HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL CONCLUDES TWENTY-FIFTH SESSION AFTER ADOPTING 42 TEXTS

The Human Rights Council concluded its twenty-fifth regular session this evening after adopting 42 texts on a wide range of issues and its report for the session. The Council also adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of 15 countries.

In a resolution on Sri Lanka the Council requested the Office of the High Commissioner to undertake a comprehensive investigation into alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka during the period covered by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, and to establish the facts and circumstances of such alleged violations and of the crimes perpetrated with a view to avoiding impunity and ensuring accountability, with assistance from relevant experts and special procedures mandate holders.

The mandate of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria was extended in a resolution in which the Council condemned in the strongest terms human rights and humanitarian violations in the Syrian conflict, including the use by the Syrian authorities of starvation of civilians as a method of combat, the use of chemical weapons, the besiegement of civilians and all acts of violence directed against humanitarian actors. The mandates of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran and the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea were extended for one year. In the resolution on the latter, the Council said it was deeply troubled by the findings of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry that it had reasonable grounds to believe crimes against humanity had been committed in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, pursuant to policies established at the highest level of the State for decades.

The mandates of the Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders, the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing and the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance were extended for three years. The Council extended for one year the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar. It also reiterated serious concern about the situation of the Rohingya and other minorities in Rakhine State and requested that an independent investigation be taken into all reported incidences of violence and abuses.

In a resolution on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for a further period of three years. It also adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the Independent Expert on minority issues for a period of three years as Special Rapporteur on minority issues. The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment for a further period of three years. It also decided to extend the mandate of the Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights, for a period of three years.

Regarding country situations, the Council renewed the mandate of the Independent Expert on Mali for one year. The Council also extended technical assistance to Libya in building and strengthening national structures that had a direct impact on the maintenance of the rule of law, and invited the international community to extend technical assistance to Guinea in the field of human rights, fight against impunity and security sector reform. In a Presidential Statement, the Council welcomed the El Rancho agreement and the new electoral law in Haiti and encouraged Haiti to strengthen the rule of law and combat impunity, violence and discrimination against women and vulnerable groups. The Council also adopted a Presidential Statement on the human rights situation in South Sudan, expressing deep concern at the situation of human rights resulting from the crisis and violence that broke out in mid-December 2013 in South Sudan, and calling upon parties to the conflict to put an end to all violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Concerning the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, the Council adopted by vote four resolutions: on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination; on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan; on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem; and on follow-up to the report of the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict. The Council also adopted by vote, under the same agenda item, a resolution on human rights in the occupied Syrian Golan.

The Council decided to convene a number of events, including a panel on the right to privacy in the digital age, and a panel discussion on history teaching and memorialization processes; and decided that its next annual interactive debate on the rights of persons with disabilities will focus on living independently and being included in the community. In that regard the Council invited States to consider the possibility of establishing a special procedure on the rights of persons with disabilities. On the rights of the child, the Council adopted resolutions on access to justice for children and on ending violence against children, in which the Council requested the High Commissioner to organize a panel discussion.

Concerning the use of remotely piloted aircraft or armed drones in counter-terrorism operations, the Council adopted a resolution on the protection of human rights while countering terrorism in which it called upon States to conduct prompt, independent and impartial investigations into violations of international law caused by these and decided to organize an interactive panel discussion of experts at its twenty-seventh session on the issues raised in the report of the Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. On human rights and the environment, the Council urged States to comply with their human rights obligations when developing and implementing their environmental policies and recognized the important role played by human rights defenders working on environmental issues.

A resolution on the integrity of the judicial system requested the High Commissioner to convene an expert consultation for an exchange of views on the issue of the administration of justice through military tribunals and the role of the integral judicial system in combating human rights violations. In a resolution on the enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights, the Council requested the Advisory Committee to prepare a study on the ways and means to enhance international cooperation in the field of human rights. A resolution on the role of good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights requested the High Commissioner to organize a panel discussion on a human rights-based approach to good governance in the public service.

In a resolution on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests, the Council called upon States to avoid using force during peaceful protests and requested the High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare guidelines for facilitating and protecting peaceful protests based on good practices. The Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent was requested to produce a draft programme of activities for the International Decade for People of African Descent. In another text the Council condemned any advocacy of religious hatred that constituted incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, whether it involved the use of print, audio-visual or electronic media or any other means.


Other resolutions addressed the protection of human rights while countering terrorism; the negative impact of the non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin to the countries of origin on the enjoyment of human rights; the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief; the right to food; and the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order.

The Council decided to postpone the renewal of the mandate of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances to its twenty-seventh session, and, for that reason, to extend on an exceptional basis the mandate of the Working Group until that session. The Council also extended the mandates of the Independent Experts on the effects of foreign debt and on minority issues.

The Council adopted its report of the twenty-fifth session, which is available on its website. It decided to postpone the appointment of 19 Special Procedure mandate holders to a date within the upcoming session of the Council’s Universal Periodic Review Working Group scheduled to take place from 28 April to 9 May 2014. The exact date for those appointments will be confirmed in due course.

In concluding remarks Baudelaire Ndong Ella, President of the Human Rights Council, condemned reprisals and acts of intimidation against human rights defenders and said they should cease immediately, emphasizing that all measures had to be taken to prevent such unacceptable acts.

Documentation, statements, resolutions and reports relating to this and all Human Rights Council sessions are available on its webpage. Detailed, speaker-by-speaker coverage of every public meeting can be found on the website of United Nations Information Service Geneva.

The twenty-fifth session of the Human Rights Council was held from 3 to 28 March 2013. The twenty-sixth session will be held in Room XX of the Palais des Nations from 10 to 27 June 2014.

Summary of the Session

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressed the Human Rights Council at the opening of the session, along with High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay and Human Rights Council President Baudelaire Ndong Ella of Gabon. The Secretary-General said his address to the Council would be his last in the presence of Ms. Pillay, whose mandate ends later this year. He commended the High Commissioner for being a fearless defender of the most vulnerable, an outspoken advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, and an eloquent voice against racism, xenophobia and intolerance, and expressed the appreciation, deep respect and gratitude of the United Nations for her work. In her address Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the Council had accomplished much in a world which cried out for respect for human rights daily and in which challenges were daunting.

During its four-day High-level Segment, the Council heard addresses from a Head of State, many Government Ministers and other senior dignitaries in relation to human rights matters of national interest and concern. High-level dialogues on preventative approaches within the United Nations system, and on combatting sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo took place. Two high-level panel discussions were also convened on the sixty-fifth anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and on sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Council also heard presentations by the Independent International Commissions of Inquiry on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and on Syria, which were followed by interactive dialogues. Presentations were given by 18 human rights experts and bodies, and held panel discussions took place on human rights mainstreaming, the death penalty, and the promotion and protection of civil society space. The annual full-day meeting on the rights of the child was convened, in addition to an annual debate dedicated to the theme of access to justice for children and empowering children to claim their rights as well as the annual discussion on the rights of persons with disabilities.

Country and thematic reports submitted by the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner were presented to the Council, which also held general debates, including those concerning human rights situations requiring its attention, human rights bodies and mechanisms and the Universal Periodic Review, the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, and technical assistance and capacity-building in the field of human rights. During the session the Council approved the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Reviews of (in order of review) Saudi Arabia, Senegal, China, Nigeria, Mexico, Mauritius, Jordan, Malaysia, Central African Republic, Belize, Chad, Monaco, Congo and Malta and Israel.

Election of Member of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee

The Council elected by acclamation Karla Hananía de Varela from the Latin America and Caribbean region to fill the vacant seat on the Advisory Committee.

Resolutions and Decisions

Action on Texts Under Agenda Item 1 on Organizational and Procedural Matters

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.4) on postponement of the renewal of the mandate of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, adopted without a vote, the Council decided to postpone the renewal of the mandate of the Working Group to its twenty-seventh session, and to extend on an exceptional basis the mandate of the Working Group until that session.

In a Presidential Statement (A/HRC/25/L.34) on the human rights situation in South Sudan, adopted without a vote, the Council expresses deep concern at the situation of human rights resulting from the crisis and violence that broke out in mid-December 2013 in South Sudan; calls upon the parties to the conflict to put an end to all violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law; welcomes the establishment by the African Union of a commission of inquiry for South Sudan as an important step towards ensuring accountability and preventing the recurrence of such abuses; and calls upon the Government of South Sudan to cooperate fully with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

Action on Resolution Under Agenda Item 2 on the Annual Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.1/Rev.1) on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka, adopted by a vote of 23 in favour, 12 against and 12 abstentions, the Council requests the Office of the High Commissioner to undertake a comprehensive investigation into alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka during the period covered by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, with assistance from relevant experts and special procedures mandate holders.

Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item 3 on the Promotion and Protection of All Human Rights

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.2/Rev.1) on freedom of opinion and expression: mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for a further period of three years and requests the Special Rapporteur to submit an annual report to the Human Rights Council and to the General Assembly.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.3) on enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights, adopted without a vote, the Council requests the Office of the High Commissioner to seek to enhance dialogue with representatives from non-traditional donor countries with a view to broaden the donor base and replenish the resources available to both funds; and re-emphasizes its request to the Advisory Committee to prepare a more focused and in-depth study on the ways and means to enhance international cooperation in the field of human rights and to submit a progressive report to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-sixth session.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.5) on integrity of the judicial system, adopted by a vote of 27 in favour, 1 against and 19 abstentions as orally revised, the Council requests the High Commissioner to convene prior to the twenty-eighth session of the Human Rights Council an expert consultation for an exchange of views on human rights considerations relating to the issues of administration of justice through military tribunals and the role of the integral judicial system in combating human rights violations.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.8) on the mandate of the Independent Expert on minority issues, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the current mandate holder as a Special Rapporteur on minority issues for a period of three years, and requests the Special Rapporteur to, amongst others, submit an annual report on his/her activities to the Human Rights Council and to the General Assembly, including recommendations for effective strategies for the better implementation of the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.10) on access to justice for children, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to focus its next full-day meeting on the theme of "towards better investment in the rights of the child" and invites the High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report on that issue, to present it to the Council at its twenty-eighth session.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.11) on protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, adopted without a vote, the Council calls upon States to ensure that any measure taken or means employed to counter terrorism, including the use of remotely piloted aircrafts, comply with their obligations under international law and urges States to undertake prompt and impartial fact-finding inquiries whenever there are plausible indications of breaches of their obligations under international human rights law and to ensure accountability.

In a decision (A/HRC/25/L.12) on a panel on the right to privacy in the digital age, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to convene, at its twenty-seventh session, a panel discussion on the promotion and protection of the right to privacy in the digital age in the context of domestic and extraterritorial surveillance, with a view to identifying challenges and best practices.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.13) on the role of good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights, adopted without a vote, the Council requests the High Commissioner to organize at the thirtieth session of the Human Rights Council a panel discussion on a human rights-based approach to good governance in the public service and invites the Secretary-General to ensure the upholding of the integrity of the United Nations system in its service of humanity, and improve coordination between United Nations agencies, programmes and funds.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.14) on the negative impact of the non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin to the countries of origin on the enjoyment of human rights, and the importance of improving international cooperation, adopted by a vote of 33 votes in favour, 2 votes against, and 12 abstentions, the Council urges States to consider establishing an intergovernmental working group on the negative impact of illicit financial flows on the enjoyment of human rights; and requests the Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt to undertake a further study analysis on the negative impact of illicit financial flows on the enjoyment of human rights in the context of post-2015 development agenda, to present to the Council at its twenty-eighth session.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.15/Rev.1) on ending violence against children - a global call to make the invisible visible, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to convene at its twenty-seventh session a panel discussion on ways and means of accelerating global efforts to end violence against children, with a particular focus on how to better prevent violence and protect children as a global priority and a cross cutting concern, and to share best practices in this regard.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.16) on the realization in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council calls upon all States that have not yet signed and ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to consider doing so; and requests the Secretary-General to continue to prepare and submit to the Human Rights Council an annual report on the realization in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights with a special focus on the importance of social protection floors.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.18/Rev.1) on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council decides to extend, for a period of three years, the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to adequate standard of living. It calls upon States to give due consideration to the human right to adequate housing and to issues related to universal access to decent and sustainable housing in the elaboration of the post-2105 development agenda.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.19) on freedom of religion or belief, adopted without a vote, the Council urges States to ensure that their constitutional and legislative systems provide adequate and effective guarantees of freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief; to make use of the potential of education for the eradication of prejudices against and stereotypes of individuals on their religion or belief; and requests the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief to report annually to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.20) on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests, adopted by a vote of 31 in favour, 9 against and 7 abstentions as orally revised, the Council urges States to facilitate peaceful protests by providing protestors with access to public space and protecting them; to pay particular attention to the safety and protection of women human rights defenders, as well as journalists and media workers; and requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare guidelines for facilitating and protecting peaceful protests based on good practices.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.24) on the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders for a period of three years, and urges all States to cooperate with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his/her tasks.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.25) on the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment for a further period of three years; and urges States to become parties to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment as a matter of priority.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.26) on the right to food, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council expresses deep concern that the number of hungry people in the world remains unacceptably high and that the world food crisis continues to have serious consequences for the poorest and most vulnerable people; and requests the Special Rapporteur on the right to food to submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution during the Council’s twenty-eighth session.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.27) on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, adopted by a vote of 30 in favour, 14 against and 3 abstentions as orally revised, the Council requests the Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order to submit a report on the implementation of the present resolution to the twenty-seventh session of the Council.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.28) on the Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights, adopted by a vote of 30 in favour, 14 against and 3 abstentions, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Independent Expert for a period of three years, and requests the Independent Expert to report regularly to the Council and the General Assembly in accordance with their respective programmes of work.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.29/Rev.1) on the promotion of the enjoyment of the cultural rights of everyone and respect for cultural diversity, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council decides to organize, at its twenty-seventh session, a panel discussion on history teaching and memorialization processes; requests the Office of the High Commissioner to prepare and submit a summary report on the panel discussion to the Council at its twenty-eighth session; and also requests the Special Rapporteur on cultural rights to present her next report at its twenty-eighth session.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.30) on the right to education of persons with disabilities, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to continue to integrate the rights of persons with disabilities into its work and invites States to consider the possibility of establishing a special procedure on the rights of persons with disabilities; also decides that its next annual interactive debate on the rights of persons with disabilities will be held at its twenty-eighth session and will focus on living independently and being included in the community; and requests the Office of the High Commissioner to prepare its annual study on the rights of persons with disabilities on the same topic.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.31) on human rights and the environment, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council urges States to comply with their human rights obligations when developing and implementing their environmental policies; and recognizes the important role played by human rights defenders working on environmental issues and urges States to create a safe and enabling environment in which these human rights defenders can operate free from hindrance and insecurity.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.32) on ensuring use of remotely piloted aircraft or armed drones in counter-terrorism and military operations in accordance with international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law, adopted by a vote of 27 in favour, 6 against and 14 abstentions, the Council decides to organize an interactive panel discussion of experts at its twenty-seventh session on the issues raised in the report of the Special Rapporteurs on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, from within existing resources; and requests the Office of the High Commissioner to present a summary of the deliberations of the panel discussion at its twenty-eighth session.

Action on Resolutions Under the Agenda Item 4 on Human Rights Situations that Require the Council’s Attention

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.7) on the continuing grave deterioration of the human rights and humanitarian situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, adopted by a vote of 32 in favour, 4 against and 11 abstentions, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry through to the twenty-eighth session of the Human Rights Council, and requests the Commission to present a written report during an interactive dialogue at the twenty-seventh and the twenty-eighth sessions of the Council and to provide an oral update during an interactive dialogue at the twenty-sixth session. It also strongly condemns the continued gross, systematic and widespread violations of human rights and all violations of international humanitarian law by the Syrian authorities and affiliated militias that may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity; and urges the international community to provide urgent financial support to enable the host countries to respond to the growing humanitarian needs of Syrian refugees.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.9) on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted by a vote of 21 in favour, 9 against and 16 abstentions, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran for a further period of one year, and requests the Special Rapporteur to submit a report on the implementation of his mandate to the Council at its twenty-eighth session and to the General Assembly at its sixty-ninth session; calls upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur and to permit access to visit the country.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.17), on the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, adopted by a vote of 30 in favour, 6 against and 11 abstentions, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur of the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for a period of one year; acknowledges and is deeply troubled by the findings of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry that the body of testimony gathered and the information received provided reasonable grounds to believe that crimes against humanity have been committed in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, pursuant to policies established at the highest level of the State for decades; and calls upon all concerned parties, including United Nations bodies, to consider implementation of the recommendations in the report in order to address the dire human rights situation.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.21/Rev.1) on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to extend for one year the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar; reiterates its serious concern about the situation of the Rohingya and other minorities in Rakhine State and requests an independent investigation be taken into all reported incidences of violence and abuses; and requests the Special Rapporteur to submit a progress report to the General Assembly at its sixty-ninth session, and to the Council in accordance with its programme of work.

Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item 7 on the Human Rights Situation in Palestine and Other Occupied Arab Territories

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.36) on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, adopted by a vote of 46 in favour, 1 against and no abstentions, the Council reaffirms the inalienable, permanent and unqualified right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including their right to live in freedom, justice and dignity, and to establish their sovereign, independent, democratic and viable contiguous State; and reaffirms its support for the solution of two States, Palestine and Israel, living side by side in peace and security.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.37/Rev.1) on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, adopted by a vote of 46 in favour, 1 against and no abstentions, the Council demands that Israel, the occupying Power, immediately and completely cease all of its settlement activities in all of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, and calls in this regard for the full implementation of all relevant resolutions of the Security Council; requests the High Commissioner to present a report detailing the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the independent fact-finding mission on the implications of Israeli settlements on the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Palestinian people throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-eighth session; requests the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of the present resolution at its twenty-eighth session.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.38/Rev.1) on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, adopted by a vote of 46 in favour, 1 against and no abstentions, the Council demands that Israel, the occupying Power, cease all practices and actions that violate the human rights of the Palestinian people and cease its imposition of prolonged closures and economic and movement restrictions, including those amounting to a blockade on the Gaza Strip; and urges Member States to continue to provide emergency assistance to the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip; and requests the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of the present resolution to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-eighth session.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.39) on follow-up to the report of the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, adopted by a vote of 46 in favour, 1 against and no abstentions, the Council renews its recommendation that the General Assembly remain apprised of the matter until it is satisfied that appropriate action with regard to implementing the recommendations contained in the report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict is taken at the domestic or international level in order to ensure justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.40) on human rights in the occupied Syrian Golan, adopted by a vote of 33 in favour, 1 against and 13 abstentions, the Council calls upon Israel to desist from its continuous building of settlements, and from changing the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan; and requests the Secretary-General to bring the present resolution to the attention of all Governments, the competent United Nations organs, specialized agencies, international and regional intergovernmental organizations and international humanitarian organizations to disseminate it as widely as possible and to report on this matter to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-eighth session.

Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item 9 on Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.22) on the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance for a further period of three years; and requests the Special Rapporteur to submit an annual report to the Human Rights Council and to the General Assembly on all activities relating to his/her mandate.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.23) on the International Decade for People of African Descent, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council requests the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent to optimally use its thirteenth session to produce a draft framework document in the form of a programme of activities for the International Decade for People of African Descent; and requests the Working Group to present its final report in this regard to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-sixth session for its adoption and transmission to the General Assembly.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.41) on combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against, persons based on religion or belief, adopted without a vote, the Council condemns deeply any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, whether it involves the use of print, audio-visual or electronic media or any other means; and requests the High Commissioner to prepare and submit to the Human Rights Council, at its twenty-eighth session, a comprehensive follow-up report.

Action on Resolutions Under Agenda Item 10 on Technical Assistance and Capacity-Building

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.6) on strengthening of technical cooperation and consultative services in Guinea, adopted without a vote, the Council calls on the Guinean authorities to guarantee freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of peaceful assembly and association; firmly reiterates its appeal to the international community to provide the Government of Guinea with appropriate assistance to promote respect for human rights; invites the High Commissioner to report to the Council at its twenty-fifth session on the situation of human rights and the work of the Office of the High Commissioner in Guinea.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.33) on assistance to Mali in the field of human rights, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Mali; and requests the Independent Expert to report to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-eighth session. The resolution encourages all relevant international actors, including United Nations Member States, United Nations agencies, international financial institutions and other international organization in Mali, to provide technical assistance and support for capacity building in order to promote respect for human rights and reform the justice sector.

In a resolution (A/HRC/25/L.35) on technical assistance for Libya in the field of human rights, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council condemns the assassination of government officials and civil society leaders, including judges in Derna and Benghazi and urges the Government of Libya to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice; requests the Office of the High Commissioner to further provide technical assistance to support the Government of Libya in building and strengthening national structures that have a direct impact on the overall observance of human rights and the maintenance of the rule of law in Libya; and requests the Office of the High Commissioner to prepare a written report for submission to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-eighth session.

In a Presidential Statement (A/HRC/25/L.42) on the human rights situation in Haiti, adopted without a vote, the Council requests the Independent Expert to present a report to the Council at its twenty-eighth session; takes note of progress achieved by Haiti in the field of human rights; encourages Haiti to continue its efforts to strengthen the rule of law and combat impunity, to strengthen its national human rights and judicial institutions and to take all necessary measures to combat violence and discrimination against women and vulnerable groups; and calls upon international donors and other international institutions to continue supporting Haiti.


For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC14/057E