Third Committee, 33rd plenary meeting - General Assembly, 80th session General Assembly Date: 30 October 2025 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/c3/80/33 Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- 3rd Committee · Chair [0:02]: Good morning, dear colleagues. The 33rd meeting of the Third Committee at the 80th session of the General Assembly is called to order. I now invite the Committee to continue its consideration of agenda item 71, entitled Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, and its sub-items a to d. I wish to remind delegations that the deadline for submission of draft proposals under this item is on Tuesday, 4 November, at 1:00 p.m. I would now welcome the member of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, Ms. Joye Kwozi Ezealom. Participants wishing to make comments and pose questions to the speaker are invited to press their microphone button within the next three minutes, after which the list will be closed. The time limit for each speaker will be announced before the floor is given to the first speaker. Thank you for your cooperation. I now invite the member of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan to make an introductory statement. Ms. Azeilo, you have the floor. UN · Member [1:03]: Thank you, distinguished President, Excellencies, Delegate. It is an honor to address this committee on behalf of the International Independent Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan. Our chairperson, Mohamed Chan Othman, regrets that he was unable to travel due to unforeseen circumstances. My colleague, expert member, Muna Rishmani, will respond to your questions. As atrocities surrounding the fall of El Fasher to the Rapid Support Forces unfold, our fact-finding mission has gathered direct and harrowing testimonies from survivors that reveal systematic and verified videos of the ongoing attacks against civilians, particularly non-Arab communities. Our initial investigation point to a deliberate pattern of ethnically targeted executions of unarmed civilians, assault, sexual violence, widespread looting, and destruction of vital infrastructure, and mass forced displacement. Humanitarian access among trapped civilians Of course, humanitarian access remains blocked, exacerbating starvation and disease among trapped civilians. Those who fled El Fasher, including wounded and unaccompanied children and the women, risked further subjection to sexual violence. This is only the latest chapter in the book of brutality. Our statement today builds upon our report, Sudan, a War of Atrocities, an associated conference room paper exploring the path to justice and accountability in Sudan. Together, they document the suffering of Sudanese people and stress the urgent need for laying foundations for justice and peace in Sudan. Already in the previous months, the RSF conducted large-scale attacks targeting civilians based on ethnicity, gender, or perceived political affiliation in areas under their control, particularly in and around El Fasher. This included killings, torture, rape, sexual slavery, pillage, forced displacement, and deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war. As El Fasher and surrounding camps of Zamziah and Abu Shuak were besieged, RSF killed thousands, mostly from non-Arab communities. Widespread sexual violence has characterized this conflict. Carried out primarily by the RSF, women and girls, some as young as 10, were subjected to rape, gang rape, sexual slavery, and forced marriage. Men and boys were also not spared. These crimes are not isolated incidents, but form part of a deliberate strategy to punish, intimidate, and erase ethnic identities. These large-scale and systematic lethal attacks amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, including persecution based on intersecting gender, political, and ethnic grounds. We've also documented serious violations by the Sudanese Armed Forces, that amount to war crimes. This includes, in particular, indiscriminate airstrikes on populated areas and civilian infrastructure, reprisal attacks against the civilian population, and failure to protect hospitals, medical personnel, and humanitarian operations. Of particular concern is that two senior World Food Program officials have been asked to leave the country yesterday. Destruction of essential infrastructure has defined this war, with documented attacks by SAF and RSF against hospitals, markets, water systems, and humanitarian convoys. Less than a quarter of health facilities remain operational. Nearly 25 million people face acute food insecurity. The combination of starvation tactics, mass killings, and destruction of infrastructure by the RSF may amount to extermination as a crime against humanity. Civic life has collapsed. Cities and towns lie in ruins. Over 11 million are displaced within and outside Sudan. The scale and persistence of this violation require urgent international action and a genuine commitment to accountability. Sudan is currently unwilling and unable to conduct general investigation or prosecution of international crimes. Its history is marked by impunity. Domestic accountability measures are inadequate characterized by selective justice, lack of fair trial guarantees, and a legal system that fails to protect victims and provide effective remedies. Our report therefore set out a path to justice through inclusive Sudanese dialogue. Victims, survivors, and Sudanese society have the right to know the truth about violations committed, the fate of the missing, and the role of authorities. They have the right to see perpetrators held accountable in fair trials. This can be achieved through expanding the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, ICC, over the entire territory of Sudan and the establishment of complementary independent judicial mechanism. We welcome the ICC judgment of 6 October in the case of Ali Gusha, which demonstrates accountability is possible. States should exercise universal jurisdiction to prosecute international crimes. This is not interference, but a shared duty to uphold international law. Justice must include reparations. Victims cannot wait for peace to receive assistance. They urgently need shelter, food, medical care, psychological support, and access to education and livelihoods. The creation of a victim support and reparation office could deliver interim support. States must use their influence to halt the fighting and achieve peace. All parties must cease hostilities, protect civilians, and respect international law. But sustainable peace needs more. It requires transforming Sudan's justice and security sectors. Legal reform must end impunity for state actors, align domestic law with international standard, restore judicial independence, and ensure no one is above the law. These reforms must be rooted in an inclusive democratic transition, and women must be at the center of the effort. Excellencies, justice is not optional. It is a path to peace. Or without justice, peace is a mirage. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [9:00]: I thank the member of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan. I will now open the floor for questions or comments on the introductory statement. As per past practice, I would ask the delegations to limit their comments to two minutes. I thank you for your kind cooperation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway, to be followed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the European Union. Norway, you have the floor. Norway [9:26]: Thank you, Chair. Let me start by thanking the fact-finding mission for their important and dedicated efforts. The people of Sudan face a catastrophic humanitarian and human rights crisis. There are now alarming reports that the RSF are committing atrocities like summary executions following their takeover of El Fasher. We are gravely concerned about further large-scale, ethnically motivated violations. Safe passage for civilians and safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured. Sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan has escalated to critical levels since the war began in April of 2023. There are continued and credible reports documenting rape, gang rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, abduction, and trafficking. As Sudan has been tainted by alarming levels of conflict-related sexual violence throughout the conflict, we are now gravely concerned about the situation for women and children trapped in El Fasher. The Fact-Finding Mission's latest report has confirmed large-scale atrocities that could constitute war crimes. Some acts may also amount to crimes against humanity. We strongly urge the warring parties to agree to a sustained ceasefire and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. Chair, let me assure you of Norway's continued support for the fact-finding mission to Sudan, and I want to ask how we can best continue to support its vital work. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [10:46]: I thank the distinguished representative of Norway and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, to be followed by the European Union and Japan. Netherlands (Kingdom of the) [10:57]: Thank you, Madam Chair. We align ourselves with the statement to be delivered by the European Union. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is pleased with the. Extension of the important mandate of the independent fact-finding mission, which we supported as part of the core group. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is deeply. Alarmed about the devastating humanitarian situation in Sudan and the persistent use of mass starvation as a weapon of war, evident through the widespread attacks on humanitarian facilities, convoys and aid workers. Furthermore, we are gravely concerned by the latest developments in El Fasher and the alarming. Reports of summary executions and other atrocities committed by the rapid support forces, as well as high levels of civilian casualties and forced displacement. We are particularly disturbed by the ongoing sexual violence, which is aimed primarily at women and girls. For the sake of survivors and to prevent as much as we can. Further sexual violence, we need to hold perpetrators accountable, in addition to providing support for victims. We echo the calls of the UN for safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access, protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian and human rights law. We also urge the warring parties to grant full access to the fact-finding mission to enable. It to carry out its essential work effectively. In this regard, I would like to ask how Member States can better advocate for the work of the fact-finding mission and the important work that you do. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [12:28]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union, to be followed by Japan and Mauritania. EU · EU [12:44]: On behalf of the UN and its member states. We thank the fact-finding mission for its work, whose mandate and extension we support. The war has devastating consequences for millions of civilians. Human rights violations and abuses, as well as mass atrocities, are committed by all parties to the conflict. Civilians pay the highest price. The UN strongly condemns heinous crimes committed in Sudan, including large-scale sexual and gender-based violence, ethnic cleansing, illegal detention, torture, and human trafficking. We call on all parties to cease hostilities and seek a sustainable, peaceful resolution to the conflict to respect IHL and international human rights law. Unhindered humanitarian access must be granted and humanitarian workers must be protected. All parties to the conflict have an obligation to protect civilians and not to target civilians and civilian infrastructure. In the latest report, the mission denounced that both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces were responsible for extensive destruction of essential infrastructure for survival. Despite the UN Security Council resolution in 2024 demanding that the RSF held the siege of El-Fasher, efforts for de-escalation have remained vain. We are gravely concerned about the latest atrocities in El-Fasher, urge the RSF to ensure the protection of civilians, to allow them to reach areas of safety and guarantee humanitarian access. We strongly call on all states to respect the UN arms embargo and refrain from arms deliveries. The EU will continue to do its utmost, including with international accountability mechanisms, to bring perpetrators to justice. The EU continues to support the work of the of the ICC and the UN in the country, and calls on Sudan to cooperate with independent experts in Sudan and with the independent international fact-finding mission. Chair, how can we support your work to enhance accountability for human rights violations in Sudan? I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [14:32]: I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan, to be followed by Mauritania and the United Kingdom. Japan [14:43]: Thank you, Madam Chair. I thank the member of the fact-finding mission for the Sudan for her informative briefing. Japan values the mission's vital role in promoting impartial accountability amid the ongoing hostilities. Japan remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Sudan. The mission's report documents extensive abuses against civilians, including killings, mass displacement, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and sexual violence. According to the report, repeated attacks on civilians and essential facilities constitute serious violation of both international humanitarian and human rights law. Japan again urges all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and uphold their obligations under international law. We call on all parties to ensure immediate, unconditional, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance while fully protecting civilians. In the long term, achieving lasting peace requires an inclusive and orderly transition to civilian governance. I would like to ask the following. The fact-finding mission knows that the siege of Al-Fashir and surrounding areas has created famine-like conditions and may amount to the use of starvation as a method of warfare. Could the Chair share his view on how the international community could most effectively secure safe and sustained humanitarian access under such circumstances? Japan remains committed to working closely with the international community, including through its special envoy for the Horn of Africa, to help end the violence, improve humanitarian access, and restore political stability. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [16:26]: I thank the distinguished representative of Japan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mauritania, to be followed by the United Kingdom and Slovenia. Mauritania · Africa Group [16:36]: Thank you. I have the honor to deliver the statement on behalf of the African Group. Mr. Chair, the African Group reiterates the unwavering solidarity with the people of Sudan at this difficult time. We recall the importance of the principle of complementarity, security, and African solution for African problems. The African Group welcomes the regional mediation efforts and initiative to resolve the crisis in Sudan. We also welcome all support efforts to the negotiation by regional and international actor. We reaffirm the need for single coordinating international effort to resolve the crisis in Sudan into the auspices of the EU together with IGAD, with the support of the UN, League of Arab States and key international partner, and based on the EU roadmap for the resolution for the Sudan crisis. At this stage, we are of the view that the immediate and utmost priority to the silence of guns and achieve the ceasefire, we call for immediate implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2736, guaranteeing the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid. We urge all Sudanese parties to continue dialogue toward amicable, consensual solutions to the political impasse in Sudan and lead the country to a smooth and peaceful transition to democracy. We appreciate the EU PSC communique. which notes that progress made by the appointment of the civilian government led by Dr. Kamal Idris and expresses hope that will contribute meaningfully to ongoing efforts to restore constitutional order and democracy governance in Sudan. We urge the international community to provide all necessary support to the Sudan. The African Group appreciates the cooperation of the Government of Sudan with OHCHR and UN-designated experts and urges to continue that cooperation with the OSCHR to continue the technical assistance to Sudan. The African Group appreciates the. 3rd Committee · Chair [18:37]: I thank the distinguished representative of Mauritania. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom, to be followed by Slovenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [18:48]: Thank you, Madam Chair. The United Kingdom thanks the fact-finding mission for its report. The situation is appalling. Civilians targeted by ethnicity, women and girls subjected to sexual violence, and indiscriminate attacks by both parties. The RSF siege and occupation of El Fasher has devastated communities, while SAF reprisals have been brutal. The weaponisation of aid and attacks on civilian infrastructure are unconscionable. The Sudanese people are suffering today partly because of the absence of accountability. The FFM is the only independent body documenting these crimes, and this independent evidence is essential to ensure justice. The Human Rights Council's decision to extend the FFM's mandate demonstrates international support for its role, and we must ensure that it has the necessary resources and access to complete its work. On the current situation, our priorities are clear. First, we must implement the commitments in the Jeddah declaration, agree to a ceasefire and a lasting political solution. Second, we must enable rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to areas of greatest need. That will send a clear message. The people of Sudan are not forgotten. Madam Chair, I'd like to ask, given the intensifying violence in El Fasher, what can the international community do to help deliver peace and justice in the absence of credible domestic accountability? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [20:14]: I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia, to be followed by the Islamic Republic of Iran and France. Slovenia [20:25]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Slovenia welcomes this first opportunity to engage directly with FFM here in New York. Your reporting confirms what we have long feared: civilians deliberately targeted, displacement camps, markets, water, food, health, and power systems destroyed, humanitarian access obstructed, and sexual violence weaponized. As Slovenia has consistently underlined, the suffering of Sudan's people is not a tragedy of circumstance, but the result of deliberate choices. The atrocities we continue to witness, today most visibly in and around El-Fasher, perpetrated by the RSF, show a total disregard for human life and for the most basic rules of war. We reiterate that regardless of the actors of their military objectives, the protection of civilians must remain absolute. We call on the RSF and SAF to fully respect international humanitarian and human rights law, to lift sieges, open humanitarian corridors, and allow safe and unhindered passage for civilians and humanitarian aid. Our message is clear. Accountability must no longer be deferred. What we are witnessing in El-Fasher is a stark reminder of the human cost of impunity. Those who order, enable, or commit atrocities must face justice. We urge the mission to continue collecting and preserving evidence for future prosecutions, and call on all states to support mechanisms capable of holding perpetrators to account. Madam Chair, I would like to ask a question to the FFM. From your perspective, what immediate steps can be taken to operationalize a victim-centered accountability process, and how can member states best support evidence preservation and future prosecutions? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [22:10]: I thank the distinguished representative of Slovenia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to be followed by France and the Russian Federation. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [22:21]: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the paramount importance of addressing human rights issues in a fair, balanced, and objective manner through a constructive, non-confrontational, non-politicized, and non-selective approach. Dialogue and cooperation should form the foundation of all human rights efforts, guided by respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, impartiality, and transparency. It is equally essential to take into account the political, historical, social, and cultural particularities of each country. The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its principled position of rejecting country-specific resolutions and their ensuing mandates, including those concerning the situation of human rights in Sudan. Such approaches have proven counterproductive, undermining genuine dialogue and cooperation, which serves only the narrow political agenda of certain Western countries. We believe that politicized assessment and selective reporting not only fail to reflect the reality on the ground, but also weaken the credibility and impartiality of this very committee. Persistent challenges and impediments such as unilateral coercive measures, which violate the human rights of Sudanese, must be seen and appropriately addressed. Given the UN's ongoing liquidity crisis, country-specific mechanisms and their parallel reporting processes in New York and Geneva must be seriously reconsidered within the framework of the forthcoming reforms. These mechanisms have largely lost their objectivity, constructiveness, and purpose, especially when established without the consent of the concerned country, including the one on Sudan. Thank you very much. 3rd Committee · Chair [24:06]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France, to be followed by the Russian Federation and the Plurinational State of Bolivia. France [24:23]: France joins with the statement by the EU. Serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed from the outset of the combat by the Sudanese armies, RSF, and armed groups which are allied with them, civilians, and women and children are the first of their victims. The work of the mission, looking at facts, is essential to ensure that there is no impunity, and we welcome its renewal. This work is complementary with what the ICJ is doing, which has just sentenced Mr. Abdul Rahman for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur between 2003 and 2004. France condemns firmly the and intensification since the 26th of October of the RSF offensive in El Fasher. This has led to famine and a dramatic human crisis. It's withdrawing its support from the UN, particularly WFP on the ground. We express our grave concern looking at the reports on atrocities perpetrated by the RSF in El Fasher. Madam, France urges all parties to the conflict to ensure, with no discrimination, the protection of civilian populations and the arrival of humanitarian aid pursuant to their undertakings and obligations under international humanitarian law. We require that they act in good faith, urgently, taking part in negotiations to lead to a ceasefire and remain mobilized in order to support the endeavours to contribute to a settlement of the conflict and the of sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Sudan. 3rd Committee · Chair [26:17]: The floor now goes to the Russian Federation, after which the plurinational state of Bolivia and Croatia will speak. Russian Federation [26:25]: The developments in Sudan are deeply concerning to us. Hostilities are underway with a large number of casualties and a challenging humanitarian situation. So, the country needs a balanced and constructive approach to resolving all the problems facing the legitimate government. This is primarily so in the states of Darfur and Kordofan. In that regard, we are disappointed at the politicized conclusions of the report of the so-called fact-finding mission of the Human Rights Council on Sudan. The conclusions of the mission were prepared without any coordination with the government of the country, and they were based on hypothetical scenarios while fully ignoring the reality of what's happening on Sudanese soil. We view this as an unacceptable attempt to the legitimate government of the country with a disparate group of rebels which are continuing to sow chaos in the south of Sudan. We'll recall that the RSF, which is opposing the authorities of the country, has failed to implement the resolution 2736 asking to lift the blockade on Al-Fasher and in northern Darfur. However, the report doesn't reflect at all the efforts of Sudan's government, which is cooperating with UN structures and is open for advice and business-like recommendations. We urge the parties of the conflict to show political will and take requisite action to stop the armed confrontation which has caused so much civilian suffering. We believe that any disagreements can be resolved by Sudanese themselves at the negotiating table with no dictates coming from abroad with regard to the ideal paths to solve the problem. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [27:53]: Representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the plurinational state of Bolivia, to be followed by Croatia. Bolivia (Plurinational State of) · Group of Friends of the UN Charter [28:05]: Thank you, Madam Chair. The Plurinational State of Bolivia has the honor of taking the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends of the United Nations Charter. Madam, We would like to voice our serious concern about the continuous and growing proliferation of mechanisms which are intended impartially to assess the human rights situation in certain states based on biased sources lacking credibility, just serving as propaganda. The propagation of resolutions on a country without the consent of the government runs counter to all principles of objectivity and impartiality and is counter to the very spirit of the UN Charter. The UPR, treaty bodies and the special procedures of the Human Rights Council are platforms which must promote generally the human rights spirit in a just and constructive manner on the basis of dialogue and cooperation in terms of mutual respect and also pursuant to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. We have to avoid avoid that the spirit that should guide us be used to promote political agendas in certain states. We reject the practice of having the Security Council look at matters beyond its mandate, including human rights issues, in pursuit of certain states' political objectives. Our Group of Friends has insisted that the politicization of human rights should not occur and the only way of ensuring the full respect of the human rights pillar. 3rd Committee · Chair [30:05]: Distinguished representative of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Croatia, to be followed by Eritrea and China. Croatia [30:15]: Thank you, Chair. Croatia aligns with the EU statement and I would like to add some remarks in my national capacity. Madam Chair, there have to be consequences. The findings of the fact-finding mission on Sudan are horrifying, a record of atrocities that should shock the conscience of a soul. The deliberate targeting of civilians, systematic sexual violence, the starvation of communities, the destruction of hospitals, and the displacement of millions cannot and must not go unpunished. Recent Al-Fasher reports reveal again that Sudan has become a crisis of humanity. It is a horrifying prospect that today victims in different conflicts have to compete for our attention, and it feels as if we are comparing the scale of suffering. The world must not look away from Sudan. Every day without peace deepens the wounds of the Sudanese society and further erodes the prospects for justice and reconciliation. Furthermore, the conflict has already drawn in external actors engaged in arms smuggling, global mercenaries, and illegal oil and gold trade. We thank the fact-finding mission for its courageous work under extraordinary difficult circumstances. The report makes clear that both parties to the conflict have committed war crimes and that the conduct of the RSF may amount to crimes against humanity, including persecution, torture, and extermination. The use of starvation as a weapon of war and the siege of entire communities are particularly appalling. On the positive side, the Sudanese grassroots civil society organizations and volunteers have shown responsibility, courage, and efficiency at times when the Sudanese and international institutions are failing to provide basic services to the population. No surprise that these organizations were recognized and awarded by the international community. These actors must be involved in the negotiations on the future of Sudan. Croatia believes the international community must support credible pathways towards democratic transition in Sudan, one rooted in accountability, justice, and respect for human rights. We must break the vicious spiral of impunity causing suffering. 3rd Committee · Chair [32:16]: I thank the distinguished representative of Croatia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Eritrea, to be followed by China and Ireland. Eritrea [32:29]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Eritrea reiterates its position that it rejects any country-specific mandates, including the mandate of so-called independent international fact-finding mission for Sudan. the practice is selective and politically motivated to exert undue political pressure on a sovereign state. Human rights situations of all countries should be evaluated fairly, equitably, and with full respect for national sovereignty. Progress in the promotion and protection of human rights can only be achieved by ensuring universality, objectivity, and non-selectivity, not politicization, selectivity, or double standards. We believe that the situation in Sudan should be solved through genuine dialogue and cooperation and respecting the sovereignty of Sudan, not by establishing the politically motivated mandate of the so-called independent international fact-finding mission. I thank you, Madam Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [33:32]: I thank the distinguished representative of Eritrea. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China, to be followed by Ireland and Luxembourg. China [33:42]: Madam Chair, the Chinese delegation takes note of the report of the Sudan Fact-Finding Mission. As the armed conflict in Sudan drags on, the country's economy and people's livelihoods continue to worsen with a dire humanitarian situation. The cross-border movement of refugees and the illicit flow of weapons have highlighted the spillover effect that destabilize the region. The imperative is to achieve a ceasefire, ease tensions, and pursue a political solution as the fundamental way forward to achieve sustainable reconciliation. All parties should play a constructive role and work together to help Sudan return to lasting peace. The solution lies in finding a path suited to Sudan's national conditions and the people's interests, which respects its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. The Sudanese government has repeatedly stated its opposition to the establishment of the mission. Imposing a country-specific mechanism against the will of the government will only complicate the problem. The focus should instead be on dialogue and cooperation, strengthening technical assistance to help Sudan protect and promote human rights. China supports strengthened UN cooperation with the Sudanese government and improvement of humanitarian access, and calls on relevant countries to adopt responsible policies, resume international aid as soon as possible to avoid aggravating the humanitarian crisis. Thank you, Madam Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [34:57]: I thank the distinguished representative of China. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland, to be followed by Luxembourg and Switzerland. Ireland [35:06]: Thank you, Chair. Ireland aligns with the EU statement and thanks the fact-finding mission for Sudan for its report. Ireland welcomes recent extension of the mission's mandate. We support your vital work in independently investigating violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in Sudan. It is of the utmost importance that you receive unhindered access to fully carry out your mission. Ireland is gravely concerned by the findings in your most recent report that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in Sudan. Ireland has consistently condemned the widescale and systematic targeting of civilians, highlighting in particular the use of starvation as a weapon of war and widespread acts of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. These attacks must end. Particular attention should be paid to the investigation of acts of sexual and gender-based violence. We are horrified by the reports coming out of El Fasher this week. All States have a responsibility to prevent, investigate and hold perpetrators accountable for these heinous acts. Our question is how can the international community contribute to ensuring that national and international justice processes will be survivor-centered and survivor-led. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [36:18]: I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Luxembourg, to be followed by Switzerland and Algeria. Luxembourg [36:28]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Luxembourg aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. We thank the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan for its support and for its presentation today. We reaffirm our full support to its mandate. Luxembourg is alarmed at the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. two and a half years of war have sparked serious human rights violations, and these have particularly hit women and children hard. Twenty years after an international mobilization to halt the genocide in Darfur, the region is again at the epicenter of violence. The RSF has held the civilian population of the city of Al-Fasher in a stranglehold for over 500 days. Their incessant drone and artillery attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure have made the city unlivable. This is a flagrant example of the use of the civilian population as a weapon of war, and it should recall our responsibility to protect, which is an international norm that we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of this year. Let us not forget that we We call upon all the parties to ensure a humanitarian ceasefire, a safe passage for civilians, and an end to all foreign interference. We also welcome the report of the fact-finding mission of the African Commission of Human and People's Rights, and we want to ask you how we can ensure synergy and strong cooperation between these two mechanisms. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [37:59]: I thank the distinguished representative of Luxembourg. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland, to be followed by Algeria. Switzerland [38:09]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Switzerland thanks the FFM for its report, and we reaffirm our full support for its mandate. We are deeply disturbed by the recent developments in Al-Fashir and in Kordofan. According to the reports of the OHCHR, the RSF currently controls significant parts of Al-Fashir and Bahr. Information received has told of atrocities, in particular summary executions. Given the high risk for civilian populations, we urgently call upon all of the parties, in particular we call on the RSF, to end hostilities, to respect international humanitarian law, and to prevent any ethnically motivated violence, as well as any sexual or gender-based violence. We are also strongly concerned by the reports of the use of hunger as a method of war used by the RSF and its allies. Switzerland reiterates its call to the parties to guarantee rapid, untrammeled humanitarian access for all civilians in need, and we call for full cooperation with the UN and the International Criminal Court. We also call upon all states to fully implement the weapons embargo which was decided on by the Security Council. The devastating war in Sudan must be ended. We welcome the efforts of the Quad Group in this context. Guaranteeing accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights maintains a priority for Switzerland. The work of the fact-finding mission is more essential than ever, and we welcome the renewal of its mandate. Finally, we have a question. How can the international community help you to obtain better access to key stakeholders, including in the neighboring countries of Sudan? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [40:07]: Thank you, distinguished representative of Switzerland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria, to be followed by Germany. Algeria [40:16]: Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation expresses its full solidarity with Sudan and reaffirms the need to uphold its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Those fundamental principles must remain unviolable and must not be compromised under any circumstances. Algeria stresses that unilateral actions, such as the establishment of parallel governing authority in areas under RSF control, condemned and rejected by the UN and the AU, risk deepening divisions and fueling the conflict at a time when Sudan needs unified efforts to secure an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and to launch an inclusive, Sudanese-led political process reflecting the Sudanese people's aspirations for peace. Algeria condemns the ongoing efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict and calls for the removal of all obstacles to its delivery. The recent grave developments in El Fasher, Northern Darfur, are simply appalling. The RSF, who seized control of this city in violation of Security Council Resolution 2736, is committing all imaginable violations against innocent civilians. My country firmly rejects all forms of external interference, particularly the provision of military support to the parties to the conflict, as such actions only foment the conflict and prolong the suffering of Sudanese people. Algeria calls on all parties to engage sincerely in regional and international efforts toward de-escalation, to prioritize dialogue and national consensus in the interest of Sudan's unity and stability. I thank you, Madam Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [41:57]: I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany. Germany [42:04]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Germany aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the fact-finding mission for its vital work. The most recent events in El Fasher are utterly shocking and alert us once again of the urgency to end this brutal conflict. The countless human rights violations by all sides, as identified by the FMM, are appalling. Germany strongly condemns the ongoing attacks and alleged war crimes by the Rapid Support Forces against civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian workers. We are deeply concerned by the reports of summary executions and attacks on health facilities and civilians along escape routes. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must not be a target. We call on the conflicting parties to end these horrific atrocities and bring this war to an end. The Third Committee and the international community as a whole must demonstrate its ability to help mitigate and resolve this conflict. We must act swiftly now to collect all possible evidence on the perpetrators and set the stage for criminal justice. We commend the work of the fact-finding mission and call on extending all possible efforts to collect, verify, and catalogue all available evidence and testimony. Germany joined the core group behind the resolution extending the FMM's mandate that was recently adopted in Geneva, one important step, more needs to be done. Madam Chair, what more can be done to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Sudan? I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [43:38]: I thank the distinguished representative of Germany. I now give the floor to the member of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, Ms. Mona Elshamawy. You have the floor. UN · Member [43:49]: Thank you very much, and thank you, members and delegates, for these very, very good questions. As we are meeting today, we have serious concerns about the situation in Sudan, as my colleague, Joan Goze Zelo, just mentioned, four particular problems that we are actually very worried about. Revenge killings, sexual violence, destruction of basic infrastructure, particularly medical centers and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian assistance. Together, they form atrocities beyond our imaginations. The civilians are suffering. People are leaving Al-Fashir without their clothes, with bare clothes, with bare minimum to seek safety and security with really very difficult situation. You asked very good and pertinent question. How can we support the civilians in this situation, not only in El Fasher but beyond? And how we can support, how you can support our work? The first thing that I'd like to stress is the importance of supporting the recommendations. We actually call on the parties to stop this senseless fight. This fight has to stop. It doesn't serve anyone. It doesn't help anyone except for very few. We ask for the parties, particularly the government of Sudan, to fully cooperate with the fact-finding mission and with the International Criminal Court to surrender those who are wanted by the court and to allow those and to allow the persons subject to arrest warrant to be tried in a fair and in a fair way. I am really sorry. For other states, we would like to see avenues to bring the perpetrators to justice. Convincing the parties to stop the war hasn't worked. We need deterrence. We need really to activate all the tools in our justice and accountability box. This includes the exercise of universal jurisdiction, the establishment of an independent and impartial judicial mechanisms focusing on Sudan, because the justice system in Sudan has not worked all these years. To suspend cooperation with individuals suspected of international crimes, that's really important. and to impose targeted sanctions against the individuals who are responsible and directing the war and international crimes. And also to fund victims and support, victim support and interim reparatory measures, because these are important. We are looking forward to the next phase in the ICC case, in the Ali Koshib case, because the next phase will be the reparation phase, and this will be particularly important for the victims. You asked about the synergy between our work and the fact-finding, the African Commission fact-finding mission. We salute the African Commission, the joint fact-finding mission by the African Commission and the EU Peace and Security Council. Our conclusions are very similar, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Sudan. We support their conclusion. and that there should be an EU deployed protection force, peacekeeping force for the protection of civilians in Sudan. They made this recommendation, and it's really an important recommendation. We also support their finding that there has to be an independent judicial mechanism focusing on Sudan, African-led, as they call it. There was a question to us about how can the international community support access. We've been We've been to the neighboring countries and we saw the how the host communities, actually the generous support from the host communities for the Sudanese who are fleeing the conflict. I can only imagine with the situation in El Fasher how these communities will have to endure even more to support peace. So we are extremely grateful to the host communities and to the countries who are hosting refugees. Uganda, Kenya that we visited, and hopefully will be soon in South Sudan. Egypt has also hosted really large number of individuals, and we would like to visit and see for ourselves how the generosity of the Egyptian people in that regard. And we would like also, of course, as I said, access and cooperation with Sudan itself is very important. If this is about the people of Sudan, it's about The suffering of the people of Sudan cooperating with our fact-finding mission only highlights how much you care about your own people and how you want the story of your own people to come out to the international community. There was a good question about evidence reservation and collection of evidence. I think this is really important. And here, I would like to stress the role of Sudanese civil society. They've been doing amazing work in this regard. They need to continue to-- and they need to be supported in the documentation of these atrocities and violations. And they need also to be very much part of the solution. They have very good ideas. We talk to them all the time. They have very good ideas about how to end this conflict and how to build a new Sudan based on rule of law and justice institutions. My final word, I think, and I'm about, yeah, yeah. My final word is really about the importance of unhindered humanitarian assistance for the Sudanese people, particularly the people of El Fasher at this stage. Our hearts to go to our brothers and sisters in Al-Fashir. It's really very difficult situation. You are talking about people who were starved for months, 18 months, and now they are enduring unspeakable atrocities. Humanitarian access is very much needed, and unhindered access is important. And attacks on humanitarian worker -- and workers at this stage is really incredibly serious crime in the context that we are looking at. It's always a serious crime, but at this stage it's even more because you are talking about people who've been starved for about 18 months. We talked already about extermination, the crime of extermination, and my worry is that even that is not enough to describe what is going on in Al-Fasher at this stage. Thank you very much, and thank you for your. 3rd Committee · Chair [51:16]: I thank both members of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan for their contributions. I would now like to welcome the chair of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua, Mr. Jan-Michael Simon. Participants wishing to make comments and pose questions to the speaker are invited to press their microphone button within the next three minutes, after which the list will be closed. The time limit for each speaker will be announced before the floor is given to the first speaker. Thank you for your cooperation. I now invite the chair of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua to make an introductory statement. Mr. Simon, you have the floor. UN · Chair [51:55]: Thank you very much, Madam Chair, Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates. The inclusion of Nicaragua in the programme of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly is without precedent. It reflects a growing concern. It's a significant decision, reflecting the growing concern of the international community about the human rights situation in Nicaragua, one of the most alarming amongst Latin American and Caribbean states. The Nicaraguan authorities have refused to acknowledge or engage with our group. We have been denied access to the country and have received no response to multiple letters. One day before the presentation of our most recent report, this year's one, which is now before you, Nicaragua withdrew from the Human Rights Council. and moreover decided to discontinue its cooperation with the UPR. In this context, the Human Rights Council extended our mandate until 2027 and moved it to item 4 of its agenda, relating to situations requiring its special attention. The resolution was adopted by a large majority of 29 votes in favor and 4 against. Since the beginning of our mandate and the Human Rights Council in 2022, we have published three reports and eight supplementary documents. Our findings are based on more than 1,900 interviews and 9,300 documents. We have documented patterns of serious, systematic, and widespread human rights violations and abuses committed since April 2018 against an ever-growing range of real or perceived opponents and their relatives inside the country and abroad. Some of those violations constitute prima facie crimes against humanity of murder, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, enforced disappearance, deportation and persecution. In compliance with our mandate, six months ago, we published a list of 54 alleged perpetrators of violations. We also published 10 functional diagrams illustrating the de jure and de facto connections between different state and non-state entities involved in the repression. Your Excellencies, the repression that began in 2018 has passed through four interconnected phases. Each phase furthered the dismantling of the rule of law in the civic space and consolidated the full concentration of power in the hands of the now co-presidents, Ortega-Murillo. The first phase, from 2018 to 2020, was marked by the violent and disproportionate suppression of widespread legitimate protests. Hundreds of extrajudicial executions and serious bodily injuries were committed. People with key roles in the protests were detained en masse and arbitrarily, and amnesty law guaranteed impunity for those responsible. The second phase in 2021 was marked by selective repression, focusing on arbitrary arrests and unfair trials. Its aim was to remove any obstacle to President Ortega's re-election. Opposition parties had their legal status revoked, candidates and civic leaders were arrested, and the main independent media outlets were closed down and confiscated. The third phase in 2022 was characterized by the complete eradication of organized political opposition and social sectors with the capacity to mobilize people and autonomous social influence. Thousands of non-profit organizations and the remaining independent media outlets were shut down. The fourth phase, which began in 2023 and continues today, is focused on consolidating the total concentration of state power in the presidency. A large number of Nicaraguans have been expelled from the country or prevented from returning. Hundreds of victims have been stripped of their nationality, property and pensions. The repression extends beyond national borders. The total erosion of human rights and the rule of law culminated in early 2025 with a major overhaul of the Constitution. The de facto dissolution of the separation of powers was formalized with the granting of virtually unlimited authority to the co-presidents. The serious and systematic violations of human rights are part of a policy designed to silence, incapacitate and punish anyone and everyone who opposes the co-presidents politically, even remotely. The co-presidents have merged the state and the Sandinista National Liberation Front into a unified machine of repression. The result? is a state apparatus that turns the state and the homeland from a safe place into a trap for human rights. The large-scale deprivation of nationality has been one of the most egregious practices. Since February 2023, at least 452 Nicaraguans have been stripped of their nationality through court orders. These actions have rendered hundreds of Nicaraguans de jure stateless, in open violation of Nicaragua's obligation under the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness of 1961. I thank you for your questions in this interactive dialogue. 3rd Committee · Chair [58:22]: I thank the Chair of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua. I will now open the floor for questions or comments to Mr. Simon. As per past practice, I would ask the delegations to limit their comments to one and a half minutes. I thank you for your kind cooperation. I first give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nicaragua as the concerned state. You have seven minutes. Nicaragua [58:56]: Madam Chair, the Government of Reconciliation and National Unity of the Republic of Nicaragua reiterates that our party is no longer part of the manipulated, obsolete and interfering Human Rights Council. We recall that the third commission has essentially social, humanitarian, cultural mandate. This commission and indeed the UNGA should not be used for purposes of political exploitation or to promote debates and reports which go beyond its mandate and distort its main purpose. Nicaragua denounces the systematic and perverse practice of manipulating human rights as political weapons, stripping them of their universal essence and using them as instruments of domination and imperial interference. Madam, Nicaragua has a people which is worthy, free, and unbowed, which will never bow to blackmail or colonial action disguised as concerns for human rights. Nicaragua will never accept interference, neither would allow the promotion and protection of human rights as a pretext to impose imperialist and neo-colonial agendas, which are counter to the UN Charter and the principle of sovereign equality of states. With full historical, moral, and political authority, our country rejects any resolution or report lacking legitimacy, as the ill-named experts' report on human rights in Nicaragua devised to fabricate accusations and justify political aggression against our country. This group, imposed by Western powers and their lackeys with politically destabilizing agendas, which are very well known, brings up, draws up reports supported in biased sources and criteria manipulated by individuals and organizations funded by these countries in order to distort reality in our nation. This document is apocryphal, it doesn't reflect truth in Nicaragua or the voice of the state, it's without any legal, ethical or political value and it's a mere pamphlet lacking authority and requiring aggression, asking for aggression. We are perfectly well aware of the reason for creating and keeping alive this group, disguised as a legitimate one, its promoters covering up its true agenda to impose sanctions, UCMs and criminal blockades against our people. These measures are true crimes against humanity. They directly violate the human rights of Nicaraguan families. They hamper the right to development, health, education, food, drinking water, and essential human rights. In this report, there is no reflection anywhere of the negative effect of these illegal measures on the people. We have to indicate the hypocrisy of these Western countries trying to justify what is unjustifiable with the illegal UCMs imposed on our free and sovereign people. These double standards of Western countries is clearly revealed by the total support given to Israel regarding the genocide in Palestine. Here, Western countries do not impose UCMs. Moreover, The world is a witness of the inhumane treatment, the anti-migrant policies, the racist phobia remaining from the genocide committed against our native peoples. These Western countries are charlatans without any morals or ethics on human rights. The silence of the report on the crimes against humanity is a complicit one. If there was a real desire to analyze the situation of human rights in Nicaragua, they would use statistics and sound sources for their analysis against the economic and financial aggression against Nicaragua. Imperialists and neo-colonialists have started wars, invasion, and genocide in all continents, claiming that they are beacons of moral virtue, with flouting human rights and democracy, covering their true crimes against humanity. We will not be lectured by those who are without political and moral authority. Their rhetoric against human rights collapses when we look at their own countries, where we find many deep contradictions. Madam, Nicaragua, speaking with the authority of facts, in our country, human rights are alive. We see this every day in hospitals, schools, universities. We're open and free for all, with sound housing, roads, drinking water and energy for all. We look at security for citizens, ensuring peace in our social productive programs, restoring rights to women, children, young people, older people, and our Afro-descendant and First Peoples. This is the truth of Nicaragua, a truth which is built from work, sacrifice, and dignity. We've eradicated illiteracy, we have reduced extreme poverty, and we have a social model which puts human dignity at the center, the rights and the welfare of Nicaraguan families. These are forms of progress achieved by the people so that they can live with dignity, freedom, and sovereignty. If we're talking of human rights, the first right that needs to be respected is the right of people to live in peace with their own sovereignty, with dignity and self-determination. Madam, Nicaragua ratifies its adhesion to the UN Charter and international law. Our history of struggle has taught us to defend human rights. Faced with this campaign of disinformation, Nicaragua reasserts its full commitment to promote and protect human rights in our people. We will continue towards peace. What we ask for is the respect of the sacred right of peoples, without foreign interference, colonialism, or blackmail. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:05:38]: I thank the distinguished representative of Nicaragua. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belarus, to be followed by Brazil and Canada. Belarus [1:05:50]: Madam Chair, distinguished colleagues. Belarus reaffirms its principled position, namely, we don't accept country-based approaches in the UN's work, that includes the activities of the Group of Experts on Human Rights in Nicaragua. We categorically reject the use of human rights to justify the meddling in the domestic affairs of sovereign states. Such approaches completely fly in the face of the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity, which are the bedrock of the entire human rights system. We regret to note the non-objective approach used in the report of the group of experts on human rights in Nicaragua. The report focuses exclusively on negative narratives while passing over in complete silence the consistent efforts of the government of Nicaragua to improve the situation in areas such as healthcare, education, gender equality, and the rights of indigenous peoples. We would like to point out that the group of experts doesn't talk about the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights in Nicaragua. We also firmly condemn the report's recommendation to widen these sanctions. We consistently oppose the fact that the We consistently advocate for the fact that the main mechanism for considering human rights issues in all countries, with no exceptions, is the Universal Periodic Review in the UN Human Rights Council, which objectively assesses progress achieved in this area. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:07:16]: Representative for Belarus. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil, to be followed by Canada and Mexico. Brazil [1:07:25]: Madam Chair, we thank the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua for its report. Brazil remains very concerned with the deterioration of human rights in Nicaragua. We are especially concerned with the erosion of the rule of law and of the independence of the judiciary and legislative branches. And particularly, we note the systematic restrictions on fundamental freedoms, as well as documented cases of arbitrary detention, unfair trials, and forced disappearances and torture. We are alarmed with the profound negative impact of those human rights violations on children, including the cases of statelessness. The report highlights that new constitutional text, we can base human rights guarantees, eliminating for example, the express prohibition of torture and goes into creating excessive powers on the executive branch. It is also crucial to respect the rights of indigenous peoples and people of African descent related to their autonomy and territories. We welcome the relevant participation of women in government positions. Those policies regarding the rights of women could be strengthened with concrete measures to combat feminist side and sexual and gender-based violence in Nicaragua. Brazil urges Nicaragua to resume its full cooperation with the Human Rights Council, its special mechanisms, and the universal periodic review. We also urge that the recommendations of the HRC to be considered in order to align the constitutional text with international human rights standards. Thank you so much. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:08:54]: I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada, to be followed by Mexico and Uruguay. Canada [1:09:03]: Thank you, Chair. Canada welcomes the report by the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua and commends its continued efforts to document serious human rights violations. We are deeply concerned about the report's findings, including the systematic strategy by Nicaraguan authorities to silence dissent across borders, exemplified by the June 2025 assassination of Roberto Samcom in his house in San Jose. Nicaraguans must be safe from persecution wherever they are. Canada condemns the regime's use of intimidation, surveillance, economic dismantling and arbitrary revocation of citizenship, which risks rendering individuals stateless and isolates further exiled Nicaraguans. We urge Nicaragua to respect its international human rights obligations, fully cooperate with the United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and cease targeting victims, survivors, witnesses, and others who engage with these important bodies to report abuses or seek justice. Canada also calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners, including those risk of enforced disappearances. We remain committed to working with all partners, regional organizations to advance human rights, the rule of law, and support a peaceful democratic future for Nicaragua. We also have the following question for the group of experts. What avenues can we explore for international accountability, and what would you recommend to ensure this accountability is? 3rd Committee · Chair [1:10:34]: I thank the distinguished representative of Canada. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico, to be followed by Uruguay and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Mexico [1:10:48]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Mexico welcomes the presentation of the report of the Group of Experts on Human Rights on Nicaragua and realizes that this was indeed a difficult task, given the circumstances. We have to indicate the importance of full cooperation, open cooperation with the international system for the protection of human rights, including cooperation with mechanisms established by the Council, Mexico has made international cooperation on human rights a state policy. Over the years, we have extended open invitations for special procedures, received visits from international mechanisms and systematically obeyed the recommendations of the treaty bodies. This interaction has not been a formal exercise. It has led to strengthening of our institutions, better public policies, and a more solid ability to meet the challenges in promoting and protecting human rights. On the basis of our experience, we believe that cooperation and international scrutiny do not undermine sovereignty. Quite the opposite, they consolidate more democratic, transparent, and responsible institutions. We therefore appeal to the Government of Nicaragua to allow the unrestricted access of the human rights mechanisms and that it consider their recommendations. The road to lasting peace and a fairer society must recognize violations, justice and reparation for victims. Mr. Chair, thanks. Uruguay [1:12:26]: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Uruguay would like to thank the Group of Experts on Human Rights on Nicaragua for its report and reiterate our support for their mandate. We believe in the value of democracy as a system of government and strengthening social and political pluralism, which means the healthy coexistence of various opinions and societal plans. We are extremely extremely concerned as we witness the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in Nicaragua. We regret the fact that there are still records of ongoing violations of human rights in Nicaragua, including amongst citizens who have left the country on political grounds. The procedure of withdrawing nationality is a form of political repression as is denial of re-entry, removal of professional documents and professional qualifications. The cumulative effect of these measures robs the victims of their legal identity and indeed leaves them stateless. Madam, we believe that dialogue is the first step towards the building of inclusive societies. We encourage the government of Nicaragua to establish a plural national dialogue with all political and social actors in order to establish democracy and the full respect of human rights of all in Nicaragua. Uruguay is in a position to cooperate. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:13:58]: I thank the distinguished representative of Uruguay. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, to be followed by the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Democratic People's Republic of Korea [1:14:12]: Thank you, Madam Chair. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea rejects and condemns all country-specific mandates and their reports, including the report on the situation of human rights in Nicaragua. Human rights issues should be approached equally while respecting national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. However, the current trend goes against the very principles of impartiality, objectivity, transparency, non-selectivity, non-politicization, and non-confrontation. It also undermines the efforts of a. Development of friendly relationship and cooperation between countries on the field of human rights. The DPRK also expresses a serious concern at the continued practice such as human rights mechanisms and procedures are misused to make impartial assessments of the human rights situation in certain countries and directly attack sovereign states under the name of the United Nations. The DPRK firmly believes that the international efforts to promote and protect human rights can only progress through universality, in a fair, objectivity, and non-selectivity, as well as by eliminating double standards and politicization. The DPRK once again rejects all the political pressure and intervention posed against Nicaragua under the pretext of human rights, and extends firm support to the leadership and people of Nicaragua. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:15:43]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to be followed by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Cuba. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:15:57]: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the need for the Third Committee to fulfill its mandate, aiming at promoting and protecting human rights based on genuine dialogue and cooperation, in full compliance with the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, and guided by the basic principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity in its functioning. While rejecting all country-specific mandates imposed without the consent of the concerned country, Iran welcomes the efforts of government of Nicaragua in its pursuit of a prosperous and just society for the Nicaraguan people. It is important to acknowledge the positive steps Nicaragua has taken in advancing human rights and social development goals. Following Nicaragua's withdrawal from the Human Rights Council, any mandate originating from that body cannot be considered legitimate or reflective of the consent of the concerned country. Madam Chair, finally, we urge the UN system to refrain from advancing the political agendas of certain states and instead uphold the principles of cooperation, respect and genuine dialogue in addressing human rights issues. In this regard, lifting of unilateral coercive measures against UN member states, including Nicaragua, is an imperative. Thank you very much. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:17:12]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, to be followed by Cuba and the European Union. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) [1:17:24]: Madam Chair. I wish to draw your attention to the fact that in the UN there are resources for some things and for others there's a crisis of liquidity. We see this is the case for this group. Apparently there are resources. This is a regrettable example of the double standards used on human rights with biased and politically motivated reports drawn up without visiting the country concerned, behind the backs of a people they prefer to ignore, ignoring progress in human rights and forgetting the legitimate endeavours of the government of reconciliation and national unity to consolidate peace and welfare in its country. They obviously come here desirous of justifying their pay in order to fulfill the desires of interventionists and aggression, those who are aggressive. They claim there are political tribunals, they're disguised as mechanisms for human rights. They ignore principles of impartiality, objectivity, no politicization, selective and non-confrontation. Venezuela reiterates its fraternal solidarity with Nicaragua, and we reject the legitimacy of the Human Rights Council. Madam, Nicaraguan people will continue to have victory. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:18:51]: I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba, to be followed by the European Union and Eritrea. Cuba [1:19:00]: Senora President. The interactive dialogue that we are engaged in today has nothing at all to do with the reality in Nicaragua and human rights. It's the result of a partial and interfering action which Cuba firmly rejects. The US and other countries justify their actions under alleged concern for human rights. The only way of ensuring the protection of human rights in all countries is by means of dialogue and cooperation based on respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries. We support the endeavours of the government and the people of Nicaragua for sustainable development, peace, justice and social freedom. We demand that the destabilising actions against the government of against the government of Nicaragua cease, that its sovereignty be respected, and that UCMs immediately be lifted. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:20:09]: I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union, to be followed by Eritrea and Algeria. EU · EU [1:20:17]: Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. Mr. Chairperson, The EU thanks you for your work and latest report. We take due note of the serious violations of human rights reported. The EU remains concerned about the persistent challenges of the rule of law and human rights in Nicaragua, including through the reform of the Constitution. It confirms the concentration of powers in the hands of the executive branch, the lack of political pluralism, the deteriorated civic space and very weak political rights guarantees. The EU reiterates its call for human rights to be fully respected in Nicaragua, the immediate and unconditional release of those who are arbitrarily detained, including all remaining political prisoners. The EU also reiterates the need to put an end to restrictions on civic space and the respect of the right to dissent. Repression must end immediately, including alleged transnational repression. We are deeply concerned about the impact of these measures on Nicaraguan communities abroad. The EU strongly condemns any recourse to torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment of detainees, including sexual violence. We call on Nicaragua to resume cooperation with key international human rights organizations, and we urge Nicaragua to respect its international obligations and to stop, among others, its deliberate use of the arbitrary deprivation of nationality or prohibition to return. Mr. Chairperson. can best still better identify and counter any possible transnational repression. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:21:45]: I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Eritrea, to be followed by Algeria and Pakistan. Eritrea [1:21:57]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Eritrea reiterates its position that it rejects any country-specific mandates, including the mandate of so-called group of human rights experts on Nicaragua, as it was established without the consent of the concerned state and the practice is selective and politically motivated third, undue political pressure on a sovereign state. Human rights situations of all countries should be evaluated fairly, equitably, and with full respect for national sovereignty. Progress in the promotion and protection of human rights can only be achieved by ensuring universality, objectivity and non-selectivity, not politicization, selectivity or double standards. We believe that the Universal Periodic Review is the most inclusive and constructive platform for enhancing international cooperation and fostering genuine dialogue on human rights. We call the removal of unilateral coercive measures imposed on Nicaragua, which are adversely impacting the nation's economy and the fundamental rights of its people. We urge the international community to engage with Nicaragua through dialogue and mutual respect, fostering cooperation and understanding. I thank you, Madam Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:23:19]: Thank you, Yang, the distinguished representative of Eritrea. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria, to be followed by Pakistan and Spain. Algeria [1:23:28]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Algeria wishes to underline that the position expressed in this statement, which is related to Nicaragua, applies equally to the interactive dialogues concerning the situations of human rights in Eritrea and in Iran. Madam Chair. Algeria firmly believes that the promotion and protection of all human rights must be guided by the principle of universality, interdependence, indivisibility, impartiality, and non-selectivity. We further believe that the discussions on human rights issues should be conducted with the concerned country, free from double standards and politicization, and in an impartial and balanced manner. Protecting and promoting human rights will only be effective when fostered within an environment that encourages constructive dialogue, mutual respect and genuine cooperation. Such a positive and principled approach will undoubtedly prevent counterproductive outcomes. Algeria is convinced that country-specific mandates do not constitute the appropriate framework for enhancing human rights globally. Partiality, selectivity, and politicization undermine the universal principles of human rights, lead to ineffective solutions, and fuel divisions. We are of the view that the resources allocated to such mandates would be better utilized to support capacity building and technical assistance aimed at strengthening the protection and promotion of human rights in all member states. Madam Chair, in conclusion, Algeria reiterates its firm belief that the Universal Periodic Review remains the appropriate and constructive mechanism for reviewing the human rights situation. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:25:00]: I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan, to be followed by Spain and Chile. Pakistan [1:25:10]: I thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, respect for sovereignty. independence and territorial integrity of states and non-interference in internal affairs of sovereign states represent basic norms governing international relations. We maintain that all parties should abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, adhere to the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity, and respect the right of people of each state to choose independently the path for development in accordance with their national conditions. Pakistan reiterates that unilateral coercive measures are in contravention to the UN Charter and have considerable negative impact on the enjoyment of fundamental human rights. The pretext of advancing human rights in targeted countries is self-serving and untenable when these measures themselves are fundamentally non-compliant. the basic human rights principles, norms and values, Madam Chair. The human rights agenda is better served by two-way communication and mutual respect, particularly when dealing with the sovereign member states. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:26:20]: I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain, to be followed by Chile and Vietnam. Spain [1:26:28]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Spain joins with the statement of the European Union, and we wish to make the following points in our national capacity. Spain welcomes the chair of the Group of Experts on Human Rights in Nicaragua, and we'd like to voice our gratitude and support to the work of the group. The series of reports and publications reflect a worrying authoritarian direction taken by the executive power with successive constitutional reforms reducing the area for the free exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We're particularly concerned about the persecution and violence against political opponents, dissidents, and those who defend human rights in Nicaragua and abroad. We reject the arbitrary deprivation of nationality. This is a flagrant violation of human rights and international law. Spain has implemented a procedure whereby Spanish citizenship is given to a group of 453 people, stripped of their Nicaraguan nationality. We urge all authorities to stop the restriction and oppression. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:27:47]: Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile, to be followed by Vietnam and the Russian Federation. Chile [1:27:55]: Madam. We would like to thank the Human Rights Experts Group for their report on Nicaragua, for their report and the way in which they comply with their mandate. The reform outlines a political apparatus of total repression and systematic violations of human rights. Arbitrary detentions, torture, forced disappearances, and stripping of nationality in an arbitrary fashion, persecution, and removal of property are all documented. We are extremely concerned at these facts. We're also concerned at the January 2025 constitutional reform with doing away de facto with the separation of powers and granting practically unlimited powers to the executive power. This is a coup against the rule of law and fundamental freedoms in Nicaragua. Madam, Chile condemns the generalized persecution against opponents, be they real or alleged, human rights defenders and representatives of civil society. Systematic attacks on civil society, including repressing those This stamps our participation. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:29:21]: The floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam, to be followed by the Russian Federation and Ireland. Viet Nam [1:29:29]: Madam Chair, Vietnam takes note of the report on the group of human rights experts on Nicaragua. Vietnam reaffirms its consistent view that the promotion and protection of human rights should be pursued in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, particularly the respect for national sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. We believe that each state bears the primary responsibility to promote and protect human rights, taking into account its unique history and circumstances. Vietnam underscores the importance of an approach that upholds impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity, while encouraging dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding in a balanced and constructive manner, in the best interest of the people of Nicaragua. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:30:29]: I thank the distinguished representative of Vietnam. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation, to be followed by Ireland and the United Kingdom. Russian Federation [1:30:40]: Madam Chair, allow me to express our firm conviction it is unacceptable to politicize the human rights activities of the UN with country-based resolutions. Such a practice poses a grave threat to the maintenance of equal and constructive intergovernmental dialogue on highly sensitive issues. What's more, it glaringly contradicts the bedrock principles of the UN Charter. These include respect for the sovereign equality of states and the principle of non-intervention into internal affairs. Madam Chair, the procedures created in accordance with politicized resolutions are nothing more than a tool for exerting political pressure on Nicaragua for the interests of Western countries. We condemn this practice, which cannot in any way be undertaken under UN auspices. We see the systematic use human rights arguments and attempt to discredit the government of Nicaragua while ignoring concrete achievements in the socioeconomic realm, which have been achieved by the citizens of that country within a relatively compressed timeframe, despite sanctions pressure. Also, as always, as always happens with country-based special procedures, they've utterly ignored the significant adverse impact of UCMs on human rights in the country. They're pretending that there's no elephant in the room. Meanwhile, we continue to see attempts by Western-controlled media and people styling themselves as so-called champions of democracy to destabilize the social and political situation in Nicaragua. Thus, the politicized UN structures are becoming tools for an informational campaign. The UN must stop. the microphone has been cut off. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:32:11]: Representative of the Russian Federation, I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland, to be followed by the United Kingdom and China. Ireland [1:32:20]: Thank you, Chair. Ireland aligns itself with the statement of the EU and thanks the group of human rights experts for its reports. Ireland is deeply concerned by the human rights violations against exiled Nicaraguans, as well as their relatives at home and across borders, designed to suppress dissenting voices and stifle freedom of expression. We are increasingly alarmed by the evolution of the nature of this repression into a highly targeted and strategic approach with transnational reach. We call on the Nicaraguan authorities to restore the legal identity and nationality rights of citizens, to reverse the arbitrary detention of dissenting voices, and to cease reprisals against the relatives of exiles, including children and the elderly. Ireland deeply regrets Nicaragua's recent withdrawal from several international organisations, including the Human Rights Council, and abuse of international cooperation mechanisms. Ireland urges the Nicaraguan authorities to re-engage with the international community, respect the right to freedom of expression, and uphold its international human rights obligations. Ireland would welcome the views of the experts on how best to support Nicaraguan civil society and human rights defenders in country. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:33:21]: I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom, to be followed by China and the Plurinational State of Bolivia. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:33:34]: Thank you, Chair. We condemn the group for its dedicated effort-- commend the group for its dedicated efforts and thorough work in documenting the systematic human rights violations occurring in Nicaragua. This is despite the Nicaraguan government's regrettable continued lack of cooperation. This report paints a disturbing picture of the apparatus of the state being weaponized to silence dissent and dismantle democratic institutions. The documented patterns of extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detentions, torture, and forced disappearances, and deprivation of national portray a deliberate strategy of persecution. The transnational impact of these violations, including the targeting of exiled Nicaraguans and their families, is unacceptable. The report also sheds light on how widespread confiscation of property is used to punish dissent. These actions violate due process and deepen the economic marginalization of civil society and religious institutions. We remain concerned by the scale of the closure of civil civic spaces with over 5,000 NGOs forcibly shut down and the confiscation of assets from individuals and institutions. These actions have left many stateless and impoverished. Chair, we ask how member states can best coordinate efforts to hold the Nicaraguan authorities to account and ensure justice for their victims. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:34:50]: I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China, to be followed by the plurinational states of Bolivia and Burundi. China [1:35:00]: Madam Chair, China takes note of the report made by the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua. UN agencies should uphold the principles of objectivity and impartiality and should not use unsubstantiated false information to make unreasonable accusations against developing countries, let alone become a political tool used by some countries to discipline other countries. Some countries ignore the fact that Nicaraguan people are unable to fully enjoy human rights due to UCMs, ignore the efforts and achievements of the Nicaraguan Government to promote and protect human rights, and ignore. The strong opposition of the country concerned to the extension of the mandate of relevant country-specific mechanisms. Such practices. Not conducive to truly promoting and protecting human rights. China respects the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Nicaragua, respects the right of the Nicaraguan people to independently determine their own future and destiny, and resolutely opposes external forces' interference in Nicaragua's internal affairs. The UCMs imposed by certain countries against. Nicaragua is a manifestation of power politics and coercive diplomacy, which significantly hinder Nicaragua's economic and social development, severely damage the rights of Nicaraguan people, China firmly supports Nicaragua's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and defend its legitimate rights and interests, and urges relevant countries to immediately stop interfering in its internal affairs under the pretext of democracy and human rights issues. Chair [1:36:19]: The floor to the distinguished representative of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, to be followed by Burundi and Costa Rica. Bolivia (Plurinational State of) · Group of Friends of the UN Charter [1:36:26]: The Plurinational State. Of Bolivia has the honor to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations. We. Should like to voice our serious concern about the continuous proliferation and extension of mechanisms which claim impartially to assess human rights situations in particular states. These are based on biased sources lacking credibility and they just amount to propaganda pamphlets. The countries are looked at without the governments being concerned against principles of impartiality transparency, non-selectivity, non-politicization and non-confrontation, and in violation of the real spirit of the UN Charter. The UPRs, the treaty bodies, the special procedures of the Human Rights Council are platforms which should genuinely promote the true spirit of human rights in a fair and constructive fashion on the basis of dialogue and cooperation with mutual respect and espousing the principles principles enshrined in the UN Charter. We must avoid that in the name of organization and the spirit that should imbue its effort be used wrongly to promote the political agendas of certain states. Our group of friends calls for the end of the politicization of human rights. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:37:58]: I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burundi, to be followed by Costa Rica and the Sovereign Order of Malta. Burundi [1:38:07]: Foreign language. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Before making my statement, I want to clarify that it applies also for the case of the DPRK. Madam Chair, my delegation reaffirms its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights with respect for sovereignty and non-interference. However, we deplore the fact that certain reports of special procedures have strayed from their goals and become instruments for political pressure. Human rights must remain rooted in impartiality and non-politicization. We strongly reject the abusive use of these mechanisms in order to stigmatize or interfere without awareness of national realities and progress observed on the ground. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:38:52]: I thank the distinguished representative of Burundi. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica, to be followed by the Sovereign Order of Malta. Costa Rica [1:39:02]: Madam Vice Chair. We would like to thank the Office of the High Commissioner and the experts, Guatemalan human rights and Nicaragua. The outcome of the report reiterates the climate of fear and intimidation that the people in human right have to bear, human rights defenders and journalists. And this even extends to trans and across border repression, as we see with the murder of Roberto Sarcana in Costa Rica. We are concerned at arbitrary stripping of nationality and repression of free movement in Nicaragua, and citizens are expelled without reason. and even those with dual citizenship are left stateless. And we see consular services looking at documents of opponents with no official recognition being given, et cetera. We are very concerned at the reports of the High Commissioner and the experts group. The international community and this organization must continue to look at Nicaragua with the utmost attention. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:40:27]: Representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta. SMOM [1:40:31]: Thank you very much, Madam. The deterioration of the human rights situation in Nicaragua remains of deep concern. Throughout the country, peaceful civilians are being robbed of their most basic rights and freedoms. The sovereign over Malta is particularly concerned at the growing marginalisation of those defending human rights of Nicaraguan citizens. Many of these have had their activities severely restricted or even prohibited, depriving the people of Nicaragua of these services is only worsening the cycles of poverty and inequality and denying dignity and hope to which all human beings are entitled. We're also concerned about the repression of religious traditions and communities, dissensions and expulsions of clergy, harassment, intimidation of congregations, and the prohibition of religious practices are serious violations of international rights. We're also very concerned about violations of international work standards with forced work and child work. Madam, the cumulative effects of these measures means that there is no healthcare, education, these are severely affected as is access to water and freedom of belief. The international community must continue to lend its full support to the people of Nicaragua to ensure that they can enjoy their freedom rights and sovereign rights and freedoms. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:41:59]: Thank you. Chair of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua. UN · Chair [1:42:06]: Thank you very much, Madam. I would like to answer some questions and also address some issues which Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, Russia and others, other high representatives have indicated, put before us. Firstly, the political bias of our mandate. As I said when I spoke before, There were 29 votes and four against in the Human Rights Council. This is a sub-body with 27 countries representing the various regions, members of the United Nations. In other words, we're talking about more than half nearly 60% of all represented in the Human Rights Council that voted in our favor. Saying that this is biased or lacking legitimacy, as far as we're concerned, it's hard to understand this as an argument. And then regarding UCMs, the the coercive measures, unilateral coercive measures. We do not use UCMs, neither do we observe that these have had any impact or effect on the people of Nicaragua. What has been done is to sanction various people that have been identified, individuals. and these are people as those we've identified as violating human rights and they're not unilateral. Then thirdly, violations, we investigate these in our mandate and we see In April 2018, these started. And if there are economic and social rights that are violated, we'll investigate those as well. But what we do see is that we have a duty fulfilling our mandates, looking at the correct use of economic and commercial rights. The forum for this is one from which Nicaragua withdrew, and we strongly urge the government of Nicaragua to think again about its position when it comes to a dialogue with the appropriate body. Then, the matter of a lack of access to the country. This, it is alleged, conditions the results of our report. We have on many occasions sent official letters to the country asking for access, and they have refused this to us. And we are again asking the government to allow us to enter the country. To the transnational repression issues that were raised by the European Union and by UK. What is important to keep in mind is here that Nicaragua has not only gone beyond its borders violating human rights of exiled, being stripping them from the nationality, not issuing documents, harassing people outside the country, et cetera, but it has been using and misusing international cooperation frameworks, be it Interpol red notices or the data bank dedicated to report falsified passports in order to make people stay where they are. are. Then what we have also seen is that anti-money laundering compliance frameworks have been misused by the government in order to de-bank, literally, people outside of the country. And it is of very, of our concern that the trust That is the fundament for international cooperation, be it in Interpol or be it by mechanisms like the prevention of anti-money laundering, is something that is built on mutual trust. And this is precisely what is being attacked by these activities. Then regarding the accountability, and where we could enhance accountability efforts by the international community. There are three ways basically to do it. The one is enhancing the targeted sanctions against the individuals identified and harmonized between those countries that have already issued these sanctions, these measures. Second, to systematically exploit third country universal jurisdiction, be it criminal jurisdiction or civil jurisdiction in matters regarding the violation of fundamental principles of human rights, and then to vigorously pursue accountability before international judicial bodies, in particular regarding the flagrant violation of this convention for the eradication of statelessness from 1961, which has been flagrantly violated by the state. Thank you very much. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:49:25]: I thank the chair of the group of human rights experts on Nicaragua. I would now like to welcome the special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Mr. Richard Bennett. Participants wishing to make comments and pose questions to the speaker are invited at this time to press their microphone button within the next three minutes, after which the list will be closed. The time limit for each speaker will be announced before the floor is given to the first speaker. Thank you for your cooperation. I now invite the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan to make an introductory statement. Mr. Bennett, you have the floor. UN · Special Rapporteur [1:50:01]: Thank you, Madam Chair, Excellencies. Once again, I regret to report that the human rights situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate with few grounds for optimism, with the following exceptions. First, the continuing courage and ingenuity of many Afghans, in particular women and girls, who, despite the ongoing and escalating oppression by the Taliban, persist in demanding their human rights; and second, Some positive developments in the sphere of accountability, in particular the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants to two top Taliban leaders and the recent establishment by the Human Rights Council of an independent investigative mechanism. Regrettably, while I would like to report that the Taliban have reflected on the damage they are doing to their country and the suffering they're inflicting on their own compatriots, and have made necessary changes, I'm unable to do so because none, not one of their harsh and often illegal measures have been rescinded. Distinguished delegates, as outlined in my report, we're witnessing intensified enforcement of gender persecution, a surge in corporal punishment, alarming reports of disappearances, ill treatment, killings, and killings of former republic officials, contrary to the Taliban's declaration of a general amnesty, further restrictions on the media and civil society, discrimination and isolation of marginalized ethnic, religious, and linguistic communities, including forced evictions affecting in particular the Hazara community, and a significant deterioration in education for all, among other highly concerning developments. In addition, cuts to humanitarian aid and mass forced returns of Afghans, especially from neighboring countries, exacerbate an already dire human rights situation. Ameliorating the country's myriad human rights crises to create a lasting peace for all Afghans demands the international community's sustained, principled attention as well as coordinated, coherent leadership and action. However, even some of you, members of the General Assembly, have been telling me this week that this is currently absent. Many Afghan women are denied their right to work. In September, the de facto authorities began preventing Afghan women working for the UN from entering UN compounds. This is a serious breach of fundamental rights and the UN Charter's principles of equality and non-discrimination, and it undermines the UN's ability to deliver effectively, including in earthquake-affected areas of eastern Afghanistan. In the context of the 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, surely it is time for the Secretary-General, who has championed women's rights, to take a strong stand on behalf of his female Afghan staff. Despite this, Some member states are moving closer to recognizing the Taliban or otherwise taking steps towards normalization of diplomatic relations. Pragmatism may be tempting, but it will neither deliver stability nor lay a foundation for a peaceful, just, and inclusive Afghanistan. Pragmatism will embolden the Taliban to continue to violate the rights of the people of Afghanistan and sending a message to misogynists everywhere that institutionalized gender discrimination has few consequences. Pragmatism may also enable radicalization to ferment under conditions of poverty, unemployment, and hopelessness. Many member states have reduced funding to humanitarian aid and civil society programs. stripping away the last vestiges of protection and support for an already imperiled population. States must recommit to properly targeted and monitored long-term, sustainable, sustained humanitarian funding, including for Afghan and women-led organizations. Despite Afghan refugees Facing persecution, torture, and inhuman treatment, states have returned, often forcibly, more than 2.6 million Afghans just this year. All states must respect the absolute principle of non-refoulement. While most returns have come from neighboring states, some Afghans are being forcibly returned from Europe, while resettlement programs have reduced. Distinguished delegates, has international solidarity evaporated? The Taliban's institutionalized system of gender discrimination, segregation, and oppression is the most extreme and systematic assault on gender equality of our time. In February, I published a study on the so-called law on the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice, which highlights the oppression and the climate of fear that the Taliban has created. In September, the Taliban shut down the internet and other telecommunications across the country for two days, placing everyone in Afghanistan in an information black hole. UNAMA has recently reported on the drastic impacts across many sectors. These actions clearly violate a host of rights and have a disproportionate impact on women and girls. They must not be repeated. Afghanistan is not a lost cause, but it is a test for all of us. Accountability is an essential part of building a future for Afghanistan rooted in justice, equality, and the rule of law. The Independent Investigative Mechanism will collect, consolidate, preserve, and analyze evidence of serious crimes and violations and prepare case files to facilitate future criminal proceedings. This decisive step will complement my mandate and other justice mechanisms like the ICC. While these are no small feats, the road to peace with justice for the people of Afghanistan remains long, and we need to use every tool at our disposal. This all-tools approach includes international accountability, sustained and principled international pressure, incentives for improvements, strengthened support for civil society, expanded humanitarian assistance, codification of the crime of gender apartheid, and challenges to the Taliban's version of Sharia by religious scholars and Muslim majority countries. Underpinning all of this must be an inclusive approach in all processes concerning Afghanistan's future with women's rights, voices, and agency at the core. I appeal to you, the community of nations, for principled engagement that avoids normalization of Taliban rule until there are demonstrated, measurable, and independently verified improvements in the human rights situation, particularly for women and girls. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:58:19]: I thank the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan. I will now open the floor for questions or comments to Mr. Richard Bennett. As per past practice, I would ask the delegations to limit their comments to one and a half minute. I thank you for your kind cooperation. I first give the floor to the distinguished representative of Afghanistan as the concerned country. You have seven minutes. Afghanistan [1:58:43]: Thank you, Madam Chair and distinguished delegates. I thank the Special Rapporteur, Mr. Richard Bennett, for his continued commitment and courage in documenting the grave human rights situation in Afghanistan. His report provides a clear, comprehensive and deeply alarming account of the realities our people face under the Taliban rule. Today, Afghanistan stands at the epicenter of one of the world's most severe human rights crises. the Taliban's systematic repression and discriminatory governance have dismantled every protection for fundamental rights. The report rightly identifies gender persecution as the defining feature of their regime, amounting to gender apartheid. Afghan women and girls have been erased from public life, banned from education, work, and even basic movement. These violations are a deliberate policy of domination and exclusion, justified through distorted interpretation of religion, culture, and enforced with impunity. The report also documents the sharp rise in public executions, flogging, torture, and reprisals against the former officials, security forces, journalists, and activists, and their dissidents accused of armed opposition. Acts designed to instill fear and consolidate authoritarian control. The collapse of civil society and independent media, compounded by cuts in international funding, has silenced many of the remaining voices of accountability. Equally alarming is the madrasa-ization of education as the Taliban turn schools into centers of indoctrination, replacing secular learning with narrow religious instruction by unqualified clerks. This deliberate distortion of education fosters ignorance and extremism, erasing two decades of progress and sowing the seeds of future radicalization. The plight of ethnic and religious communities, including Hazaras, Shia and Ismailis, continues to worsen. They face systematic discrimination, forced displacement and targeted violence. Meanwhile, millions of Afghans, especially women-headed households, are trapped in deepening poverty as the country collapses and social services disintegrate. Beyond our borders, The forced return of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries has reached alarming levels, often in violation of the principle of non-refoulement. These deportations expose men, women and children to persecution and destitution. There are credible reports of arrest, torture and extrajudicial killings of former security personnel and human rights defenders among those forcibly returned. Refugees should not be treated politically, but humanly. We share the grave concern over the sharp decline in international funding, which has crippled humanitarian operations and women-led organizations at the time when oversight, protection, and advocacy are most needed. We therefore urge member states and donors to ensure sustained and predictable support for the Special Rapporteur's mandate and for Afghan civil society, particularly women-led and human rights organizations. Madam Chair, the suffering of the Afghan people is the direct result of the Taliban's policies of discrimination, repression, exclusion and impunity. The international community must not normalize relations with a regime that systematically violates the UN Charter and international law. We welcome the ICC's issues of arrest warrants for the Taliban leaders and the Human Rights Council's adoption of the resolution establishing an independent investigative mechanism for Afghanistan, a vital step toward justice and accountability. We urge the Secretary-General to expedite the mechanisms staffing, resourcing, and establishment of its trust fund and call on all member states to ensure its full and effective implementation. Madam Chair, despite unimaginable repression, the people of Afghanistan, especially women and youth, continue to show extraordinary courage. They continue to learn in secret, document abuses, and call for justice. Their resilience gives us hope, but they cannot stand alone. They need concrete support. We hope that the reports of the Special Rapporteur and other UN entities will guide the UN leadership, Member States, the Security Council, and the OIC regional organizations and other neighboring countries to adopt a coherent and united approach on Afghanistan. We commend those countries that have maintained a principled position condemning the Taliban's abuses and violations and supporting the Afghan people, especially women and youth. We urge more voices, particularly from the OIC, neighboring and regional countries, to stand firmly for justice and equality. The current situation in Afghanistan has grave implications not only for its people, but for peace, stability, and security across the region and beyond. The Afghan people expect the United Nations to act responsibly, to defend the principles of the UN Charter, to use all available tools to empower Afghans to determine their own future. Inside the country and across the diaspora, citizens are striving for a political solution that leads to a democratic, inclusive, and peaceful Afghanistan. We echo rapporteur's call for an Afghan-owned political process grounded in full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in civil society, one that leads to an inclusive, accountable government based on the justice, rule of law, and the will of the people. In conclusion, we reaffirm our full support for the special rapporteur's work and call for a unified, principled international strategy grounded in human rights and solidarity with Afghan people, not accommodation with their oppressors. Stronger accountability, including cooperation with the ICC, documentation of violations, and targeted sanctions on Taliban leaders responsible for grave violations. An Afghan-owned political process facilitated by the UN with full and equal participation of women, civil society, and credible democratic representatives, leading to an inclusive and accountable government. Immediate dismantling of gender persecution, reopening of schools and workforces for women and girls, and an end to corporal punishment. Restoration of civil society and media freedoms, and protection of minorities. No normalization without verifiable progress on human rights, counterterrorism, and inclusivity. And upholding non-refoulement and expanding safe pathways for the rest of Afghans. Thank you, Madam Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:05:47]: I thank the distinguished representative of Afghanistan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile, to be followed by Liechtenstein and Japan. Chile [2:06:00]: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. We should like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his report, analysing the deterioration of human rights, looking at a persecution which is gender-based and the impacts on human rights when it comes to funding and also the rights of returnees. We are extremely concerned about the gender discrimination which is institutionalised in Afghanistan. This seriously affects the exercise of human rights of all women and girls, restricts of access to education, work, freedom of movement, undermine their dignity and restrict opportunities for personal development. Chile shares the rapporteur's idea regarding the importance of monitoring and accountability for human rights. Without a basis here, it's difficult to obtain correct information, provide humanitarian assistance and support the decisions of the Uh, Council, the lack of monetary support has an effect on civil society, and women are frontline victims of gender violence, and work in areas such as legal assistance, education, mental health, and psychosocial support are. essential and there are examples of violence and aggression. We see a serious restriction of civil society, social space, a weakening of the respect and of human rights throughout the region. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:07:29]: Representative of Chile. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein to be followed by Japan and Australia. Liechtenstein [2:07:37]: Thank you, Chair. Liechtenstein remains deeply concerned by the continuing and systematic violations of human rights in Afghanistan. Particularly the draconian restrictions imposed on women and girls. The suppression of fundamental freedoms, and the targeting of human rights defenders, journalists, and minorities. We note with grave concern that the situation continues to deteriorate, with little or no space for civic engagement or access to justice. In this context, Liechtenstein takes note of the recent decision of the Human Rights Council to establish a dedicated international accountability mechanism to investigate and preserve evidence of serious human rights violations and crimes under international law committed in Afghanistan. Given the ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court into the situation in Afghanistan, which has already resulted in arrest warrants being issued against senior Taliban leaders, we would appreciate if the Special Rapporteur could elaborate on how this new mechanism can best contribute to effective complementarity and coherence with existing accountability frameworks. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:08:36]: I thank the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan, to be followed by Australia and Malta. Japan [2:08:45]: Thank you, Madam Chair and Mr. Special Rapporteur, for your insightful briefing. The situation in Afghanistan continues to be exacerbated by complex crises, and we note with concern the multifaceted challenges faced by recent returnees. However, the lack of progress on human rights issues is a serious impediment to potential international engagement and assistance. The systemic oppression imposed on the Afghan people, particularly women and girls, is deeply concerning. In collaboration with international partners, Japan will continue to directly urge the Taliban to reverse all such policies that undermine Afghanistan's potential prosperity and to ensure respect for the human rights of all Afghans, especially women and girls. Mr. Special Rapporteur, What are the potential long-term impacts on African society if women and girls continue to be excluded from education, and what strategies can be implemented to safeguard their rights? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:10:05]: I thank the distinguished representative of Japan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia, to be followed by Malta and Pakistan. Australia [2:10:14]: Thank you, Chair. Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report and ongoing efforts to highlight the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan. This includes egregious human rights abuses targeting women and girls, for which the Taliban must be held to account. We are deeply concerned that there has been no progress towards fulfilment of Afghanistan's international obligations. Instead, the trend is the reverse. Australia is committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan and taking strong action to address the Taliban's pervasive disregard for human rights. We have provided over $260 million in humanitarian assistance since 2021, with a strong focus on women and girls. And we are working with Canada, Germany and the Netherlands to hold Afghanistan to account under CEDAW. We are also proposing to implement an autonomous sanctions framework to further address the situation in Afghanistan, complementing our wider efforts. Special Rapporteur, a meaningful response must be rooted in the lived experiences of all Afghans, including women and girls. It must confront the intersecting harms and restore human rights, dignity, and access to essential services. Australia asks, what more can states do to ensure the human rights of Afghan people and hold the Taliban to account? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:11:38]: I thank the distinguished representative of Australia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malta, to be followed by Pakistan and Malaysia. Malta [2:11:48]: Thank you, Chair. Malta aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union. We would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his report and today's presentation. The worsening situation of Afghanistan demands our undivided attention, as the rights of its people continue to be under threat and the freedoms of women and girls continue to be restricted by the Taliban's gender-based discrimination campaign. Building on the findings of the Special Rapporteur, Malta is deeply concerned about the Taliban's institutionalized and systematic persecution and discrimination against Afghan women and girls. These. Actions are egregious violations of CEDAW and the Convention on the Political Rights of Women by which Afghanistan is bound. In this regard, we call for lifting restrictions on the freedom of expression, movement, work and education, and restrictions to the participation in public and social life for women and girls. Malta is also alarmed by the increase in corporal punishment, especially as a tool for social control. We call for the immediate cessation of public executions, corporal punishment and other acts of torture and ill-treatment. In this regard, we would welcome the Special Rapporteur's views on key strategies that can be taken to prioritize long-term accessible support for Afghan-led organizations. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:13:02]: I thank the distinguished representative of Malta. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan, to be followed by Malaysia and France. Pakistan [2:13:11]: Thank you, Madam Chair. We reiterate our repeated concerns regarding ongoing human rights violations in Afghanistan and emphasize upon the importance of protecting all human rights. We remain seriously concerned about the Taliban's discriminatory policies, practices, and restrictive measures that exclude women and girls from their right to education and employment, actions inconsistent with Islamic traditions and norms of Muslim society. For over four decades, Pakistan welcomed millions of Afghan refugees despite limitations and inadequate international assistance. It was understood that these were not indefinite stays. With conflict now having ended, many Afghans have been repatriated in a dignified, phased, and orderly manner. The international community must also shoulder its responsibility and share this burden equitably. Pakistan has also implemented the one-document liberal visa regime to promote regulated movement of Afghan nationals at the border. Pakistan had to cope with huge numbers of illegal foreigners, including Afghans without legal status or documents, posing a serious threat to Pakistan. Like any sovereign state, Pakistan will exercise its right and duty to regulate its borders and will not compromise on our national security. Terrorism emanating from Afghanistan remains the greatest threat to our national security and safety of our citizens. Terrorist entities, including ISIL-K, Al-Qaeda, TTP, Fitna al-Khawarij, ETIM, BLA, and Mujahid Brigade, operate from Afghan sanctuaries, with terrorist camps serving as hubs for enabling cross-border infiltration and attacks. We call upon the Afghan interim government to uphold their international obligations and commitments. Pakistan remains committed to a stable and prosperous Afghanistan for lasting peace and stability. I thank you, Madam Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:14:35]: I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia, to be followed by France and Montenegro. Malaysia [2:14:47]: Madam Chair, Malaysia notes with concern the continued restrictions that limit the rights and freedoms of the Afghan people. Mr. Rashad underscores the importance of ensuring that all Afghans, including women and children, are able to contribute meaningfully to a society in a manner consistent with Afghanistan's international commitments and values of dignity and knowledge upheld in Islam. Malaysia will continue to cooperate with the United Nations, international organizations, and other member states to provide and promote equal access to all sectors of education, healthcare, and essential services, especially for the most vulnerable, particularly women and children. Malaysia will also contribute, will continue to provide humanitarian and capacity building support to the people of Afghanistan through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program. This includes scholarship and training for Afghan women, as well as humanitarian assistance to strengthen health and maternity services. Mr. Chair, Malaysia wishes to ask the Special Rapporteur what practical strategies could foster constructive engagement with the de facto authorities to achieve tangible improvements in the situation on the ground, especially for women and girls, and how best can humanitarian access be expanded to reach vulnerable populations in the most remote areas. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:16:09]: I thank the distinguished representative of Malaysia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France. He'll be followed by Montenegro and Luxembourg. France [2:16:19]: Thank you, Madam Chair. The rapporteur special of France would like to thank you for your report. Since 2021, women and girls in Afghanistan are rendered invisible, repressed, muzzled by the eskerantism of the Taliban and excluded from all spheres of public life. access to human aid is prevented, of humanitarian aid is prevented, and things have been worsened by the earthquake. We renew our condolences to the victims. This segregation policy of the Taliban is intolerable. France reminds everybody that gender-based persecution is a crime against humanity. France has been mobilizing together with its partners to improve the situation of the Afghan people. Thanks to Femmes en Danger, we have been able to welcome more than 300 Afghans in 2024 to France. We have humanitarian aid for women in Afghanistan. We also have this illustrated by the Marianne initiative. We exhort, urge the Taliban to remove the restrictions on girls and women. We welcome the creation on the initiative of the European Union of a new inquiry mechanism which is independent for Afghanistan at the last session of the Human Rights. This mechanism is a successive stage looking at the inquiries and challenges in your path, Rapporteur Special. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:17:41]: The representative of Montenegro to be followed by Luxembourg and Spain. Montenegro [2:17:46]: Madam Chair, Montenegro thanks the Special Rapporteur for his comprehensive report. We are deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Afghanistan, marked by institutionalized gender persecution, public punishments, and silencing of civil society. Four years after the Taliban takeover, Afghan women and girls remain excluded from education, work, and public life, facing a system of control that the Special Rapporteur rightly describes as gender persecution. We strongly condemn the widespread, systematic, and institutionalized system of extreme gender-based discrimination and exclusion of women and girls under Taliban rule. We are equally alarmed by reports of public executions, corporal punishment, and torture, which constitute clear violations of Afghanistan's obligations under the international law. The return of such practices, along with the mass forced returns of refugees, places millions at risk and demands an international response. Montenegro welcomes recent steps toward accountability, including the arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court and the ongoing initiatives to recognize gender apartheid as an international crime. Justice and accountability must remain central to any engagement with the de facto authorities. In closing, we reaffirm our support to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and other UN mechanisms for monitoring, investigating and documenting human rights situation in Afghanistan. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:19:12]: I thank the distinguished representative of Montenegro. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Luxembourg, to be followed by Spain and the European Union. Luxembourg [2:19:24]: Thank you, Chair. We endorse the statement of the European Union. Mr. Special Rapporteur, we thank you for your report and for your presentation today. I would like to reiterate my delegation's full support for your mandate and express our appreciation for the work that you are doing. Your report shows once more the fact that the situation in Afghanistan, above all for women, girls, and LGBT people, continues to deteriorate. To end impunity, it is vital to document violations that are committed, and it is our hope that the creation of a mechanism of inquiry for Afghanistan can supplement your work in that area. We also emphasize the crucial role played by international courts. These include the ICJ and the ICC. In this context, Mr. Special Rapporteur, can you provide us with more information about your cooperation with international courts, including the ICC and how can the new mechanism of inquiry fit into this cooperation? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:20:27]: I thank the distinguished representative of Luxembourg. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain, to be followed by the European Union and Canada. Spain [2:20:36]: Thank you very much, ma'am. Spain joins with a statement made by the European Union, and in our national capacity, we'd like to make the following points. Spain thanks the Special Rapporteur for the report submitted. Indeed, the situation as regards human rights in Afghanistan is continuing to deteriorate, particularly for women and girls. Just because they're women and girls, they see their most basic rights denied, freedom of movement, freedom of expression. the right to work and to education. We are very concerned about the possibility of a selective blockade to internet, which would even further worsen the condition of women and girls. We continue to support with humanitarian aid, with funds and goods going through the national UN channels. Politically, we offer free Afghan women a platform for meetings so that they can draw their political map to reconstruct their country. The next Hear Us conference will be held in Madrid on the 11th and 12th of December and I extend an invitation to you. here. We also support the work of the International Criminal Court prosecutor. Madam, how can we as member states react when it comes to this threat to the rights of Afghan women and children? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:22:02]: I thank the distinguished representative of Spain. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union, to be followed by Canada and the United Kingdom. EU · EU [2:22:12]: Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. We thank the Special Rapporteur for his latest report and extend our deepest condolences to the Afghan people following the recent devastating earthquakes. The EU had the honour to lead on the HRC resolution establishing the new independent investigative mechanism for Afghanistan. We now call for sustained political and financial support to ensure its operationalisation. How can States best support the newly established mechanism for Afghanistan and ensure complementarity with the mandate of the Special Rapporteur? We strongly condemn the ongoing human rights violations and abuses by the Taliban, particularly gender-based discrimination against women and girls, and call for the protection of the human rights of persons belonging to minorities, including ethnic and religious minorities and LGBTI persons. We deplore the alarming increase in corporal punishment and call on the Taliban to immediately impose a moratorium and abolish the use of the death penalty. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:23:11]: I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada, to be followed by the United Kingdom and Slovenia. Canada [2:23:23]: Thank you, Madam. Since 2021, Canada has been observing with great concern systemic gender-based repression. The de facto authorities continue the marginalization of women and girls, excluding them from the labor market, from public life. This is an egregious violation of their fundamental rights. Canada condemns the acts of persecution against civil society, media, religious and ethnic minorities, and calls for their immediate We are also deeply concerned by the ongoing massive return of Afghans, and we espouse the principle of non-refoulement, so that any return should be freely chosen. respecting the rights of people. We continue, despite the situation, we see in the international community attempts to legitimize a regime which... gags Afghans. We agree with the EU motion tabled at the Human Rights Council for there to be an inquiry mechanism which is independent. We wish and Canada to support Afghan women and girls for a free society based on justice. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:24:52]: Distinguished representative of the United Kingdom, to be followed by Slovenia and Norway. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [2:25:03]: We welcome the special rapporteur's report and commend him and his team for their continued efforts. The UK wholeheartedly condemns the worsening human rights situation in Afghanistan, particularly for women, girls and ethnic and religious minorities. The recent ban on female national staff entering UN premises is deeply concerning. The temporary shutdown of the internet in late September caused serious harm, especially to women and girls working remotely or accessing education online. This was another devastating setback. We denounce the ongoing arrests and detentions of human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists, as detailed in the Special Rapporteur's report. Furthermore, we are increasingly concerned by escalating regional tensions that threaten the security and stability essential for effective humanitarian aid delivery. The UK remains committed to supporting the Afghan people and advocating for their rights. Special Rapporteur, what are your views on the potential impact of future internet shutdowns on humanitarian rights in Afghanistan, and how might this affect the UN's human rights work in the country? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:26:09]: I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia, to be followed by Norway and the Republic of Korea. Slovenia [2:26:19]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Slovenia aligns with the EU statement. We thank you, Mr. Bennett, for your report and for your work. We remain deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of human rights in Afghanistan, especially by the intensified institutional and systematic gender-based discrimination and oppression. Human rights abuses against women and girls with denial of their right to education, right to work, freedom of movement, and freedom to participate in public affairs, among others, are severely undermine Afghanistan's future. Slovenia strongly opposes, supports international mechanism working to investigate and document, preserve, and analyze evidence with a view to enabling prosecution and ensuring accountability for human rights violations and abuses in Afghanistan. We join you in the call on international community to refrain from normalization of relations with the de facto authorities without evidence-based improvement of the human rights situation. We continue to support the UN-facilitated Doha process that should deliver a comprehensive action plan with clear human rights benchmarks. Mr. Special Rapporteur, recently, the de facto authorities further restricted access to various social media platforms. In your assessment, what would be the socioeconomic consequences of this additional bans? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:27:44]: I thank the distinguished representative of Slovenia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway, to be followed by the Republic of Korea and China. Norway [2:27:53]: Chair, we thank the Special Rapporteur for his exhaustive and well-documented reports. We urge the de facto authorities to engage with him and grant access to the country. Norway shares the report's strong condemnation of Afghanistan's unacceptable gender policies. The international community cannot accept girls being denied education beyond elementary school and the numerous restrictions on women's social and professional lives. We commend the report for its strong focus on systematic restrictions on freedom of expression, which are deeply concerning. The report emphasizes the work of civil society and the continued shrinking space. Collaboration with and support to Afghan civil society is a vital part of Norway's policy towards Afghanistan. We particularly underline the need of finding ways to support the work of women-led organizations, and we encourage more engagement with them to identify how the international community can promote their ability to work, even under the present restrictions. Norway co-sponsored the HRC resolution establishing an independent investigation mechanism for Afghanistan, and we hope that it will provide an additional tool to address human rights in the country and to promote accountability. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:29:06]: I thank the distinguished representative of Norway. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea, to be followed by China and Ireland. Republic of Korea [2:29:16]: Thank you, Madam Chair. The Republic of Korea appreciates the Special Rapporteur's report and his continued dedication. More than four years after the Taliban's takeover, the Afghan people continue to suffer from intensifying human rights violations as well as a dire humanitarian crisis. We are deeply appalled by the Taliban's worsening repression against women and girls, institutionalizing gender segregation and exclusion. Of particular concern is the continuing ban on education for girls and women, severely undermining their human rights as well as the country's long-term future. We strongly urge the Taliban to revoke such policies and to uphold their obligations under international law. The mass involuntary returns of Afghans and the recent devastating earthquake have further compounded the humanitarian crisis. The systematic gender oppression, coupled with the humanitarian crisis, continues to deny women and girls access to life-saving assistance. The restrictions on Afghan women working for NGOs and the UN must be lifted without delay. Reiterating our call to uphold human. Rights, the Republic of Korea will continue to stand with the international community in supporting the people of Afghanistan building on its contribution of over $100 billion since 2021. Madam Chair, the Republic of Korea remains committed to building a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Afghanistan. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:30:43]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China, to be followed by Ireland and the Islamic Republic of Iran. China [2:30:54]: Madam. Chair, China has taken note of the report by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan. The Afghan people are currently facing economic hardship, a severe humanitarian crisis, and a prolonged security challenge linked to terrorism, compounding their suffering. The international community must further urge relevant countries to genuinely shoulder primary responsibility for Afghanistan's reconstruction and development, to further repatriate the 7 billion in overseas assets and allocate these funds to alleviate people's hardships. and is imperative to intensify monitoring of terrorist organization, expand counter-terrorist security cooperation, and resolutely oppose double standards and selective counter-terrorism. China has consistently supported and promoted Afghanistan's safeguarding of the fundamental rights of women and children. Earlier this year, China provided 1 billion US dollars in cash to UNFPA and supported the project providing life-saving supplies to women in Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis. In the long term, the international community should focus more on practical measures for positive guidance and constructively supporting Afghanistan in exploring a modernization path that meets the demands of the times and aspirations of its people. Thank you, Madam Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:32:09]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland, to be followed by the Islamic Republic of Iran and Germany. Ireland [2:32:18]: Ireland aligns with the EU statement and thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report. Ireland remains extremely concerned by the harrowing situation in Afghanistan and strongly condemns the widespread human rights abuses by the Taliban. We call for a reversal of the over 110 decrees, principally targeting women and girls, as well as media workers, human rights defenders and marginalised communities. There must be full accountability for those responsible. We remain deeply troubled by Afghanistan's humanitarian crises, compounded by the more than 2.4 million forced Afghan returns. The Taliban's exclusion of women and girls from education and work, including in the medical field, further hampers crisis response. The report further details increased levels of depression, suicide and suicidal ideation among women and girls in a context of intensifying restrictions. Ireland reiterates that this institutionalised system of gender oppression and exclusion may amount to crimes against humanity, including gender persecution. Our question to the Special Rapporteur is what can the international community do to further support the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, notwithstanding the Taliban's actions, And can you please share more detail about the benchmarks you see as necessary in a plan for action? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:33:35]: I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to be followed by Germany and the Sovereign Order of Malta. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [2:33:46]: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. In the interest of time, we will submit the full version of our statement to the UN journal. For over four decades, Iran has pursued a humanitarian approach, hosting millions of nationals from neighboring countries, especially Afghanistan, despite limited international support, as highlighted by the Special Rapporteur in the report. Iran has provided access to education, health care, and other essential services. However, recent unlawful attacks by the Israeli regime and the United States on 13 June 2025, along with the ongoing unilateral coercive measures, have severely affected regional and national security, as well as Iran's capacity to address humanitarian needs. Despite these challenges, Iran remains committed to its obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention. Nevertheless, under current conditions, some policies may be reviewed to safeguard national security. Many of those who returned to Afghanistan in 2025 held temporary residence permits and were informed months before of their non-renewal. renewal. They return, they coordinated with Afghan embassy and notified to UNHCR. Therefore, such cases do not amount to forcible returns. Iran remains ready to cooperate with the international agencies, including UNHCR, to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Afghan nationals. We also call on the international community to hold this responsibility toward vulnerable Afghan refugees, including women and children, and to adopt a fair and realistic and non-politicized approach to refugee matters. I thank you, Madam Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:35:13]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany, to be followed by the Sovereign Order of Malta. Germany [2:35:24]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Germany aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the Special Rapporteur for his briefing and his comprehensive report. Since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, the de facto authorities have erected one of the most repressive systems for women in the world. Human rights of all women and girls are systemically violated. Their fundamental freedoms are gravely restricted. This is particularly dramatic as it curbs their access to justice and protection. In addition, many Afghans, including those belonging to religious minorities, are affected by multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and marginalization. The rollback of justice for all women and girls in Afghanistan and the violation of their human rights is not an internal affair. It challenges global commitments to gender equality, human rights, and the rule of law. That is why Germany, together with Australia, Canada, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, continues to push for Afghanistan's compliance with its CEDAW obligations. Article 29 of CEDAW provides for a procedure for the settlement of disputes concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention. By bringing forward this effort, we hope to eventually contribute to improving the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan. Mr. Special Rapporteur, I would like to join colleagues in asking you how will you cooperate with the newly established independent investigative mechanism for Afghanistan in order. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:36:55]: I thank the distinguished representative of Germany. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta. SMOM [2:37:03]: Thank you, Madam Chair. The human rights situation in Afghanistan remains one of the most distressing crises in our world today. Current struggles risk deepening further as a result of significant reductions in humanitarian resources and funding. The Sovereign Order of Malta remains gravely concerned by the proportion of the population in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. The widespread closure of health and nutrition facilities has had a devastating impact, leading to hunger, psychological distress, loss of education and widespread unemployment. We remain deeply concerned by the severe restrictions placed on women and girls in accessing healthcare, education and employment. Women urgently require prenatal and postnatal care, access to skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric services. The Order of Malta, through its humanitarian relief agency, Malteser International, continues in close collaboration with local partners to implement a range of projects in support of the Afghan people. In Herat, our teams are assisting families in the construction of safe housing and the expansion of sanitary facilities. In Mazar-e-Sharif and Nahr-e-Shahi, we work to provide basic health services to malnourished children and pregnant women. The people of Afghanistan, however, deserve more than mere survival. They deserve to live in dignity, security and health. It is incumbent upon the international community to make full and effective use of the tools at its disposal to ensure that humanitarian assistance translates into lasting relief. Despite the scale of the challenges before us, we must ensure that the people of Afghanistan have the opportunity to live fulfilling, healthy, and dignified lives. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:38:32]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta. I now give the floor to the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Mr. Richard Bennett. UN · Special Rapporteur [2:38:43]: Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you also to States for your interventions, your support for my mandate, and for your questions. Before I respond to your questions, I wish to express dismay over the United States Government's sanctions on the Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories. Sanctioning a special rapporteur appointed by the Human Rights Council violates international law and is a direct attack on the integrity of the UN human rights system, including special procedures. I now turn to my response to questions. There were a number of questions. relating to some clarification about the new independent investigative mechanism that was established in the Human Rights Council earlier this month. First, states can support the newly established mechanism by ensuring that it is fully resourced. when the budget's reviewed by the Fifth Committee, and then pressing for its swift operationalization. I also encourage states from diverse regions to contribute to the voluntary fund once it's been established. And more broadly, it'll be important for states to send a strong message of political support for the mechanism as they did during the Human Rights Council session. I note that the resolution was adopted without a vote, and I understand that this is the first time that there has been a consensus on an investigative mechanism of this type. With regard to complementarity with my mandate, This, in fact, is built into the design of the new mechanism, which focuses on investigations to a criminal standard, while my mandate is to undertake human rights documentation, assessment, public reporting and to offer recommendations aimed at improving the situation. Unfortunately, I am constrained in this regard. receiving just a fraction of the resources needed to discharge my mandate. I encourage States to push for greater resourcing of my mandate. Even though there is approval at the Fifth Committee, the flow of cash which would enable me to be properly staffed at the moment I have two staff, is definitely necessary. I also want to note that I believe the resolution has one specific clause relating to sharing of information. by my mandate, with the IIM once established, provided that those who provide the information have given their consent for that. There was a question about the ICC. My mandate has cordial relations with the ICC. continues, I expect to continue to do that and to share information, but only with consent of the information providers. And indeed, I pointed out that the investigative mechanism is quite different from my mandate, and I would see it as playing a complementary role to the ICC. It is important to note that it is an on-going mandate with a comprehensive scope. The second point is with regard to the situation of women and girls. and how best to support them. I said in my own report that there should be both, I guess, positive and negative features. Positively, the women and girls of Afghanistan need political and financial support for their many activities, be they advocacy activities, education, work opportunities, promotion and protection. I have noted, however, that the resources for protection have declined, and I have included that in my report. It is increasingly difficult to find the necessary financial and political resources to protect women and girls in Afghanistan, and I call for member states to do more in that regard. I would also like to use this opportunity to note that the Human Rights Council resolution calls on me to write a further report on the situation of women and girls for its next session. Following consultations with women and girls inside Afghanistan and some outside, I have decided to focus this report on the barriers to access to the right to health for women and girls, using an intersectional perspective, and also noting barriers such as restrictions on the right to freedom of movement, to education, and to work. There were a number of questions about the impact of the internet shutdowns. And I think I need to conclude, so I will wrap up with this. There was an absolute internet shutdown for 48 hours. I've already called in this hall for that not to be repeated. What I fear may be perhaps in future a more filtered approach. Oh, okay. I have a bit more time. Thank you. I was just given a two minutes signal, but I have a bit more. Thank you. So I think what's really important is for there to be no internet filtering. And at the same time, the shutdown and even if it's filtered, already impacted education that's online, it impacted the ability to deliver humanitarian services. There's a report from UNAMIR out a couple of days ago on this, and there was an impact on a broad range of maybe even unexpected issues, such as the closure of Kabul airport for the entire period. So There would be, and I found from listening to women and girls who were particularly affected, in fact all Afghans, a very serious fear that the small window that they have from their homes where many of them are restricted could be closed by the shutting of the internet. Since I have a little bit more time left, I will say that there were also some comments about issues such as public executions and corporal punishment. I have been tracking that and can inform you that, since August 2021, the number of public executions has reached 11, including five men this year. I have also been tracking the public flogging of both men and women. As of yesterday, the de facto Supreme Court itself has reported 836, being 703 women and 130 men, judicially sanctioned public floggings this year, which is already more than the combined total carried out in 2023 and 2024. A chilling reminder about the Taliban's use of corporal punishment as a tool to instil fear and assert their dominance in flagrant disregard for international human rights law, and which must be subject to international investigation. So perhaps I'll round up by responding generally to what the international can do more to support Afghans. Certainly, more aid, more humanitarian aid, more support for women and girls groups, for civil society and for the media. I heard reference to the LGBTI community and to youth, but they, too, need support. We very seldom hear reference to the elderly, and they are often marginalised. I want to mention that as well. I was also at an event last week on people with disabilities in Afghanistan. Around 13% of the population have disabilities, and I also encourage Member States to support that community. Once again, thank you for the opportunity to address you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:49:43]: I thank the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan. Dear colleagues, the Committee will continue its consideration of agenda item 71, promotion and protection of human rights, and its sub-items A to D, this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. sharp to hear the statements by the special procedure mandate holders and other experts and engage with them in an interactive dialogue. Information on the work of the Committee, including the schedule of meetings, is available on iGOV. The meeting is adjourned.