Organizational Meeting - 61st Session of the Human Rights Council

Good morning, Excellencies, colleagues. Shall we settle in? Let me start by wishing everybody a good morning. I hope all had a good and restful weekend, as I must admit I did. Excellencies, distinguished participants, The organizational meeting of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council is now open. This meeting is organized in line with rule 8, 8B of the Council's rules of procedure. As a reminder, it says that the President of the Council shall also convene organizational meeting two weeks before the beginning of each session and if necessary during the Council session to discuss organizational and procedural issues pertinent to that session. So the purpose of our meeting this morning. I have the pleasure of welcoming Ms. Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights. Pursuant to President's Statement PRST

Good morning, Mr. President. Let me first start by congratulating you on your election and wishing you the very best in these very important endeavors. Let me reassure you, of course, the High Commissioner and the Office remain fully committed to working alongside you and this Council towards our shared objective of advancing the human rights of all everywhere. Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, as the President has just recalled, I am here today to provide an updated assessment regarding the implication of the ongoing liquidity and financial crises on mandate implementation. To provide some context, I'd like to start with a brief overview of the financial situation of the Office. The approved regular budget for OHCHR in 2026 amounts to $221.19 million, which is a reduction of $25.28 million compared to the 2025 approved budget. As of today, OHCHR has received only 20 per cent of that 2026 proposed budget as an advance allotment, which comes to $42.39 million. This amount does not include the resource requirements from the newly approved council mandates for 2026, as per the revised estimates document. According to the Comptroller's Office, there will be no additional allotments before April. So, this amount that we have received, 20%, should be used to cover costs for the entirety of the first quarter. Overall, we are also made aware that the liquidity situation is likely to remain uncertain well into this year, owing to delays and deficits in the collection of assessed contributions. Meanwhile, the guidance from New York, of course, continues to emphasize fiscal prudence and discipline, given the seriousness of the overall organization's financial constraints. In this context, I wish to reiterate that we have not been notified of the proportion of the approved budget that we will receive for 2026, nor do we have any clarity regarding the timing of the next installment. This lack of predictability implies continued uncertainty regarding the implications that the liquidity and financial situation will have on the implementation of activities mandated by this Council, as we also have to accommodate all other functions carried out by the Office, from the servicing of treaty bodies all the way through to the payment of staff salaries. It is, however, most likely that, given the present financial outlook, the Office will not be able to implement all its mandates fully and on time. Mr. President, this Council and its mechanisms continue to feel the strain. Later today, you will consider adopting a number of cash conservation measures to reduce the Council's meeting time by 10% due to the serious constraints currently faced by the Division of Conference Management in providing conference services to the Council and its subsidiary bodies and mechanisms. I note with profound concern that one of the services affected would be the provision of accessibility measures that enable the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in the work of the Council. We must collectively find a solution to address this situation and safeguard the progress on inclusion and accessibility that the United Nations has built over decades, so that persons with disabilities can continue to exercise their participation rights fully and on an equal basis with others. Mr. President, I wish to refer to the mandated activities set out in Annex 1 to the High Commissioner's letter of 16 June and my update of 25 August 2025. And I regret to inform the Council that the budgetary constraints I have just described continue to prevent OHCHR from implementing a number of these activities. As reported in my last update to this Council in December of last year, the Office is nonetheless moving ahead with the four mandated activities adopted in 2024 that could not be delivered in 2025, but which included resources for 2026. These activities will, however, be implemented at a substantially reduced level. Let me reiterate, the liquidity crisis has affected every aspect of our work. All mandated activities, both thematic and country-specific, have been and will continue to be delivered in a significantly reduced form this year. Investigative bodies continue to operate under a 60% staffing cap and, actually, in some cases, are considerably below that level. Their activities budget, which is the one that allows them to conduct investigations and travel missions, is significantly below this level. With regard specifically to the delivery of thematic activities mandated by the Council, the resource gap applies both to the staffing necessary to accomplish the work required and to other costs, including travel and consultancies. As just indicated, the Office does not expect the proportion of the overall budget allotment in 2026 to be higher than it was last year, and that was finally 78%, which was confirmed to us in December. However, the scenario that we face this year is more challenging on three fronts. First of all, When submitting the revised estimates to the ACABQ, based on the resolutions that were adopted by this Council last year, the Office was required to apply a further 10% reduction across all new requirements. Second, in its review of that already reduced request, the ACABQ recommended a further 15% cut in temporary staffing resources, as well as reductions on travel and consultants. Those recommended additional cuts were subsequently approved by the Fifth Committee. And third, while the Office has relied mostly on temporary staff to implement the thematic mandates of the Council, due to the timelines of such mandates, the vast majority of temporary staff have separated from the Office over the past year due to budget cuts, and a complete freeze on recruitment remains in place, possibly until the end of the year, we are told. I would like to highlight as an example the substantive impact of the reductions that were applied to our proposals in support of the mandates of the Human Rights Council that you put forward last year. We requested 11 new posts under the revised estimates, but only three were approved. I would like to walk you through those. In a historic step in a decades-long process to address the request by States to develop a legally binding instrument related to older persons, resolution 58/13 created an open-ended intergovernmental working group on older persons. We put forward a PBI requesting two posts, a P3 and a P4. Unfortunately, only one, the P4, was approved. Another example concerns the adoption of innovative resolution 60/20 on sea level rise and its effect on human rights. The PBI requested three new P3 posts for Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. ACABQ recommended a cut of two of the positions, leaving only one P3 to be located in Nassau in the Caribbean. And the third in this category would be resolution 60/14 on the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities. Four P-4 posts were requested, one was retained. In the face of these severe constraints, the Office is taking concrete steps to mitigate the impact. Colleagues are currently reviewing all thematic mandates due for implementation this year, and we will be meeting with sponsors to suggest potential cost savings. Just to say, this is unlikely to allow the Office to deliver all of its mandates, but it will help to ensure that as many as possible can be delivered in some form. Additionally, the Office will proceed to deliver the thematic mandates that are scheduled for the first quarter of this year, while substantially reducing the non-staffing costs associated with them, for example, conducting relevant activities virtually, as and where possible, or reducing the number of travel of experts. As for the work of special procedures, working on the assumption that we will receive at most the level of resources that we got last year, we are extending the cost savings measures applied last year, including, for example, limiting country visits to one rather than two per special rapporteur per year. Mr. President, allow me now to address the current state of investigative mechanisms established by this Council. The Office has so far managed to ensure all such mechanisms operational prior to 2025 continue to meet the core requirements of their mandates, albeit with significant reductions in staffing and operating costs. This has only been possible through the coordination of such support by the newly established Human Rights Inquiries Branch. However, all bodies have had to reduce the scope of their investigations, the conduct of interviews and engagements with stakeholders. This is being further compounded by most staff being on temporary contracts and increasingly forced to separate, which has resulted in a significant loss of institutional knowledge and operational expertise, alongside, of course, increasing strains being placed on the bodies' ability to operate in such stopgap measures. Concerning the Commission of Inquiry on the human rights situation in the South and North Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the reduced level of funding will significantly constrain the Commission's ability to operate at the scale required for full implementation of the mandate. Regardless of how the remaining allotments are eventually distributed, the Commission will have to function with substantially reduced capacity, requiring strict prioritization of activities and travel. In this regard, let me say that, since my last update in December, the Office has continued its core preparatory work. For example, the three commissioners appointed by the President of the Council last October have now been fully on-boarded. The selection process for the secretariat has begun. Selections will be finalised as the Office receives the 2026 regular budget allotments and once the hiring freeze has lifted. with the Office able to fill a maximum of 60% of those positions. And the Office continues to liaise with the UN presence in Kinshasa to identify suitable office space for the Commission once it becomes operational. And we have assigned three existing staff members to provide limited part-time support to the Commissioners on initial preparatory work pending the deployment of the core team to Kinshasa. As you are already aware, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel, was unable to implement the mandates assigned to it by the Council in resolutions 55/32 and 55/28, which had already been postponed once by resolutions 58/28 and 58/2 due to the hiring freeze. These mandates have since expired. and no funding has been included in the 2026 OHCHR budget for their implementation. Therefore, for these reports to be prepared and submitted once the hiring freeze ends, a new Council decision would be needed to amend the reporting timelines and allocate a new budget. As for the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan established by this Council last year, I wish to recall that OHCHR is responsible not for the implementation of the mandate itself, but we are only expected to carry out the preparatory work to support operationalization. In this context, we have undertaken extensive consultations with the Special Rapporteur, with existing independent investigative mechanisms, and with civil society organizations. We are now consulting with the Office of Legal Affairs on the formal terms of reference for the Mechanism and for its head. The General Assembly has approved resources only for 2026, leaving future requirements and decisions open, and the funding level to be allocated remains uncertain. Moreover, while the mandate requested the establishment of a trust fund to receive voluntary contributions in support of the mandate, no such contributions have been made to date. I would renew our appeal for States to take advantage of this avenue in order to allow fullest operationalization as soon as possible. Mr. President, I wish to underscore again that steps which states will take to streamline, merge or conclude mandates will make a very big difference, enhancing efficiency, effectiveness and impact, while alleviating the strain on the Office's already highly stretched capacities. In this respect, we very much welcome the specific provisions contained in the President's statements OS 19.1 of 8 December 2025, aimed at advancing rationalization and efficiency in the Council's work. We call on States to ensure that these measures are effectively translated into concrete action beyond the merely aspirational, and I encourage continued tangible progress. I also encourage delegations to continue to use the preliminary Human Rights Council mapper, the HRC mapper, which is being updated, but remains a solid base for reviewing all Council mandates, mechanisms and reports, especially those concerning similar or overlapping issues. The Office remains ready to provide guidance on a range of practical avenues that could enhance coherence and efficiency in the Council's work. Though technical in nature, such efforts are crucial to ensuring that the limited resources that we have are directed where they can have the greatest impact for the promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights of all, everywhere. Mr. President, in keeping with our strong commitment to transparency, the High Commissioner and the entire Office are fully available to continue our engagement with this Council and with delegations on a regular basis, both formally and informally. on all aspects of the implementation of mandated activities as we collectively, in solidarity, navigate the challenges that we must face together with creativity and determination. The Office will also continue, of course, to provide regular updates to the Council Bureau as the liquidity and financial situations evolve and more information becomes available. Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, in a world increasingly marked by conflict, widening inequalities and a growing retreat from multilateralism, states must reaffirm clearly and collectively their unequivocal commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including the promotion and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. Words alone are not enough, though. Certainly not enough to ensure that the human rights of the people we are mandated to serve are fully realized. nor our ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency, the coherence, and the impact of the United Nations, including those that are undertaken within the context of the UN80 initiative. None will be sufficient on their own. Chronic underfunding and significant unpaid contributions continue to compromise the organization's ability, including that of this office, to fulfill our mandates. I therefore reiterate the Secretary General's call for all Member States to honor their financial obligations to the UN by paying their assessed contributions promptly and in full. I look forward to a dialogue, Your Excellencies, Mr. President, and we stand ready with my colleagues to address any questions or observations you may have. Thank you very much.

I thank the Deputy High Commissioner for her briefing. I would like to now open the floor to delegations wishing to ask questions or make comments on the update by the Deputy High Commissioner. I don't seem to see any request for the floor. All right, I see Mexico, the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Thank you very much, President. My thanks to the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights and the representative of UNHCR for the presentations on the budgetary matters. Mexico would reiterate the importance of continuing to hold this type of dialogue because they contribute to strengthening transparency and accountability on budgetary matters between Member States and the Secretariat. We reiterate our firm commitment to multilateralism. and to a duly financed human rights pillar which is effective and independent as a cornerstone of the United Nations system. Thus, we wish to voice our concern at the lack of interpretation services in meetings, and we therefore would issue a call to fully respect the principle of multilingualism in these spaces. We will also voice our concern at the cancellation by UNOG of accessibility services for persons with disabilities in the Palais des Nations, in particular the cancellation of simultaneous subtitling and sign language interpretation. We call for these services to be maintained, particularly during the meetings on the rights of persons with disabilities, such as the annual round table and the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur. to be held during the 61st session of the Council this March. Thus, my question would be what extraordinary measures could be taken to prevent the cancellation of these services during this upcoming Council session? Mexico is aware of the current budgetary restrictions and supports the continuity of the ongoing rationalization exercise, greater coordination and complementarity across existing human rights mechanisms, as well as the use of new technologies so that available resources can be used more efficiently and strategically without undermining mandates or the independence of said mechanisms. As you are aware, Mexico also actively supports the UN80 process, and thus we would like to know more about the participation of the Office in the Secretary-General's Action Plan, in particular the work package 9, the goal of which is to establish a human rights group made up of entities across the entire United Nations system. when it comes to mandate review. We'd like to hear your views on the zero draft presented by the working group headed by Jamaica and New Zealand, and we'd like to know whether the criteria therein are viable for resolutions on mandates to be presented to the Council, and if not, how they could be adapted. Our general overview should be to preserve the Council mandates through a comprehensive review of the existing mandates with a view to avoiding overlap and to promote synergies. Member States will do their part on presenting resolutions that are in line with the available financial capacity. However, there must also be a commitment from the Office to update the PBI guides taking into account the financial limitations and ensuring that mandates are not compromised so as to merely preserve structures or because of costs that no longer reflect current realities. Lastly, Mexico reiterates its commitment to work constructively in close collaboration with all delegations, the Secretariat and the High Commissioner, so as to ensure that the UNHAT initiative strengthens and does not limit our collective capacity to promote and protect the human rights of all people. Thank you very much, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico. I have next on the list is Thailand, to be followed by Cuba and Canada, and I propose that we take those views first before giving the floor to the Deputy High Commissioner. Thailand, you have the floor, please.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thailand thanks the Deputy High Commissioner for her briefing. The liquidity crisis is deeply concerning. Thailand believes that we should make every effort to ensure that this situation does not undermine the Council's mandates, nor jeopardize the fundamental objective of the Human Rights Council. to promote and protect human rights worldwide in a universal and effective manner. We appreciate the update and comprehensive assessment on activities that may be deferred or considered non-deliverable. At the critical time, transparency is essential. While we have full confidence in the expertise of the Council, and the OSCR. We would also like to encourage continued dialogue and consultations with states, particularly when mandated activities may be affected. Such engagement would further enhance confidence, predictability and child ownership. We also underscore the importance of a balanced approach when assessing implementation, including in the identification of priorities. Regarding the cash conservation measures, Thailand recognizes the difficult choices being made and stands ready to demonstrate solidarity. At the same time, we are concerned that certain measures may risk affecting the accessibility and inclusivity that lie at the heart of the Council's work. The absence of international sign language interpretation, particularly in the discussions concerning the rights of persons with disabilities, is especially alarming and runs counter to the values we collectively uphold. We also stress the vital role of webcast services. They extend the reach of our meetings beyond Geneva, strengthen transparency, and connect our deliberations with people on the ground. Any reduction of this service risks weakening the credibility and inclusivity of the Council. This situation reminds us that the sustainability of the Council's work depends not only on the availability of resources, but also on how we organize, rationalize, and prioritize our mandates. The pressure we face today underscore the urgency of advancing and sustaining discussions on rationalization and efficiency. If we do not act decisively now, we risk confronting the same challenges again at a point when solutions may be far more difficult. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Thailand. Next, I give the floor to Cuba. You have the floor.

President, we are grateful to the Deputy High Commissioner for her presentation. Cuba believes that the Council has reached its limit as to what can be cut in terms of conference management, including when it comes to cutting the time for debates and interactive dialogues. Neither is it possible to continue to restrict the right of States to speak in their national capacities, nor to continue cutting speaking time. Such cuts are, in and of themselves, not indicators of efficiencies. On the contrary, the reduction in time for genuine dialogue undermines the efficiency and effectiveness of this body. It affects the rights of states and considerably impacts upon the quality and inclusivity of debates. Efficiency does not mean doing less. It means making the most of the available resources. Decisions on streamlining must be based on clear criteria that are objective and transparent. The main criterion must be the real impact on the ground. We mustn't lose sight of the fact that the main responsibility of this Council is to reach people, to support national progress on human rights. Therefore, Cuba believes that the resources should be prioritized to awards actions that have a greatest positive, the greatest possible impact at national level. We cannot continue to impose upon certain countries that are always from the South, expensive interfering mechanisms, unaware of their total lack of effectiveness due to the fact that their essence is contrary to dialogue and cooperation, which should prevail in this body. What is worse is that once these mechanisms, these punitive mechanisms are established, they never end their work. They are extended indefinitely over time, despite the lack of resources. While there are exorbitant amounts allocated to these, much less resources are allocated to improving the lives of individuals, and this is what the figures show. Currently in the Council, there are mandates on 23 specific countries, which cost around $70 million annually. 15 of these mandates, namely 65%, the large majority, do not even have the consent of the countries concerned, and they are the most expensive as well. almost 40 million dollars are spent on these mandates every year. Paradoxically, for cooperation activities with specific countries under item 10 of the agenda, only 17.5 million US dollars are made available. That's three times less. In Cuba's view, the way in which we are using Council's resources is not rational, it's not effective, it's not sustainable. Change is required immediately. A first practical step, we would propose reducing by at least 15% the expenses on mechanisms which do not enjoy the consent of the countries concerned and which have proven for years to be ineffective. This reduction would enable us to free up $6 million additional. Cuba would propose using that to increase the assistance, cooperation and development, capacity development activities for states requesting that so as to implement the recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review and recommendations from treaty bodies. Real, genuine support is required, not condemnation and interference, so states can better fulfill their international human rights obligations. We are grateful to the Office of the High Commissioner for the information provided on the state of implementation of decision 59/115. This information must go hand in hand with additional disaggregated data on the costs, resources, financial resources available, and human resources linked to implementation of the mandated activities by the Council. It is vital that we work on an effective, transparent, verifiable methodology so that Member States of the Council can take timely, well-founded decisions on the activities mandated to be prioritized and which could be, which could take a second place. Thank you very much, sir.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba. And next I invite the representative of Canada.

Thank you, Mr. President. First, allow me to express Canada's gratitude, Deputy High Commissioner, for the office's dedication and work amid these budgetary challenges. We appreciate these updates, which are crucial for our understanding of the expected impacts of the Council's work. Canada continues to be steadfast in its support for the Human Rights Council and its mandate of promoting and protecting human rights. We continue to support the independence of the systems and its mechanisms. We are concerned that the continued fiscal constraints and imposed measures are impacting the delivery of various important mandates and our operations in general, including translation and inclusivity and access to meeting rooms, among other issues. These pressures have concrete and far-reaching implications for human rights work on the ground, for accountability and evidence collection efforts, and for the system's capacity to support states in building stronger human rights protection systems that are fundamental to stability, peace, and security. As a committed donor to the UN and the OHCHR's extra budgetary funding, Canada remains committed to working with all members of this council to ensure that we can deliver and respond in support of victims of human rights violations and counteract the impacts of the budgetary situation we are all facing. Deputy, we look forward to hearing more on the specific mandates that will be impacted this year and hoping to work with your office and others to counteract the impacts. We also know it is not just up to the office. It is time for us to work collectively to ensure the Council and the OCHR continue to support those who rely on the human rights system as their hope for change, and this includes reducing duplication at the Council. I thank you.

Thank the distinguished representative of Canada. And next I give the floor to the representative of what appears from the podium to be New Zealand. I'm sorry, but the view is a bit limited. You have the floor, please.

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the Deputy High Commissioner for her briefing, and we'd like to echo Mexico and Thailand and voice our concern about the cancellation of accessibility services, in particular sign language interpretation and captioning. We also call for these services to be retained, in particular for the annual panel on the rights of persons with disabilities and the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities. We welcome the Deputy High Commissioner's views on solutions to address this issue, and we also welcome further opportunities for dialogue on the budgetary challenges facing the Office. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of New Zealand. That is the last speaker on the list, and before I give the floor to the Deputy High Commissioner, I note that some of the issues would also be covered under the next speaker on conference management. Madam Deputy High Commissioner, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you to all the delegations. Thank you above all for your expressions of concern, which, of course, speak to the heart of the matter. On this issue of the extraordinary measures that can be taken, that have been raised, I leave that to my colleagues again from UNOg. The issue for us is very simple. We do not have the cash. We have, let me just say, the High Commissioner has written to the Under Secretary General of DGACM and to management in New York, particularly on the issue of accessibility. I think both in terms of the achievements of the last decades in getting to this point, and both for really how much it undermines the very core of our mandate, it is really a very sorry state of affairs. I think my colleagues will say more in a little while. To the issue of the PPI guidelines, let me say that we conduct a Council lessons learned exercise at the end of each session. And my colleagues at the moment, between the Council branch and finance and the directors are all working on proposals for further streamlining. We do recognise that we could always update the guidance, we can make it more accessible. And again, we are looking to see what we can do to make those easier. I must. So in addition to placing them on the Internet, in addition to working with you as we get through, just to make sure that we are all on the same page, I will ask my colleague, Peggy Hicks, the director of thematic, to speak to a couple of the issues. But let me just say on, I think the other thing, the human rights group. for the Ambassador of Mexico is an inward facing basically forum that for the first time now at principal level within the United Nations will allow the High Commissioner to actually lead a discussion among his peers on the need to make sure that we are indeed mainstreaming, that we are ensuring the delivery of human rights across the pillars. This is something that has been really elusive for a long time. We finally have an accountability framework effectively, and more importantly, a forum to discuss potentially duplication, strengthening, and mainstreaming most of all. That is a consultation which is ongoing. There have been quite a few meetings already between the High Commissioner and his USG fellows, and I think we will be working on mechanisms that will not just remain at the policy level or at the senior level, but they will filter through to regional and effectively country level. Just to say, I agree with the point on Cuba. I agree there is no longer any fat in the system. We are all working to continue to become lean and effective, but I am afraid we are cutting into the bone, and that is why the High Commissioner made very clear that we are going to do less with less, and we have no choice about that. We are continuing, of course, to harness efficiencies from consolidation, from digitalization, but there is a limit. and those gains will not be about dollars and cents. They will really be about different ways of doing business, and we want to continue to be creative and innovative. Just to the issue of prioritization, this is a discussion that comes up time and time again. Let me be clear, the Secretariat, including our office, is not in any position to structure hierarchies among mandates. That is a prerogative of the Member States. This is a consultation and a discussion and a dialogue that I hope the Member States are having among themselves. All we can do is try to make sure that our funding can cover all of it, and all of it is huge. It is the High Commissioner's mandate as given to him by the General Assembly. It is the mandates that come from this Council. It is the work of the UPR, the work of the treaty bodies, the special procedures, and of course the investigative bodies altogether. And so I hope that this constraint picture that has been painted makes critical how much more we have to do, and of course we commit to giving you as many updates as we can in this same spirit of solidarity and transparency. But maybe my colleague, if you allow me, Ambassador, just my colleague, Peggy, might add.

Thank you very much. I would respond to the question posed by the Permanent Representative of Mexico regarding the mandate review under UNAD and its relevance for this body. I think we have to start out by looking at the fact that, of course, as the mandate review itself shows, the mandates imposed upon the United Nations across the system are very many and very broad and different in character. The reality here is that many of the issues raised within that report are things that are already available to and being used by the Human Rights Council with regards to its mandates. So, for example, it looks to have time-bound mandates as one recommendation, a review of mandates. If you look at how the Human Rights Council handles the mandates that it has, they do arise periodically in resolutions, and you renew those resolutions or you change what you're asking for under those resolutions under a regular basis. And of course, with regards to the special procedure system or the inquiries that the Council mandates, those are reviewed at either a one-year or three-year interval. which gives the council the opportunity to engage in the ways that the mandate review says. It's also the case that the mandate review from New York looks for a digital tool to be available, and of course, that is, as the deputy high commissioner highlighted, something that we have worked on and have the preliminary HRC mapper available now, which could be expanded and improved with additional resources. Some of the things that perhaps point to other steps that the council might look to and take are the need for a more collective approach to review. Of course, there are sessions in efficiency procedures through the working groups of the Human Rights Council that are already doing some of that work, and also inputs for review. So, perhaps the Council can look at, you know, what it needs to be able to review better, and of course, the Office would be very happy to assist with that. And I would just stress that those types of consideration should go not only to what are the topics or what are the areas that the Council is working in, but what are the tools available, how does it work, and that goes to these issues also raised by Mexico around PBIs and what costs what within PBIs so that you could perhaps assess the efficiency of the way that mandate activities are being carried out in proportion to their relative cost. Just one footnote I want to add, thanks for the support by several states on the issue around accessibility for the session. I would also note, and it will come up in the next session, that when you have the briefing from UNOG, that the same constraints on UNOG's budget that relate to non-post costs also relate to the cost of translation for special procedures country visits in the field. And in that area, as you know, as Deputy High Commissioner said, we are already limited to one visit, and now we are faced with literally no funding to be able to provide for translation for those visits, and the vast majority of them do require translation, so it's another constraint. we're under. Thank you.

Okay, I thank the Deputy High Commissioner for that response and also to her team from the Office of the High Commissioner. Next, Excellencies, distinguished participants, we go to the briefing by the Division of Conference Management. And I have the honor to give the floor to Miss Monica Varela Garcia to update, for an update on the actual and envisaged resources for conference services provided to the council and its subsidiary bodies and mechanism. Madam, you have the floor.

Thank you. Distinguished Deputy High Commissioner, Distinguished President of the Council, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Today I have the honor to present to you, on behalf of the DG of UNOCH, an update on the current financial situation and resources available regarding conference services provided to this body, to the Human Rights Council. First, allow me to say that we appreciate the importance and also the sensitivity of this Council's work, and we are committed to providing high quality and timely services to the Council, thus facilitating the proceedings even in the face of uncertainties and very challenging times. As is known, the organization continues to face a difficult financial situation as outlined by the Secretary General in his letter 28th January and addressed to all member states. As also explained by the Director General in her briefings with the five regional groups during these last two weeks, and I would like to quote her, "With such significant budget and staffing reductions, combined with cash conservation measures adopted to manage the current liquidity situation, it will be affecting UNOC's operations and increasing chances of critical gaps." UNOC has also sent a not verbal to all member states with the information on cash conservation measures on 2nd of February. Regarding now conferencing, the situation of the Division of Conference Management, DCM in short, which is the division which is responsible for the translation of the documents you receive, for the live simultaneous interpretation, for the support in the room, well, the division started this year, I have to be very frank, in a situation that is more serious than ever. And allow me to elaborate on that. This year, at the department overall level, DGACM level, our budget was reduced by 17%. And in addition to that, the division here of conference management in Geneva faces an unprecedented situation in which no post funds were received, meaning no funds that are not related to staff or positions. We did not receive any non-POST resources, and that is the situation that is very seriously concerning us today. Last year, despite the liquidity-related challenges, DCM was able to comply with the work programme and facilitate all the proceedings of the council successfully, precisely because we had received the non-POST funding, which we did not receive this year. Non-post resources are essential for the proper functioning of the Division. It allows for hiring of external additional capacity that is indispensable and crucial to comply with our programme of work. in-house staff capacity in the Division of Conference Management is insufficient to meet mandated activities, despite a 10% workload reduction in conference services to the Council and its subsidiary bodies, as indicated by the Deputy High Commissioner. The non-availability of the approved non-post resources amounting to approximately $27 million for DCM Geneva in the revised programme budget for 2026 has repercussions across all areas of the Division's mandate. It is a very serious situation, as I said, because de facto what it means is the inability to service meetings or the provision of limited or partial services. I will provide later on details on what it means on documentation and meetings. The lack of resources has also a significant impact on accessibility services. To give you an example, the provision of international sign language for the next 61st session of this Council, where we depend exclusively on external capacity, requires an amount of 77,000 US dollars. In our non-post resources, the current amount we dispose of on this account is zero, zero dollars. And going back to what was said to the distinguished Ambassador of Mexico, we are also very concerned about this non-provision of funds and services and the impact it has on persons and people with disabilities. Next slide, please. In short, the current non-provision of non-post resources combined with the abolition of 90 positions in the Division of Conference Management and the ongoing hiring freeze means that the Division will be unable to fully service the planned 2026 conference calendar if the current situation does not change. Next slide. As a result of the current circumstances, the cash conservation measures implemented by UNOCH in 2025 will continue to be enforced, but in addition, new measures will be adopted. These new additional measures related to documentation services, you can see them on the screen, are the following. Official documentation will be processed exclusively through the Division's in-house translation capacity, which may result in delays. In-session and timely submitted pre-session documents will be prioritized, of course, for completion before the session starts. Other mandated documents will be processed under extended timelines reflecting limited in-house capacity. Official publications can only be accepted for publishing in the original language, and that translation will be put on hold. If we go to the next slide, we can see the repercussions it will have for meetings. In 2025, for meetings, we had already adopted cash conservation measures, which will be continued to be applied, and additional new measures have been adopted. regarding provision of interpretation services mainly in support in the room. These measures are the following. Additional external and temporary interpretation capacity cannot be hired due to the lack of non-post resources. Limiting as a consequence the coverage of all regular budget, uh, meetings in all mandated languages. And we are very concerned because this affects the principle of multilingualism, something that was mentioned beforehand, a principle we stand for and we defend. Secondly, some meetings may receive no interpretation, whilst others may have only partial language coverage, as in the current circumstances, DCM, our division, depends exclusively on in-house capacity, which is insufficient, as I said. Hence, service levels will remain limited, pending the allocation and receipt of these non-post resources. As also mentioned, support to Special Rapporteur and independent expert missions cannot be ensured at this point in time, although OHCHR had already reduced them to only one visit by year. If we go now to the next slide, we will see that regarding accessibility, as previously explained, the Division lacks capacity to provide these services, services such as international sign interpretation or captioning. Even with streamlining mandates or removing duplicates, as was mentioned by Thailand, the problem with international sign language is the lack of in-house capacity, zero non-post resources and the hiring freeze. The three compounded make it just impossible for us to deliver on this mandate. The cost estimates for accessibility services for this upcoming session of the Council have been transmitted to the HSC presidency for information last week. If we go to the next slide, I would briefly now want to refer to our communications work delivered by the United Nations Information Service here at UNOCH. The situation is the following. Going into 2026, the Information Service faces a significantly reduced workload with abolishment of posts plus no replacement of staff due to hiring freeze. Webcasting for the HRC will only be possible only if recruitment is authorized or if extra budgetary funding is provided. And we take note of what the distinguished delegation of Thailand said about the need for webcasting. In fact, the webcasting of the UPR already in January was dependent on extra budgetary funding that was thankfully received, and it was possible at that time. If we go now to the last slide, which is briefly on security services, I know my colleagues will explain everything related to the high-level segment. We just wanted to communicate that due to the current situation, longer waiting times are expected at the entrance gates and a slower response rate in general. No systematic assignment of security officers for conferences can be foreseen, whereas critical incidents will be, of course, prioritized. In conclusion, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Deputy High Commissioner, rest assured that we remain committed to deliver services to the Member States, with conference services continuing to be our highest priority. In practice, however, the unavailability of non-post resources combined with cash conservation measures and hiring freeze makes it just impossible for us to deliver fully and smoothly. As you said, Deputy High Commissioner, it is a sorry state of affairs, and we remain at your disposal for any questions now or later, and are very willing and delighted to continue to engage with the Council on all these matters. Thank you, Mr. President.

Okay, I thank the Chief of the Interpretation Services of the Division of Conference Management on behalf of the Director General. I would like to now open the floor to delegations wishing to ask questions or make comments on the update we just heard. We will have discussion later in the meeting on accessibility. However, I would encourage delegations to raise any issues at this stage. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Finland.

Mr. President, I would like to thank.

The United Nations Office at Geneva as well as the Office of the High Commissioner for your important work.

And for updating us about the actual and envisaged resources for services to be private to the Human Rights Council and the assessment on the feasibility of implementing mandated activities.

Finland is deeply concerned about the alarming financial prospects for this year and the consequences that the uncertainty and lack of sufficient funding have on the OHCHR's work on the promotion and protection of human rights.

We would also like to highlight our serious.

Concern for the fact that some of the cash conservation measures by the United Nations Office at Geneva will result in a disproportionate impact.

On persons and experts with disabilities during the HRC-61, if some of the additional measures are implemented.

The fact that mandated accessibility services, such as sign interpretation and captioning, cannot be provided to the Committee on the Rights of.

Persons with Disabilities places the Committee in a materially different and disadvantaged position compared to other human rights treaty bodies. As stated by the Committee itself, the immediate impact of this measure.

Is the impossibility for the Committee to carry out its 34th session in March. Therefore, we respectfully call upon all departments.

Units and entities under the authority of the Secretary General to ensure that in adopting any measures.

To cope with the financial situation, attention should be paid to ensuring that the implementation of such measures does not result in a disproportionate impact on persons and experts with disabilities.

Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Finland. And next, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Thank you very much indeed, President. We are grateful for the information that's been provided to us this week and today by the representative of DCM regarding the impact of the resource cuts on the work done by DCM. In addition to what we already said in our previous statement, we wanted to know whether you are considering how to use new technologies to provide any interpretation, translation services or assistance for persons with disabilities, in particular for the automatic generation of captioning by AI or the use of digital platforms for translation of documents or interpretation of sessions, meetings. We believe that the use of new technologies could enable these services to be provided in a more efficient manner. In addition to the liquidity crisis, there is also this financial crisis. We cannot continue to act as we have always done in the past with providers and services whose costs do not correspond to the current financial situation and future financial situation. Thus, we would like to ask what measures you are envisaging to that effect. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico. And next, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain.

Thank you very much indeed, President. We are grateful to the Office of the High Commissioner and the United Nations Office at Geneva for the information they have provided. I wanted to turn briefly to three issues. Very, very along similar lines to what we've heard from previous speakers, multilingualism, accessibility and council mandates for which there are not sufficient resources for implementation. First of all, on multilingualism. All official meetings should have the official six languages. We know that multilingualism is a constitutional founding element of the United Nations. and so this is an essential requirement for the functioning of the organization and we do hope that that will be observed. On accessibility, as the Finnish delegate said so eloquently, the situation is extremely serious if there is not accessibility for interactive dialogues and panels on the rights of persons with disabilities here in the Human Rights Council, this is exclusion. A lack of accessibility for an important segment of the population is entirely unacceptable, and we need to find solutions that aren't just ad hoc solutions; they need to be. systematic solutions to this. Lastly, on council mandates that do not have sufficient resources for implementation, we would underscore the importance of having detailed information in advance on the decision making process regarding these mandates and their financial and budgetary implications to bolster transparency, predictability, and efficiency and effectiveness of the council. Spain will of course endeavour to assist with this extremely difficult budgetary situation, but we do need to see from the offices greater flow of information, transparency and access to information. Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you for the comprehensive briefing.

We have once again been made fully aware of the extremely difficult budgetary situation. In this regard, we would like to express our appreciation for the maximum efforts being made by UNOCH and OCHR to ensure business continuity under such challenging circumstances.

We were particularly struck by the fact that no non-post funding has been received at all.

We are seriously concerned that should international sign language interpretation not be available, this would have a significant impact, particularly on the work of the CRPD. We hope that possible solution will continue to be explored, and we would also appreciate continued updates to member states on developments regarding the situation. I would like to seek one point of clarification. Does the current situation mean that non-POSP funding has not yet been received or that there is no prospect of receiving such funding for the remainder of this year?

I thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Japan. That was the last on my list. I recognize the distinguished representative of Canada.

Thank you, Mr. President. Just in addition to my previous comments under the briefing of the Deputy High Commissioner, a question for our DCM colleagues. We are wondering if you envisage publishing the information you have just shared. In particular, it would be important for us to be able to assess the budgetary requirements for some of these critical services, and we fully agree that we need systematic solutions, of course. While it is crucial for us to continue to ensure that these services be provided through the regular budgetary process, it is also important for us to understand what is needed to safeguard these critical services today, in the immediate term. So just wondering if you can give us a bit of a timeline there. Thank you so much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Canada. I see no other requests for the floor. I now invite the Chief of Interpretation Services.

Thank you, Mr. President. Perhaps I start by the last comment and question by Canada. Of course, we can share the budgetary requirements that are needed to provide accessibility services, but we fully concur with you that these services should be financed through the regular budget and these funds should come in periodically, as it was the case until now, so that DCM is really able to comply with its mandate. On the question of a comment by Japan, indeed, we have not yet received non-post funding for the first quarter, and we do not know if we will receive first any non-post funding before the end of the first quarter, meaning end of April, end of March, in fact. We need these funds because, as you know, the CRPD will start the session on the 9th of March, and we are also very concerned about what it means, the impact on persons with disabilities and the member, um, the membership of the committee. Finally, just two comments to respond to Spain and Mexico. We are very much committed with multilingualism. Multilingualism speaks to many things like equal rights, like inclusion, et cetera. You know that much better than myself. We, of course, always follow technological developments, but we also know that translation and interpreting are complex human-centered communication activities. In contexts where trustworthiness, understanding and clarity are crucial, like the proceedings of this Council, we think that professional expertise remains irreplaceable. We also think that automatized captioning is not the solution, as it is putting, again, persons with disability as a disadvantage compared with those who would receive human communication. And I think that's all I need to say for now. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we will now hear a briefing on security and access control arrangements. for the 61st session of the Human Rights Council, including its high-level segment. I have the pleasure to welcome Mr. Sergei Shaposhnikov, Chief of Protocol in the Office of the Director General. I also welcome representatives of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security, who will deliver the briefing. You have the floor.

Good morning, Your Excellencies, distinguished participants. On behalf of the Security and Safety Service in UNOG, I will give you a detailed briefing of the upcoming security arrangements for the high-level segment. Before that, I would like to join the previous speakers in expressing our service's commitment to making this high-level segment as successful as the previous ones. However, I am taking the time to reflect on the impact of the UNAT on the availability of services from the Security and Safety Service of UNOg. In the context of the UNAT, we have been separated from a certain number of our security personnel. This translates and reflecting on previous communication from the Director General of UNOg on longer waiting times for both pedestrian and vehicular entrance. So on behalf of our service, the key message I would like to pass on ahead of the HLS is planning. Please plan your arrivals well in time. Please take into account that access to the United Nations Office in Geneva is going to be lengthier, is going to be much more complex than for previous iterations of the high-level segment and of the Human Rights Council in general. I can assure you of the full availability of our service. We have committed the remaining existing workforce to facilitating to the best extent possible the arrangements. Now going into the details of the upcoming session, and of course, if you'll allow me to reassure you that you will be receiving a detailed note outlining all of the arrangements shortly. The access for the duration of the high-level segment in the Saldes Assembly in the Assembly Hall is going to be regulated based on a secondary page, previous to what was done in the Salvan, of course. In terms of registration, the usual procedure will apply via our passport ID offices, and registration is going to be open from 18th of February onwards. As regards VIP arrangements and access for unarmed security details for the visiting dignitaries, as always, my colleagues, Lieutenant Nabe and Sergeant Latour, are at the disposal of the various missions for questions and practical arrangements. In terms of parking arrangements, delegates will be receiving a blue vignette, which will also be distributed via the passport ID, the registration offices, and it can be collected from the 18th of February onwards, similarly. For the delegations whose head of delegation is at ministerial level and above, this blue vignette will facilitate drop-off arrangements in front of all cadors, similar to other sessions. And afterwards, the convoys are free to park wherever parking is available in the Palais, with the exception of vehicles under protection from the host country, who will have reserved the P10 for these specific arrangements. In terms of access to the assembly hall, so entry for dignitaries remain via door 14, all cat doors for the blue vignette holders, and for the all other delegates, access will be done via door 11, 13, or 15. Again, as mentioned previously, there will be a detailed note with all the arrangements clearly outlined. And of course, we are at your disposal for any detailed questions. But again, I just wanted to reiterate the previous message of please take the time and plan well in advance your arrival to the Palais. There will be, there is likely to be a significant waiting time. So we count on your cooperation and we are there to support your access as always. Many thanks.

Thank you. I would like to now open the floor to delegations wishing to ask questions or make comments on the briefing we just heard. I don't seem to see any. In that case, Excellencies, distinguished participants, we will now take a short technical break before continuing with our other business. to give opportunity for the Deputy High Commissioner and UNHCR representatives to leave the podium. Shall we reconvene? So, excellencies, distinguished participants, and colleagues, it's always harder getting things together than breaking a meeting. Excellencies, distinguished participants, allow me to recall that, as noted in the Bureau minutes of January 5 and January 12, 2026, the Division of Conference Management of the UN Office in Geneva informed that the cash conservation measures that were applied in 2025 would continue to be enforced without any change or exception during the period from January to March 2026. This entails, among other things, a minimum reduction of 10% of meeting time. We discussed some dimensions of this situation earlier. And we have to discuss now about the time-saving measures the council would have to decide on. Last year, being faced with the same requirement to reduce its meeting time, the council adopted on June 2nd, extraordinary measures for the remainder of 2025. The Bureau was informed by the Secretariat that if the Council were to apply the same modalities to the 61st session, it would successfully reduce the meeting time for the session by 10%. The reduction of meeting time would also mean that the 61st session would conclude on March 31st. Over the past two weeks, I consulted the regional groups, on the proposal to apply the same time-saving modalities for the 61st session and heard no objections to the proposal. Consequently, on February 6, the Bureau agreed to propose to the Council for its approval the following extraordinary modalities for the 61st session, namely: The speaking time limits for general debates would be reduced to one minute and 30 seconds for all. And the duration for interactive dialogue, including enhanced interactive dialogues, would be capped at one hour and 30 minutes, with 15 minutes allocated to mandate holders, one hour to states, and 15 minutes to NGO. Let me underscore once again that these measures constitute a set of extraordinary measures applicable only for the 61st session of the council in light of the urgency of the current financial situation with any members at this stage would like to comment on the above proposal I don't see any members requesting for the floor I take it that, therefore, that the Council adopts the extraordinary measures for the 61st session, which would not constitute a precedent and will be recorded in the report of the 61st session in order to serve as a point of reference for the future. I see no objections. It is therefore decided. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we will now turn to the other outstanding questions regarding the modalities of the session. For meetings of the 61st regular session of the Human Rights Council, all members and observers will have the possibility to deliver their statements in person or via pre-recorded video statements. In order to balance the importance of inclusivity And what is feasible in terms of time and resources, the list of speakers for NGOs for each of the general debate will be set in line with the average number of NGOs that participated in each of the general debates in previous three March sessions. So that is the 58th, 55th and 52nd sessions. Any delegation wish to comment on this? I don't see any request for the floor. Excellencies, therefore, let's move to the draft program of work. The 61st regular session of the Council will take place from 23rd February to 31st March 2026. Allow me to draw your attention to the latest draft programme of work for the session, which was prepared taking into account the modalities that would allow for a reduction of 10% of meeting time. The draft programme of work has been uploaded on the extranet. With regard to the working hours of the session, I wish to recall that on 12 January, I informed the Bureau that I had received a letter from the permanent representative of Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, requesting that the working hours of the 61st session during Ramadan be adjusted in the same manner as during its 58th session last year, namely that meetings are to be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. I subsequently received confirmation from the Director General of the UN Office in Geneva that such an adjustment could be accommodated by UNOP should the Council decide to pursue this option. The Bureau, on its part, decided on 6 February to propose to the Council for its approval an adjustment of the working hours of the 61st session during Ramadan, so that the meeting of the Council from 23 February to 19 March would be held from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm. I submit this proposal to the Council. I see no views, no requests for the floor. It is so decided. Turning to the list of speakers, the online system for inscription by states on the list of speakers for all general debates, interactive dialogues and panel discussions will open on Monday, 16 February at 2 p.m., so that is next week, and we'll close 24 hours before the meeting in which each debate is scheduled to start. After the online inscription has closed, delegations may still inscribe or withdraw at the list of speakers' desk or by sending an email to the address shown on screen. Since I don't see the email address on screen, I request that the Secretariat could pass it on at a later stage for the information of all members and observers of the Human Rights Council. The list of speakers will close approximately 15 minutes after the beginning of each debate. I kindly ask delegations to respect the deadlines. The online system for inscription on the list of speakers for the adoptions of UPR outcomes will open on Monday, March 9th at 9:00 a.m. and will close on Thursday, March 12th at 6:00 p.m. No inscriptions will be possible after this deadline. For National Human Rights Institutions and non-governmental organizations, the list of speakers for all debates taking place during the session will open online on Tuesday 17 February at 2pm. The registration procedure for the lists of speakers for panel discussions will be the same as for previous sessions. Interested states will be asked to rank panel in order of their preference. Speaking slots will be allocated by the system taking into account the preference. If the number of states indicating the highest priority for a particular panel exceeds the maximum number of available speaking slots, the slot will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. Let me remind you that the speaking time limit for panel discussions is now one minute and 30 seconds. Turning to the high level segment, the session will open on 30 a.m. on Monday, 23rd February, we will hear opening remarks by the President of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Vice President of the Swiss Confederation as host country representative. We will then hold the high-level segment. The high-level segment will be reserved for heads of state, heads of government, deputy heads of state, deputy heads of government, cabinet ministers, vice ministers, and heads of specialized agencies, programs, and intergovernmental organizations. I have been informed by the Secretariat that to date, 100 dignitaries have inscribed to participate in the high-level segment. The provisional draft list of dignitaries is available on the extranet and is being updated regularly. The speaking time is seven minutes for Heads of State, Heads of Government, and five minutes for all other participants in the high-level segment. Following the conclusion of the high-level segment on Wednesday, 25 February, we will immediately proceed with the general segment, during which delegations not having been represented by a dignitary at the high-level segment may take the floor. For the general segment, The speaking time limits will be three minutes for member states of the Council and two minutes for observer states and other observers. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, during the 61st session, the Council will hold seven panel discussions, all of which are mandated to be made accessible to persons with disabilities. However, as you would have seen in a note verbal from the United Nations Office, at Geneva to all permanent missions here in Geneva, dated 2 February, accessibility services for the Human Rights Council cannot be provided until further notice. We had an extensive discussion earlier. Following the Bureau's discussion on this matter on 6 February, I will be sending a letter to the Secretary-General requesting that accessibility services be provided. The discussion earlier in this session and some other discussions will be helpful and will be duly noted in that letter. I now invite the main sponsors to provide a brief update on the panel discussions. Delegations wishing to share information on draft resolution and other initiatives will have a chance to do so later. The following are the panel discussions. The first is the annual high-level panel discussions on human rights mainstreaming, which will be held pursuant to Council Resolution 16/21 and 59/16. This year, it will focus on the theme of role of new and emerging digital technologies in preventing and eliminating female genital mutilation. The High Commissioner for Human Rights will deliver opening remarks. The speakers invited to participate are the President of the General Assembly, the Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund, the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, the Director General of the World Health Organization, the Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union, and a representative of civil society. The second is the high-level panel discussion on the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which will be held pursuant to Council Resolution 60/16 and General Assembly Resolution 80/193. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya on behalf of the Group of African States to introduce this initiative on behalf of the main sponsors.

Mr. President, a high-level panel discussion on the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action will take place on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, 30 to 11:30 a.m. This discussion will further mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, 21st March. The concept note has been posted on the HRC extranet and is available on the page on the panel discussion. Further to a recommendation by the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, in its roadmap for the commemoration of this important anniversary, the Human Rights Council, in its resolution Number 60/16 entitled, "From Rhetoric to Reality: A Call for Concrete Action Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance" mandated this panel discussion. I recall that this resolution adopted without a vote and carried participation of states, eminent personalities active in the struggle against racial discrimination, and civil society organization in accordance with the rules of procedure of the Council. Mr. President, The objective of the panel discussion are to galvanize support, particularly political will, for the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The discussion will explore why and in what ways the DDPA has persistent relevance today, the global challenges in combating racism and racial discrimination, and how public support can transform commitment into tangible change. It will highlight the interconnectedness of different actors in supporting change and sets the stage for further engagement throughout the year. The main discussion is expected to contribute to, one, enhancing awareness of the breadth and the scope of DDPA, its significance and ongoing relevance. Two, review lessons learned since 2001 World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance to inform future strategies, including new challenges that may have emerged. Three, examine how different actors can collaborate effectively to accelerate progress and build momentum for the full and effective implementation of the DDPA and broader anti-racism efforts. Four, identify practical measures and resources needed across key sectors to turn commitments into tangible results. And lastly, generate ideas on mobilizing global solidarity against racism and inequality. We look forward to your participation. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kenya. Now I turn to the third panel discussion, which is on human rights and a culture of peace, which will be held pursuant to Council Resolution 55/17. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Gambia to introduce this initiative on behalf of the main sponsors. The Gambia has the floor.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. At the outset, my delegation wishes to congratulate you and members of the Bureau on the assumption of office and to assure you of our full support. The Gambia remains fully committed to supporting the work of the Human Rights Council in advancing the promotion and protection of human rights and fostering peaceful and inclusive societies. I have the honor to take the floor as sponsor of resolution 55/17 on human rights and a culture of peace, a cross-regional initiative co-led by 13 member states and co-sponsored by more than 70 member states, reflecting the Council's strong and shared commitment to advancing human rights as a foundation for peace, prevention, and cooperation. In accordance with this mandate, The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has proceeded with preparations for the panel discussion on human rights and a culture of peace, which will be convened on 4 March 2026 at 3:00 p.m. The panel will provide an opportunity to examine how human rights-based approaches contribute to prevention, dialogue, trust building, and inclusive peace building. The panel will bring together distinguished experts, practitioners, and representatives from international organizations, academia, and civil society to share their perspectives, experiences, and good practices on advancing human rights-based approaches to promoting and sustaining a culture of peace. The discussion will also provide an opportunity to identify practical pathways for strengthening cooperation and supporting states in advancing human rights-based approaches to prevention, peacebuilding and the promotion of inclusive and resilient societies. We note that due to the broader liquidity constraints currently affecting the United Nations, the organization of the two workshops that were envisaged and the preparation of a related report could not be undertaken. Nevertheless, we commend the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for its continued efforts and commitment in organizing the panel discussion and advancing this important mandate. Finally, Mr. President, we look forward to this interactive discussion and encourage all delegations and stakeholders to actively participate and contribute to a meaningful exchange. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Gambia. Next, we turn to the panel discussion on financing sustainable development in line with economic, social, and cultural rights obligation. which will be held in accordance with Council Resolution 58/9. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal to introduce this initiative. You have the floor.

Around 3.5 billion individuals live in conditions of profound economic vulnerability. Alarmingly, over half of them are children. The financing gap for achieving the SDGs ranges from 2.5 trillion to 4 trillion dollars annually. Many countries trapped by debt servicing commitments find themselves unable to fund essential public services and social protection, as well as to address climate change. Mr. President, in response to this grim picture and building upon the commitments of the Pact of the Future, HRC resolution 58/9 affirmed the importance of realizing economic, social and cultural rights to eradicate poverty and to achieve the SDGs. As such, resolution 58/9 mandated the organization of the panel discussion on financing sustainable development in line with economic, social and cultural rights obligations, which will take place on the 5th of March. The mobilization of development finance is a priority in this regard, as well as equitable access to essential services, the promotion of efficient and progressive taxation policies, and the creation of decent jobs. Additionally, commitments arising from debt should not impede states' abilities to respect human rights. The panel discussion aims to identify promising practices and measures to mobilize public resources to finance sustainable development in a manner consistent with states' economic, social, and cultural rights obligations. To this end, in taking into account the outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, the Second World Summit for Social Development, and other relevant intergovernmental negotiations, including those on climate change, the panel discussion will focus on the following areas. First, mobilization and fiscal space. Second, allocation. Third, governance. And fourth, reform of the global financing architecture in line with human rights obligations. We look forward to states and civil society participation and engagement in this important discussion. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal. Next, we turn to the Council's annual interactive debate on the rights of persons with disabilities. This will be held in accordance with Human Rights Council resolutions 7/9 and 55/8. It will focus this year on the theme of disability-inclusive infrastructure, including transport and housing. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of New Zealand to introduce this initiative on behalf of the main sponsors. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to present this statement on behalf of New Zealand and Mexico. As you have said, the Council will hold an annual panel on the rights of persons with disabilities on the 6th of March. The concept note is available on the HRC extranet. discussion will examine how accessible transport and housing act as structural enablers of autonomy, independent living, and inclusion, while reducing over-reliance on unpaid care and support. Through perspectives on lived experience, transport systems, and accessible housing, the panel will address governance, participation, territorial inequalities, and equitable investment, highlighting the need for integrated, rights-based infrastructure development aligned with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The panel will be moderated by Ms. Heba Hagras, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and will feature Ms. Esther Nagate, Youth Fellow at the International Disability Alliance, Ms. Anna Vietes, Head of Universal Accessibility at Transport Metropolitan de Barcelona, and Ms. Natalia Angel Jabo, Judge of the Constitutional Court of Colombia. who will intervene through video message. As we have already mentioned, we reiterate our hope that accessibility services can be provided for this panel. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of New Zealand. Next is the annual full-day meeting on the rights of the child, which will be held in accordance with Council resolution 7/29 and 55/29. We'll focus this year on the theme of rights of the child and violations of the human rights of children in armed conflict. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of Uruguay to introduce this initiative on behalf of the main sponsors.

Thank you very much.

President, Uruguay has the honor to announce that on the annual meeting and a day of the rights of the child, we will have two panels. The first will be focusing on prevention and protection from violations of children's rights, boys and girls, in the context of armed conflict, with a focus on the international legal obligation of states and all parties in conflict coordinated action from the United Nations and other relevant stakeholders, as well as the effective, safe inclusion of the voices of children. The second panel will focus on recovery, reintegration and access to justice for children affected by armed conflicts. addressing inter alia strengthening of accountability, recognition of children linked to armed forces or armed groups as victims, and the provision of recovery and reintegration services which are appropriate, sensitive and sensitive to gender. Workshops related to this and the composition of the panels are available in the concept note which has been made available to delegations on the Council's extranet. Uruguay wishes to encourage all delegations and interested parties to participate in this annual day, which will provide a substantive space for dialogue and exchange on the ongoing challenges and existing responses to the rights of children affected by armed conflict. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uruguay. This concludes the updates on the panel discussions. I encourage all participants to consult the concept notes that have been made available on the HRC extranet and will be updated in the next days. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we will now continue with the overview of the program of work. On Friday 27 February, the Council is scheduled to hear an oral update by the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The general debate on his oral update is expected to begin on March 2nd, following his presentation on a number of country-specific reports and updates mandated under agenda item 2. During the session, the Council will hold 31 interactive dialogues with the High Commissioner, his office and designated experts, with special procedural mandate holders and investigative mechanisms, and with special representatives of the Secretary-General. The Council will also hold four enhanced interactive dialogues and one high-level dialogue, as well as nine general debates. The Council will also adopt outcomes of the UPRs of Andorra, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Honduras, Jamaica, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, and Panama, which were all reviewed during the 50th session of the UPR Working Group. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, towards the end of the session, the Council will appoint 17 mandate holders of special procedures and expert mechanisms. My list of proposed candidates will be circulated and posted on the extranet in the coming days. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the consultative group for their work. Excellencies, distinguished participants, I would like to recall that on 12 January of this year, the Bureau discussed the questions of the representation of the Republic of Myanmar in the Human Rights Council. As was done in the past years, the Bureau took note of the explanation by the Secretariat that the situation concerning the representation of Myanmar in the Council remained unchanged. And the Secretariat would not be in a position to process requests regarding the participation of anyone as part of the delegation of Myanmar in the Human Rights Council in 2026. In line with previous decisions of the Council, on 6 February, the Bureau agreed that it will continue the past practice and propose to the Council that the two interactive dialogues on Myanmar that are mandated to take place during the 61st session, namely the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's oral update on Myanmar and the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, proceed as scheduled without the participation of the concerned country. Such a proposal is made on the basis that this exceptional circumstances does not set a precedent for the future. Would any members of the council would like to comment on this proposal? I see no request for the floor. It is therefore decided. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, Are there any delegation wishing to take the floor at this stage to make comments on the draft program of work as it currently stands? I see no request. Please note that delegations will be invited to share information on draft resolutions and other initiatives by delegations afterwards. So next, Excellencies, distinguished participants, The deadline for submitting draft proposals for the 61st session will be Wednesday, 18 March at 1pm. Any requests for the extension approved by the Council only under exceptional circumstances and for a maximum of 24 hours. In this context, let me kindly ask all delegations to submit their draft proposals on time. The e-delegate platform will continue to be used for the submission and sponsorship of draft resolutions. States are encouraged to check in advance that they have access to e-delegate. The three-year program of work for 2026-2028 was last updated on February 5th. and posted on the extranet. Let me remind main sponsors of draft resolutions that they are encouraged to consider the multi-year program of work when proposing new initiatives. I now invite delegations to share information on draft resolutions and other initiatives. Delegation wishing to take the floor should raise their nameplate. And I give the floor to the distinguished Delegate of Pakistan, you have the floor, sir.

Mr. President, the OIC group extends its congratulations on your appointment as President for the Council's 20th cycle and assures you of our cooperation and support. The forthcoming 65th session of the Council is taking place amidst a complicated human rights situation and is hampered by growing resource constraints. We urge the Council to seek collaborative approaches and shun division and polarization that does not contribute to our collective mandate to uphold all human rights for all. During this session, the OIC group intends to present the resolution titled combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence, and violence against persons based on religion or belief under item 9. The resolution remains a UN-wide benchmark for a collective normative response to growing racial hatred and incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence. The group also intends to present the following resolutions that have traditionally guided this Council's response to the human rights tragedy and humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East. One, human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice under item 2. Second, right of the Palestinian people to self-determination under item 7. Third, Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, under item 7. Fourth, human rights in the occupied Syrian Golan, under item 7. We expect the Council to lend its full support to the group's draft resolutions, and we look forward to constructive engagement and genuine dialogue. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan on behalf of OIC. Next, I give the floor to Germany.

Thank you very much indeed, Mr. President. I'm speaking on behalf of Finland, Brazil, Namibia, and my own country, Germany. Our countries will be presenting a resolution on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living and the right to non-discrimination in this context. The text will include the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for another three years. And by incorporating the Special Rapporteur's mandate in this thematic resolution and tri-annualizing both, we seek to make a concrete contribution to our rationalization efforts. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Germany. Next, I give the floor to Cuba. Cuba, please.

Thank you very much indeed, President. The delegation of Cuba would reiterate its support to you and wish you every success to you and members of the Bureau as you fulfill your roles. We also welcome the new members of the Council and assure them of Cuba's willingness to work with all in a cooperative, constructive fashion. The 61st session of the Human Rights Council will take place against an extremely complex international backdrop. The international multilateral system and its institutions are under direct attack. The United States have rejected this body and many others. They're claiming to impose a new international order, replacing the strength of rule with the rule of strength. The brutal aggression against Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro are a further sign of their intentions to lead the planet to anarchy. The United States has has taken an escalating line against Cuba, denigrating our population in flagrant violation of our human rights. They are going to the extremes of threatening countries with tariffs on countries that are supplying oil to Cuba. There is an energy blockade on our nation. They are threatening this with the fact that Cuba is an extraordinary threat to national security of the United States. Mr. President, at the 61st session of the Council, Cuba will be presenting three draft resolutions. The text on the consequences of external debt and other foreign financial obligations of states and on the impact on the full enjoyment of human rights, in particular economic, social and cultural rights. This will focus on the technical renewal of this important mandate, which contributes to highlighting the impact of foreign debt on the enjoyment of human rights, including the right to development. present a draft on the right to food. The mandate is a vital function of the Council, addressing food insecurity, hunger and extreme poverty, and efforts of developing countries to produce food to and to promote sustainable food systems. Lastly, draft resolution on the promotion of the enjoyment of cultural rights of all and respect for cultural diversity. This will highlight the importance of respecting multicultural nations and regions, as well as historic, cultural, religious diversity in and among states. whatever their political or economic systems may be. The Cuban delegation stands ready to work constructively and transparently and inclusively with all delegations and organizations of civil society on these three proposed recommendations, and we look forward to your valuable support on them. Thank you, sir.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba. Next, I give the floor to Brazil, followed by Kenya, Belgium, and Spain.

Thank you, Mr. President. Brazil, together with Cabo Verde, the Dominican Republic, and other partners, will present a draft resolution on the human rights of persons in street situations. This new initiative builds upon discussions that are already taking place under existing mandates. such as the work of the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing. The draft resolution highlights the growing complexity and urgency of this issue, which calls for a multidisciplinary and integrated approach. The text underscores the interplay of poverty, discrimination, loss of family, unemployment, and other socioeconomic issues that lead people to live on streets. The main goal is to encourage states to design and implement national programs that are tailored for the specific needs of persons in street situations. The proposed resolution would not mandate any new activity in line with ongoing rationalization efforts. We will organize informal meetings as well as a side event on this issue on February 23rd during lunchtime to be chaired by our Minister of Human Rights and Citizenship, Ms. Maca Evaristo. We would like to take this opportunity to invite you all to attend to the side event and support the draft resolution. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil. Next, I give the floor to Kenya, followed by Belgium, Spain, and Armenia.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the African Group, my delegation has the honor to inform the Council that it will present several initiatives at the forthcoming session, as follows. The first one is the renewal of the mandate of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The African Group will table a resolution to renew the mandate of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action for an additional three-year period. Members will recall that this Intergovernmental Working Group is one of the three mechanisms established to follow up on the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance held in Durban, South Africa, in 2001. Since its creation, the intergovernmental working group has played a role in advancing the objectives of this landmark framework, including the establishment of International Day for People of African Descent, and the International Decade for People of African Descent with its program of activities. Yet as global efforts to eradicate racism and related intolerance remains incomplete, our task continues. In the words of Nelson Mandela, "After climbing a great hill, we discover that there are many more to climb." On the eve of the 25th anniversary of the DDPA, the African Group emphasizes the importance of its full and effective implementation and the consequent renewal of this Intergovernmental Working Group's mandate. We look forward to your active participation and a consensual outcome. Secondly, is the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The African Group will similarly submit for the Council's consideration the renewal of this important mandate, which continues to play a vital role in combating racism and promoting equality worldwide. 3. Renewal of the mandate on technical assistance and capacity building in the field of human rights in Mali. Under agenda item 10, the African Group will present a draft resolution in respect of the mandate as follows. technical assistance and capacity building in the field of human rights, in keeping with groups' longstanding commitment to support Mali's national efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights. The fourth is the commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade. In line with established practice, the Permanent Delegation of the African Union, the African Group, and the non-governmental organization World Against Racism Network will jointly organize an annual side event in the margins of the March session to commemorate this important occasion, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 2007 to observe annually on 25 March. The event seeks to raise awareness of the enduring impact of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade and to honor the memory and dignity of the victims who suffered and struggled for freedom. The African Group considers this initiative critical as the legacies of slavery and colonial exploitation remains deeply linked to the current forms of social, economic inequality, racism, and prejudice affecting people of African descent. The African Union has declared 2025 as the Year of Justice for people of African descent through reparation. In the same spirit, the February 2025 EU summit adopted a decision describing slavery, deportation, and colonization as crimes against humanity and genocide against the peoples of Africa. As in previous years, the panel for this event will include the President of the Human Rights Council, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Director General of UNOCH, and the President of Caribbean Region, and the representatives of civil society. The event will be presided over and moderated by the President of the African Group. The tentative date for the event is Wednesday, 25th March, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, with English and French interpretation. The venue will be communicated in due course. We look forward to your robust participation. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kenya. Next, I give the floor to Belgium, followed by Spain, Armenia, and the Republic of Korea.

Thank you, President. On behalf of Armenia, Colombia, Senegal, and Thailand, and Belgium itself, it is my honor to announce that we shall present the ninth version of the tri-annual resolution on cooperation with regional human rights organizations during this session of the Council. Cooperation between the international, regional, and sub-regional mechanisms is a key lever to promote and protect human rights throughout the world. Regional organizations play a key role in bringing international standards closer to local reality, looking at the specific regional needs and local needs. And they contribute to strengthening the universality and indivisibility of human rights and consolidating international standards. The key instruments of the resolution aim to strengthen this cooperation. The draft resolution shall determine the themes of coming workshops, which will be a vital platform for the exchange of good practice, identifying enhanced cooperation approaches and ways in which we can tackle emerging challenges. Since 2017, we presented this resolution for a three-year period and the core group are examining different ways in which we could contribute even more to rationalization and streamlining efforts within the Council. We call upon all delegations to take an active part in our consultations. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Belgium. Next, I give the floor to Spain, followed by Armenia, Republic of Korea, and Denmark.

Thank you very much. Indeed, President, committed to combating racism and all forms of racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, Spain will participate in the aforementioned panel on the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. and will co-sponsor the exhibition on the Roma population co-organized with the Council of Europe. This is a Council where the protection of children in armed conflict and the need to ensure accountability for violations committed will play a key role. Therefore, Spain will contribute to this by presenting, together with an inter-regional group of countries, the film Think Film Impact and the film The Voice of Henreia on the 2nd of March. This connects human testimony with the Human Rights Council mandate on the situation of children in Gaza. Lastly, like on other occasions, Spain will be part of the group of countries from different regions promoting a joint declaration on the importance of protecting the right to education and children in situations of armed conflict, reiterating our commitment to the Safe Schools Declaration. Thank you.

Thank the distinguished representative of Spain. Next, I give the floor to Armenia, followed by Korea, Denmark, Canada.

Thank you very much, President. First and foremost, I wish to congratulate you most warmly on being elected to preside over the HRC and also extend our congratulations to the members of the Bureau as well and to wish you every success. The Council is now going to celebrate its 25th anniversary, so it is really important for us to reaffirm our collective responsibility in terms of prevention. So it is my honour to announce that we are going to present a draft resolution on the prevention of genocide. This is an initiative that we have submitted since 2008 every two years, and all of the resolutions have up until now been adopted by consensus. This demonstrates a collective commitment of the Council to prevent this crime. The text aims to strengthen the preventive approach of the Council, in particular through early alert, education, acting against hate speech and consultation with and cooperation with regional actors and UN agencies. We seek to promote more operational understanding of risk factors so that we can really make States aware and UN systems aware of these odious crimes. We shall have open, inclusive, constructive consultations with all delegations and stakeholders in hope that we can count once again on the spirit of cooperation which has always characterized the adoption of previous texts. I also wish to underscore that Armenia is delighted to continue to actively participate, together with Belgium and other countries, on the draft resolution of cooperation with regional human rights bodies. In March, in the high-level segment, we will be organizing a high-level side event entitled Strengthening Coherence and Follow-up of Human Rights Decisions through digital tools, and this will take place on Tuesday, 24th of February at 1400 hours. This will be a platform for exchange on the potential of digital resources to improve follow-up and monitoring of specific cases of human rights. We invite all delegations and stakeholders to take part in that side event. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Armenia. Next, I give the floor to the Republic of Korea, followed by Denmark, Canada, Azerbaijan.

Thank you, Mr. President. My delegation is pleased to announce that the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea, together with the OHCHR, the Permanent Mission of Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, will organize a side event on online scams on 6 March from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Room Concordia 1. The event aims to shed light on the rapid global rise of online scams and their links to serious human rights violations and abuses, which are no longer confined to specific countries or regions, and therefore require the attention of the Human Rights Council and coordinated international responses. The discussion will feature distinguished panelists, including the Special Rapporteur on the Contemporary Forms of Slavery, Mr. Tomoyada Obokata, and the Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Ms. Shibon Morelli. Participation by an OSCHR expert and a representative of civil society is also envisioned. The concept notes and further details will be shared in due course. We look forward to the support and constructive participation of all delegations. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Korea. Next, I give the floor to Denmark, followed by Canada and Azerbaijan.

Thank you, Mr. President. For the upcoming session, I am pleased to announce that Denmark will be presenting a draft resolution seeking to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment for a further period of three years. We envisage it as a technical rollover of the mandate in line with previous renewals since it was first established 40 years ago. We look forward to engaging with all interested delegations in a constructive spirit during the informal consultations, and we, of course, hope for full support for this important initiative. Finally, I am pleased to announce that Denmark, together with Ukraine, will be organizing a side event focused on torture and ill treatment in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, from documentation to accountability. The event will take place in the margins of the session on March 5th at 1:00 p.m. in room 3, and we invite all delegations to attend. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Denmark. Next, I give the floor to Canada, followed by Azerbaijan and Austria.

Thank you, Mr. President. At the coming session, the core group of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the rights to freedom of opinion and expression comprised of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and my own country, Canada, will present a technical resolution to renew this important mandate. This mandate was created to promote and protect the rights to freedom of opinion and expression and has offered states guidance and recommendations on tackling the contemporary challenges in both the physical and digital dimensions. The mandate of the Special Rapporteur has highlighted through its work the critical role that freedom of opinion and expression plays in upholding democracies, safeguarding public trust, and fostering sustainable development. The importance of this right, as enshrined in international and regional human rights instruments, including the UDHR and the ICCPR, and its contribution to the enjoyment of other human rights and fundamental freedoms becomes more evident every day. in addition to the myriad of new challenges of our current digital era, which makes this particular mandate renewal quite crucial. We look forward to working with the Council to renew this mandate and demonstrate commitment and resolve in support for the right of freedom of opinion and expression. Thank you.

Thank you, distinguished representative of Canada. Next, I give the floor to Azerbaijan, followed by Austria and Portugal.

Thank you, Mr. President. Our congratulations and full support to your presidency. My delegation is pleased to inform the Council that Azerbaijan, together with Ecuador, Georgia, Kenya, Malaysia, Thailand, and Turkey, will be presenting a draft resolution entitled "Promoting Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals through Transparent, Accountable, and Efficient Public Service Delivery." These initiatives build upon resolutions 37/7 and 52/8 on the same subject, which were adopted by consensus at this Council in 2018 and 2023, reflecting our shared commitment to this important agenda. The draft resolution seeks to highlight the contribution of transparent, accountable, and efficient public service delivery to the promotion and protection of human rights and to the achievement of SDGs. In this regard, it also introduces new emphasis on disaster preparedness, response and recovery, as well as on the use of new and emerging technologies and social innovations, with due regard to data protection, responsible use of artificial intelligence, and the security and privacy of personal information, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual learning. The text of the draft resolution, together with information on the informal consultations, will be circulated to all delegations in due course. We warmly invite all states and civil society organizations to engage constructively in the consultation process with a view to achieving a broad-based consensus.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan. Next, I give the floor to Austria, followed by Portugal and the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Austria and Slovenia, I have the honor to confirm that we will present a resolution on the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. It is the thematic biannual resolution with a focus on the topic of discussions during the annual Forum on Minority Issues, which took place in Geneva last November, and it was focused on the contribution of minorities to diverse, resilient and peaceful societies. This year, the resolution will also include the extension of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues for another three years. We hope that, as in the past, we can count on your full support for this important resolution. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. You will see the resolution in due course. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Austria. Next, I give the floor to Portugal, followed by the United Kingdom and the Dominican Republic.

Mr. President, In the upcoming session of the Human Rights Council, Portugal, alongside Brazil, will be once again tabling the resolution on mental health and human rights. The main purpose of this triennial initiative is to recall the obligations of states, on the one hand, to end stigma, discrimination, violence in mental health, and on the other, to respect the human rights of persons with psychological disabilities and mental health conditions, in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Unfortunately, these persons continue to be subject to coercive practices that fail to respect their autonomy, will and preferences. This may constitute or lead to violations and abuses of human rights, sometimes amounting to torture or other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment. The draft resolution will follow up on the consultations organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in October 24 and reflect the most recent guidance from WHO, as well as recommendations from civil society and community-based services. We look forward to States' constructive engagement during the negotiations and trust it will once again be adopted by consensus. Mr. President. Additionally, Portugal will be organizing a side event titled Violence Against Children and the Protection of Mental Health. Half of the world's children are exposed to some form of violence every year, including in the digital space and in the context of armed conflict, which has a severe influence on their mental health. As such, this side event aims at promoting the inclusion of mental health as a key dimension in the elimination of violence against children building on the pathfinding Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children and in the framework of the 30th anniversary of the Michelle Report on the impact of armed conflict on children and the 20th anniversary of the Pinheiro Study on Violence Against Children. The details and date of the event will be circulated shortly. I thank you.

I thank the representative for Portugal. Next, I give the floor to the United Kingdom, followed by the Dominican Republic and the Russian Federation.

Thank you, Mr. President. Congratulations to you and to all members of the Bureau on your election. We're very much looking forward to working with you this year, conscious also that you haven't necessarily had a quiet January. Thank you also to the Deputy High Commissioner and to the OHCHR for the comprehensive briefing this morning. We fully agree on the gravity and severity of financial pressures on the UN human rights pillar and the potential impacts of those, we're going to need to continue to work innovatively together to protect the human rights pillar while also responding to those financial pressures. The UK would like to inform colleagues of two resolutions that we will present of coordinators of core groups in this session. Firstly, on South Sudan. The UK, on behalf of a core group of countries, Albania, Ireland and Norway, will present a resolution under item 2 entitled Advancing Human Rights in South Sudan. Its main purpose is to extend the mandate of the Commission of Human Rights in South Sudan, which monitors human rights, provides guidance on transitional justice, supporting South Sudan's return to the peace agreement of 2018, and makes recommendations on technical assistance and capacity building. The text will also reflect the current human rights situation and other relevant developments in South Sudan, both of which warrant international support for a continuation of the Commission's vital work. We welcome South Sudan's continued engagement with this text and with the Commission itself. Secondly, Syria. In December, Syria marked the one-year anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime. This has been a year of unprecedented positive change on human rights after so many years of brutality. We welcome progress made by the Syrian Government to establish Syrian-owned, Syrian-led accountability and transitional justice mechanisms, as well as its recognition of ongoing human rights challenges and the need for international support. We wish to acknowledge how the new Syrian Government has fundamentally transformed Syria's relationship with the Commission of Inquiry, from hostility and rejection to constructive engagement marked by access, open communication and cooperation with its reports. As we look to further support Syria to achieve greater progress on human rights, the Core Group will present a resolution renewing the Commission of Inquiry, with a particular focus on supporting domestic efforts to achieve accountability and justice. We will be engaging closely with the delegation of Syria and other members and observers of the Council. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. Next, I give the floor to the Dominican Republic, followed by the Russian Federation.

Thank you very.

Much indeed, President. The Dominican Republic welcomes the exchange in this organizational meeting for the 61st session of the Human Rights Council. We take note of the worrying information presented, particularly when it comes to the harmful impact of the liquidity crisis on the operations and mandates of this Council. It's clear that there are no easy solutions. Just the shared commitment of everybody is the only thing that will help us move forward. We express our support to the President and his team as you guide our work over this complex period. On substantive initiatives, the Dominican Republic is pleased to support the Republic of Brazil, Cabo Verde in the resolution on the human rights of persons in street situations, which was already presented by the distinguished representative of Brazil. Moreover, we invite all States to participate in the side event on the 19th of March to commemorate the Global Day of Down syndrome, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Office at Geneva and organizations of civil society under the slogan Together Against Loneliness. The event will bring together representatives of States, persons living with Down syndrome, their family members, ombudspersons, and will combine awareness raising, visibility and will celebrate diversity. Mr. President, human rights are vital to achieve sustainable peace among our peoples. Multilateralism as a space for dialogue, principles and agreed upon values constitutes the best mechanism that we have as the international community to defend and preserve human rights. Any alternative would be excluding and asymmetric without any guarantees of respect or equity. In line with our commitment to multilateralism, the Dominican Republic has presented its candidacy for the Human Rights Council from 2027-2030, in the firm belief that we will continue to contribute in solidarity constructively to this Council. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic. Next, I give the floor to the Russian Federation, followed by Italy and Finland.

President, this year the international community is noting the jubilee year of two key international agreements, the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights. These documents, together with the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, are the foundation of international human rights and to promote and protect human rights globally. We consider that the United Nations and its human rights mechanisms cannot be in the sidelines as these important anniversaries take place. And so during this session, the Russian Federation delegation will submit an initiative to the Council on celebrating these jubilee years. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. Next, I give the floor to Italy, followed by Finland and Luxembourg.

Thank you, Mr. President. We are pleased to inform that during the high-level segment, the Italian Minister for Disabilities, Alessandra Locatelli, will open an exhibition entitled "The Solfagnano Charter: Inclusion and Disability" 00 p.m. in the Salle de Papereaux. In a nutshell, the Solvangano Charter codifies eight priorities aiming at eliminating social barriers and putting persons with disabilities at the center of concrete inclusion policies to maximize their autonomy and independence and to develop their talents and skills. Priorities which are consistent with several of our previous initiatives on the theme of disabilities. The save date has already been circulated and the official invitation will follow soon. Of course, you are all most welcome to join. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Italy. Next, I give the floor to Finland, followed by Luxembourg and Norway.

Thank you, Mr. President.

It is my honor to announce that Mexico, together with my country, Finland.

Will present the traditional joint statement on women's and girls' rights to honor the International Women's Day of 8 March.

International Women's Day has been around for over 100.

Years, as have many of the issues still impacting women's and girls' empowerment.

So we hoped that the initiative.

Will receive broad support and that many delegations will join the statement, as has been the case in previous years.

I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Finland. Next, I give the floor to Luxembourg, followed by Norway and Uganda.

Thank you very much, President. Luxembourg, together with Ecuador, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Chile, Fiji, Portugal, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Thailand and Uruguay, will submit a tri-annual resolution on the promotion and protection of human rights and application of the Sustainable Development Programme for 2030. Following the consensual adoption of this resolution in 2023, with some 90 co-sponsors, we very much hope that we can count on your support again. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Luxembourg. Next is Norway, followed by Uganda and Slovenia.

Thank you, President. My delegation is pleased to announce that Norway will introduce a resolution to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders during the upcoming session, as we did three years ago. We look forward to engaging in constructive and open negotiations with the aim of adoption once again with the Council's consensual support. Also, I wish to highlight that Norway is planning to organize a side event on the 2nd of March focused on strengthening the continued implementation of the so-called 1618 resolution. We look forward to your participation. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Norway. Next, I give the floor to Uganda, followed by Slovenia and Morocco.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Non-Aligned Movement congratulates you on your election as President of the Human Rights Council and members.

Of the Bureau for the year 2026, and we assure you of our cooperation and support.

Mr. President, you take over the leadership of the Council at a tumultuous time when multilateralism, which provides the essential framework for global human rights through international cooperation led by this Council, is under strain. I'm delighted to inform that during the.

61st session, the NAM will table a resolution on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures.

On the enjoyment of human rights under agenda item 3. We believe this resolution is not only timely, but seeks to address the impact of unilateral coercive measures that we believe are illegal and untenable in international law and in violation of the UN Charter.

The NAM looks forward to a constructive dialogue.

With all States and partners in the consideration and conclusion of the text. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uganda on behalf of the NAM. Next, I give the floor to Slovenia, followed by Morocco and the EU.

Thank you, Mr. President. and thank you for giving me the floor. Indeed, the 61st session of the Human Rights Council will take place in particularly challenging times, marked by a convergence of crises, the dangerous normalization of violations, growing selectivity and increasing attempts to weaken accountability. At the same time, expectations for delivery have never been higher. Early warning, prevention, crisis response and accountability are all indispensable for protecting people on the ground. Slovenia, as a third-time member of the Human Rights Council, feels both a strong sense of responsibility and a privilege to contribute to this collective endeavor. We thank the Secretariat for updates regarding envisaged financial resources and the comprehensive assessment of the feasibility of implementing planned activities. These updates are worrying, to say the least. A situation in which the Council risk not being able to fully deliver on its mandate cannot be considered as normal. These updates serve as a continued reminder to all of us of the need to find creative, responsible and sustainable ways to ensure that the Council can still function effectively. In this regard, we very much welcome your planned efforts, Mr. President, to further enhance efficiency and rationalization of the Council's work, the success of which will also depend on our shared ownership, restraint, and collective commitment to delivering tangible results that make a real difference for people. Mr. President, at the 61st session, Slovenia will, in addition to participating in the core groups of several EU resolutions, and as mentioned by our distinguished colleague, together with Austria, present a resolution on the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, underscoring our strong commitment to the protection of minorities and inclusive societies worldwide. This year, the resolution will also include the proposal of extension of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on minority issues for another three years. Slovenia will also organize a high-level event during the first week of the Council entitled Advancing Human Rights and Equality, Investing in Women's Political Leadership in Multilateralism, which will engage with innovative practices and systemic conditions needed to enable women's meaningful participation in multilateral decision making. The event will take place on Tuesday, 24th of February from 1 to 2 p.m. in room 9 in partnership with UN Women and co-sponsorships of Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Liberia, Albania, North Macedonia and Morocco. Last but not least, I would like to remind that the organizational meeting of the open-ended intergovernmental working group on the elaboration of a legally binding instrument on the human rights of older persons will take place from 18 to 20 February. We warmly encourage all States to participate. Your engagement is essential to ensure a diverse, representative and effective outcome, helping to ensure that we age with rights. I thank you.

I thank the delegation, the distinguished representative of Slovenia. Next, I give the floor to Morocco, followed by the EU and Uruguay.

Mr. President, my delegation is glad to announce that we will be co-organizing with the permanent missions of Brazil, Paraguay, Portugal, the OHCHR, and Universal Rights Group, a high-level.

Side event on moving the implementation agenda forward, next steps for the network of national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up and the NMRIF virtual hub.

This event will be held on February 24 at 3:00 p.m. in room 12.

On this occasion, we will be highlighting key.

Developments in connection with the NMRIF agenda, including the adoption of HRC resolution 60/27, the 2026-2030 action plan of the international network of NMRIFs, and the launch of the NMRIF hub. Another side event will be organized during the first week of the Council session by the Convention Against Torture Initiative, CTI, which is led by the Bahamas, Chile, Denmark, Fiji, Ghana, Indonesia, and my own country, Morocco. Against the backdrop of 20 years of the Human Rights Council, this event aims to reflect on its contribution to the global fight against torture and other ill treatments by taking stock of its achievements and lessons learned and identifying how to further strengthen its impact on anti-torture efforts, including support for the universal ratification and effective implementation of the Convention against Torture. My delegation will also be organizing an additional side event on protecting human rights through combating hate speech on March 12 at 2 p.m. in room 3.

This event aims at exploring the pathways.

Towards the promotion and protection of human rights to addressing the challenges linked to the global rise of hate speech. We really hope that we can count on your participation in this important event, and we look forward to our discussions. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Morocco. I still have another 10 on my list and 20 minutes. I next give the floor to the representative of the EU.

President, the European Union will present the following resolutions: A resolution on Belarus to address the situation on the ground, where we report systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations, including some that may amount to crimes against humanity. In light of systemic impunity in the country, continued international monitoring and a strong investigative mandate are required to ensure accountability and justice for victims. The DPRK resolution will draw attention on the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in the DPRK and will express continued support for the work on accountability. Furthermore, the resolution will renew for one year the mandate of the special rapporteur. Third resolution is on Myanmar. It will address the deeply concerning and deteriorating human rights situation in the country. It will seek to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for one year and express continued support for accountability processes, including the independent investigative mechanism on Myanmar as set up by the HRC. The EU will also again present a resolution on freedom of religion or belief in order to underline this Council's firm commitment to the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of religion or belief. All human beings, wherever they live, should be guaranteed the right to have, not to have, to choose, change or leave, to practice and to manifest a religion or belief without fear of violence, persecution or discrimination. We are also pleased to collaborate again with our GRULAC friends on the triennial renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children. We look forward to working with all delegations on these resolutions and on their initiatives. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the EU. Next, I give the floor to Uruguay, followed by Sudan.

Thank you, President. On behalf of a group of states from Latin America and the Caribbean and my own country, we have the honor to inform this Council that during the 61st session, we will be presenting together with the European Union a biennial resolution on the rights of the child. The topic will be children in armed conflict as was previously agreed upon by this Council and the proposed text is firmly enshrined in the applicable international legal framework, particularly international human rights law and international humanitarian law. It focuses on the effective realisation of the rights of children, underlining the importance of prevention, protection accountability and comprehensive reintegration. We encourage all delegations to participate constructively in the negotiating process with a view to achieving a consensus-based text which reflects progress in norms and legislation achieved on the promotion and protection of the rights of the child. At the same time, we reiterate our full readiness to engage in dialogue with interested States and we're pleased to inform you that the first informal consultation on the text will take place on the 2nd of March from 9 to 12 in room 16. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uruguay. Next, I give the floor to Sudan, followed by the Council of Europe and Mexico.

Thank you, Mr. President. We wish you all success in your great mission as President of the Human Rights Council. You have our full support. The Permanent Mission of Sudan is pleased to announce its intention to organize a side event during the upcoming HRC session under the title, "The Protection of Civilian in the Context of Violation of International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights Law, and Women's Rights in Sudan." The event will take place on 26 February from 14 to 15 in room 9 of building A. The objective of the event is to highlight the nature and the magnitude of the violation of the human rights and international humanitarian laws in Sudan and showcase efforts of the Sudan to protect civilians and related challenges, including the external factors. The government of Sudan adopted its national plan for protection of civilians as a policy framework aimed at ensuring the protection of the protective environment with focus on the vulnerable group, including women, girls, and children. The event will shed light on the situation in the Sudan's western region of Darfur, where RSF militia repeatedly and systematically committed various kind of violation against civilian, including ethnically motivated violence, forced displacement, killing, and sexual violence. This invitation, along with a concept note, will be circulated soon. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sudan. Next, I give the floor to the Council of Europe, followed by Mexico and the Holy See.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Let me express our thanks for preparations to the upcoming session of the Human Rights Council. It is my honor to present two side events that the Council of Europe plans to organize on the margins of the sessions in cooperation with other partners. The first one titled A High-Level Conversation from Doha 2025 to Chisinau 2026, Advancing Social Rights and Democratic Stability. The event scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th at 11 in the morning in room 9 is organized jointly by the Council of Europe, ILO, as well as missions of the Republic of Moldova, Qatar, and Portugal. The strategic discussions with confirmed high-level panelists should be a strong voice for recognition of fundamental role of social rights to peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies. The second one, a side event and the exhibition titled Voices, Rights, Action, Standing with Roma and Travellers, is part of this year's celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the DPA. This initiative is a joint project of the Council of Europe, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as missions of Ireland and North Macedonia. The exhibition, located in the hall close to the Salon des Délégués, will start on February 23rd and will last until March 3rd. The site event will take place on Thursday, February 24th at noon in room 9. with formal opening of the exhibition immediately after the site event. We are honored to have the recognized experts who have confirmed their participation. A strong voice of the Roma community will also be heard during the discussion. We warm warmly invite everyone to join us for both site events and visit the exhibition. Invitations with more detailed information are in the process of distribution. And finally, I take this opportunity to express our warm thanks for your last visit, last week visit, Mr. President, to the Council of Europe and addressing the Committee of Ministers' Deputies. It was very important for us. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Council of Europe. Next, I give the floor to Mexico, followed by the Holy See and Greece.

Gracias thank you president at the outset allow me to congratulate you sir as well as members of the bureau and your election as you chair our work of the human rights Council we also congratulate new members of the council you may rest assured of Mexico's full support allow me sir to present various draft initiatives to be presented at the 61st session first of all It's my honor to take the floor on behalf of the core group composed of New Zealand and Mexico to present the draft resolution on the rights of persons with disabilities, digital technologies and inclusive disability infrastructure, including transport and housing. This resolution was last adopted in April 2024. This draft resolution will seek to reaffirm the rights of persons with disabilities and to analyse the challenges that they face in accessing digital technologies as well as infrastructure, particularly transport and housing. The draft resolution will formulate a series of practical recommendations so that States can take measures to guarantee inclusion and full participation of persons with disabilities in these areas. This year marks 20 years since the adoption in 2006 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a historic milestone which has enabled recognition and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities. The draft resolution will highlight this anniversary and will seek to reaffirm progress achieved thus far. We thank all States, organisations of persons with disabilities and civil society organisations who have supported this resolution throughout its existence. The President of Mexico will also be presenting a draft resolution to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants. This is a technical update because in the current terms, the mandate is viewed to be sufficiently broad to cover the various topics of interest and concern in this area. The last resolution on the topic was adopted by consensus at the 52nd session in April 2023. and the resolution will be circulated accompanied by a concept note addressing the ongoing discussions regarding renewal of mandates in the framework of UN 18. Lastly, Mexico and Turkey will be presenting the triennial resolution on birth registration and the right of all to recognition in all parts of the legal personality. This was last adopted in April 2023. We hope that Council members will be actively involved in informal consultations on these draft resolutions and that the Council, like on previous occasions, will adopt these resolutions by consensus. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico, and I give the floor to the Holy See, followed by Greece and the Philippines.

Thank you, Mr. President. During the upcoming high-level segment, the Holy See, together with the International Committee of the Red Cross, is organizing an event on the protection of places of worship during armed conflicts. Places of worship continue to be damaged, destroyed, or misused in armed conflicts across the world, both in the context of international and non-international armed conflicts. In some contexts, such incidents are increasing in frequency and severity, underscoring persistent challenges in compliance with the law. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 00 to 2:00 p.m. We'll be sending out the invitations soon. Please save the date.

Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Holy See. Next, I give the floor to Greece, followed by Philippines and Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr. President. Greece is pleased to announce the organization of two side events in cooperation with other partners during the upcoming session. The first is a high-level event to be held in the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece, entitled Preventing Violence Against Children and Promoting Child-Centered Justice, Advancing Rights-Based and Preventive National Policies. The event will take place on 24th of February from 1 to 2 in Room 8. The second side event to be held on 11th of March from 2 to 3 in room 3 is co-organized with the National Commission for Human Rights of Greece and will focus on business and human rights with particular emphasis on human rights due diligence and its positive impact on companies, the private and public sectors, states and society at large. Further details on both events will be circulated in the coming days. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Greece. Next, I give the floor to the Philippines, followed by Ukraine and Rwanda.

Thank you, Mr. President, and please accept our warmest congratulations and full support to your presidency. Mr. President, the Philippines, in cooperation with Arigatou International, World Vision International, Plan International, and the World Health Organization, will hold a panel discussion on reinforcing accountability to end violence against children within the framework of the annual Day of the Rights of the Child in this session. We are convening this event in line with the Philippines' longstanding advocacy for children's rights and constructive engagement with civil society. We aim to take stock of the progress in the implementation of pledges made at the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, or EVAC, in 2024, and to reinforce accountability for said pledges by leveraging UN human rights mechanisms. By amplifying the voices of children, their concerns and aspirations, we will build momentum for the second EVAC Ministerial Conference, which the Philippines will be honored to host later this year. We invite all delegations, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders to join us on 10 March at 2:00 p.m. at Concordia 1 for a constructive dialogue to advance a world free of violence for our children. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines. Next, I give the floor to Ukraine, followed by Rwanda, and finally, the Netherlands.

Thank you, Mr. President. Nearly four years into the Russian Federation's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, the human rights situation in my country remains dire and continues to deteriorate. In recent months, Russia has further intensified its deliberate attacks against Ukraine's energy and critical civilian infrastructure, leaving millions of people without electricity, heating, and water in the middle of winter. Against this background, I would like to outline Ukraine's key priorities and initiatives in the upcoming session. First, ensuring continued international scrutiny through the extension of the mandate of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. Second, strengthening the Council focus on accountability. Third, maintaining a strong focus on the protection of victims of the aggression, in particular Ukrainian prisoners of war, arbitrarily detained civilians, and unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred children, as well as victims of torture and conflict-related sexual violence. In this context, Ukraine will present an updated resolution on the situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression. reflecting these priorities and building upon the findings of the Commission of Inquiry, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and other relevant UN mechanisms. In addition, Ukraine, together with the Netherlands, Moldova, and the delegation of the Council of Europe and International Bar Association, will organize a side event dedicated to comprehensive accountability efforts, including the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Together with our partners from the core group of the Human Rights Council resolution on the role of states in countering disinformation, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and the United Kingdom, we also plan to organize a side event on disinformation to explore its use as a tool of hybrid warfare and to assess its impact on human rights and democratic processes. Despite the extreme circumstances, Ukraine remains firmly committed to its obligations under international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and to continued cooperation with the United Nations human rights system. We look forward to constructive engagement with all delegations and count on the principled support of Member States during the upcoming session. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ukraine. Next, I give the floor to Rwanda, followed by the Netherlands.

Mr. President, Excellencies, colleagues, Rwanda thanks the briefers for their comprehensive presentations, which have provided valuable clarity on the current constraints, priorities, and proposed responses before the Council. Guam understands and is ready to engage constructively and support efforts to safeguard the Council's work during this challenging period under your leadership, Mr. President. My delegation wishes to share that during the upcoming session, Guam will host a high-level ministerial side event on 23 February at 1:00 p.m. titled "Durban at 25: How Impunity for Hate Speech Fuels cycle of violence and regional instability. The event will explore a crucial aspect of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action ahead of the high-level panel marking its 25th anniversary the following day, thereby enhancing the DTPI visibility. Further details will be shared in due course. Hate speech fuels violence, silences vulnerable voices, and erodes social cohesion. It requires coordinated, decisive action from governments, civil society, tech platforms, and communities. We look forward to our esteemed delegations joining us for this timely discussion to confront and counter hate online and offline. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Rwanda. Next, I give the floor to the Netherlands.

Thank you, Mr. President. We are pleased to announce that we will be co-organizing a high-level side event with Switzerland on the role and significance of the treaty body system. Together with the Human Rights Council, treaty bodies form an essential part of the UN human rights architecture, contributing to the interpretation and implementation of international human rights standards. This side event will provide an opportunity to reflect on those contributions.

The current challenges, and to engage in discussion on strengthening the treaty body system.

Within the broader UN human rights framework. The high-level event will take place on the 24th of February at 1:00 PM in Room 8. A formal invitation will follow, and we look forward to your participation.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Netherlands. We have come to the end of the list of speakers. There were 35 in all. I thank all of them for sharing information on their initiatives. Let me underline that in accordance with resolution 5/1, delegations are invited to conduct open-ended informal consultations to secure the broadest possible support for their initiatives. At least one informal open-ended consultation should be held on each draft resolution and/or decision before it is considered for action by the Council. Consultation should, as much as possible, be scheduled in a timely, transparent and inclusive manner that takes into account the constraints faced by delegations, particularly smaller ones. This will help contribute to a constructive working atmosphere based on transparency, dialogue and cooperation. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, since we have passed 1 p.m., there are only a few more items left on our program, so at least on the chair's note. So let's take a break for now, and then we continue with this at 3 p.m. before we continue then with the program, interactive dialogue on Sudan. I see all are voting by taking off their earpiece. So the meeting now stand adjourned. 00 PM. Have a nice lunch.