上午
 
听取厄瓜多尔内政部长的发言
 
日内瓦（2016年9月14日）——人权理事会今天上午举行了关于联合国人权事务高级专员扎伊德·拉阿德·侯赛因（Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein）口头最新情况汇报的一般性辩论。理事会还听取了厄瓜多尔内政部长何塞·塞拉诺（José Serrano）的发言。
 
塞拉诺先生告知理事会，如果没有支持的社会背景，对人权的保护是不可能的，这也是为什么厄瓜多尔落实了一些综合性的包容政策，见证了数百万厄瓜多尔人摆脱贫困、保护了妇女人权并增加了获取社会保障的渠道。厄瓜多尔还总结了警察的军事化体制、改革了教育系统并使警察职业专业化，因而确保了向民事警察发展的方向。
 
高级专员扎伊德于9月13日（周二）会议开幕时向人权理事会发言，点击 此处查看其发言摘要。
 
一般性辩论提出了对全世界一些国家和地区中侵犯人权行为的指控。一些代表团借此机会强调了人权的不可分割性以及在公民和政治权利与经济、社会和文化权利之间平衡的重要性。一些代表团指出了落实发展权的重要性。辩论中表达了对一些国家中人权状况的担忧，媒体和民间社会在这些地方承受着压力。一些发言者提醒，使用武力宣扬人权只会导致消极的效果。
 
代表伊斯兰合作组织的巴基斯坦、代表欧盟的斯洛伐克、代表一组36个国家的美国、代表不结盟国家运动的伊朗、代表阿拉伯集团的沙特阿拉伯、代表非洲集团的南非、代表一组国家的埃及、沙特阿拉伯、卡塔尔、厄瓜多尔、德国、马尔代夫、俄罗斯联邦、法国、古巴、阿尔及利亚、格鲁吉亚、玻利维亚、印度、荷兰、摩洛哥、埃塞俄比亚、萨尔瓦多、中国、瑞士、葡萄牙、阿拉伯联合酋长国、博茨瓦纳、英国、菲律宾、印度尼西亚、委内瑞拉、孟加拉国、纳米比亚、大韩民国、拉脱维亚、前南斯拉夫马其顿共和国、刚果、加纳、尼日利亚、比利时、巴西、塞拉利昂、泰国、斐济、黑山、以色列、日本、捷克、巴基斯坦、希腊、土耳其、加拿大、智利、阿富汗、尼泊尔、哥伦比亚、美国、埃及、洪都拉斯、科威特、贝宁、塞内加尔、克罗地亚、海地、保加利亚、苏丹、爱尔兰、哥斯达黎加、白俄罗斯、约旦、伊朗、安哥拉、意大利、亚美尼亚、厄立特里亚、冰岛、突尼斯、阿塞拜疆、朝鲜民主主义人民共和国、柬埔寨、巴林、莫桑比克、乌干达、乌克兰、乌兹别克斯坦、列支敦士登以及索马里的代表团在辩论期间发言。
 
以下非政府组织也作了发言：美洲法学家协会（American Association of Jurists，联合声明）、世界穆斯林大会（World Muslim Congress）、国际伊斯兰学生组织联合会（International Islamic Federation of Student Organizations）、解放组织（Liberation）、全球巴鲁阿组织（World Barua Organization）、萨拉玛基金会（Alsalam Foundation）、促进巴林民主和人权的美国人联盟（Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain）、伊拉克发展组织（Iraqi Development Organization）、反对一切形式的歧视和种族主义国际运动（International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism）、公民参与世界联盟 （Civicus）、保护恐怖主义受害者协会（Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism）、国际妇女人权协会（Women’s Human Rights International Association）、国际律师组织（International-Lawyers.org）、国际消除一切形式种族歧视组织（International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination）、保护和促进人权协会联合会（Federacion de Asociaciones de Defensa y Promocion de los Derechos Humanos）、世界环境与资源理事会（World Environment and Resources Council）、和平组织问题研究委员会（Commission to Study the Organization of Peace）、国际促进非洲民主协会（International Association for Democracy in Africa）、泛非科学和技术联盟（Pan African Union for Science and Technology）、非洲区域农业信贷协会（African Regional Agricultural Credit Association）、亚洲法律资源中心（Asian Legal Aid Resource Centre）、开罗人权研究所（Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies）、学联国际（United Schools International）、亚洲人权与发展论坛（Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development）、国际和睦团契（International Fellowship of Reconciliation）、人权观察（Human Rights Watch）、联合国观察（United Nations Watch）、南美洲印第安人理事会（Indian Council of South America）、欧洲公共关系联合会（European Union of Public Relations）、国际罐头业常设委员会（Canners International Permanent Committee）、环境与管理研究中心（Centre for Environmental and Management Studies）以及希亚姆酷刑受害者康复中心（Khiam Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture）。
 
刚果民主共和国、印度、巴林、朝鲜民主主义人民共和国、土耳其、埃塞俄比亚、巴基斯坦、大韩民国、日本和菲律宾行使答辩权发言。
 
人权理事会今天举行全天会议。随后，其将举行关于《联合国人权教育和培训宣言》五周年的高级别小组讨论会。要求关于高级专员的口头最新情况汇报行使答辩权回应的国家将于9月15日（周四）上午9点继续。
 
General Debate on the Oral Update by the High Commissioner for Human Rights
 
Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, welcomed the willingness of the High Commissioner to squarely address racial discrimination and hate by some mainstream politicians.  The Organization of Islamic Cooperation was at the forefront of the international community’s efforts to fight hate and incitement to hate, and to end religious intolerance and xenophobia.  It was essential that intelligentsia and political readers openly spoke against bigots and demagogues who presented themselves under the guise of national heroes in some countries.
 
Slovakia, speaking on behalf of the European Union, reiterated the European Union’s commitment to the protection of the human rights of refugees and migrants and to addressing the root causes of forced migration, and welcomed the upcoming High Level Meeting in New York on large movements of refugees and migrants.  The European Union demanded accountability in Syria and condemned the attacks by the Syrian regime and Daesh against the population, and was deeply concerned by the deepening humanitarian crisis in Yemen.  Bahrain should extend an invitation to the Special Rapporteur against torture. 
 
United States, speaking on behalf of a group of 36 States, noted the commitment of Cambodia to establishing a multiparty democratic system and recognized the steps taken to address the concerns of citizens in relation to the 2013 elections.  However, concerns existed about new impediments to the right to freedom of expression, opinion and association, and about the recent deterioration in political relations and dialogue in the country.  There should be a full and independent investigation into Mr. Kem Ley’s death, while Cambodia should take steps to create an environment in which civil society and political parties could function freely.
 
Iran, speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, strongly condemned the crimes against humanity committed by Daesh and, reiterating its position on Palestine, condemned human rights violations by the occupying force.  To tackle the multifaceted problems, all States should come together to address the shortcomings of the international community, including strengthening preventive approaches and addressing human rights violations in the context of counter-terrorism measures.  The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights should devote equitable attention and resources to all human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development.
 
Saudi Arabia, speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council firmly believed in the universality of human rights.  However, that did not mean the imposition of values contrary to their religion.  Bahrain had achieved great steps toward protecting human rights, especially through the establishment of national human rights institutions.  The Gulf Cooperation Council countries condemned the situation in Syria and crimes committed by the regime.  The international community had to ensure stability in Yemen under the legitimate President.
 
South Africa, speaking on behalf of the African Group, supported the need to remain committed to the protection of human rights globally.  That could only be achieved if it was recognized that human rights were indivisible, if appropriate resources were allocated to work, and if balance was accorded to economic, social and cultural rights, and civil and political rights.  Challenges could be addressed through the implementation of the Declaration on the Right to Development, which was a starting point to addressing the root causes of issues affecting the African continent.
 
Egypt, speaking on behalf of a group of countries, said that the optimal way to promote and protect human rights was to respect cultural diversity.  Commitment was expressed toward engaging constructively with the High Commissioner.  Regarding a proposed restructuring of the Office of the High Commissioner, it was reiterated that this was not only an administrative or managerial plan, but had implications on States.  Approval by the General Assembly remained a prerequisite for such an initiative.  Concern was expressed about a growing dependence on extra-budgetary resources.
 
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its position regarding the universality of human rights, which did not mean the imposition of values against the country’s religion.  The role of the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights was to assist countries in carrying out their responsibilities while respecting their sovereignty.  The suffering of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation for over six decades should have received its fair share of condemnation in the High Commissioner’s report.  The international community was called on to carry out its duty toward the Palestinian people.
 
Qatar called on the international community to redouble efforts to promote and protect human rights and to face relevant challenges in that respect.  It noted that there could not be one single model for the protection of human rights.  Speaking of the violations of the human rights of the Palestinian people by Israel, Qatar reminded that those violations had been continuing for the past 60 years and had to end.  The international community had to make the Syrian Government take its responsibilities seriously and stop bombing civilian areas.  Qatar supported the Yemeni President and called on the international community to support human rights efforts in that country.
 
Ecuador gave great importance to cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Special Procedures mandate holders.  In Ecuador successful cooperation with the Office was translated into concrete policies, such as the organization of human rights training and publishing of human rights guide books.  Ecuador maintained a policy of open invitations for Special Procedures mandate holders, whose opinions and recommendations were carried out in utmost transparency.  Ecuador called on the Office of the High Commissioner and Special Procedures mandate holders to continue their work in a transparent and impartial manner.
 
Germany said that respect for human rights was the foremost responsibility of each State, but it was also of concern for the international community as a whole.  Civil society and human rights defenders made an important contribution to the human rights situation in the world because they gave voice to the victims of violations and they rightly held their place at the Council.  Germany raised concern over the human rights situations in many countries, notably where the media and civil society were under pressure.  It also observed a negative trend in a handful of countries toward the reinstitution of the death penalty. 
 
Maldives sought to incorporate all human rights into its legislation and maintained the open door policy, welcoming and accommodating all Special Procedures mandate holders who requested a visit to the country.  As a vibrant democracy, Maldives welcomed the constructive criticism of the international community, and its assistance.  Maldives was very concerned about terrorism, and about the decline of the human rights situation in the Middle East, particularly in Syria and the occupied Palestinian territories, where violations were turning into systematic policies.
 
Russia said that the activities of Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and some policies of the United Nations had become increasingly confrontational; an example was the last session of the Human Rights Council during which a new mandate of a Special Rapporteur on a very sensitive issue had been pushed through.  The result of such use of force on the promotion of human rights could only be negative.  An alternative to this was the strict adherence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and other United Nations bodies to the principle of cooperation.
 
France stressed that the strong and independent voice of the High Commissioner was crucial in denouncing violations wherever they occurred and called upon all States to allow access to his Office.  A humanitarian catastrophe was currently underway in Syria, carnage with the use of chemical weapons and starvation, which must stop.  In Ukraine, the implementation of the Minsk Agreements was the only path to stop the conflict.  Inclusive political dialogue was the only way forward to resolve the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi.
 
Cuba said that the creation of the Human Rights Council 10 years ago aimed to eradicate selectivity.  Unfortunately, shameful practices like double standards, politicization and selectivity had compounded in the Human Rights Council.  Human rights were being used to interfere in the sovereign affairs of States.  Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity should be a priority.  Unilateral sanctions violated international law.  Solidarity was expressed with Venezuela.  The High Commissioner had to avoid doublespeak and promote dialogue.
 
Algeria shared the concern of the High Commissioner regarding incitement to hatred, especially in the developed world.  The High Commissioner was urged not to give up on pursuing efforts to tackle such dangerous speech.  Regarding cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights, Algeria encouraged a spirit of transparency.  The High Commissioner was asked to look at violations of human rights in territories under colonial occupation.
 
Georgia thanked the High Commissioner for his strong statement.  The role of the international community in addressing the situation in areas under foreign military occupation was critical.  Georgia had drawn the Council’s attention to the situation in Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions.  Georgia continued to appeal to the international community to apply its best efforts to prevent the future occurrence of human rights violations in Georgia’s occupied regions.
 
Bolivia said the modern era had been filled with massacres, genocides, ethnic cleansing, colonial domination and foreign occupation.  Bolivia noted that dialogue, sharing views, transparent discussion and consensus were essential for the functioning of the Human Rights Council, whereas political interpretations of problems only led to adverse effects on democracy.  It supported the values and bodies of the United Nations in their vigorous defence of human rights and respect for the sovereignty of peoples. 
 
India took note of the High Commissioner’s statement on Jammu and Kashmir and clarified that the two provinces remained an integral part of India.  The occurring violence in the two provinces had been choreographed by known terrorists.  Indian security forces had exercised maximum restraint in dealing with those terrorists.  India appreciated the High Commissioner’s efforts to streamline work, but it also pointed out to persistent ambiguities in his governance.   
 
Netherlands noted that for the Council to function effectively, all States had to be transparent and open to scrutiny and advice on how to strengthen their domestic human rights situations.  It shared the High Commissioner’s concern over many country situations, such as human rights violations in Burundi, Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Yemen.  It also reiterated its full support for the Change Initiative of the High Commissioner, which would help improve the Office’s needed regional strength and ability to pick up signals of violations. 
 
Morocco placed great importance on the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and stressed the importance of avoiding politicization, double standards and polarization within this Council.  Morocco called upon the international community to adopt a balanced approach between civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights, and avoid stigmatization of cultures and religions under the pretext of universality.  The international community must rise to the challenge of migration and find new solutions in the upcoming High Level Meeting in New York.
 
Ethiopia took note of the High Commissioner’s concern regarding the recent unrest in the Oromia and Amhara regional states, but said the accusations of human rights violations were unfounded.  The issues and concerns raised by the people during the protests were legitimate and there were indeed genuine grievances over the lack of good governance in the country; however, the casualties could have been avoided if the protest had been peaceful, legally authorised and not hijacked by some external and domestic violent elements.  Ethiopia would undertake a full and independent investigation and ensure that those responsible for death and excessive use of force were brought to justice.
 
El Salvador agreed with the High Commissioner that only by working together would the world achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.  The United Nations was a big house in which everyone lived together, with the same rights and obligations, at least when it came to human rights.  It was not possible to interfere with States on their sovereign paths, but there was a common responsibility in promoting compliance with human rights.  El Salvador would continue to extend its full support and cooperation to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
 
China said that there remained numerous challenges to ensure the promotion of human rights.  As an institution with special responsibility, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights should make efforts to adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter, like the sovereignty of States.  It should also ensure the intergovernmental nature of mechanisms for the protection of human rights, give equal importance to all human rights, encourage dialogue and cooperation, and fight politicization.  The report of the High Commissioner had recognized China’s progress in poverty reduction.  However, it had also used certain words which went against the sovereignty of China.
 
Switzerland expressed concerns that some States remained inaccessible to international mechanisms.  It was hoped that the recent entry into power of an agreement regarding the cessation of hostilities would reduce the suffering of the Syrian people.  Concern was also expressed about violations of human rights in Yemen; Switzerland encouraged every effort to allow a fact-finding mission to Yemen.  There was an undeniable link between human rights and peace and security.
 
Portugal expressed concern at human rights challenges in the context of mental health, as there was widespread discrimination and stigma toward persons using mental health services.  Also of concern was the growing trend of using the withdrawal of citizenship as retaliation for political activity.  The Council’s attention was drawn to the exclusion of persons from fundamental public services such as health, education, and social security.  Economic, social and cultural rights were obligations under international law.   
 
United Arab Emirates reminded that human rights bodies and the Human Rights Council had a responsibility to cooperate and provide assistances to States wishing to receive them.  However, there was still some misunderstanding regarding the protection of human rights at the national level which could lead to allegations of interference into the sovereignty of States.  It deplored the fact that the High Commissioner had ignored the efforts of Bahrain and Yemen to address their human rights situation, and noted that more details of the suffering of the Palestinian people were necessary.
 
Botswana reaffirmed its continued support for the High Commissioner and his Office, whose primary responsibility was to provide the Human Rights Council with independent and objective analysis of human rights situations around the world, and to provide technical expertise and advice.  Botswana noted that the issue of sovereignty could not be used as a detriment to the protection of the human rights of the most vulnerable and marginalized in conflict and post-conflict situations. 
 
United Kingdom voiced concern over the recent developments in Bahrain and encouraged all sides to engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue.  It remained concerned about the situation in Yemen, adding that a political solution was the best way to achieve stability.  It was concerned about the situations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi, and about irregular migration in the Mediterranean.  It welcomed Sri Lanka’s establishment of an office for missing persons, but noted that still more needed to be done to ensure credible transitional justice systems.
 
Philippines pointed that in his third month in office, President Duarte enjoyed the overwhelming support of the Filipino people, as the country was facing an almost pandemic situation of the use and sale of illegal drugs in all strata of the society.  It was the moral duty of the Government to approach the illegal drugs problem with tenacity and thoroughness.  Even as the President had launched an anti-illegal drug war yet unseen in political history, he had affirmed in no vague language the respect for human rights and the rule of law.  
 
Indonesia shared the High Commissioner’s view that the promotion and protection of human rights should be achieved through ensuring non-selectivity, impartiality, equal focus on all human rights, constructive dialogue and avoidance of double standards.  It asked for further clarifications on the Change Initiative as the restructuring process had significant implications on States and the management of the Office, and called for enhanced efforts to explore ways to ensure a more equitable geographic representation in the composition of the staff. 
 
Venezuela guaranteed the full exercise of fundamental freedoms and human rights, like never before in history, and no one had been arrested for exercising their right to freedom of expression or peaceful demonstration.  At the root of the attempted coup d’état and due to terrorist violence in 2014, there had been a small number of people who had been involved in many crimes and the destruction of public property estimated at 10 billion dollars.  Those persons would be granted a fair trial. 
 
Bangladesh said that accessibility was an important tool for engagement between countries and the High Commissioner’s Office, noting the importance of respect for specificities.  Bangladesh had taken note of the report of the High Commissioner on the composition of its staff.  Another area of grave concern was the lack of resources for climate change issues; adequate resources had not been allocated and that had huge effects for a large number of people in developing countries.
 
Namibia shared the dismay of the High Commissioner regarding the increased imposition of the death penalty in many countries.  The promotion and protection of human rights was the most important means to protect the most vulnerable persons from atrocities being committed against them, and the prevention element should be stressed more than ever.  The field presence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was essential in countries experiencing challenging humanitarian situations.
 
Republic of Korea said there were rampant violations of human rights all over the world, and the worst came from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.  The country was diverting resources to conduct nuclear tests while sacrificing its own people’s basic livelihood.  The Democratic People's Republic of Korea was called on to promote and protect the human rights of its people instead of arming the country with weapons of mass destruction.  The Democratic People's Republic of Korea should also allow access to human rights mechanisms.
 
Latvia expressed concern over the emerging pattern of the refusal of countries to grant access to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and its mechanisms.  It praised the efforts of the Office to provide expertise through its regional and country offices, particularly those activities contributing to building national capacities in gender mainstreaming.  Latvia reiterated its support for the work of the Special Procedures.
 
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia noted that as long as a difference in the enjoyment of human rights existed, trust in the international system was at risk.  Thus, by investing in the universal enjoyment of individual human rights, the international community invested in the degree of trust and resilience of the international community.  To that end a vibrant Human Rights Council was needed.
 
Republic of Congo encouraged States to explore and reinforce mechanisms of cooperation with the High Commissioner and encouraged the High Commissioner to fast track dialogue.  The interaction between Member States and the High Commissioner was beyond a doubt the essential means for improving the situation of millions of persons worldwide.  The Republic of Congo reiterated its will to continue working in a transparent manner with human rights mechanisms.
 
Ghana said that it was unfortunate that the staff of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights continued to face obstacles in the execution of their mandate and called upon all States to open their doors and ensure unhindered access.  Ghana was looking forward to receiving a comprehensive and updated report on the measures taken to bridge the geographical diversity gap in the composition of the staff of the Office at the thirty-sixth session of the Council.
 
Nigeria noted with concern the frustration of Special Procedures in carrying out their assignments and stressed that States had a responsibility to sustain the work of the Council by allowing its various mechanisms to work.  States had a responsibility to ensure that in their territories, national human rights mechanisms worked, and they could not abdicate their responsibility.  The system had worked well for the last 10 years by promoting all rights; it had brought freedom to a lot of people and relief to those suffering from oppressive regimes. 
 
Belgium placed great importance on the good functioning of the human rights machinery in Geneva and through the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, on the planet.  It was necessary for the Office and other human rights mechanisms to have true access to the field and it was regrettable to hear the trends to the contrary described by the High Commissioner.  Belgium welcomed the attention given to a number of countries, including Burundi, calling on the Office and the Council to maintain their focus on this country situation.
 
Brazil spoke about the recently completed thirty-first Olympic Games, noting that at a time when many countries were facing increasing xenophobia and violence, it had been heartening to celebrate and embrace otherness in an environment of peace and inclusion.  The Rio 2016 Games had been the result of more than a decade of investments in social and physical infrastructure, inclusive public policies, and sustainable initiatives.   
 
Sierra Leone said that in recent months, the rise in incidents of racial and religious intolerance, violent extremism and other virulent forms of human rights violations had been worrying. Political conflicts had further unsettled the balance of reason leading to the forced migration and internal displacement of millions of people across three continents. While thanking countries that had consistently provided humanitarian assistance and shelter to those who had survived the perilous crossings across deserts and seas, Sierra Leone believed that more needed to be done to address the needless loss of life.
 
Thailand said that its new constitution would be enacted within three months.  Given the progress which had been achieved, the Prime Minister had terminated the use of military courts.  The Thai delegation would be present for the Universal Periodic Review outcome.  Thailand would propose an annual resolution on technical cooperation and capacity-building.
 
Fiji said that scrutiny was an essential consequence of membership of the United Nations and of the ratification of human rights conventions and instruments.  Fiji had opened its doors to Special Procedures mandate holders and had forged a constructive relationship with the staff of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.  Its work on entrenching a culture of human rights domestically continued to be work in progress.
 
Montenegro strongly supported the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and shared concerns on the continuing deterioration of human rights situations in different parts of the world, especially with respect to the ongoing and unprecedented humanitarian and refugee crisis.  In that respect, Montenegro welcomed the forthcoming migration and refugee summit.
 
Israel reminded that the international community and the United Nations were facing an unending list of calls for urgent assistance, such as the situation in Syria.  A revision of the resources allocated to deal with the biased decisions of the Council concerning Israel would certainly save a lot of money that could be instead used to address the real concerns that the international community should address.
 
Japan said that the human rights situation across the globe had not improved since the High Commissioner had taken up his functions two years ago.  The human rights violations by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea continued to be a cause of great concern, including the abduction of foreign nationals.  Ensuring free expression and activities of civil society was a fundamental value of democracy and Japan was concerned about the situation in some countries in the region where this right was being limited.
 
Czechia said that the refusal of some countries to allow access to human rights mechanisms was deeply worrying, particularly where persistent human rights violations and abuses were coupled with the lack or insufficiency of domestic remedy and investigation instruments.  What were “smart” alternatives to the Office’s field presence, for example via strengthened partnerships?  How could the presence of the Office be improved in countries facing serious human rights problems which were outside of the network of the High Commissioner’s field offices?
 
Pakistan said that human rights violations were rampant in Indian-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan was looking forward to the visit by the High Commissioner to the area.  It was important to stress that Kashmir was not a part of India, which continued to depict the struggle of Kashmiris for their rights as terrorism and which was deliberately targeting civilians.  The fact that India had not yet agreed to a visit by the High Commissioner attested to the fact that India had something to hide.
 
Greece reminded the Council that the Hellenic Coast Guard had saved 150,000 lives in the Aegean Sea in just one year.  The Greek people and authorities had mobilized hugely to assist refugees and migrants.  A new package of measures had been adopted for unaccompanied migrant minors; more details would be forthcoming during Greece’s Universal Periodic Review next week.
 
Turkey expressed disagreement with the High Commissioner’s assessment of the situation in Turkey, which drew an utterly inaccurate picture, leading to unfair stigmatization.  The High Commissioner’s depiction omitted one factor, namely “the terrorist organization PKK.”  Turkey’s counter-terrorism operations were conducted in compliance with international obligations and human rights law.
 
Canada shared the High Commissioner’s concern about the pattern of restricting access to the Office of the High Commissioner and mechanisms of the Council.  Canada was concerned about the situation of human rights in Thailand, Maldives, Yemen, Bahrain and Ethiopia.  In Ethiopia, excessive use of force by the authorities had resulted in deaths, arrests and detentions.  Canada emphasized the importance of peaceful protest and dialogue and the need to promote and protect the civil and political rights of all citizens.
 
Norway underlined the need to strengthen the role of the High Commissioner for Human Rights financially and politically.  Norway strongly supported the “Change Initiative” and the rationale that the Office needed a stronger field presence to protect and promote human rights.  However, with its current regular and extraordinary budget, the Office was not able to provide all States with the advice and human rights capacity building they were asking for.
 
Australia stated that it had moved swiftly in response to revelations about the mistreatment of children in juvenile detention in its Northern Territory, establishing a Royal Commission of Inquiry.  It emphasized its opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances and was concerned about proposals to reintroduce the death penalty in some countries.
 
Libya said that the international community was aware of the scope of challenges that the country was facing, such as the threat of Daesh and other militias, smuggling, kidnapping and all kinds of human rights violations.  Libya had a pressing need for international support and assistance, which weakened the capacity of the authorities to control its territory and to address the ongoing human rights violations.
 
Spain shared the concern about the critical situation of human rights in many parts of the world, particularly those vulnerable persons and groups suffering discrimination, including children, women, ethnic and religious minorities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.  Despite obstacles, there had been progress in human rights and Spain applauded the recent peace agreement in Colombia which would shed the light of hope on the promotion and protection of human rights. 
 
Syria said that the High Commissioner’s statement was not objective and did not reflect the actual human rights situation, but a role played by some countries for political and financial reasons.  The High Commissioner must remain impartial and objective and recognize the role in the Syrian conflict of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.  The accusations made were part of a propaganda programme against Syria which was shocked to see that the Office accused it of using chemical weapons and gas as weapons of war, despite the lack of evidence.
 
Malaysia believed that for productive, long-term and sustainable impact on human rights promotion and protection, engagement should always be constructive and not confrontational.  The promotion and protection of human rights was a legitimate concern of the international community and there was a need to move away from the current culture and approaches that contributed to polarization.  Malaysia shared the concern of the High Commissioner about the growing polarization of the Council.
 
Statement by the Minister of Interior of Ecuador
 
JOSÉ SERRANO, Minister of Interior of Ecuador, said in an address to the Council that the protection of human rights would not be possible without a favourable social context.  Millions of Ecuadoreans had emerged from poverty.  The rights of women were protected, and among the measures taken were assurances of access to social security.  Ecuador hosted more than 60,000 refugees.  As for access to fundamental rights, the State had comprehensive and inclusive policies.  An end had been put to a militarized system in the police.  A fundamental issue had been the transformation of the police education system.  A career in the police had been professionalized.  Knowledge was shared under the new system.  The Universal Periodic Review had recognized it as unique.  Education was the cornerstone of any transformation.  As part of that effort, Ecuador had improved the police, giving it the resources necessary.  Another great change had been a move to a civilian police, not a military police.  There had been a significant reduction in the statistical measure of the rate of violent deaths in the country from 1985 to the present day.  He spoke about the endeavour against drug trafficking.  Ecuador had pride in its Government. 
 
General Debate on the Oral Update by the High Commissioner for Human Rights
 
Chile was convinced that lack of access to the field for the Office impacted the legitimacy of States and that was why Chile had extended a standing invitation to Special Procedures and other human rights mechanisms, including regional ones.  The Council had a crucial role to play in strengthening the human rights approach to sustainable development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.  Chile shared the concern about the great threats of terrorism, hate speech, climate change and inequalities.
 
Afghanistan said that the oral update by the High Commissioner had highlighted the problems and obstacles in some States.  In some countries, the policy of the use of terrorism and extremism as a tool to influence other countries led to violations of human rights outside of their territory, loss of lives and destruction.  A further analysis of the sources of financing and training of terrorist networks operating in Afghanistan would help in understanding the causes and support they received.
 
Nepal understood the challenge of poverty to the realization of human rights and that was why it attached importance to the effective realization of the right to development, while the implementation of the 2030 Agenda could meaningfully contribute to the development of peoples and countries, including least developed countries such as Nepal.  Nepal was fully committed to ensuring accountability for the crimes committed during the conflict and to establishing a foundation for lasting peace.
 
Colombia said it was crucial to strengthen national efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights.  The agreement with the FARC had set up interrelated commitments and gave an opportunity to build sustainable peace for all Colombians.  It had strengthened the human rights of all citizens.  Colombia thanked the international community for having helped the country in its peace endeavours. 
 
United States expressed concern over the situation in Yemen and called on all parties to cease hostilities and reach a negotiated and durable solution.  It raised concern regarding restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly in Bahrain.  It welcomed Sri Lanka’s establishment of an office for missing persons.  It condemned the coup attempt in Turkey and welcomed the country’s public commitment to ensure transparency in the investigation of the coup. 
 
Egypt underlined the need for engaging in dialogue, partnership and cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in order to help carry out its mandate.  Egypt agreed that the United Nations Charter did not allow interference in the internal affairs of sovereign States, noting that sometimes that was the case when the High Commissioner contacted opposition groups. 
 
Honduras recognized the active role of the Office of the High Commissioner in removing obstacles to the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the world and agreed that only together could joint problems be resolved.  Honduras was committed to collective action and was aware of the need for further efforts in establishing democracy and the rule of law, combatting corruption, and strengthening institutions, and that was why it had asked the Office of the High Commissioner to provide technical assistance.
 
Kuwait shared the concern about the situation in Syria and said that it was playing a leading role in addressing this humanitarian crisis by hosting three donor conferences.  With regard to Bahrain, Kuwait highlighted the positive cooperation in the field of human rights and said that Bahrain deserved full appreciation for setting up a model human rights system.  Kuwait underlined the need to protect the right of societies to choose their values and rejected the imposition of any system under the guise of the universality of human rights.
 
Benin took note with concern of the deterioration of the human rights situation in many regions of the world and stressed the need to protect human rights everywhere, always and in all areas of life.  Benin was concerned about terrorism and reiterated the call to endow the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights with means sufficient for the fulfilment of its mission.
 
Senegal welcomed the measures envisaged by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to improve its operational efficiency and recalibrate the geographical distribution of its personnel.  It reminded that the politicization and polarization of debates could only exacerbate the existing divides.
 
Croatia raised concern over the Council becoming increasingly divisive.  There was a need to foster trust among Member States, promote dialogue and create the positive atmosphere needed for resolving ever-growing contemporary human rights challenges.  One of the most pressing issues was migration, which required a comprehensive and sustainable solution.
 
Haiti said that in light of violations of human rights around the world, it called on States to avoid the further escalation of crises, which led to increased migratory flows.  It thanked the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for having facilitated Haiti’s communication with the Dominican Republic.
 
Bulgaria noted that it strictly observed its commitments toward refugees and asylum seekers.  The authorities monitored all alleged manifestations of intolerance against any person on its territory.  Bulgaria thus regretted some partial and unbalanced conclusions in the follow-up mission report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which did not represent correctly and fully the actual situation in the country.
 
Sudan, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, said that it was important to avoid double standards when it came to human rights.  The Arab Group asserted the importance of implementing the mandate given to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights while respecting the sovereignty of States.  The High Commissioner’s position on the situation in Bahrain was not shared by the Arab Group.  Bahrain was indeed endeavouring to strengthen the situation of human rights.
 
Ireland stressed the importance of collective action when it came to human rights.  The Office played a crucial role in strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights in all countries.  Unhindered access by the Office to States had to be ensured to enable accurate reporting of the situation on the ground.  The voice of the High Commissioner should be seen as that of a friend and trusted adviser.
 
Costa Rica recalled that Member States undertook to respect the rules of the United Nations and to promote the human rights of populations under their jurisdictions.  That was why a whole set of treaties on human rights had been adopted.  All States were urged to abide by their Charter and treaty obligations.  The 1993 Vienna Convention recognized the promotion and protection of human rights as priorities of the international community.
 
Belarus stated that in all activities of the United Nations, cooperation ought to be based on the principles of equality and dialogue.  In the Human Rights Council, the Universal Periodic Review provided for a fair and balanced review of the human rights of all countries of the United Nations system.  The repetition of the practice of selective country resolutions continued to lead to the politicization of the Council.  Disproportionate time was devoted to discussing situations in a certain number of countries. 
 
Jordan noted that Syria was one case where human rights violations continued unabated.  Another example was the occupied Palestinian territory where grave human rights violations by Israel had continued for too long.  All support should be given to the Government of Yemen, as well as the Yemeni National Independent Commission of Inquiry.
 
Iran stated that the fight against Daesh was not a simple military operation, explaining that there had to be a multifaceted cultural, religious, political, economic and military campaign against that threat.  It also expressed the view that Daesh continued to be used as an instrument in geostrategic games aimed at the exertion of hegemony in the region.
 
Angola shared the view that the Human Rights Council was designed to be a credible and impartial advocate of the voice of the victims of human rights violations.  The effectiveness and implementation of economic, social and cultural rights could not be achieved without a universal and indivisible approach in the treatment of all human rights.
 
Italy reminded that the United Nations General Assembly would soon hold a High Level Meeting about the world refugee and migrant crisis.  Strengthening the international community’s common responses would help address that phenomenon more efficiently.  Italy was doing its utmost to deal with the movement of migrants across the Mediterranean. 
 
Armenia said that violations of human rights were often both the causes and the consequences of conflict.  Armenia agreed that the access of the Office of the High Commissioner to Nagorno-Karabakh had not been allowed.  Armenia was committed to providing every support to such missions by the Office, and believed that it was essential that States respected their obligations to protect and promote the human rights of their nationals. 
 
Eritrea stated that 10 years earlier, when the Council had been created, it had been hoped that it would be more relevant than its predecessor.  However, the Council continued to be exploited for the causes of political intervention by the New World Order.  The Council’s selectivity undermined principles of cooperation.  States shouldered primary responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights, and national ownership had to be recognized.
 
Iceland said that the lack of cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner shown by certain Governments was intolerable, and called upon all States to act in line with the original purpose of the Council.  Iceland noted the long record of Israel of refusing to cooperate with most human rights mechanisms relating to the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.  Turkey was urged to uphold its high standard of constructive engagement with the Council.
 
Tunisia reaffirmed the importance of the Council protecting and promoting human rights in all aspects.  Tunisia stressed the importance of working in a collective manner, with the view of overcoming obstacles.  The need to support all mechanisms and instruments of the Council was also emphasized.  All parties had to commit themselves to doing what they could to secure the independence of the human rights mechanisms, which would contribute to the universalization of the human rights system. 
 
Azerbaijan expressed regret about the long-term silence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the large-scale human rights violations of Azerbaijani refugees and internally displaced people.  The Office was urged to keep the human rights aspects of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict under consideration and to pay attention to the human rights violations as a result of the aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan.  
 
Democratic People's Republic of Korea expressed reservations to the references made to the country in the High Commissioner’s report.  References to the human rights situation on the ground were fabricated by hostile forces as part of a conspiracy against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.  The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights should direct more attention to human rights violations in the United States and Western countries. 
 
Cambodia said that some political parties and entities blatantly manipulated the current situation in Cambodia.  The Government had an obligation to enforce the rule of law.  Political parties should not hide under a human rights umbrella.  There had been a considerable turnout of voters so far in relevant elections.  Cambodia rejected interference in its political situation.  Support and advice was needed.  
 
Bahrain said that progress in the field of human rights continued. A variety of initiatives were having productive results.  The High Commissioner’s concerns regarding Bahrain were mistaken and inaccurate.  Every person under arrest in Bahrain was guaranteed a fair and transparent trial by an independent judiciary, and there were various accountability measures in place. 
 
Mozambique said the High Commissioner had failed to point a finger at those responsible for the military and political tension in the country, resulting in violations.  The Government of Mozambique had deployed the defence and security forces to protect populations, communities and their properties.  A legitimate Government should not be considered on an equal footing with a military political party seeking to ascend to power.  The Government would consider the deployment of the mission of the High Commissioner to Mozambique.
 
Uganda stated that genuine disagreements sometimes arose over the prioritization of human rights issues.  While the world had become more complex and increasingly challenging, dealing with problems also required complex approaches, without intimidation.  Many developing countries were struggling to cope with the increasing demands of various international organizations.  Uganda reaffirmed the importance of technical assistance to countries in need.
 
Ukraine was closely cooperating with the Office of the High Commissioner and its Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, which significantly contributed to the impartial informing of the world community about the human rights situation, the root cause of which was the Russian aggression against Ukraine.  Efforts were underway to hide the severe harm done to the enjoyment of human rights by the indigenous people of Crimea – the Crimean Tatars. 
 
Uzbekistan said that there were ungrounded claims on Uzbekistan in the High Commissioner’s report.  Uzbekistan had always supported dialogue with the Office of the High Commissioner in Geneva, treaty bodies and various mechanisms.  Office staff had last visited Uzbekistan in November 2015.  Uzbekistan had expressed its concerns over the lack of inclusiveness of the negotiation process to open a regional office of the Office of the High Commissioner in Central Asia. 
 
Liechtenstein expressed support for the important work of the High Commissioner and his Office.  All States were called on to respond positively to his requests for access.  Liechtenstein was concerned about reprisals against human rights defenders; all States should refrain from intimidation.  Expressing worries about reports of violations in many conflict regions, Liechtenstein highlighted in that context the role of the International Criminal Court.
 
Somalia thanked the High Commissioner for his update and expressed recognition that challenges were numerous and complex.  While thanking the international community for its support, Somalia called on its partners to increase their support.  Somalia was scheduled to hold parliamentarian elections for two houses, which would elect the president. The Federal Government of Somalia had shown its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights.
 
American Association of Jurists, in a joint statement with International Educational Development, Inc; International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations, and Liberation, expressed concern about unlawful policies being implemented regarding migrants and asylum seekers in the northern hemisphere.  Conflicts in their source countries were fuelled by massive arms sales from those very same States.  Concern was also expressed about human rights violations that might constitute war crimes in the Middle East region.
 
World Muslim Congress stated that in the last 60 days, more than 70 innocent people had been killed by Indian occupational forces in Indian-occupied Kashmir.  More than 15 million pellets had been fired until 10 September, and the occupied area had been under strict curfew and restrictions since 8 July 2016.  It was hoped that India would agree to welcome a special team from the Office of the High Commissioner.
 
International Islamic Federation of Student Organizations noted that India continued to refuse to allow the Office of the High Commissioner access to Kashmiri people.  The Government of India was called upon to fulfil its international responsibilities and cooperate with the international human rights machinery.  The Council had a moral responsibility to act for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
 
Liberation stated that two-thirds of the Western Sahara was illegally occupied by Morocco.  The lack of a clear message from the international community aimed at the respect of the United Nations authority, via the Security Council, had led to increasing tensions in the region.  Member States that refused to cooperate with the human rights mechanisms should be sent a clear and strong message by the international community.
 
World Barua Organization said that arrests had been witnessed everywhere across India.  People protesting against Hindu nationalism were regularly put in jail.  A recent incident had highlighted the aggression of cow vigilante groups which were supported by some local politicians.  The Indian Government should ban such groups.  
 
Alsalam Foundation expressed concern about an intensification of all violations in Bahrain, as well as about the Government of Bahrain’s clear campaign against its Shia population.  The practice of citizenship revocation had become all too customary in Bahrain.  The High Commissioner was asked to continue to call on Bahrain to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain said that Bahrain had arrested a number of peaceful protesters and imposed a blockade on the town of Sheikh Qassim’s residence, Diraz.  Agreement was expressed with the view of the High Commissioner that the last 10 years had shown with punishing clarity what happened when peaceful voices were ignored by the international community.
 
Iraqi Development Organization spoke about civilian deaths in Yemen.  To better understand culpability, a comprehensive, independent, neutral and just commission of inquiry was required into all the crimes alleged to have occurred in Yemen.  The members of the Human Rights Council were urged to support the High Commissioner’s call to establish a body to carry out an investigation.
 
International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism encouraged States to take appropriate action in line with Article 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.  Concern was expressed over the decision by Nepal to close all field offices of the Office of the High Commissioner.  India was called upon to accept the visit request from the Special Rapporteur on racism. 
 
CIVICUS - World Alliance for Citizen Participation, endorsed the High Commissioner’s cautioning against the burgeoning populist and demagogic impulses in Europe and the United States.  The Council was urged to rapidly dispatch an international, independent investigation into the use of excessive force and mass arrests in Ethiopia.  The situation for civil society and human rights defenders in Bahrain continued to rapidly deteriorate.
 
Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism said that the ugliest face of terrorism manifested when it was committed in the name of human beings or law.  Under the pretext of combat against terrorism, numerous people had lost their lives; terrorism could not be defeated by terrorism.  The only way to combat terrorism was by upholding human rights norms.
 
Women’s Human Rights International Association stated that in August alone, 86 people had been executed by the Iranian authorities.  A 1988 audio file recently released had provided details on the gravity of the killings of political prisoners and opposition activists in the early eighties.  The publication of this audio file was evidence of a long hidden crime and the High Commissioner, the Council and the Security Council were urged to investigate that atrocity. 
 
International-Lawyers.Org expressed strong concern on the persistent lack of efficient redress of gross and systematic violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in the war-torn Middle East.  Deliberate targeting of populated areas by the military forces of the United Nations Member States under the pretext of fighting ISIS was unacceptable, and the protection of civilians and refugees must remain the utmost priority.
 
International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination said that all countries must engage with mechanisms in an impartial manner and with human rights at heart.  The human rights violations on the ground in Iraq were on the increase.  The Human Rights Council should establish an independent Commission of Inquiry on the human rights violations in Iraq, and the Iraqi Government should fully cooperate with it.
 
Federacion de Asociaciones de Defensa y Promocion de los Derechos Humanos said that the system for the protection of human rights must be further strengthened, as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Human Rights Council were rather reluctant to assess human rights situations in non-autonomous territories.  The cooperation between the Office and Morocco with regard to the Western Sahara must be denounced as it extended Moroccan sovereignty beyond its internationally recognized borders.
 
World Environment and Resources Council spoke about Gilgit Baltistan.  The female suicide rate was higher than the male rate, as 60 per cent were honour killings were disguised as suicides.  Victims of sexual abuse were often married off to their abusers.  The conditions were so abysmal that justice eluded those women on a daily basis.  The Ahmadiya community faced rampant discrimination.
 
Commission to Study the Organization of Peace said that Pakistan had conducted major military operations in Balochistan.  Many persons had become victims of killings or disappearances.  Abuses by militants had been documented.  Over 100 individuals were interviewed, including family members of disappeared persons.  Pakistan’s intelligence agencies targeted the Baloch nationalist movement.
 
International Association for Democracy in Africa spoke about honour killings in Pakistan.  The women of the Baloch community living in Pakistan in an area called Balochistan were the worst affected.  Women faced extremely poor conditions in terms of health and sanitation.  The maternal mortality rate was high.  There was a gruesome trend of acid attacks, which disfigured and scarred women for life.    
 
Pan African Union for Science and Technology said that despite international norms which guaranteed security of persons, arbitrary detention existed in many countries, especially against minority persons.  Such was the situation in Balochistan region of Pakistan, where human rights violations and arbitrary detention occurred regularly.  The non-governmental organization spoke of the case of Mr. Baluchi who had been arbitrarily arrested.
 
African Regional Agricultural Credit Association said that the condition of minorities in many countries remained in a sordid state.  The plight of the Baloch minority in Pakistan was one of the prime examples of how discrimination at all levels made the lives of minorities miserable.  Pakistan had turned Balochistan into a military garrison, where serious human rights violations and abuses had been committed for several decades.
 
Asian Legal Resource Centre called attention to a number of human rights defenders from several countries who were prevented from travelling to participate in this Council’s meeting.  Noting the abuse of criminal procedure in many Asian countries, the non-governmental organization said that the global human rights movement had to look beyond the surface and study how justice institutions functioned in Asian and other developing nations.
 
Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies said that attacking the legitimacy of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and refusal to cooperate with the United Nations human rights mechanisms were only a symptom of a much more dangerous development.  In many countries, including in Egypt, governments held concerted campaigns to destroy national human rights movements, criminalize the work of human rights organizations and brutally repress those who dared to speak against human rights violations.
 
United Schools International stated that the construction of the universal human rights system was one of the major achievements of the modern age.  However, despite declarations on the need to protect human rights, in many regions of the world national minorities faced abuse and violations, notably in Pakistan.  Pakistan was denying basic rights to the peoples of Gilgit Balochistan, who were denied their right to independent administrative and judiciary powers.
 
Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development expressed concern over the complete disdain with which the President of the Philippines continued to rebuke calls by national and international human rights institutions to end extrajudicial killings and to follow international law.  More than 2,000 people had reportedly been summarily killed by police and vigilantes since the presidential elections in May 2016.
 
International Fellowship of Reconciliation welcomed the High Commissioner’s comments about the situation in Turkey.  There had been restrictions on freedom of movement, assembly and expression after the attempted coup.  There were also ongoing widespread human rights violations, in particular in the southeast of the country, leading to massive displacement, imprisonment and torture.  The Turkish Government should allow unfettered access to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
 
Human Rights Watch said that too often, the Human Rights Council’s response fell short.  In Yemen, a national process was unable to implement its mandate for an investigation into civilian deaths.  In Burundi, killings, enforced disappearances, torture and arbitrary arrests continued unabated.  Elections were stalled in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The Council continued to underperform in addressing the human rights of migrants and the surge of xenophobia in Europe.  
 
United Nations Watch said that the High Commissioner had used the term occupied territories only in one case, for the Palestinian territories.  He had also criticized Iran, Syria and “North Korea” for refusing to cooperate with United Nations inquiries, and lumped Israel together with them.  The Council’s inquiries prejudged Israeli guilt and disregarded terrorist aggression.  The Council literally had a distinct agenda item for Israel alone.  Could there be any greater evidence of a narrow aim, which should be unacceptable to all?
 
Indian Council of South America said that access could be conditional. There had been nothing in the High Commissioner’s report on indigenous peoples.  The United States denied the right to territory on the basis of discrimination.  Special Procedures mandate holders were intimidated.  A group of non-governmental organizations were seeking more speaking time.
 
European Union of Public Relations said that enforced disappearances occurred regularly throughout Pakistan.  Many enforced disappearances were associated with a political party which was alleged to be associated with the Taliban.  Pakistani forces had killed many unarmed civilians.

European Union of Public Relations said that enforced disappearance was a crime, and a dehumanizing practice with long-lasting consequences for the victims and their families.  Enforced disappearances occurred regularly across Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, where boys and men associated with political parties were disappeared.  In 2015, the armed forces carrying out operations against the Taliban continued to subject boys and men to enforced disappearances.
 
Canners International Permanent Committee said that human rights education and training were fundamental to the effective realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms.  They contributed significantly to promoting equality, and preventing conflict and human rights violations and abuses.  Human rights defenders were particularly targeted by the State-police-military nexus in Pakistan’s Balochistan.
 
Center for Environmental and Management Studies said that although minority rights were recognized by international law, such as the right to practice one’s own religion or use one’s own language, Pakistan was one of the worst countries in the world to be a minority.  Shias and Hindu were targeted, while the situation of minority women was especially precarious.
 
Khiam Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture condemned the persecution of journalists in Bahrain.  It thanked the High Commissioner for having analysed the situation in that country.  The report on Bahrain should lead to the opening of a branch office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Bahrain.  Bahrain had to cooperate with all the United Nations human rights mechanisms.
 
Right of Reply
 
Democratic Republic of the Congo, speaking in a right of reply in response to statements made by France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, regretted that despite many comments the Human Rights Council was still dominated by a selective approach that diminished its prestige and credibility.  As indicated in the report of the High Commissioner, significant progress had been achieved in the area of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and its good cooperation with the human rights mechanisms had also been underlined.
 
India, speaking in a right of reply in response to the statement made by Pakistan, said Pakistan sought to mask its territorial ambitions and used terrorism to achieve that end.  Pakistan had no hesitation to use air power against its own people and it was no surprise that it had failed to convince the international community to secure a seat in the Human Rights Council.  Cross-border terrorism had caused a crisis in Jammu and Kashmir, which had always been an integral part of India.  India had robust rule of law to ensure the rights of people in Jammu and Kashmir.  
 
Bahrain, speaking in a right of reply, said that progress in the Kingdom on human rights was ongoing.  The judiciary did not discriminate between litigants.  Freedoms of expression and assembly were assured, but when there was a threat to the general good, controlled intervention within the law took place as was the case around the world.  Bahrain would invite Special Rapporteurs when the time was ripe for that.
 
Democratic People's Republic of Korea, speaking in a right of reply,  rejected provocative allegations made by “South Korea” and Japan.  Such allegations were politically motivated.  The resolutions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea were a conspiracy of hostile forces.  The most egregious violations of human rights were those abuses such as systematic racial discrimination and torture crimes and repression and abduction of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea’s citizens. 
 
Turkey, speaking in a right of reply in response to statements made by the United States and Iceland, said that on 15 July, an awful mob had threatened Turkish democracy.  The people of Turkey had reacted to defend democracy.  It had been deemed necessary to protect public order.  Democracy was a pillar of Turkey.  All measures emanating from the state of emergency aimed to assure accountability.

Ethiopia, speaking in a right of reply in response to the statement made by Canada, clarified that protesters in some parts of the country had been hijacked by certain groups for their own political agenda.  The case would be investigated by the authorities and Ethiopia expressed hope that Canada would take an objective and unbiased attitude toward the case.
 
Pakistan, speaking in a right of reply, called India’s allegations absurd and contrary to historical records.  It noted that India had denied the ongoing human rights violations in Kashmir.  It invited the Indian delegation to admit that the issue of Kashmir was considered an international dispute, and to admit to the heavy presence of Indian special forces in that province, as well as massive killings and indiscriminate use of force against civilians.
 
Republic of Korea, speaking in a right of reply, underlined the seriousness of human rights violations committed in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.  The existence of the numerous defectors attested to the existence of the problem.  It called on the Democratic People’s Republic of Kore to heed requests made by the international community and to uphold its human rights obligations. 
 
Japan, speaking in a right of reply, called the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s statement groundless and regretted that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea had not responded with concrete actions to address the concerns of the international community.  
 
India, speaking in a second right of reply, rejected Pakistan’s misuse of the Council.  Pakistan had territorial ambitions.  A fundamental reason for the disturbances was cross-border terrorism.  Pakistan had alleged human rights violations in India, but it was Pakistan that was characterised by widespread human rights violations.  Pakistan should focus its energies on improving the human rights situation nationally.
 
Democratic People's Republic of Korea, speaking in a second right of reply, rejected the allegations of “South Korea” and Japan.  The former was a source of international concern.  So-called defectors could only give false testimony.  If “South Korea” really cared about access, the country should also allow the parents of abductees to meet with their children.  Japan was well advised to be true to its bilateral agreements.
 
Pakistan, speaking in a second right of reply, said that there was no indication that India would own up to the fact that the terrible situation in Kashmir was due to the Indian occupation.  The Kashmir valley was in a complete state of lockdown.  The only party that was in denial of those facts was the Indian State.
 
Japan, speaking in a second right of reply,  said that its position on the past, which the Democratic People's Republic of Korea’s representative had referred to, would not be detailed again.  On the issue of abductees,  the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was requested to respond to requests from the international community and take constructive steps forward.     
 
Republic of Korea, speaking in a second right of reply, expressed deep regret about the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and said that two “North Korean” persons had been arbitrarily detained.  Those should be released, together with more than 80,000 persons in political camps.
 
Philippines, speaking in a right of reply, said that the campaign against illegal drugs had been implemented with strict adherence to human rights standards, and national and international law.  The accusations of extra-judicial or arbitrary executions by the Government forces were taken seriously: internal investigative procedures were in place and the public was encouraged to report any extra-judicial killings by the police.  The Philippines urged the international community to understand that its citizens faced a very dangerous situation due to illegal drugs and to be understanding of the need for the Government to firmly pursue anti-illegal drug operations.

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