Update on the high-level panel requested by HRC resolution 51/30 by Argentina

“On behalf of the core group of resolution 51/30, I am pleased to update the Council on the preparations of the high-level panel discussion, organized in accordance with paragraph 4 of the resolution, on UPR Voluntary Funds: achievements, good practices and lessons learned over the past 15 years and optimized support to States in the implementation of recommendations emanating from the fourth cycle.

The high-level panel will take place on 1st March from 16:00 to 18:00 hs and will be accessible to persons with disabilities. International sign interpretation and real-time captioning in English will be provided during the discussion.

In accordance with resolution 51/30, the panel will gather high representatives of international organizations and relevant development actors to:

• Take stock of the achievements of the two voluntary funds during the implementation of their mandates and reflect on avenues for optimization of use of the funds to facilitate participation of developing States in the fourth cycle of the UPR and to support them to implement recommendations;
• Showcase good practices of implementation of recommendations by States also supported by the voluntary funds on implementation, promoting reflection on key elements for replicability and sustainability;
• Reflect on lessons learned during the past fifteen years with a view to ensuring greater support to States by the United Nations system and the international community, thus ensuring greater positive impact of the UPR mechanism on the ground.

I am also pleased to inform that the panel, chaired the President of the Council, will feature opening remarks by the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ms. Amina Mohammed by video message, and the Deputy High Commission for Human Rights. Ms. Nada Al-Nashif.

As of today, Ms. Susanna Moorehead, Chair of the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; Ms. Mona M’Bikay, Executive Director of UPR Info and H.E. Mr. Federico Villegas, Permanent Representative of Argentina to the United Nations Office in Geneva have confirmed their participation as panelists, and we are waiting confirmation by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization”.

More details are available in the concept note.