HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL CONTINUES HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT, HEARING STATEMENTS FROM 12 COUNTRIES

The Human Rights Council this afternoon continued the second day of its annual high-level segment, hearing from Ministers from Australia, Bahrain, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Hungary, Tunisia and Romania, as well as from other high-level dignitaries from Palestine, Republic of Korea, Cyprus, Montenegro, Zambia and Mozambique, on how their countries implemented and viewed human rights provisions and were seeking to promote a culture of universal respect and promotion of human rights.

Bob McMullan, Minister for Overseas Aid and Development of Australia, said Australia had engaged constructively in the work of the Council with a view to ensuring that it met its responsibilities with respect to advancing the cause of human rights. Australia was deeply committed to protecting and promoting human rights both at home and abroad. In particular, the Government was serious about tackling its own pressing human rights challenges, in particular past failures over the treatment of indigenous Australians.

Nezar Sadeq Al Baharna, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, said Bahrain was working seriously to spread a human rights culture in the country and to inform about the legal and practical assurances for these rights in society. Bahrain had undergone the Universal Periodic Review process, and had accepted all the recommendations made to it in that context. Bahrain further welcomed the Durban Review Conference, which would take place in Geneva and encouraged the international community to participate.

Upio Kakura Wapo, Minister for Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of Congo, said the Government greatly appreciated the assistance received in the country in terms of multilateral and bilateral cooperation for the reconstruction and consolidation of the rule of law, in a period following armed conflict, a conflict that brought about grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. The cessation of armed conflict, the Government gaining control over the country’s natural resources and the restoration of the rule of law across the entire country were just some positive features which had allowed Congolese society to carry out necessary reforms for the protection and promotion of human rights.

Kinga Göncz, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary, said in stormy times like these, it was more important than ever not to relinquish the commitment to universal human rights, as this could be a reliable compass to show the right direction for recovery. There was a common responsibility to show much needed empathy towards those countries that were going to bear the brunt of the economic and social hardships. Turning a blind eye when basic human rights were breached would not solve the problem. Moreover, deficiencies should be a reason for cooperation, for assistance, and not cause for political conflict.

Béchir Tekari, Minister for Justice and Human Rights of Tunisia, observed that in the past three years the Council had made great strides forward in promoting and protecting human rights. The Universal Periodic Review had made a change in which way human rights issues were dealt with. There was now an interactive dialogue, without any politicization of the mechanism and the participation of all countries. Concerning the growing financial and economic crisis, Tunisia had invited the international community to create a fund for the victims of the crisis.

Bogdan Aurescu, Secretary of State of the Foreign Ministry of Romania, said that no country could claim a flawless human rights record, yet the measure of true commitment to human rights protection lay in a strong political will and genuine efforts to uphold and promote all human rights. In that connection, the Universal Periodic Review should not be seen as a once in four years event, but as a progressive process. Romania had tried to make the best use of the opportunity offered by the Universal Periodic Review follow-up process by organizing a seminar with the participation of relevant governmental institutions and non-governmental organizations to debate recommendations received during the Review.

Also speaking this afternoon were Ahmad Soboh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Palestine; Shin Kak-Soo, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea; Bogdan Aurescu, Secretary of State of Romania; Nicholas Emiliou, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus; Milorad Scepanovic, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Montenegro; Todd Stewart Chilembo, Deputy Minister of Justice of Zambia; and Eduardo José Bacião Koloma, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique.

Speaking in exercise of a right of reply was the representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The Council is scheduled to resume its high-level segment at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 4 March, at which point it should conclude the segment.


High-Level Segment

BOB MCMULLAN, Minister for Overseas Aid and Development of Australia, said Australia had engaged constructively in the work of the Council with a view to ensuring that it met its responsibilities with respect to advancing the cause of human rights. In this regard, Australia had welcomed the valuable role that the Universal Periodic Review mechanism was now playing, and the impetus it provided to States to engage in detailed national consultations with stakeholders. Australia's democracy had the protection of human rights as its cornerstone, and it was deeply committed to protecting and promoting human rights both at home and abroad. The Australian Government was serious about tackling its pressing human rights challenges, in particular past failures over the treatment of Indigenous Australians.

At the heart of Australia's strategy for indigenous Australians were six ambitious targets for closing the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians across urban, rural and remote areas. Under the strategy, targets would be to close the gap in life expectancy within a generation, and halve the gap in mortality rates for indigenous children under five within a decade. Australia did not underestimate the challenges faced in addressing the serious disadvantage of its Indigenous people, but it was determined to tackle them.

Other significant achievements for Australia over the last year included legislative reform to end discrimination against same-sex couples and their families. Work was also being done towards a National Disability Strategy, based on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Over the past year, the Government had taken a number of other significant steps to promote human rights mechanisms and respect for human rights standards. Australia was backing its support for the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, including in the Asia-Pacific region, by substantially increasing this year's funding to the Office by almost 60 per cent, a significant proportion of which was un-earmarked, in order to provide the High Commissioner for Human Rights with flexibility to respond to human rights challenges as they emerged. The steps taken by the Australian Government over the past year demonstrated the serious commitment to human rights of that nation, to their implementation at home, and to working with others bilaterally and multilaterally to ensure their implementation abroad.

NEZAR SADEQ AL BAHARNA, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, said that the Human Rights Council was a cornerstone of the efforts of the United Nations in the promotion of human rights. The development of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism had been based on international standards like those found in the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights conventions.

Bahrain was working seriously to spread a human rights culture in the country and to inform about the legal and practical assurances for these rights in the society. The Government carried this out along with civil society. Bahrain had already been examined by the Universal Periodic Review process. Bahrain had prepared a report for the Review, in cooperation with civil society and other stakeholders, in a transparent and open process. The report included a number of voluntary commitments that Bahrain had pledged to realize in order to consolidate the human rights situation. An ambitious national plan had been adopted along with the United Nations and other stakeholders. Bahrain had also accepted all the recommendations made to it by the Universal Periodic Review. Bahrain had confirmed the empowerment of women. This had taken place in the national congress, organized by “women in Bahrain”. Women in Bahrain had quickly gained respect and thanks to the efficiency of this group, women now occupied decision-making posts.

Bahrain believed that the implementation of human rights was an indivisible process, including enhancing human rights, promoting the universality of human rights and disseminating human rights. Bahrain welcomed the Durban Review Conference, which would take place in Geneva and encouraged the international community to participate in that conference. Bahrain reiterated that human rights were a major pillar for all countries without exception. The international community was required to assist the Palestinian people to realize their right to self-determination. The latest Israeli aggression, which had led to many innocent victims, had to be condemned.

UPIO KAKURA WAPO, Minister for Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said that the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo greatly appreciated the assistance received in the country in terms of multilateral and bilateral cooperation for the reconstruction and consolidation of the rule of law, in a period following armed conflict, a conflict that brought about grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, particularly, in the eastern part of the country, in Kivu, Ituri, and Uele. With the cessation of armed conflict, the Government gaining control over the country’s natural resources, and the restoration of the rule of law across the entire country, were just some positive features that allowed the Congolese society to carry out necessary reforms for the protection and promotion of human rights.

Mr. Wapo stressed that the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo incorporated in the programme of action the strategies and ways in which to safeguard human rights, in line with the strategies defined in the National Programme for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights. The Government had struggled with impunity and corruption in the country. Despite this the Government sought to impose more severe measures against impunity. The Ministry of Justice was tasked with reforming the penal code to apply more severe penalties for persons who were perpetrators of flagrant human rights violations. The Government was also cooperating with the International Criminal Court, and would soon be adopting the Rome Statues, which penalized war crimes and crimes against humanity. In addition, the Government was also working on judicial reform. The reform of the judicial system which was under way would provide for the establishment of peace tribunals.

With regard to the defence of the rights of women, children, the elderly and disabled persons, the Government had begun the implementation of reforms in domestic law. One reform was aimed at resolving the issue of child soldiers and their reintegration into society. The protection of the rights of women and children were a constant challenge for the Government. In order to ensure progressive economic, social and cultural rights, the Government planned to implement a new programme called the Five Point Strategy, which focused on reforming access to education, housing, water, electricity and food. With respect to technical and financial assistance set out by the Human Rights Council in resolution 7/20 March 2008, the Government called for continued effective and sufficient dispersal of this assistance to meet all the needs of the society in the country. The Government was committed to ensuring the full and effective implementation of reforms in the country, through close cooperation with the United Nations. The Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders was scheduled to visit the country. Furthermore, Mr. Wapol appealed to all partners to provide positive support for the reforms underway and at stabilizing and rebuilding the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kinga Goncz, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary, said Hungary reaffirmed its firm and unconditional commitment to upholding, promoting and enhancing human rights both in its national and international dimensions. A year had passed since the last meeting, a year of new challenges, which would probably leave a long-lasting mark in the history of this new century. In the past year, the international community had celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the fifteenth anniversary of the establishment of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; these were strong pillars of the common endeavour to make this world a better place for every human being - but the world also had to face the shock of a severe financial crisis, followed by a global economic recession, which threatened key achievements of the last decades. Other global challenges such as diseases, climate change or terrorism also cast threatening shadows over the future. The only way to address these threats was to firmly recommit to the principles of the United Nations Charter, choose solidarity, cooperation, and respect for human rights.

In stormy times like these, it was more important than ever not to relinquish the commitment to universal human rights, as this could be a reliable compass to show the right direction for recovery. There was a common responsibility to show much needed empathy towards those countries that were going to bear the brunt of the economic and social hardships. Turning a blind eye when basic human rights were breached would not solve the problem. Criticism should always be based on hard facts and coupled with willingness to help. Deficiencies should be a reason for cooperation, for assistance, and not cause for political conflict. In this context, the realisation of the Millennium Development Goals were ever more important.

In the globalized world, there was hardly a country where everyone spoke the same language, shared the same culture, beliefs and traditions. The international community should realise that the presence of different national, ethnic, linguistic or religious groups within the frontiers of a country was not only an asset, but also a source of social and cultural enrichment. History had clearly shown that the acceptance of the legitimate aspirations of minorities to preserve their identity through their culture, language and religion had not undermined, but rather strengthened the stability of the states concerned. Protection and promotion of the identity of national and ethnic minorities and ensuring their institutional participation in public affairs were not only requirements evolving from general human rights - they also formed the basic premises of the non-discriminatory functioning of a democratic state.

BECHIR TEKARI, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of Tunisia, expressed Tunisia’s appreciation at the fact that the international community attached great importance to the Human Rights Council and to the strengthening of human rights. In the past three years, the Council had made great strides forward in promoting and protecting human rights. Tunisia, which was a founding member of the Council, had striven to participate effectively in all of its activities. Tunisia hailed the speed in which the Council convened Special Sessions, for example in order to deliberate on serious human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Tunisia supported sending a fact-finding mission to Gaza and studying the effect of the global economic and financial crises on human rights.

The Universal Periodic Review had made a change in the way human rights issues were dealt with. There was now an interactive dialogue, without any politicization of the mechanism and the participation of all countries. Tunisia was one of the first countries to go through the process and was very pleased by the constructive atmosphere in the process. Tunisia’s cooperation with the Council was comprehensive and ongoing. After having sent the report and being assessed by the Universal Periodic Review, Tunisia was now working hard to implement the recommendations made by the Human Rights Council. For example it had acceded to the Optional Protocol of the Convention on the Elimination of all Discrimination against Women. Also, a number of new laws had been published, including a law setting aside special areas for women detainees and for the improvement of rehabilitation work of detainees once they were released.

Regarding Special Procedures, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism had received Tunisia’s agreement to a visit. There were also ongoing discussions with Human Rights Watch for allowing prison visits. Tunisia was convinced that deep-seated and deep-rooted belief in human rights was necessary for a human rights culture. In order to improve awareness of the rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, events and campaigns had been organized recently. Concerning the growing financial and economic crisis, Tunisia had invited the international community to create a fund for the victims of the crisis. Tunisia reiterated the need to consolidate the values of mutual cooperation and ongoing dialogue in order to serve human beings everywhere.

AHMAD SOBOH, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Palestine, said that Palestine supported the important work of the Council in protecting and promoting human rights. There was an effort being made by the international community to face up to current challenges facing it. Despite challenges facing the Council, it had been successful in strengthening the human rights architecture. Palestine was satisfied with the constructive role the Council played with regard to the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. The Palestinian delegation had done everything in its power to contribute to the work of the Council. Palestinians had a right to self-determination, for the end of the occupation and the right to a Palestinian State, with Jerusalem as its capital.

With the recent invasion of Gaza, private and public property was destroyed, leaving thousands homeless, without basic essentials such as access to water, food and electricity. The thousands of Palestinians left homeless, the policy of extrajudicial executions, the road blocks, and checkpoints, which made everyday life difficult and sometimes impossible for Palestinians, were all blatant violations of human rights and of humanitarian international law, and a violation of the Geneva Convention.

The recent Gaza Reconstruction Conference held in Egypt saw extensive participation by the international community, and resulted in substantial financial support pledged. However, despite this the occupying power continued to impose restrictions on everyday life for Palestinians. This needed to be urgently stopped. The refusal of the occupying power to accept international decisions, in particular, those of the Human Rights Council, with regard to visits of Special Rapporteurs, was unacceptable and undermined the work of the Council and that of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The occupying power was impeding the Council’s efforts to do its work and to have its work respected. Despite all the difficulties facing the region, Palestine reiterated its support to bringing about peace and security in the region. The establishment of a Palestinian State based on the borders of 1967, with Jerusalem as its capital, and resolving the question of refugees in accordance with resolution 184 of the General Assembly, was the only way peace could be possible.

SHIN KAK-SOO, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea, said since its launch in 2006, the Human Rights Council had played a crucial role in addressing human rights violations in various forms and ensuring universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. In 2008, as the world celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Council took a major step towards the betterment of human rights in the world by setting in motion the Universal Periodic Review process. Through valuable and interactive dialogue, the Universal Periodic Review reflected the high expectations of the international community with respect to human rights in the Republic of Korea. The Republic of Korea was fully committed to the efforts of the international community to make the Universal Periodic Review mechanism more effective and constructive in the protection and promotion of human rights. In this regard, there was a need for the Council to consider bringing some complementary elements into the process such as efficient and thorough deliberation, effective follow-up mechanisms, the constructive participation of civil society and other stakeholders and so on.

Country-specific Special Procedures, together with the Universal Periodic Review, should remain a core tool of the Human Rights Council – the two mechanisms were mutually complementary and reinforcing rather than exclusive. Given the well-proven records of their watchdog role, country specific mandate-holders should continue to serve as the reliable "eyes and ears" of the Human Rights Council. A standing invitation to all mandate-holders should be secured as a banner of a Government's willingness to cooperate, contributing to the strengthening of the special procedures system.

It was encouraging to note a general improvement in global human rights situations in the last few decades, with an ever-expanding human rights machinery and growing awareness of human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide. Amid widespread and flagrant human rights violations that stemmed from armed conflicts, discrimination, political repression and poverty, however, there was still a long way to go before achieving the lofty goal of ensuring the universal value of human rights. The Human Rights Council and the whole international community should step up efforts to firmly address such violations. While each State should be primarily responsible for the vulnerable segments of its society, the international community should not hesitate to offer necessary and timely support to societies suffering from the severe economic crisis.

BOGDAN AURESCU, Secretary of State of the Foreign Ministry of Romania, said that full implementation of human rights remained a goal for all States and regions of the world. No country could claim a flawless human rights record, yet a measure of true commitment to human rights protection lay in a strong political will and genuine efforts to uphold and promote all human rights and fundamental freedoms. Although much has been gained in the last 60 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, commitment and rhetoric did not always tally with reality. While Romania addressed the Council, egregious human rights violations continued to occur throughout the globe. The energy and scrutinizing eye of the international community were not always able to match the myriad of problems facing the world today.

Romania believed that the Universal Periodic Review was one of the most important mechanisms to achieve a holistic view on where the world stood today in the field of human rights. Romania, as one of the countries examined in 2008, had already benefited from the Universal Periodic Review experience. The preparation of Romania’s report involved a series of consultations with non-governmental organizations, as well as a substantial inter-institutional dialogue. The interactions proved highly useful for all sides. The whole exercise had provided Romania with a better understanding of its achievements and weaknesses. It now had a good basis in finding the necessary remedies for the improvement of its human rights performance.

The Universal Periodic Review should not be seen as a once in four years event, but as a progressive implementation work, at national level in-between evaluation cycles. Romania had tried to make the best use of the opportunity offered by the Universal Periodic Review follow-up process. In this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized in December 2008 a seminar with the participation of relevant governmental institutions and non-governmental organizations to debate recommendations received during the Universal Periodic Review. Generally, the attention given to the Universal Periodic Review by the whole United Nations membership and the civil society had gradually increased. Romania reaffirmed in this context the importance of good faith in considering the recommendations made by all interested delegations during the review process.

NICHOLAS EMILIOU, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, said that collective work by the United Nations Member States was essential for this Council to evolve into a credible human rights body. Keeping human rights outside the realm of politics was a determining factor for the effectiveness of the institutions, mechanisms and processes of this body. The Universal Periodic Review mechanism was a major achievement and an innovative instrument for the promotion and protection of human rights; as such, it should be guarded as an essential element of the work of the Human Rights Council. Cyprus approached this process, as one that facilitated and promoted the full implementation of the obligations of States to continuously take action, in order to protect and to promote all rights, both at the national and international level.

The Government of Cyprus remained committed to work for the full implementation of its international obligations and responsibilities. Regrettably though, it was not in a position to ensure implementation of all its international obligations throughout its territory, due to the fact that, since the 1974 invasion, the Government had been prevented from exercising effective control over those areas of its territory, which remained under foreign occupation, underscored Mr. Emiliou. Cyprus, a country faced with the problem of internally displaced persons due to armed conflict, welcomed the report of the representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons, submitted in this session. As in all cases of human rights violations, those affected should have a voice in any process that was aimed at vindicating their rights, needs and interests.

Cyprus attached high significance to the role of the International Criminal Court and the Rome Statue, and encouraged all Member States to accept the jurisdiction of the Court, as the ultimate arbiter on violations of human rights and the fight against impunity. With regard to the Durban Review Conference, which was expected to take place in April of this year, this undertaking was clearly not an easy task. Cyprus strongly believed that all should remain engaged, even if it was by being constructively critical. The Review Conference presented a unique opportunity to achieve tangible results in the global struggle to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The international community was obliged to seize this opportunity to send a clear message that indeed they upheld the principle that all human beings were born free, equal in dignity and rights.

MILORAD SCEPANOVIC, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, said Montenegro respected the work of the Human Rights Council through monitoring and assessing the enjoyment of human rights in each of the United Nations Member States and for its efforts in addressing the human rights crisis worldwide. The newly established Universal Periodic Review had proven its aim to be objective, transparent and an efficient process, not only in the context of evaluating the situation of human rights in all United Nations countries, but also by providing recommendations and suggestions for overcoming challenges to the enjoyment of human rights. The protection and promotion of human rights were among the fundamental values enshrined in the Constitution of Montenegro. The Constitution provided guarantees for full protection of national, cultural, linguistic and religious identity to minorities, proof of Montenegro's dedication to foster the multiethnic, multicultural and multi-religious heritage of which it was proud.

Montenegro was continuously undertaking activities aimed at improving the normative and institutional framework for the efficient protection of human rights. Consistent reforms in this area were complementary with its aspirations towards achieving faster European and Euro-Atlantic integration and accomplishing its economic, political and development interests. Its commitment to strive for the universality and indivisibility of human rights was manifested both in measures and activities undertaken at national level and within international fora. Dedication to the principles and works of the Human Rights Council, especially the principles of universality, impartiality objectivity, non-selectivity and constructive international dialogue and cooperation was reflected in Montenegro's candidature for the Human Rights Council, as it was fully determined to continue to further promote values of freedom, peace, tolerance, respect of human rights and freedoms, multiculturalism, democracy and the rule of law.

Montenegro supported constant efforts by the Human Rights Council to bring the attention of the United Nations Member States to the impact that the global challenges of the financial crisis, climate change, energy source deficit and other severe problems had on the exercise of human rights, and believed that a search for long term and sustainable responses should fully take into account the human rights dimension. Montenegro was committed to work together with other United Nations Member States in ensuring the functioning of the Council as the objective and efficient body responsible for promoting universal respect for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

TODD STEWART CHILEMBO, Deputy Minister of Justice of Zambia, noted that the Council had concluded its institution-building process which provided elements such as the Universal Periodic Review Mechanism that would ensure that human rights record of every Member State of the Untied Nations was reviewed without exception. The Universal Periodic Review had enhanced the promotion of human rights and the sharing of best practices among United States Member States. For Zambia, the Periodic Review had been conducted in May 2008 and had been a great success. Currently, Zambia was in the process of implementing the recommendations made in the Periodic Review.

With the election of the members of the Advisory Committee of the Human Rights Council in March 2008, the Council had been availed of the necessary and much needed expertise and advice on thematic issues. Zambia was committed to the institutions that had been set up by the Council and pledged to continue cooperating with them.

While Zambia was aware of the achievements it had made in its quest to fulfil its international human rights obligations, it was also alive to the challenges that it faced in areas such as congestion in prisons, poverty, and diseases like malaria, HIV and AIDS which have had a toll on the country’s human and financial resources, Mr. Chilembo said. It was making every effort to address the various challenges that it faced in the promotion and protection of human rights. It also hoped that through the new Universal Periodic Review Mechanism it would receive the necessary technical and capacity-building assistance to alleviate those challenges. The review process provided great opportunity to assess achievements and challenges. Although Zambia acknowledged that it could not implement all the recommendations that enjoyed Zambia’s support during the Universal Periodic Review process, it was committed to ensuring that deliberate steps were taken by relevant stakeholders to implement them in the near future.

EDUARDO JOSE BACIAO KOLOMA, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique, said that, three years ago, when the Human Rights Council was established, high expectations had been generated on the outcome of the work of the Council. These expectations added additional responsibilities onto the shoulders of the members of the Council, who were expected to work diligently and objectively on complex human rights matters that came before them. Since 2006, the world had witnessed a Council that spared no efforts in facing and addressing the challenges posed by the obligations of States to uphold the culture of respect for the dignity of the human being through the promotion and preservation of basic human rights. In those endeavours, one of the major achievements had been the successful operationalization of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, designed to enable an objective, transparent and global review of each country's current human rights situation. That process had proved to be worthwhile for the positive and constructive exchange of views and advice on human rights and good practices among all States.

The current session of the Council was taking place three months after the celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It was a unique moment to build impetus on issues of human rights and to raise global awareness on the importance and the reality of human rights around the world. The Declaration was the cornerstone of all concepts on human rights and represented the embodiment of the highest aspiration of peoples to carry on their lives in peace, freedom and dignity. For its part, in fulfilment of its commitment to the promotion of human rights, Mozambique had been undertaking a number of legislative and administrative measures and decisions aimed at enhancing the legal basis for the enjoyment of human rights by its citizens.

Mozambique believed in the universality, indivisibility and complementarity of human rights. The protection and promotion of human rights should be a matter of legitimate international concern. Therefore, international cooperation through constructive dialogue should play an important role, not only for the full realization of human rights as such, but also for the promotion of justice, economic and social progress, and harmony of all humankind. It was in this framework that the Council had decided to address the impact of the global food crisis and world financial crisis on the enjoyment of human rights. Full respect for the rule of law and human rights for all people, regardless of race, religion, language or gender remained the solid foundation for peace, stability, harmony and progress.


Right of Reply

CHOE MYONG NAM (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), speaking in a right to reply, said it rejected all stereotypical allegations on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and would continue to reject the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, as it was motivated by purposes other than genuine concern for human rights. The situations in the European Union countries on racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia could not be ignored, nor could the violations in the Israeli-occupied territories, nor the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, which were producing many civilian casualties. The European Union should recognize that those situations merited the attention of the Council; if not, then it was clear that their concern for human rights was only double standards and hypocrisy. These allegations and others could neither be justified nor tolerated, and should be denounced. The South Korean authorities should be held accountable for all issues arising from their anti-Democratic People's Republic of Korea campaigns, and should abolish immediately the national security law, which was the cause of the gross and systematic pattern of human rights violations in that country.


For use of the information media; not an official record

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