HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL HEARS STATEMENTS BY DIGNITARIES FROM 24 STATES AND ORGANIZATIONS AS IT CONTINUES ITS HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT

The Human Rights Council continued its High-Level Segment today, hearing statements by dignitaries from 24 States and international organizations who spoke about their concerns regarding the situation in a number of countries and regions around the world and outlined some of their efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Riyad Al Malki, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine, commended the Human Rights Council for revealing to the world Israel’s practices against the Palestinian people. Collective punishments, including the destruction of houses, were being perpetrated. The occupying power continued to promote settlements and to plunder natural resources in order to impose a new de facto situation based on racial discrimination.

Sergey Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, noted that the stability of the world order could be achieved only if there were reliable mechanisms of collective action in all spheres. It was unacceptable to use human rights issues as a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of States, which led to destabilization in many countries and entire regions.

Ramtane Lamamra, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Algeria, said that the recent constitutional revision in Algeria had allowed for the reinforcement of the rule of law, deepening of democratic participation, and consolidation of democratic freedoms, especially with respect to freedom of information and association, representation of women in elected positions, the electoral system and management of local communities.

Rui Carneiro Mangueira, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of Angola, welcomed the emphasis on the right to development, which reflected the firm commitment to put human beings first and to fight against poverty, to ensure protection for the environment and to ensure a basis for the enjoyment of all rights.

Jiří Dienstbier, Minister for Human Rights, Equal Opportunities and Legislation of the Czech Republic, called on the international community to deliberate on grave human rights situations wherever they occurred. The Czech Republic supported the streamlining of the work of the Human Rights Council, increasing its effectiveness, and strengthening linkages and complementarity between the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly.

Ditmir Bushati, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Albania, voiced an urgent need for States to address the conditions conducive to violent extremism by adopting, in addition to security measures, a comprehensive social approach in empowering youth, women, local and religious leaders, and civil society in their approach to the respect of human rights and educational training.

Kristian Jensen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, noted that many of the Human Rights Council’s thematic resolutions improved international standards, such as combatting religious intolerance, violence against women and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. For Denmark, gender equality and the fight against torture and ill-treatment were among the highest priorities.

Stéphane Dion, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada, warned of the proliferation of the misguided belief that diversity was a threat. He noted that Canada was strong not in spite of its diversity, but because of it. While everything was not perfect in Canada, various diverse communities could live and grow up in freedom there.

Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Botswana, stressed that the migration crisis had been a reminder that there was still a long way to go in the fight against racism. Culture was often cited as justification for violence against women and girls, and there was an urgent need for more public education on women’s empowerment measures and harmful cultural practices.

Igor Crnadak, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated that Bosnia and Herzegovina aimed to contribute to the global fight against terrorism and extremism, and to uphold the rule of law and democracy. It endorsed international instruments for the fight and prevention of terrorism, and it was active in preventing the recruitment of foreign fighters. He noted that a society based on equality, diversity and respect for human rights was a healthy and prosperous society.

Bassam Talhouni, Minister of Justice of Jordan, said that the problems of terrorism and extremism posed a great threat to the values of human rights, which was why all States needed to work together to combat those phenomena. Settling the Palestinian question was the key to resolving the conflicts in the Middle East and in the world. The failure of the international community to find a solution for the Palestinian question had exacerbated terrorism and extremism.

Bärbel Kofler, Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid of Germany, rejected the idea that the international community had to choose between stability and human rights. Silencing civil society would never keep a country calm, she said, expressing concerns at violence against human rights defenders. The shrinking space for civil society, arbitrary detention and torture would lead to radicalization and lay the ground for future conflicts.

Alexandros N. Zenon, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, said that States had to be careful while balancing civil society and national security, and had to avoid countering radicalization through disproportionate measures, which only fostered alienation, mistrust and feelings of injustice, and fuelled extremism. Cyprus supported efforts to establish a lasting ceasefire in Syria and an inclusive dialogue to achieve a political solution to the conflict.

Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said that the longer wars lasted, the deeper the crippling effects were of war economies. Within just a few years, decades worth of progress and development were wiped out. The best way to counter long-term conflict lay in preventing violations of international humanitarian law, especially in times of war and violence.

Thorbjorn Jagland, Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, said that a Europe-wide policy of slamming shut the door was not a sustainable solution for the migration crisis. Whatever happened in Syria as regards the ceasefire in that country, the flow of people across the Mediterranean was not going to stop overnight, and a lasting solution could only be delivered by solidarity among nations.

Ioannis Amanatidis, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece, said that Greece faced a particularly strong migratory pressure due to its geographic position. Since the beginning of 2015, more than 950,000 persons, mostly from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, had crossed the Greek sea borders with Turkey and reached the Greek islands. Unilateral measures and closing borders could not be a viable solution to the refugee migration issue.

Dragoljua Bencina, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, said more attention had to be paid to the needs of children and other vulnerable groups, and to fight child trafficking in refugee camps. While the immediate imperative was to protect human life, the long-term solutions lay in tackling the root causes – violence, poverty, lack of good governance, violations of human rights, lack of resources, and climate change.

Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, Ministry of Justice of Zimbabwe, noted that the right to development was realized through improvements in the fields of food security, social services and poverty eradication. Zimbabwe was committed to fulfil its reporting obligations to human rights bodies, and to continue its collaboration with Special Procedures mandate holders and treaty bodies.

Alfonso Nsue Mokuy, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Rights of Equatorial Guinea, said that Equatorial Guinea was ready to pursue close cooperation with the United Nations human rights system to achieve a world that was committed to sustainable development based on the principles of equality, justice and peace. With regard to the right to development, Equatorial Guinea aimed to become an emerging economy by 2020.

Igor Lukšić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Montenegro, said that the Human Rights Council continued to play its leading role in the promotion and protection of human rights, proving itself as a main global body aiming to improve the human rights agenda. Today’s complex crises, violations and abuses required ever more determined efforts by the United Nations and its Member States.

Ri Su-yong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, said that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea should reconsider its participation in the Council in view of the widespread politicization, selectivity and double standards as well as the lack of justice. It was deplorable that the Human Rights Council, whose unique mission was to promote and protect human rights, had been turned into a fully politicized mechanism.

Saïd Paguindji, Minister of Justice of the Central African Republic, said the transitional Government had pledged that the fight against impunity would be its priority in order to stop the bad practices of the past. To that end the Government had established the Special Criminal Court, composed of national and international judges.

Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, stated that the Human Rights Council had the capacity to adapt and respond swiftly to future challenges. The current session came at a particularly trying moment, which made it imperative for all Member States to make their actions conform to international standards.

Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Congo, underlined his country’s attachment to multilateralism, peace and progress, as illustrated by Congo’s support to peace efforts in the Central African Republic. Congo was also preoccupied by the political and security crisis in Burundi, and it condemned atrocities committed by Boko Haram.

The Council today is holding a full day of meetings from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This press release covers all statements made under the High-Level Segment from noon until 5 p.m., and the evening release will include all other statements made today.


High-Level Segment

RIYAD AL MALKI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine, commended the Human Rights Council for revealing to the world Israeli practices against the Palestinian people. The sound of Israeli bulldozers establishing illegal settlements covered the cries of the Palestinian victims. Following the reports by the Council and the Commission of Inquiry on the Gaza Conflict, the State of Palestine had established a fact finding commission, which had not been able to carry out its mandate due to Israeli restrictions. Collective punishments, including the destruction of houses and the refusal to return the corpses of martyrs, were being perpetrated. Arbitrary detention and torture of detainees and children were systematic and clear violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws. The occupying power continued to promote settlements and to plunder natural resources in order to impose a new de facto situation based on racial discrimination. Those activities constituted war crimes. The international community should hold Israel accountable for its crimes. Impunity encouraged Israel to continue its violations, and undermined the credibility of the international system as a whole. Mr. Malki called on all countries to boycott the products of settlements and to impose economic sanctions on the occupying power, in accordance with the United Nations Guidelines on Business and Human Rights. The Security Council should adopt a resolution condemning illegal settlements as obstacles to the two-State solution, complementing France’s efforts to resume negotiations. In conclusion, he reiterated the State of Palestine’s commitment to a comprehensive and just peace that responded to the aspirations of the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.

SERGEY LAVROV, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, noted that the stability of the world order could be achieved only if there were reliable mechanisms of collective action in all spheres, among other mechanisms building equitable and indivisible security, ensuring universal space for free cooperation in trade and economy, and implementing common standards in the humanitarian sphere. It was unacceptable to use human rights issues as a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of States, which led to destabilization in many countries and entire regions. The Russian Federation saw a serious danger in attempts to falsely interpret obligations in the field of human rights to change the format of the work of the United Nations and its bodies under the slogan of the “new reading” of the concept of human rights, to impose non-universal views and values to the detriment of the intergovernmental character of the United Nations. It was more than ever important to observe the principle of equal treatment of all categories of rights: civil, political, economic, social and cultural. The Council should unequivocally reaffirm their indivisibility and equal value, and that should be a priority for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Basic human rights standards could not be ensured in situations of armed conflicts and civil wars, which was why improving the humanitarian situation in Syria should be one of the key priorities of the United Nations. The Russian Federation also expected the United Nations human rights mechanisms to pay the closest attention to the violation of the rights of national minorities in Ukraine, the plight and massive exodus of Christians in the Middle East, the rights of the long-suffering peoples of Syria, Iraq, the Middle East and North Africa, and the resurgence of neo-Nazism.

RAMTANE LAMAMRA, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria, said that the constitutional revision that Algeria had completed on 7 February 2016 had crowned a long process of reforms undertaken by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Those reforms had allowed for the reinforcement of the rule of law, deepening of democratic participation, and consolidation of democratic freedoms, especially with respect to freedom of information and association, representation of women in elected positions, the electoral system and the management of local communities. The reforms had also strengthened the rights of the child and had criminalized violence against women. Nevertheless, Algeria still faced challenges due to a tumultuous environment and difficult global economic context. In order to promote stability and international security, Algeria would continue to make contributions to peace and reconciliation in Mali, and to support efforts to bring peace and stability to Libya. Speaking about the Palestinian people, Mr. Lamamra noted that they were victims of decades-long politics of repression and domination. The Palestinian people had to recover their legitimate national rights. He deplored the fact that the politics of occupation had persisted, despite numerous condemnations by the Human Rights Council. The denial of the rights of the Palestinian people was similar to the situation of the people of Western Sahara, the last colony in Africa where the process of self-determination had begun in 1975. Algeria would continue to work in order to bring a just and lasting end to the conflict through the holding of a free and fair referendum on self-determination.

RUI CARNEIRO MANGUEIRA, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of Angola, said that as the world commemorated the adoption of the two Covenants, the assessment would be towards the progress of humanity on the free exercise of civil and political rights and guarantee of economic, social and cultural and environmental rights. However the current context was marked by wars and conflicts, global and economic crises, migrant crises, restrictions on the exercise of civil and political rights, terrorism, extremism, and gender inequality, among others. The world was also celebrating the evaluation of the eight Millennium Development Goals and the adoption of 17 objectives on sustainable development. Angola welcomed the emphasis on the right to development. This choice reflected the firm commitment to put human beings first and to fight against poverty, to ensure protection for the environment and to ensure a basis for the enjoyment of all rights. The right to development represented a new opportunity for developing countries to prioritize and outline a safe path to achieve the seventeen objectives of the 2030 Development Agenda. There was still much work ahead. Several million people still lived in conflict or poverty. The flagrant degradation of human rights was witnessed daily. Angola believed that the 2030 Development Agenda was crucial in reducing the gap between developed and developing countries. Angola would be fully compliant with the 2030 Development Agenda

JIRI DIENSTBIER, Minister for Human Rights, Equality and Legislation of the Czech Republic, said the international community must deliberate on grave human rights situations wherever they occurred. The Czech Republic supported the streamlining of the work of the Human Rights Council, increasing its effectiveness, addressing the Universal Periodic Review mechanisms after its two cycles, and strengthening linkages and complementarity between the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly. The Czech Republic was a strong promoter of the universality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of human rights, and would pay attention to harnessing social dialogue for the more effective promotion of economic and social rights nationally. It continued to improve and widen the exercise of the right to participate in public affairs, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. A week ago, a delegation from the Czech Republic had taken part in the sixty-third session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. The concluding observations would be one of the crucial documents for the further development of gender equality in the Czech Republic. Other concrete steps that the Czech Republic had taken in the area of human rights included the Action Plan on Equal Representation of Men and Women in Decision-Making Positions, a Strategy to Combat Social Exclusion, and a working group on the national implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

DITMIR BUSHATI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Albania, reiterated Albania’s support for the independence and integrity of the mandate of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Human Rights Council had actively contributed in shaping global action to address the situation in many countries where human rights were severely violated. Despite real progress, the situation of human rights in many parts of the world had deteriorated, and in some cases it was simply alarming. Albania continued to be deeply concerned about the ongoing sectarian violence in Iraq and the humanitarian catastrophe in Syria. Last year was marked by a severe increase of terrorist activity. The notorious and large-scale Da’esh atrocities, the massacres of Boko Haram in Nigeria, and the terrorist attacks in Paris, Lebanon, Egypt and Turkey were meant to create fear and insecurity worldwide. Equally worrying were violent extremism and widespread discrimination and persecution of individuals belonging to religious, ethnic, or other minorities. There was an urgent need for States to address the conditions conducive to violent extremism by adopting, in addition to security measures, a comprehensive social approach in empowering youth, women, local and religious leaders, and civil society in their approach to the respect of human rights and educational training. The unprecedented migration flows to Europe bore the marks of severe human rights breaches as a result of conflicts in the Middle East. Albania joined other countries in voicing concerns about the root causes of the current migration and refugee crisis, and about the urgent need to find lasting political solutions to conflicts. More had to be done to protect the rights of migrants, based on a comprehensive approach which took into account the full protection of human rights of migrants.

KRISTIAN JENSEN, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, noted that many of the Human Rights Council’s thematic resolutions improved international standards, such as combatting religious intolerance, violence against women and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. For Denmark, gender equality was a prime concern. It also noted that the world had seen great improvements for women and girls. With the Sustainable Development Goals, the international community now had a duty to ensure that “no one was left behind.” The fight against torture and ill-treatment was another high priority for Denmark. It would present a draft resolution specifically addressing torture in police detention and would call for an international dialogue on how to best tackle that issue. Mr. Jensen hailed significant progress in human rights in Tunisia, Georgia, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mali, Somalia and Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, he deplored grave human rights violations in eastern Ukraine, South Sudan and the Middle East where mass executions and executions of prisoners and minors persisted. Key regional actors, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, had a special responsibility to reduce the use of executions. Denmark called on all parties to the conflict in Syria to stop indiscriminate attacks on civilians, and urged all parties to resume the United Nations facilitated peace talks in Yemen. Having launched its candidature for the Council in 2019-2021, Denmark was eager to contribute more profoundly to the Council’s important work. It would stand for dignity, development and dialogue.

STÉPHANE DION, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada, said that today, the misguided belief that diversity was a threat was proliferating. But Canada was strong, not in spite of its diversity but because of it. When universal human rights were respected, pluralism was an opportunity, not a danger. In order for Canada to be effective in the struggle for human rights, the country had had to recognize its own set of human rights issues, historically and at present, such as facing up to a difficult past relationship with its indigenous peoples. Recent statistics suggested that women still earned 30 per cent less than men. Governments should be open to criticism. Canada welcomed Special Procedures mandate holders who wanted to visit, and it encouraged all countries to take the same attitude of openness. As Canada had over the last years not contributed to the core funding for the High Commissioner for Human Rights, it would now give 15 million dollars during the next three years, and would also make additional contributions to reinforce the presence on the ground in Burundi of the Office for the High Commissioner. While everything was not perfect in Canada, various diverse communities there could live and grow up in freedom. All, including 25,000 Syrian refugees, contributed to the country’s social mosaic. Diversity and respect for human rights strengthened humanity.

PELONOMI VENSON-MOITOI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Botswana, said that like the rest of the international community, Botswana was seriously concerned by the conflict in Syria. Crimes being committed in the conflict would leave an “indelible scar” on the conscience of all humanity. The situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continued to be a source of concern, too, and some reported human rights violations might amount to crimes against humanity. Botswana also remained concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Burundi, and urged that country’s Government to uphold its primary responsibility to protect its people. The migration crisis had been a reminder that there was still a long way to go in the fight against racism. Culture was often cited as a justification for violence against women and girls, and there was an urgent need for more public education on women’s empowerment measures and harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation. Sexual orientation and gender identity were still contentious issues in many developing countries, but that was not an excuse to condone violence against anyone. As the second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review came to an end, the Council should develop a follow-up mechanism on the implementation of the accepted recommendations by all States. Botswana supported the High Commissioner’s view that “naming the shame”—violations and abuses of human rights—did not undermine sovereignty. His Office and its independence had to continue to be protected in the discharge of its mandate, as they were the mirror that citizens of the international community needed, even at the discomfort of Governments.

IGOR CRNADAK, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that the principle of non-discrimination was embedded in the Bosnian Constitution and the country had adopted a law that prohibited all forms of discrimination. Bosnia and Herzegovina was committed to fostering ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, which was key in the post-conflict context. It aimed to share best practices and lessons with other States. Its ongoing commitment was to improve the status of women, and it was one of the six countries to have implemented the second action plan on women, peace and security. Bosnia and Herzegovina also aimed to contribute to the fight against terrorism and extremism, and to uphold the rule of law and democracy. It endorsed international instruments for the fight and prevention of terrorism, and it was active in preventing the recruitment of foreign fighters. A society based on equality, diversity and respect for human rights was a healthy and prosperous society. Speaking of refugees, Mr. Crnadak noted that although Bosnia and Herzegovina today remained outside the main migrant and refugee routes, the Government was preparing for a potential migration crisis. In order to find long-term solutions for migrant crises, the international community needed to tackle their root causes, one of the most important ones being human trafficking, which fed on poverty and insecurity. Finally, Bosnia and Herzegovina reiterated its strong support for the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
BASSAM TALHOUNI, Minister of Justice of Jordan, said that the Human Rights Council undertook important global action to promote and protect human rights. The problems of terrorism and extremism posed a great threat to the values of human rights, which was why all States needed to work together to combat those phenomena. Settling the Palestinian question was the key to resolving the conflicts in the Middle East and in the world. The failure of the international community to find a solution for the Palestinian question had exacerbated terrorism and extremism. Jordan advocated for the creation of an independent and fully sovereign Palestinian State within its pre-1968 borders. It condemned the building of Jewish settlements and the destruction of Palestinian homes and infrastructure. Speaking of the conflict in Syria, Mr. Talhouni called for a political solution to the conflict, political transition and for the protection of Syria’s territorial integrity. Jordan strove to promote civil right values and to that end one third of the Constitution had been reformed to make it consistent with international instruments on human rights. Jordan emphasized the central role of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the protection of human values. The Government of Jordan worked with the bodies of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in a transparent manner, and it had launched an open invitation to human rights experts.

BÄRBEL KOFLER, Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid of Germany, referred to the refugee crisis and assured that Germany’s response would be firmly rooted in international human rights standards. It was clear that today’s refugees mostly came from countries with widespread serious human rights violations. This was the case in Syria. She rejected the idea that the international community had to choose between stability and human rights. Silencing civil society would never keep a country calm, she said, expressing concerns at violence against human rights defenders. The shrinking space for civil society, arbitrary detention and torture would lead to radicalization and lay the ground for future conflicts. Companies also had a responsibility to ensure that they were not complicit to human rights violations, she said, calling for the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Germany was directly concerned by this issue, as it was the home of transnational companies as well as migrant workers. Germany was therefore implementing a National Action Plan on business and human rights and would continue to promote this agenda. The Human Rights Council was the central body within the United Nations with the mandate to promote and protect human rights. Last year, Ambassador Joachim Rücker had, as previous President of the Council, been promoting its effectiveness, and it was reassuring that the new President had committed to continue these efforts.

ALEXANDROS N. ZENON, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, condemned despicable acts of terrorism and armed conflict indiscriminately targeting civilians. At the tenth anniversary of the Council, it was regrettable that those acts continued. This anniversary was however the occasion of praising the work of human rights defenders, who suffered violence and faced undue restrictions in many countries. Terrorism had been taking lives while abusing religion. It affected human lives and had a global impact on security. Blatant disregard of human rights also had a destabilizing impact on the economy and development in the long term. States had to be careful while balancing civil society and national security, and had to avoid countering radicalization through disproportionate measures, which only fostered alienation, mistrust and feelings of injustice, and fuelled extremism. Cyprus supported efforts to establish a lasting ceasefire in Syria and an inclusive dialogue to achieve a political solution to the conflict. Cyprus regretted that Turkey had failed to implement judgements of the European Court of Human Rights finding it guilty of continuous violations in Cyprus. The two communities on the island had resumed negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting settlement and there was reason for cautious optimism. The President was committed to continue working closely with the Turkish Cypriot leader to reach such a settlement. Cyprus would during this session of the Human Rights Council present a statement on the impact of the destruction of cultural heritage on cultural rights.

PETER MAURER, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said that nothing was normal anymore in Syria, which was just one example of a place where the cumulative effects of protracted conflict could be seen on people’s lives. The longer wars lasted, the deeper the crippling effects were of war economies. Within just a few years, decades worth of progress and development were wiped out. The best way to counter long-term conflict lay in preventing violations of international humanitarian law, especially in times of war and violence. Rights were not abstract standards, they were the very basis of life. He urged the Council to see its tenth anniversary as a way to take stock of efforts to generate the conditions of a human life of dignity. A constant improvement of the Universal Periodic Review process revealed the determination of States to mobilize. When international humanitarian law was violated, violations of international human rights law would be sure to follow. It had become fashionable, he said, to lament the erosion of international law and its protective capacity. But it was precisely because the law had never been stronger that the international community was more sensitive to violations and transgressions. Last year, the International Committee of the Red Cross had visited almost one million detainees across the world. That experience and global presence allowed the organization to see that investing in a functional and independent justice system was one of the best choices a State could make to yield long-term societal benefits.

THORBJØRN JAGLAND, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, said that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights had been signed precisely because the horror that was possible when State power was unrestrained and human dignity was disregarded had been understood. Yet some were retreating from those principles today, as the refugee crisis continued to dominate news cycles. He called the plans of the Hungarian Prime Minister to hold a referendum on European Union plans for refugee quotas “polarizing and irresponsible,” adding that States could not simply opt in and out of their international obligations as they saw fit. A picking-and-choosing mentality toward the rules was dangerous because it was contagious. Erecting fences, seizing refugees’ belongings, and tightening rules on family reunification were measures that raised serious questions under European human rights standards. A Europe-wide policy of slamming shut the door was not a sustainable solution. Whatever happened in Syria as regards the ceasefire in that country, the flow of people across the Mediterranean was not going to stop overnight, and a lasting solution could only be delivered by solidarity among nations. That meant a comprehensive registration system and common legal standards to assess claims against. Europe’s leaders had to move beyond blame and brinkmanship to agree on a proper relocation strategy, to think big and move in unison.

IOANNIS AMANATIDIS, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece, said that Greece had presented its candidature for membership to the Human Rights Council for the period 2019-2021. If elected for the first time, Greece would continue working in a spirit of cooperation and constructive dialogue with all relevant United Nations bodies and Member States, convinced of the added value of a consensus-based approach. In the wake of the economic crisis where the impact of austerity measures and foreign debt on human rights had become more than evident in society, Greece focused its work on cross-regional initiatives aiming to tackle important social and human rights issues such as unemployment, the drug problem, the enjoyment of cultural rights and others. In the area of civil and political rights, Greece actively supported a series of initiatives, including on the protection of human rights defenders. During the last six years, Greece had been enduring a harsh economic crisis, the impact of which had significantly threatened the coherence of the social fabric. As to the refugee/migration issue, which remained a cause of major concern, Greece faced a particularly strong migratory pressure due to its geographic position. Since the beginning of 2015, more than 950,000 persons, mostly from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, had crossed the Greek sea borders with Turkey and reached the Greek islands. Unilateral measures and closing borders could not be a viable solution to the refugee migration issue. The only way to mitigate the refugee crisis was to put an end to the conflict in Syria. Greece would undertake all efforts to promote a viable political solution to the conflict. Finally, highlighting the efforts of Greece to continue its promotion of human rights, the Deputy Minister informed that Greece had prepared its first Human Rights Action Plan.

DRAGOLJUA BENCINA, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, said more attention had to be paid to the needs of children and other vulnerable groups, and to fight child trafficking in refugee camps. While the immediate imperative was to protect human life, the long-term solutions lay in tackling the root causes – violence, poverty, lack of good governance, violations of human rights, lack of resources, and climate change. Slovenia was concerned about the situation of the Palestinian people, who suffered repression of civic uprising, terrorism and violent extremism, failed statehood and struggling institutions, land grabs and decades of long strife. Regarding the situation in Syria, where after five years of conflict, the world was finally witnessing a cessation of hostilities, Slovenia called on everyone to respect their commitments and continue to fully support the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy Steffan de Mistura in his goal to resume the Geneva talks in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254. Atrocities committed by terrorist groups such as Da’esh and Boko Haram had to be stopped. Slovenia was appalled by the latest account of gross human rights violations and abuses in South Sudan and hoped that the Human Rights Council would carry out its mandate and establish a Special Procedure dedicated to this situation. Ukraine was another concern of Slovenia. Slovenia’s priorities were tackling intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination through human rights education. In line with this, Slovenia would present a resolution on Human Rights Education and Training within the framework of the Platform for Human Rights Education and Training.

EMMERSON D. MNANGAGWA, Minister of Justice of Zimbabwe, reiterated his Government’s commitment to continue its collaboration with the Council in pursuit of the promotion and protection of human rights. Zimbabwe continued to adopt constitutional, legislative and administrative measures to protect human rights, and to implement the national Agenda for Sustainable Development. The right to development was realized through improvements in the fields of food security, social services and poverty eradication. Zimbabwe was also committed to fulfil its reporting obligations to human rights bodies, and to continue its collaboration with Special Procedures mandate holders and treaty bodies. Zimbabwe’s periodic reports to the Human Rights Committee, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination had been submitted and were drafted in collaboration with civil society organizations. Out of the 177 recommendations made to it during its last Universal Periodic Review, Zimbabwe had accepted 130 and it had already submitted a mid-term report to the Secretariat of the Human Rights Council. Further, the Government had established the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, which dealt with issues such as prison conditions, women, children and persons with disabilities. That Commission had also promoted the Bill of Rights through awareness-raising campaigns. The new Constitution contained human rights provisions, and the Government was currently reviewing the national legislation with a view to align it with the Constitution.

ALFONSO NSUE MOKUY, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Rights of Equatorial Guinea, said that Equatorial Guinea was ready to pursue close cooperation with the United Nations human rights system to achieve a world that was committed to sustainable development based on the principles of equality, justice and peace. Equatorial Guinea was signatory to international human rights conventions and treaties. With regard to the right to development, Equatorial Guinea aimed to become an emerging economy by 2020. The Government had adopted new guidelines on policies to strengthen the development of infrastructure and investments, promote and develop social policy, implement good governance, and improve living conditions for the population. He gave details of the Government’s actions to promote those goals. The Government of Equatorial Guinea had requested that the Council invite United Nations experts on human rights to travel to Equatorial Guinea, where they would be able to travel freely and without any risk of hindrances. The Government was also determined to punish impunity with an agile justice system that would not violate human rights. Training seminars were regularly held for judges and magistrates, he said, and the post of Member of Parliament was incompatible with all other public offices. Civilians could not be tried in military courts and statements could not be extracted under torture or other degrading treatment. Equatorial Guinea had seen significant improvements in the enjoyment of the right to health, education, and sanitation, and the Government had made investments in infrastructure. That had supported efforts to reduce poverty.

IGOR LUKŠIĆ, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Montenegro, said that the Human Rights Council continued to play its leading role in the promotion and protection of human rights, proving itself as a main global body aimed at improving the human rights agenda. Today’s complex crises, violations and abuses required ever more determined efforts by the United Nations and its Member States. Member States needed to reaffirm their commitment to a strong multilateral human rights system which would translate the norms into improvements on the ground. Although the promotion and protection of human rights was a key purpose and guiding principle of the United Nations, one of the main challenges was a more coordinated use of all instruments and policies related to human rights. That was particularly important when the world faced serious and ever more demanding political and humanitarian crises. The newly adopted 2030 Agenda recognized that peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and effective and accountable institutions were essential for sustainable development. It clearly indicated that acute development needs could be drivers of conflict. Mr. Lukšić reminded of the outcome of the 2005 Global Summit, which had reaffirmed that democracy was universal. The exclusion of certain groups from decision-making led to political, ethnic and religious conflicts, the consequences of which, in a rapidly globalized world, became a burden to the overall international community. The world could learn that lesson from the migration crisis and from violent extremism and terrorism as tactics of emerging and flourishing radical movements.

RI SU-YOUNG, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, reiterated his statement made during the Human Rights Council the previous year, in which he had specified that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea should reconsider its participation in the Council sessions in view of the widespread politicization, selectivity and double standards as well as the lack of justice. It was regrettable that the situation in the Human Rights Council was worsening. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was a people-centred socialist State that placed people at the centre of everything. There were no such deplorable human rights violations as persistent widespread gun-related violence in the United States, which claimed over 13,000 lives a year. Nor were there such appalling human rights violations as tens of thousands of refugees drowning in the sea or choking to death in sealed lorries, as was the case in Europe. There were no such extra-large scale crimes against humanity and heinous human rights violations which Japan committed, such as massacring millions of innocent civilians during the Second World War. The dialogue on human rights could be genuine only when it was based on the truth. Referring to scheduled visits to his country by the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which had been cancelled, the Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that it was obvious that they had been afraid to face the truth. It was deplorable that the Human Rights Council, whose unique mission was to promote and protect human rights, had been turned into a fully politicized mechanism.

SAÏD PAGUINDJI, Minister of Justice of the Central African Republic, thanked the international community for its support to the Central African Republic in 2012 and 2013. The transitional Government had pledged that the fight against impunity would be its priority, in order to stop the bad practices of the past. The decades-long impunity obliged the Government not only to deliver justice to victims, but also to send a strong signal that severe crimes would no longer be tolerated. The Head of the Transitional Government, Catherine Samba-Panza, had declared on numerous occasions that justice would be the key element of the transition. The Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic was the first of its kind established in a country that was still in conflict. It would be a hybrid judicial mechanism, which meant that it would be composed of Central African and international judges. The Court’s mandate would be to investigate all of the serious human rights violations committed on the territory of the Central African Republic since 2003. The maximum sentence handed down by the Court would be life-long imprisonment. Mr. Paguindji added that the Special Criminal Court was now in need of qualified personnel, financing and political support at both the national and international level.

GEOFFREY ONYEAMA, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, reiterated his country’s commitment to support the core values of the Human Rights Council. The fact that more countries today upheld international law affirmed the commitment of all Member States to the Council’s mandate. He expressed satisfaction with the functioning of the Universal Periodic Review. It remained the mirror through which States gaged their work in the field of human rights. The Council had the capacity to adapt and respond swiftly to future challenges. The current session came at a particularly trying moment, which made it imperative for all Member States to make their actions conform to international standards. Equally important was to mainstream human rights into the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Nigeria was committed to improving the rights of women, girls and children, and to that end the Government had made appropriate budgetary allocations. Furthermore, Nigeria was firmly committed to the implementation of all international human rights instruments relating to all vulnerable groups in society. Speaking of the terrorist threat in Nigeria and the neighbouring countries, it was noted that the Government was working relentlessly to fight Boko Haram and to secure the rights of refugees. It was regrettable that despite successes in the fight against terrorism and Boko Haram, refugee-related problems still persisted. The maltreatment of migrants was deplorable, and the Nigerian Government called for the full respect of their rights.

JEAN-CLAUDE GAKOSSO, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Congo, reiterated his country’s commitment to peace, security, stability, and the promotion and protection of human rights. The Government had undertaken measures to strengthen Congo’s legal and institutional framework and the protection of human rights, and to incorporate international and regional standards in its domestic legal framework. Congo had constitutionalized the abolition of the death penalty, and the rights of minorities, elder persons, persons with disabilities, women and young persons. In addition, the Government was committed to continue its cooperation with international human rights mechanisms, including Special Procedures mandate holders and the treaty bodies. Referring to the refugee crisis and to the Syria conflict, Mr. Gakosso underlined his country’s attachment to multilateralism, peace and progress, as illustrated by Congo’s support for peace efforts in the Central African Republic. In that regard, he welcomed the successful elections held there, and called on the international community to support the new President of the Central African Republic in the efforts to consolidate peace and reconciliation in the country. Congo was preoccupied by the political and security crisis in Burundi, and welcomed initiatives by the United Nations Secretary-General and the African Union. Congo condemned atrocities by Boko Haram, and perpetrators had to be held accountable. Continuing, Mr. Gakosso called on all to combat xenophobia, racial discrimination and Islamophobia everywhere it occurred, and recalled that World War II had started with the rise of nationalism. For its part, Congo had always received asylum seekers from its neighbouring countries, in the name of solidarity and without expecting anything in return.



For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC16/007E