HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL HEARS FROM 23 DIGNITARIES AND CONCLUDES ITS HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT

The Human Rights Council this morning concluded its high-level segment after hearing statements from 19 States and four organizations, and then heard statements from States and civil society organizations in its general segment.

Srdjan Darmanović, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, said terrorism, escalation of hostilities and instability around the globe continued to be one of the major threats to human rights, and called for greater accountability for gross and systematic human rights violations, including attacks on civilians, discrimination against women, and the high level of sexual and gender-based violence used as a tactic of war. Montenegro would maintain its support to the International Criminal Court and called on all States parties to the Rome Statute to ensure its full implementation.

Zahid Hamid, Federal Minister for Law and Justice of Pakistan, spoke about domestic achievements in the field of human rights, noting that the national commission on minorities had been strengthened and that Pakistan had recently established a national institute for human rights. Turning to the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, he said the Indian claim that the deteriorating human rights situation was an internal affair was factually incorrect and in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir required the immediate attention of the Council.

Ashot Hovakimian, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Armenia, reiterated the concern about the deterioration of human rights in the region, the consistent advocacy of hatred and propaganda of war by Azerbaijan, and overt attempts to criminalize and outlaw the people of Nagorno-Karabakh which would lead to mass and grave human rights violations. Armenia would continue to stand by the people of Nagorno-Karabakh as a guarantor of their right to life and would provide necessary assistance in protecting their human rights.

Isaque Chande, Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs of Mozambique, said Mozambique had just been hit with floods and cyclones as it was recovering from a severe drought, which still affected 1.5 million people in the southern and central regions. On the domestic level, the political and military instability that Mozambique was going through was on the verge of being overcome thanks to the leadership and political resolve of the President. Mozambique was receptive to all Special Procedure mandate holders, and several Special Rapporteurs had visited the country.

George Ciamba, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Romania, said the international community had to put an end to the suffering in Syria. On the situation in Ukraine, he supported the United Nations monitoring mission in Ukraine and called for unfettered access to the entire territory, including the illegally annexed Crimea. Romania was also following with great interest developments in Georgia and the human rights and humanitarian situation in the regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia.

Katarina Lalić Smajević, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, said Serbia had approached the challenge of large-scale migration in a humane and responsible way, in line with international standards and based on its own human and financial resources. The United Nations Special Procedures should continue to consider the human rights issue of refugees and migrants in all regions and States on migrant and refugee routes, and come up with examples of good practices and proposals for addressing the problems.

Margot Wallström, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, speaking to those suggesting that current circumstances meant lowering ambitions, said human rights were based on binding obligations of international law, not idealism. Gender equality was still a vision rather than a reality in all parts of the world, but Sweden would continue to champion sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. Defending rights to freedom of opinion and expression was a paramount responsibility for all, and all had to redouble their efforts to protect human rights defenders and combat their shrinking space.

Erin Barclay, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the United States, said that human rights were universal and every State had a duty to promote respect and accountability for them, and expressed concern about the Council’s consistently unfair and unbalanced focus on Israel. As the United States’ Government considered its future engagement, it would consider the Council’s actions with an eye toward reform to more fully achieve the Council’s mission to protect and promote human rights.

Hirut Zemene Kassa, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, recalled the progress in building a democratic and prosperous nation over the past 25 years, which had not been without challenges, particularly the disturbances in some parts of the country last year, in which anti-peace forces, extremists and terrorist groups had hijacked the legitimate demands of citizens for better governance and effective delivery of basic services.

Stavros Lambrinidis, Special Representative for Human Rights of the European Union, said the international community was gathered to make small steps toward a more dignified humanity. Sovereignty should not be confused with impunity to violate human rights. Reviewing the European Union’s position on the situation of human rights in several countries around the world, including Burundi, Iran and Syria, he noted that the European Union stood firm against the death penalty, and called on more countries to join the abolitionist majority of countries world-wide, adding that the European Union rejected any attempt to weaken or divert the work of the Human Rights Council.

Yousef A. Al Othaimeen, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, said anti-Muslim discrimination had reached alarming levels where blanket restrictions and discriminatory policies had been imposed on Muslims based on their religion. As a result, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation was seriously concerned that Islamophobia was gradually being institutionalised. Concerning the plight of refugees and migrants, he highlighted that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries continued to host the majority of the affected populations.

Cheikh Tourad Ould Abdel Malick, Commissioner for Human Rights and Humanitarian Action of Mauritania, noted that Mauritania had played an important role in establishing peace and security in the region and the fight against terrorism, in partnership with five other Sahel States, including in diffusing tensions in The Gambia. Mauritania had presented reports to human rights treaty bodies on several issues, such as the rights of the child, persons with disabilities, racial discrimination, and others, while several Special Procedure mandate holders had visited the country, including the Special Rapporteur against torture.

Abelardo Moreno Fernández, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba, said that if selective and politicized focuses were used to discuss human rights, aims would not be achieved. The challenges were so serious that it was irresponsible to undermine the climate of cooperation. Cuba had been re-elected to the Human Rights Council in October 2016, and would attempt to focus the Council’s work on the indivisibility of human rights, non-politicization and non-selectivity.

Ronald K Warsal, Minister of Justice and Community Development of Vanuatu, said he spoke on behalf of a coalition of seven Pacific region countries - Tonga, Nauru, Palau, Tuvalu, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu - to draw attention to the grave situation in West Papua. Specifically, accounts of Indonesian State violence, including reports of extrajudicial executions of activists, the arrests, beating and fatal shootings of peaceful demonstrators, and persistent violence against Papuan women. In that context, he called on the Council to request the High Commissioner to produce a consolidated report on the situation in West Papua.

Harlem Desir, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development in charge of European Affairs of France, urged the world to address the situation in Syria, and crimes of Da’esh in Iraq and Boko Haram in Nigeria. Priorities for the engagement of France included the fight against gender equality, racism and anti-Semitism and all other forms of discrimination; the abolition of the death penalty; the absolute ban on torture and the fight against impunity; the promotion of a free and open civil society; and the protection of human rights defenders and journalists.

Volker Türk, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, said that in the first six months of 2016, 3.2 million people were newly displaced, most of whom came from Syria, Nigeria, Yemen and South Sudan. In a situation where irregular arrivals’ presence resonated with atavistic fears of invasion or loss of control, functioning rule of law systems were critical, particularly the role played by an independent judiciary system within a State structure. If the international community was to overcome isolationism, fragmentation and toxic public debates, what was needed was a comprehensive and proactive approach to refugee situations.

Marie Ange Mushobekwa, Minister of Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said that the human rights situation had been adversely impacted by the tragic events in Kinshasa in September and December 2016, and condemned the terrorist group Kamuina Nsapu, whose brutality had led to the loss of numerous lives. The President had put together a constructive dialogue and plans in place to organize peaceful elections by the end of the year.

Kaan Esener, Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, reminded the Council of the unsuccessful coup d’état in July 2016 and called upon all States to recognize the threat of the Fetullah Gülen Terrorist Organization. Turkey had declared a state of emergency to protect its democracy, rule of law and the rights and freedoms of citizens. Turkey was determined to keep the tragedy of Syria on the Council’s agenda until a lasting solution was found.

Nora Urbina, Director-General of the Mechanism for Protection of Human Rights Defenders of Honduras, noted that the denial of human rights corrupted various walks of life in society. It was no coincidence that where conflicts thrived, high levels of poverty and weak institutions could be observed. Peace was not just the absence of war, social peace required good governance, which in turn ensured the enjoyment of rights.

Sameh Hassan Shoukry, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt, renewed the call to the international community to firmly confront the scourge of terrorism, intercept the sources of its finance and arms, and confront the States that supported it. He also stressed that border closure and overriding security and military perspectives would not effectively interrupt the flows of human mobility; instead, the millions spent on security and military should be allocated to address the socio-economic root causes and support international efforts to end armed conflict.

Lubomir Ivanov, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, stated that Bulgaria strongly supported the new concept of sustaining peace, based on the vision that the United Nations’ peace-building activity had to encompass preventive horizontal elements in the three United Nations pillars – peace and security, development, and human rights. As a candidate for the Council membership in the period 2019-2021, Bulgaria would work to strengthen and increase effectiveness of various human rights protection bodies and mechanisms.

Ahmat Mahamat Hassane, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seal of Chad, said Chad was dedicated to combatting impunity, and had contributed 50 per cent of the budget required for the trial of the former President Hissein Habré. In spite of difficult economic situation and the fall in prices of oil, the commitment to peace in the region did not waver. Chad was concerned about security and humanitarian impacts of the fight against the terrorist group Boko Haram and the conflicts in the region, which caused unprecedented humanitarian crises and forced thousands to flee.

Irene Khan, Director-General of the International Development Law Organization, reminded that today’s world was turbulent and troubled, with human rights under attack, universal values challenged and well established principles of international law being flouted with impunity. Building the rule of law was one of the soundest investments that Governments and the international community could make nowadays.

The Council then held its general segment, in which speakers called for respect for international norms and standards. Several highlighted the plight of migrants as emblems and victims. The vital importance of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was also noted by several delegations.

Taking the floor were China on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries, Brazil on behalf of the Community of Portuguese Speaking-countries, India, Ecuador, Syria, Estonia, Fiji, Israel, Gulf Cooperation Council, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Sovereign Order of Malta, Benin, Malaysia, Sierra Leone, and Bahamas.

Also speaking were Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, and four civil society representatives.

At the end of the meeting, the following delegations spoke in right of reply: Burundi, India, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Albania, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Japan, and Serbia

The Council is holding a full day of meetings today. At 2:20 p.m., it will hold a clustered interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on foreign debt and the Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing.

High-level Segment

SRDJAN DARMANOVIĆ, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, started by commending the High Commissioner for Human Rights and his Office for their efforts to fulfil the mandate in a transparent, objective and comprehensive manner despite budgetary constraints and lack of political will and cooperation. Montenegro would continue to strongly support and defend the integrity, interdependence and functioning of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The necessity to link peace, human rights and development in order to achieve both sustainable development and sustainable peace was a reminder of the everlasting need to enhance dialogue and international cooperation. Terrorism, escalation of hostilities and instability around the globe continued to be one of the major threats to human rights. Hundreds of people, including migrants and refugees, were risking their lives trying to reach freedom from violence and freedom from fear, or to make their children’s future a little bit brighter. This unprecedented human suffering would not end without an adequate and joint response, shared responsibility and global solidarity. Montenegro also called for greater accountability for gross and systematic human rights violations, including attacks on civilians, discrimination against women, and the high level of sexual and gender-based violence used as a tactic of war. Therefore, it would maintain its support to the International Criminal Court and called on all States parties to the Rome Statute to ensure its full implementation. Montenegro had joined two very important global initiatives – the Equal Future Partnership and the Global Equity Fund. It had also decided to join the Global Partnership to End Violence against Children, joining a group of countries that prohibited corporal punishment in all settings.

ZAHID HAMID, Federal Minister for Law and Justice of Pakistan, spoke about domestic achievements in the field of human rights, noting that the national commission on minorities had been strengthened and that Pakistan had recently established a national institute for human rights. Pakistan was a candidate for the Human Rights Council for the period 2018-2020, and looked forward to strengthening its relationship with the Council. Pakistan’s commitment to freedom of expression was seen in the existence of hundreds of television channels and scores of newspapers operating with complete freedom. Women in Pakistan held prominent positions, including as ambassadors, and women legislators played an important role in promoting the rights of women. While carrying out counter-terrorism operations, law enforcement agencies adhered to Pakistan’s domestic laws as well as its international human rights obligations. Turning to the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, he said atrocities committed by over 700 000 Indian security personnel had turned it into a valley of grief and sorrow. The Indian claim that the deteriorating human rights situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir was an internal affair was factually incorrect and in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir required the immediate attention of the Council, and a team from the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights should visit the area.

ASHOT HOVAKIMIAN, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Armenia, said that 2017 was a special year for Armenia which would celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of its United Nations membership on Thursday, 2 March. This was an opportunity to take stock of achievements and progress and look into challenges ahead. This year was also significant because Parliamentary elections would be held next month, in the framework of the new Constitution and Electoral Code. The Code was the result of an agreement among all political forces and civil society; it would raise the quota for the participation of women as candidates, regulate the rile of campaigning, and for the first time provide reserved seats for national and ethnic minorities. Mr. Hovakimian reiterated the concern about the deterioration of human rights in the region, the consistent advocacy of hatred and propaganda of war by Azerbaijan, and overt attempts to criminalize and outlaw the people of Nagorno-Karabakh which would lead to mass and grave human rights violations. By the criminalization of those who visited this region, including journalists and Parliamentarians from all over the world, Azerbaijan demonstrated that it was prepared to conduct unprecedented atrocities in the region. Armenia would continue to stand by the people of Nagorno-Karabakh as a guarantor of their right to life and would provide necessary assistance in protecting their human rights. The use of force against human rights including the right to self-determination had created this conflict and the continued reliance of Azerbaijan on the use of force served as the main impediment for conflict resolution based on recognition of the human rights of all involved.

ISAQUE CHANDE, Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs of Mozambique, said Mozambique had just been hit with floods and cyclones as it was recovering from a severe drought, which still affected 1.5 million people in the southern and central regions. Turning to international affairs, the Minister noted that disturbing events were taking place in some regions of the world, and thousands of people had sought refuge beyond their original places of residence. Mozambique would continue to be engaged with the Advisory Group to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. On the domestic level, the political and military instability that Mozambique was going through was on the verge of being overcome, thanks to the leadership and political resolve of the President. Mozambique had undergone the second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review, and was working to fulfil its reporting obligations with, among others, a report to the Committee against Racial Discrimination. Mozambique was receptive to all Special Procedure mandate holders, and looked forward to the presentation of the report of the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, Ms. Ikponwosa Ero, on her mission to Mozambique. Several other Special Rapporteurs had also visited the country, including the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation. Mozambique paid tribute to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights, treaty bodies, special mandate holders and other mechanisms for their efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights.

GEORGE CIAMBA, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Romania, said that in the present international context, the action of the international community was needed more than ever. Protecting and defending individuals, in the name of peace and a life of dignity, should be the Council’s primary goal. After almost six years of conflict and unspeakable suffering, the international community had to put an end to the suffering in Syria. On that issue, Romania supported the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy in reaching a political solution to the conflict and welcomed the most recent round of United Nations-sponsored talks between the Syrian Government and opposition parties. On the situation in Ukraine, the Vice Minister said that people living in eastern Ukraine were suffering from physical, political, social and economic isolation and were being prevented from exercising their rights. In that context, Romania supported the United Nations monitoring mission in Ukraine and called for unfettered access to the entire territory, including the illegally annexed Crimea. Romania was also following with great interest developments in Georgia and the human rights and humanitarian situation in the regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia. While recognising the importance of the Geneva International Discussions as an instrument for addressing security, human rights and humanitarian issues, the Vice Minister urged that the Office of the High Commissioner be given access to those regions in order to monitor the situation and provide solutions to those in need.

KATARINA LALIĆ SMAJEVIĆ, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, underlined that the world faced many challenges and their consequences were hard to predict; in this context, it was imperative for States to double efforts to address human rights challenges, and in particular those related to the global displacement crisis. Serbia had approached the challenge of large-scale migration in a humane and responsible way, in line with international standards and based on its own human and financial resources. There were around 7,800 stranded refugees and migrants from the Middle East in Serbia at the moment, unwilling to apply for asylum as they wished to continue further to Western Europe, but could not as neighbouring countries along the route had introduced a new entry regime, or had almost completely closed their borders. The United Nations Special Procedures should continue to consider the human rights issue of refugees and migrants in all regions and States on migrant and refugee routes, and come up with examples of good practices and proposals for addressing the problems. Ms. Lalić Smajević further recalled the support of Serbia to the Council’s resolution on cultural rights and cultural heritage protection, recalling that measures aimed at prevention and mitigation of damage caused to cultural heritage were indispensable an the global, regional, national and local levels. Drawing attention to the continue threat to Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija, and the lack of progress in the protection of the rights of ethnic communities there, the Assistant Minister stressed the commitment of Serbia to continue to take measures to promote the status of minorities, preventing discrimination and respecting the human rights of all its citizens.

MARGOT WALLSTRÖM, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, said the winds of change were blowing, but they were not the winds of increased solidarity, understanding and multilateralism, but rather those of xenophobia, prejudice and isolationism. To those suggesting that current circumstances meant lowering ambitions, she said human rights were based on binding obligations of international law, not idealism. Sweden would continue to defend the independence of the Council and its Special Procedures against all those who wished to undermine its legitimacy. Gender equality was still a vision rather than a reality in all parts of the world, but Sweden would continue to champion sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. Defending rights to freedom of opinion and expression was a paramount responsibility for all, and all had to redouble their efforts to protect human rights defenders and combat their shrinking space. As a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Sweden would continue to advocate for the advancement of women’s human rights as an essential component of conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

ERIN BARCLAY Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the United States, said that human rights were universal and every State had a duty to promote respect and accountability for them. They were based on the value of human dignity, and on the shared responsibility toward the world’s most vulnerable people. It was regrettable that too many of the actions of the Council did not support those universal principles. Indeed, they contradicted them. It was unacceptable that in some Member States individuals were subjected to arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings and sexual and gender-based violence by officials of their own Governments. At the same time, the United States remained deeply troubled by the Council’s consistently unfair and unbalanced focus on Israel, she said, noting that no other nation was the focus of an entire agenda item. The obsession with Israel through agenda item 7 was the largest threat to the Council’s credibility and made a mockery of the Council. As a result, the United States would oppose any effort to delegitimise or isolate Israel. While no country should be free from scrutiny, it should neither be regularly subjected to unfair, unbalanced and unfounded bias. Nevertheless, when the Council functioned properly, it had the ability to remind States of their commitments and obligations and could hold countries accountable. When the Council worked as it should, its successes were victories for human rights. When the Council tackled complicated issues, it improved people’s lives. However, the Council must move away from its unbalanced and unproductive positions. As the United States’ Government considered its future engagement, it would consider the Council’s actions with an eye toward reform to more fully achieve the Council’s mission to protect and promote human rights.

HIRUT ZEMENE KASSA, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, recalled the progress in building a democratic and prosperous nation over the past 25 years, during which Ethiopia had pursued human rights and development as an interdependent and mutually reinforcing enterprise. The effectiveness of this approach was evident from the outcomes of the successive development policies which had significantly reduced poverty, achieved socio-economic progress, and enhanced the realization of economic and social rights. The achievements, however, had not been without challenges, particularly the disturbances in some parts of the country last year, in which anti-peace forces, extremists and terrorist groups had hijacked the legitimate demands of citizens for better governance and effective delivery of basic services. To protect the hard-fought peace and development gains of the past 25 years, Ethiopia had to use regular law enforcement measures. While taking measures to bring back order and stability in the country, the Ethiopian National Human Rights Commission had conducted a thorough investigation in human rights violations committed during the disturbances in some parts of the Oromia and Amhara Regional states until June 2016. Its report had been recently adopted by the House of Peoples Representatives and had been made public. The Government was awaiting the results of the second investigation which had commenced in November 2016 and was committed to act in accordance with the recommendations that might come out of it.

STAVROS LAMBRINIDIS, Special Representative for Human Rights of the European Union, said the international community was gathered to make small steps towards a more dignified humanity. Sovereignty should not be confused with impunity to violate human rights. Turning to country situations, he said the European Union would present a resolution calling for an end to human rights violations in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Regarding Syria, the European Union supported an extension of the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry. The European Union remained seriously concerned about the situation of human rights in “Myanmar/Burma”. The European Union would follow developments in Burundi closely, and also remained concerned about reports of ethnically motivated killings in South Sudan. It would further engage with the wider United Nations membership regarding the human rights situations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Iran. The European Union would also present a resolution on freedom of religion or belief, and a resolution on the rights of the child which would focus on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The European Union stood firm against the death penalty, and called on more countries to join the abolitionist majority of countries world-wide. Referring to visits to Belarus, Guatemala, Honduras, Cuba, Myanmar and Egypt, he reiterated the European Union’s prioritization of the need for a safe environment for human rights non-governmental organizations and human rights defenders. The independence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was indispensable, reprisals against those attending Human Rights Council sessions were intolerable, and the European Union rejected any attempt to weaken or divert the work of the Human Rights Council.

YOUSEF A. AL OTHAIMEEN, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, said that widespread discrimination, hatred and violence were engulfing the planet. People were pitched against people based on race, religion and origin. Far-right politics only strengthened the narrative of everyone against them. This was a scary scenario for an intolerant world that none would want their children to live in. In that context, all needed to play a role, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation was committed to play its part. Anti-Muslim discrimination had reached alarming levels where blanket restrictions and discriminatory policies had been imposed on Muslims based on their religion. As a result, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation was seriously concerned that Islamophobia was gradually being institutionalised. The worst form of Islamophobia was evidenced by the treatment of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. Globally, all countries needed to stand together and build on gains made through Human Rights Council resolution 16/18 to combat religious hatred, discrimination and violence. In addition to addressing historical injustices, it was important to resolve the underlying causes of the problem, such as economic deprivation, social exclusion and the marginalisation of people. Concerning the plight of refugees and migrants, the Secretary-General highlighted that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries continued to host the majority of the affected populations. He also expressed concern for the continued plight of the Palestinian people, as well as the suffering of the Syrian people, calling it one of the worst forms of repression in their history.

CHEIKH TOURAD OULD ABDEL MALICK, Commissioner for Human Rights and Humanitarian Action of Mauritania, commended the role of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in drawing the attention of the international community to human rights violations throughout the world. Mauritania had played an important role in establishing peace and security in the region and fighting against terrorism, in partnership with five other Sahel States, including by diffusing tensions in The Gambia. Mauritania had adopted a legal framework to carry out awareness raising campaigns throughout the country on the issue of slavery and had enacted a number of laws with the view of the prohibition of torture and the provision of free legal aid. Further, the national preventive mechanism for the prevention of torture had been revitalized. Mauritania had presented reports to human rights treaty bodies on several issues, such as those dealing with the rights of the child, persons with disabilities, racial discrimination, and others, while several Special Procedure mandate holders had visited the country, including the Special Rapporteur against torture. In conclusion, the Commissioner thanked the Council for all the efforts made in the service of the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide.

ABELARDO MORENO FERNÁNDEZ, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba, asked how a sincere and objective debate could be held when the Council turned a blind eye to serious violations such as hunger affecting millions of people and widespread illiteracy. There was a dangerous trend of using the Human Rights Council to legitimize Security Council decisions. Solutions could not be found through unilateral attitudes, and the Human Rights Council would not be effective if ethnic and racial profiling was accepted. If selective and politicized focuses were used to discuss human rights, aims would not be achieved. The challenges were so serious that it was irresponsible to undermine the climate of cooperation. The Cuban people were continuing their fight to achieve the fairest society possible. Despite shortages and difficulties caused by a blockade which was still in place, Cuba would continue to share its progress with other nations. Cuba had been re-elected to the Human Rights Council in October 2016, and would attempt to focus the Council’s work on the indivisibility of human rights, non-politicization and non-selectivity. Cuba reiterated its rejection of unjust sanctions imposed on Venezuela and continued foreign intervention aiming to create unrest in that country. Cuba also supported a peaceful and negotiated solution in Syria where hundreds of thousands of innocent persons had lost their lives. Finding a solution to the situation in the Middle East was urgent, and could not be achieved without the Palestinian people’s exercise of their inalienable rights.

RONALD K WARSAL, Minister of Justice and Community Development of Vanuatu, speaking on behalf of a coalition of seven Pacific region countries - Tonga, Nauru, Palau, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to draw attention to the grave situation in West Papua, said accounts of Indonesian State violence in West Papua included reports of extrajudicial executions of activists, the arrests, beatings and fatal shootings of peaceful demonstrators, and persistent violence against Papuan women. Over the last 15 years, the Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights had collected evidence of gross human rights violations by Indonesian security forces in three principal areas of West Papua: Wasior, Wamena, and Paniai. Another broad aspect of human rights violations was the Indonesian Government policy of the migration of non-indigenous Papuans to West Papua, leading to a dramatic decline in the percentage of the indigenous Papuan population. To date, the Government of Indonesia had not been able to curtail or halt those widespread violations. The Indonesian Government had also consistently been unable to submit the required periodic human right reports and reviews, an essential international norm. In that context, the coalition of seven Pacific region countries called on the Council to request the High Commissioner to produce a consolidated report on the situation in West Papua.

HARLEM DESIR, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development in charge of European Affairs of France, underlined the challenges, especially the return of violence, particularly in Syria, where massive violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law occurred daily. The unspeakably barbaric acts of Da’esh were added to this situation, from which the world must not turn away, but address, together with addressing the crimes of Da’esh in Iraq and Boko Haram in Nigeria. France was fully engaged in defending human rights and this commitment was evident in the engagement against the death penalty. Mr. Desir outlined the priorities for the engagement of France, which included categorical opposition to the questioning of the universality and indivisibility of human rights, and the fight against gender equality racism and anti-Semitism and all other forms of discrimination; the abolition of the death penalty; the absolute ban on torture and the fight against impunity; the promotion of a free and open civil society; and the protection of human rights defenders and journalists. No regime could stifle the aspirations of its people, said Mr. Desir, stressing that placing human rights meant achieving peace and security and at the same time meeting the legitimate aspirations of the people.

VOLKER TÜRK, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, said refugee protection and human rights were inextricably linked. Displacement was an early warning signal and a call for action at many levels. In the first six months of 2016, 3.2 million people were newly displaced, most of whom came from Syria, Nigeria, Yemen, and South Sudan. Most refugees fled to countries in their own regions, but the most attention was attracted by those who moved across the sea to Western Europe and elsewhere. In a situation where irregular arrivals’ presence resonated with atavistic fears of invasion or loss of control, functioning rule of law systems were critical, particularly the role played by an independent judiciary system within a State structure. In such situations, the judiciary had to serve as the enlightened bulwark against populism, short-term political gains, and emotional public debate. If the international community was to overcome isolationism, fragmentation and toxic public debates, what was needed was a comprehensive and proactive approach to refugee situations. The universal adoption of the New York Declaration on Refugees and Migrants by United Nations Member States in September 2016 had been an acknowledgement of that imperative. It contained a commitment to find solutions for whole communities and stressed the importance of crisis prevention.

MARIE ANGE MUSHOBEKWA, Minister of Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, welcomed the long-standing cooperation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights. In that context, the efforts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in promoting and protecting human rights no longer needed to be proven. Thanks to President Kabila’s leadership, the country had made major progress in human rights. However, human rights in the country had been adversely impacted by the tragic events in Kinshasa in September and December 2016. The Minister denounced the attitude of Council members as they used their statements to maliciously place the blame on the Democratic Republic of the Congo for recent events. This was dangerous and counterproductive as the Democratic Republic of the Congo remained a post-conflict country whose destabilisation could have repercussions across the continent. Rather than issue harsh criticism, the President should be congratulated for his quest for peace. He had initiated a constructive dialogue with a view to hold peaceful elections by the end of the year. All institutions in the country were doing everything to improve the human rights situation. Unfortunate events would not disrupt the will of the Government to hold free, transparent and credible elections.

KAAN ESENER, Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, reminded the Council of the attempted coup d’état in July 2016 which Turkey had successfully foiled. The coup had been organized by Fetullah Gülen Terrorist Organization, which had infiltrated State institutions and tried to take control of the country. Let it be no mistake, said Mr. Esener, that behind the face of those volunteers for charity and education, lay a crime syndicate which used religion as a tool, a single-minded and power-hungry syndicate, and all States should recognize the threat that this organization posed not only to Turkey but to every other State. The resilience of Turkey to terrorism had been tested time and again; terrorist attacks by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and Da’esh had intensified since July 2015, culminating in the attempted coup d’état, and all this had warranted the declaration of a state of emergency. It was Turkey’s right and responsibility to take the necessary measures for the protection of its democracy, rule of law and the rights and freedoms of citizens. Those measures were being taken in transparency and in accordance with existing international obligations. Today, Turkey was the biggest refugee-hosting country in the world, with more than 3.2 million refugees from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan; it had adopted an open door policy and provided protection to people regardless of their nationality, ethnicity or belief. Turkey was determined to keep the tragedy of Syria on the Council’s agenda until a lasting solution was found; it appealed to the international humanitarian community to assume its pressing responsibilities to relieve the suffering of those in need.

NORA URBINA, Director-General of the Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders of Honduras, reiterated Honduras’ commitment to the values of human dignity, equality of rights between men and women, and non-discrimination. Human rights were universal, inalienable and interdependent, and included the right to development. The Government of Honduras was convinced that the denial of human rights was a root cause of conflict and that it undermined social peace. As recently pointed out by the United Nations Secretary-General, the denial of human rights was part of the problem, and the promotion of human rights was part of the solution. The mandate of the National Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights in Honduras was therefore vital. Honduras was aware of its responsibility to ensure that human rights defenders and journalists were recognized for their work in the areas of the rule of law and strengthening of democracy. It was important that they were allowed to freely do their work. The denial of human rights corrupted various walks of life in society. It was no coincidence that in countries where conflicts thrived, high levels of poverty and weak institutions could be observed. Peace was not just the absence of war; social peace required good governance, which in turn ensured the enjoyment of rights. The international community faced huge challenges in extreme poverty, inequality, climate change, migration, and organized crime. No State could take on those scourges on its own. More than ever genuine cooperation and dialogue were needed. For Honduras the promotion of human rights, including the right to development, was a sine qua non for sustainable peace. The empowerment of women and youth, especially migrant children, was one of the Government’s priorities, as well as the fight against organized crime.

SAMEH HASSAN SHOUKRY, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt, expressed concern that resorting to naming and shaming, politicization, polarization, selective targeting of developing countries, and exploiting a few civil society organizations to achieve political objectives was driving the Human Rights Council to a future surrounded with profound dangers that could demolish international trust and compromise its effectiveness and credibility. Egypt had undergone a major transformation in the last few years, and was now marching in a new era of security, stability, democracy and the rule of law. Notwithstanding the threat of terrorism, it had adopted a new constitution which was an unprecedented commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms. Turning to the threat of terrorism, Mr. Shoukry renewed the call to the international community to firmly confront this scourge, intercept the sources of its finance and arms, and confront the States that supported it. The world was facing complex security and economic circumstances, marred by terrorism, armed conflict, climate change and natural disasters, and a growing concern in relation to the manifestations of racism and xenophobia and the dire costs paid by refugees, migrants and Arabs and Muslims abroad. Border closure and overriding security and military perspectives would not effectively interrupt the flows of human mobility; instead, the millions spent on security and the military should be allocated to address the socio-economic root causes and support international efforts to end armed conflict. Egypt would continue to call for halting the bloodshed in Syria, security and stability in Libya, and a just settlement of the Palestinian issue based on an independent Palestinian State in accordance with the terms clearly outlined by international legitimacy and legality.

LUBOMIR IVANOV, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, reminded that for more than 10 years the Human Rights Council had been a vital part of the United Nations architecture and had proven its crucial role in the protection and promotion of human rights on a global scale. However, the ever-changing challenges to international peace and security required constant shifts in the way the international community handled human rights issues. Bulgaria highly valued the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development where all States had committed to take action to uphold the dignity, global equality, security, prosperity and human rights for all, as a guiding framework towards a new approach to global economic and social problems. Bulgaria strongly supported the new concept of sustaining peace, based on the vision that the United Nations’ peace-building activity had to encompass preventive horizontal elements in the three United Nations pillars – peace and security, development, and human rights. The protection of children and promotion of their rights was among the main priorities for Bulgaria both domestically and internationally. It also undertook sustained and coordinated efforts for the protection of the rights of people with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups, as well as the implementation of policies for gender equality.

AHMAT MAHAMAT HASSANE, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seal of Chad, recalled that since its independence, Chad had faced recurrent conflicts which had undermined the establishment of the State and the rule of law. The Government organized an annual national forum on human rights, in which all stakeholders participated – civil society, traditional chiefs and leaders, and official institutions. Chad was dedicated to combatting impunity, and had contributed 50 per cent of the budget required for the trial of the former President Hissein Habré. The 1967 criminal code had been successfully reformed, the Ministry of Women had developed a specific policy to improve the living conditions of women in the country and increase their political participation, and a quota of 30 per cent for women in all decision-making bodies had been adopted. Universal and free primary and secondary education up to the age of 18 was a reality in Chad today. In spite of the difficult economic situation and the fall in prices of oil, the commitment to peace in the region had not wavered. Chad was concerned about security and humanitarian impacts of the fight against the terrorist group Boko Haram and the conflicts in the region, which had caused unprecedented humanitarian crises and forced thousands to flee. In this context, Chad welcomed the holding on 24 February of a humanitarian conference in Oslo on Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.

IRENE KHAN, Director-General of the International Development Law Organization, reminded that today’s world was turbulent and troubled, with human rights under attack, universal values challenged, and well-established principles of international law being flouted with impunity. Now more than ever Governments had to work together to strengthen the rule of law as the fundamental means by which to protect and promote human rights. At its core, the rule of law was about equality; about equal protection and equal benefit for all. It was about effective, transparent and accountable institutions that provided justice and protected rights. Without the rule of law, human rights were only promises on paper. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development acknowledged the symbiotic relationship between human rights, the rule of law and sustainable development. Access to justice, the rule of law and its underlying principles of equality, transparency and accountability were explicitly incorporated in Goal 16. Building the rule of law was one of the soundest investments that Governments and the international community could make nowadays. Ms. Khan urged the Council to encourage such investment and foster a richer understanding of the rule of law that integrated human rights. That was the key to a culture of justice that the world so badly needed, and that people everywhere strongly desired and increasingly demanded.

General Segment

China, speaking on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries, said the trend toward multi-polarity and economic globalization was gathering pace, and the international community needed to respect the principle of sovereign equality. The international community should further pursue dialogue and consultations, and politicization of the human rights agenda should be avoided. All countries should work together, like passengers in the same boat. All countries should implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Brazil, speaking on behalf of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, reiterated the Community’s permanent interest in cooperating with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Community’s values included a commitment to the universal abolition of capital punishment, and of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The Community was firmly committed to the United Nations system.

India said it was the responsibility of the international community to ensure that the activities of the Human Rights Council contributed to its core mandate of promoting universal respect for the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. The promotion and protection of human rights could best be pursued through dialogue and cooperation. The reason for disturbances in parts of Jammu and Kashmir was cross-border terrorism carried out by Pakistan.

Ecuador said the permanent violation of human rights persisted and much remained to be done. Ecuador condemned the discriminatory treatment of migrants and refugees and said that laws needed to have a humane perspective that took into consideration that these persons were human beings above all. Ecuador was the greatest receiver of refugees in Latin America and they enjoyed all of the rights of Ecuadorian citizens.

Syria said that accountability was needed for those who encouraged terrorism. Syria called for an end to State support for terrorism and said Saudi Arabia and Qatar’s support of certain terrorist groups was the cause of the conflict in Syria. The Syrian Government was committed to achieving a political solution reached amongst Syrians without outside interference.

Estonia said that human rights were at the core of Estonia’s foreign policy and development cooperation. There could not be peace and security or sustainable development in the world without respect for human rights. Estonia was concerned about the illegal occupation and annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in violation of international law.

Fiji reminded that it had abolished the death penalty in 2015, and that in 2016 it had ratified the Convention against Torture. As for racism, it had been institutionalized in Fiji to such an extent that it had instilled in a privileged class a sense of entitlement based on ethnicity and class. Fiji had thus embarked on a path of substantive equality. Fiji was honoured by the fact that the international community had entrusted it to preside over the upcoming United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Bonn this year.

Israel noted that even though the past year had been marked by the further deterioration of human rights all over the world, a significant part of the Council’s attention had been placed in the service of political ends, particularly attacking Israel. The Council still compulsively devoted specific discussion on Israel as if it belonged to a different category of States. Israel called on all States to refrain from participating in the immoral item 7 discussions and mechanisms.

Cooperation Council of Arab States of the Gulf reiterated its commitment to the protection of human rights, and enhancing national legislation to that end. Arab Gulf States had created a range of structures to promote human rights. The capacities of the Human Rights Council should be strengthened based on dialogue, cooperation and respect for national sovereignty. Any attempt to undermine those founding values of the Human Rights Council should be countered.

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia spoke in favour of human rights in the international system, as they were not a luxury to be enjoyed after security considerations had been wrestled into place. The Human Rights Council, which was the principal pillar of the United Nations human rights structure, should continue to be a place of interactive, frank and constructive dialogue.

Sovereign Order of Malta said the defence of human rights and international humanitarian law was an integral part of the Order’s vocation, warning that the norms encoded in the Geneva Conventions were being increasingly ignored by State and non-State actors and terrorists. The Sovereign Order of Malta was planning a conference for religious actors and other stakeholders to enhance respect for humanitarian law, humanitarian principles, and the rights of refugees and migrants.

Benin said the world was in turmoil, and the role of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was more relevant than ever. Actions needed to be reorganized, deterring acts that ran counter to the enjoyment of human rights. Benin remained committed to promoting human rights, governance and democracy, and would like to present its candidature to the Human Rights Council for the period 2018-2020.

Malaysia said that with multiple crises developing and old conflicts remaining unresolved, the Council was expected to play a much greater role. Malaysia would continue to work with the international community in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism and in addressing gross human rights violations. Malaysia was concerned about populist political discourse that ran counter to democratic values and fundamental freedoms.

Sierra Leone said that despite challenges in the consistent implementation of human rights due to resource and capacity constraints, Sierra Leone remained committed to meeting its obligations to promote and protect human rights. Sierra Leone enjoyed a high level of religious tolerance and was appalled at the rise of xenophobia and religious bigotry, as well as the refusal of some to deny refuge to those persecuted for religion or race.

Bahamas said it was important to ask how resolutions adopted by the Council had brought about transformation on the ground for the people and communities it served. Implementation must be the watch word in the years ahead. No English-speaking Caribbean country had ever served on the Human Rights Council. The Bahamas would seek election to the membership of the Council for the term 2019-2021, which was consistent with the country’s prioritisation of human rights.

KAGWIRIA MBOGORI, Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, said that violent conflicts did not arise overnight, they developed over time, and human rights violations were their indicator. Thus, early and targeted interventions to promote human rights could help re-establish peaceful societies. In this, national human rights institutions had a very important role: to support States’ efforts and hold States accountable.

FATIMA AL-AANI, Civil Society Organizations’ Representative, called attention to the human suffering caused by the “war on terrorism” which had not eliminated terrorist groups but had fostered turmoil in several parts of the world. And yet, States did not modify their approach to combatting terrorism. The greatest concern in this context was the lack of distinction between armed terrorists and civilians, and lack of accountability of international coalitions for human rights violations committed in pursuit of terrorism.

DANUTA PRZYWARA, Civil Society Organizations’ Representative said today, those holding executive power believed that others had to obey them, fake news prevailed in global discourse, and dismantling of pillars of democracy continued by those who got to power by those pillars. Human rights were the necessary pillars for lasting peace, and human rights defenders would never tolerate that the majority could restrict the rights of others. World leaders should unite around ideas of solidarity, justice and the rule of law, and abide by their human rights obligations.

ROSETTE B. ADERA, Civil Society Organizations’ Representative, said that as a child, she had crossed numerous borders, and after she was granted refugee status she was able to go to school where she became a leader. Her passion for helping fellow refugees had made her a teacher of English as a second language. If it had not been for the asylum and protection offered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, she would not have achieved that.

MOZN HASSAN, Civil Society Organizations’ Representative, presented her statement by video since she said she was subject to a travel ban and had had her assets frozen. Stability would never be achieved without processes including women human rights defenders. Rhetorical support must be matched with country-specific action. She expressed hope that the United Nations would take steps to ensure women human rights defenders in the Middle East and the North Africa region were able to exercise their rights free from all forms of violations and discrimination.

Right of Reply

Burundi, speaking in a right of reply, said the concerns expressed by some speakers were unjustified, given that the situation in Burundi was one of normality and people were going about their daily activities. Some States aimed to politicise the Human Rights Council. Italy had called on Burundi to cooperate, which was a gratuitous accusation as Burundi had always cooperated. Burundi was concerned about the diplomatic attack on the country. The Human Rights Council should adopt an encouraging rather than coercive attitude.

Syria, speaking in a right of reply, said the Netherlands had made erroneous allegations against the Syrian Government. Throughout the Syrian crisis, many members of the Council had carried out toxic campaigns and slandered the Syrian Government. The Dutch Minister had based his remarks on a fabricated report on capital punishment in Syrian prisons without investigating the reliability of the claims. He had failed to examine the gaps in the report and the fact that it was published just a few days before the peace talks.

India, speaking in a right of reply, said it deeply regretted the tangential references made by the representative of Pakistan with respect to Kashmir. Pakistan was illegally occupying Indian territory in Kashmir and was using terrorism against its own people. Pakistan should put its own house in order instead of pointing out alleged human rights violations elsewhere. India called upon the Council to urge Pakistan to fulfil its obligations. India also condemned the statement by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Kashmir and its interference in the matter.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, speaking in a right of reply, rejected groundless references made about the “DPRK” during the high-level segment which were politically motivated and counter-productive. Japan continued to launch a campaign against the “DPRK”. Provocative allegations made by “South Korea”, which sought to distract attention away from its political scandals, were rejected and denounced. “South Korea” was urged to address its own human rights record and release citizens of the “DPRK” who were abducted by South Korean agents in broad daylight.

Indonesia, speaking in a right of reply, rejected the allegations concerning the situation in Papua, saying that they did not reflect the situation on the ground. As a democracy based on the rule of law, Indonesia always investigated allegations of human rights violations and delivered justice, and it promoted the rights of its people in Papua. Vanuatu should not politicize the issue of Papua for its domestic political purposes.

Azerbaijan, speaking in a right of reply, said that allegations of Armenia, as always, were not true, and that it was Armenia that had committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide during the conflict in Nagorny Karabakh and the subsequent occupation of Azerbaijani territory, in flagrant violations of the United Nations Charter. Armenia continued to violate the human rights of more than one million of Azerbaijani internally displaced persons, and it had committed a genocide against Azerbaijani civilians in 1992.

Albania, speaking in a right of reply, said that in order to reach peace and inter-ethnic reconciliation, the truth must be told about the crimes committed during the conflict. National reconciliation happened when all parties worked together to build bridges and punish those responsible for committing crimes. Albania welcomed all efforts in Serbia to identify the truth. The State and people of Kosovo were committed to inter-cultural living, and the destruction of cultural heritage referred to by a representative of Serbia were isolated incidents by individuals.

Pakistan, speaking in a right of reply, said that India continued to deny the barbaric human rights violations by its armed forces committed in occupied Kashmir, including the use of pellet ammunition which blinded hundreds of civilians. India had deliberately escalated the tensions at the line of control, committing more than 300 violations of the ceasefire in 2016 alone. Baluchistan was Pakistan, while Jammu and Kashmir was an internationally recognised dispute which was a subject of many United Nations resolutions.

Republic of Korea, speaking in a right of reply, rejected groundless claims made by the “DPRK”. According to recent announcement by Malaysian officials, one “DPRK” diplomat was involved in the recent death of Kim Jong Nam in Malaysia. It was clear that the “North Korean regime” was involved in the crime. It was also an undeniable fact that “DPRK” workers escaped to “South Korea” and the Government only provided them with assistance. The “DPRK” was urged to stop developing weapons of mass destruction.

Japan, speaking in a right of reply, said the abduction issue of the “DPRK” with Japan had not been settled. The “DPRK” had promised to carry out investigations concerning abducted Japanese but had not done so. The “DPRK” cited figures based on erroneous understanding of facts. Japan respected human rights and placed importance on the rule of law. It supported peace and prosperity in the region and around the world.

Serbia, speaking in a right of reply in response to Albania, spoke of the dire human rights situation in Kosovo. Regretfully, non-Albanians in Kosovo still did not have basic human rights. Many were still not able to return to their homes. Their right to life was not respected. A number of witnesses of war crimes who were ready to speak had been threatened.

Democratic People's Republic of Korea, speaking in a second right of reply, strongly rejected the allegations by the Republic of Korea and said that spreading false rumours was in its habit, which would lose it its own credibility. The Republic of Korea should at once stop spreading rumours about the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Japan’s war crimes had been well documented and if it really cared about justice, Japan should bring to justice those responsible for the abduction of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea citizens.

Albania, speaking in a second right of reply, said that the adoption of a new constitution and the decentralization of municipalities and the creation of six municipalities for Serbs were evidence of the respect for the rights of minorities. Kosovo was an internationally recognised sovereign State, and its existence was a reality. Albania urged those States which had not yet recognized Kosovo to do so.

Republic of Korea, speaking in a second right of reply, said that numerous “North Koreans” were crossing borders, and that the number of “North Koreans” who had settled in the Republic of Korea had exceeded 30,000 and this was the best picture of the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Japan, speaking in a second right of reply, said that its position on past abductions was very clear and well known. It was regrettable that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea had not responded with actions to concerns raised by States, civil society organizations and the Special Rapporteur.

Serbia, speaking in a second right of reply, reminded the delegation of Albania that United Nations resolution 1244 had reaffirmed that Kosovo and Metohija was an integral part of Serbia. The Human Rights Council should not be used as a forum for statements of unilateral territorial claims. The statements of the Albanian delegation did not contribute to the ongoing Brussels dialogue between the Kosovo and Serbian authorities.


For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC17/009E