HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL HEARS STATEMENTS BY 14 DIGNITARIES UNDER HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT

The Human Rights Council this afternoon continued its high-level segment, hearing from 14 dignitaries, who raised a number of issues, such as the 2011 review of the Council and its mechanisms and what it should focus on, and the lack of progress on the elimination of racism around the world, and who highlighted national efforts to promote and protect human rights.

Huda Alban, Minister of Human Rights of Yemen, said the Council was always at the forefront of the struggle for the protection and promotion of human rights. One of the paradoxes in the world today was that everyone was talking about human rights, about the importance of protecting and strengthening them, and promoted themselves as being at the front of the fight; and yet, these rights were violated on a daily basis throughout the world.

Ndelu Seretse, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security of Botswana, said one of the Council’s outstanding achievements was in the area of its institutional machinery – the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. Botswana was deeply concerned that while there were strides made on other human rights issues, the issue of racism appeared to be one where there continued to be unsatisfactory progress.

Abdel Basit Saleh Sabdarat, Minister of Justice of Sudan, said indicators had illustrated that the humanitarian situation in Darfur had become stable due to efforts being continually exerted by the Government in collaboration with national and international stakeholders that facilitated the regular flow of humanitarian assistance. The Government was doing its utmost to protect relief convoys and to secure access to the needy and to ensure the safety of those working in the humanitarian field, be they national or international staff.

Paulo de Tarso Vannucchi, Minister for Human Rights of Brazil, said one of the fundamental conquests of the Council was overcoming a culture of confrontation and selectivity. In dealing with the theme of the protection and promotion of human rights, it was not created for selective monitoring, but to be attentive to all threats and challenges for all peoples. The revision of the Council was an opportunity for the international community to take a step forward, and the success of the Universal Periodic Review should be maintained and strengthened.

Nezar Al-Baharna, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, said in accordance with the commitments to the Universal Periodic Review, Bahrain was committed to three core principles – transparency, participation of all, particularly civil society, and collaboration with all international institutions. A number of workshops had been held in the field of human rights in which Government officials and members of civil society had been trained.

Mohamed Naciri, Minister of Justice of Morocco, said reforms undertaken in Morocco confirmed its irreversible strategic choices with regard to promoting democracy and respecting human rights throughout the country and a firm rejection of the use of these rights for political objectives to jeopardise the sovereignty of States. Morocco reaffirmed its willingness to further develop cooperation with United Nations mechanisms for human rights.

Dragoljuba Bencina, State Secretary and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, said the Universal Periodic Review was a new, important mechanism of the Human Rights Council, allowing it to confront the view of a country on the situation of human rights within its borders with the views of States Parties of the United Nations. The review of the Human Rights Council would take place next year - it was important to preserve the advantages of the Council, whilst improving its functioning and reinforcing its efficiency.

Nicholas Emiliou, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, said the fact that human rights violations all around the world were not yet effectively or even sufficiently addressed did not imply that the Council or its mechanisms suffered from inherent weakness. It was essential during the review process to contemplate ways for overcoming the inherent tendency of all actors involved to allow other parameters to intrude in the decision making processes.

Gry Larsen, Deputy Minster for Foreign Affairs of Norway, said the Universal Periodic Review was a promising tool that added value to the existing United Nations machinery. The Council had a strong mandate to deal with human rights violations in all countries. Norway hoped that this session would prove that its Members could close gaps between norms and implementation.

Marin Raykov, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, said now, on the eve of the review in 2011, the international community had to reflect and take stock of the Council's achievements and shortcomings. Along these lines, the Universal Periodic Review was one of the most important new tools of the Council. The Council should maintain a clear focus on human rights situations in its deliberations and mechanisms.

Grazyna Bernatowicz, Under-Secretary of State of Poland, said Poland noted with regret that while focusing on the state of human rights in one region, the Council had not always been able to address other emergencies and cases of human rights violations in other parts of the world. It was crucial that the Special Procedures remained impartial and independent and that the full independence and autonomy of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was preserved.

Selim Belortaja, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Albania, said the warming climate, a global economic recession, threats to peace and security and the plight of over half of the world living in poverty were all interlinked. Solving each one of these crises had become a challenge. In Albania’s view, the battle to combat poverty would be a battle for freedom, justice and dignity.

Fashion Phiri, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Zambia, said Zambia was committed to the realisation of the Universal Periodic Review, and had utilised this mechanism to actively participate in the work of the Council. Zambia pledged to continue to strengthen its human rights standards, and to engage in global human rights issues through participation in different international fora.

Milorad Scepanovic, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Montenegro said the Universal Periodic Review had provided a good method for a transparent and objective assessment of the human rights situation in each United Nations Member State. Montenegro confirmed its belief in peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues through dialogue and compromise.

Speaking in right of reply were the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Serbia.

The next meeting of the Council will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 3 March, when it will conclude its high-level segment during the day before starting its general segment.

High-Level Segment

HUDA ALBAN, Minister of Human Rights of Yemen, said the Government of Yemen appreciated the progress achieved by the Human Rights Council since its creation. The Council was always at the forefront of the struggle for the protection and promotion of human rights. One of the paradoxes in the world today was that everyone was talking about human rights, about the importance of protecting and strengthening them, and promoted themselves as being at the front of the fight; and yet, these rights were violated on a daily basis throughout the world, under various pretexts, some of which were highly illogical. Palestine had been occupied for the last 60 years, with a flagrant violation of the rights of the defenceless Palestinian people. In order to achieve the noble objectives set before the international community, it was not enough to adopt resolutions and use nice words, it was important to implement international agreements, and work together effectively to protect rights and restore dignity to human beings throughout the world.

The respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Yemen was directly linked to the political will aimed at strengthening the awareness within society of the Constitutional and legal rights that were inalienable for Yemen's people. This was why human rights were a priority. Yemen had reaffirmed its commitment to fundamental freedoms, allowing the creation of civil society organizations, and promoting a democratic climate while giving them room to work. Yemen was committed to this as it was convinced that human rights and fundamental freedoms should be protected as provided for in international instruments, the Constitution and legislation. Civil and political rights were directly linked to economic, social and cultural rights. The Government of Yemen had continued to follow developments in the world in order to improve the human rights situation in Yemen and improve the situation of its people, and to protect these rights in line with democratic principles, whilst keeping the country's heritage in mind.

NDELU SERETSE, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security of Botswana, felt proud to be associated with the success that this new global human rights body, the Council, had achieved so far. One of the Council’s outstanding achievements was in the area of its institutional machinery – the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. Botswana was encouraged by the continued visibility that this mechanism gave to the promotion and protection of human rights. It expressed deep concern that while there were strides made on other human rights issues, the issue of racism appeared to be one where there continued to be unsatisfactory progress. Botswana supported the outcome of the 2005 United Nations World Summit where the leaders had taken a decision to support the ending or prevention of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Government of Botswana was pursuing measures to strengthen its national protection framework for human rights and had decided, among others, to broaden the mandate of the Office of the Ombudsman to include human rights issues. The deliberate policy of dialogue and consultation in Botswana had helped in achieving an inclusive and participatory democracy, ensuring the sustained enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all. Botswana noted a worrying phenomenon of the tendency of some countries which, when addressing human rights issues in this Council, sought to impose their own values and norms as if these were universally agreed. The Human Rights Council could bequeath a positive legacy only when engaged in meaningful dialogue, based on mutual respect. Botswana hoped that its integrity and credibility would be safeguarded during the 2011 review and pledged its full participation in the work of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group.

ABDEL BASIT SALEH SABDARAT, Minister of Justice of Sudan, said Sudan appreciated the tireless efforts of the President and Member States for this session and for the Council’s work to accomplish the noble task of promoting and protecting human rights. The signing of a peace agreement between the Justice and Equality Movement JEM and the Government of Sudan had been finalised at the end of February. At the core of this accord were an immediate ceasefire between both parties and provisions for dealing with humanitarian aspects and acts of violence, compensation and the return of internally displaced persons. Sudan hoped that those sincere efforts in Doha would lead to a lasting peace in the Darfur region. It appreciated the role played by the President of Chad in that regard as well as that of Qatar, the Arab League, the United Nations and other neighbouring African countries.

Indicators had illustrated that the humanitarian situation in Darfur had become stable due to efforts being continually exerted by the Government in collaboration with national and international stakeholders that facilitated the regular flow of humanitarian assistance. It should not be forgotten that the Arab League Member States had played a paramount role in rehabilitating infrastructure related to health, education and water in villages to which internally displaced people and refugees were returning. The Government was doing its utmost to protect relief convoys and to secure access to the needy and to ensure the safety of those working in the humanitarian field, be they national or international staff. In preparation for general, parliamentary and national elections in April 2010, Sudan had been witnessing intense activity. Sixteen million people had already been registered, 80 per cent of the population. That included internally displaced persons. Fifty four seats had been allocated for women. A new law on national security had been passed, which ensured guarantees for detainees’ rights. The criminal act of the early 90s had been amended with provisions for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Sudan’s cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms had led to the visit of the organization’s Independent Expert, who was accorded full cooperation. Sudan would continue to cooperate with the esteemed Council and asked the Council for assistance to help achieve their common human rights goals.

M. PAULO DE TARSO VANNUCCHI, Minister for Human Rights of Brazil, said the High Commissioner for Human Rights had recently visited Brazil, where she met with the President, and members of civil society, allowing for closer cooperative ties between Brazil and the United Nations human rights system. Under the leadership of President Lula, Brazil had made considerable progress on human rights, both domestically and internationally. The financial and economic crisis had not impeded Brazil from making national progress, rolling back poverty and working to benefit families. The Government had carried out a foreign policy based on solidarity and dialogue. The world faced many challenges: the economic crisis, global warming, the fight against racism and xenophobia, and must make a reality of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights for all. The Universal Periodic Review and the Special Procedure mandate holders were effective tools for the protection and promotion of human rights.

One of the fundamental conquests of the Council was overcoming a culture of confrontation and selectivity. In dealing with the theme of the protection and promotion of human rights, it was not created for selective monitoring, but to be attentive to all threats and challenges for all peoples. Cooperation for the reconstruction of Haiti, whilst preserving its sovereignty, was today a huge challenge for the international community, in particular in the context of the problems faced by that country even before the earthquake, with regard to such rights as those to food, housing and sanitation. The review of the Council was an opportunity for the international community to take a step forward, and the success of the Universal Periodic Review should be maintained and strengthened. The emphasis on trans-sectoral cooperation and between the different mechanisms of the Council should be a priority.

NEZAR AL-BAHARNA, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, said that the Human Rights Council represented a qualitative leap in the field of human rights and was a core international forum for the promotion and protection of human rights. It came to further solidify the principles of dignity and humanity that the United Nations Charter was based on. Bahrain had devised a national economic growth plan which considered the individual as the focus and target of development policy. This policy covered all sectors of daily lives of people, such as housing and employment. With the support of its leadership, Bahrain had established a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris principles. This institution would be in charge of the promotion and protection of human rights and awareness raising.

In accordance with the commitments to the Universal Periodic Review, Bahrain was committed to three core principles – transparency, participation of all, particularly civil society, and collaboration with all international institutions. A number of workshops had been held in the field of human rights in which Government officials and members of civil society had been trained. Bahrain welcomed the forthcoming visit of High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay and considered it to be a step forward towards stronger cooperation between Bahrain and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Bahrain called upon the international community to swiftly put an end to Israeli actions and end the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.

MOHAMED TAIB NACIRI, Minister of Justice of Morocco, said Morocco was fully and responsibly committed to international human rights standards. There would be guidelines on the process of reviewing the Council during the next year. Reforms undertaken in Morocco confirmed its irreversible strategic choices with regard to promoting democracy and respecting human rights throughout the country and a firm rejection of the use of these rights for political objectives to jeopardise the sovereignty of States. Morocco had been proud to present, with Norway, a draft resolution on human rights defenders, adopted by the Human Rights Commission on 26 April 2000. It outlined the importance of the right of individuals and groups. The main areas of reform were in justice and regionalization. The former would include consultation to modernise laws, improve the effectiveness of the legal system and to ensure the moralization of justice. King Mohammed VI highlighted that regionalization would be an institutional underpinning for the State as part of effective territorial governance, which would include the south. The fight against corruption was part of Morocco’s policies. That showed its awareness of the scourge of corruption. It would host in 2011, the fourth session of the Convention on the Fight against Corruption.

On economic, social and cultural rights, a 2005 initiative in that regard had enhanced the social rights of the most vulnerable people. As part of implementing its commitment to human rights, Morocco had tried to harmonize legislation with international instruments. It had put in place an initiation programme on human rights training in line with relevant international treaties. It reaffirmed its willingness to further develop cooperation with United Nations mechanisms for human rights. It was in that spirit that a number of joint events were being organized. Morocco, with Switzerland had initiated a declaration on education and training on human rights. It congratulated the Advisory Committee for the quality of the draft, the text of which would be submitted to this distinguished Council. Morocco’s cooperation with the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances had also been positive. The group had expressed its satisfaction with efforts made by Morocco. Concerning the Universal Periodic Review, Morocco had had the opportunity to host the very first French-speaking seminar on that mechanism, to explain the terms of that Review in February 2008. That cooperation would continue in April 2010. Morocco wanted to ensure the development of international cooperation in human rights. It affirmed its full solidarity with the brotherly Palestinian people and would continue its efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in that region.

DRAGOLJUBA BENCINA, State Secretary and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, said the Universal Periodic Review was a new and important mechanism of the Human Rights Council, allowing it to confront the view of a country on the situation of human rights within its borders with the views of States Parties of the United Nations. Having participated in the Universal Periodic Review from both sides, Slovenia had noted certain defects in the mechanism, in particular with regard to the speakers list, which did not always reflect the opinion of the international community on the State undergoing review. The review of the Human Rights Council would take place next year - it was important to preserve the advantages of the Council, whilst improving its functioning and reinforcing its efficiency in the promotion of the respect of human rights. At the current session, many important subjects were on the order of the day. With regard to the situation in certain countries, Slovenia believed that the mandates on Myanmar and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea should be maintained.

There should be close oversight of the situation in different countries, including on the Democratic Republic of Congo. Several other important themes were on the order of the day, such as human rights education and training, a draft Declaration on which was before the Council, aiming to ensure the fulfilment of human rights obligations in countries with regard to respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The session would also focus on the rights of the child, in which context it was time for the international community to consider the adoption of a third Optional Protocol which would allow for the creation of a complaints mechanism. Slovenia also hoped that the resolution calling for the introduction of a moratorium on the death penalty in view of its complete abolition would gain the support of more countries than a year and a half ago. The decisions taken during the session should contribute to reinforcing the respect for human rights throughout the world.

NICHOLAS EMILIOU, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, said that the review process for the Council was an opportunity for the United Nations Member States to reflect on whether they had endowed the Council with the means and the authority that would render it effective and capable to respond promptly and efficiently to serious or urgent human rights situations. The fact that human rights violations all around the world were not yet effectively or even sufficiently addressed did not imply that the Council or its mechanisms suffered from inherent weakness. Cyprus believed that the heart of the problem was not institutional but rather political. It was essential during the review process to contemplate ways for overcoming the inherent tendency of all actors involved to allow other parameters to intrude in the decision making processes and to affect the scope and implementation of resolutions, hence rendering the response of this body to human rights challenges incoherent. Maintaining the significance of the Universal Periodic Review, the most innovative and promising instrument of the Council, rested on its universal acceptance, which in turn depended on the application of universal standards and transparent procedures for all. The independence, impartiality and non politicisation of the institution of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and her Office were equally important for preserving a mandate indispensable to the protection of all victims of human rights violations.

Cyprus welcomed the report of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons and said that crucial recommendations included in the report should be given due and serious consideration by all concerned. It was imperative to establish processes and conditions to ensure that internally displaced persons could find a safe and dignified durable solution of their choice and that they were involved in peace processes so that peace agreements and peace building initiatives reflected their rights, needs and legitimate interests. Cyprus attached primary importance to the review process and as sovereign States they had the responsibility as well as the obligation to allow and enable the Human Rights Council to fulfil the noble task bestowed upon it.

GRY LARSEN, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway, expressed her heartfelt condolences to Chile in the aftermath to the recent devastating earthquake. Once again, members of the Council were meeting against the backdrop of widespread human rights violations. Civilians in the midst of conflict were suffering abuse and violations of fundamental rights. People were being discriminated against on grounds of race, gender, belief and sexual orientation. Detainees were being kept in secret prisons without access to justice. The freedom to assemble, organize and to speak out was under pressure. The promotion of human rights was at the core of the United Nations. There was a reasonably good human rights framework. The challenge was the daunting gap between norms and implementation. As an elected Member of the Council, Norway was committed to ensuring the credibility, visibility and effectiveness of the Council through engagement and open dialogue. The upcoming review of the Council in 2011 was important, to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. The political will of members would be important to making the Council a better tool for promoting and protecting human rights. This review should not create a protection gap and consume the work of the Council. The system of Special Procedures was by far the most successful part of the United Nations human rights machinery. It could serve as an early warning mechanism to draw attention to patterns of human rights abuses.

The Universal Periodic Review was a promising tool that added value to the existing United Nations machinery. The Council had a strong mandate to deal with human rights violations in all countries. While promoting human rights was at the heart of the United Nations, some parts of it had stronger roles than others. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights could ensure that the United Nations ability to react was bolstered. The integrity of the Office was essential to the credibility of the United Nations. For Norway, the issue of discrimination against women was crucial. Yet, it was still the rule rather than the exception. Freedom of expression and security for journalists was also of concern. In armed conflicts journalists were under more pressure. They reported on famine, discrimination, the misuse of power etc. Impunity in the killing of reporters was a global disgrace that rarely got attention. Thirdly, secret detentions had to be on the agenda. The use of secret prisons where detainees were kept in a legal vacuum was a breach of international law. Fourthly, the protection of human rights defenders was crucial for Norway. Across the globe courageous people, non-governmental organizations and others worked tirelessly to promote a range of rights. Norway was deeply concerned about the rise in attacks on such defenders over the past few years. The international community needed its eyes, ears and hearts. Norway hoped that this session would prove that its members could close gaps between norms and implementation.

MARIN RAYKOV, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, said since the adoption of its comprehensive institution-building package in 2007, the Council had accomplished a lot for the promotion and standard-setting of human rights. It had considered substantial issues of human rights, not only in regular meetings but at a remarkable number of special sessions as well. Yet now, on the eve of the review in 2011, the international community had to reflect and take stock of its achievements and shortcomings. Along these lines, the Universal Periodic Review was one of the most important new tools of the Council. It had not only become an accepted procedure, but in most cases, was undertaken as a sincere effort by States to provide a frank and honest review of their human rights situation. This was one of the most notable successes of the Human Rights Council. However, in order to tip the balance decisively to the positive side, the Council still needed to achieve more tangible results in the field of the protection and promotion of human rights.

The Council should maintain a clear focus on human rights situations in its deliberations and mechanisms. It should never lose sight of the main objective. Without respect for human rights, there would be no sustainable peace and security or development. This was the international community's moral obligation to the peoples of the world, who were entitled to live in dignity, free from fear and oppression. This was especially true in times of economic crisis, which should not be referred to as a pretext to neglect human rights. It was in the international community's common interest to make the Council a success, so that human rights could be put on an equal footing with security and development. Therefore, human rights violations deserved full attention, no matter where they occurred. In order to enhance the Council's effectiveness, there was a need to secure impartial information. Last but not least, cross-regional outreach and cooperation was of paramount importance for enhancing the effectiveness of the Council.

GRAZYNA BERNATOWICZ, Under-Secretary of State of Poland, said that the promotion and protection of human rights had consistently been a priority in Polish foreign policy since the country had gained full sovereignty in 1989. As they prepared for a review of the Human Rights Council they needed to ask themselves if the Council was more effective in strengthening the observance of human rights around the world than its predecessor, the Commission, and if it always responded impartially and without undue delay to instances of mass and systematic violation of human rights. Poland noted with regret that while focusing on the state of human rights in one region, the Council had not always been able to address other emergencies and cases of human rights violations in other parts of the world. It was crucial that the Special Procedures remained impartial and independent and that the full independence and autonomy of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was preserved. Poland valued the mechanism of the Universal Periodic Review which provided an opportunity for self-evaluation and identification of gaps and challenges.

Poland boasted of a centuries-long tradition of religious tolerance which induced it to take interest in the observance of the freedom of religion in other parts of the world. Too many persons were still being denied the right of unrestrained worship, while members of religious minorities were subjected to persecution. The treatment of national minorities reflected the general attitude of authorities in a given country to basic human rights and fundamental freedoms. In some cases, national minorities experienced violations of a whole catalogue of human rights, including such pivotal rights as the freedom of association, speech and assembly. Poland expressed its hope that the Human Rights Council would further invigorate the protection of human rights and help improve the lives of millions around the world. Poland had presented its candidature as a member of the Council.

SELIM BELORTAJA, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Albania, expressed Albania’s condolences to Chile for the recent catastrophe that had struck that country. The warming climate, a global economic recession, threats to peace and security and the plight of over half of the world living in poverty were all interlinked. Solving each one of these crises had become a challenge. In Albania’s view, the battle to combat poverty would be a battle for freedom, justice and dignity. Its economy could not be immune from such an impact. In designing and implementing reforms and economic policies, the Government had always given due attention to social and human rights with regard to the right to food, work, health and education. The protection of women, children and vulnerable groups remained a focus of Albania’s national development policies and strategies.

Human rights education had been officially included in primary and secondary curriculum. Human rights education was essential for preventing abuse and in promoting sustainable development, equality and non-discrimination. Albania recognized the efforts of all relevant players and supported human rights education training. That was based on the indivisibility and universality of human rights. Human Rights Education and Training should serve as a powerful tool for realizing fundamental rights and freedoms. It also implied human rights learning, making it possible for people to realize their full human dignity. Civil society had to play a crucial role in promoting measures in that regard. All countries must spare no effort in ensuring the training of teachers, the judiciary and the wider corporate sector. During the recent Universal Periodic Review, Albania extended an open invitation to all rapporteurs to carry out their respective mandates. The final report of the Universal Periodic Review of Albania would be unanimously adopted.

FASHION PHIRI, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Zambia, said Zambia was committed to the realisation of the Universal Periodic Review, and had utilised this mechanism to actively participate in the work of the Council. Zambia had not been able to implement all the recommendations suggested to Zambia during the Review process at once, but wished to assure the international community that it was committed to ensuring that deliberate steps were taken by the relevant stakeholders to implement them in the near future. The Independent Expert on the question of human rights and extreme poverty had visited Zambia in August 2009, during which visit she collected first-hand information on the human rights situation of people living in poverty and on existing social policies, in particular those related to social protection.

Zambia, like other sub-Saharan countries, suffered from the second round effects of the financial and economic crises, which affected the fiscal position of the country and the financial markets. The crises threatened to erode the achievements that Zambia had recorded - the Government had taken up the challenge of growth and prosperity by putting a particular stress on strengthening the capacities of its enterprises and on improving productivity. Zambia had endeavoured to undertake human rights programmes that balanced the different dimensions of human rights, and had made major strides in dealing with gender-based violence. In conclusion, Zambia pledged to continue to strengthen its human rights standards, and to engage in global human rights issues through participation in different international fora.

MILORAD SCEPANOVIC, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, expressed the firm belief of Montenegro that the Universal Periodic Review had provided a good method for a transparent and objective assessment of the human rights situation in each United Nations Member State. Human rights were among the Government’s top priorities on the domestic policy agenda. The national legal framework in the field of the promotion and protection of human rights and freedoms was a continuous process of improvement and adjustment to the highest international values. In support to its candidacy for the Human Rights Council, Montenegro pledged to actively contribute to the universal strive for human rights by strengthening cooperation between Member States, United Nations agencies and all other stakeholders to continue development of an efficient and effective Human Rights Council.

Montenegro confirmed its belief in peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues through dialogue and compromise. It noted that the Durban Declaration generated political commitment to fight racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, which Montenegro recognized as scourges of modern time. Montenegro firmly advocated fulfilment of the Millennium Development Goals and was well aware that it was the primary responsibility of States to take measures aimed at improving social security of the poor and vulnerable. Montenegro attached particular importance to the policy of addressing the needs of refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced persons and was conducting extensive activities towards finding lasting solutions for refugees and internally displaced persons from the territory of the former Yugoslavia. Montenegro encouraged new initiatives in the field of international humanitarian law and was a strong supporter of the programmes which aimed at full implementation of the existing instruments and their enhancement.

Right of Reply

CHOE MYONG NAM (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), speaking in a right of reply, said that the South Korean representative had made unsubstantiated claims. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea rejected these claims. The mandate on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was a tool of confrontation and had no relevance to genuine human rights. The statement of South Korea was aimed at naming and shaming. That statement was in breach of the north-south declarations, which provided for national cooperation. South Korea had to be held fully responsible. It had to refrain from such anachronistic approaches.

VUK ZUGIC (Serbia), speaking in a right of reply, said regarding the statement made by the representative of Albania, there was a reference to Kosovo, which interfered in Serbian affairs. Kosovo and Metohija was a province of Serbia, currently under administration by the United Nations. Regarding the trafficking of human organs, it was very important for all parties concerned to enable full and free access to all locations for fair investigations. Unfortunately, this was not the case up to now, and some international representatives had not had access to some important locations in Albania.


For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC10/011E