HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL CONCLUDES THIRTY-FIRST SESSION AFTER ADOPTING 37 RESOLUTIONS, 2 DECISIONS AND ONE PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT

The Human Rights Council concluded its thirty-first regular session this evening after adopting 40 texts – 37 resolutions, two decisions and one Presidential Statement – on a wide range of issues, as well as its report for the session. The Council also adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of 14 countries and filled four vacancies of Special Procedures mandate holders.

The Council decided to create a Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, composed of three members for a period of one year. It appointed a new Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and extended mandates of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic; the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali; the Special Rapporteur of the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar; the Special Rapporteur on the freedom of religion or belief; and the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti. The Council appointed new members of the Working Group of Experts on transnational corporations and other business practices, and the Expert Mechanism on the rights of indigenous peoples.

In the resolution on the human rights situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, the Council extended for one year the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry, and demanded that the Syrian authorities facilitate, and all other parties to the conflict do not hinder, the full, immediate and safe access of the United Nations and humanitarian actors. In the resolution on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Council urged the Government to end the widespread and gross violations of human rights, and extended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for a period of one year. Addressing the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Council adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for one year, and called upon the Government of Iran to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur. In the resolution on the situation of human rights in South Sudan, the Council urged for a speedy formation of an inclusive transitional Government of national unity, and established a Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, for a period of one year, with the mandate to monitor and report on the situation of human rights in South Sudan and make recommendations for its improvement. In another resolution, the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar was extended for one year, and the Government of Myanmar was encouraged to take further steps to strengthen democratic institutions.

Under its agenda item on the human rights situation in Palestine and Other Occupied Arab Territories, the Council adopted five resolutions: on human rights in the occupied Syrian Golan; on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination; on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem; on ensuring accountability and justice for all violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem; and on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan.

Four texts were adopted in relation to technical assistance and capacity building in the field of human rights. The resolution on the technical assistance and capacity building to improve human rights in Libya urged all parties to cease violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law, and requested the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to continue its close engagement with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya in order to provide coordinated human rights technical assistance to the Government of Libya. In the resolution on technical assistance and capacity building for Mali in the field of human rights, the Council extended the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali for one year, and decided to hold an interactive dialogue at its thirty-fourth session in the presence of the Independent Expert and the Government of Mali. The resolution on strengthening technical cooperation and advisory services for Guinea reiterated the call on the international community to provide the Government of Guinea with appropriate assistance to promote respect for human rights, the fight against impunity and reform of security and justice sector. In a text on Haiti, the Council urged the Government to continue working on strengthening the rule of law, and approved the request of Haiti that the mandate of the Independent Expert be extended.

The Council, in another resolution, called upon all States to take effective measures to ensure that public functionaries do not discriminate against an individual on the basis of religion or belief. Yet another text condemned all forms of violence, intolerance and discrimination based on or in the name of religion or belief. Addressing integrity of the judicial system, the Council urged States to guarantee that all persons brought to trial before courts under their authority have the right to be tried in their presence and to defend themselves in person or through legal assistance. The mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism was extended for three years by a resolution, while another adopted text urged States, while countering terrorism, to respect and protect all human rights, bearing in mind that certain counter-terrorism measures might have an impact on the enjoyment of those rights. The promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests was at the core of a resolution which called upon States to promote a safe and enabling environment for individuals and groups to exercise their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly. The Council also passed a resolution urging States to adopt, implement and fully comply with legal and procedural safeguards against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Fulfilment of economic, social and cultural rights was addressed by the resolutions on the question of the realization in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights; on the right to food; on the promotion of the enjoyment of the cultural rights of everyone and respect for cultural diversity; on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and the right to non-discrimination in this context; and on the human rights education and training. The Council also adopted a resolution calling on States to take all measures necessary to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, including situations of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and the occurrence of natural disasters. Children’s rights were the subject of the text on information and communications technologies and child sexual exploitation, while in another resolution the Council asked that States provide for effective remedies for human rights violations and abuses related to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The Council also adopted texts on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, and on the negative impact of the non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin to the countries of origin on the enjoyment of human rights, and the importance of improving international cooperation. Additionally, the Council reaffirmed the right to work, which included the right of everyone to the opportunity to gain his or her living by work which he or she freely chose or accepted.

In another resolution, the Council called upon States to take all measures necessary to ensure the rights and safety of human rights defenders, including those working towards the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. The Council adopted a resolution calling upon States to undertake initiatives to ensure that persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities were aware of and able to exercise their rights. In the resolution on the role of good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights, the Council underlined that the primary responsibility was with States to ensure that professional public services uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity. Another resolution called upon States to cooperate with the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee in their efforts to use sport as a tool to promote human rights, development, peace, dialogue and reconciliation.

The Council also adopted texts on the high-level panel on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Human Rights Council; on the commencement of the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review; on the commemoration of the thirtieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development; as well as on the composition of staff of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Council also elected four mandate holders by acclamation. They are as follows:
Alexey Tsykarev (Russian Federation), as the Eastern European member, and Erika Yamada (Brazil), as the Latin American and Caribbean States member, of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; Surya Deva (India), as a new member of the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises; and Stanley Michael Lynk (Canada), as the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.

The Council adopted its report of the thirty-first session, which is available on its website.

In concluding remarks, Choi Kyong-Lim, President of the Human Rights Council, congratulated the Council on completing a milestone session, which included 66 meetings, addresses by some 100 dignitaries, around 3,000 statements, and more than 200 side events. Nonetheless, there was a growing concern that, due to the growing amount of work, justice was not being done to all issues discussed. All members were asked to think how the credibility and the solidarity of the Council could be strengthened. In order for the Council to effectively fulfil its mandate, each deliberation and debate should be conducted in a constructive, consensual spirit. Any act of intimidation or reprisal against individuals or groups who cooperated with the United Nations was unacceptable; all necessary measures needed to be taken to protect against such acts.

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

The thirty-first session was held from 29 February to 24 March 2016. The thirty-second session of the Human Rights Council will be held in Room XX of the Palais des Nations from 13 June to 1 July 2016.

Summary of the Programme of Work

Opening the thirty-first session of the Human Rights Council, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein stated that the protection of human life and dignity was crucial at all times, including during armed conflict or occupation, in Syria and elsewhere. Those fleeing such situations deserved the international community's sympathy and compassion, while anti-immigrant and anti-minority rhetoric scarred societies. High Commissioner Zeid urged policy-makers to deploy measures which ensured respect for human rights, which would extinguish violent extremism more effectively, and more sustainably, than any crackdown. Justice and human rights were the essential foundation of loyalty, stressed the High Commissioner and urged Member States to rise above the crescendo of xenophobia and gather lessons from the great integrative forces of history. The piecemeal dismantling of a system of law and values that States themselves set up to ward off global threats was deeply alarming.

The opening meeting also heard statements by Mogens Lykketof, President of the General Assembly; Choi Kyong-Lim, President of the Human Rights Council; and Didier Burkhalter, Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs. During its three-day high-level segment, the Council heard from one President, two Captains-Regents, and close to 100 Ministers of Foreign Affairs and other senior dignitaries on issues relating to human rights matters of national interest and concern. The Council held two high-level discussions: the annual high-level panel on human rights mainstreaming and a high-level panel on the fiftieth anniversary of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

In the first week of the thirty-first session the Council also heard a panel discussion on climate change and the right to health, after which it held a clustered interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment and the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing. Clustered interactive dialogues were held with the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. At the end of the first week, the Council held its annual debate on the rights of persons with disabilities, followed by a clustered interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities and the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights of persons with albinism.

The second week commenced with a full-day meeting on the rights of the child. The Council held a clustered interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt on the full enjoyment of human rights, and the Special Rapporteur on the right to food. The Council also held a clustered interactive dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and a clustered interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of punishment and the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. The following clustered interactive dialogues also took place during the second week: with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy and the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief; the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association; the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism; and the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. High Commissioner Zeid presented his annual report on activities undertaken by the Office in 2015, which was followed by an interactive dialogue. At the end of the second week, the Council held a panel discussion on human rights and the HIV/AIDS epidemic, after which it heard a presentation of the report of the open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights on its first session, as well as a presentation of thematic reports by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

In the course of the third week of the session, the Council discussed country situations that deserved its attention. It held individual interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. The individual interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic also took place during the third week. The High Commissioner presented his reports on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Eritrea, followed by a general debate. The Council also held an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on minority issues. The Council considered and adopted Universal Periodic Review outcomes for 14 States: Micronesia, Lebanon, Mauritania, Nauru, Rwanda, Nepal, Austria, Australia, Georgia, Saint Lucia, Oman, Myanmar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Sao Tome and Principe. Panel discussions were held on preventing violent extremism and the incompatibility between democracy and racism. The Council ended the third week by holding a debate on the state of racial discrimination worldwide.

In the fourth and final week of its thirty-first session, the Human Rights Council held an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, followed by a general debate. The Council also held an enhanced interactive dialogue on Burundi, followed by an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic. Individual interactive dialogues took place with the Independent Experts on the situations of human rights in Côte d’Ivoire, Haiti and Mali, followed by individual interactive dialogues on the High Commissioner’s report and oral update on South Sudan and Ukraine. In the final two days of the session, on 23 and 24 March, the Council continued the general debate and took action on the draft resolutions and decisions tabled during the session. The President of the Council appointed new mandate holders: members of the Working Group of Experts on transnational corporations and other business practices from Asia-Pacific States; members of the Expert Mechanism on the rights of indigenous peoples from the Eastern European Group and the Latin American and Caribbean States; and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The Human Rights Council closed its thirty-first session in the evening on 24 March 2016.

Resolutions and Decisions

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

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.15) on the composition of staff of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, adopted by a vote of 33 in favour, 13 against and 1 abstention, the Council requests the High Commissioner, within his administrative responsibilities, to redouble his efforts with a view to having redressed the current imbalance in the geographical composition of the staff of the Office.

Action on Texts under Agenda Item 3 on the Promotion and Protection of All Human Rights

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.1) on the integrity of the judicial system, adopted without a vote, the Council urges States to guarantee that all persons brought to trial before courts or tribunals under their authority have the right to be tried in their presence, to defend themselves in person or through legal assistance; and calls upon States to provide access to an effective remedy to all those who have been subject to prolonged arbitrary arrest and/or physical and mental suffering due to the lack of access to the general judicial system.

In a decision (A/HRC/31/L.2) on the high-level panel on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Human Rights Council, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to convene, on the first day of its thirty-second session, a high-level panel discussion on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Human Rights Council, focused on its achievements and challenges.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.3) on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, adopted without a vote, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism for a period of three years.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.6) on the commemoration of the thirtieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, adopted by a vote of 34 in favour, none against and 13 abstentions, the Council decides to convene, at its thirty-second session, a panel discussion on the promotion and protection of the right to development as part of the celebrations of the thirtieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.7/Rev.1) on the question of the realization in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights, adopted without a vote, the Council calls upon all States to give full effect to economic, social and cultural rights by, inter alia, taking all appropriate measures to implement the Human Rights Council resolutions on the question of the realization in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.8) on the rights of persons with disabilities in situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council calls upon States that are not yet party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to take all measures necessary to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk; and urges all parties to armed conflicts to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, with regard to the respect and protection of persons with disabilities.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.9/Rev.1) on the rights of the child - information and communications technologies and child sexual exploitation, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council urges States to take all necessary steps to ensure full, equal, inclusive and safe access, without discrimination of any kind, to information and communications technologies by all children, and safeguard their protection online and offline.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.10) on human rights and the environment, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council calls upon States to provide for effective remedies for human rights violations and abuses, including those related to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment; and to take into account human rights obligations and commitments relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.11) on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and the right to non-discrimination in this context, adopted without a vote, the Council calls upon States to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including target 11.1, which outlines the objective of ensuring access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrading slums; and calls upon States to take all necessary measures to eliminate legislation that criminalizes homelessness.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.12) on human rights education and training, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council calls upon States to take appropriate measures to ensure the effective implementation of and follow-up to the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.13/Rev.1) on the effects of terrorism on the enjoyment of all human rights, adopted with a vote of 28 in favour, 14 against and 5 abstentions, the Council strongly condemns all terrorist acts as criminal and unjustifiable, and expresses grave concern at their detrimental effects on the enjoyment of human rights; and urges States, while countering terrorism, to respect and protect all human rights.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.14) on the right to food, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council calls upon States, relevant multilateral institutions and other relevant stakeholders, to take all the measures necessary to ensure the realization of the right to food as an essential human rights objective; and calls on the private sector to support investment and innovation to help increase small-scale farmers’ participation in markets and agriculture food chains.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.16) on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights, adopted with a vote of 33 in favour, 12 against and 2 abstentions, the Council urges States, international organizations and financial institutions to urgently implement financial market reforms in order to combat and prevent financial instability, excessive debt and financial crises; and calls upon creditors and debtors to consider the preparation of human rights impact assessments with regard to development projects.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.17) on the promotion of the enjoyment of the cultural rights of everyone and respect for cultural diversity, adopted without a vote, the Council reaffirms that cultural rights are an integral part of human rights, which are universal, indivisible, interrelated and interdependent; and calls upon all Governments to cooperate with and to assist the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights in the discharge of the mandate.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.18) on the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, adopted without a vote, the Council calls upon States to undertake initiatives to ensure that persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities are aware of and able to exercise their rights as set out in the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities; and urges States to take adequate measures to address the overrepresentation of persons belonging to minorities in pre-trial detention or prison.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.19) on the role of good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights, adopted without a vote, the Council underlines that the primary responsibility lies with States at the national level to ensure that professional public services uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, and are predicated on good governance principles; and invites the Secretary-General to ensure the upholding of the integrity of the United Nations System in its service of humanity.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.21) on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests, adopted with a vote of 31 in favour, 5 against and 10 abstentions, as orally revised, the Council calls upon all States to promote a safe and enabling environment for individuals and groups to exercise their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, of expression and of association.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.24/Rev.1) on the negative impact of the non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin to the countries of origin on the enjoyment of human rights, and the importance of improving international cooperation, adopted by a vote of 32 in favour, none against, with 15 abstentions the Council calls upon all States to seek to reduce opportunities for tax avoidance, to consider inserting anti-abuse clauses in all tax treaties and to enhance disclosure practices and transparency in both source and destination countries.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.26/Rev.1) on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment - safeguards to prevent torture during police custody and pre-trial detention, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council urges all States to adopt, implement and fully comply with legal and procedural safeguards against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; and requests the Office of the High Commissioner to convene, in 2017, an intersessional seminar with the objective of exchanging national experiences and practices.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.28) on protecting human rights defenders addressing economic, social and cultural rights, adopted by a vote of 33 in favour, 6 against and 8 abstentions, the Council calls upon all States to take all measures necessary to ensure the rights and safety of human rights defenders, including those working towards the realization of economic, social and cultural rights.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.29) on promoting human rights through sport and the Olympic ideal, adopted without a vote, the Council calls upon States to cooperate with the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee in their efforts to use sport as a tool to promote human rights, development, peace, dialogue and reconciliation; and decides to convene a panel discussion, at its thirty-second session, on the possibilities of using sport and the Olympic ideal to promote human rights for all including persons with disabilities.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.32) on the right to work, adopted without a vote, the Council reaffirms the right to work, and that States should take steps to achieve the full realization of that right; and requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare an analytical report on the relationship between the realization of the right to work and the enjoyment of all human rights by women.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.35) on the freedom of religion or belief, adopted without a vote, the Council calls upon States to make use of the potential of education for the eradication of prejudices against and stereotypes of individuals on the basis of their religion or belief; and decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for a further period of three years.

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

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.5) on the human rights situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, adopted with a vote of 27 in favour, six against and 14 abstentions, the Council decides to extend for one year the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry; demands that all parties take all appropriate steps to protect civilians, including members of ethnic, religious and confessional communities; and demands that the Syrian authorities facilitate, and all other parties to the conflict do not hinder, the full, immediate and safe access of the United Nations and humanitarian actors.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.25) on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, adopted without a vote, the Council condemns in the strongest terms the long-standing and ongoing systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations committed in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; urges the Government Korea to take immediate steps to end all such violations and abuses; and decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur of the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for a period of one year.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.27) on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted with a vote of 20 in favour, 15 against and 11 abstentions, the Council decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran for a further period of one year; and calls upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur and to permit access to visit the country, as well as all information necessary to allow the fulfilment of the mandate.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.30/Rev.1) on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, adopted without a vote, the Council calls upon the Government of Myanmar to take further steps to consolidate the progress made to end all remaining human rights violations, to protect the human rights of all; and decides to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar for a further period of one year.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.33) on the situation of human rights in South Sudan, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council establishes a Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, composed of three members for a period of one year, with the mandate to, inter alia, monitor and report on the situation of human rights in South Sudan and make recommendations for its improvement, including with a view to bringing perpetrators of violations and abuses to justice.

Action on Decision under Agenda Item 6 on the Universal Periodic Review

In a decision (A/HRC/31/L.4) on the commencement of the third cycle of the universal periodic review, adopted without a vote, the Council decides that the third cycle of the universal periodic review shall commence in April/May 2017, once the outcome documents of the last States considered during the second cycle have been adopted by the Council at its thirty-fourth session.

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

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.31) on human rights in the occupied Syrian Golan, adopted by a vote of 31 in favour, none against and 16 abstentions, the Council calls upon Israel, the Occupying Power, to desist from its continuous building of settlements; and determines that all legislative and administrative measures and actions taken or to be taken by Israel, the Occupying Power, that seek to alter the character and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan, are null and void.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.36) on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, adopted without a vote, the Council calls upon Israel, the Occupying Power, to end its occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and reaffirms its support for the solution of two States, Palestine and Israel, living side by side in peace and security.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.37) on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, adopted by a vote of 42 in favour, none against and 5 abstentions, the Council demands that Israel, the Occupying Power, comply fully with the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and cease immediately all measures and actions taken in violation and in breach of the Convention; and calls for urgent attention to the plight and the rights, in accordance with international law, of Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israeli jails.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.38) on ensuring accountability and justice for all violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, adopted with a vote of 31 in favour, none against and 15 abstentions, the Council calls upon the parties concerned to cooperate fully with the preliminary examination of the International Criminal Court; and requests the High Commissioner to conduct a comprehensive review detailing the status of implementation of the recommendations to all parties by the relevant Human Rights Council mechanisms, and to present a report to the Council at its thirty-fifth session.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.39) on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, adopted with a vote of 32 in favour, none against and 15 abstentions, the Council demands that Israel, the Occupying Power, immediately cease all settlement activities in all the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan; and urges all States to ensure that they are not taking actions that either recognize or assist the expansion of settlements or construction of the wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.

Action on Resolution under Agenda Item 9 on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.34) on combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against, persons based on religion or belief, adopted without vote, the Council calls upon all States to take effective measures to ensure that public functionaries do not discriminate against an individual on the basis of religion or belief; and requests the High Commissioner to prepare and submit to the Human Rights Council at its thirty-fourth session a comprehensive follow-up report with elaborated conclusions based upon information provided by States on measures taken.

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

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.20) on the technical assistance and capacity-building to improve human rights in Libya, adopted without a vote, the Council calls upon the Government of National Accord to fully implement the Libyan Political Agreement; strongly urges all parties immediately to cease violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law; and requests the High Commissioner to present a written report to the Council at its thirty-fourth session during an interactive dialogue on the human rights situation in Libya.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.22) on technical assistance and capacity-building for Mali in the field of human rights, adopted without a vote, the Council calls on all signatories of the Peace Agreement and national reconciliation to maintain a constructive dialogue and to fully implement all provisions; decides to extend the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali for a period of one year; and decides to hold an interactive dialogue at its thirty-fourth session in the presence of the Independent Expert and the Government of Mali.

In a resolution (A/HRC/31/L.23) on strengthening technical cooperation and advisory services for Guinea, adopted without a vote, the Council calls on the Guinean authorities to continue their efforts to consolidate freedoms of peaceful assembly and association and freedom of expression; and strongly reiterates its call on the international community to provide the Government of Guinea with appropriate assistance to promote respect for human rights, the fight against impunity and reform of security and justice sector.

In a Presidential Statement (A/HRC/31/L.40) on the situation of human rights in Haiti, adopted without a vote, the Council urges the Government of Haiti to continue working on strengthening the rule of law; encourages the international community to strengthen cooperation and coordination with the Haitian authorities with the view of a full realization of all human rights in Haiti; and approves the request of the Haitian authorities that the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti be extended for one year.