Third Committee, 15th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 81st session General Assembly Date: 14 October 2026 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/c3/81/15 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 [17:47]: Good to see you. Thank you so much. Dear colleagues, let me open the 15th meeting of the Third Committee at the 81st session of the General Assembly, and we are called to order. And it's a very particular honor and pleasure for me this morning to welcome the President of the General Assembly, His Excellency Kallidoo Raman. And he's very kindly invited, been invited to, or agreed to the invitation to address this committee. President, you have the floor. GA · PGA [18:45]: Thank you so much, and a very good morning to all of you. Your Excellency, my dear friend, James Martin Larson, Chair of this Committee. Excellencies, distinguished delegates. First of all, Mr. Chair, I extend my heartiest congratulations to you and other members of the Bureau for your very well-deserved election. And please count on my full support in the discharge of your responsibilities. You have taken on this responsibility at a very difficult time for the organization. conflicts and and and for the world. Conflicts and humanitarian crisis are inflicting immense sufferings in various continents. Discrimination and violence against women and girls are going on. Racism, xenophobia, and hate speech are on the rise, often exacerbated by new technologies. Hard-won protections are under pressure. So, at this moment of difficulty, I really thank you for upholding this very vital pillar, rights pillar of the United Nations. Colleagues, let me make four points for your consideration as you proceed with your work. First, please keep people, not process, at the center of your work. The ultimate test of this committee is not how many resolutions it adopts. I used to be in the business of preparing, negotiating, adopting resolutions, and I have a fair share of the guilt associated with it. It is whether those resolutions that you adopt have a real impact on people and communities. The committee's work affects whether a girl is forced into marriage or is able to go to school, whether a journalist or human rights defender can work without fear, whether indigenous peoples can exercise their rights, whether migrants, refugees, and persons with disabilities are treated with dignity, and whether women and girls can shape their own futures free from violence and discrimination. Your agenda from social development and the advancement of women to children's rights racial justice, and refugees concerns real people in every region of the world. My central pledge for this session of the General Assembly is to restore trust in the multilateral system. In this committee, as in other committees, trust will be earned when commitments agreed in New York are implemented back at home. That requires governments to work with civil society, national human rights institutions, human rights defenders, and affected communities. Participation makes implementation legitimate and effective. Protecting rights requires more than standards and commitments. It requires resources. Whether we are ending violence against women, protecting children and refugees, combating racism, advancing disability inclusion, or strengthening human rights institutions, Progress depends on sustained financing, capable institutions, and effective implementation. This brings me to the second point, match commitments with means to deliver them. Excellencies, financing is the most immediate constraint, but money alone is not enough. Effective implementation also requires capable institutions, coherent policies, and timely disaggregated data. Domestic resources remain the foundation. After all, developing countries are responsible primarily for their own development. So we must strengthen efforts to mobilize domestic resources, prevent capital flight, and use resources effectively. At the same time, international cooperation is indispensable, in some cases essential, especially for countries in special situations and those facing repeated shocks. In this regard, the direction of travel is not very encouraging as official development assistance fell by a whopping 23.1% in 2025, the largest annual decline on record. Not a good record to have. Bilateral ODA to least developed countries, for example, fell by 25.8%. At the same time, debt servicing burdens in developing countries reached 20-year highs, squeezing spending on health, education, social protection, and other essential services. And at this moment, with energy crisis, crisis in regard to fertilizer and foods are putting further squeeze on national budgets of many countries. We need stronger domestic resources mobilization, as I said, and efficient public expenditure, affordable and predictable external finance, protected social spending, effective debt solutions, and cooperation on taxation and illicit financial flows. Integrated national financing frameworks can connect planning, budgeting, and implementation. Every instrument should be judged by one question: Does it help countries invest in people? Ambition without means becomes an empty promise. And as I have said in other committees, every empty promise diminishes trust. Third, ensure that technology advances rights rather than erodes them. Artificial intelligence and digital technologies can widen access to services and justice. They can be great accelerators of human progress. At the same time, they can also amplify hatred, discrimination, and societal divisions, including deliberately for political gain. We must not close the door to innovation, but it must remain grounded in international law and human rights. That means safeguards for privacy and personal data, transparency and human oversight, effective remedies, and particular attention to children and marginalized groups who are at greater risk of discrimination or exclusion. Countries need access to technology, digital infrastructure, skills and capacity building so that the digital divide does not become a human rights divide. within nations and among nations. Let us use the tools of our age not to deepen fear, but to widen opportunity, understanding, and human dignity for everyone, everywhere. Last year's resolution on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of digital technologies offers a good basis upon which we can build. Fourth, make this committee more effective and fit for the future. The third committee must remain a space for constructive dialogue. Human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated, which should not be selectively applied or polarized. We should ask whether our working methods serve implementation. Does every resolution require annual negotiation? Can related mandates be consolidated? Can completed mandates be retired? Can we make text shorter, clearer, and more action-oriented? The effectiveness of a resolution is not measured by its length, but by the clarity of its mandate and the impact of its implementation. The same principle should guide reporting. We cannot address digital age challenges through an analog reporting culture. Reports should be shorter and analytical, focused on emerging risks, policy choices, and decisions required from member states. Repetitive tables should move to secure, multilingual, continuously updated digital dashboards. Brief updates close to the consideration of any item can ensure that delegations work with current evidence, not information frozen months earlier. Technology must not replace judgment. multilingualism or intergovernmental authority. It should help us make better decisions, reduce unnecessary reporting burdens, and redirect scarce resources from reputation to implementation. Use existing indicators and platforms wherever possible. Better coordination among New York, Geneva, and human rights mechanisms at country levels can reduce duplication and strengthen support to countries. Excellencies, And friends, human rights are not a separate aspiration. They're essential to peace and security and sustainable development. And here I will share a personal reflection. I've been following and be associated with this house for nearly four decades. And through this time, one thing that I have seen is that our committees tend to work in silos. We say that three pillars of the organization, peace and security, development, and human rights are interrelated. and they are discussed in various committees, but committees don't talk to each other frequently. So we should stop working in silos. We have to look at our agenda in a comprehensive and integrated manner. And to that end, I have begun a process of sitting with the committee chairs in a periodic way. And I'm very thankful to you, Mr. Chairman, for joining our last meeting, and I hope you will continue to do so, so that we have a proper understanding of what the House as a whole is doing. What we are doing in various committees must add up to an integrated whole. We must stop working in silos. So this is one of the things that I plead with you as we a look at reforms of this organization, much is in our hands. We got to do our part, and I implore you to do so. Now, let's preserve what is essential, reform what no longer works, and provide the means needed to deliver. People don't measure us by meetings, resolutions, or pages of documents. They measure us by whether their rights are protected and their lives are improved by our work and our decisions. Let us ensure that this Committee delivers exactly this. I stand ready to support you, Mr. Chairman, and the whole Committee throughout this session. Please count on me in this regard. And I wish you a very productive session. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [29:59]: Thank you, President, very much indeed for those very thoughtful remarks. I've had the opportunity to be in a number of committees where you've given introductory comments to the committee, and on each occasion I think you've had very consistent messages about our need to focus on practical outcomes and delivery, not process, not paper. not words. And I take that very much to heart, and I think I'm very heartened by the very good number of permanent representatives we see in the room today. And I think you can be absolutely assured that in this committee, we will do our very best not only to perform the work of the committee as efficiently, effectively as possible, but also make sure that the work of this committee fits into the broader scheme of our overarching objective, which is to make the United Nations fit for purpose, as effective and as efficient as possible. So, President, I thank you. GA · PGA [30:58]: Thank you so much. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [31:01]: Of course. We'll now take a brief pause to rearrange the podium, and I wish to farewell the President. Thank you. Colleagues, I now invite the committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 70, entitled Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, and its subitems A to D. The documentation under agenda item 70 and its subitems is listed on iGov. I wish to remind all delegations that the deadline for the submission of draft proposals under this item is 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 3 November. Can I just remind all delegations that I attach a very, very high level of seriousness to the deadline applying to each item. I very much regret if that impacts adversely on any delegation should they feel that they haven't been able to meet that deadline, but we will be strictly applying the deadline across the board. So please bear that in mind. And I know the members of the Bureau will have engagements with the regional groups to just remind colleagues of the importance of doing that. This morning, I have the very great honor to welcome the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Turk, who's joining us virtually. And I hope he's online. I don't have him on my screen in front of me. 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. And in the usual way, the amount of time allocated to speakers will be determined once we have a good sense of how many speakers are wishing to intervene. It is now my pleasure to invite Volker Turk, High Commissioner for Human Rights, to make his statement. And I'm assuming I don't have anything on my screen, Secretaria? Yes. Oh, very good. Where in your hands? Thank you. OHCHR · High Commissioner for Human Rights [34:05]: I hope you can see and hear me. But really, Mr. Chair, dear James, excellencies, distinguished delegates, great pleasure to be with you and to be able to join you virtually. I also had a chance to listen to the very strong statement from the President of the General Assembly, and I'm very grateful for his very clear and strong words. Look, our world, as we know, is shaken by polarization, by war, by climate chaos, and by rapid technological change. Powerful interests are amplifying a sense that destructive trends from democratic backsliding to climate chaos are inevitable. But history shows otherwise. People have repeatedly resisted oppression, exposed injustice, and organized around universal values. And that is the basis of the human rights architecture agreed by states more than 75 years ago. The role of my office is to represent, to support, and to strengthen those efforts. Human rights provide solutions, and that is the theme of my remarks today. My recent global update to the Human Rights Council gave a detailed account of the challenges we face around the world. So I won't repeat those today, but I will give some examples of how we are working to address them through human rights. Let me begin with conflict. More than 60 states, in more than 60 states, we have conflict and wars raging, involving at least one state, the highest number since the end of the Second World War. By respect for the UN Charter, international human rights and international humanitarian law is in retreat. Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine is escalating with rising civilian casualties and attacks on critical civilian infrastructure. The conflict between the United States and Iran is reverberating across the region and around the world. And I'm appalled by the recent attacks by the Houthis on airports in Saudi Arabia, which have killed and injured dozens of civilians, as well as the widening conflict in Yemen, which has displaced hundreds of thousands of people. The war in Sudan continues to expand, targeting civilians through attacks on markets, hospitals, and other infrastructure. and renewed hostilities in northern Ethiopia and increasing tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are deeply concerning. Palestinian civilians are being killed in large numbers in Gaza despite the ceasefire, while Israel's annexation of the West Bank is advancing contrary to the ruling of the International Court of Justice. In Myanmar, the military continues to continuous air strikes on civilians and their infrastructure, and more than a million Rohingya refugees currently have no prospect of safe return. My office monitors, documents, and reports on these violations around the world, gathering evidence, including for justice, informing humanitarian action, connecting country level analysis to UN decision making, and defending international law. We engage with states to address root causes and support transitional justice mechanisms, for example, in Colombia and Nepal. We have strengthened our cooperation with Syria and are working with the government on inclusive rights-based policies. Looking forward, I intend to strengthen our work around several priorities. We will look to expose the economic and financial interests that fuel violence and wars And I will continue to propose confidence-building measures to states and other parties to conflict grounded in human rights. We will build on the use of human rights as an early warning system to reveal patterns and emerging risks and to protect vulnerable people and communities. For example, in the first half of this year, my office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo provided relocation and protection to more than 200 human rights defenders, journalists, and family members facing threats. At the same time, we will work with communities to back grassroots peacebuilding and promote women's full leadership and participation in these efforts. and we will be steadfast in our support for national and international accountability mechanisms. In Haiti, for example, we have helped to operationalize two specialized judicial units to address corruption, money laundering, and serious human rights violations and abuses. The International Criminal Court is at the heart of global accountability, and it needs the support of all states in the face of intense efforts to undermine it. We are also analyzing the use of new weapon systems based on independent factual records, notably drones and autonomous lethal weapons. These are creating a new circle of hell for civilians around the world. And our analysis supports demands for compliance with international humanitarian and international human rights law. Mr. Chair, beyond conflict, I'm raising the alert about new and emerging challenges to human rights including the unprecedented risks posed by artificial intelligence. The global dialogue on AI and the independent international scientific panel on AI are crucial parts of the solution, but states and companies must act on their findings urgently. I want to convey in the strongest possible terms the urgent need to craft a functioning AI governance system before it is too late. In my open letter to tech companies, I called for cast-iron guarantees on AI safety, independent verification, and stronger industry-wide cooperation on security. We are ready to work with states, with tech companies, and civil society on this. The vast energy supplies required by AI are closely linked with the ongoing, rampant destruction of our environment and our planet. We advocate for human rights based approaches that address both, for example, by putting affected people at the center of climate negotiations and through our work to promote the participation of indigenous people in decision making. We're also challenging inequitable global financial frameworks. The stalled progress on the 2030 agenda and the SDGs shows that sustainable development is badly off track. and international financial architecture is failing huge swathes of the world's people. We are advocating at the international level for reforms to these frameworks to create a level playing field where emerging economies can invest in their people and thrive. At the national level, last year we worked with more than 35 governments to embed human rights in economic policies from Kenya and Cambodia to Iraq, Liberia, South Africa and beyond. We are collaborating also with countries in the Caribbean to improve access to climate finance and inclusive decision-making. We support governments to build economies that deliver for all, based on transparent institutions, fair taxation, effective public spending, worker protection, and meaningful public participation. Mr. Chair, democracy has regressed markedly around the world in recent years. Our work is all the more important as civic space shrinks and many authorities respond to legitimate grievances through repression, excessive force, arbitrary detention, surveillance, political restrictions and bans. In several countries, young people have taken to the streets in peaceful protest against inequality and corruption. My office has spoken out early on the need to avoid violence and promote dialogue to address their concerns. And we work with states, with national human rights institutions and civil society to strengthen checks and balances and promote the rule of law. We also have to support civic space networks and victims associations. For example, we have held capacity building workshops on human rights and elections in recent years in Sri Lanka and several countries in East Africa. In Madagascar, we worked with the national human rights institution and others to support young human rights defenders. In Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, for example, we support national mechanisms for the protection of human rights defenders and journalists. And we make strenuous efforts to mitigate repressive policies, often behind the scenes. In 2025, we carried out more than 5,000 monitoring missions and observed over 1,300 trials. Globally, we helped to secure the release of nearly 5,000 people from arbitrary detention. My office is also working with governments to reform the security sectors. For example, in Nepal and Thailand, we have conducted workshops on policing peaceful protests. In Argentina, we helped to strengthen the capacity of oversight bodies to prevent torture and ill treatment. In the face of systemic discrimination against women and girls, LGBTIQ+ people, refugees, migrants, and racial, ethnic, religious, or other minorities, we promote legislation to address their concerns, including gender-based violence. More broadly, our latest analysis indicates that since 2021, we have influenced almost 200 legislative reforms across 72 countries around the world. For example, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we supported the adoption of the national transitional justice policy. In Indonesia, Japan, and many other countries, we promoted comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation. We worked with the European Union and civil society on recommendations for the post-2025 anti-racism strategy. I have called repeatedly on all countries to stop returning people to places where they face real risk of irreparable harm and to ensure accountability for all deaths in immigration custody. Mr. Chair, standing up for one another and insisting that we must all be treated equally before the law is a central purpose of human rights. But today, We see several powerful countries claiming exceptional status. My office is in the first line of the defense of international law and against efforts to replace cooperation with transactional deals. Universality is the basis of all our work, of credible monitoring and engagement with every country. It is fundamental to the treaty bodies, to special procedures, the universal periodic review, and independent investigative bodies. Any retreat from universality creates dangers not only for governments and countries that find themselves in the immediate firing line, but for all of us. The law is not an optional extra, but a fundamental guarantee of justice and security. If states lose sight of that, we are all in grave danger of losing the ability to decide on our own fate. Mr. Chair, independent assessments have found that OHCHR, my office's normative products are authoritative and influential, that our engagement in United Nations country teams is substantial, and that our monitoring informs the deliberations of the international community, including in situations of conflict and including before the highest courts of both internationally and domestically. For the people we serve, this means human rights defenders are protected, Survivors can testify safely, marginalized communities are taken into account in humanitarian planning, laws are aligned with international standards, and much more. Our work matters, and I'm determined to make it even more relevant through innovation and creativity, building on ongoing reforms and the UNHAT process. Our own continuous reforms are now focused on greater efficiency and moving staff closer to the people we serve. In the lead up to the 80th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2028, we are strengthening our work with an ever-widening range of partners through the Global Alliance for Human Rights. The Alliance will be a platform where all those involved in human rights and beyond can share, inspire each other, and unite around common goals. Its first initiatives include supporting states to make human rights education compulsory in schools and universities. providing advisory services to business on respect for human rights, and expanding the network of human rights cities. Let me be clear, the Alliance is aimed at amplifying and uniting all voices in support of human rights and human dignity as set out in the Universal Declaration and in my own statute. With your support, we will continue to engage constructively with all member states, refusing to abandon anyone, we never give up. Human rights is low cost and high impact, helping to stabilize communities and build trust in institutions. We need ever stronger strategic, political, and financial support, as also just pointed out by the President of the General Assembly. Human rights are our greatest source of hope for peace, justice, and sustainability, and human agency in today's troubled times. Thank you very much. 3rd Committee · Chair [47:49]: Thank you, Volker, High Commissioner, for that very sobering, but nevertheless very useful report. We will move to interventions from the floor, comments or questions from Member State delegations. The time limit, as indicated before, is determined by the number of speakers, and it will be two minutes for each intervention. A warning in advance, the microphone will close off at the two-minute mark. We will have a timer available on the screen, so you'll be able to track your timing, and the last 30 seconds will flash red. So please do keep an eye on that. The first speaker I have is the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belarus. Belarus, you have the floor. Belarus · Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs [48:46]: Mr. Chairman, the human rights entity of the UN requires a serious change of approach so that cooperation on human rights is conducted based on the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. This reform should tackle the long-standing problem of biased assessments and ignoring by the OHCHR and other human rights mechanisms. A very serious problem in human rights with the countries of so-called developed democracies. Can you consider a situation normal when OHCHR immediately criticizes any activities of the authorities of some countries, but remain silent regarding the most blatant violations in other countries, for example, regarding the continuing violence in dispersing peaceful demonstrations of youth in France, or the normalization of discriminatory practices against migrants in the EU. I'd like to hear the answers to the following questions. What measures were taken over the past four years to resolve the problem of double standards, which have a very negative impact on the quality of international cooperation on human rights? Which concrete steps will be taken by the High Commissioner so that the human rights situation in all States is assessed on the principles of universality and impartiality? Another paradoxical problem. Human rights entities of the UN insists on increased financing. However, the practice of spending of the resources it does have raises serious questions. Annual extension of very expensive and overlapping country mechanisms, the work of which is furthermore supported by a special human rights inquiries branch of OHCR, is an unexcusable wastefulness. At the same time, technical assistance to states is less than one quarter of the overall budget country mandates and this connection would like to hear about various initiatives in this context like to hear the comments of the High Commissioner about how the global alliance for human rights that was launched this year will correlate with functioning of the the microphone is switched off. 3rd Committee · Chair [50:43]: I thank Belarus I now pass the floor to the permanent representative of Cuba you have the floor microphone to Cuba please. Cuba · Permanent Representative [50:57]: We welcome the presence of the High Commissioner. We take note of his report. We congratulate him on his appointment for a second term, and we wish him success. We reiterate our readiness to strengthen cooperation with the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations as part of mutual interest and respectful and constructive dialogue. We recognize the genuine concern of the High Commissioner As regards the blockade of the United States against Cuba, this is a flagrant and massive and systematic violation of the human rights of Cuban people. We appreciate his reiterated call for this to be brought to an end. This is collective punishment. Just a few months ago, you recognized that the restrictions on fuel that were imposed from the beginning of 2026 and the strengthening of the extraterritorial measures of the United States directly harm Cubans, especially the most vulnerable. And you are absolutely right. There are children dying today in Cuba because doctors do not have access to medical supplies and basic medicines. There are tens of thousands of patients who have not been able to undergo surgery because of a lack of electricity or necessary medical resources. The blockade is not just a matter of rhetoric. Cuba will continue to call out the blockade together with the support of the UN system and the international community. and we are backed by justice and reason. We will continue to promote and to protect all human rights despite this, and we will continue to support the mandate of the High Commissioner and his office on the basis of resolution 48/141 of the United Nations General Assembly. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [52:33]: I thank the Permanent Representative of Cuba. I have, in the following order, the Permanent Representatives of Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Namibia, and Uruguay. Permanent Representative of Switzerland, you have the floor. Switzerland · Permanent Representative [52:52]: Switzerland thanks the High Commissioner for his commitment to human rights, and we congratulate the High Commissioner on the renewal of his mandate. Switzerland attaches great importance to our institutional partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner, and we look forward to continuing it. High Commissioner, Switzerland welcomes the recent launch of the Global Alliance for Human Rights. How can this alliance help to better highlight the complementarities between multilateral and regional fora with a view to strengthening the universal protection of human rights? In a context marked by multiple crises and profound social change, the Office of the High Commissioner plays a significant role in strengthening international stability, notably through its work on early warning, on documenting human rights violations, anticipating emerging risks related to digital technologies and also through its dialogue with states. Switzerland also underscores the strategic importance of Geneva as the headquarters of the Office of the High Commissioner and as a center of expertise on human rights and accountability. The presence of leading actors, mechanisms and expertise makes it a platform for dialogue and synergies that is conducive to the development of common standards and responses to international challenges. We in particular recall the need to support and reform the treaty bodies as part of a close collaboration involving all stakeholders, as Switzerland underlined last week on behalf of 93 states. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [54:37]: I pass the floor to the Permanent Representative of Syrian Arab Republic. You have the floor. Syrian Arab Republic · Permanent Representative [54:44]: Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I welcome the High Commissioner's presence with us here virtually, and Madam ASG, very good to have you as well. Mr. Chair, as you know and as many countries know, Syria went through a horrific period under the former regime of systematic human rights abuses. And I mentioned this period in order to thank the High Commissioner and his office for the important work that they have done relentlessly over the last 14 years in documentation of violations. building capacity of civil society and so on. And I wanted also to commend the High Commissioner personally for his historic visit a few days after Syria's liberation in January 2025 and engaging with Syria's leadership, which led for the very first time for OHCHR to have a presence in Syria. We value, Mr. Chair, the cooperation that we have with the High Commissioner's Office, their work in assisting us on transitional justice, the issue of missing persons, Um, building cap- judicial capacity, training, uh, their work with us on security sector reform, and we look forward to expanding their role in Syria when it comes to these matters. The question that we have to the High Commissioner: a few days ago, his office and his spokesperson in Geneva issued a report about the human rights violations that are taking place in southern Syria by Israeli forces. These, Mr. Chair, are no longer violations just of sovereignty and the 1974 agreement, but are extending to arbitrary detention, kidnap, attacks on livelihood, and even deaths. what would the high commissioner call upon when it comes to the International Community to put an end to these violations I thank you 3rd Committee · Chair [56:25]: I thank the permanent representative of Syrian Arab Republic and pass the floor to the permanent representative of Namibia you have the floor. Namibia · Africa Group · Permanent Representative [56:33]: Thank you Mr. chair the African group congratulates Mr. for on his reappointment and reaffirms its willingness. To work constructively with him and his office in support of our common goal on. Promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. The African Group reaffirms its commitment to the universality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of human rights. The Group places particular importance on the right to development. For the African Group, the realization of human rights cannot be separated from the eradication of poverty, inequality and exclusion. and from creating the conditions necessary for sustainable development. We therefore encourage the office to continue strengthening its works on the right to development and to support efforts to address the structural obstacles that continue to impede its full realization. Mr. Chair. The African group also stresses the importance of addressing any kind of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerances. We reaffirm our commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and call for the Office to continue supporting international efforts to eliminate racism and racial discrimination. Finally, Mr. Chair, the African Group reiterates that the effective promotion and protection of human rights. Requires a balanced approach that gives. Due attention to civil and political rights, as well as economic, social, and cultural rights, including the right to development. We look forward to continued constructive engagement with the High Commissioner and his office in advancing our shared objective. I thank you, Mr. Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [58:18]: I thank the Permanent Representative of Namibia on behalf of the African group and pass the floor to the Permanent Representative of Uruguay to be followed by Georgia. Uruguay, you have the floor. Uruguay · Permanent Representative [58:28]: Chair. Uruguay is grateful for the President of the GA's words, and we welcome Volker Turk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights. We thank him for his impartiality in the exercise of his work and the fulfilment of his mandate to protect and defend the human rights of all people all over the world. As we mark the 70th anniversary of international treaties, Uruguay is committed to redoubling its effort to lead to concrete improvements in people's lives. Our country has just been elected to join the Human Rights Council, and we take on this responsibility with a firm commitment to contribute to the international human rights protection system. Uruguay regrets the growing polarization and questioning of the universality of human rights, as well as multilateral architecture and the legal framework that we have built over decades. Human rights violations of international law and international humanitarian law should not become normalized. Given the unprecedented challenges to the international protection system, Uruguay welcomes and supports the Global Alliance for human rights, as we are convinced that now more than ever, it is necessary to strengthen international cooperation in order to make human rights a reality and to avoid setbacks. Allow me to take this opportunity, High Commissioner, to ask you if you could share further information about your plans for the Global Alliance. Finally, Uruguay reiterates its concern as regards the lack of a regular budget to support the human rights pillar. And we'd also be grateful to hear about this in your remarks, High Commissioner. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:00:14]: Thank you, Permanent Representative of Uruguay. I pass the floor to the Permanent Representative of Georgia, to be followed by Cameroon and then Guatemala. Georgia, you have the floor. Georgia · Permanent Representative [1:00:24]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. High Commissioner, congratulations on the renewal of your mandate, and thank you for your comprehensive report. In light of the increasing number of systematic human rights violations worldwide, I would like to underscore the crucial role of the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, particularly through its technical assistance, capacity building, and comprehensive reporting. Regrettably, Georgia has been experiencing the devastating consequences of the Russia's illegal occupation of Georgia's Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions for decades, as evidenced by a landmark decision of the European Court of Human Rights and decisions of the International Criminal Court. Georgia remains deeply concerned by illegal detentions, torture and ill-treatment, abductions, restrictions on freedom of movement, systematic discrimination against ethnic Georgians, violations of property rights, denial of the education in the native language, and the limited access to healthcare in the occupied territories. The Human Rights Council's recently adopted resolution on cooperation with Georgia, which secured consensus for the second consecutive year, reflects the continued deterioration of the human rights and humanitarian situation on the ground and the international community's commitment to upholding human rights. Against this backdrop, Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine in blatant violation of international law continues to undermine international peace and security, causing immense human suffering and widespread destruction. Mr. High Commissioner, while the illegal occupation territories, occupied territories of Georgia remain inaccessible for the Office of High Commissioner on Human Rights and other international human rights monitoring mechanisms, we would appreciate your views on possible avenues for addressing these violations. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:02:10]: Thanks, the Permanent Representative of Georgia. I pass the floor to Cameroon. You have the floor. Cameroon [1:02:18]: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First of all, congratulations to Mr. Volker on his re-election. Cameroon strongly supported it. Cameroon applauds his actions in defending human rights around the world. These rights are, in fact, a universal compact that is indivisible-- political, economic rights, rights to development, Then, these rites are exercised in a specific time and space around the world, and these indicate a certain identity or DNA. Mr. Commissioner, you will recall that during the 78th session of the General Assembly, we adopted resolution 78235, agreeing on additional resources to subregional centers where human rights and democracy in Yaounde. Two years later, you took a number of steps, but a lot remains to be done so that the center better enjoys all the necessary resources. especially the promotion regarding the director and also recruitment of staff. Could you tell us what specific actions your office has undertaken to remedy this situation? Following our development of technology and affects human rights, could you guarantee to us what are the actions that Rather, could you tell us which actions states should take at the national level and the international level to make sure that implementation of -- microphone is switched off. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:04:20]: I thank the permanent representative of Cameroon, and I pass the floor to the permanent representative of Cyprus. You have the floor. Cyprus · Permanent Representative [1:04:33]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Cyprus aligns with the statement that will be delivered by the European Union, but I would also like to make some additional comments. remarks in my national capacity. Mr. High Commissioner, first of all, allow me to congratulate you on your reappointment and to wish you a fruitful and constructive tenure. Cyprus fully supports your mandate and appreciates your work to advance the promotion and protection of human rights across the world. For Cyprus, who has experienced human rights violations because of illegal Turkish occupation and invasion, strengthening the UN human rights pillar is of great importance. As a member of the Human Rights Council, Cyprus appreciates the constructive cooperation with your Office and we look forward to further strengthening our exchanges and cooperation. It is critical that your Office is well resourced and effective, enabling treaty bodies, special procedures and investigative mechanisms to fully carry out their mandates. Cyprus has significantly increased its voluntary contribution to your Office and will continue to do so in order to assist in the full delivery of its mandate, recognizing our responsibility in this regard. Cyprus reaffirms its strong support and commitment to multilateralism and the responsibility to respect, protect and promote human rights, leaving no one behind. Mr. High Commissioner, We would be very interested to hear your perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing your office and mandate in the context of the UNAT initiative. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:06:07]: I thank the Permanent Representative of Cyprus and I pass the floor to the Permanent Representative of Malaysia. You have the floor. Malaysia · Permanent Representative [1:06:17]: Thank you, Chair. Malaysia thanks High Commissioner Turk for his presentation and takes note of his report. Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to the promotion and protection of all human rights. We continue to attach importance to constructive dialogue, international cooperation, and mutual respect. We believe that a balanced, impartial, and non-politicized approach is essential to advancing human rights for all. Chair, Malaysia wishes to reiterate the importance of equitable geographical representation within OHCHR. particularly at senior management levels. In this regard, we remain concerned about the under-representation of Asia-Pacific nationals within OASCHR, an issue that Malaysia has raised on previous occasions. This concern was also highlighted by ASEAN during the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council. We believe that greater geographical diversity would further strengthen the Office's credibility and effectiveness. It would also ensure that the perspectives, experiences, and expertise of different regions are adequately affected in its work. In this context, we would welcome the High Commissioner's views on how OACHR could further strengthen equitable geographical representation, particularly at senior management levels. Malaysia also recognizes the significant resource constraints faced by OACHR. We underscore the importance of sustaining technical assistance and capacity building for developing countries based on their national priorities and needs. In this regard, we encourage continued attention to economic, social, and cultural rights, alongside civil and political rights in accordance with the principles of universality, indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights. Malaysia looks forward to continuing its constructive engagement and cooperation with OHCHR in advancing our shared objectives. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:08:04]: I thank the Permanent Representative of Malaysia, and I pass the floor to the Russian Federation. You have the floor. Russian Federation [1:08:13]: Mr. Chairman, High Commissioner, From the High Commissioner, we expect impartial and measured assessment about events, but we're not receiving it, unfortunately. The method of collection of data and verifying them, in particular in the Ukrainian track, which is used by OHCR, raises serious questions. As practice shows, verification of data, OHCHR subcontracts to third parties. Based on distorted evidence, very dubious conclusions are made, but this time in the name of the High Commissioner of Human Rights. You openly ignore victims among the civilians on the Russian side, stating that 95% of civilians who have suffered are on the side that is controlled by Kyiv. At the same time, 9 out of 10 crimes regarding sexual violence you place on Russia without any grounds, what sort of objectivity can we talk about? Analyzing the contents of the reports of the so-called UN Human Rights Observer Mission in Ukraine is absolutely pointless. Each quarter, it shares with the world more and more absurd conclusions based on unreliable data. What can you expect from a structure which was established by a bilateral agreement between Kyiv and OHCHR back in 2014? It exists on generous subsidies from Western sponsors and receives information exclusively from one side, from Kyiv. Who will trust its impartiality? And yet, as a result of the action of Ukrainian troops, just starting in 2022, already 36,400 non-combatant civilians suffered, including 9,114 41 were killed, and we're ready to confirm the reliability of these figures. Don't you think, Mr. High Commissioner, that it's high time to discuss at the intergovernmental level, openly, the issue of the methodology of collection and verification of data, which is used by the UN and OHCHR in particular? Microphone switched off. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:10:16]: I thank the Russian Federation. I pass the floor to the representative of Israel, to be followed by Azerbaijan. Israel, you have the floor. Israel [1:10:26]: Thank you, Chair. Human rights leaders are tasked with protecting people worldwide. While the High Commissioner for Human Rights reports emphasize combating discrimination and disinformation, his actions demonstrate the exact opposite. Under the High Commissioner, the UN's human rights office has become the epicenter of a campaign to demonize and delegitimize Israel. The office not only enables, but actively participates in incitement, echoing Hamas propaganda, amplifying unchecked hate speech, and providing a platform to mandate holders who promote anti-Israeli rhetoric and justify terrorism. Israelis and Jewish communities worldwide are bearing the brunt of his recklessness as anti-Semitism surges. Just last month, OHCHR office celebrated expanding its discriminatory blacklist of American and Israeli companies. Conducted without basic transparency, this mechanism targets no other nation on earth besides Israel. By harassing businesses that provide employment to the local population, it is clear that the priority is to harm Israel, not help Palestinians. This selective weaponization directly undermines the credibility of international human rights system. Reporting on our region must address all actors, including Hamas, and fully recognize Israeli victims. Yet while the High Commissioner criticizes democratic nations, he turns a blind eye to genuine atrocities, remaining silent for 12 days while the Iranian regime slaughtered tens of thousands of its own citizens. Given this concerning record, why was Mr. Turk's term renewed before the Secretary-General left office, undermining an incoming Secretary-General's ability to appoint his senior team? 3rd Committee · Chair [1:12:07]: Thank you. Thank you, Israel. I pass the floor to Azerbaijan, to be followed by the permanent representative of Myanmar. Azerbaijan, you have the floor. Azerbaijan [1:12:18]: Mr. Chair, the full statement will be available in the UN Journal. Azerbaijan thanks Mr. Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, for the comprehensive update. Today's human rights challenges require a multilayered and comprehensive approach centered on the universality and indivisibility of human rights. Mr. Chair. Azerbaijan firmly convinced that all human rights, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as the right to development, are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. In the post-conflict period, Azerbaijan's large-scale and systematic recovery efforts have aimed to restore the human rights of internal displaced persons and more broadly to fully reintegrate the conflict-affected territories into the country's economic life. The rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts under the Great Return Program have already enabled 96,000 people to return to and live in those territories. These endeavors, particularly those aimed at ensuring the safe and dignified return of the displaced persons, are seriously hampered by the widespread presence of landmines and other explosive devices left during the times of occupation. Since 2022, more than 400 individuals have been killed and seriously injured, requiring genuine cooperation in rendering these devices harmless. Another serious problem is the issue of 4,000 persons registered missing in relation to the former conflict. The government takes all necessary measures at its disposal to clarify their fate. It should be particularly stressed that the remains believed to belong to 253 of the persons registered as missing have been found in 32 mass graves in the formerly occupied territories. Mr. Chair, Azerbaijan calls on the United Nations human rights mechanisms and the OSCHR to keep these graves human rights concerns which affects thousands of people. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:14:18]: Thank you, Azerbaijan. I pass the floor to the Permanent Representative of Myanmar, to be followed by Austria and then the Permanent Representative of Guatemala. Myanmar, you have the floor. Myanmar · Permanent Representative [1:14:29]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, Myanmar sincerely thanks the High Commissioner for consistently emphasizing on every occasion that the human rights crisis in Myanmar remains a matter of greatest international concern. The junta continue to launch an offensive campaign of terror against innocent civilians and perpetrate war crimes and crimes against humanity, acting with blanket impunity in the most blatant manner. Furthermore, the regions and beyond have become unprecedentedly unstable due to the lack of rule of law under the junta, which has turned Myanmar into a major hub for transnational crime. Yet international action is stalled and attention on Myanmar is fading. On the contrary, some are even taking steps to normalise relations with these criminals. Such developments only embolden the military junta to exploit resources for their own interests and commit further atrocities against the people of Myanmar. Our people consistently ask for accountability. Mr High Commissioner, I echo your call on the Security Council to refer the whole situation of Myanmar to the ICC. Moreover, in your address during the enhanced ID in September, you have underscored that Myanmar is testing, I quote, "Myanmar is testing the credibility of the international community's expressed desire for change, and engagement is important but must be founded on human rights," end quote. We fully concur with you. My question to you, Mr. High Commissioner, is how can we ensure that member states genuinely adopt and enforce this approach? And thank you, Mr. Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:16:10]: I thank the Permanent Representative of Myanmar. I pass the floor to Austria. You have the floor. Austria [1:16:17]: Thank you, Chair. Mr. High Commissioner, we thank you for your comprehensive... 3rd Committee · Chair [1:16:23]: Sorry, the microphone's gone to Australia. Austria is the Great, thank you. Austria [1:16:31]: It happens. Thank you, Chair, Mr. High Commissioner. We thank you for your comprehensive presentation. Austria warmly congratulates you on the extension of your mandate and reaffirms its strong support for your mandate and the independence of your office. At a time of growing global uncertainty, effective multilateralism and strong cooperation on human rights are more important than ever. Strengthening cooperation between New York, Geneva and Vienna will be essential to ensuring that the human rights system remains fit for the future. We also welcome your new initiative on the Human Rights Alliance. At a time of increasing pressure on the human rights system, strengthening cooperation and broad support for human rights is more important than ever. Austria is deeply concerned about the rapid development and growing use of emerging technologies, which continue to outpace the safeguard and regulatory frameworks needed to ensure their responsible use. In this context, Austria is once again facilitating its longstanding resolution on human rights and the administration of justice. This year, we have a particular focus on neurotechnology. We seek to advance safeguards for human rights affected by these developments, including freedom of thought and the right to privacy. OHCHR has also established a human rights advisory service on digital technology. How does OHCHR see the role of the advisory service in supporting states in developing human rights safeguards for emerging technologies and in contributing to the implementation of the Global Digital Compact. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:17:59]: Thank you, Austria. I'm sure Australia is always happy to be interchangeable with you. I pass the floor to the Permanent Representative of Guatemala, and then I have the Permanent Representative of Montenegro. Guatemala, you have the floor. Guatemala · Permanent Representative [1:18:13]: Chair, Guatemala thanks the introduction of the report, is grateful for it, and we acknowledge the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, we also take note of the efforts to improve institutional efficiency, strengthen regional structures and advance with the UNHAT initiative in a context of significant financial constraint. In this regard, it is essential that we preserve the universal, impartial and independent nature of the international human rights system without weakening core mandates or reducing opportunities for intergovernmental dialogue. It is also important to ensure that special procedures continue to be able to fulfill their mandates. Guatemala supports the Global Alliance for Human Rights as a mechanism for strengthening and promoting and protecting human rights, which is a fundamental pillar of this organization. We also recognize the role of special procedures and the value of their recommendations. In 2026, the country received two country visits from these mechanisms as part of its commitment to human rights. Guatemala wishes to underscore the institutional progress in recent months with the changes to the public prosecutor and the official ministries. This new opening of this new stage has allowed us to review a number of cases as part of our efforts to strengthen access to justice and the rule of law. High Commissioner, Guatemala is grateful for the support of your office, and we look forward to working with the new country representative to strengthen institutional capacity and to promote respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Thank you very much. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:19:52]: I thank the Permanent Representative of Guatemala. I pass the floor to the Permanent Representative of Montenegro, to be followed by Chile. Montenegro, you have the floor. Montenegro · Permanent Representative [1:20:00]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. High Commissioner, Montenegro appreciates your comprehensive update and unwavering commitment to the promotion and global protection of human rights. We warmly welcome the extension of your mandate and reaffirm our strong support for your leadership, independence, and the essential work of the Office. At a time of increasing pressure on the international human rights system, a strong and adequately resourced OHCHR is more important than ever. To this end, Montenegro has increased its contribution to your Office by 50% in 2026. We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation worldwide, including in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. We strongly support your efforts to ensure that human rights remain at the core of international responses. with accountability and respect for international law as guiding principles. Montenegro attaches particular importance to the Global Alliance for Human Rights. Our active participation in this initiative reflects our firm belief that member states should demonstrate stronger political commitment and leadership in human rights sphere. Global Alliance is an important opportunity to translate our shared principles into tangible actions, strengthen international cooperation, and reinforce the central place of human rights across the UN system. We also highly value the protection of civic space and ensuring a safe and enabling environment for civil society and human rights defenders. We appreciate your consistent advocacy in this regard and remain committed to strengthening cooperation with civil society and independent human rights institutions. Mr. High Commissioner, how can the Global Alliance help turn political commitment into concrete support, particularly in protecting civic space and strengthening the work of your office? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:21:41]: I thank the permanent representative of Montenegro. I pass the floor to Chile, followed by Nigeria, followed by European Union. Chile, you have the floor. Chile [1:21:50]: Thank you, Chairman. Chile welcomes the High Commissioner and congratulates him on renewal of his mandate and reiterates our commitment to continue supporting your work. In this opportunity, we'd like to refer to the report on the system of treaty organs of human rights, and in particular, the process of consultations aimed at promoting reform. We understand that the support in diagnosing the main challenges confronting the system that have arisen has given rise to concrete proposals, and these are being examined and discussed. In this context, we'd like to ask the High Commissioner What do you consider are the main structural barriers or institutional barriers that complicate progress in this reform beyond financial limitations? And what role could member states play and contribute to overcoming these barriers? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:22:41]: Thank you. Chile, I pass the floor to Nigeria, followed by European Union, then Romania. Nigeria, you have the floor. Nigeria [1:22:47]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Nigeria thanks the High Commissioner for his briefing and congratulate him on his reappointment. Following our election to the Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term, Nigeria thanks member states for their confidence. During this term, Nigeria will promote dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect, support balanced attention to all human rights, and encourage practical assistance for the implementation of human rights obligation and commitments at the national level. the Council marks the 12th anniversary, it continues to work under significant financial constraints. Nigeria supports efforts to improve efficiency and avoid duplication, provided they are transparent and inclusive, and enable all states, including small delegations and developing countries, to participate fully. moreover Nigeria believes that all human rights should receive equal attention this includes economic social and cultural rights and the right to development which remain important priority for developing countries poverty and limited access to education healthc care and other basic Services continue to affect people's ability to enjoy their rights civil and political rights also require sustained protection the council should address these rights in a balanced and mutually reinforcing manner we value the universal periodic review as an important cooperative mechanism. Adequate support can help countries translate accepted recommendations to tangible improvements in laws, institutions, and services consistent with national priorities. Nigeria encourages the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to continue providing practical technical assistance at the request of states and supporting stronger national institutions. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:24:40]: Thank you, Nigeria. European Union, you have the floor, followed by Romania. European Union. EU · EU [1:24:46]: Thank you, Chair. The EU and its member states warmly welcome you, High Commissioner, and reaffirm our steadfast support for your mandate and the essential work of your office. Amid deepening geopolitical tensions, growing polarization, and mounting pressure on multilateralism, it cannot be stressed enough that respect for human rights remains the foundation of peace, security, and sustainable development. Human rights bind us all, and international law, including the UN Charter, must be upheld under all circumstances. These principles guide the EU's response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the devastating crisis in Gaza, the conflict in Sudan, and many other situations that demand the urgent attention of the international community. In this regard, the EU reaffirms its strong commitment to end impunity and advance accountability, including through the ICC and UN investigative bodies, whose independence and integrity must be protected. Rapid advances in digital technologies, including AI, also demand our urgent collective attention. We must ensure that these technologies are developed and used in a safe, secure, responsible, and human-centric manner. The same rights that apply offline must also fully apply online. We commend your leadership of the UN80 Human Rights Cluster. The EU remains deeply concerned about the chronic underfunding of the human rights pillar. Adequate, predictable and sustained funding is indispensable across all three pillars. High Commissioner, how can Member States best support your efforts under UNHCR to strengthen the human rights pillar while safeguarding the independence, integrity and capacity of your office to prevent violations and deliver protection on the ground? 3rd Committee · Chair [1:26:37]: I thank the European Union. Romania, you have the floor, followed by Panama and then Colombia. Romania, you have the floor. Romania [1:26:46]: Chair, Romania thanks the High Commissioner for Human Rights for his continued leadership and the tireless work at the helm of the Office. Romania remains firmly committed to a strong multilateral system grounded in the UN Charter and international law. As we have always argued, the Third Committee and the Human Rights Council must work in complementarity so that the UN system speaks with a coherent voice on human rights. Complementarity is thus also needed when addressing reforms in Geneva and New York. Safeguarding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law remains central to our engagement. This November, following a resolution promoted by Romania, a forum on human rights, democracy, and rule of law will be organized in Geneva. It constitutes a good opportunity to strengthen cooperation with as many partners as possible, partners that pursue the protection of universal values, principles, and international law. Colleagues, my delegation reiterates its strong support for the independence and impartiality of OHCHR, the inviolability of special procedures and independent investigative mechanisms, and the meaningful participation of civil society in all UN processes. It is also relevant for mandate holders to be aware that the code of conduct needs to be strictly followed. Preserving normative clarity and resisting attempts to dilute or politicize agreed human rights language are essential if the system is to remain credible and effective. Mr. High Commissioner, we share your concern regarding the current funding and liquidity pressures facing the human rights pillar more broadly. Sustainable resources are not a technical luxury, they are practical foundation of monitoring, reporting, early warning, and remedial action. We ask for your thoughts on how the OHCHR further strengthens its technical assistance and capacity building support for member states, and what areas do you see you would give priority in this regard? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:28:46]: Thank you, Romania. Panama, you have the floor, followed by Colombia. Panama. Panama [1:28:52]: Gracias. Thank you, Chair. We are grateful to the High Commissioner for his briefing and for the efforts of his office in support of the promotion and protection of human rights. High Commissioner, we live in an international context that is marked by numerous challenges, where conflicts, inequalities and humanitarian crises continue to impact the lives of millions of people, especially those in the greatest vulnerability. Given this reality, we believe it's essential that we continue to strengthen international cooperation and constructive dialogue, because we recognize that protection of human rights requires not only commitments, but real, concrete actions and sustained actions. In Panama, the recent earthquake has reminded us that in emergency situations, the most important thing should always be the well-being and dignity of people behind each affected family. there are worries, there are needs, and there are rights that have to be addressed. And this is why we value the readiness and support of the United Nations agencies that are present in the country, and their work in coordination with our national authorities has contributed to strengthening our response to this situation and to supporting our people. High Commissioner, in this context, we would like to ask you the following question: What actions do you believe are a priority in terms of strengthening cooperation with States and achieving concrete progress in the protection of human rights of the most vulnerable populations. Thank you in advance for your thoughts. Thank you very much, Chairman. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:30:29]: Thank you, Panama. I pass the floor to Colombia, followed by Czechia, then Egypt. Colombia, you have the floor. Colombia [1:30:38]: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Columbia, thanks to High Commissioner for presenting reforms and highlights the work of the office in strengthening national institutions, technical cooperation and protection and promotion of human rights, and an international context marked by various challenges, including conflicts, proliferation of disinformation, and risks that this represents for the protection of human rights. We consider it is fundamental to preserve and strengthen a multilateral system that is sound, efficient, and effective. based on universal norms, respect for international law and international humanitarian law, as well as on cooperation. Colombia also, therefore, recognizes the value of an international support that responds to the needs and priorities of each State, that contributes to strengthening their national capacities. With this in mind, we'd like to highlight the importance of technical assistance and exchange of good practices to advance in the effective implementation of international commitments in the area of human rights. Lastly, we'd like to underscore the need to ensure sufficient resources that are predictable and sustainable so that the human rights system can effectively fulfill its mandates. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:31:54]: Thank you, Colombia. I pass the floor to Turkey, followed by Egypt. Colombia, you have Czechia, you have the floor. Czechia [1:32:02]: Thank you, Chair. The Czech Republic aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. We thank High Commissioner Turk for his leadership and engagement as international human rights law and multilateral system face growing pressure. Mr. High Commissioner, how can member states ensure predictable and adequate funding while safeguarding the independence and effectiveness of the UN human rights system? Armed conflicts continue to inflict intolerable suffering on civilians. We call on all parties to comply with international human rights and humanitarian law, ensure safe humanitarian access, and support accountability. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine remains a grave assault on the UN Charter. Russia must cease its aggression and ensure accountability, including for attacks against civilians, arbitrary detention, torture, and the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. We are equally concerned by shrinking civic space. States must protect human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society, safeguard freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and prevent reprisals against those cooperating with the United Nations. We support human-centric AI governance, grounded in human rights and guided by transparency, accountability, and meaningful human oversight. Finally, UN80 reforms must strengthen, not weaken, the human rights pillar. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:33:30]: Thank you, Chairperson. I pass for the Egypt, followed by Slovenia. Egypt, you have the floor. Egypt [1:33:37]: Thank you, Chairperson. A warm welcome to the High Commissioner for Human Rights, we congratulate him on his reappointment by the UN General Assembly. Your work continues to garner our support, particularly at a time of significant upheavals and shrinking fiscal space. Given time constraints, we will focus on three key matters. The plight of the Palestinian people and the gross systematic violations in Gaza and the West Bank, including due to settlers' violence and activity, must never be dealt with as the new normal. We appreciate the work of the Office and the relevant international mechanisms. However, how does the High Commissioner plan to strengthen monitoring and documenting these gross violations by the Israeli occupation with a view of ensuring accountability and remedy? Second, we know that the impact of artificial intelligence on human rights is a priority for the High Commissioner as much as it is to Egypt. Last week in Geneva, as a current member of the Human Rights Council, we co-led a consensus resolution on the subject matter. The inherent risks associated with this potentially life-changing technology and the necessity of human control, transparency, and effective safeguards are becoming an evidence-based rallying point. What is your anatomy of the most significant protection gaps, especially with the rapidly growing digital divides facing developing countries and the risk trajectory of incitement to hatred, racism, and xenophobia? Third and last, we appreciate Egypt's capacity building program with OHCHR. What is your current assessment, given the declining resources, of your ability to continue to provide equitable technical cooperation services that respond to national priorities? What is the potential impact of the undergoing efficiency measures, including regional resets, particularly on Africa and the MENA region? Also, what is your view on the impact of recoursing to new and innovative funding on the priorities, impartiality, and predictability of the work of OHCHR. Speaker 59 [1:35:28]: Thank you, Mr. Chairperson. Thank you, Egypt. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:35:31]: I pass the floor to Slovenia, to be followed by the Permanent Representative of Denmark. Slovenia, you have the floor. Slovenia [1:35:38]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Slovenia aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union. Mr. High Commissioner, allow me to begin by congratulating you on your reappointment and reaffirming Slovenia's strong support for your mandate and the vital work of your Office. The independence of your mandate and that of your office remains of paramount importance to us. We welcome your leadership in establishing the UN Human Rights Group under the UN80 Initiative and commend OHCHR for the formal launch of the Global Alliance for Human Rights. We look forward to its inaugural and annual forum on December 10. Mr. High Commissioner, We greatly appreciate OHCHR's important contribution to advancing the rights of older persons, both within the UN system and beyond. We equally welcome your office's efforts to highlight the impact of environmental crisis on the enjoyment of human rights. At a time when the world is witnessing a record number of armed conflicts, international law, including international human rights law, must remain the foundation of our collective response. Armed conflicts continue to give rise to some of the gravest human rights violations and abuses, with women, children, and persons in vulnerable situations bearing the disproportionate burden. At the same time, human rights violations and abuses often serve as early warning signs of emerging conflicts and crises. Slovenia advocates a principled, consistent, and non-discriminatory approach to human rights worldwide, emphasizing that universal human rights standards must be applied equally to all countries and situations. The grave human rights situations in Ukraine, resulting from Russia's ongoing aggression, and in Belarus must not fade from the international community's attention. We express our sincere appreciation to OHCHR for its vital work in monitoring, documenting, and reporting on human rights violations. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:37:38]: Thank you, Slovenia. I pass the floor to the Permanent Representative of Denmark, to be followed by Canada. Denmark, you have the floor. Denmark · Nordic-Baltic countries · Permanent Representative [1:37:46]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Denmark. High Commissioner, we congratulate you on your reappointment and, as you begin your second term, reaffirm our strong support for your mandate and for the independence of your office. We thank you for your report and your principled leadership at a time of mounting pressure on human rights and the international human rights system across all regions. OHCHR's field presence and its independent monitoring and public reporting are indispensable. They establish credible facts, enable early warning and preventive action, and preserve evidence for accountability and, in turn, justice. Equally indispensable is OHCHR's support to the Human Rights Council, treaty bodies and special procedures in fulfilling their mandates. We also value the Office's technical cooperation and country engagement, which helps States translate obligations and recommendations into concrete improvements. Mr Chair, human rights must be integrated across the UN's work on peace and security, development and humanitarian action. We therefore welcome the High Commission's intention to strengthen early warning and prevention. Effective prevention requires timely information from civil society, safe and meaningful participation, and follow-up by Member States and the wider UN system. Mr. High Commissioner, what concrete steps should Member States take to strengthen OHCHR's ability to turn early warning into preventive actions, particularly where civic space is closing and human rights defenders face intimidations or reprisals? I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:39:38]: I thank the Permanent Representative of Denmark. On behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, I pass the floor to Canada, to be followed by Mexico. Canada, you have the floor. Canada [1:39:49]: High Commissioner, your report underscores the challenges that human rights are facing in a context of increasing conflicts, exacerbated inequalities, shrinking civic space, disinformation, and pressure on the multilateral system. The human rights system is under threat. The anti-rights movement and state and non-state actors are trying to delegitimize and human rights defenders in civil society, and they are doing so with impunity. It is crucial that we preserve human rights in the face of these attacks and ensure justice for survivors and defenders, and defend equal rights for all online and offline. We also recognize the essential role of the Office of the High Commissioner as regards encouraging coherent implementation and independence. We are seeing a deterioration in human rights and limited willingness to review. What can we do to support the Office of the High Commissioner and its mandates as regards improving the human rights outcomes in these countries? We believe that human rights are the cornerstone of effective multilateral action and we are a candidate for the Human Rights Council for the period through 2028. As a sign of our commitment, we thank you for your support for the UNHCR initiative and for creating the new Global Alliance for Human Rights. How can we all work together to underscore the relevance of this alliance and of the Human Rights Council in a context of acute underfinancing and actions by certain parties to undermine your work. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:41:44]: Mexico, to be followed by Mali. Mexico, you have the floor. Mexico [1:41:50]: Thank you, Chair. Mexico is grateful to the High Commissioner for the presentation of his report, and we also congratulate him on renewing his mandate. In an international context marked by challenges, including armed conflict, disinformation, and inequalities, We must defend international law and ensure its consistent application. Human rights must guide our responses and be at the heart of multilateral action. Accountability requires independent and credible mechanisms. Their cooperation and dialogue with States must be translated into effective responses of victims and a better protection of human rights. Mexico is grateful for your visit, Mr. High Commissioner, to our country in April of this year. We value the technical assistance of your office to strengthen the rule of law and administration of justice. We also highlight your participation in various legislative initiatives, such as the one mentioned in your report, to strengthen our laws and eliminate or prevent discrimination. In particular, we value cooperation with your office in the area of protecting human rights defenders and the topic of disappearances, where we reiterate our readiness to continue working together to strengthen the search, investigation, and care for victims and their families. Mexico is proud to be part of the Global Alliance for Human Rights. For our country, this initiative is an opportunity to renew our collective commitment to promotion of human rights and join efforts with civil society, young people, and the private sector towards a common goal. Mr. High Commissioner, in order to deepen cooperation, what could you tell us about the obligation of treaty organs and special procedures in promoting cooperation with states? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:43:37]: Thank you, Mexico. I pass the floor to Mali, followed by Japan. Mali, you have the floor. Mali [1:43:45]: Thank you, Chair, High Commissioner. Thank you for the presentation of your report. It raised some questions and comments. My comment has to do with the high number of monitoring and implementing mechanisms for the treaty organs. Due to this, certain states parties have to appear three or four times in Geneva to present reports or respond to questions. Then readings of certain reports gives the impression that there's a priority for hype. This increases mistrust and it seems to suggest an instrumentalization, exploitation of human rights issues. We need sane and trustworthy dialogue to protect human rights. States parties to these mechanisms need training and technical assistance, financing to effectively implement these instruments. I think you are aware of this problem because High Commissioner under your leadership has established a monitoring mechanism. In particular, I note that the regional dialogue is planned with States Parties, also resorting a multilingual digital platform presentation of reports or support for electoral processes by experts from the mechanism. My question is, you have a timetable or program for implementing these reforms? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:45:20]: Thank you, Marly. I pass the floor to Japan, to be followed by Spain, then Bangladesh. Japan, you have the floor. Japan [1:45:27]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Japan highly appreciate the High Commissioner's principled and consistent leadership at a time of growing challenges to human rights and the rule-based international order. Despite severe resource constraints, the The High Commissioner has continued to speak out independently and worked to address emerging human rights challenges, including those associated with rapidly evolving digital technologies. As Japan underscored during the general debate, we remain deeply concerned about serious human rights and humanitarian situations in various parts of the world. Therefore, we highly value the High Commissioner's continued engagement and advocacy for full respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law. I would like to pose two questions. First, as the UNHAT initiative moves into its implementation phase, how do you assess its impact on OHCHR's ability to fulfill its mandate and what challenges remain in ensuring that the ongoing reforms strengthen the UN's human rights work? Second, as artificial intelligence and other digital technologies continue to evolve rapidly, what should the international community prioritize to ensure that recent technological progress contributes to the promotion and protection of human rights while effectively addressing emerging risks. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:47:11]: Thank you, Japan. I pass for the Spain to be followed by Bangladesh and Luxembourg. Spain, you have the floor. Spain [1:47:20]: Yes, thank you, Chair. We are grateful to the OHCHR. We thank the High Commissioner for presenting the report and we join other delegations in congratulating you on your re-election. Spain aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and we make the following remarks in our national capacity. We reiterate our strong support for the independence of the human rights system and for the universal human rights system as a whole. It needs the and we advocate for support, predictable funding and ensuring sustainability. We defend the integrity of the special procedures and International Criminal Court mandate holders, rejecting any pressure, intimidation or coercive measures that would threaten the independence of international justice. Spain reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, to international human rights law and to international humanitarian law. Amongst our priorities, we have the abolition of the death penalty, gender equality, LGBTI rights, the right to water and sanitation, and the protection of human rights defenders and civic space. We look forward to continuing to work with the Office to continue advancing all of these areas and to strengthening the entire international architecture for the guarantee and protection of human rights. By way of conclusion, High Commissioner, I wish to ask you the following: what measures does your office prioritise to strengthen the protection and resilience of human rights mechanisms and their holders against external interference? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:48:51]: Thank you, Spain. I pass the floor to Bangladesh, to be followed by Luxembourg and then Portugal. Bangladesh, you have the floor. Bangladesh [1:49:00]: Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the High Commissioner for the comprehensive report. Bangladesh remains deeply committed in advancing human rights, justice, and accountability for all. Our approach is inclusive and people-centered. Last month, our parliament passed two important bills on enforced disappearance prevention and national human rights commission to strengthen human rights protection. The OHCHR office in Bangladesh is now fully operational. We appreciate its technical support on human rights due diligence. Bangladesh remains deeply concerned over the situation of the Rohingya in Myanmar, who continue to face grave human rights violations. We urge the High Commissioner to support efforts for accountability and justice and to effectively pursue a permanent solution of the Rohingya crisis. As climate change profoundly affects the enjoyment of human rights, we underscore the importance of advancing a just transition guided by equity and climate justice. Bangladesh also underscores that AI governance must be guided by human rights, equity, transparency, and international cooperation, while ensuring that emerging technologies do not widen the digital divide within and among countries. Finally, we appreciate the focus of the report on the connections between human rights and the 2030 agenda, the financing for development, and the right to development. Its focus on debt governance, international tax cooperation, social protection, labour rights and climate action shows that economic policies should advance human rights through transparency, accountability and adequate resources. I thank you, Mr President. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:50:39]: Thank you, Bangladesh. Luxembourg, followed by Portugal and Armenia. Luxembourg, you have the floor. Luxembourg [1:50:46]: Monsieur le Chair, Luxembourg aligns with the statement delivered by the EU, and we thank the High Commissioner for introducing his report, and we reaffirm our full support for his mandate. Our strategic partnership framework for the period 2024 through 2028 is a sign of our commitment to the protection of human rights all over the world. We also believe that this interactive dialogue contributes to strengthening coordination between New York and Geneva. which is particularly important at the current international juncture. Your report highlights a worrying reality. The international human rights system is facing increasing pressure. Conflicts are on the rise, civic space is shrinking, and disinformation is undermining trust in our institutions. In addition to this, there are budgetary constraints that directly impact the operation of human rights mechanisms. We hail the efforts of the OHCHR to document violations, support victims, strengthen national institutions, and to promote accountability. We also support the UNAT initiative and will ensure that the human rights pillar is not weakened as a result of it. Finally, AI offers significant opportunities. Nevertheless, its use must align with international human rights standards. artificial intelligence should not become a source of discrimination, improper surveillance, or even an autonomous tool capable of killing humans. As we approach the 80th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, how can the international community better mobilize the necessary political and financial resources to ensure that human rights mechanisms remain fully operational and able to respond to emerging challenges, including those related to AI. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:52:42]: Luxembourg, Portugal, followed by Armenia and Pakistan. Portugal, you have the floor. Portugal [1:52:48]: Thank you, sir. Aligning with the EU in its national capacity, Portugal thanks the High Commissioner for the presentation of his report and commends him for the continued work under increasingly difficult financial and operational conditions. Portugal remains firmly committed to a rules-based international order founded on universal human rights, the protection of fundamental freedoms, and effective multilateral cooperation. We share the concern that the global human rights landscape is under growing strain due to armed conflicts, increasing inequalities, shrinking civil space, disinformation, and challenges to accountability. These trends require a collective response that places human rights at the center of prevention, peacebuilding, and sustainable development efforts. We welcome the OHCR's work to strengthen international human rights mechanisms and to support the implementation of treaty body and UPR recommendations. We also welcome the Office's reinforced cooperation with regional organizations, including the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, CPLP. Portugal attaches particular importance to the integration of human rights into development policies, climate action, and digital governments. We encourage continued efforts to advance a human rights-based approach to sustainable development, environmental protection, and the governance of emerging technologies, including AI. We reiterate our support for a strong, independent and effective OHCR, capable of responding to today's increasingly complex human rights challenges. It is important that the Office has the necessary resources to fulfill its mandate. In closing... 3rd Committee · Chair [1:54:49]: Thank you very much indeed, Portugal. I pass to Armenia, to be followed by Pakistan, then Brazil. Armenia, you have the floor. Armenia [1:54:57]: Mr. Chair, I thank you. I also thank you, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Wilkediuk, for his presentation and congratulate him on his appointment for the second term. We particularly welcome the report's focus on prevention and believe that human rights mechanisms should play a more prominent role in identifying emerging risks and enabling timely and effective responses. Armenia remains committed to a strong, independent, and adequately resourced United Nations human rights system with effective early warning and early action capacities. We maintain a constructive dialogue with OHCHR and UN human rights mechanisms, including through treaty body reviews and visits by special procedure mandate holders. The establishment of the national mechanisms for implementation, reporting, and follow-up, supported by its AI Namra digital platform strengthens the systematic coordination, implementation, and follow-up of recommendations addressed to Armenia by international and regional human rights mechanisms. We underscore the importance of protection and promotion of human rights amid the rapid development of digital technologies and AI with due consideration given to gender perspective. In this context, Armenia initiated strengthening International cooperation for promotion and protection of rights of women and girls in the context of digital technologies resolution adopted recently by the Human Rights Council. Armenia shares the report's emphasis on human rights as an essential foundation for preventing the recurrence of conflict, rebuilding trust, and sustaining peace. Armenia remains firmly committed to advancing a durable and sustainable peace in the region. In this context, addressing outstanding humanitarian issues in accordance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law, in particular those concerning detainees and missing persons, is essential to building confidence and fostering reconciliation. We remain committed to supporting OHCHR in the fact. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:56:58]: I thank Armenia. Pass the floor to Pakistan to be followed by Brazil and the United Kingdom. Pakistan, you have the floor. Pakistan [1:57:03]: Thank you very much, Chairman. We thank the High Commissioner for his briefing. The global human rights landscape remains deeply troubling. The credibility of the international human rights framework rests not merely on identifying violations, but on addressing them consistently, impartially, and without selectivity. We are particularly concerned by the alarming rise in Islamophobia. We hope the High Commissioner's Office will continue to closely monitor institutionalized discrimination against Muslim minorities and take concrete measures to address them. Chair, the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir remains a glaring example of unaddressed human rights violations. The Kashmiri people continue to be denied their inalienable right to self-determination in contravention of relevant Security Council resolutions. Since August 2019, suppression of fundamental freedoms in occupied Jammu and Kashmir have further aggravated the situation. The OHCHR's reports of 2018 and 2019 documented serious violations and recommended independent investigations, accountability for perpetrators, unhindered access for human rights mechanisms, and consideration of an international commission of inquiry. Seven years later, these recommendations remain unimplemented. We therefore seek the High Commissioner's views on two questions. First. When can we expect the next OHCHR report on Jammu and Kashmir, particularly covering developments since August 2019 in the occupied territory? Second, what concrete measures has the Office undertaken to advance implementation of the recommendations contained in its two previous reports? I thank you very much, Chairman. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:58:43]: Thank you, Pakistan. I pass to Brazil, then United Kingdom. Brazil, you have the floor. Brazil [1:58:49]: Thank you, Mr. President. We congratulate Mr. Volker Turk for his reappointment as High Commissioner for Human Rights and highlight Brazil's commitment to continuing to cooperate with his office. We welcome the launch of the Global Alliance for Human Rights, which we believe should serve as an instrument to mobilize in the support of the international community for the work of the Human Rights Council. Looking ahead, Brazil understands that it's necessary to address the underlying problems affecting the Human Rights Council, such as polarization, politicization, lack of dialogue, and the low priority given to cooperation and technical assistance over monitoring mandates. We view with deep concern the growing structural imbalance within the Human Rights Council. According to many reports, nearly 60% of resources are directed toward mechanisms under items 2 and 4 of the Council's agenda, severely compromising its core preventive mandate. When items 3 and 9 of the agenda receive a fraction of the support, and item 10 receives less than 10% of funding, we fail the most vulnerable. This distortion impairs our ability to prevent human rights violations and suffocates critical capacity building. Mr. President, my delegation would like to ask the High Commissioner how he intends to use the Global Alliance for Human Rights and the UN Human Rights Group to help address the issues currently affecting the UN human rights pillar. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:00:34]: Thank you, Brazil. I pass the floor to the United Kingdom, followed by Australia. United Kingdom, you have the floor. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [2:00:41]: Thank you. At a time when conflict, repression, and humanitarian crises are placing growing pressure on the international human rights system, the work of the OHCHR remains indispensable. Independent monitoring, reporting, and accountability are essential to protecting victims, preventing further violations, and upholding respect for international law. You can see this clearly in the devastating conflict in Sudan. The UK welcomed the renewal of the independent fact-finding mission last week at the Human Rights Council. Renewing the mission's mandate is essential to enable justice in Sudan and lay the groundwork for future accountability. Yet Sudan is not the only challenge facing the international human rights system. Across the globe, conflicts and humanitarian crises continue to drive widespread human rights violations and abuses. While outside of conflict, people are denied their human rights through discrimination, restrictions, inequality, and barriers to meaningful participation in public life. High Commissioner, the UK congratulates you on your reappointment. As you begin your second term, what do you see as your key? Priorities for the next four years, and what concrete steps will you take to strengthen the impact of OHCHR in responding to major crises, supporting accountability, and defending the integrity of the international human rights system? Thank you. Chair [2:01:58]: Thank you, United Kingdom. I pass the floor to Australia, followed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Australia, you have the floor. Australia [2:02:06]: Thank you, Chair. Australia thanks the High Commissioner for his report and congratulates him on his reappointment. At a time when human rights are under mounting pressure, the report makes clear that an effective, credible, and adequately funded multilateral human rights system is vital for prevention, resilience, and effective cooperation. Australia makes three points. First, Australia reaffirms its steadfast support for the High Commissioner and his office. Through its monitoring, reporting, technical assistance, and presence on the ground, OHCHR plays an essential role in preventing violations, advancing accountability, and supporting states to uphold their human rights obligations. Second, the effectiveness of OHCHR's work depends on our collective commitment to the wider multilateral human rights system. Australia supports reform efforts geared towards building a more inclusive and effective system, with the Human Rights. Council and its mechanisms at its core. Third, an independent OHCHR must be adequately resourced to deliver its critical work. This requires Member States to match the human rights mandates that they create with adequate funding in the UN budget. With this in mind, High Commissioner. What practical steps can we, as Member States, take to ensure OHCHR has the tools it needs to deliver its mandates effectively? Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:03:27]: Thank you, Australia. I pass the Kingdom of the Netherlands, followed by Tunisia, then Ukraine. Kingdom of the Netherlands, you have the floor. Netherlands (Kingdom of the) [2:03:36]: Thank you, Chair. Warning signs of human rights crises are visible earlier and more clearly than ever before, yet too often the international community still responds too late. after patterns of discrimination have hardened, after civic space has closed, and after violence has escalated into atrocity. If we want the Human Rights Council to fulfill its promise, it is imperative that its preventative mandate is strengthened further. We were pleased to see the first preventative urgent debate during the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council on the situation in El Obeid, Sudan. Prevention is not an abstract ideal. It is the practical ability to see risks in time and to act before they turn into widespread violations. This is why the international community should increasingly aggregate, analyze, and discuss signals from special procedures, treaty bodies, and input from civil society, and whenever imperative for preventative purposes, translate them into concrete action. There also continues to be a clear need for the Council to be informed of situations of concern, even if they are not formally on the agenda. Chair, our commitment to human rights cannot stop at the doors of the UN. We should broaden and deepen our partnerships and alliances, based on our shared interest in a rule-based international legal order. Our commitment must also be visible in our countries, our cities, and our communities. It is for this reason that our Kingdom is a proud supporter of the Global Alliance for Human Rights and encourages Member States to equally embrace this initiative. We would kindly like to ask the High Commissioner as to his further plans for the development of the Global Alliance. Thank you very much. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:05:27]: I thank the Kingdom of the Netherlands. I pass to Tunisia, followed by Ukraine, then Morocco. Tunisia, you have the floor. Tunisia [2:05:34]: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I thank the High Commissioner, Mr. Vogel, for his insightful presentation, and we congratulate him on the renewal of his mandate. Tunisia welcomes the emphasis on the need to address structural inequalities and reform the international financial architecture. You rightly pointed out that the current financial architecture is failing large segments of the world's population and highlighted your office's work with over 35 governments to integrate human rights into economic policies. We also share your concerns regarding the shrinking civic space and the protection of human rights defenders, the growing human rights implications of climate change and the risks posed by the artificial intelligence. These challenges call for stronger international cooperation, particularly to ensure that developing countries have the resources and capacities to respond effectively to it. For Tunisia, the right to development remains central to the effective enjoyment of all human rights. Yet, debt burdens and unequal access to financing continue to constrain the ability of developing countries to invest in their people properly. In this context, Mr. High Commissioner, how can your office strengthen its cooperation with international financial institutions to ensure that financing policies better support the crucial, basic and fundamental right to development? I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:07:07]: Thank you, Tunisia. I have Ukraine, Morocco, Bahrain and Sudan. Ukraine, you have the floor. Ukraine [2:07:14]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Ukraine reiterates its strong support for High Commissioner Turk and his office. We value his principled engagement and sustained attention to human rights in Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing aggression. We also appreciate the dedicated work of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. The human rights situation remains deeply alarming. Russia's relentless missile and drone attacks continue to kill civilians, destroy homes and critical infrastructure, and disrupt essential services. During the last night, Russians deployed 39 ballistic missiles and more than 120 strike drones. Against our energy and critical infrastructure in Kyiv and Kharkiv. At least 600,000 people are currently without electricity. And now, in this moment, Russians are deploying a new wave of drones against Ukraine. Is Russia ready for peace talks, or is it an obstacle to such a process? It's a rhetorical question, and the response is obvious. Mr. Chair, the latest OHCHR report on conflict-related sexual violence. Further documents horrific abuses against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians in the Russian-occupied territories. Similarly, disturbing is the situation in the temporarily. Occupied Oleshky, where the civilians face critical shortages of essential supplies and restricted humanitarian access and evacuation. Around 2,000 residents still remain there, out of the pre-war population of 24,000. We urge Russia, as a co-pipeline power, to ensure unhindered humanitarian assistance and safe, voluntary evacuation. Ukraine also highly values UN Commission of Inquiry in Ukraine and its findings that Russia deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children constitute crimes against humanity. Finally, we are deeply concerned in finding shortages threaten the effectiveness of independent investigative monitoring mechanism. And we call member states to match their commitment to accountability with concrete action and adequate resources. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:09:06]: Thank you, Ukraine. I pass the floor to Morocco, followed by Bahrain, Sudan, and Poland. Morocco, you have the floor. Morocco [2:09:12]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Morocco thanks High Commissioner for Culture for his report and commends the work of the OCHR despite severe financial constraints. constraint. We welcome its efficiency efforts, the UN Human Rights Group under the UNH initiative and the Global Alliance for Human Rights. Morocco welcomes OHCHR support for establishing and strengthening national mechanisms for implementation, reporting, and follow-up, and the international network, which bridge the United Nations human rights system and realities on the ground. As a co-chair of the network, Morocco remains committed to its operationalization and alignment with the Human Commission's Global Alliance for Human Rights. The Kingdom will host the network's fourth seminar in Marrakech in April 2027 to advance its expansion and effective functioning. Morocco considers the treaty bodies indispensable to the UN human rights system with unique legitimacy and credibility. It supports the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner, proposals to strengthen them amid the financial crisis, notably through harmonized working methods and digital tools consistent with the outcomes of the 2020 consultation process facilitated by Morocco and Switzerland. Morocco also remains committed to constructive engagement with treaty bodies, special procedures and the Universal Periodic Review. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, Morocco congratulate the High Commissioner on the beginning of his second mandate and reaffirm its full cooperation and support, including for predictable and adequate resources for his office. And thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:10:42]: Thank you, Morocco. I pass for Bahrain, followed by Sudan and Poland. Bahrain, you have the floor. Bahrain · GCC [2:10:50]: Mr. Chair, it gives me an honor to. Deliver the statement on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation countries, which are the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Kuwait, the State of Qatar, the Sultanate. Of Oman, and my country, the Kingdom of Bahrain. We thank the High Commissioner for Human Rights for his. Briefing, and we reiterate his important role in supporting countries as they implement their international obligations in the protection. And promotion of human rights. We believe that the protection and promotion of human rights and the protection of civilians are an important pillar of the achievement of peace, security, and development sustainably, and we stress on the importance taking into consideration religious, cultural, and national idiosyncrasies when protecting human rights. We cannot speak of human rights away from the dangers that our countries have been subjected to because of the illegitimate and unjustified Iranian threats using ballistic missiles and drones in a blatant violation of international human rights law and humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter. and in a manner that undermines our ability to enjoy our human rights. These actions have affected civilian infrastructure and civilian buildings, including airports and universities, water stations, and diplomatic locations. The GCC member states welcome Resolution 61/1 by the HRC, which was submitted by Bahrain on the impact on human rights. We would also like to note Security Council Resolution 2817, which enjoyed support from 136 States, which reaffirms the international community's rejection of these attacks that are in violation of international law. In closing, we reiterate our readiness to hold dialogue and to cooperate with the OHCHR in a manner that would enhance the respect for human dignity and achieve peace, stability, and development. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:12:44]: Thank you, Bahrain, on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council. I pass the floor to Sudan, to be followed by Poland, Germany, and Islamic Republic of Iran. Sudan, you have the floor. Sudan [2:12:56]: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. We extend our congratulations to Mr. Volker Tork on his reappointment, and we reaffirm Sudan's continued cooperation with the Office. Sudan is currently facing a profound humanitarian crisis driven by the war of aggression waged by the terrorist Rapid Support Forces militia. This militia receives unlimited support from a well-known regional state, which provides them with advanced weaponry and military technology. These tools are being used to besiege and target civilians in hospitals, marketplaces, and other civilian infrastructures. most recently demonstrated by the suicide drone attacks on the peaceful city of El Obeid five days ago. In light of these challenges, we would like to pose two questions to the High Commissioner. What steps has the Office of the High Commissioner taken to stop the attacks committed by the militia against the civilians? The second one is, given the acute liquidity crisis How do you assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the Human Rights Council fact-finding missions when there are multiple international human rights mechanisms already operational in Sudan, such. As the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, located in Sudan? The other point is, while the UK. Welcomed the renewal of the fact-finding mission, we urge its Government to apply pressure on its close ally to stop providing the militia with the weapons. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:14:35]: Thank you, Sudan. I pass the floor to Poland, to be followed by Germany, then Islamic Republic of Iran. Poland, you have the floor. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Poland [2:14:52]: Poland congratulates the High Commissioner on the renewal of his mandate and his team here at New York, and reaffirms its strong support for the High Commissioner's Office and its independence. In your global update to the Human Rights Council, Mr. Commissioner, last. Month, you identified the relationship between the artificial intelligence and human agency as a priority for the years ahead. We agree that technological development must serve humanity and be guided by human rights. This is particularly important when the AI is used by public authorities. Decisions affecting public services, social benefits, and/or access to justice must remain fair, transparent, and subject to effective remedies. Earlier this month, the HRC adopted without a vote a resolution on the good governance led by Poland, together with Australia, Chile, the Republic of Korea and South Africa, and co-sponsored by over 60 states. It sets out safeguards for the responsible use of AI in public administration, including human rights impact assessments, meaningful human oversight, and the right to challenge decisions. The challenge now is to implementation, particularly in countries with limited institutional and technical capacities. High Commissioner, the resolution requests your office to prepare particular guidance on these safeguards. How do you intend to approach this work and how can states, especially those with limited capacities, best contribute? To it so that AI strengthens accountability and public trust rather than becoming a new source of discrimination and exclusion. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:16:27]: And I think I thank the Permanent Representative of Poland. I pass the floor to Germany, then Islamic Republic of Iran. Germany, you have the floor. Germany [2:16:38]: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Chair, for giving me the floor. I align myself with the statement delivered by the European Union. The High Commissioner enjoys Germany's full support. We welcome his initiatives, including, and in particular, the Global Alliance for Human Rights. Germany is concerned about the global state of human rights and rising authoritarianism. Human rights defenders and civil society are under threat worldwide. We will continue our financial support to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and encourage others to follow that example. In September, Germany contributed additional roughly $7 million. As we agreed in the Pact for the Future, we must continue to invest in the United Nations human rights pillar for greater freedom, prosperity, and ultimately, security for all. Let this be our guiding star for the upcoming negotiations in the Fifth Committee. Finally, a warm thank you to all member states who supported Germany in the Human Rights Council elections yesterday. We are looking forward to working with all Member States and the High Commissioner in Geneva. Mr. High Commissioner, how can human rights be better protected in ongoing conflicts? Thank you very much. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:18:08]: Thank you, Germany. I pass to the Islamic Republic of Iran, to be followed by Liechtenstein and then India. Iran, you have the floor. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [2:18:18]: Thank you, Mr. Shah. The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its commitment to the promotion and protection of all human rights based on the Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Their effective enjoyment must rest on universality, interdependence and interrelatedness, free from selectivity, double standards and politicization. The credibility of the international human rights system is undermined by the instrumentalization of human rights for political purposes, unilateral coercive measures, selective targeting of sovereign states, and the failure to address violations arising from foreign occupation, the denial of self-determination, and acts of aggression. The Islamic Republic of Iran has been subjected to repeated acts of aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime. Most recently, the unprovoked and unlawful attacks of late February. These attacks deliberately targeted civilian objects and densely populated areas, killing innocent civilians, including women and children, and destroying civilian infrastructure. The international community has a duty to condemn these attacks and ensure accountability. Failure to do so confirms the selective application of international law and human rights norms. Iran rejects the baseless allegations made by Bahrain. I must make it clear once again that if the territory of any state in our region is used to launch attacks against Iran, we will respond. And this time, our response will be unlike anything you have ever seen before. The question we wish to put to the High Commissioner is this: What measures has been taken to hold the United States and the Israeli regime accountable for bombing a school full of children in Meenab? an attack that killed 168 children on the first day of the war. We would also appreciate it if he could enlighten us as to what measures he has taken to hold France accountable for its heavy-handed crackdown on high school students. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:20:13]: I thank the Islamic Republic of Iran. I pass to Liechtenstein, followed by India, Republic of Korea, and Qatar. Liechtenstein, you have the floor. Liechtenstein [2:20:22]: Thank you so much, Mr. Chair. And many thanks to Mr. High Commissioner for your briefing and your leadership in this very difficult period. We have heard the call of the High Commissioner for stronger financial support and are concerned about the heightened financial pressure on the UN human rights pillar. This pillar carries the largest number of mandates, while accounting for only 1% of the regular budget. Mr Chair, in a recent informal cross-regional discussion, one message stood out. We need to move beyond the narrative on human rights that is too often negative, one that risks coding human rights as a partisan or luxury agenda. and many states experience human rights through the lens of naming and shaming rather than protecting and prevention. So for today's dialogue, we have prepared two questions. The first one is on narrative and how the OHCHR and member states can tell a story grounded in results, prevention, and equality. So which concrete examples of human rights as problem solving would you most want to carry into our capitals, as well as to fellow colleagues outside of the third committee? And second, on Geneva and New York, what practical steps would you most improve on coherence between New York and Geneva? and how can your presence here in New York be strengthened, including with... 3rd Committee · Chair [2:22:25]: Thank you, Liechtenstein. I pass to India, to be followed by Republic of Korea, then Qatar. India, you have the floor. India [2:22:32]: Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, India thanks the High Commissioner for Human Rights for his report and briefing. We appreciate the outreach of his office to Member States and stakeholders for constructive discussions on human rights. Our freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi stood for non-violence and equality, which also shaped our Constitution that guarantees fundamental rights to every citizen. Indian citizens exercise these rights subject to maintenance of public order and safety. Our law enforcement authorities act strictly in accordance with the law, and our courts remain available for redressal of any grievance. We also note that OHCHR has an approach of extreme selectivity Violent responses to protests in our neighbourhood as well as in the West have gone uncommented. Needless to say, such double standards contribute to loss of trust in multilateralism and the work of OHCHR. As a member of the Human Rights Council, India engages constructively on various contemporary issues by contributing to discussions. India will continue to work with the High Commissioner and OHCHR in a spirit of trust and partnership without selectivity and double standards. Mr Chair, like all other regions of India, the Indian Constitution bestows the same fundamental rights to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. an integral and inel part of India the oschr and high High Commissioner for human rights have issued detailed statements on the diet situation in Pakistan occupied J and Kashmir calling for prompt thorough and impartial investigations into killings that have occurred at the hands of the armed forces and security forces it also called for detained leaders of Ami action committee to have access to legal representation and their families and an call for due process and fair tile they further call for lifting restrictions on internet access throughout Pakistan occupied J and Kashmir they also called for meaningful political dialogue to address grievances of local population. When can we expect OHCHR to issue a report on the steps taken by Government of Pakistan on this? Pakistan would do well to look inwards and reflect on how such rights are not being enjoyed in its large part, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and for that matter in Rawal Kot, which is under its illegal occupation. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:24:26]: Thank you, India. Republic of Korea, followed by Qatar, then Algeria. Republic of Korea, you have the floor. Republic of Korea [2:24:34]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. My delegation appreciates the High Commissioner and his office for their continued efforts to promote and protect human rights. The High Commissioner's visit to the Republic of Korea last May further strengthened our cooperation. His engagement with the government, national human rights institutions, and civil society provided valuable opportunities to discuss progress and remaining challenges. High Commissioner, Rapid advances in artificial intelligence present both opportunities and risks for human rights. We welcome the High Commissioner's recent open letter calling for urgent action to address human rights risks throughout the AI's life cycle. Since 2019, the Republic of Korea has led efforts in the Human Rights Council to promote a human rights-based approach to emerging digital technologies. We also envision a global AI universal basic society, where no one is left behind in benefiting from AI advances, including in the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights. We look forward to contributing to the second global dialogue on AI governance in New York next year in May, keeping human rights at the center of global AI governance. High Commissioner, we welcome the Global Alliance for Human Rights, which seeks to translate international commitments into concrete action through broader partnerships. Your participation in the World Human Rights Cities Forum in Gwangju, South Korea, last May also highlights the important role of cities and local governments in advancing human rights. The Republic of Korea remains committed to strengthen cooperation with the High Commissioner and OHCHR to advance human rights for all. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:26:27]: I thank the Republic of Korea. I pass to Qatar, followed by Algeria, China, and the DPRK. Qatar, you have the floor. Qatar [2:26:38]: Mr. Chair, we align ourselves with the statement delivered by Bahrain on behalf of GCC member states. We express our appreciation to Mr. Volker Turk, High Commissioner for Human Rights, for his comprehensive and valuable briefing and report. We renew our commitment to support his mandate and the pivotal role that he undertakes. In light of the exacerbating conflicts that we face today and the immense humanitarian needs, the OHCHR continues to undertake a pivotal role in order to promote human rights standards at the international level. We place the promotion and protection of human rights as a top priority for us, and we continue cooperation with UN instruments and mechanisms related to human rights, particularly the Human Rights Council. Through our current membership of the Human Rights Council for the period 2025 to 2027, Qatar continues to undertake its positive role in a constructive also manner in this important forum. As part of our fulfillment to our commitment to protect human rights, we submitted our fourth national report to the UPR in November 2024. Qatar is proud to host the UN Center for Training and Documentation in the field of human rights in South Asia and the Arab region since 2009. We would like to ask the High Commissioner, in light of what is stated in the report regarding investment by the OHCHR in technologies and new technologies and integrated data systems, how can these tools enhance the purpose and also accountability and what will be their impact on strengthening human rights. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:28:39]: Thank you, Qatar. I pass the floor to Algeria, to be followed by China. Algeria, you have the floor. Algeria [2:28:47]: Mr. Chair, at the outset, my delegation congratulates the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the renewal of his mandate and reaffirms Algeria's support for his efforts. Algeria wishes to emphasize the importance of upholding the principles of impartiality, independence, objectivity and non-selectivity in the promotion and protection of human rights. These principles are essential to ensuring the credibility and effectiveness of the work of the United Nations human rights system. We also reaffirm the central role of the Universal Periodic Review as a unique mechanism that ensures the equal treatment of all States on the basis of dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect. The promotion of human rights must not be politicized or subjected to double standards, but must be pursued through cooperation and constructive engagement. Algeria underscores the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach to human rights, recognizing the equal importance of all rights, including the right to development and the right to self-determination. Mr. High Commissioner, how does your Office intend to ensure that field visits remain an effective tool for the impartial monitoring of human rights, particularly in situations of foreign occupation, where access and independent assessment are essential. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:30:23]: Thank you, Algeria. I pass the floor to China, to be followed by Democratic People's Republic of Korea. China, you have the floor. China [2:30:32]: Mr. Chairman, the Chinese delegation thanks the High Commissioner for his briefing. congratulates him on his re-election and supports the High Commissioner in independently discharging his duties in accordance with his mandate. The world today is marked by intertwined changes and turmoil. Regional conflicts continue to emerge. A certain country is exploiting its might to challenge justice and fairness. Global human rights governance is facing new questions of our time. Last September, China put forward the global governance initiative, which carries profound human rights implications and has received support and positive responses. We believe that it's essential to uphold justice, fairness, respect countries, independent choice of human rights development path suited to their national conditions, address human rights issues in an objective, impartial, non-selective manner, reject politicization and instrumentalization of human rights, and advance all human rights. It's important to practice multilateralism, Engage in dialogue and cooperation, reject all forms of neocolonialism and racial discrimination, properly address emerging issues such as AI, climate change, and human rights. We advocate promoting member states led reforms in the UN human rights field, raise the representation and voice of global south, and support multilateral human rights institutions, including OHCHR, in carrying out their duties objectively and impartially. China is ready to work with all parties, including the OHCHR, to promote common development, prosperity, uphold international fairness and justice, and inject positive energy into advancing the healthy development of global human rights cause. Thank you, Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:32:11]: I thank China and pass the floor to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, then to Albania, Turkey, and finally the Sovereign Order of Malta. DPRK, you have the floor. Democratic People's Republic of Korea [2:32:29]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. My delegation wishes to underscore that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights should conduct its activities strictly abiding by the principles of non-politicization, non-selectivity and impartiality, taking into account the human rights situations of all countries in a fair and objective manner. A politically motivated or double-standard approach of targeting specific countries undermines the progress in the field of human rights and negatively impacts the credibility of the UN human rights bodies. The DPRK is greatly concerned over the growing tendency of exploiting human rights agenda for political purposes of exerting pressure on selected countries and interfering in their internal affairs. Such practices will inevitably lead to deepening distrust and confrontation among member states. Therefore, it is imperative that the High Commissioner carries out his mandate in a balanced, objective, and impartial manner that would contribute to strengthening of the international confidence in the UN human rights system and promoting dialogue and cooperation among member states. The DPRK is consistent in its opposition to the politicization of human rights and the application of double standards, and remains committed to genuine promotion and protection of human rights based on sovereign equality and mutual respect. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:34:05]: I thank the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. I pass the floor to Albania. Albania [2:34:11]: Thank you, Chair. Albania thanks High Commissioner Turk for his update and reiterates its support for his mandate and the independence of his office. We share the High Commissioner's concern over the growing human cost of conflicts and the alarming regard of international law. In Ukraine, Russia's war of aggression continues to cause immense civilian suffering. We are deeply concerned by the sharp increase in civilian casualties and by continued attacks affecting populated areas and critical civilian infrastructure. Mr. Chair, Albania is equally concerned by the global backlash against women's and girls' rights, violence and discrimination, and continuing violations of children's rights, but particularly in conflict situations. Shrinking civil space, attacks against journalists and human rights defenders, hate speech and discrimination also require our collective attention. Today's challenges remind us that human rights, peace and security cannot be separated. Protecting civilians, defending women and girls, safeguarding children and civic space, and ensuring that climate action and new technologies serve people must remain shared priorities. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:35:28]: Thank you, Albania. Turkey, to be followed by Sovereign Order of Malta. Turkey, you have the floor. Türkiye [2:35:35]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. First of all, I would like to congratulate Mr. Volker Turk on his reappointment as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and we wish him every success in his second term. We look forward to continuing Turkey's constructive engagement with the High Commissioner and his office in advancing the promotion and protection of human rights through dialogue and cooperation. However, we regret that this constructive dialogue has been disrupted by a certain delegation making baseless allegations against my country. The Greek Cypriot representatives have long been exploiting the absence of Turkish Cypriot people from the committee to portray the Cyprus issue as invasion and occupation. Cyprus' issue is not a matter of invasion or occupation. In fact, the continuation of inhuman and unjust isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people for decades at the behest of the Greek Cypriot administration is a gross human rights violation that the Greek Cypriot representatives conveniently forget to mention, instead opting to fabricate allegations of so-called human rights violations by Turkey. The basis allegations shall be answered by their very counterparts, namely the Turkish Cypriot side, whose voice unfortunately cannot be heard at this platform. Coming back to our dialogue, we would like to ask how we can build safe digital systems to protect children's rights better. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:37:01]: Thank you, Turkey. And finally, the Sovereign Order of Malta, you have the floor. SMOM [2:37:08]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Sovereign Order of Malta views human rights as a practical commitment to protecting the dignity of every human being. Our nearly nine centuries of humanitarian service have taught us that rights are most at risk during conflict, displacement, disaster, and extreme poverty. Through our international relief agencies and national associations, we provide assistance across more than 130 countries. In Lebanon, Our international relief agency, together with the Order of Malta Lebanon, supported more than 85,000 people with health services last year, providing more than 200,000 medical consultations. In Uganda, we have strengthened emergency medical services for refugees through ambulance upgrades and training for local healthcare workers. These initiatives demonstrate that the protection of human rights requires both immediate assistance and investment in local systems that enable people to access their rights. Local organizations are essential to identifying vulnerable people and ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need. We therefore encourage Member States to strengthen partnerships with local and national actors. We also call upon Member States to uphold international human rights and humanitarian law, ensure safe humanitarian access, and protect those providing assistance. Mr. Chair and High Commissioner, human rights are universal because human dignity is universal. Our commitments must translate into tangible protection for those whose rights are most at risk. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [2:39:02]: I thank the Sovereign Order of Malta. That concludes the delegations seeking to intervene on the basis of established practice. I now give the High Commissioner an opportunity to respond. Volker, the floor is yours. OHCHR · High Commissioner for Human Rights [2:39:22]: Well, thank you very much. And thanks also to all the delegations for sharing with us not only your ideas, your feedback, your comments, but also your concerns. And this is obviously very important because we need to listen to each other and learn from each other. It is clear that the mandate of my office is stipulated in the General Assembly resolution that established it 32 years ago. And one of its main function is to monitor, document, and report on human rights situation around the world. And we will obviously continue doing this, especially in conflict situations. And that makes it often very difficult because with the rising number of conflicts and with the fact that in these conflicts, there are very serious violations, not only of international humanitarian law, but also of international human rights law, we will need to continue emphasizing that particular aspect of our work. There is a whole toolbox. Human rights also means It's very often uncomfortable truths. I mean, we will raise issues that some of you may not want to hear, especially those that are engaged in massive violations. But we will continue doing so with full independence, with full integrity, with full professionalism in the exercise of our functions that we were entrusted, that I was entrusted to undertake. So the impartiality and independence, the consistency and the coherence are indeed extremely important. And that is also reflected in our methodology in a way that we not only monitor and analyze, because we have a very strict methodology, by the way, our colleagues in Geneva are often briefed on this methodology, on the casualty recording that we have, but also on the way that we collect information from not only one source, but from independent sources, how we do it through a remote framework, how we try to have access to those who are victims. And we will continue to brief you all extensively on it, both in Geneva and if it's necessary, also in New York, because that's precisely where I think this needs to come together. Obviously, when you don't like what we are telling you, there are the arguments of double standards, of bias, of lack of methodology, but I can assure you, we can, and I invite all those delegations that have raised this issue, please get in touch with us and we will provide you individualized briefings on the methodology that we exercise and on the verification. Number of country situations have been raised. And I've also heard a number of comments and we will get back individually to some delegations because some of it is probably a confusion between what the Human Rights Council in its mandate as an intergovernmental organ decides to establish and what my office is doing. I think there are two separate things and some of the things that I've heard make that confusion quite apparent. The other thing that I want to point out is there are also, there's a number of things that are simply not correct. But I'm not going to do that in plenary. I'm going to go back individually to those countries where we have heard this misinformation, and just to clarify, and also to make sure that, for instance, when we hear about dates, when comments have been issued, actually, there are things that are simply not correct, but we will take this up individually, including when we discuss country situations, let's not compare apples with pears. Situations are always very different. They are, when we analyze them, we always do this to the best of our abilities, to the best of our knowledge, when it comes to making sure that when we are not only intervening, but also engaging with countries, that this is done in order to have impact on the situation on the ground. And please be absolutely reassured that that's the intention that we have. Most are deeply grateful. We have heard from a number of delegations, the Syrian Permanent Representative, for example, on the collaboration that has actually increased, not least because of the regime change that we saw in Syria. And these are many avenues, and Syria is one of many examples where we have seen an increase, not only in interest in engaging with us, but also in showing how important this interaction is. And I again refer you, when it comes to the military operations by Israel, to the public statement that I issued last week. The same on Myanmar and a couple of other country situations. Look on development. And that's-- I mean, some of you have also asked what are my priorities. I mean, development, we are-- next year as well, there will be lots of discussions around the post-2030 agenda. think it is really important to center human rights in any discussions around development. There has very often been too much of a distancing between development on the one hand and human rights on the other. But as I think most of the President of the General Assembly has said, they actually go hand in hand together and they are one and the same because many of, I mean, in fact, most of the sustainable development goals are actually anchored in human rights. They come from the covenant on economic, social and cultural rights. They come also from the whole non-discrimination aspect. And through this launch of the human rights economy, we probably need to do more work in New York about what this means, both in relation to the international financial institutions, but also, and actually with international financial institutions, we have actually been providing human rights expertise and evidence to the IFIs and the MDBs on financing practices, on safeguards, on development finance. We have engaged also on through the financing for development process in some of these initiatives to bring in the human rights dimension. But especially in the discussion post 2030, it will be very important to bring in the dimension, but also the wisdom that comes from the human rights system. And that includes the specific identification of vulnerable groups that could be adversely affected either through fiscal policy or economic, macroeconomic decisions. It will remain for us, especially when we see so much pushback on gender equality, on issues of racism and racial, it will be absolutely key that we keep a very strong focus on our work when it comes to not only the diversity of the human family, but also to any forms of discrimination that are exercised. That's a fundamental norm of international rights law. In fact, we have encouraged countries to adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation and to work again and to really have anti-racism strategies on not only policies, but also implement them. And we will actually see this as much more important than ever before. Let me also now comment specifically because some of you asked about African Union, OATHR cooperation. We've actually, ever since the AU-UN joint framework on human rights was signed in 2023, we have seen deepening of our relationship. I mean, I participated myself in a high level dialogue. My deputy will now go to Addis to continue these discussions. We have also engaged very much and actually deepened our collaboration, not only with the different human rights institutions within the EU, but also on early warning, prevention, and governance, and human rights compliance, and accountability in the African Union peace support operation. So there's quite a lot of work. We won't have time to go go through this really much deepened relationship, which I intend to absolutely pursue, including in the context of the Global Alliance. There were a couple of questions asked about the regional office in Cameroon. Currently, there are 24 positions incumbent, eight positions are vacant or under recruitment, including the head. Unfortunately, this was affected by the liquidity crisis and by the hiring freeze that came from the regular budget. But hopefully now we are able to at least get the release of some of the funding and we have prioritized these positions and hope that even this year we would be able to announce some of the incumbents. So obviously this for us is very important because we believe the regionalization that you yourselves have asked us to undertake. On the geographic representation, just to really reassure you, for me, this has been a key priority. It's also coming from the Secretary General as a priority for the whole of the organization. Obviously, we all inherit situations that are sometimes not easy to address, but for us, we have now launched a rostering exercise for human rights officers at the P3 P4 and P5 level, because we also need to ensure that we increase at the entry level. We have actually sent a note about open admissions to encourage member states to disseminate information, but also to conduct more outreach, because for me and for my senior team, this is an absolute important priority. By the way, when it comes to Asia Pacific representation, actually the APG among the P5s is the second most represented regional group at P5 level. And that at least shows that we are trying to build it up and eventually this will go up to the higher level grades But as you know, the office is rather under graded compared to the many other organizations within the United Nations on UN 18 Of course, you an 80% significant opportunities also to make sure that human rights feed into the other two pillars of the United Nations, both the development pillar, but also the peace and security pillar. And for me, this is going to be a particular priority, especially on peace and security, that we make sure that we feed into the analysis and into initiatives that try to find peace and make peace the human rights dimension. We know that a lot of confidence building measures are needed from a human rights perspective beyond purely humanitarian work. I've been engaged myself in a number of conflict situations to work on this, both in Sudan, but also in between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, for example, and many other situations. And I think for us, this is clearly very important. On UNAT, I just want to also mention the treaty body reform that some of you have referred to. The treaty body reform is obviously a dance between the chairs of the treaty bodies, the experts, the member states and us as serving a secretariat. And we have put forward proposals and we want to turbocharge these proposals, but I think we need you member states to pay a lot of attention to it. And these proposals, and we can make them available to you, they include dialogues at regional level to bring also the discussions closer to all relevant stakeholders. They include a digital platform so that reporting is easier and more efficient because I think a couple of you have mentioned that this is often very complicated. We agree with you. We want to make it easier and more efficient, but also to ensure that there is enough attention paid to the selection of experts. We want to make sure that indeed we get the best experts who serve in the treaty bodies. There is still a lot of work to be done when it comes to future appointments that we actually have really the best experts selected. And obviously that's for you to undertake as member states, but we want to very much support this process. On the regionalization, the fact that my office has embarked on regionalization a couple of years before the UNHAT process, the fact that we got the budget approved last year from you has really helped us to build up regional hubs. And we are in the process of doing it. As I said, some of it was a bit held back because of the liquidity crisis and the recruitment freeze, but I hope that we will eventually be able to do more because this also helps us to provide the type of support that many of you are asking. We actually see an increase in support from many Member States on technical cooperation issues, on supporting you from many different, I've heard it again today as well. We also have a UN Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation, and we hope that through that fund, and if it gets increased funding, that we will be able to respond to these many requests. On coherence between New York and Geneva, I really think I mean, I've mentioned this to our colleagues in Geneva. I'm mentioning it to you now as well. I think information sharing, knowing what happened in the Council, what type of decisions the Council takes, is very important to feedback, especially in the discussions in the third and in the fifth committee. And I think sometimes some delegations are very, there's a lot of coherence and synergies. Other delegations, I think it's still a work in progress. I think these Regular exchanges are very important between your different delegations, but also I would suggest, and I know it is happening between the HRC Bureau and the Third Committee Bureau, for example, but also with the Fifth Committee and maybe with other committees. I mean, one of the ambassadors suggested to me in New York that maybe we should also address the Second Committee because the development side is also important. So we will try to reach out as much as possible to everyone because, of course, human rights covers, it's the transversal governance system of the United Nations. It every aspect and we have obviously interest in so many of these issues. Look for the Global Alliance because, thanks very much for the words of support that many of you have expressed, it's really in the run-up to the 80th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is on the 10th December 2028. We really want to give us the time to think what the future of human rights will look like and we want to make sure that it is multi-partner effort that includes you know all actors civic civil society academics philosophers I mean we we are going to we want to embark on the philosophers and into because we also need the the discussion around universality of human rights. We need it with the private sector and with business and we have seen much more interaction. We have, as you know, this annual forum on business and human rights every year in Geneva, but we need to expand it so much more because we also see a lot of interest on the part of business to work, working with us also in the context of the Global Compact, for example. We want to land human rights at the very local level. We have Before we launched the Global Alliance, we had some 112, I think, human rights cities. Ever since we launched it, over 20 cities have come forward and want to become human rights cities. And we can work with them to ensure that even at the very local level, where people who live in cities in local governance are able to have a human rights approach to governance as such. And that, I think, has huge very positive implications. The same on education. If we could probably have averted a lot more of what we see today, if human rights education were not just compulsory at the primary and secondary level, but also at the tertiary level, beyond the lawyers and the political scientists. If economists know about human rights, they know about development, they would look at development economic policies differently, because they would see there are also economic, social, and cultural rights. There are civil and political rights, and they're all interdependent and indivisible. The same when it comes to technology. I mean, technology, I wish we are often asked by technology experts, and they face a real moral dilemma, how they should resolve it. And I'm sometimes stunned that the last thing that comes to mind is human rights. But had they had some human rights training, maybe some of the things that they were thinking of developing wouldn't even have happened because of the damage that it could potentially do. So I think we need to make sure that human rights education, not just for the social contract, not just for social cohesion within societies, but also frankly, in order to ensure that those who decide these things these technological tools are fully aware of the consequences of what they're doing. And that brings me also to the point that many of you have raised AI and protection of human rights. I mean, I said it in my statement. I'm extremely, when you listen to people from the tech industry, the warning signals have gone up and they have really reached a level of red alert of the highest order. And frankly, we have always been in my office, even before we have seen what frontier AI and agentic AI capabilities there are, we have already warned that on the one hand, absolutely AI for good and we need to give it a vision that helps us overcome many of our problems. But at the same time, you need to have a risk framework that is anchored in human rights with human rights due diligence, with accountability and liability issues being raised properly. Because for the time being, I mean, I think as Brad Smith from Microsoft said today, if you want to sell milk, you're more regulated. If you sell milk in a package, you're more regulated than then basically putting AI tools on the market. That cannot be the case with tools that have such capabilities. So there are fundamental questions of what it is that we as a world, what it is that we as humanity want to do in order to influence some of our biggest issues. And human rights is normative. It's not about ethics. It's about normative obligations that countries have because they need to ensure the survival of everyone, but they also need, and the same with companies. I mean, companies have responsibilities under human rights law. That's what the guiding principles on business and human rights are foreseeing. We have done a lot of work over the last couple of years when it comes to precisely that area of of the digital world and in particular AI. We have developed a taxonomy of risk. We have also worked with the companies themselves. But it's clear that it goes well beyond us. I welcome very much the initiative that Norway and Finland have taken with a lot more countries now, smaller states coming to the fore. And in asking for those where you have these capabilities to ensure that there is a governance system that works. And I think from our side, we see the potential, but we also see the dangers and the risks, including, as some of you mentioned, when it comes to hate speech, disinformation. And because of course, this can be amplified through AI, including to social cohesion. On the financial side, and I will finish here, we will soon, the fifth committee will soon meet on the budget submission of the secretariat, or is meeting as we speak, including on the human rights component. I hope for your full support of the budget submission that was made, which is 290.5 million. million with seven new posts, but there will be some revised estimates because of what the Human Rights Council has decided. But I hope for your full support because that's the bare minimum. Frankly, we have not done justice yet to the Pact for the Future that has identified a much more longer term sustainable regular budget financing of the human rights side. I hope that this is not going to be forgotten. We need that very much. I know in the current environment, it's probably not the best moment to come forward with a full analysis of all the things that need to be done by my office to deliver to the treaty bodies, to the UPR, Universal Periodic Review, to the special procedures, to the fact-finding missions and COWIs, and to all the things that the Human Rights Council is asking us, and the GA as well, not not just that. And I think there we need to have a very honest discussion what the financial stability of the organization is in the future. At the same time, I would also encourage, and I'm very thankful to all those countries who provide, and there's an increasing number of countries that provide extra budgetary funding to us. And we will need more than ever before, because especially when it comes to our work at the country level, at the regional level, that is often Our presence in country teams that we can advise and many of you, many of you and your capitals have asked for more support that we simply cannot deliver because we don't have the XPI funding. It's still less than any of the other pillars, much, much less, I should say. But if I could encourage even a much greater participation of countries beyond the usual donors that I would be very grateful to for each and every one of you to consider how you could contribute to the human rights work of the United Nations in a multi-year flexible manner and that should include everyone because human rights is co-owned and co-created by everyone and extremely important. Look, I'll just say one of because you also asked about my priorities and the priorities of the office. I mean it is clear that what we also see in terms of pushbacks on gender equality issues, on issues around racism and the increase of discrimination, the hate speech that we see against migrants and refugees, the various, and against the LGBTQ+ community, against people with disabilities. I mean, all of this pushback that we see is not what the world needs. And we know that the vast majority of people want a kind of world. They don't want cruelty. And we need to bring out these forces in its full strength, because we absolutely need to make sure that they influence our living together with each other, the interaction with the state institutions and with the environment and the planetary, triple planetary crisis. And when we talk about the human rights economy, the development agenda and the triple planetary crisis are very much part of it. And for each of these things, there is a human rights dimension. The same when it comes to humanitarian human rights nexus. I mean, there is a lot to be done there on technology and business. But also, and that's really with the Global Alliance, we want to, and this is my very last point, we want to make sure that we can communicate on human rights in a way that shows that human rights offer solutions, that they are not only a moral compass, but they actually guide people in turbulence. They guide us in our choices, and they are a source of hope. against defeatism and pushbacks that we see in so many parts of the world. They actually have always mobilized and activated the best in humanity. And that's what we hope to bring out through the Global Alliance and through our next couple of years of work. And we count very much on your very strong support for that. Thank you very much. 3rd Committee · Chair [3:04:07]: I thank the High Commissioner very much indeed for both his report, his explanation earlier today and his response to the comments made. Thank you very much indeed, Volker, for that. I'm conscious that two delegations are seeking to take the floor, but I understand both delegations have had a conversation with the Secretariat. And in accordance with the established practice and GA resolution 58/316, interactive dialogue serve to pose questions and make comments addressed to the presenter, and there is no right of reply accorded in the course of those dialogues. With respect to a specific query also made, the discussion has concluded following the responses by the High Commissioner. Forgive me for not passing the floor to those delegations seeking it, but my understanding is that They have had a conversation with the Secretariat and it is clear that the ordinary practice would not be open for them to intervene at this stage. Let me just make some broad comments about next steps. The committee will conclude its consideration of agenda item 70, promotion and protection of human rights, and its sub-items A to D tomorrow morning, Thursday, at 10:00am sharp, to hear the introduction of reports and statements by the special procedures mandate holders, chairs of treaty bodies, and other experts, and engage with them in an interactive dialogue. Thereafter, the committee will resume its general discussion on agenda item 65, report of the Human Rights Council. Information on the work of the committee, including the schedule of meetings, is available on iGov. And let me thank also HCHR for being with us this morning. Much appreciated. With that, the meeting is adjourned. Thank you.