Human Rights Council concludes its High-Level Segment

Human Rights Council 
MORNING/MIDDAY

2 March 2016 

Hears Statements from 29 Dignitaries

The Human Rights Council today concluded its High-Level Segment after hearing statements from 29 dignitaries.  

Lundeg Purevsuren, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, said that during its membership in the Human Rights Council, Mongolia would focus on issues including gender equality, abolishing the death penalty, and promoting freedom of opinion and expression.

Heraldo Muñoz, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Chile, said that his country’s priorities during its Council membership would be to protect the rights of discriminated persons, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, women, children and adolescents, migrants, persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples. 

Witold Waszczykowski, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, expressed particular concern about the increasing discrimination and persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in many countries of the world, as freedom of religion or belief was one of the basic human rights and needed to be protected worldwide. 

Carlos Raul Morales Moscoso, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, said that in his country in 2015, people had come out to the streets to demonstrate their indignation against corruption, a movement which led to unprecedented activities in the country towards strengthening the rule of law.

Alexis Thambwe-Mwamba, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said that in his country, a campaign had recently started to make all persons aware of their rights, adding that the fight against impunity had moved beyond lip service; no one was above the law. 

Okello Henry Oryem, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Uganda, warned that ongoing conflicts remained a major cause of human rights violations, adding that those who had the means to do so had to muster the courage to address those challenges. 

Maria Angela Holguín, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, underlined that an important mandate of the Council was to act as a catalyst for legislative changes at the national level. 

Delcy Rodriguez Gomes, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, said that the Arab Spring had become a paradigm for oil multinationals to strengthen their influence, and explained that her country had achieved great progress despite attacks on the national economy, the financial crisis and the reduction of oil prices.

Khalifa Gassama Diaby, Minister of National Unity and Citizenship of Guinea, warned that taking away from States and breaching their sovereignty would make them unable to defend human rights and would leave them powerless.  It would deprive them of the ability to provide for the economic and social needs of their citizens. 

Yun Byung-Se, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, said that the international community had in its midst “a human rights black hole, namely North Korea”, and that it should accept the responsibility to protect “North Korean citizens”. 

Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, said that the lack of inclusion, economic opportunity and education, and the stifling of voices, discrimination and marginalization of minorities were some elements which had perpetuated a tragically violent narrative of the times.

Also speaking were Mohamed Gibril Sesay, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone; Evan P. Garcia, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines; Alexei Volkov, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan; Ádám Zoltán Kovács, Deputy State Secretary for International Cooperation of Hungary; Virasakdi Futrakul, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand; Philip Ruddock, Special Envoy for Human Rights of Australia; Masakazu Hamachi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan; Juan Carlos Alurralde, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Plurinational State of Bolivia; Antony Blinken, Deputy Secretary of State of the United States; Benedetto Della Vedova, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy; Hassan A. M. Alsghayr, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Libya; Abdulla Faisal Al-Doseri, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain; Xavier Torres, Vice President of the National Council for Equality for Persons with Disabilities of Ecuador; Ignacio Ybáñez, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Spain, Mbarka Bouaida, Minister Delegate to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Morocco; Roksanda Ninčić, State Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Serbia; Pédro Núñez Mosquera, Director-General of Multilateral Affairs and International Law Division in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Cuba; and Laila Bahaa El Din, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt. 

The following States spoke in right of reply: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Venezuela, Chile, Myanmar, Egypt, China, Iran, Albania, Japan, Republic of Korea, Serbia and the Russian Federation. 


The Council is holding a full day of meetings today.  At 4 p.m., it will start its general segment. 


High-Level Segment

LUNDEG PUREVSUREN, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, stated that his country had made an enduring commitment to human rights when it embarked on the path of democracy 25 years ago and when in 1992 it had adopted its first democratic constitution.  Mongolia had been the only country to adopt at the national level a ninth Millennium Development Goal on strengthening human rights, fostering democratic governance and promoting zero tolerance to corruption.  In 2012 it had started a comprehensive legal reform to ensure the full protection of human rights, including the rights to justice and due process of law.  The legal reform had culminated in the comprehensive revision of the Criminal Code and the Administrative Code in 2015.  Mongolia had abolished the death penalty in law with the adoption of the revised Criminal Code.  The abolition of the death penalty helped Mongolia ensure human rights and freedoms.  The revised Criminal Code’s definition of torture was brought into conformity with Article 1 of the Convention against Torture.  Furthermore, the revised Criminal Code criminalized domestic violence, discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, forced child labour and corporal punishment of children.  It also decriminalized the acts of libel and defamation.  During its membership in the Human Rights Council, Mongolia would focus on the following issues: gender equality, protecting the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities, fighting human trafficking, fighting racial and gender discrimination, abolishing the death penalty, promoting freedom of opinion and expression, and promoting freedom of assembly and association.

HERALDO MUÑOZ, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Chile, noted that democracy, human rights and the rule of law made up the basis of the Chilean society and were the pillars of its foreign policy.  Chile defended those universal values and promoted dialogue and cooperation in order to generate and maintain conditions for democratic governance in all the countries, but particularly in Latin America.   In order to guarantee the enjoyment of human rights it was not only necessary to promote free, fair, regular and transparent elections, but also to institute democratic governance.  The separation of powers and change of power, public freedoms and the fight against corruption were essential elements of democracy and they allowed for institutions to function in a transparent manner in the service of citizens.  The Human Rights Council played a very important role in the prevention of governmental crises and the promotion of democratic institutions.  The Council also held a special responsibility to protect the rights of persons who were discriminated against, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, women, children and adolescents, migrants, persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples.  Those areas would be Chile’s priority during its membership in the Council in the period 2018-2020.  Chile also wished to help find solutions for the refugee crisis, and to strengthen human rights in the context of business.  Businesses could create a positive impact on economic growth and THE prosperity of countries.  However, they could also create an adverse impact on human rights.    

WITOLD WASZCZYKOWSKI, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, said that the Human Rights Council played a vital role as the only United Nations body solely dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights.  After a decade of its activities, the Human Rights Council had contributed significantly to the improvement of the human rights situation worldwide and Poland would take an active part in commemorating the tenth anniversary.  In the meantime, however, new challenges had emerged.  Clear violations of international law and breaches of the territorial integrity of sovereign States had been witnessed, including in the close neighbourhood of Poland.  Poland represented a country that had undergone a peaceful transformation from a post-Soviet country into a modern democratic State, and human rights were therefore placed very high on its agenda.  Mr. Waszczykowski expressed Poland’s solidarity with all human rights defenders, activists, political prisoners, journalists and bloggers.  Syria had become the scene of the most acute and dire human rights and humanitarian crises in recent history and had to be given full attention by the United Nations human rights bodies.  Poland called for an immediate end of human rights violations and abuses by the Assad regime and all other parties to the conflict, and condemned in the strongest terms the continued gross, systematic and widespread human rights abuses carried out by Da’esh, in particular in countries such as Syria, Iraq and Libya.  Poland was particularly concerned about increasing discrimination and persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in many countries of the world.  Freedom of religion or belief was one of the basic human rights and needs to be protected worldwide.  Poland would continue to uphold the freedom of opinion and expression offline and online, as well as the freedom of association and assembly.  It was equally concerned about the shrinking space for civil society organizations, and legislation and practices against non-governmental organizations.

CARLOS RAUL MORALES MOSCOSO, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, said that Guatemala endorsed the collective concern for the prevention of the emergence of conflict.  Guatemala had been experiencing a time of change and important events since April 2015.  A peaceful mass movement of the people had come out to the streets to demonstrate their indignation against corruption.  This movement went hand in hand with the United Nations office in Guatemala supporting the work of the Prosecutor General and led to unprecedented activities in the country towards strengthening the rule of law.  In this context, a new President and Vice President were elected who were in place until the elections of 2016.  This was an important step, as the peace agreement brought to an end 36 years of internal conflict and laid the guidelines for a peaceful future.  These agreements were ongoing efforts to consolidate democratic formulated laws and programmes at the national level to enhance the realisation of human rights.  Many tasks remained but Guatemala was committed to giving effect to these agreements.  The Minister for Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Guatemala’s determination to continue to work towards the promotion and protection of human rights and its readiness to work with the Special Procedures.  In this context the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture had visited last year.  Another important matter for Guatemala was the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples.   Guatemala had taken a number of initiatives to promote and protect the rights of indigenous peoples, both nationally and internationally, and sponsored the process ensuring compliance with the mandate laid down by the Declaration of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.  One of its initiatives was the compensation of 33 communities as a result of the construction of the Chixoy Hydroelectric Plant. 

ALEXIS THAMBWE-MWAMBA, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reaffirmed the determination of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to promote and protect human rights throughout the country’s national territory.  His statement would focus on follow-up to the resolution on human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and progress made.  At the last session, the Commissioner had presented two reports on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which emphasized progress made in human rights, especially fighting sexual violence and combatting impunity.  In February, a campaign had started to make each citizen aware of their rights.  The fight against impunity had moved beyond lip service; no one was above the law.  He said that President Kabila had refused to allow poorly organized elections to lead to public disorder, and reviewed a case before the courts concerning the incitement of violence and public disorder.  The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was aware of its responsibility to protect and promote human rights.  He reaffirmed the strong determination and willingness of the Government to cooperate closely with the High Commissioner for Human Rights in improving the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

MOHAMED GIBRIL SESAY, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, said that in January 2016, Sierra Leone had submitted to the Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record.  Acknowledging that Sierra Leone had some way to go, he said his country’s commitment was unshakeable.  “We see ourselves as a pilgrim-state moving from one way-station to another along the path of human rights, towards the ideals enshrined in our international covenants,” he said.  On certain issues, at particular points in their history, some States were weaker than their societies.  In many countries, including his own, cultural practices were sometimes stronger than anything States could impose.  The international community should be wise enough to make sure that human rights commitments were not just pacts among States but also pacts among societies.  The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development would serve as the litmus test for what could be achieved with regard to eradicating extreme poverty and transforming the socio-economic landscape.  Sierra Leone had placed a moratorium on the death penalty and had not prosecuted persons with what he termed certain behavioural dispositions that were now considered natural and right in the lands of Sierra Leone’s development partners.  Yet the majority had very conservative viewpoints on such matters, and some international attempts at imposing certain forms of acceptance endangered the lives of people they meant to protect.  Many gains had been undone by the Ebola epidemic, but the successful implementation of a post-Ebola recovery programme would strengthen the country’s capacities for meetings its commitments to human rights.  Sierra Leone would be presenting its candidature for election to the Human Rights Council for the period 2017-2019.
 
OKELLO HENRY ORYEM, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Uganda, said that following its first Universal Periodic Review in 2011, Uganda had accepted many recommendations made by the Working Group.  It had made a commitment to develop a national action plan on human rights as a policy framework to guide the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.  The national action plan had been prepared through a bottoms-up participatory consultative process with all stakeholders.  Uganda had held parliamentary elections on 18 February 2016 and the Government had ensured favourable political space that allowed all candidates to canvass support from the electorate unhindered.  It was important for members of the Human Rights Council to join the rest of the international community in welcoming the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Agreement on Climate Change.  He warned that the ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world remained a major cause of human rights violations.  In Africa, the situations in Burundi and South Sudan had generated the influx of some 160,000 refugees into Uganda.  In parts of North Africa and the Middle East, hundreds of lives continued to be lost daily, and innocent people fled to safety.  It was thus essential that concrete and sustainable actions were taken to address the root causes of those conflicts.  The international community, and particularly those who had the means to do so, had to muster the courage to address those challenges, including providing immediate relief and human rights guarantees in the receiving countries. 

MARIA ANGELA HOLGUÍN, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, stated that in the 10 years of its existence the Human Rights Council had demonstrated its relevance in the strengthening and promotion of human rights for all, without any discrimination.  Most importantly, the Council had managed to significantly increase the level of political discussion about the components of human rights, as well as their internalization and transfer to different agendas.  The Government of Colombia was committed to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and to that end it had incorporated the objectives of sustainable development into its National Plan of Development.  Ms. Holguín underlined that another important mandate of the Council was to act as a catalyst for legislative changes at the national level.  Actions and recommendations of the Council had led to the improvement of the capacities of States to implement their obligations in the field of human rights.  The Universal Periodic Review was one of the Council’s key mechanisms to promote constructive and impartial dialogue, and to provide space for sharing experiences and international cooperation in human rights.  Despite those successes, there were still challenges, such as the need to intensify prevention, improve capacity to react to major crises, and strengthen the implementation of the Council’s recommendations.      

EVAN P. GARCIA, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, said that the many important anniversaries currently being marked, including the tenth anniversary of the Human Rights Council, should be less about glancing back and more about looking forward.  Given past achievements vis-à-vis current challenges, he asked the assembled dignitaries before him what more could and should be strived for.  After reviewing the situation of human rights in the Philippines, he turned to the issue of climate change, noting that because climate change impeded access to basic rights such as health, livelihood and food, an ambitious climate goal was vital to the promotion and protection of human rights.  Addressing the issue of migration and trafficking in persons, he called on States to endorse the “Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights at International Borders” developed by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.  It was a useful toolkit for State authorities to perform their work with full respect for human rights.  Human rights principles also applied at international borders, he said, and were needed most by vulnerable people, including those in irregular situations.  The Council should be a partner of States and other stakeholders in the promotion and protection of human rights, and efforts should be made to avoid politicizing human rights concerns.

ALEXEI VOLKOV, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, said that the tenth anniversary of the Human Rights Council was taking place at a time of heightened international tension and instability.  The global threat of terrorism and religious extremism required the creation of a new system for the international struggle against those phenomena.  For that reason, President Nursultan Nazarbayev last September at the United Nations General Assembly had suggested creating a global anti-terrorist coalition under United Nations auspices, under which a comprehensive document on the fight against terrorism would be developed.  The trend that armed conflicts and humanitarian crises were accompanied by derogations from international law was a dangerous challenge.  Turning to domestic achievements, he said that Kazakhstan had since its independence been carrying out consistent and dedicated work on strengthening the national system to promote and protect human rights.  While standing ready to interact with the mechanism of Special Procedures, he expressed conviction that one-sided assessments based on the use of one type of information sources to the detriment of others were unacceptable.  Human rights were closely related to sustainable development, he said, and in that regard, his country had initiated the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.  He reiterated Kazakhstan’s commitment to consistent strengthening of the protection of fundamental human freedoms.

ÁDÁM ZOLTÁN KOVÁCS, Deputy State Secretary for International Cooperation of Hungary, reaffirmed his country’s strong commitment to human rights and its full support for the work of the Council, its mechanisms, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.  One of the cornerstones of Hungary’s foreign policy was cooperation and the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.  The year 2016 would be of key importance for the international community, with continued challenges and hopefully with positive developments.  The situations in Syria, Iraq, Libya and other countries demonstrated once again that armed conflicts, terrorism acts or mass atrocities deteriorated the humanitarian situation.  Concrete measures had to be taken to hold those perpetrating systematic killings or mass atrocities accountable.  These events also showed the importance of further developing the concepts of the prevention of human rights violations and the responsibility to protect.  Turning to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, he underlined the links between development and human rights, and highlighted the role of the Council in contributing to the implementation of the Agenda.  For its part, Hungary was a functioning, pluralistic democracy.  Its situation had been closely monitored by international and regional organizations, including United Nations human rights mechanisms, whose remarks and recommendations had been carefully listened to and duly taken into account by the Government.  The Government supported and appreciated all independent civil society voices, but was determined to ensure that all financial regulations were observed and followed by all individuals and organizations.  Concluding, he expressed Hungary’s commitment to fight discrimination, including against the Roma community. 

VIRASAKDI FUTRAKUL, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, said that Thailand’s Government was committed to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, and underlined the importance of addressing inequalities.  Development policies had to narrow the gaps among people.  In Thailand, several welfare schemes had been implemented, including measures to strengthen access to justice.  Also, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals had to be inclusive of all parts of the society.  Towards this end, the Government of Thailand had always ensured that its development policies were drafted after consultations with different stakeholders.  Development efforts had to bear in mind the religious and cultural backgrounds of people, and intercultural dialogue should be promoted.  The growing challenge of the migration crisis put all countries to the test on their ability to uphold human rights.  The Government had been working to improve social protection and access to services, including for non-citizens and migrant workers.  There needed to be order in a society to allow freedoms and development to thrive.  The Government had therefore worked on ensuring stability in the country.  The new Constitution would be drafted in an inclusive manner.  Turning to the tenth anniversary of the Council, he stressed that the Council should be able to address chronic and emergency situations of human rights violations in an efficient and timely manner and should take each country’s specific contexts into account.  The Council should also focus on prevention through the promotion of understanding and human rights education.  Lastly, the Council should be mindful that the naming and shaming and politicization of human rights issues were counter-productive.  

DELCY RODRIGUEZ GOMES, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, said that access to land was crucial for the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights.  The world was being subjected to great threats.  The right to a homeland and the right to peace of the Syrian people were being violated.  The Arab Spring had become a paradigm for oil multinationals to strengthen their grasps on countries in the Middle East.  Further, Palestinian people continued to be massacred.  State terrorism by the occupying power was no different than terrorist armed groups elsewhere, and Venezuela supported the calls for boycotting products from the occupied terrorism.  Moving to the migrant crisis, she recalled the principles of the Vienna Declaration, and reiterated the importance of the right to land.  The Council should be revitalized in its tenth anniversary.  It should channel its actions and not use human rights as an excuse to undermine the sovereignty of nations.  Turning to Venezuela, the Minister recalled that free elections had taken place there and 1,225 community projects had been established.  Venezuela had a 93.4 per cent school enrolment rate, and had significantly reduced unemployment rates, despite attacks on the national economy, the financial crisis and the reduction of oil prices.  Inequalities had been reduced, while poverty and illiteracy had been eradicated.  Those achievements in implementing the Millennium Development Goals had been recognized by the United Nations Development Programme.  A new cross-cutting national plan for human rights had recently been adopted after consultations with civil society organizations.    

PHILIP RUDDOCK, Special Envoy for Human Rights of Australia, said that it was more important than ever for all countries to renew their commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  Australia had long been a supporter of the Council, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the treaty body system.  The Council should work more on prevention and on developing early-warning mechanisms.  The Council should also provide capacity building and support States’ efforts to develop their national structures.  Mr. Ruddock underlined the importance of accountability, and the responsibility of all States to protect their civilian populations.  In that regard, Australia had been instrumental in putting the plight of the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea before the Security Council.  Australia was seeking a seat in the Council for the first time for the period 2018-2020, and would, should it be elected, work on advancing the rights of women and indigenous peoples, and on strengthening United Nations mechanisms.  The Government was for instance making a renewed effort to advance the interests and rights of indigenous Australians and was committed to holding a referendum to recognize Australia’s First People.  Australia was also committed to improve the political, economic and social opportunities for women in the Pacific.  Australia would strengthen its advocacy for the universal abolition of the death penalty, and would co-sponsor the resolution adopted on that issue.  Australia brought to the Council a unique perspective as a western liberal democracy located and deeply engaged in the Indo-Pacific region.  It had a long experience working with regional partners to advance human rights through capacity building and productive dialogues. 

MASAKAZU HAMACHI, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, expressed hope that the Council would be able to concentrate in an effective and efficient manner on the issues that required its attention.  Commending the work carried out by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, he added that all over the world, grave human rights situations required the attention of his Office and the Council.  Turning to the issue of terrorism, he said that in the Middle East, the rise of extremism had continued for over five years.  Japan was strongly concerned about the continuation of the crisis in Syria, and would continue to exert diplomatic efforts in coordination with the international community, the Human Rights Council, and the United Nations Security Council in order to bring a halt to the violence through dialogue.  Turning to the situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, he noted that the international community had continued to express serious concern over the human rights situation there.  The fact that the situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, including the human rights situation there, had been discussed at the Security Council for the second consecutive year exemplified the strong concern of the international community.  Japan urged the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to heed the concerns of the international community and take steps to improve its human rights situation, including through the early resolution of the abduction issue.  Japan and the European Union would be submitting a resolution on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and asked for understanding and support so the resolution would serve as a strong message from the international community.

JUAN CARLOS ALURRALDE, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bolivia, extended greetings from President Evo Morales, stating that he was Bolivia’s first indigenous president.  During the Morales Presidency, many reforms had been undertaken in the direction of human rights and the Bolivian economy had considerably improved.  Over 20 million people had emerged from poverty, which meant that Bolivia had attained the first Millennium Development Goal.  The concept of “living well” allowed Bolivia to clearly identify its path along a cultural revolution which benefited from the age-old wisdom of indigenous peoples.  Bolivia placed great importance on the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and led several initiatives on climate issues, including hosting the World Conference for Climate and submitting the statement Saving Mother Earth to Save Life at COP21 which was incorporated in the Paris Agreement.   Bolivia also placed great importance on economic, social and cultural rights and recently celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development.  Bolivia considered that limited technology transfer was an obstacle to achieving development.  Likewise the unfair condition of the country deprived of its coast meant that Bolivia was under severe conditions of inequality.  The Human Rights Council needed to raise the negative impact of social media which undermined human rights, including the right to not suffer psychological violence, the right to privacy and confidentiality, the right to dignity, the freedom of thought and the rights of the child.  Bolivia guaranteed the right to information and free broadcasting of ideas, however, there was abuse and misuse of the social networks.  This reality called on everyone to consider instruments to protect social rights, and to promote educational campaigns for the correct use of communication, so that children were not vulnerable to risk situations. 

ANTONY BLINKEN, Deputy Secretary of State of the United States, said the commitment to the mandate and mission of the Human Rights Council ran deep into his nation’s history, and reaffirmed the intention of the United States to seek re-election to the Human Rights Council.   When the United States engaged with the Human Rights Council under the leadership of President Obama, it had been a decision made not only because the United States shared the aspirations of the Council but because the world did.  The principled, balanced, proactive leadership of the Human Rights Council was needed now more than ever.  The United States was concerned about the situations in Russia, Egypt, South Sudan, Venezuela, Cuba and China.  In all of these cases, the Human Rights Council had to shine a bright light on grievous violations of human rights and help hold perpetrators accountable.  The world had seen the impact of the Human Rights Council’s leadership through the Special Sessions on Burundi and Iraq, the creation of Special Rapporteurs on Iran and Belarus, and the Mandates of the Office of the High Commissioner, and United Nations panels to examine human rights in South Sudan and Burundi.  The world had also seen the value of the Human Rights Council’s new tools, such as the Universal Periodic Review process, and the technical support for countries like Colombia, Mali and the Central African Republic.  The world had seen the importance of establishing Commissions of Inquiry into gross human rights violations in Syria, “North Korea” and Eritrea.  The United States was greatly encouraged by the work of the Human Rights Council, but that work was undermined by its persistent bias against Israel.  No other nation had a stand-alone item on the agenda of the Human Rights Council.  So long as the Human Rights Council persisted in its efforts to delegitimize and isolate Israel, it would be profoundly limited in the good it could accomplish. 

BENEDETTO DELLA VEDOVA, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, said that reports pointing to a reduction of the level of violence in Syria were cautiously encouraging.  With a sustained cessation of hostilities, it had become urgent to restart the political process in Geneva.  A political solution was also the answer to the situation in Libya.  Mr. della Vedova reviewed the humanitarian and political situations in other countries including Yemen, Burundi, South Sudan and Iran, where Italy looked forward to seeing concrete developments in the field of human rights following the successful agreement on nuclear issues and the recent electoral process.  Italy strongly believed in the necessity for the international community to continue to work together toward a universal moratorium on the death penalty.  On the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, he said that the fight against all forms of discrimination and gender-based violence was instrumental to ensuring long-lasting peace and sustainable development.  Italy was committed to promoting the repeal of laws, policies and practises like female genital mutilation and early and forced marriage.  It was also committed to the rights of the child, and to the rights of persons with disabilities.  Europe was facing a major challenge in responding to the global refugee crisis.  The European response was devoted to respect for the principle of “non-refoulement,” he said, adding that the international community could not depart from those key principles regardless of the migratory pressure at external borders.  Short-term measures such as rescues at sea and relocations had to be connected to a long-term strategy focused on dialogue and cooperation with countries of origin and transit. 

HASSAN A. M. ALSGHAYR, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Libya, said that since the end of the dictatorship in November 2011, Libya had been facing great challenges as a result of the political crisis and the armed conflict, leading to the spread of weapons and the rise of gangs engaging in human trafficking.  The aggravated phenomena of extremism and terrorism, including the rise of the so-called “Islamic State”, had claimed the lives of many Libyans and foreigners.  The current crisis and conflict had led to destruction and internal displacement, as well as the collapse of the health system.  Illegal migration was also a great challenge faced by the country, in addition to climate change.  The international community should take necessary measures to support Libya in cooperation with the Libyan authorities.  The current situation was a result of miscalculations and lack of support provided to the Libyan authorities and the Libyan army.  While the Office of the High Commissioner was thanked for sending a mission as per resolution 30/28 of March 2015 on technical support to improve the situation of human rights in Libya, the mission had only visited Libya once. 

ABDULLA FAISAL AL-DOSERI, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, affirmed his country’s commitment to cooperate with the Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.  Bahrain shared concern about human rights violations all over the world, noting that extremism and terrorism posed the greatest challenge to global security and the respect for human rights.  Bahrain itself had been subject to terrorist threats and foreign interventions, especially in 2011, which had led to repeated aggressions against public and private property, and had claimed the lives of innocent people, as well as of security officers.  Bahrain had thus actively participated in the international alliance against terrorism and extremism.  The country had hosted an international conference in 2014 on cultural diversity and religions, as well as a conference on the financing of terrorism.  Bahrain had also made contributions to humanitarian aid to refugees.  The freedom of faith and religion, the economic and social empowerment of women, as well as the reduction of unemployment, and the rights of migrant workers were some of the priorities for the Government of Bahrain.  Bahrain condemned the continued suffering of the Palestinian people and the occupation of their territory by Israel.  It also called on the international community to find a political solution for the conflict in Syria.

XAVIER TORRES, Vice President of the National Council of Equality for Persons with Disabilities of Ecuador, noted that the respect for human dignity was in a serious crisis in various parts of the world, due to conflicts, violence, forced migration, poverty, sexual exploitation, malnutrition, financial and economic crisis, and unemployment.  Ecuador joined the Human Rights Council in collective efforts to guarantee full respect for the norms and principles of international law in a transparent and effective manner.  Mr. Torres presented the recent efforts of the Government of Ecuador to create decent living for all the population of Ecuador, regardless of their religion, gender, ethnic identity or nationality.  More than 60,000 refugees in Ecuador had been integrated in the Ecuadorian society, without having been confined to refugee camps.  Such an approach reflected the norms of the national Constitution adopted in 2008, which placed human beings at the centre of all policies.  To that end the Government viewed the Sustainable Development Goals as being the basis for the accomplishment of “buen vivir” (“good living”) policies.  The National Plan of Good Living was in its second phase of implementation for the period of 2013-2017.  The advances made by Ecuador and other countries in the field of development should not prevent the international community from seeing the multiple crises emerging in different parts of the world, which were the products of structural failures of an unfair political, economic, commercial and financial system to the detriment of the most vulnerable populations.

IGNACIO YBANEZ, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Spain, highlighted the progress of the Human Rights Council, which had given birth to new concepts of human rights, such as the right to sanitation and safe drinking water.  The Council had also contributed to the promotion of the rights of minorities, indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities.  States had not been alone in their work in the Human Rights Council.  They had been assisted by civil society at the national and international levels.  Spain would continue to denounce cases of discrimination against civil society.  The Universal Periodic Review, which was able to bring together twice in a row the universality of human rights of nations so that they could be examined publicly, was a mechanism to be proud of.  Special Rapporteurs, Commissions of Inquiry, Panels, and Independent Experts were some of the  mechanisms to promote human rights and Spain would continue to actively support the role of the Human Rights Council and the bodies created by it.  The anniversary of the Human Rights Council coincided with the fiftieth anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Work, which highlighted the universality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of human rights and the idea that economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights were all essential and came from the same source:  the dignity of the human person.  Spain strongly supported this full vision of rights and was concerned about the growth of cultural pretexts to justify the violation of human rights in the past two Human Rights Council Sessions.  Mr. Ybanez reaffirmed Spain’s commitment and financial support to the independent work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

MBARKA BOUAIA, Minister Delegate at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Morocco, said that Morocco would host the upcoming Conference of Parties (COP22) on climate action. Challenges in the protection and promotion of human rights put in question common values and it was important to adopt a balanced approach to human rights, away from double standards and politicisation.  The world needed solutions to conflicts that guaranteed stability and respected territorial integrity, and the promotion of dialogue and cooperation with a view to the protection of universal human rights.  It was also important to promote African countries’ participation in climate conferences and to provide them with technical and financial resources.  Morocco was embarking upon deep reforms in human rights.  With the implementation of the 2011 Constitution a number of strategies had been adopted to promote the role of justice and human rights institutions as well as civil society.  A particular emphasis was given to the southern regions and the Moroccan Sahara.  A number of measures had been adopted to rehabilitate the Moroccan Sahara, which was now living a new dynamic in the political, economic, and social fields, ensuring in symbiosis with other regions and neighbouring countries with a view to political stability in the region.  Regarding the Palestinian question, Morocco stressed its position for an independent Palestinian State with Jerusalem as its capital.  Regarding Syria, Morocco had built a field hospital which provided medical relief to thousands of displaced people in Zaatari Camp.  In Libya, Morocco was also involved in peacebuilding.  On human rights, Morocco was finalizing the ratification of protocols, and had received 11 Special Procedures Mandates.

KHALIFA GASSAMA DIABY, Minister of National Unity and Citizenship of Guinea, stated that the Universal Periodic Review was an opportunity for his country to take stock of what had been achieved in the field of human rights.  The goal of the Government of Guinea was to protect those most vulnerable and such a task was extremely vast and complex.  To that end the Government had been working to strengthen the educational and health systems, as well as the overall administration.  The Government would continue to improve access to justice and the judicial system as a whole.  It would also work to fight violence against women and eliminate female genital mutilation.  Guinea was determined to improve its human rights situation and institutions, but it needed help to do so.  In spite of all the difficulties and challenges, in particular fighting violence and impunity, some progress had been made.  People were becoming more aware of unacceptable practices.  The Government of Guinea would not avoid its fundamental responsibilities in the promotion and respect for human rights.  However, the international community should provide adequate support to Guinea in order to achieve full enjoyment of human rights.  Developed countries had to ensure that they backed up their words with actions.  It was essential not to separate human rights from the questions of State.  Taking away from States and breaching their sovereignty would make them unable to defend human rights and would leave them powerless.  It would deprive them of the ability to provide for the economic and social needs of their citizens.  Human rights were universal, but also complementary and interdependent. 

ROKSANDA NINČIĆ, State Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, noted that the protection of human rights for all in a fair and equal manner had not been achieved, which was why the international community needed to redouble its efforts to accomplish that goal.  Serbia strove to promote the human rights of all its citizens, especially vulnerable groups, including refugees.  Ms. Ninčić reminded that in 2015 alone some 600,000 persons had transited through Serbia on their way to other European countries.  Serbia topped the list of European countries with the number of persons in protracted displacement.  It still hosted more than 35,000 refugees from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and more than 200,000 internally displaced persons from Kosovo and Metohija.  Ms. Ninčić emphasized that minority communities in Kosovo and Metohija were exposed to discrimination, physical attacks and destruction of their property, while the hostility of the majority population was being tolerated.  Two thirds of such incidents targeted Kosovo Serbs, including returnees, and the Serbian Orthodox Church.  The Government of Serbia expressed dismay at the closure of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ stand-alone office in Priština.  The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights needed to reconsider the actual situation in the field of human rights in Kosovo and Metohija and consult all relevant stakeholders.  Serbia also raised the question of the detrimental impact of cultural heritage in the context of armed conflicts, which deserved the utmost condemnation of the international community.  To that end, Serbia had joined the appeal of Cyprus for a more concerted international effort and action-oriented approach by the Human Rights Council regarding that issue.

PÉDRO NÚÑEZ MOSQUERA, Director-General of Multilateral Affairs and International Law Division in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Cuba, said that after 10 years of work, the Human Rights Council continued to face major challenges, including political manipulation and double standards.  World leaders had highlighted the need to address inequality, but the gap between the richest and the rest of the population continued to increase.  Some countries tried to present their views on democracy and governance as the only valid ones.  Those countries conceived of the market, the multiparty system and the formulas of electoral alternation as the paradigm of governance.  The High Commissioner for Human Rights could make a crucial contribution to giving economic, social and cultural rights importance.  In contrast to the “bleak” international scene, efforts to create a peaceful environment had been consolidated in some regions, he said, looking forward to welcoming soon a peace agreement to end the conflict in Colombia.  Reiterating support for the Palestinian people, he also reaffirmed support for Venezuela.  Cuba rejected unilateral sanctions against Russia, and reaffirmed the right of the Syrian people to find a “dignified” solution to their problems without external interference, and with the preservation of that country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  Turning to domestic issues, he said that Cuba continued to write a history that would continue to have as the main protagonist its self-sacrificing people.

YUN BYUNG-SE, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, said that the links between the three pillars of the United Nations, namely peace and security, development, and human rights, had never been clearer or more relevant.  The latest report by the High Commissioner pointed out that a growing number of conflicts and situations of violence were often the results of deep-rooted discrimination and long-standing patterns of exclusion and lack of freedoms.  The international community was witnessing how insecurity in fragile or failed States incubated humanitarian crises and human rights abuses.  Deliberate starvation in Madaya, Syria, was one such truly shocking instance, he said, adding hopes that the International Syria Support Group’s recent agreement on the cessation of hostilities and humanitarian assistance would be fully implemented.  The international community had in its midst “a human rights black hole, namely North Korea,” he said.  The report of the Commission of Inquiry came to a conclusion that there were systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and that the international community should accept the responsibility to protect “North Korean” citizens.  Now was the time for the international community and the United Nations human rights mechanisms to redouble their efforts to improve the human rights situation in that country.  The Human Rights Council could play a key role in the mainstreaming of human rights in all aspects of the United Nations’ work. 

KAMALESH SHARMA, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, said the Commonwealth was home to 2.2 billion people, included some of the world’s largest, smallest, richest and poorest countries, and was a template of the world.  Thirty-one of its members were small States, most of them island nations.  Ten Commonwealth countries were currently Members of the Human Rights Council.  The Commonwealth was a values-based association, now guided by its Charter, which expressed the commitment of Member States to improve and lift the lives of all Commonwealth citizens.  Its guiding principle was human rights.  A primary focus of the work of the Commonwealth remained the constructive engagement of its Member States with the Universal Periodic Review, where  Parliamentarians were key stakeholders.  The Commonwealth had recently concluded a series of regional seminars with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, focusing on parliamentarians’ role in the promotion and protection of human rights.  The Commonwealth also continued to support national human rights institutions.  The Commonwealth decried and rejected discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, gender, religious or political belief, language, and national or social origin.  It recognized the urgent need to collectively and effectively address the ever increasing occurrence of violent extremism.  The lack of inclusion, economic opportunity and education, the stifling of voice, discrimination and marginalisation of minorities were some elements which had perpetuated a tragically violent narrative of the times.  Child, early and forced marriages were a priority concern for the Commonwealth.  Human rights education was one of the most powerful means to prevent human rights abuses and promote diversity and respect.

LAILA BAHAA El DIN, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, said that a quick glance in the world showed that despite all the efforts of the Human Rights Council, the world was far from achieving its human rights goals.  In the face of daily violations of human rights, the Human Rights Council had become more politicised and less sensitive to the respect for  diversity.  This had weakened its capacity to deal with international issues.  Despite this, the Universal Periodic Review was one of the most important and most efficient mechanisms.  Egypt gave great importance to the activities of the Human Rights Council according to its mandate and the various topics covered by its meetings.  Since the revolution of January 25, 2011, Egypt sought to give priority to the revolution’s slogans of freedom, justice, and dignity, and promoted the principles of citizenship, non-discrimination, and non-marginalisation.  The Constitution adopted in 2014 had been endorsed by a vast majority of Egyptians and embraced human rights.  Terrorism had negative effects on society and its sources had to be eradicated.  Egypt warned of groups that used violence to achieve their goals and encouraged countries to refrain from providing a safe haven to these groups. Some countries condemned terrorist groups on one hand but financed them on the other hand.  Egypt called for the necessity to increase international cooperation to face the challenge of terrorism.  The Syrian tragedy had induced over four million Syrian refugees to flee to regional countries which had no means to accept them, leading to many negative scenarios such as racism, xenophobia and stereotyping.  Egypt called on countries that had means to assist in this situation to do so.  Despite economic difficulties, Egypt hosted half a million Syrian refugees.   The world could not speak of human rights without speaking of Palestinians who lived in violation of human rights in their own country.  Egypt gave importance to fighting all discrimination based on religious origin and belief which had increased with the latest migration trends.

Right of Reply

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, speaking in a right of reply, rejected all false allegations, including references to the findings of the Commission of Inquiry.  It rejected particularly the confrontational approach by the Minister of “South Korea”.  “South Korea” and Japan had always associated with the United States’ policy of hostility.  The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea referred to killings of civilians by the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan, and sexual slavery perpetrated by Japan, which it continued to refuse to address.  Japan, “South Korea” and the United States should stop naming and shaming innocent others and address their own issues. 

Venezuela, speaking in a right of reply, said that the United States continued its despicable practice of interventionism and aggression, in an attempt to discredit the Venezuelan State, its institutions and its people.  Venezuela referred to the institutionalization of torture by the United States, which made it shocking for this country to give lessons to others.  Those responsible for the crimes committed by the United States had still not been held accountable.  It was immoral that the United States dared to attack a country like Venezuela, where human rights were fully observed.  The United States should respect the sovereignty of others. 

Chile, speaking in a right of reply, said in reference to the statement by the Deputy Minister of Bolivia that the declaration he had referred to had not been accepted and adopted following regular multilateral practices. 

Myanmar, speaking in a right of reply, strongly opposed the use of the term “Burma”, which was not recognized by the Government and the people of Myanmar.  Myanmar today was a free and open society, where human rights and fundamental freedoms were respected.

Egypt, speaking in a right of reply to the statement made by the United States, regretted the rhetoric of accusing other countries without any proof or evidence.  The United States should instead focus on its own situation, including shutting down Guantanamo and holding those who managed it accountable.  The United States should also address the issues of xenophobia and discrimination against migrants and Islamophobia.  

China, speaking in a right of reply, rejected accusations made by the United States delegation as regards the human rights situation in China.  Reviewing details of some recent situations concerning Chinese citizens, she said that China was a country with multiple religions and that the Chinese Government protected believers’ activities if they carried out their activities within the law.

Iran, speaking in a right of reply, said that it was unfortunate to see baseless allegations made by Denmark, which was benefiting from Iran’s efforts against drug trafficking.  Every State had a right to choose its own justice system, and according to Iran’s justice system, the death penalty was only for very serious crimes.

Albania, speaking in a right of reply, said that it would like to respond to Serbia that Kosovo was an independent State and was recognized by 111 United Nations Member States, and was also a part of the European Union stabilization process like other States in the region.

Japan, speaking in a right of reply, said in response to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea that the claims and figures he cited were groundless.  The resolution on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was a reflection of the international community’s sense of concern with the situation.

Republic of Korea, speaking in a right of reply in response to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, said that it was a groundless claim to associate human rights issues with political conspiracies.  The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was urged to cooperate with the international community to improve the human rights situation of its own people.

Serbia, speaking in a right of reply in response to the remarks by Albania, reiterated the human rights abuses in Kosovo and Metohija, especially against minorities, who were forced to return.  Remaining minorities in Kosovo and Metohija faced systematic discrimination, while their cultural patrimony was under attack.  The Church of Dormitor of Mother of God had recently been robbed and looted.   The unilateral declared independence of Kosovo and Metohija had been not recognised and United Nations Security Council  Resolution 1244 which reaffirmed the territorial integrity of Serbia was still in power.

Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea, speaking in a second right of reply, rejected unsubstantiated allegations by “South Korea” and Japan.  “South Korea’s” violation of human rights with the draconian security law punishing all activities, including contact and communications with fellow nationals in the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea, was of international concern.  Japan was unwilling to recognize its legal and moral responsibility for crimes against humanity, including the 200,000 women bonded in sexual slavery by the military.  The Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea urged “South Korea” and Japan to address all past and present human rights violations.

Albania, speaking in a second right of reply, reiterated its firm stance on its earlier position, which was unwavering as the truth.  It was time to see reality as it was on the ground for the sake of prosperity of all countries of the region and beyond.

Japan, speaking in a second right of reply, said the international community was concerned by the human rights situation in the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea and urged it to give serious attention to concerns raised by the international community and to take concrete measures to redress its dire human rights violations.

Republic of Korea, speaking in a second right of reply, said that contrary to the claim by the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea, its Government had implemented many recommendations and had twice been under review of the Universal Periodic Review.  The Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea had the worst violations of human rights and had no right to denounce the situation in “South Korea”.

Serbia, speaking in a second right of reply, agreed that the prosperity and stability of all countries in the region was of utmost importance.  However, cooperation was the way to stability within the framework of the existing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.

Russian Federation, speaking in a second right of reply, criticized the situation of human rights in the United States, in particular the use of extraterritorial principles in order to avoid upholding human rights standards and values, such as the continued maintenance of the Guantanamo prison, the use of torture, executions and drones to kill terrorists.  Particularly alarming was the situation of women and children in prisons, especially of migrant children. 
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For use of the information media; not an official record

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