Human Rights Council concludes high-level segment and holds general segment

Human Rights Council
HRC/20/9

26 February 2020

The Human Rights Council this morning concluded its high-level segment after hearing addresses by 25 dignitaries, and then held its general segment.

Dignitaries in the high-level segment expressed their firm commitment to protecting human rights and gender equality, elaborated on the efforts implemented nationally for human rights advancement, and expressed concern over challenges that multilateralism was facing. 

Speaking were: Antonella Ndembet, Minister of Justice of Gabon; Kyaw Tint Swe, Union Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor of Myanmar; Malick Coulibaly, Minister of Justice and Human Rights Keeper of the Seals of Mali; Sixtus Habofanoe Lehana, Minister of Law, Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights of Lesotho; Ziyambi Ziyambi, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs of Zimbabwe; André Lite Asebea, Minister of Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of Congo; Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Foreign Relations, Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations of Sri Lanka; Helena Mateus Kida, Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs of Mozambique; Abdullatif Bin Rashid Alzayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain; Karla Cueva, Minister of Human Rights of Honduras; Ramiz Hasanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan; Petko Doykov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria; Lidwina Shapwa, Deputy Minister of Justice of Namibia; Maminata Ouattara Ouattara, Minister of Human Rights and Civil Promotion of Burkina Faso; Vikas Swarup, Vice Minister in the Ministry of External Affairs of India; Erki Kodar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia; Jose Ruperto Martin M.  Andanar, Secretary at the Presidential Communications Operations Office of the Philippines; Matej Marn, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia; Faruk Kaymakcı, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director of European Union Affairs of Turkey; Samuel Luate Lominsuk, Director-General of Multilateral Affairs of South Sudan; Francisco Rojas Aravena, Rector of the University for Peace; Gillian Triggs, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; Cristopher Ballinas Valdés, Director General of Human Rights and Democracy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico; Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; and Nemanja Stevanović, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia.

In the general segment, speakers welcomed the Call to Action on Human Rights launched by the United Nations Secretary-General, noting that it offered an opportunity to reassess priorities.  They reiterated the need for multilateralism in order to face current challenges, and highlighted the importance of good governance for the full achievement of human rights. 

Speaking were Bahamas, Chile, Argentina, Italy, Marshall Islands, Israel, Sovereign Order of Malta, Ecuador, United Nations Development Programme, Timor Leste, Viet Nam, China, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Cambodia, Syria, Belarus, and Jordan. 

Also taking the floor were the following civil society organizations: Global Alliance for National Human Rights Institutions, International Society of Jewish Women, a

civil society representative from Benin, and a civil society representative from the Amazon region. 

Speaking in right of reply were Venezuela, Pakistan, India, Iran, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Bahrain, Cyprus, Armenia, Syria, Montenegro, Republic of Korea, China, Japan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. 

The Council will next hold an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry on protests in the occupied Palestinian territory, to be followed by an interactive dialogue on an oral update by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea.

High-Level Segment

ANTONELLA NDEMBET, Minister of Justice of Gabon, expressed Gabon's steadfast commitment towards human rights protection, reflected in numerous efforts and measures implemented by the Government.  Measures had been implemented to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child.  Gabon was one of the first 10 States that had ratified the Optional Protocol on a communications procedure.  In 2019, the Children's Code had been enacted and two bilateral agreements had been signed with Togo and Benin on anti-trafficking.  An early warning mechanism had been established to tackle violence among children.  A broad programme had been established to ensure late birth registration certificates for children who were not registered.  United Nations support was requested for this programme.  The right to life had an impact on all other rights.  The act on establishing the Criminal Code enabled authorities to prosecute all those involved in blood crimes.  The political dialogue had been resumed with the European Union and a joint committee had been set up, together with the World Bank, dedicated to human rights.  Progress had been made concerning the representation of women and children in socio-economic life. 

KYAW TINT SWE, Union Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor of Myanmar, said as peace and security, development and the enjoyment of human rights were intertwined, securing peace was a top priority for the Government of Myanmar, which had managed to bring to the negotiating table the country's ethnic minorities.  The situation in Rakhine had deep historical roots; the authorities shared the concern of the international community about the conflict there.  The Government had set up a commission to promote peace and development in Rakhine, and it was working with the Kofi Annan Foundation.  The Minister reminded that terrorist attacks carried out by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army in 2016 and 2017 had deliberately attempted to prevent bringing peace and development to Rakhine.  The Government sympathized with those affected by the conflict, and it would repatriate verified returnees to the province.  The Government had studied the report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine state, based on interviews with almost 15,000 persons, and the Office of the President had issued a statement for further investigations and prosecution.  The defense forces had also announced that they would take actions with military justice procedures.  The Government was thus willing and able to deal with the issue of accountability, the Minister concluded.       

MALICK COULIBALY Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Keeper of Seals of Mali, reiterated Mali's firm and unwavering attachment to human rights and its commitment to the rule of law and democracy, which had been set in stone in the 1992 constitution.  Mali had ratified almost all international conventions on human rights.  The current situation of human rights in Mali was closely linked to the broader situation in Mali, which was in crisis, particularly in the northern regions.  Therefore, any progress to ending this conflict would have a positive impact on the human rights situation in the country.  The Algiers Accord of 2015 had set up the building blocks to bring an end to the conflict.  To date, the Government had made progress on achieving this, including disarming militant groups, reintegrating over 1,300 former members of armed groups, setting up of a sustainable development fund, and creating a truth and reconciliation commission.  However, whilst progress had been made in implementing the accord, it did not address all aspects of the conflict, such as the asymmetric warfare waged by armed groups underway in the central regions of the country.  The Government was cooperating with the International Court of Human Rights, where one Malian was currently on trial, and another was under investigation.

SIXTUS HABOFANOE LEHANA, Minister of Law, Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights of Lesotho, said that the Council was a platform for reflection for States on human rights instruments.  Since its establishment, the Council had made major strides in advancing human rights across the world, but it still had to do great efforts.  Through joint efforts, States could fulfil the purpose for which the Council was established.  States had to be compliant with international standards, which the Council was checking through its overseeing mechanisms.  Interventions from the international community had underscored that some political and security concerns in Lesotho remained and they had encouraged Constitutional reforms.  The Government was committed to do so, as it was key to its long-term stability and economic prosperity.  In 2019, Lesotho had ratified a Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Older Persons, becoming the first African country to do so.  In 2019, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation had visited Lesotho and a report was being prepared.  Lesotho had undergone the Universal Periodic Review in January 2020. 

ZIYAMBI ZIYAMBI, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs of Zimbabwe, reiterated Zimbabwe's commitment to deepen interactions with the Human Rights Council.  The Government had extended invitations to Special Rapporteurs on the right to food and on the right to peaceful assembly and association.  In the spirit of collective participation, Zimbabwe had launched a transparent and open dialogue in 2019 to find solutions to the challenges currently faced by the nation.  Zimbabwe was also in the process of amending its election laws.  The Minister noted that Zimbabwe had not been spared from the harsh effects of climate change, especially when it came to food production, due to extreme droughts, which compromised the Government's ability to secure the right to food and to clean drinking water.  Accordingly, the authorities were planning massive irrigation projects and diversification of the agricultural sector.  In addition, Zimbabwe was still recovering from the Idai cyclone.  Finally, the Minister noted that illegal sanctions had severely impeded the enjoyment of all human rights by the people Zimbabwe, and he called for their immediate and unconditional withdrawal.  

ANDRE LITE ASEBEA, Minister of Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, recalled that the Democratic Republic of the Congo still bore the scars of many years of conflict.  New instability, including mass killings, rapes, and forced conscription of children by armed groups, continued to pose grave challenges for the Government.  In order to address the root causes of conflict in the country, the Government was committed to applying transitional justice mechanisms, without which the rule of law would face serious challenges.  Additionally the creation of a fund for such victims, and the rehabilitation of fighters was aimed at preventing future conflicts.  The Democratic Republic of the Congo was working on a draft law on the protection of human rights defenders, and was committed to pursuing reforms of the security and defence services.  The President had committed to broaden the protection of political prisoners, guarantee freedom of assembly, establish an agency to prevent the trafficking of people, and establish a mechanism to tackle torture.  Furthermore the Democratic Republic of the Congo had adopted steps to address human rights abuses in the mining industry.  Regarding economic and social rights, measures to curb corruption had led to an increase in the State budget, which was being used to raise the salaries of teachers and doctors. 

DINESH GUNAWARDENA, Minister of Foreign Relations, Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations of Sri Lanka, said that over a decade ago, Sri Lanka had defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, bringing to an end three decades of conflict and suffering.  For all Sri Lankans, Singhalese, Tamils, Muslims, for years not a bullet had been fired over fundamentalism.  As a result of the Government's efforts dedicated to reconciliation and bringing about sustainable peace, considerable progress had been made in areas of resettlement, return of land used by security forces, and the rehabilitation and reintegration of former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, including child soldiers.  The previous Government of Sri Lanka had co-sponsored resolution 30/1 of the Council on Sri Lanka, violating all principles of democratic governance.  The resolution itself included provisions which violated the Constitution of the country and it overruled the considerations of the academic and expert community.  The resolution eroded the trust of Sri Lankans in the international system, undermined national interest, weakened national security and intelligence, and reduced the credibility of Sri Lanka in international circles.  The election of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa demonstrated that the people of Sri Lanka wanted a different pathway for their country.  Sri Lanka intended to withdraw from resolution 30/1.

HELENA MATEUS KIDA, Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs of Mozambique, expressed hope that the current session of the Human Rights Council would continue to progressively engage in substantive discussions, interactive dialogues and negotiations in order to achieve the best solutions for all important issues scheduled for deliberations.  The authorities of Mozambique were convinced that respect for human rights and the rule of law was the cornerstone for democratic governance and a fundamental element for the promotion of sustainable development.  Thus, they continued to consolidate and deepen constitutionalism, including the holding of periodic electoral processes.  In 2019 adverse situations had occurred in Mozambique, namely the devastation caused by the Idai and Kenneth cyclones, which had generated deaths, major material damage, hunger and misery.  On the other hand, Mozambique had also seen the signing of the peace and reconciliation agreement between the Government and the Mozambican National Resistance.  In addition, the authorities continued to fight poverty at all levels, as well as corruption.  The Minister concluded by saying that the Universal Periodic Review had led to the reinforcing of cooperation between States and the United Nations human rights system, stressing that double standards, selectivity, and naming and shaming should not have a place there. 

ABDULLATIF BIN RASHID ALZAYANI, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, said the United Nations Charter called for justice and equality, and for countries to support each other in that challenge.  In this context, Bahrain had established an independent commission to investigate human rights abuses during the period of instability that began in 2011.  The King had accepted all the findings of this commission, and the initiative set an international precedent in criminal justice, showing that the King was committed to human rights and international law.  The King had also sought to ensure that the relevant authorities stepped up efforts to protect human rights, with active institutions accountable to Parliament.  Bahrain had made great progress in promoting and protecting human rights via a range of political and economic policies that were reflected in the Government's National Plan of Action.  Bahrain had adopted a law on alternative sanctions to facilitate the criminal justice reform process and rehabilitate offenders, which was part of a contemporary legal system.  The law, adopted in 2016, was a milestone in the national policy to promote human rights.  Women played an equal role in the sustainable development process in Bahrain.  Bahrain was ready to hear other opinions and take advice from partners in the field of human rights.  It would continue to work to prioritize the needs of Bahrain's people

KARLA CUEVA, Minister of Human Rights of Honduras, agreed that human rights were at the centre of human dignity, and reaffirmed the will of Honduras to continue working with the United Nations human rights mechanisms.  The promotion and protection of human rights was a high priority for Honduras, as confirmed in the National Plan of Action for Human Rights, and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.  The Minister underlined that human rights defenders were at the heart of a culture of peace, adding that Honduras had in place a law to protect human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers.  She agreed with the United Nations Secretary-General that human rights could not be respected without gender equality.  To that end, Honduras had in place the National Strategy against Domestic Violence, as well as a national agency to fight femicide.  In addition, the Government was implementing a policy on the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents, and it was working on a new health strategy focusing on children under five, pregnant women, the elderly and those with health problems.  Honduras also worked to ensure responsible business practices that respected human rights, the Minister concluded.     

RAMIZ HASANOV, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, noted that intolerance, hate speech, migration, forced displacement and climate change had shown the irreplaceable value of the United Nations as well as the need for a stronger organization, so Azerbaijan would increase its voluntary contribution this year.  Azerbaijan had assumed the Chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and it would advocate for the universality and interdependence of all human rights.  Parliamentary elections in February 2020 constituted a step towards the country's further democratic development.  To ensure the voting of 700,000 internally displaced persons, 523 polling stations had been set up and Azerbaijani citizens of Armenian origin living in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan had been invited to vote and a number of them did that by e-voting.  Armenia's annexationist policy towards Azerbaijan and its disregard of the relevant Security Council resolutions was the root cause of the conflict.  Azerbaijan commemorated the anniversary of one of the darkest pages of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict when inhabitants of the Khojaly town were brutally killed by the Armenian military because of their ethnicity, being Azerbaijanis.  The Council was urged to make a principled stand and restore the human rights of internally displaced persons, which had been violated for almost 30 years. 

PETKO DOYKOV, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, supported the efforts of the United Nations to defend a rules-based order, and reminded that Bulgaria had joined the "Alliance for Multilateralism", with the aim of contributing to multilateral solutions.  He reiterated Bulgaria's commitment to all Human Right's Council's Special Procedures, and stressed that among the country's priorities in the Council were procedures on the rights of the child, women's rights, and the protection of persons with disabilities.  Bulgaria was committed to the promotion of tolerance, pluralism and freedom of religion, and worked to combat discrimination in all its forms.  As such, the annual manifestation of extreme nationalists and xenophobes known as the Lukov March was prevented last week by the Government, for the first time in 17 years.  It was essential to provide young generations with the skills to engage against intolerance, and as such Bulgaria supported the findings of the report by Ahmed Shaheed, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, urging States to adopt a human rights based approach in combatting anti-Semitism.  Additionally, Bulgaria maintained its unwavering support for civil society, and deplored all acts of intimidation and reprisal by State and non-state actors against them. 

LIDWINA SHAPWA, Deputy Minister of Justice of Namibia, said that amidst the anniversaries, 2020 was a year of introspection where all had to ask themselves what had they done to defend the three founding pillars of the United Nations system?  This year was also a momentous year for Namibia as it celebrated 30 years of independence from the former South African apartheid regime.  Namibia was a second-round member of the Council.  This year was also a milestone in the gender equality calendar and the African Union had declared 2020-2030 to be the Decade of African Women's Financial and Economic Inclusion.  It was sad that in 2020 there were still people living under foreign occupation and Namibia continued to advocate for self-determination for the people of Palestine and Western Sahara, in line with article 1 of the United Nations Charter.  The High Commissioner for Human Rights was commended for her visit to the occupied Palestinian territory.  Namibia was disappointed that there were a number of foreign companies involved in illegal exploitation of the resources of Western Sahara.  Companies should withdraw from the non-self-governing territory of Western Sahara.  Namibia expressed its solidarity with the people of Cuba, Venezuela, Iran and Zimbabwe and called for an end to unilaterally imposed sanctions. 

MAMINATA OUATTARA OUATTARA, Minister of Human Rights of Burkina Faso, reiterated that respect for human rights showed the best of men, and as such the work of the Human Rights Council was of vital importance.  Despite the various procedures to protect human rights at the national and international levels, the Minister regretted that human rights abuses were on the increase.  In particular, technological advances were being used to increase the scourge of intolerance, terrorism and other violations of human rights.  Like other countries in the Sahel region, Burkina Faso faced huge challenges in this regard.  Burkina Faso was committed to tackling terrorism, which had led to 65,000 people being displaced in the country since the intensification of the conflict in the region.  Programmes to defend the national territory, as well as the fight against poverty would combat this asymmetric warfare.  In the anniversary year of the Beijing Declaration, the Government of Burkina Faso was proud to have adopted a range of measures addressing issues faced by women and children.  Increased punishment for violations against women and girls, and the provision of help to victims had been adopted in the new criminal justice law of 2015.  The Government had in place policies to prevent child marriage, measures to eradicate female genital mutilation, and projects for women in the Sahel that helped educate and promote female entrepreneurship. 

VIKAS SWARUP, Vice Minister in the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reminded delegates that it was the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's birth.  The world was beset by borderless challenges of climate change, terrorism and rising inequality, including of access to the digital domain.  To achieve the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, India had adopted the world's largest financial inclusion scheme, covering 370 million people; provided free health insurance for 500 million people; provided 150 million homes for underprivileged persons over the next five years; provided highly concessional loans to encourage entrepreneurship for up to 140 million less wealthy citizens – 76 percent beneficiaries were women; constructed over 100 million sanitary units; and distributed up to 100 billion dollars in schemes to support poorest farmers.  Global cooperation was necessary for preserving mother earth, which was why India had always advocated for climate justice and equity and why the Indian Prime Minister had proposed at the General Assembly last year a Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure.  India had also set up the International Solar Alliance initiative, now open to all United Nations States.  Another global challenge was terrorism and Pakistan was a leading exporter of violence and terror. 

ERKI KODAR, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, recognized the indispensable work of human rights defenders, and particularly women defenders, who were often exposed to sexual and gender based violence.  To put this issue in the spotlight, Estonia had co-sponsored an Arria Formula meeting of the Security Council.  Estonia also deplored attacks on journalists and media workers, and tendencies by governments to restrict access to the Internet under the pretext of national security.  He deplored attacks on the sexual and reproductive health of girls, and reminded that Estonia had co-sponsored the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syrian Arab Republic in New York last week, which gave a deeply distressing overview of widespread violations of children's rights.  Estonia drew attention to the need to preserve indigenous languages, and also deplored the human rights situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine.  He stressed that conflict prevention was an essential part of the Security Council's activities, and warned that human rights violations were often an early warning of potentially deeper conflict. 

JOSE RUPERTO MARTIN M. ANDANAR, Secretary, Presidential Communications Operations Office of the Philippines, said that the Philippines, the first republic in Asia, was borne out of centuries of struggle against Western colonizers.  Fundamental freedoms were embedded from the first constitution of 1899 to the post-martial law constitution of 1987 that was in place now.  Free and empowered media and their role in the life of this nation of 110 million were a priority of the administration of President Duterte and his first two orders had concerned media freedoms.  The establishment of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security was co-chaired by the Presidential Communications Operations Office and it aimed to address the fact that the Philippines was considered as one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists.  The unresolved cases of killings of journalists, including 32 in the massacre in Maguindanao, were now resolved and this was reflected in the improved ranking in the 2018 Global Impunity Index.  Reporters without Borders had delisted Philippines from its top five most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.  A credible Council could not base its action on unsubstituted claims and the call for prudence was launched to assess claims, particularly when they were coming from those that were waging the longest insurgency in Asia and terrorizing communities in the Philippines. 

MATEJ MARN, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, said the Government saw environmental degradation as a key challenge to the full enjoyment of human rights, and as such had recently launched an informal process aimed at recognizing the right to a healthy environment.  The digital environment also posed challenges, so under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Slovenia would host the International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence, focusing on the social and ethical implications of artificial intelligence.  He reiterated that if the rights of women and girls were ignored, sustainable peace and development worldwide would never be achieved.  Other thematic priorities for Slovenia included the protection of the rights of minorities, and the establishment of a human rights framework for older persons.  Slovenia would also continue to promote the rights of the child, said the Deputy Minister, adding that children had a crucial role to play in promoting human rights in the future.  Stressing the need for the protection of human rights defenders, and in support of all of this work, the Deputy Minister called for the increased allocation of funding to the United Nations human rights pillar.     

FARUK KAYMAKCI, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for European Union Affairs of Turkey, warned of Islamophobia, especially against refugees and migrants.  Turkey itself hosted millions of refugees, among them some 3.6 million Syrians.  Turkey would like to see stronger support by the international community with respect to the refugee crisis at its borders.  The Deputy Minister highlighted renewed attacks on the Palestinian people by the occupying force Israel, voicing concern about the business practices in Israeli settlements, and noting that Turkey would not support any peace plan that did not have the support of the Palestinian people.  He reminded that the Turkish Cypriots continued to suffer inhumane embargo and isolation.  The Greek Cypriot side must recognize the Turkish Cypriot side as a legitimate political party because they were not the sole owners of the island.  The Deputy Minister recalled that 28 years ago Azerbaijani citizens had been massacred in Khojali by the Armenian forces, and that more than one milion Azeris had become forcefully displaced.  The Deputy Minister expressed full support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and the rights of Ukrainian Tatars, and he called for an end to the aggression by General Haftar in Libya and an immediate ceasefire.  He further voiced concern about the situation of Uyghurs in China, calling for a disction between terrorists and ordinary people.  Finally, he expressed concern about the situation and restrictive measures in Jammu and Kashmir, encouraging India and Pakistan to reach a meaningful solution, and about the human rights abuses in Mynmar, especially against the Rohingya.

SAMUEL LUATE LOMINSUK, Director-General for Multilateral Affairs of South Sudan, said that the Presidency had decided to change the existing administrative structure from 32 provinces to 10 provinces, which was considered a historic move.  The Government had entered into negotiations with the South Sudanese Opposition movement.  The Government also appreciated efforts made by the international community for bringing peace to South Sudan.  The recent talks that had taken place in Juba were ongoing with positive signs towards sustainable peace.  The Council was invited to look into grave human rights violations by some of the United Nations personnel deployed in South Sudan.  There was horrific sexual violence committed and sexual exploitation in place.  South Sudan was portrayed as one of the worst countries on the planet, but that was far from the reality.  The Council was asked to streamline its reporting to correct this anomaly.  All humanitarian agencies were now allowed to deliver aid in all areas, and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recently confirmed that there were no aerial food drops anymore.  The Council was asked to shift its mandate on South Sudan from item 4 to item 10, so that they could benefit from technical assistance.  The Council was also asked to support the lifting of sanctions on South Sudan. 

FRANCISCO ROJAS ARAVENA, Rector of the University for Peace, said that in the context of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, it was essential to reaffirm the validity and projection of its three pillars: peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development.  Nowadays it must be pointed out that the main threat to human rights was climate change.  Some countries in the South Pacific and Central America were suffering directly from rising sea levels.  In Africa and Latin America, drought was expressing itself with increasing force, limiting access to water for a growing number of people.  Extreme changes in the climate were sweeping across Europe, the United States, Canada, Russia and other countries, and the melting of the poles was becoming increasingly evident.  A second threat was that of insecurity and violence, which were directly linked to organized crime and terrorism.  Facing that framework of instability and challenges to a sustainable peace implied visualizing two main tasks.  The first one was linked to sustainable development and the second one to education.  The University for Peace had taken an initiative, together with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to carry out online training and teaching that would allow for the identification of existing best practices and the development of new ones, in order to convey operational frameworks within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals.  Peace, human rights and sustainable development were not only mutually reinforcing but also interdependent and thus synergetic, Mr. Rojas Aravena concluded. 

GILLIAN TRIGGS, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, stressed that failure to respect human rights was critical for every stage of displacement: human rights violations were a root cause of flight in the first instance; the rights of asylum seekers were often denied while in transit and the rights of people in protracted displacement were also threatened.  Today, there were 71 million people forcibly displaced, out of which 26 million were refugees.  In some displacement situations, 80 per cent were women and children, while over 50 per cent of the overall refugee population were children.  The High Commissioner's Office for Refugees relied strongly on international human rights law, especially in countries that were not party to the refugee and statelessness conventions.  A breakthrough was achieved in December 2018 when international support was gained for the Global Compact on Refugees, which adopted the principle of burden-sharing, and during the Forum, over 1,000 pledges were made to meet objectives of the Compact.  Now it was time to walk the talk.  Gender inequality remained one of the root causes of forced displacement and sexual and gender-based violence was prevalent.  The High Commissioner identified natural disasters as one of the key displacement challenges across the world. 

CRISTOPHER BALLINAS VALDÉS, Director General of Human Rights and Democracy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, confirmed Mexico's commitment to multilateralism and shared some areas of progress made.  The first one referred to receiving technical assistance and advice with respect to the Ayotzinapa case, and training in human rights for members of the National Guard.  The second area was a strengthened mechanism for search for disappeared individuals with forensic identification, whereas the third area was the protection of human rights defenders and journalists.  Strengthened capacity to deal with abnormally high numbers of migrants passing through Mexico and assurances for the rights of migrants was the fourth area of human rights in which Mexico had made progress.  The fifth one was enhanced international scrutiny and dialogue with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.  Aware of the great challenges in the area of gender equality, Mexico had incorporated the protection of women's rights in its foreign policy.  Mexico would submit a request for the renewal of its membership in the Human Rights Council in the 2021-2023 period.  It would continue working to promote the rights of indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities, the abolition of the death penalty, the fight against terrorism, privacy in the digital era, the elimination of all forms violence against women and girls, and the elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation, Mr. Ballinas Valdés concluded. 

PATRICIA SCOTLAND, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, said they were a 54-nation voluntary organization of independent States, cooperating to uphold common values of democracy, gender equality and sustainable development.  The Commonwealth spanned all continents, was home to 2.4 billion people of all races, with 32 small States as its members, and there were nine of its Member States serving in this Council.  The Commonwealth was working with the Office of the High Commissioner to build the capacity of trust fund delegates from least developed countries and small island developing States to empower them to promote human rights.  The United Kingdom was thanked for its support and for providing human rights advisors.  Technical assistance provided through the small States office led to better reporting of small States to international mechanisms.  Climate change was an existential threat for many nations, from the devastation of hurricane Dorian in Bahamas, to bushfires in Australia, and from drought in Namibia to islands inundated with king tides in Kiribati, and many small States were losing people, facing malnutrition and were unable to find clean water.  In June, the Commonwealth would host a Heads of Government meeting in Rwanda with the aim of improving inclusive governance. 

NEMANJA STEVANOVIC, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, said that cooperation among States, international organizations and civil society was of the highest importance for mainating peace and stability in the world.  He emphaiszed that Serbia very much appreciated the independent and impatrial work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and that it would continue to advocate the consistent application of international norms in human rights, especially the rights of women and children.  It would also continue efforts to preserve cultural identities and the enjoyment of cultural heritage, noting that the protection of minorities in Serbia was of the highest standard.  He expressed hope that Serbia's neighbouring countries would devote efforts to protect the rights of persons with Serbian ethnicity.  For example, in neighbouring Montenegro, Serbs comprised 28.3 per cent of the total population.  Referring to Montenegro's Law on Religious Freedom, the State Secretary underlined that while Serbia fully respected Montenegro's sovereignty, it would stand by the Serbs living in Montenegro.  Turning to Kosovo and Metohija, he reminded that it was the heart of the Serbian State, born in the eleventh century.  He called for the protection of the Serbian cultural heritage there, as well as for the continued presence of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo in order to protect the rights of Serbs.    

General Segment

Bahamas said that hurricane Dorian in Bahamas was one of the strongest ever recorded and it had resulted in the worst natural disaster in the country's history.  Bahamas appreciated the international support it obtained and the United Nations assistance sent.  Bahamas noted that current methodology for providing assistance was lacking as it was focused on the gross domestic product, not looking into unique aspects of the case.  A single storm could erode in a second development gains that had been built over decades.  Bahamas supported the diversity of the membership in the Council.  Bahamas believed in a strong treaty bodies system and had nominated its experts for Committees.  Bahamas would continue to be a partner to the Council, working in every sense to advance human rights promotion and protection. 

Chile reaffirmed that the Human Rights Council was the best place to discuss human rights issues, and achieve outcomes through dialogue and cooperation.  Chile's third Universal Periodic Review in 2019 was marked by a high degree of cooperation.  Furthermore Chile had engaged fully with the Committee on the issue of forced disappearances.  He noted that the Fourth Regional Conference on Women was recently held in Chile, and the country had also chaired the Equal Rights Commission 2017-19 in partnership with Canada, aimed at promoting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and intersex persons.  He stressed that the violence seen recently in Chile did not accord with their daily reality.  Chile's institutions had solidity and transparency, and could therefore remedy any situation that undermined human rights.  Modernization and reform of the police was a current policy of the government, which had a policy of total transparency. 

Argentina observed the significant progress made in the protection of human rights in the past 70 years.  Yet, the world was facing deep problems.  In many countries, human rights were clearly threatened.  Many groups were prosecuted for their nationality and beliefs, whereas hate speech was spreading at dizzying speed.  Some leaders were incorporating ideas that fuelled and normalized hate, weakening the public fabric.  The United Nations Refugee Agency reported a gigantic number of people fleeing.  For all those reasons a galvanization of the will of humanity for the protection of human rights was necessary.  Even with considerable challenges, Argentina was convinced that international human rights structures offered suitable protection.  The Argentinian State policy was committed to the truth, memory and justice, and it advocated for the generous welcome to persons who fled conflict.       

Italy said that the motto of its membership in the Human Rights Council was "human rights for peace."  It would devote intense attention to the rights of women and girls, and the rights of the child.  Italy would continue to eagerly campaign against the death penalty and trafficking in human beings.  Human rights defenders were the main allies in the protection of human rights, and they should thus be allowed to conduct their work unhindered.  Other priorities of the Italian membership would be climate change and human rights in the digital era.  Italy called for accountability for the crimes committed in Syria, voiced serious concern about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and called for an end to impunity in Libya.  It also called on Egypt to demonstrate full respect for human rights, and on Myanmar to promote reconciliation and allow for the return of refugees.

Marshal Islands joined the other small island developing States on the Council in emphasizing the need for progress in developing more effective reporting systems.  They invited the international system to design unique "island-tailored" solutions to achieve human rights standards.  Marshall Islands thanked key partners for supporting the Voluntary Trust Fund for small island developing nations and least developed nations, and called for further strengthening of the Trust Fund so others could contribute to the Council's work.  They called for the protection of human rights defenders, as well as tackling violence against women.  As for climate change, they reminded of the fact the Marshall Islands were extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, due to their low lying position.  They asked the Council to rise to the challenge of addressing this crisis. 

Israel said that 12 February 2020 had marked a new low in the bias and discrimination against Israel that was brewed in Geneva.  On that date the High Commissioner for Human Rights had published an unprecedented discriminatory blacklist of companies, based on a resolution that had been born in sin in the Council chamber.  That decision had introduced for the first time boycott, divestment and sanctions into the Human Rights Council.  Despite the attempts of the High Commissioner to diminish the severity of the list, her Office had acted as the jury, judge and executioner all in one.  By surrendering to political pressures, the High Commissioner had missed the opportunity to send to the Council a strong message of her independence, credibility and impartiality.  If she actually cared about the rights of the Palestinians, she would have had to consider whether those companies actually violated any rights.  On the contrary, they provided basic services in the Palestinian territories. 

Sovereign Order of Malta said people trafficking was a contemporary form of slavery, and the implementation of international human rights law was necessary to tackle it.  Furthermore, persons with disabilities faced risks to their human rights, and needed to be cared for.  The Sovereign Order of Malta reaffirmed its commitment to support and foster such societies.  Freedom of religion was a vital right, given that 80 per cent of the world's population identified with a religion.  Interreligious dialogue and cooperation as well as faith based education and understanding was necessary to reach these goals.  The Sovereign Order of Malta was proud to work with other countries like Jordan, Morocco, the United States and other countries that regularly promoted interreligious dialogue as part of their work at the United Nations.

Ecuador noted the Secretary-General's Call to Action on Human Rights and agreed with him that joint action to protect human rights could not be considered a violation of the principle of non-interference.  Ecuador was committed to open and transparent dialogue at the international level, as exemplified in its ratification of all international human rights treaties and incorporation of recommendations by human rights bodies.  Ecuador reiterated its traditional commitment to the full promotion and protection of human rights, and to receiving visits by special procedures of the Human Rights Council.    

United Nations Development Programme continued to support Government efforts for integrated sustainable development planning.  It continued to lead the United Nations system in expanding human rights goals by fostering human rights institutions.  The United Nations Development Programme had recently published its Human Development Report, which showed that inequalities in basic development goals like education were growing.  The report demonstrated that a more equal path was possible if governments adopted policies that were targeted and underpinned by human rights.  The United Nations Development Programme was supporting 100 countries in their work to tackle climate change, and recognized the economic losses, societal risks, and humanitarian needs created by climate change. 

Timor Leste noted that since its independence, Timor Leste had ratified seven of the nine core international human rights conventions.  It advocated a view that without peaceful and just societies there could be no enjoyment of human rights.  The Government had established a central commission to implement the recommendations of human rights bodies.  While access to clean water and sanitation remained problematic, Timor Leste had made improvements in education, social coverage, nutrition, and reduction of child mortality, as well as representation of women.  As for natural disasters, Timor Leste stressed the importance of building climate change resilience and investing in renewable energy.

Viet Nam valued the Universal Periodic Review process as a tool for enhancing constructive dialogue between States.  Viet Nam was already meeting the vast majority of the 241 recommendations made in the last Universal Periodic Review cycle, and had adopted a Master Plan to implement all remaining recommendations.  Viet Nam placed great emphasis on working collaboratively within the Council to achieve results on such difficult challenges as climate change, and the protection of human rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children and those with disabilities.  Viet Nam had been working with other States to protect those rights as well.

China said that peace and development represented the common aspirations of the international community.  China had achieved huge progress in the promotion of economic and social rights, particularly the elimination of severe poverty.  It categorically rejected the accusations regarding Xinjiang and the training centres there.  China had made significant contributions in the international struggle against terrorism and extremism.  Trainees in Xinjiang had found jobs and successfully integrated in the Chinese society.  Those who had visited the training centres had all said that what they had seen had been radically different from what had been portrayed in the Western media.  China invited more people to visit the training centres. 

Organization of Islamic Cooperation, reading out a the statement on behalf of the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, reiterated that its Member States were constructively engaged in promoting universal human rights values for all.  To further this, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's Human Rights Commission had revised the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in line with universal human rights standards.  It would be adopted next April in Yemen.   The Organization of Islamic Cooperation had also revised its Covenant on the Rights of the Child and harmonized it with the relevant international human rights instruments.  Far-right populists and extremist ideologies were feeding each other, and were behind the rise of racism and xenophobia in the world, including Islamophobia. 

Lao People's Democratic Republic said that it continued to make efforts to guarantee the fundamental rights of its people, especially their right to development.  Its top priority was poverty eradication, and it was making progress to graduate from the status of a least developed country by 2024.  The Government attached great importance to participation in the Universal Periodic Review, in line with the principle of sovereignty.  Lao People's Democratic Republic would continue to work closely and cooperate with human rights mechanisms, to work to improve its laws in line with international human rights obligations, as well as to support the work of the Human Rights Council. 

Cambodia observed that while human rights were universal, there was no single model for their promotion and protection.  Cambodia's approach was dialogue, cooperation and respect for sovereignty, taking into account national contexts.  Cambodia rejected the mission of imposing civilizations and sanctions.  Its sovereignty could not be traded for aid or trade preferences.  Cambodia added that the spirit of multilateralism guiding the United Nations had to be further galvanized.  Thus Cambodia was honoured to host the thirteenth Asia-Europe summit on "Strengthening Multilateralism for Shared Growth" on 16-17 November 2020.

Syria regretted the prevailing policy of igniting wars and violating the sovereignty of States, in order to interfere in their internal affairs, just because their policies ran contrary to the policies of the West.  Such policies must not be supported.  Syria regretted that Western States continued to impose their views on the work of the Council.  Syria rejected the proposal to remove standing agenda item 7, and stressed it should remain on the agenda until Israel stopped its occupation of the Palestinian territories.  Furthermore, the situation in Syria was the clearest example of the over politicization of the Council's work, and brought into focus the double standards of Western States. 

Belarus welcomed the Call to Action on Human Rights by the United Nations Secretary-General, saying that it offered an opportunity to reassess priorities.  The programme of work of the current session of the Human Rights Council was overburdened with country specific discussions, whereas thematic areas had received less attention.  The Council needed to come up with a more balanced programme of work.  Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals should be the cornerstone of the Council's work, with a separate item devoted to that subject.  The implementation of the 2030 Agenda should also be accorded its own technical aid. 

Jordan underlined that more than ever the international community needed multilateralism to face the current challenges.  The ongoing occupation of Palestine affected human rights.  More cooperation among States and exchange of information was needed to avoid pandemics.  Jordan was committed to promoting and protecting human rights through adopting legislation, national programmes and strategies to be applied in many different domains.  However, that was a challenge because Jordan hosted so many refugees. 

Global Alliance for National Human Rights Institutions said national human rights institutions could play an important role such as offering advice on the implementation of climate change mechanisms, reporting on and monitoring the effects of climate change, and supporting mechanisms to support those most at risk, including women and children.  In addition, they could support environmental human rights defenders, and provide a platform for dialogue between State and non-State actors.  This year's conference of national human rights institutions would look at the impact of climate change, with a focus on collective action. 

International Society of Jewish Women stated that women had been increasingly accepted as integral to sustainable development since 1975.  The Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action set strategic objectives for the protection of women.  The media played a negative role at times, providing a negative image and representation of women.  This regression in the media represented a real danger to the achievement of equality in society.  This required an urgent call for action. 

Civil Society Representative from Benin underlined the importance of good governance for the full achievement of human rights.  Corruption was one the main barriers to human rights because it infringed on the dignity and prosperity of all persons.  Corruption destabilized democracy and could be a violation of specific rights.  It spared no one and threatened the wellbeing of society and future generations.  Corruption infringed on the availability of services and encouraged impunity.  Accordingly, it was necessary to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks to combat corruption. 

Civil Society Representative from the Amazon region warned of the dominant paradigm of development and the mining and large enterprises destroying the lives of people in the Amazon region, adding that the lives of people were not for sale.  There were still people killed just for being environmental activists.  Climate change was a threat to humanity which was drowning in its inability to make deep structural changes.  The unheard voices of thousands of young people whose human rights were being violated, especially in the global south, must be amplified.

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For use of the information media; not an official record

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