a crucial role in monitoring progress made and challenges faced by Member States in fulfilling their obligations under the international human rights treaties.
 
Jordan congratulated High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on his appointment, and assured him and his Office of its full support.  The latest Israeli aggression in Gaza constituted a gross violation of international human rights and humanitarian law.  Jordan condemned the illegal and illegitimate policy of Israel regarding the blockade, the confiscation of Palestinian territories and in other areas.   The humanitarian crisis of people inside and outside of Syria was a major concern to Jordan.  The Council must also address the perverted ideologies of certain terrorist groups.
 
Libya appreciated the support provided to it by the United Nations human rights mechanisms since the revolution.  Investigations on human rights violations during the revolution in Libya were underway.  Libya hoped it would benefit from technical assistance to address the challenges it still faced. 
 
Switzerland greatly valued the work of the treaty bodies and Special Procedures and underlined the necessity to ensure the follow-up of their recommendations.  Switzerland also supported the “Rights Up Front” initiative, and shared the concerns of the High Commissioner over the situations in Iraq, Ukraine, Syria, Israel and South Sudan.  Switzerland finally supported the call from the High Commissioner to stop reprisals against human rights defenders. 
 
Paraguay said that human rights violations were both causes and consequences of conflicts.  The High Commissioner needed to pay the utmost attention to the most vulnerable groups, and needed to continue efforts to promote and protect the rights of women.  Paraguay would continue to advocate for the rights of migrants and to work for the development of human rights indicators. 
 
Uruguay said it particularly agreed with the High Commissioner’s preventative approach, to analyse the patterns of human rights violations and what caused them.  Uruguay said the High Commissioner must lead States in clearly condemning reprisals against human rights defenders, including those cooperating with this Council.  It referred to an Uruguay-Colombia joint initiative to analyse violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, another priority area.
 
Niger welcomed the High Commissioner’s clear desire to tackle the different aspects of human rights violations, particularly those suffered by women and children in conflict zones, and spoke of its concern about crises in countries including the Central African Republic, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, Iraq and Ukraine.  The Ebola epidemic had caused more than 2,000 victims, and Niger endorsed the High Commissioner’s call for the Council to support the response. 
 
Nepal said following the peace process that started in 2006 Nepal had taken a wide range of measures to advance human rights, including by being party to 24 human rights instruments and other constitutional, legislative and judicial reforms.  Nepal was committed to move ahead with the establishment of the Transitional Justice Mechanism, in line with its international obligations and as dictated by domestic realities in view of the fact  that it was a crucial part of the larger peace process. 
 
Serbia said that within the policy of reconciliation in the Western Balkans, the Declaration on Missing Persons had recently been signed, and that one of the remaining challenges for the region remained the safe return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes.  As Chairman for 2015, Serbia would strive to strengthen the implementation process of all human rights commitments made by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. 
 
Democratic People's Republic of Korea expressed reservations to the reference made to it by the High Commissioner.  The Democratic People's Republic of Korea categorically rejected the report of the Commission of Inquiry, which was politically motivated and had no relevance to the promotion and protection of genuine human rights.  The Republic of Korea should mind its own business before criticizing the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
 
Bangladesh underlined the importance of cooperating with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and shared the concerns of the High Commissioner about continued human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, as well as about violations of the right to freedom of religion.  Bangladesh also underlined the importance of addressing the violations of the rights of migrants. 
 
Malaysia pledged its commitment to work constructively with the new High Commissioner, whose appointment took place at a time when conflicts in the Middle East and Africa were escalating disproportionately.  Malaysia condemned the continued illegal occupation of Palestine, and commented that Israel remained stubbornly deaf to the appeals of the international community.  The terrible violence in Syria was a major concern, and the international community had to consider how to bring about lasting peace in the Middle East. 
 
Sudan pledged its commitment and support to the new High Commissioner and the Council, and expressed satisfaction at his determination to create a strong international environment to enable successful sustainable development goals.  The right to development was a vital part of the sustainable development goals, and Sudan regretted the trend of States, including the United States, to unilaterally hinder that right, and the social and economic development of certain countries. 
 
Rwanda supported the High Commissioner’s commitment to supporting human rights defenders, especially Captain Mbaye Diagne of Senegal, who in 2010 received Rwanda’s top medal for his bravery and courageous actions during the Rwandan genocide.  The High Commissioner was determined to strengthen engagement with Member States and ensure accountability for gross human rights violations, and Rwanda wholeheartedly commended him for that. 
 
Holy See said that the High Commissioner’s opening remarks underscored the wide array of human rights violations and added that the international community must act to remove the root causes of such human rights abuses.  The right of citizenship was not systematically applied by all States and there was a fear that this would create obstacles to the return of displaced persons in some areas of the world. 
 
Bahrain reiterated its commitment to continue working with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and said it shared the concern about the situation in Syria where the regime continued with human rights violations.  The international community must shoulder its responsibilities, implement various resolutions and bring the bloodshed to an end.  In Syria, systematic violations of human rights were occurring as well as crimes against humanity.
 
Georgia congratulated High Commissioner Zeid on his appointment and said that expectations from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights were very high in those challenging times.  Georgia expressed concern about the situation in Ukraine and stressed the crucial role of the Office in monitoring human rights violations there.  Georgia was also suffering as a result of the Russian occupation and hoped that the Office would play a role in the processes concerning the occupied parts of Georgia.
 
Ukraine welcomed the work of the United Nations Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.  The safety and security of citizens in Ukraine was a key point, and Ukraine hoped that the agreements recently reached in Minsk would be strictly observed by all parties.  Ukraine had drafted an Action Plan which aimed at stopping the aggression of the Russian Federation and resuming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
 
Belgium said that the good functioning of the Council was linked to the independent work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.  Belgium shared the High Commissioner’s analysis with regard to the death penalty, the situation of vulnerable groups and the rights of women.  Tackling impunity, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was of great importance. 
 
Uganda said that the conflicts in Africa, the Middle East and Europe had caused immense human suffering.   The current suffering caused by the Ebola virus was alarming, and was increasing due to the lack of infrastructure.  Cases of Ebola outbreaks had occurred in Uganda in the recent past and Uganda had managed to handle these outbreaks successfully before the situation could spiral out of control.  Uganda looked forward to this session of the Human Rights Council and to all States being able to express views without discrimination. 
 
Council of Europe said an essential way to protect human rights was by providing best means and practices to deal with individual complaints, something of high importance for the European human rights system.  All States should establish through legislation domestic capacity for individuals to make complaints.  The Council of Europe worked to provide human rights training to legal and judicial professionals and its standards worked to enhance people’s confidence in their judicial systems.
 
Lebanon said the Palestinian issue for some 60 years had been an open wound.  The people of Gaza suffered enormously from the Israeli attacks – the occupying power had no respect for basic human rights.  Iraq suffered from systematic and atrocious crimes commensurate with crimes against humanity perpetrated by the Islamic State.  Lebanon faced the threat of the Islamic State on its own territory, a danger exacerbated by the challenges it already faced in supporting the huge amount of Syrian refugees in the country.
 
Angola welcomed the High Commissioner’s commitment to work with States to tackle the unbearable situations seen today.  Dialogue and consultation were the only way to solve the dangerous situations seen worldwide, as they could take account of the profound root causes before the crises.  Angola urged the international community and the United Nations to assume their responsibilities to maintain international security and keep the peace. 
 
Honduras welcomed the new High Commissioner and hoped he would be able to face the challenges of human rights, such as the chronic situations across the world, but also emergencies.  Honduras shared the High Commissioner’s concern regarding the situation of migrant children and recognized that the work of the High Commissioner particularly on the ground had a major preventive role. 
 
Ghana hoped that the new High Commissioner would follow in the steps of his remarkable predecessor, Navi Pillay and reiterated Ghana’s commitment to working with his Office.  Ghana thanked the High Commissioner for highlighting the Ebola epidemic that was ravaging West Africa and reiterated the call of the Economic Community of West African States to the international community to increase cooperation to tackle the disease.
 
Uzbekistan was convinced that the High Commissioner would be able to implement his mandate in an independent and impartial manner and promote universal peace and development on the basis of democracy and the rule of law.  Uzbekistan placed great importance on cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and believed that human rights were a unifying factor for the world.  The Office should reflect its work and mandate in a balanced manner in different regions of the world.
 
Republic of Moldova supported the swift reaction towards the de-escalation of rising situations through the operations of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Monitoring Missions.  The Republic of Moldova insisted on the importance of following-up the implementation of recommendations by the treaty bodies and Special Procedures and echoed the High Commissioner’s call for ensuring space and conditions for the constructive engagement of civil society. 
 
Guinea welcomed the remarks by the High Commissioner and took particular note of the attention he would give to the sustainable development goals and the right to development.  Guinea welcomed the role played by the Office of the High Commissioner in Guinea and expressed its commitment to collaborate with United Nations human rights mechanisms.  It also called on the international community to further support the combat against the Ebola virus. 
 
Equatorial Guinea said that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had been given a unique mandate to promote and protect human rights since the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Plan of Action.  Equatorial Guinea fully supported the work of the Office of the High Commissioner, and believed that this work should be transparent, not politicized and avoid double standard in order to fully realize human rights and peacekeeping. 
 
South Sudan applauded the High Commissioner for his opening statement, especially focusing on country situations and thematic issues.  South Sudan highlighted the severe consequences of the Ebola outbreak on political, social and economic human rights in the region concerned and urged the Council to give all assistance it could to eradicate the epidemic. 
 
Nigeria was encouraged by the High Commissioner’s description of human rights defenders as courageous people and his work to prevent violence, poverty and end impunity.  Nigeria was devoted to the promotion and protection of the human rights of all persons in Nigeria and all peoples everywhere.  Nigeria suffered from terrorism, as highlighted by the High Commissioner, but was confident it would defeat Boko Haram. 
 
Senegal welcomed the new High Commissioner and pledged its support to him.  It also commended the remarkable work carried out by former High Commissioner Navi Pillay.  Senegal spoke about the urgency and severity of the challenges faced in many pockets of tension across the world, particularly Central Africa, Ukraine, the Middle East and the Ebola epidemic in West Africa.  
 
El Salvador welcomed the focus the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights would provide on all human rights without selectivity and on eradicating all forms of discrimination.  Issues of immediate priority included armed conflict and terrorism, protecting and safeguarding religious groups subjected to violence in Iraq, and putting an end to recurring violence in Gaza.  Addressing the humanitarian crises of unaccompanied minor children required countries of origin, transit and destination to take their responsibility.
 
Canada noted that the High Commissioner must wrestle with highly complex issues impacting on the realization of human rights, such as the three-year long conflict in Syria, the terror of ISIL and Boko Haram, and the situation in Ukraine.  The Council was created to strengthen the faith in human rights and must ensure that balance and independence remained on the forefront; it must be a forum to build cooperation on key issues, as it had done on early and child marriages or when it mandated Commissions of Inquiry on Syria and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
 
Tunisia affirmed its commitment to making the transitional period a success in a manner that achieved the aspirations of all Tunisians.  Tunisia thanked the High Commissioner for his update and called upon the High Commissioner and the Human Rights Council to further work on the rights of migrant workers, and particularly irregular migrants who became victims of trafficking in persons.  Focus should also be given to the situation in Gaza and the systematic violation of human rights by Israel.
 
Spain deplored the grave challenges faced today by the international community, and condemned abuses and atrocities perpetrated by armed groups and States.  Spain was concerned about violations against women and girls, including forced marriage, and violations on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.  Spain reiterated its commitment to fully collaborate with the Office of the High Commissioner and encouraged all States to do so. 
 
Australia shared the grave concerns highlighted by the High Commissioner on the ongoing deterioration of the human rights situations in Iraq and Syria, and supported the Council’s request for the Office to send an investigation mission to Iraq.  Australia considered that the issue of irregular migration and asylum seekers taking dangerous boat journeys was complex with no easy answer, and should be addressed through regional cooperation. 
 
International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC) said that national human rights institutions (NHRIs), their regional networks and the ICC had long enjoyed a unique relationship with former High Commissioners and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.  As the High Commissioner embarked on his new mandate, it would be grateful for his views on the Office’s future work on NHRIs, the ICC and their regional networks.
 
Allied Rainbow Communities International welcomed the High Commissioner’s affirmation of the priorities of the Office, including measures to address discrimination and attacks motivated by stereotypes and hatred of many kinds.  It commended the work of the Office in calling for an end to human rights violations against all persons, including those who faced violence, discrimination stigma and abuse because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or intersex status. 
 
Human Rights House Foundation said the High Commissioner was a critical voice to hold human rights above political interests.  A worrisome trend was being seen in the Office: the neglect of human rights violations in Europe.  The Foundation strongly welcomed the work done by the Office since April in Ukraine.  The Office needed to seriously review the tasks, mandates and priorities of its field presence.  It should be a key support for human rights defenders and on their side to protect them.
 
International Service for Human Rights agreed that all must be done to protect and celebrate human rights defenders, particularly as they were subjected to attacks and reprisals in many countries.  In some States, anti-terrorist legislation was used to abuse the rights of human rights defenders.  States had an obligation and practical interest to create a safe and enabling environment in which civil society and human rights defenders could carry out their work free from interference.
 
International Federation for Human Rights welcomed the High Commissioner’s principled approach to the human rights crises that tarnished the world’s collective conscience and said that every effort must be made to ensure accountability for violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law in Iraq and Syria.  Tangible and effective accountability for gross violations and abuses was a vital necessity also in Ukraine and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
 
Centre for Reproductive Rights said that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had played a lead role in advancing the collective understanding of women’s rights and what States must do to prevent their violations.  One such case was the study on maternal mortality and morbidity which provided States with the necessary tools to address it. 
 
United Nations Watch welcomed that the High Commissioner had raised country situations such as the ones in Iraq, Syria and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.  United Nations Watch strongly condemned the summary executions perpetrated by Hamas in Gaza, as well as their use of human shields, the misappropriation of humanitarian aid, the placement of rockets in schools, the use of child soldiers and incitement to genocide, and called on delegations to condemn Hamas as well.
 
Civicus welcomed the High Commissioner’s strong pledge and support for civil society organizations, which must not be impeded in performing their functions.  Civicus was deeply concerned about the increasing crackdown on pro-democracy activists around the world, including in Bahrain, and about the rise of extremism and right wing movements which had led to attacks on women’s rights and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual activists. 
 
Cairo institute for Human Rights Studies said that this was a critical and perilous time for the human rights movements in the Arab world, characterized by increasing restrictions and repressions of rights defenders.  The humanitarian and human rights catastrophes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Syria, Iraq, and Libya were the bi-product of decades of brutal repression and unchecked corruption carried out by State institutions. 
 
International Muslim Women’s Union said that despite the advances in combating impunity and ensuring accountability at national and international levels, there were still far too many people with command responsibility who escaped justice for serious crimes and gross human rights violations.  Human rights were universal.  Any partiality and selectivity would further worsen human rights situations.  
 
Verein Sudwind Entwicklungspolitik said the presence of a High Commissioner highly experienced on humanitarian and human rights activities, who himself was from the region, could certainly play an important role in the de-escalation of ethnic and religious conflicts that were going on in the Middle East and North Africa.  It was hoped that the High Commissioner would achieve more than his predecessors on realizing all human rights for all by the end of his mandate.
 
Agence Internationale pour le Developpement shared the concerns highlighted in the report.  Still, there was much work to be done to ensure accountability for the actions and deeds that facilitated human rights violations.  The mandate included preventing human rights violations and securing respect of human rights for all.  There was a need to focus on the situations where territories were under foreign occupation.
 
World Muslim Congress welcomed the agenda the High Commissioner had laid for this Council and States parties in the implementation of universally agreed human rights standards.  The partiality and selectivity of the Council and the non-implementation of the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review had led to the worsening of human rights in many situations around the globe, including in Jammu and Kashmir.
 
Maarij Foundation for Peace and Development referred to the specific challenges posed by conflict situations and called on the Council to deepen the work for including more sustained efforts to pursue accountability of perpetrators and redress suffering of victims.  The international community must become more efficient in its peace keeping efforts which could only happen with adequate resources and support.
 
Human Rights Watch said that one of the major challenges for the new High Commissioner would be to ensure that the United Nations as a whole, including the Human Rights Council, did not let the victims of abuse down as it had in Sri Lanka.  One of the key obstacles preventing the Council from addressing critical situations of abuse was the double standards of its members and that was why preserving the independence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was crucial.  
 
 _________

For use of the information media; not an official record