HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL HOLDS INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ON HIS ANNUAL REPORT

The Human Rights Council today held an interactive dialogue with Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, on his annual report.

In his presentation, High Commissioner Zeid referred to the refugee crisis and said that the European Union’s recent draft arrangement with Turkey raised a number of very serious concerns, including the potential for collective and arbitrary expulsions. He referred to a number of pressing issues, including the conflicts in Syria, Yemen and South Sudan, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the deterioration of human rights in Turkey and Venezuela. He referred to Sri Lanka’s reconciliation efforts, violence against persons of African descent in the United States, and repression of minorities in Iran, and called for public health responses to the Zika virus to fully integrate human rights, while recalling that all people had a right to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health. He stressed that only Member States could investigate and prosecute cases of sexual abuse by peacekeepers, and urged the Council to continue its work to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.

In the interactive dialogue, speakers expressed their support for the work of the High Commissioner and his Office. They welcomed its contribution to the advancement of human rights, particularly through its capacity-building and technical assistance efforts, and underlined the necessity to allocate adequate funding to its activities. They reiterated their attachment to the independence and impartiality of the Office of the High Commissioner, and encouraged all States to cooperate with it and with other human rights mechanisms. Speakers highlighted the important role of the Office in the field of prevention and early-warning, and in raising the international community’s awareness on systematic and gross human rights violations and abuses. States also reiterated the importance of non-governmental and civil society organizations for the promotion of human rights, and condemned acts of reprisal, intimidation and violence against them.

Speaking in the interactive dialogue were United States on behalf of a group of countries, Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, European Union, Uruguay on behalf of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia, South Africa on behalf of the African Group, Egypt on behalf of a Group of Like-Minded Countries, Morocco on behalf of the Groupe Francophone, Kuwait on behalf of the Arab Group, Dominican Republic on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, Netherlands on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Responsibility to Protect, Maldives, Israel, Namibia, Switzerland, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Egypt, China, Morocco, Latvia, Indonesia, India, Chile, Brazil, Norway, Tunisia, Botswana, Australia, Benin, Mexico, Belgium, Fiji, Honduras, Haiti, Georgia, Czech Republic, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Greece, Congo, Ghana, Nepal, Argentina, Austria, Qatar, Costa Rica, Malaysia, United States, Venezuela, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Côte d’Ivoire, Sudan, Thailand, Ecuador, Senegal, Libya, Azerbaijan, Djibouti, Mali, Philippines, Uganda, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Germany, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Slovenia, Russian Federation, Iran, Spain, Mozambique, Sweden, Pakistan, Algeria, Guinea, Paraguay, Japan, France, Panama, Canada, Jordan, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Cuba, Ukraine, Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Oman, Turkey, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iraq, South Sudan, Bahrain and Republic of Korea.

Representatives of the following national human rights institution and non-governmental organizations also spoke: International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, Arab Commission for Human Rights, Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain, American Association of Jurists, International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism in a joint statement with Franciscans International, Human Rights Watch, International Youth and Student Movement, CIVICUS and International Service for Human Rights.


The Human Rights Council will resume its work at 9 a.m. on Friday, 11 March, to hold a
panel discussion on human rights and HIV/AIDS. At noon, it will hear right of replies in
connection with the report of the High Commissioner.


Documentation

The Council has before it the Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/31/3).

Statement by the High Commissioner for Human Rights

ZEID RA’AD AL HUSSEIN, High Commissioner for Human Rights, said he was disturbed by a widespread practice of what could be termed “human rights window-dressing” and emphasized the need to follow-up and truly apply ratified documents and human rights bodies’ recommendations in practice. The European Union’s draft arrangement with Turkey earlier this week raised a number of very serious concerns, including potential for collective and arbitrary expulsions, which were illegal. High Commissioner Zeid expressed concern over the conditions to which those migrants could be expelled, as Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan were facing terrible challenges in meeting the basic needs of more than 4.2 million refugees. The situation in Greece was dramatic. The European Union was urged to adopt a much more rights-compliant and humane set of measures on migration at the upcoming summit. All States should also deploy measures to curb intolerance and xenophobia.

The High Commissioner said that he was extremely concerned about the deterioration of the human rights situation in the southeast of Turkey, where human rights had to be respected at all times. The action against the daily Zeman in Turkey was the latest worrying development. While Belarus had released political prisoners in 2015, a high number of recommendations by United Nations human rights mechanisms were yet to be implemented. He raised concern about recent legislation in Poland which could have a significant impact on the efficient functioning of the Constitutional Tribunal, on media freedom and on the right to privacy; and reports of torture, arbitrary detention and lack of freedom of expression, among others, in Uzbekistan. He also addressed developments in Ukraine, Latvia , Estonia and the Russian Federation.

The impact of the conflict on the current and succeeding generations of Syrians would be immeasurable, and any peace process had to be grounded in respect for human rights. The war in Yemen had opened vast opportunities for groups such as Al Qaeda and ISIL. The Iraqi Government’s policy to counter the armed conflict had focused mainly on military responses that failed to address many root causes. High Commissioner Zeid raised concerns about human rights violations in Libya; the newly adopted law on counter-terrorism in Egypt; and arrests of political opponents, journalists and human rights defenders in Bahrain. The High Commissioner urged the Council to reaffirm its support for a just, fair and peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In South Sudan, violence had emerged in areas not previously affected by the conflict. In Sudan, tens of thousands more civilians had been forced to flee their homes in Darfur after a new escalation of military operations by the Government. The High Commissioner remained very concerned about reports of killings, enforced disappearances and illegal arrests in Burundi; the continued ability of Boko Haram to inflict immense suffering in the countries of the Lake Chad basin; and the steady shrinking of democratic space in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He praised developments in the Central African Republic and Burkina Faso.

Noting developments in Colombia and Honduras, High Commissioner Zeid expressed concern about the situation in Venezuela, with deep political divisions, a deteriorating economic context and growing insecurity. All public health responses to the Zika virus had to fully integrate human rights, while all people had a right to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services. He spoke about the need for Member States around the world to re-examine efforts to provide quality health care for women as maternal mortality was almost completely avoidable; and about the International Decade for People of African Descent and the pervasive racism that people of African descent often faced in countries across the globe at the hands of police, judges and related officials, noting the insecurity that many Afro-Brazilian youth felt in the face of police violence and impunity, and the situation in the United States, where some 300 African Americans had been reportedly killed by the police in 2015. He spoke about the Guantanamo Bay Detention Centre, the new openness in Canada regarding difficult human rights issues, and the lack of progress in addressing the root causes of trouble in Nepal, including entrenched ethnic and caste discrimination. Sri Lanka was on its journey towards accountability, reconciliation and durable peace, and the next steps for the design of a comprehensive transitional justice process would be critical. He spoke about the situation in Thailand, Malaysia and China. Iran was urged to relax its repression of minority communities, such as the Baha’is. The agreement between Japan and the Republic of Korea on women who survived sexual slavery by the Japanese military forces during World War II was noted.

The Council and the Office had to ensure that all processes within the 2030 Agenda adhered to human rights standards on equality and non-discrimination, and the High Commissioner noted developments regarding the Human Rights Up Front initiative. He was heartened to see so many States continue to engage actively within the Universal Periodic Review. In 2015, the treaty bodies had met for a record combined total of 99 weeks, reviewing reports of 173 States parties. On continuing allegations that peacekeepers, particularly in the Central African Republic, had committed sexual exploitation and abuse, he said that only Member States could conduct criminal investigations and prosecute cases of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by peacekeepers. Only Member States could act to end impunity for criminal offences, including sexual abuses. The Council was urged to continue its work to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. He raised concern about the excessive use of the death penalty in China, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United States. The High Commissioner remained committed to further developing, revising and implementing the Change initiative, which involved an increased focus on the field. The Office regrettably continued to rely on voluntary contributions to carry out many of its mandate activities: for 2016, the needs-based estimate stood at $ 217 million, but its expected extra-budgetary cost plan was $ 130 million. The gap between those two numbers represented people that the Office could not help.

Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights

United States, speaking on behalf of a group of countries, highlighted China’s problematic human rights record, notably the arrest and detention of civil society leaders, activists and lawyers. They remained concerned about the recent disappearances of Chinese citizens from outside the mainland of China, as well as over the increasing number of individuals whose confessions were extorted without due process. The group of countries called on China to uphold its human rights international obligations.

Iran, speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, voiced deep concern over the aggregating trend of violent extremism around the world and emphasized the urgent need to tackle its root causes. The Non-Aligned Movement strongly condemned the systematic human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, noting that Israel had to be compelled to cease its military attacks, collective punishment, blockade and all other grave breaches of human rights. The High Commissioner had to ensure that all areas of human rights received his impartial attention and resources. That would ensure the delicate balance between civil and political rights on the one hand, and economic, social and cultural rights on the other hand.

European Union voiced support for the integrity of the mandate of the High Commissioner. It voiced concern over the critical human rights situations in Syria, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and South Sudan. It called on Burundi to live up to the standards of a Human Rights Council member, and welcomed the attention that the High Commissioner had paid to the situation in eastern Ukraine and Crimea. It also welcomed Sri Lanka’s engagement with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and encouraged it to further increase its cooperation.

Uruguay, speaking on behalf of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia, noted that they were focused on combatting discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. It was essential to change the social stereotypes and homophobic attitudes that jeopardized the dignity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, and to foster tolerance. The countries welcomed the United Nations Secretary-General’s recommendation to the Human Rights Council to adopt two historical resolutions on sexual orientation and gender identity.

South Africa, speaking on behalf of the African Group, noted that the right to human dignity could only be fully realised by ensuring the requisite balance between civil and political rights, and economic, social and cultural rights. There was an urgent need for a much more comprehensive approach and balance in addressing the complex need for migration and its root causes. More importantly, there was a need to eliminate obstacles to the realisation of the right to development.

Egypt, speaking on behalf of a Like-Minded Group of Countries, said that as the Council embarked on the second decade of its existence, many of the old maladies still influenced the international human rights discussions, namely naming and shaming, politicization, double standards and others. The Like-Minded Group would continue to support a High Commissioner who undertook the mandate in impartiality, did not depend on voluntary ear-marked contributions, and prioritized capacity building and technical cooperation through constructive dialogue with concerned States.

Morocco, speaking on behalf of Groupe Francophone, reviewed country situations also addressed by the High Commissioner, singling out the situations in Mali and Burundi as worrisome. The threat of violent extremism was a transnational scourge, and attacks in a series of countries including France, Egypt and Lebanon were condemned. Support was expressed for the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to prevent violent extremism.

Kuwait, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, reiterated the importance of international cooperation to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, and strongly condemned the occupation by Israeli forces of Palestinian lands as well as violations of the rights of the Palestinian people. On Syria, concern was expressed regarding the humanitarian crisis and the situation of refugees. Any interference in the internal affairs of Yemen was refused.

Dominican Republic, speaking on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, supported the promotion of measures to support vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, migrants, and indigenous people. Human rights were indivisible, and that included the right to development. Attention was given to the role of information and communications technologies, as well as health and the right to live free of any discrimination.

Saudi Arabia, speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said that
the way work was being done in the field of human rights continued to be politicised and subjected to double standards, to the detriment of economic, social, and cultural rights. A clear lack of consensus was seen between States with regard to the right to development. The Israeli occupation of Palestinian land was one of the worst situations before humanity and the Syrian people were suffering. The importance of international cooperation to face challenges was underlined.

Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, stressed the need to recognize that cultural and religious diversities were not an intention to deny the universality of rights. It meant that one should not attempt to pursue as universal values things that were not universally acceptable. Rejecting attempts to equate terrorism with any religion, the Organization called for dialogue, understanding and respect for diversity.

Netherlands, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Responsibility to Protect, said that widespread and systematic abuses or violations of human rights often served as early warning signs of potential genocide or crimes against humanity. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights played a key role in alerting the international community, and contributed to effective and timely action aimed at preventing the commission of such acts through institution-building, technical assistance and capacity-building.

Maldives regretted the lack of voices of delegations from small island countries that were not represented in the Council. The State of Palestine continued to be under occupation, and the human rights of its people continued to be violated every year. The continuing violence in Syria was a matter of great concern. Maldives remained alarmed at the escalating refugee crisis in Europe, with refugees facing unpleasant reactions from some States.

Israel said that the Council suffered from an “obsessive-compulsive disorder” as it continued to produce reports, resolutions and dialogues on Israel. The Council should expose itself to other pressing conflict areas with increased attention and a parallel reduction of the level of anxiety with which it considered Israel. In light of the situations in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, it was nothing but shameful that the Council would consider six reports and five resolutions on Israel.

Namibia was pleased to note that through the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund, 18 governmental officials from least developed countries and small island developing States had been able to attend and participate in the work of the Human Rights Council. It strongly encouraged that practice to continue. It asked the High Commissioner on further measures to be undertaken to ensure more geographic equitable representation in the composition of staff of the High Commissioner.

Switzerland continued to be concerned about numerous human rights violations committed in Ukraine. It called on all the concerned parties to abide by their obligations under the Minsk Agreements in order to guarantee sustainable peace and security. It also voiced concerned over the situation in Burundi where human rights had been repeatedly violated. It was equally concerned about the intimidation and arrests of civil rights activists in China, and the interventions against foreign citizens from outside Chinese mainland.

Ireland urged all States to remain open and responsive to viewing the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights as a friend and trusted adviser whether supporting and guiding countries through technical assistance, or criticising and challenging them to do better. It noted that responding to many increasing requests to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for reports was a challenge, and that those reports deserved proper study.

Netherlands noted that it was crucial for the Human Rights Council to respect the independence of the High Commissioner and his Office. Trying to steer their work not only weakened their effectiveness, but it also put their impartiality at risk. Netherlands fully supported the High Commissioner’s Change Initiative, which would improve the Office’s regional strength and ability to pick up signals of violations at an early stage and help governments to improve the human rights situations in their countries.

Portugal reminded that 55 million people in the world had been forced to displacement, entire families, women and children continued to be expelled by war, trying to escape barbaric violence or dire living conditions, facing all kinds of atrocity, gross and systematic human rights violations. The international community was bound to the obligation to protect the most vulnerable persons and to stand firm against discrimination on any ground.

Egypt expressed hope that the efforts undertaken by the High Commissioner would be a reason to raise human rights above politicization. It was important to help countries develop their technical capacities, institutions and legal frameworks in order to protect and promote human rights. The High Commissioner had to make sure that his Office would not become a “provocateur office.”

China said that the credibility of international human rights mechanisms had to be maintained, adding that national governments should be the driving force to mainstream human rights issues. The High Commissioner should refrain from making subjective comments not backed up by facts, and the allegations of the United States on China’s human rights situation were rejected. The United States and Japan were urged to rectify their own human rights situations rather than interfere in the internal affairs of other States.

Morocco said that training and education were considered fundamental pillars in countering issues which had a negative impact on the enjoyment of human rights. Gratitude was expressed for the support of the High Commissioner to Special Procedures; Morocco had received 11 so far. The right to development and combatting poverty and exclusion had to receive greater attention in keeping with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.

Latvia expressed particular alarm that those who defended the rights of others such as human rights defenders, journalists and bloggers became victims themselves, commended the High Commissioner’s continued efforts to provide expertise through regional and country offices, and positively noted the activities of the Office that contributed to addressing gender equality. The full cooperation of all States with Special Procedures was imperative to mandate holders’ ability to fulfil their mandates.

Indonesia said the world in 2016 was commemorating a number of anniversaries, and beginning the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Indonesia attached great importance to the work of the High Commissioner and his Office. It was resolute to continue progress in its development programme for all through providing public services to all people, free basic compulsory education for children and universal health care for all Indonesians; increasing prosperity and welfare; and consolidating democracy.

India said cooperation with States in tackling human rights violations required sharing of best practices, exchange of information and financial and capacity-building assistance. All these needed adequate funds. India made a modest voluntary contribution to support the efforts of the Office of the High Commissioner and continued to be concerned at the persistent shortfalls in allocations. The migration refugee crisis was acquiring grave proportions, and India noted with concern that the subject in some quarters was treated merely as a migratory phenomenon.

Chile restated its recognition and support of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized the importance of preventive action, and welcomed the contributions of the Office of the Special Procedures. While terrorism was a huge challenge, there was a need to adopt a human rights approach and prevent arbitrary restriction of rights. Chile was deeply concerned about the international isolation of refugees and called for solidarity in this crisis.

Brazil welcomed the High Commissioner’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, and concurred with his view that racism and hate speech were on the rise in political discourse. Democracy could not advance without the realization of human rights by all. It was important to foster cooperation and technical assistance to countries, and to bridge the gaps between the work done in Geneva and in New York.

Norway noted the importance of consolidating normative achievements through implementation and the allocation of adequate resources to the Office of the High Commissioner. The Council had to respond strongly to the threats faced by human rights defenders worldwide, and Norway would present a resolution in that regard. Norway invited all States to join forces in protecting human rights defenders and recognizing their key role in democracies.

Tunisia insisted on the importance of incorporating civil society in efforts to promote and protect human rights, restore the rule of law, and address violent extremism. Tunisia also underlined the importance of cooperating with international human rights mechanisms. Tunisia was going through an important time in its history as it was consolidating its democracy, and called for international support in this endeavour.

Botswana said 2015 had seen human rights challenges on many fronts, listing violations and applauding the High Commissioner for his numerous efforts. His cross-sectional engagement to bring a re-emphasis on the inclusive nature of human rights was encouraged, and Botswana was pleased that part of the efforts of the High Commissioner’s work in the past year was on strengthening work in the legal sphere, including in the administration of justice.

Australia spoke about national participation at the Council, noting that the Council had a critical role as an early warning mechanism to prevent the escalation of human rights violations and abuses. Turning to domestic achievements, Australia’s commitment to ensuring safe and legal pathways for those fleeing conflict and violence was assured. The international community had to work together to stop human trafficking and people smuggling.

Benin said that the cardinal objective of respect for human rights was to guide activities in the fields of political, economic, social and cultural life. The international community had to engage on the rights to health and food, water, sanitation, and numerous other rights. Concern was expressed about the refugee and migrant crisis, whose root causes must be addressed. In countries of transit, migrants’ human rights had to be respected and protected.

Mexico welcomed the presentation of the report by the High Commissioner for Human Rights and noted the priority attention given to supremely important issues, such as promoting gender equality, the elimination of racism, the protection of migrants and indigenous peoples, the abolition of the death penalty, and the prevention of drug trafficking, all of which were very important to Mexico. It also appreciated the promotion of human rights in conflict situations with tangible actions to prevent perpetrators.

Belgium shared deep concerns on the dark picture painted by the High Commissioner on the situation in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Ukraine, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The work of the High Commissioner in the field was all the more necessary, as was the importance to promote the rights of victims’ violations, their just reparation and the punishment of violators. The quality of the report of the High Commissioner and the balance of the approach adopted by his Office demonstrated its independence.

Fiji acknowledged the challenges inherent in the work of the High Commissioner, often manifested in legislative and policy barriers to the development of human rights in the domestic sphere. Fiji took this opportunity to note the retention of the regional Pacific Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Suva, stating that the Office had been important for ensuring human rights. The Pacific was a region which was often neither seen nor heard at international meetings, and although Fiji had done its best in Geneva to be as loud as possible, it could not always speak for the entire Pacific.

Honduras said that respect for human rights was a pillar for human development, and welcomed the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in combatting impunity and promoting the rule of law. Honduras’ people were deeply satisfied at the opening up of a local office of the High Commissioner in the country. Honduras was firmly committed to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of Berta Cáceres and to ensure that those responsible did not remain unpunished.

Haiti welcomed the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ support in combatting impunity, strengthening the rule of law, and in training Haiti’s national police . Haiti was committed to continue to engage in political dialogue and the electoral process. Haiti also welcomed the High Commissioner’s attention to the situation at the border with the Dominican Republic, and assured of the President’s commitment to solve divergences through continuous dialogue.

Georgia appreciated the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Georgia. The situation in Russian-occupied regions of Georgia, where systematic and gross human rights violations, including ethnic cleansing, were taking place, deserved the Office’s full attention. Georgia supported the work of the High Commissioner on Ukraine, and called for unhindered humanitarian access there. It expressed concerns about sexual abuse by peacekeepers, and called for full investigations into these cases.

Czech Republic strongly supported an effective and responsive United Nations human rights system. Independence and impartiality of the High Commissioner’s mandate was a key component of such a system. It supported all efforts integrating the human rights perspective into United Nations activities across the board. It asked the High Commissioner what could be done to ensure States’ engagement with human rights mechanisms to prevent the escalation of human rights violations into large-scale violence and conflict.

Bangladesh underscored the need for a more balanced approach with emphasis on economic, social and cultural rights, in particular the right to development, which was particularly relevant in the context of poverty and marginalization and uneven distribution of the benefits of globalization. In order to perform duties in the field in a transparent manner and to fulfil the requirements of the host country, it was imperative that such offices avoided voluntary funding.

Uzbekistan stated that Uzbekistan was consistently ensuring the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and cooperating with the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms. Uzbekistan accorded an important role to civil society and the media in ensuring human rights. It drew the attention of the High Commissioner that people in Uzbekistan were not prosecuted for political views and ideas, but for specific crimes.

Greece focused its intervention on the migration and refugee crisis in its region and to its main root cause, which was the conflict in Syria, and hoped that recent progress made with the cessation of hostilities would end the cycle of violence and destruction. The Greek Government, supported by civil society and international actors, had given high priority to the protection of the human rights of refugees and migrants. Unilateral measures and closing borders could not be a viable solution to the refugee migration issue. The crisis surpassed the capacity of the country and had to be dealt with collectively.

Republic of Congo appreciated the efforts of the High Commissioner in terms of monitoring, investigation, reporting and technical assistance, which had brought to light additional conflicts and difficulties to the implementation of human rights. It was important to recognize the Rights Up Front initiative launched by the Secretary-General for which a lot of work remained. The scale of the migratory movements brought to the fore the issues of protection, peace and security. In this direction the international community had to pool its efforts to combat all discriminatory practices.

Ghana said that as a member of the cross-regional group on business and human rights in relation to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, Ghana would continue to engage in the ongoing search for a more robust framework to enhance the accountability and access to remedy for victims of business-related human rights abuses. It welcomed the efforts of the High Commissioner to encourage the prioritisation of human rights in the development agenda.

Nepal expressed appreciation for the role of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in promoting human rights and the rule of law. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development had to be successfully implemented through collaborative efforts. Extreme poverty and paucity of access to productive resources posed challenges in ensuring the realization of human rights. The new Constitution of Nepal promulgated in 2015 enshrined all universal values for the protection of human rights, equality and justice.

Argentina said that monitoring early warning signals was the best solution to prevent mass atrocities. Enforced disappearances sadly continued to be perpetrated all over the world. Argentina highlighted the Free and Equal Campaign promoting equality and non-discrimination, and urged the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to continue its work in this domain. Argentina supported migration policies that fully respected human rights.

Austria commended the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ efforts in implementing the Secretary-General’s Rights Up Front initiative, and called for the allocation of adequate resources for the Office to fulfil its mandate. Austria expressed its attachment to freedom of expression and to the role of civil society organizations. Austria expressed serious concern over acts of threats and intimidation against journalists and media workers, and about the adoption of laws that overly restricted public space for civil society groups.

Qatar noted that the use of violence against people who had come out to demonstrate for democracy during the Arab Spring had led to the resurgence of terrorist activities. There was a need to put an end to dictatorial regimes in the region. Qatar condemned Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories and blockade of the Gaza Strip. Images showed the scale of the crimes committed by the Syrian regime, which had killed thousands and displaced millions of people.

Costa Rica reiterated its support for the High Commissioner’s mandate, which needed to be strengthened. Costa Rica agreed that the achievements had testified to the ability to respond to the most challenging human rights situations. It called for a human rights-based approach to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the right to development. It recognized the contribution of the national capacity-building programmes of the Human Rights Council in generating more freedoms.

Malaysia remained concerned about the increasing trend of violent extremism and the threat of terrorism around the world. Understanding the root causes of terrorism and extremism was vital in order to tackle that issue in a comprehensive manner. As the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights embarked on its organisational change initiative, geographic representation was important, not only in terms of numbers but also in terms of diversity and having a greater appreciation of regional and local contexts and values.

Response by the High Commissioner

ZEID RA’AD AL-HUSSEIN, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in response to the question by Iran on the Working Group on the right to development, thanked the Chair for trying to find common ground and proposed that the Working Group could work more closely with other bodies, including the High Level Political Forum in New York. In this direction, the Working Group would meet with the co-chairs of the Sustainable Development Goals process. The Working Group could also solicit input from civil society and academia to inject new knowledge in the proceedings. This year marked the thirtieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development and the High Commissioner encouraged all to re-visit this important document, which was not about States and agencies but rather about people and their economic, social, cultural, political and civil rights.

Regarding the point raised by the Organisation on Islamic Cooperation on deeper appreciation for the cultural and traditional context of rights, the High Commissioner appealed to all States to take a broad view. Some States made an argument that migrants deserved lesser rights, and had to be dealt with differently as they represented a different culture. The international community had to be careful when not invoking the universal part of the common bonds that bound the world together. On the questions posed by the Netherlands on the right to protect, and the questions posed by the Czech Republic on how to ensure that the mechanism would play a larger role in preventing the escalation of human rights in larger conflict, the High Commissioner said that there were long-burning crises on the agenda now. These crises had generated tremendous consequences, and it was very clear that more needed to be done up front. The Secretary-General’s Rights Up Front initiative was in this direction as were the Sustainable Development Goals which were fused with rights’ considerations. In addition, all the work that the mechanisms undertook, and all the observations in the different cycles of the Universal Periodic Review and the Special Procedures, should prevent crises from becoming long-burning crises. There were articles available in the United Nations Charter which needed to be used in the context of early warning.

On the question on the presence of the Office of the High Commissioner in Yemen, the High Commissioner replied that the Office was in the process of collecting evidence and working with the National Commission of Inquiry to assess what had been done. Regarding the Universal Periodic Review, there was a need to focus more on the implementation of recommendations. Discussions were ongoing between Member States. There was no uniformity of opinion. The Office would be happy to work with States to ensure that more was being done. On the question from Namibia on equitable staffing of the Office and what had been done, the overall geographic improvement had increased steadily since measures were introduced in 2006. Currently 27 per cent of the appointments were from unrepresented and underrepresented States. Recruitment had now been placed under the direct authority of the United Nations in New York. On the question by Ireland regarding the late production of reports, documentation was presented in accordance with the agreed slot, however, at times there was a bottleneck related to translation and time.

Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner

United States echoed the call of the High Commissioner on Malaysia to release Anwar Ibrahim without delay. It voiced concern over the negative trend of arrests and detention of civil society activists in China, and its one-country policy towards Hong Kong. The violations of human rights in Burundi had to be investigated and the Government had to provide independent human rights monitoring. In Syria the “Assad regime” was systematically targeting civilians and blocking access to humanitarian aid.

Venezuela said Venezuela guaranteed the full enjoyment of all human rights without any limitations. Political controversy was inevitable as it invigorated democracy. Unfortunately, there was an opposition in Venezuela that used non-democratic means to effect change. The Government had made dialogue a State policy, but in no way would it allow those who called for violence to destroy the democracy established in the country.

Italy supported the appeal by the High Commissioner to look at the current migration and refugee crisis through a human rights lens. Italy had always been at the forefront of operations to save lives in the Mediterranean, coordinating search and rescue operations. But to properly address a crisis of that magnitude, there was a need for global sharing of responsibility. The approach to migration had to be based on solidarity in order to be sustainable in the long term and human rights compliant.

Kyrgyzstan hoped for the continuation of the fruitful cooperation between the Government and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Bishkek. It was necessary to recall the principles of the General Assembly resolution 60/251, which emphasized the need for equality and non-selectivity of human rights, with the view of avoiding double standards. The cornerstone of the 2030 Agenda was the human being. The Office ought to pay more attention to the realization of economic and social rights.

Côte d’Ivoire shared many of the concerns expressed in the report of the High Commissioner, and supported the efforts of his Office. The resources of the Office ought to be increased so that it could carry out its tasks effectively. Côte d’Ivoire was concerned about the effects of terrorism on victims, and firmly condemned the activities of Boko Haram, which should be eliminated. The Council should encourage States to promote the rights of their populations by providing economic and social rights.

Sudan regretted the imbalance between civil and political rights, and economic, social and cultural rights. It was necessary to base the principles of the work in the field of human rights on equality and non-discrimination. The Office of the High Commissioner needed to have a more equitable geographic representation, both in Geneva and in the field. Sudan condemned attacks by rebel movements in Darfur, which targeted civilians, and was surprised that the High Commissioner equated those groups and the Government.

Thailand said the concern of the High Commissioner on the global migration crisis reflected the concern of the international community. In the Asia-Pacific region, the problem of irregular migration at sea was currently being addressed together with the human trafficking issue through various regional frameworks. Thailand was of the view that a balance between freedom of speech and security had to be kept. Human rights defenders and lawyers were protected under Thai law.

Ecuador said that the approach to the migrant crisis needed to be based on human rights and not security. Migrants must be treated with respect. Ecuador condemned racist opinions which were slowly becoming popular in receiving countries. It recognised the work done by the High Commissioner on fighting discrimination based on race, as well as sexual orientation, disabilities, and other differences. On the topic of business and human rights, greater energetic action was needed. Ecuador stressed the ongoing process to have a binding international instrument in this respect.

Senegal said that the human rights situation in the world was precarious, and there were many hot spots, including the rise of violent extremism, the refugee crisis and the harmful effects of climate change. The High Commissioner had rightly emphasised the impact of these challenges. Religious intolerance remained at the heart of Senegal’s priorities. Technical assistance and cooperation were important facets of the High Commissioner’s work.

Libya welcomed the report of the High Commissioner and took note of his recommendation that women should participate in post-conflict reconciliation processes, including in Libya. Libya also supported the role of the High Commissioner’s Office in putting the rights of persons with disabilities on the Sustainable Development Agenda. Libya placed great importance on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Azerbaijan supported the reshaping process of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ structure and believed that that process would further make the Office more responsive to the increasing needs and expectations of Member States. It noted that the international community needed to invest more effort to settle armed conflicts in order to prevent further human rights violations.

Djibouti reaffirmed its determination to strongly combat terrorism in all its forms. Due to its fragile borders, Djibouti was very exposed to infiltrations by the Al-Shabaab group. Speaking of the migration crisis, Djibouti supported the actions proposed by the High Commissioner in order to better protect human rights, and it welcomed the multiplication of actions by the High Commissioner.

Mali congratulated the Office of the High Commissioner for its support to international human rights mechanisms. Mali appreciated the greatly valuable technical assistance provided on transitional justice and the national dialogue mechanism. Mali reaffirmed its determination to help combat impunity and promote the rule of law, and was committed to ensuring a lasting peace with the indispensable support of the international community.

Philippines believed that the Council and the Office of the High Commissioner should be partners of States and other stakeholders in the promotion and protection of human rights. Strong focus should be placed on capacity building and technical assistance, at the request of States. The human rights of migrants should not be suspended when they were on the move or at borders. The Philippines strongly urged the Office to allocate a budget and human resources for human rights and climate change concerns.

Uganda stated that it would continue to make appropriate responses to humanitarian crises at the regional level, and underscored that the major challenge facing such efforts was inadequate resources. Uganda, which was currently hosting close to 160,000 refugees, stressed the need to address the root causes of refugee and migration flows as the key to stemming out that problem. The Office was called upon to provide technical assistance and capacity building to support efforts to strengthen national capacities.

El Salvador gave importance to the promotion and protection of human rights, especially those of vulnerable categories such as children, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and women, and stressed the importance of all rights, including the right to development, as universal and interdependent in nature. The work of the High Commissioner in this regard was very important. El Salvador thanked the Office for addressing the migration problem with a comprehensive solution based on a human rights approach.

Dominican Republic highlighted the importance of the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in terms of the death penalty, climate change, the rights of children, education and good governance. It thanked the Office for its work on promoting and including indigenous peoples on the human rights agenda. It also thanked the Office for offering technical assistance at the Haitian-Dominican border.

Germany commended the High Commissioner on the various steps he and his Office had undertaken to further integrate and mainstream human rights in the peace and security agenda. This included closer linking to the discourses in New York and Geneva, and exploring ways to better raise awareness for serious human rights violations as potential indicators for crises and conflicts. Early warning and prevention were critical functions of the Office. What could be done to make better use of the wealth of information gathered by the Human Rights Council instruments?

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia shared the views of many that the world was facing one of the largest challenges in modern history. It was fully committed to responding to the needs of refugees and migrants in compliance with international standards, but it had also been faced with the realities on ground on the Western Balkans route. A strong call was reiterated for a common strategy encompassing all the multidimensional aspects aimed at addressing the migrants’ crisis.

Slovenia welcomed the engagement of the Office of the High Commissioner in addressing human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Slovenia also welcomed the attention paid to attacks on human rights defenders and journalists, including by providing technical advice to the authorities on how to enhance their protection. It was a collective responsibility to prevent and stand against all forms of discrimination and stand up against incitement to hatred and hate speech.

Russian Federation said that Syria, which had experienced a five-year long conflict, was now seeing hope that it would come to an end. On 14 March, indirect inter-Syrian talks would continue in Geneva, and every effort should be made to ensure that the hostile parties would not restart hostilities. The difficult humanitarian situation in Ukraine could only be resolved by full compliance with the Minsk Agreement.

Iran concurred with the High Commissioner about the increasing trend of violent extremism around the world that jeopardized all human beings. Combatting violent extremism should be considered as a universal humanitarian goal and responsibility, and no effort should be spared in that respect. The persistence of systematic and flagrant breaches of international humanitarian law in occupied Palestine by the occupying power was deeply disturbing.

Spain noted that the High Commissioner’s voice represented the United Nations and rejected any attempt to undermine the independence of his voice. Spain welcomed the High Commissioner’s constant interaction with Member States in different fora. It asked about the role of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the advancement of the women, peace and security agenda.

Mozambique commended the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ organizational change initiative which aimed at capitalizing the role of the Office as the global reference point for human rights standards and mechanisms, working with partners in turning the recommendations of the United Nations human rights mechanisms into changes that improved people’s lives.

Sweden said that the independence and integrity of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights should be respected. Restrictions on the work of human rights defenders were unacceptable, and Sweden welcomed the work by the High Commissioner to build the capacity of civil society organizations. Sweden welcomed the Office’s work for the Rights Up Front Initiative and in the field of gender equality, and supported its efforts to increase its efficiency and maximize its resources.

Pakistan underlined the importance of objectivity, non-selectivity and cooperation. There had been a public outcry in Pakistan to lift the moratorium on the use of the death penalty for the most serious crimes, including terrorism. Due process was however guaranteed when this sentence was applied. Pakistan called for a greater balance between civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights – including the right to development – in the work of Office of the High Commissioner.

Algeria welcomed the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in promoting the right to development, combatting discrimination against women, and promoting the rights of migrants. Algeria expressed concern over serious human rights violations against the Palestinian people, and reiterated its support to a just and fair resolution of the conflict in Western Sahara. The protection of the rights of the Sahrawi population should be given due attention by the High Commissioner.

Guinea emphasized its total determination to reinforce cooperation with all the mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights, including treaty bodies, with which Guinea had no outstanding reports. Justice and security reforms were ongoing, with the support of Guinea’s international partners. The fight against violence against women was also ongoing and producing results. There was an irreversible process underway to build the rule of law in Guinea.

Paraguay said that resolution 30/25, co-sponsored by Paraguay and Brazil, encouraged States to strengthen their follow-up procedures, which should have positive results in the short term. Paraguay had drawn up a technical cooperation programme to promote the System of Monitoring of Recommendations (SIMORE) experience, according to the design proposed by the Office of the High Commissioner. Paraguay was deeply concerned by the proliferation of cases of xenophobia, racism and discrimination against migrants and their families.

Japan stated that its recent agreement with the Republic of Korea meant that the issue of comfort women was resolved finally and irreversibly. Japan had never denied history or facts. Reference to the grave human rights situation in “North Korea” was missing from the High Commissioner’s report. Japan expressed its concern over recent developments in certain countries and regions that infringed on the freedom of expression, which was at the core of democracy.

France supported the actions of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. His strong and independent voice was vital for denouncing human rights violations and ensuring the prosecution of violators. Human rights were under a greater threat than ever. In Palestine and Israel, the status quo was not an option. France called upon the parties to the Ukrainian conflict to implement the Minsk Accords. The situation in Burundi remained worrying, and the recent positive signals had to be followed up.

Panama voiced concern over continued human rights violations with complete impunity and the increase in the number of conflicts, violence, lack of public liberties, exclusion, hate speech and intolerance. It was the responsibility of States to take adequate legal, social and political measures in order to defend human rights and to protect all civil rights defenders. It was also the obligation of States to combat corruption and impunity.

Canada commended the important work done by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ field offices and supported efforts to strengthen their capacity. Field offices were integral to delivering technical assistance and expertise, and helping to build the capacity of government institutions and civil society at local levels to promote and protect human rights. Those offices permitted the monitoring of critical situations and provided access to vulnerable people, especially where human rights were at risk or violated by State and non-State actors.

Jordan expressed great anxiety regarding the human rights situation in Syria and called on the international community to come up with a viable solution that was compatible with the people’s will and preserved the unity of Syria’s territories. Israel, the occupying power, was still violating the State of Palestine, and the Palestinian cause remained crucial in the region. Jordan understood the challenges Libya was facing and fully supported the Libyan people in achieving their goals.

United Kingdom remained gravely concerned about the number of critical human rights situations, especially in Syria and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, as well as in Burma, though it was encouraged by the recent historic parliamentary elections. It welcomed the High Commissioner’s visit to Sri Lanka, and was deeply concerned about the detention of political and civil society activists in Egypt, as well as the situation in Burundi, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Nigeria commended the efforts of the High Commissioner in strengthening international human rights mechanisms, enhancing equality, countering discrimination, combatting impunity, strengthening accountability and the rule of law, and widening democratic space. Nigeria unequivocally rejected any attempt to use the Human Rights Council for the politicization of human rights issues, and rejected the method of the United Nations system to use a campaign video to showcase lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersex people and their contributions to community.

Cuba noted that some were promoting human rights by taking a selective and biased approach. Priority needed to be attached to sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, the right to self-determination of peoples, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Cuba noted that it was important to operationalize the right to development, which should be given priority in policies and activities of international organizations and institutions.

Ukraine noted that the root cause of the deterioration of human rights was due to the aggression of the Russian Federation, and improvement would not take place until Russian troops withdrew from eastern Ukraine. It underlined that the Russian Federation had failed to implement the Minsk Agreements. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ monitoring was an important tool to document the crimes committed by the Russian army in Crimea and eastern Ukraine.

Sovereign Military Order of Malta underscored the question of migration, adding that it was essential that a human rights perspective be integrated into the global debate on migration. With 60 million people displaced in the world and 20 million of them on the move, bridges had to be preferred to walls. The humanitarian principles and laws codified in the convention signed after the Second World War had to be reaffirmed.

Oman reiterated its support to the High Commissioner and his Office. Conflicts in the Middle East had had a negative impact on the people’s right to live in dignity. Oman supported a peaceful settlement of conflicts, and underlined the importance of respecting cultural backgrounds, without double standards. Israel continued to deny Palestinian people their most basic rights, Oman said, calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict there, with two States living side by side.

Turkey regretted that the High Commissioner had made a reference to Turkey in his statement, and assured that Turkey applied the highest standards as regards human rights. Freedom of expression and media freedom were safeguarded, and no journalist had been detained or convicted on the grounds of his or her work. Turkey’s counter-terrorism efforts were conducted in compliance with its legal obligations. Comprehensive and human rights-based approaches were necessary to tackle the refugee crisis.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was concerned at the establishment of an Office of the High Commissioner in Seoul, which was on the basis of a resolution that was the product of political conspiracies and had nothing to do with human rights. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea therefore categorically rejected the mandate of that office, and urged that it be dissolved once and for all in the interest of the genuine promotion and protection of human rights.

Iraq was doing its utmost to free the regions under Da’esh. Political reforms were needed and Iraq was doing its best to ensure political participation by all parties. The aim of the Iraqi Armed Forces was to respect human rights while liberating Iraqi cities under the control of Da’esh. The Iraqi Government renewed its commitment to all human rights conventions and international humanitarian law.

South Sudan said there was no starvation in South Sudan, but a food gap which the Government was working to address together with international organizations. The Government had opened its border with neighbouring countries in order to provide for humanitarian assistance. On the issue of the escalation of the conflict, the permanent ceasefire was in place and as such the Government had agreed on the composition of the membership of the joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission.

Bahrain welcomed the Agreement of Understanding regarding Technical Assistance and Capacity Building. However, it was disappointed that during the launch of this programme, such a negative message had come at such a wrong time, leading to frustration and affecting the population. The Kingdom of Bahrain saw these negative inferences as harmful and not serving human rights and called upon partners to choose more credible and objective information.

Republic of Korea fully shared the High Commissioner’s view that countless human rights violations and abuses continued to be perpetrated with impunity, especially in situations of prolonged armed conflicts. It expressed gratitude to the High Commissioner’s attention to the victims of wartime sexual violence, and highlighted that the agreement concluded with Japan aimed to restore the honour and dignity of victims.

International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights stated that 2015 had brought forth a series of challenges and concerns that required a joint effort to uphold human rights worldwide. It had also been marked by the significant restructuring of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Clear results could already be seen.

Arab Commission for Human Rights noted that the violation of the fundamental right to solidarity and the security-based management of the migration influx represented a new generation of human rights violations. What was the strategy of the High Commissioner to convince the European Union to respect the human dignity of migrants and refugees?

Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain shared the High Commissioner’s assessment that profound reforms were still required in the area of human rights in Bahrain. Those concerns had been echoed by a substantial cross-regional coalition of States which had called on Bahrain to cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner.

American Association of Jurists called for the inclusion of human rights components in all United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, and, in reference to the situation in Western Sahara, regretted that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had congratulated an Occupying Power that refused access there.

International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, in a joint statement with Franciscans International, welcomed the High Commissioner’s work on Sri Lanka and pointed at the dangers affecting the democratic yearning of the people of Sri Lanka. It called for renewed efforts to address the countless numbers of cases of disappearances in the country.

Human Rights Watch was concerned at Sri Lanka’s recent statement on abiding by the Council’s resolution on an accountability mechanism. It was dismayed at the expulsion of the High Commissioner’s representative to Yemen in January. Burundi should be held accountable for the deteriorating human rights situation there. China’s relentless crackdown on civil society was a concern.

International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations, on behalf of severals NGOs¹, inquired about the plans to implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action in view of its fifteenth anniversary. Could the High Commissioner explain the decision to eliminate three staff positions from the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section which had been approved by the 2015 budget of the General Assembly?

CIVICUS welcomed the strong independent voice of the High Commissioner, but noted the introduction of a spate of national legislation undermining the rights to freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly and participation in public affairs in both mature and emerging democracies.

International Service for Human Rights shared the concern of the High Commissioner on “persistent reprisals.” It welcomed the adoption of the San Jose Guidelines, but was dismayed at the failure of the United Nations as a whole to meet its moral and legal duty to adequately address reprisals through a prompt and effective unified response.

Concluding Remarks by the High Commissioner for Human Rights

ZEID RA’AD AL-HUSSEIN, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, explained that in 2015 the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had organized a high-level meeting on human rights and climate change. For COP21, the Office had produced relevant material and worked closely with Member States and civil society organizations. The inclusion of the human rights language in the Paris Agreement preamble represented an important achievement. The Office also planned to issue a fact sheet on climate change and human rights. The Office could not produce a study on climate change and human rights for the thirty-first session of the Human Rights Council because it lacked the capacity at the time, but it could now prepare the study for the thirty-second session of the Council. On how to make better use of the wealth of information gathered by the Office, the Office would look at how to use and distribute it for analysis by Member States, and it would look into how the analysis could be fine-tuned. As for the question on the conflict in Palestine, there had to be scrupulous application of international humanitarian law. Only when violence was reduced to zero could the atmosphere required for the end of the suffering of the Palestinian people be established. The Israelis had to be assured that their State would be secure and safe from any threat. Speaking of peacekeeping operations, the relevant resolution had to be implemented in order to ensure the presence and participation of women in the peace and security agenda. Regarding positive trends in human rights, clearly one of the principal trends was the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the inclusion of the right to development on the United Nations agenda. As for civil society’s questions, they were of a broad nature and referred to Palestine, migration, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ office in Tunisia, among others. Concerning the question about the human rights situation in Bahrain, the measures taken should bring positive developments. However, impunity and accountability, and alleged use of torture in detention were still of serious concern. The High Commissioner called on the Government of Bahrain to release those who had been arrested during peaceful demonstrations. In Western Sahara, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights continued to monitor the situation and in the Saharan refugee camps in Algeria. The combat against racial sentiments and xenophobia was the centrepiece of the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. It was necessary to raise the profile of that problem. High Commissioner Zeid urged Member States to adopt a more mature attitude to criticism.

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¹Joint statement: International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations ; Comité International pour le Respect et l'Application de la Charte Africaine des Droits de l'Homme et des Peuples ; Action internationale pour la paix et le développement dans la région des Grands Lacs ; International-Lawyers.Org ; Arab Commission for Human Rights; and International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.


For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC16/025E