Third Committee, 6th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 81st session

The sixth meeting of the Third Committee at the 81st session of the General Assembly is called to order. Distinguished delegates, the committee will begin -- sorry, the committee will continue its general debate. Before I give the floor to the first speaker on my list, I wish to remind delegations that the time limit for speakers is 10 minutes for statements by individual delegations. To assist speakers in managing their time, a timer is visible on the screen. The microphones will blink 30 seconds before the expiration of the time limit, and the microphones will be automatically switched off when the time is up. As per past practice, the Committee is maintaining a rolling list of speakers. Delegations are therefore requested to monitor the live list and to stand ready to deliver their statements early, if necessary. I thank you for your cooperation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Czechia.

Thank you, Chair. The Czech Republic aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. We are committed to the protection and promotion of all human rights for everyone and everywhere, in line with the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We reaffirm our commitment to the international human rights mechanisms and bodies, including the special procedures and accountability mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. The now 20-year-old mandate of the Human Rights Council in human rights protection and promotion cannot be appreciated enough. We are aware that digital technologies can be misused to suppress or restrict human rights, As one of the penholders of the resolution on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of digital technologies, the Czech Republic highlighted the need to address the human rights impacts of artificial intelligence in the text adopted by the UNGA last year. A new edition of the resolution will be presented next year. At a time when AI is advancing at an unprecedented pace, we are convinced that safeguarding human rights in the development and deployment of AI requires international action, shared expertise, and a strong human rights-based approach. Promotion and protection of civil and political rights, including the freedom of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly and association, and the right to equal participation are among the long-standing priorities of our foreign policy. We will continue to support civil society actors, human rights defenders, and independent journalists worldwide. We remain worried about the overall shrinking of civic space, pushback against human rights defenders, and the growing number of political prisoners in the world. We strongly condemn the atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine in the context of Russia's war of aggression. We call for a swift end to this war and for a stable and lasting peace. We further call for the immediate release of all Ukrainian civilian prisoners and for the immediate return of all forcibly displaced Ukrainian children. Political prisoners who are seriously ill or elderly, including Halyna Dovhopola, Oksana Senochuk and Esma Nigmatullayeva, are the most vulnerable and should be immediately released. We further condemn the brutal repression against civil society and human rights defenders and the crackdown of independent media, journalists and political opponents in Russia. We urge Russia to stop practicing detentions and sentences on politically motivated charges, as well as imprisonment in conditions amounting to torture, sexual violence and other ill-treatment, and to release all political prisoners and all other persons arbitrarily or unlawfully detained, including Arseny Turbin, Maria Ponomarenko and Nadezhda Rosinskaya. While welcoming the recent releases of political prisoners in Belarus, We remain gravely concerned that more than 800 people remain imprisoned on politically motivated grounds, many of them held incommunicado or facing inhumane conditions, ill-treatment and torture. We urge Belarus to release and rehabilitate all political prisoners, including Stepan Latipau, Oksana Shaligina and Tatiana Koz, who remain in prison despite their alarming health condition. We also remain deeply concerned about the widespread restrictions on fundamental freedoms in China. We call on China to implement the OHCHR's recommendations and ensure respect for human rights of all the people of China, including members of all religious and ethnic groups. We remain strongly concerned by the ongoing dire human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. We call on the DPRK authorities to take concrete steps to improve the situation. We further call on the DPRK to cooperate fully with the UN and its human rights mechanisms, grant them access to the country and its people, and implement the recommendations received. In Nicaragua, we continue to witness increasing repression of political opponents and human rights defenders. We are deeply concerned by the death in custody of Brooklyn Rivera and the call for an independent investigation into his case. We further call for the immediate release of all political prisoners and those arbitrarily detained. We are alarmed by the recent steps that further undermine political participation and urge Nicaragua to reinstate an open and pluralistic civic space and to respect the right of all citizens to participate freely in public affairs. With respect to Iran and Myanmar, we would like to refer to our national statements in the representative interactive dialogues. We call on them to release all political prisoners, first and foremost those who belong to vulnerable groups. I thank you and I would like to give the floor to the youth delegate of the Czech Republic to the United Nations now. Thank you.

Thank you for the floor. I'm here today as Czech UN Youth Delegate and as a Vlach from, and I believe that human rights only become a reality when they reach the people who need them most. The Czech Republic believes that democracy is only as strong as the participation of those who live in it. When young people are excluded from public life, we do not only lose their voices, we lose their perspective, the ideas and the solutions only they can bring. Meaningful participation is not a privilege, it is a right. And yet, too many young people still face barriers that prevent them from exercising it. These barriers affect young people across society, including those from minority communities, young women, young people from regions with fewer opportunities, and youth facing work and descent-based discrimination. The Czech Republic has taken concrete steps to address these inequalities. One example is the Strategy for Equality, Inclusion and Participation of Roma 2021-2030, which reflects our long-term commitment to ensuring that people from marginalised communities, including young people, have real access to education, employment and civic life. At the same time, we recognise that strategies alone are not enough. Implementation requires sustained effort, resources and the genuine involvement of the communities concerned. Beyond national strategies, the Czech Republic is committed to building structures that give young people a genuine voice in policy making. For the past two years, a youth advisory panel has been operating at the Ministry of Education, and this model is gradually expanding to other ministries. We believe that meaningful participation means young people are actively involved in shaping decision as co-creators. In my work across Europe, I have seen that the most effective policies are those developed together with young people. Young people are not a problem to be solved. They are partners in finding solutions. I have also seen that participation and human rights are deeply connected. Where participation is weak, rights are harder to protect. Where young people have no voice in the institutions that govern their lives, trust in those institutions weakens, and where trust weakens, the foundation of democratic society become fragile. The challenges young people face today are also increasingly shaped by the digital environment. Online spaces can empower young people to organize, connect, and make their voices heard. But they can also expose them to misinformation, manipulation, and hate speech that undermine their trust in democratic institutions. The Czech Republic believes that building digital resilience among young people is an essential part of protecting their ability to participate fully in public life. The Czech Republic therefore calls on Member States to promote meaningful youth participation, to consult young people from all backgrounds, to create genuine spaces for their voices to be heard, and to ensure that no young person is systematically excluded from decisions that shape their future. Their inclusion is not only a matter of fairness. It is a matter of building societies that are more resilient, more innovative, and more just. Meaningful participation begins with being heard and having a real say for everyone everywhere. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representatives of Czechia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cabo Verde.

Is it work? Okay. Yeah, sorry. I thought I was the fourth on the list, but thank you. Thank you, Chair. Allow me to start by congratulating you and the members of the Bureau on your election. Cabo Verde assures you of its full support and constructive cooperation. We also align ourselves with the statement delivered on behalf of the G77 and China. Cabo Verde's greatest wealth lies in its people. The government's program, Cabo Verde for All, places improvement in people's life at the center of public action guided by the 2030 agenda. Our 2026 VNR records progress in reducing poverty and expanding social protection. Yet, inequalities persist between communities and islands. Economic progress must bring security and opportunity to households, particularly women, young people, and families facing multiple forms of deprivation. Our aim is to eradicate extreme poverty and reduce child poverty by at least half by 2030 through a strategy combining decent employment, stronger income support, essential services, and economic inclusion. Having achieved universal access to basic education, Cabo Verde must now ensure quality education and better learning outcomes for all. Connecting learning with skills fit for decent employment remains essential. Equitable access to health care and adequate housing must also reach every island and disadvantaged community. Social protection must respond to the needs throughout life, supporting families with children, accessible services and employment for persons with disabilities, and care for older persons. Strengthening care services and supporting caregivers will help families and reduce women's disproportionate burden of unpaid care. For SIDS, Climate change, water scarcity, and external shocks can erode incomes and divert resources from essential services. Concessional finance should reflect multidimensional vulnerability. Cabo Verde calls for stronger cooperation, namely through the proposed International Panel on Inequality, to inform policies reducing inequalities within and among countries. Madam Chair, Cabo Verde reaffirms that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. Our commitment is grounded in respect for human dignity, democratic governance and the rule of law. Protecting rights requires institutions that are accountable and accessible, and public policies that enable every person to participate fully in society. On the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, we reaffirm this right. People must participate in development and share fairly in its benefit. International cooperation should help overcome structural barriers, including inequalities in access to finance, technology, and climate resilience. Cabo Verde remains committed to UN rights mechanisms and values the Universal Periodic Review as a forum for dialogue and practical improvement. Strengthening access to justice and translating legal guarantees into effective protection remain priorities, particularly for people facing discrimination. We reaffirm that LGBTI+ LGBTIQ+ persons are entitled to dignity, protection from violence and discrimination, and equitable access to health care, employment, and housing. Despite progress, stigma and barriers to inclusion persist. Our government is committed to working alongside the civil society and the LGBTIQ+ community to address these obstacles and build a more inclusive society. This requires integrating human rights and non-discrimination across government policies, including poverty reduction and social protection. Progress must never be taken for granted, and requires sustained action by the state and the communities themselves. Cape Verde firmly rejects racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. For a nation shaped by migration and sustained by strong ties with its diaspora, respect for the dignity and rights of migrants is essential. We support international cooperation for safe, orderly, and regular migration and the protection of migrants' human rights, regardless of their status. Climate-related mobility also requires responses that protect affected people and support communities. International law and international humanitarian law must be respected by all. We call for the protection of children and other civilians affected by conflict and for humanitarian assistance to reach those in need. Madam Chair, every child must be able to grow up safely, learn and develop their potential. The Government's programme envisages planning and budgeting based on children's rights, stronger coordination of child protection services, and improved information systems to identify needs and monitor results. These priorities will support implementation of the Child and Adolescent Statute and National Child Protection Policy. Combating child poverty requires sustained support to families. Priorities include strengthening child benefits, school meals and nutritional screening, alongside greater access to early childhood education and care. Particular attention must be given to children with disability, children in street situation and children of immigrants living in the care of others. We must strengthen prevention and responses to sexual violence, exploitation, and child labor, including exploitation associated with travel and tourism. The government also prioritizes action against harmful practices and child marriage, prevention of bullying, and mental health support for children and adolescents. Protection services must close. work closely with schools, families and communities. Digital technology, including artificial intelligence, must uphold children's rights. International cooperation should strengthen digital literacy, prevent online abuse and exploitation and ensure safe, equitable access to opportunities for learning and innovation. Cape Verde is committed to apply legal equality in people's lives. Our parity law and gender-responsive budgeting provide important foundations. Yet progress in education and representation must be matched by equal opportunities in employment, income, and leadership. The government prioritizes women's economic autonomy through vocational training, access to finance and entrepreneurship, alongside equal pay and stronger protection for domestic workers. We also seek to expand women's participation in science, technology, and emerging economic sectors. Preventing gender-based violence and protecting survivors remain urgent priorities. Despite our legal framework, violence persists, and ensuring timely access to protection, justice, and support across all islands remains a challenge. Economic dependence and deeply rooted gender stereotypes must be addressed to make protection effective. We reaffirm the sexual and reproductive health and rights of all women and girls, including their bodily autonomy and their right to make informed decisions about their own bodies, free from coercion, discrimination and violence. Cape Verde will continue to work constructively with all delegations to advance social development and human rights, And I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cabo Verde. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile.

Madam

Chair, in this 81st session of the General Assembly, the President of Chile, Jose Antonio Kast, renewed my country's commitment to the principles that inspire the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Chile's commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law go beyond governments, and it constitutes really a key pillar of our foreign policy and guides our participation in this, the Third Committee. In this session, Chile will focus on issues where it believes it can provide experience and tangible results, such as protecting girls, boys and adolescents, which has a central role in that agenda. The latest annual report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflicts revealed that in 2025, over 24,000 children were victims of grave violations, the highest number registered since this mandate was created 30 years ago. It is especially concerning that government forces were identified as responsible for the majority of these violations. Boys and girls are not combatants, nor are they military targets. They should be protected, always and in all circumstances. Chile fights against child sexual abuse and exploitation, including when it happens in the digital sphere, and the recruitment of children and adolescents by organized crime. The promotion and protection of the rights of children and adolescents is central to Chile's foreign policy, and proof of that is the recent election of Madam Carmen Dominguez as a member of the Committee on the Rights of the Child for 2027-2031. Her candidacy expressed Chile's will to use its experience when it comes to protecting children in order to benefit the international community. And that commitment extends to people living with disabilities. In August of this year, Chile went through its second periodic exam in the Committee on People with Disabilities, where it spoke about gains and also pending challenges. The accelerated aging of our societies also demands responses that protect the autonomy and dignity of older adults and that also prevent abandonment, abuse, and ageism. Chile currently chairs the Group of Friends of Older Persons. And we also value the creation of the Intergovernmental Working Group in charge of elaborating a legally binding international instrument when it comes to this matter. And these concerns are part of a broader social development agenda. Chile has contributed to discussions of the Second World Summit on Social Development, which was held in Doha. It also led and championed a joint declaration in order to strengthen follow-up and implementation mechanisms for the Doha commitments. And it will make sure that this committee pays specific attention to those issues. And I would like to speak about a challenge that Chile is sharing with a growing number of countries. The sustained drop in the birth rate. In 2025, the global fertility rate of our country for the first time was below one child per woman. This phenomenon, along with longer lifespans, has Implications that are social, economic and demographic in nature. Chile considers that it is necessary to address this reality from a multilateral perspective as well. Women in the workplace is another key part of what is happening. Chile will promote their empowerment and economic autonomy, as well as mechanisms that favor equal opportunities and greater equity between men and women. their access to formal employment and entrepreneurship is also a necessary condition for the growth of our own societies. Madam Chair, the development that we seek also requires a private sector that is committed to human rights. Chile considers that it is important to continue strengthening this agenda on the basis of the guiding principles on businesses and human rights by promoting responsible business behavior and an appropriate relationship between economic activities, development, and human rights. Security is a fundamental pillar for the achievement of these goals. And in this regard, transnational organized crime and the global drug problem are a growing threat for democratic institutions, life, and the well-being of people in our region. No country can face these threats alone, and this is why Chile championed the Santiago Regional Commitment against Transnational Organized Crime alongside Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Uruguay, and Peru, whose working group is currently drafting an action plan with specific measures that are measurable and verifiable in nature. In September, in this very headquarters, we held another meeting in which these countries ratified their interest in continuing to make progress in the implementation of this initiative. Chile calls for strengthening international cooperation on a legal and police level in order to fully implement the Palermo Convention and address the global drug problem under the principle of common and shared responsibilities. Transnational organized crime has a dimension that also affects migrants. Criminal networks have turned irregular migration into a very profitable business through human trafficking, as well as the illegal sale of migrants, which exposes people to violence, extortion, and exploitation. Chile believes that border controls are a sovereign responsibility and that Regular and orderly migration is the best protection against these networks. Therefore, we promote cooperation between origin, transit, and destination countries and support for victims, Madam Chair. Chile pays special attention to the democratic challenges of our region. In Venezuela, we recognize that there is a historic opportunity so that that country rediscovers its democratic traditions, its institutions, and for millions of Venezuelans that dream about it to go back home. Chile has expressed its willingness to support them in that process by providing our historic experience to transitions to democracy. And we consider that the UN system has a very important role to play that cannot be replaced. When it comes to Nicaragua, Chile notes with concern that the arbitrary detention of people in the opposition continues, as well as the disappearances of people, the closure of thousands of civil society organizations, and the persecution of journalists and religious leaders. With respect to Cuba, Chile recognizes the challenges on the island when it comes to human rights. and the relevance of moving forward when it comes to fundamental freedoms and respect for international standards on the matter. At the very same time, as a country, we also understand the impact of unilateral coercive measures on the very difficult living conditions of the population, especially when it comes to accessing basic goods and services. Madam Chair. Chile reiterates its commitment to human rights, as well as the inalienable dignity of each person, democracy and the rule of law as guarantors of people's fundamental freedoms. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Chile. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burundi. Microphone to Burundi, please.

Madam Chair, my delegation would first of all like to express its congratulations to the Bureau of the Third Committee and assure you of our full support in carrying out your mandate. The international context remains particularly difficult and is marked by persistent conflicts, humanitarian crises, inequalities, forced displacements, and the emergence of new threats linked, inter alia, to digital technologies and artificial intelligence. In this context, Burundi reaffirms its conviction that the protection of human dignity, respect for human rights, and development must remain at the heart of the United Nations' work. Human rights are an essential foundation for peace, stability, social cohesion, and sustainable development. Madam Chair, Burundi reaffirms its commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international and regional human rights instruments to which it is party. We believe that the promotion and protection of human rights must be rooted in dialogue, international cooperation, objectivity, impartiality and respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We also underscore the importance of the right to development. Poverty, inequalities and exclusion are major obstacles to the full enjoyment of human rights. Investing in education, health, employment, food security and social protection is therefore also an investment in human rights. thus call upon the international community to strengthen its support for developing countries so that they can have the resources needed to ensure that their populations have decent living conditions and can effectively exercise their rights. Madam Chair, Burundi attaches particular importance to the family as the fundamental unit of society and an essential environment for the protection of and flourishing of children. And in that regard, we align ourselves with the statement by Belarus. We reaffirm our commitment to the protection of the rights of the child, including against violence, trafficking, exploitation, abuse and all forms of discrimination. The education of children and young people is one of the most significant investments in the future of our societies. We therefore need to create conditions which allow each child to grow up in a safe, protective environment that is conducive to its full development. The situation of women is also a priority on our social agenda. Burundi reaffirms its commitment to the empowerment of women, to their participation in economic, social and political life and to their equal access to opportunities. Combating violence against women and girls must remain a priority. It requires prevention measures, measures to protect victims, access to justice and social care. Young people are an essential force for the development and stability of our societies. Burundi attaches particular importance to education, to vocational training, to youth employment, and to their participation in social, political, and economic life. We must create genuine prospects for young people so that they can fully contribute to the development of their communities and of their countries. Investing in young people is also an investment in conflict prevention and peace building. That is really what emerges from the Bujumbura Declaration, the result of the Fourth Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security, which was held in August 2026 under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and African Union Champion for Youth Matters. Madam Chair, Burundi remains concerned by the scale of transnational organized crime, human trafficking and illicit smuggling. These phenomena particularly affect women, young people and children. Combating them cannot be limited to a criminal response. It must also be based on prevention, awareness raising, education, protecting victims and creating economic and social prospects. Madam Chair, Armed conflicts continue to have particularly serious consequences for the civilian population. Burundi reaffirms the importance of respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians in conflict situations. Children, women and older persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups must enjoy particular protection. We call upon all parties to conflicts to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including when it comes to the protection of the civilian population, health facilities, schools and humanitarian workers. Forced displacement is also a major consequence of conflicts, of poverty and of crises. Burundi is intimately familiar with what is at stake when it comes to displacement in the Great Lakes region and reaffirms the importance of durable solutions based on voluntary and safe return, reintegration, relocation where necessary, and cooperation with the concerned countries. Madam Chair, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and digital technologies open up considerable possibilities for education, healthcare, economic development and access to information. However, these technologies also pose important conditions relating to private life, the protection of data, hate speech and the protection of children. Burundi believes that the development and use of artificial intelligence must remain compatible with human rights, the rule of law and human dignity. Transparency, responsibility, human oversight, and the protection of vulnerable persons must be at the heart of the governance of these technologies. We call for strengthened international cooperation so that developing countries can also benefit from the possibilities provided by artificial intelligence while also having the capacities needed to manage the risks of it. Madam Chair, Burundi remains committed to the principle of the sovereign equality of states and to respect for the United Nations Charter. We feel that human rights must be promoted in a spirit of cooperation and dialogue and that international mechanisms must avoid politicization and selective approaches. Achieving human rights is cannot be separated from peace and development. There can be no sustainable development without peace, just as we can hardly conceive of sustainable peace without combating poverty, inequality and exclusion. Burundi therefore calls for strengthened synergies between the three pillars of the United Nations: peace and security, development and human rights. Madam Chair, the Third Committee has a particular responsibility when it comes to defending human dignity. We must make this committee a space for constructive dialogue, cooperation and the pursuit of tangible solutions, while avoiding political differences from preventing us from addressing people's real concerns. Burundi will continue to constructively contribute to the work of the committee and to finding common solutions to social, humanitarian and human rights challenges. Our goal must be to build societies in which every child can grow up in safety and security, every young person has access to opportunities, every woman can fully participate in development, every family can live in dignity, and every person can enjoy their fundamental rights. Burundi remains convinced that international solidarity, respect for state sovereignty, dialogue, cooperation, and commitment to human dignity constitute the foundations of a more peaceful, more just, and more inclusive international order. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Burundi. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya.

Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. At the heart of the UN Charter is a commitment of we, the peoples of the United Nations, to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. The work of this organization in contributing to global social progress is arguably the most visible manifestation the United Nations for the vast majority of our populations. As acknowledged by His Excellency President William Ruto in his statement during the general debate two weeks ago, the UN system helped eradicate smallpox, vaccinate generations of children, fight hunger and disease, expand access to education, and bring clean water and humanitarian assistance to communities across the world. Despite these efforts, more needs to be done towards the goal of social development for all peoples, and my delegation recognizes the work of this committee as an important element of the UN's contribution towards ensuring that no human being is left behind in the march towards prosperity. In our national efforts, Kenya is particularly committed to the pledge to leave no one behind and reach those furthest behind first. It is in this spirit that we continue to place particular emphasis on three key elements of social development, universal healthcare, affordable and transformative education, as well as affordable housing for all. Through these foundational building blocks, we seek to place people at the center of development, convinced that all persons should be afforded the right to live in dignity and with the opportunity to achieve social and economic well-being. As we look ahead to the SDG Summit in 2027 as the official start of discussions on the post-2030 agenda, we have initiated a national conversation on Kenya's development vision beyond 2030. We are committed to ensuring that this conversation is in the hands of the people who need it the most, both domestically as well as here at the UN. Just as 12 years ago with the SDGs, Kenya intends to remain integrally involved in shaping these conversations, including through this committee. In this vein, we wish to reaffirm our belief that efforts toward social development can only be truly inclusive if they consider the specific needs of women and girls. The full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and girls in all aspects of social, economic, and political life is simply non-negotiable. We acknowledge that an equal access to education healthcare, justice, and opportunities for economic empowerment all impede the realization of gender equality. Kenya is therefore committed to advancing this objective through a strategic approach that addresses the systemic nature of gender-based discrimination. Madam Chair, violence against women and girls in all its forms and manifestations is reprehensible and deserves our collective attention as a matter of priority. We are concerned by the trends detailed in the latest report of the Secretary-General on violence against women and girls, identifying femicide as a global crisis affecting every country and region. Kenya remains committed to addressing all impediments to gender equality and women's empowerment, including femicide, through the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Plan of Action. and Platform for Action and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. In practice, Kenya continues to invest in initiatives that advance equal access to education for all, recognizing education as a catalyst for gender equity, economic empowerment, and societal progress. We also consider ICT, innovation, and digitalization a key channel to realizing transformative and gender-responsive societal change. Kenya therefore continues to call for equal and equitable access to technology, including artificial intelligence, as a means to promoting the inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized communities in AI development and use, while also combating algorithmic bias and discrimination. Similarly, the protection of children in the age of artificial intelligence remains a key priority for my delegation. Kenya is firmly convinced that the assurance of children's safety and rights remains central to how we govern emerging technologies. While expanding access to AI, we must make this technology safer by design for this most vulnerable and innocent part of our society. Madam Chair, Kenya remains firmly committed to upholding the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reaffirmed in the African Charter on Human and People's Rights. At a time of armed conflict, deepening inequality, racism, shrinking civic space, and rapid technological advance, We stress that human rights must be protected universally, without selectivity or double standards, and translated into effective protection, meaningful participation, and accountability for all. We also reaffirm our commitment to the right to development as an integral element of human rights that's mutually reinforcing with all other rights. As the international community marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, Kenya reaffirms the Convention's enduring relevance and its foundational principles, including protecting persons that flee persecution, conflict, and violence. This milestone is a timely reminder that refugee protection is both a legal obligation as well as a shared humanitarian responsibility. Kenya's experience as a major refugee hosting country shows that protracted displacement cannot be addressed through humanitarian assistance alone. Hosting large refugee and asylum seeker populations has underscored the urgent need for a more equitable, predictable, and sustained international response, one that supports host communities alongside displaced persons and creates conditions for refugees to become self-reliant and contribute to local economies. Madam Chair, Kenya also recognizes that migration is an enduring reality and must be approached through a human rights-based, people-centered, and development-oriented lens. All migrants, irrespective of their migration status, are entitled to the inherent dignity and fundamental rights owed to every member of the human family. Similarly, Kenya reaffirms its commitment to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action as an important framework for advancing racial equality. We reiterate our call for genuine collective action to confront past and present economic injustices, protect underserved populations, and reject racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance in all their forms and manifestations. As underscored in the latest report of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, this requires concrete action, that is, stronger institutions, meaningful participation by affected communities, effective remedies and accountability. As I conclude, Chair, I wish to emphasize the centrality of this Committee's work in the lived realities of people across the world. The Committee on Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Issues is fundamentally about people. The unique importance of this agenda emphasizes the need to ensure the Third Committee's effectiveness and relevance. We urge continued consideration of the revitalization of this committee, including by prioritizing substantive debates, actionable outcomes, and responsiveness to the needs of all peoples particularly in developing countries. Kenya stands ready to work constructively with all delegations to ensure the Third Committee remains effective, impactful, and responsive. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kenya. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cote d'Ivoire.

Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation subscribes to the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China. And on a national basis, we would like to add the following. Madam Chair, at a moment when our organization is called to reestablish trust, manage global transformations, and continue benefiting all, my country reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism, international solidarity, and the respect for human rights. Our general debate is happening in an international context that is concerning when it comes to security issues, economic issues, humanitarian issues, and political issues. And it calls upon all of us to change things at the collective level. Given the seriousness of collateral damage and different multilateral crises that have no precedent, my country calls for a strict respect of international humanitarian law and the relevant legal provisions that govern it. I'm speaking about the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocol of 1977. When it comes to this, Cote d'Ivoire invites all stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of civilians in military operations, as well as safe and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid. Madam Chair, the fight against poverty, reducing inequalities, creating decent jobs, universal access to education, universal access to health care, and social protection should continue to be at the heart of our public policies. This is why my country continues to work for a growth that is inclusive, on the basis of the priorities of our new development plan that gives a very important role to human capital and reducing social inequalities as well as improving the living conditions of our populations. For Cote d'Ivoire, it is indispensable to pay special attention to youth as well as people living with disabilities, older adults, and are rural populations and some of our most vulnerable communities. In this context, my country has committed to a program called Cote d'Ivoire Solidaire, which is focused on strengthening inclusion, solidarity, and social action to benefit vulnerable people, Madam Chair. When it comes to the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Cote d'Ivoire reaffirms its commitment to the principles of equality, non-discrimination and respect for human dignity and inclusive participation, which gave rise to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We recognize the importance of preserving their cultural identities, their languages, their traditions, and their knowledge, as well as ensuring that all communities can fully enjoy their rights. Madam Chair, when it comes to our commitments made in Durban to rid the world of all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and associated intolerance, and to promote the full enjoyment of human rights, there is still much to do, and we must our efforts to achieve this the Ivorian government aware of the threat of these scourges especially in a multi-ethnic country such as ours is actively participating in the fight against these issues by adhering to some of the relevant International legal instruments on the matter this is why We have constitutionally banned racism and racial discrimination and begun legislative reforms in order to criminalize racist acts. We consider that the fight against these scourges should be based on education, intercultural dialogue, and interreligious dialogue, as well as promoting tolerance and strengthening national mechanisms for the protection of human rights. The protection of the rights of children continues to be a major source of concern for our country. During the Summit of the Future held in September of 2020, four member states made a commitment to build a world that was dignified for children. This commitment calls upon us to mobilize the necessary resources and provide a better response to humanitarian crises that have a severe impact on the living conditions of children. This is such a vulnerable swath of the population. The UN's commitment to leave no one behind cannot accept any kind of behavior or politics that ignores the rights of children, especially because it has been shown that they will play a key role in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Convinced of their potential, Cote d'Ivoire has prioritized promoting and protecting the rights of children in our government policies. Madam Chair, in the framework of promoting women's rights, my delegation notes that despite progress observed in several areas, women continue to suffer from discrimination and gender-based violence, as well as abuse and inequality. we have understood the gravity of these challenges and this is why the Ivorian government has committed through legislative and institutional instruments to achieve equality between the sexes and the empowerment of women. Therefore, we have ratified several international and national conventions on the rights of women, for example, the convention to eliminate all discrimination against women, as well as the African Human Rights Charter and the Charter of the Rights of People and its Protocol on the Rights of Women, which is usually known as the Maputo Protocol. We're also convinced of the centrality of human rights in order to edify a state on the basis of the rule of law. That is why we have adhered to most international instruments on the matter. And the Ivorian government has ratified several international treaties and protocols, such as the Convention to Protect Persons Against Enforced Disappearances, Tortures, and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishments, and the Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers and their Families. My country has also passed a law on the protection of human rights defenders. And therefore, we have created a safe space for these men and women that work to demand respect for the human rights of all. Madam Chair, beyond these challenges, the world is experiencing a technological revolution for which few countries are prepared for. AI and the digital revolution have opened up different perspectives in many spheres of life. But these technological gains can also exacerbate existing fractures when it comes to development, especially if their access is distributed unequally. Cote d'Ivoire supports UN efforts to promote a global governance of AI, favoring innovation while also protecting human dignity, international security, and sustainable development with a spirit of inclusion, ethics, and an equitable distribution of the benefits of the technology. This is why my country welcomes the adoption of the Global Digital Compact, which should allow us to better use this technological progress in order to benefit all nations. Madam Chair, to conclude, I assure you of Cote d'Ivoire's availability to continue to act sustainably to reduce inequalities and to implement recommendations from international instruments to build society of greater equity and solidarity. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cote d'Ivoire. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Maldives.

Thank you, Chair. I congratulate you and members of the Bureau on the assumption of your roles and thank the Secretary-General, the special procedures mandate holders, and other experts for their reports. human rights and social development should expand the capacity of people, communities, and states to shape their own future. For the Maldives, the measure is simple. Can a child on a small island learn? Can a health worker deliver care? Can a woman build an independent livelihood? And can a young girl realistically aspire to lead? Our sovereign future is ultimately lived by people in the choices they make, the opportunities they access, and the dignity with which they can live. The Maldives welcomes the commitments renewed at the second World Summit for Social Development last year, and the high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, and the 40th anniversary of Declaration on the Right to Development. and the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action at this General Assembly. We have also marked the 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council this year. The rights promised by these commitments only have meaning when people have the practical capacity to exercise them. Our islands are dispersed, our natural resources are finite, and our disruptions and disruptions beyond our borders reach our communities quickly. supply chain disruptions, and consequences of climate change can constrain our capacity to shape our future. Progress must not depend on where a person lives or whether a small state can absorb the next external shocks. Implementation must be practical, inclusive, and adequately financed. The Maldives aims to become a developed country by 2040. Our national housing and urban development programs will address the housing crisis and pay special attention to single parents and persons with disabilities. Our national mental health strategic action plan for 2025 to 2028 emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and care within communities. The advancement of women and girls remains central. At the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the Maldives presented its voluntary national presentation. We have also been elected to serve on the Commission for the first time, from the 70th session to the 74th session. At the Commission, the Maldives will provide a SEEDS perspective in formulating practical solutions to invest in care infrastructure, reform legal frameworks, integrate gender in climate policy, and harness digital tools to expand opportunities. At home, the Maldives is expanding finance for women entrepreneurs with a special allocation for women with disabilities and programs to build financial literacy. We are also working to tackle gender-based violence at its roots and strengthen support for survivors. The Maldives is working to remove structural barriers to encourage women's leadership. The Maldives initiative in establishing International Day for Women in Diplomacy reflects our conviction that women must participate and lead wherever decisions are made. The Maldives has also helped to advance the recognition at the UN of the human rights to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. For people, this is closely connected to safe homes, good health and viable livelihoods. The Maldives' ambition of progress is tied together by the 20-year National Development Master Plan of President Dr. Mohamed Muizz, and it is integrated into each of the country program documents developed in collaboration with the UN. Yet, a country cannot invest in its future with resources continually drained for service in the past. High borrowing costs and unsustainable debt narrow the fiscal space for investing in social development. Unsustainable debt is a matter of human rights as surely as it is a matter of finance. This is why the Maldives calls for actions in three areas. First, it lacks the means to invest in their people. The Maldives has proposed instruments that turn debt into investment in resilience. We reiterate our calls for implementation of the Saviya commitment and Abbas through workable debt solutions, affordable finance, and reform of the international financial architecture. Climate finance must be simpler and faster to access. Development cooperation should leave us more capable than before, not build dependencies. Second, make inclusion the standard of every service and technology. Persons with disabilities, older persons, and young people must be able to participate in all spheres. Assistive technologies and public services are essential for equal opportunity. The future is being written in the cloud. Digital tools can connect dispersed islands. Artificial intelligence can bridge gap in capacity with proper safeguards. Third, protect people before a crisis erases progress. Across our islands, Preparedness depends on first responders who can promptly and reliable information and equitable access to medicine tests and vaccines. Predictable financing for preparedness, stronger surveillance and laboratory capacity, and timely information sharing and technology transfer will enable better national and regional response systems. Children must remain safe and be able to continue learning during emergencies. They must also be protected from violence and exploitation, including in the digital realm. We have a collective responsibility to confront discrimination and hatred through practical measures that prevent harm and provide remedies for those affected. The Maldives will continue to invest in its people and institutions to see our national ambitions to fruition. We ask this committee and our development partners to support our effort to bring tangible improvements to the lives of people. We can do that by expanding each country's freedom to choose its own future and by holding every state to the same standard. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Maldives. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Philippines congratulates you and the Bureau on your election, and please rest assured of our full support. Madam Chair, before beginning my substantive statement, I just wish to register the displeasure of my delegation on the management of the speakers list. rather than creating a molecule of certainty as to when we can speak, it raises a lot of uncertainty as to when we would be able to speak. Madam Chair, we align ourselves with the statements of G77 and China. I also wish to highlight the following priorities for the Philippines. First, the Philippines remains a strong advocate for gender equality and women empowerment. Drawing from our experience in institutionalizing gender responsive governance, we continue to champion approaches that translate international commitments into concrete policies, resources, and action. The Philippines has taken an active role in advancing the women, peace, and security agenda, building on the 2024 International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security and the adoption of the Pasay Declaration. We carry this momentum forward as current co-chair of the WPS local points network. Philippines has shepherded the General Assembly's resolution on trafficking in women and girls since 1995, sustaining global attention and building consensus for stronger collective action. Drawing from the Secretary General's report on trafficking in women and girls with a thematic focus on the impact of technology, the resolution we will facilitate this session will highlight technology as a tool increasingly misused by traffickers, as well as its potential to prevent trafficking, identify and protect victims, strengthen investigations, and bring perpetrators to justice. The Philippines with Tanzania will also co-facilitate the resolution on inclusive development for and with persons with disabilities. We reaffirm our commitment to disability inclusive development in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda. The Philippines welcomes the Secretary-General's report and its emphasis on strengthening national policies, accessibility, social protection, employment and meaningful participation in decision-making, with particular attention to women and girls with disabilities. We welcome the report's recognition of the Philippines' progress in strengthening workplace accessibility through implementation, inspection and knowledge sharing. We recognize the older persons and rights holders. We also support their empowerment of older persons so that they can live in autonomy and dignity, free from discrimination, abuse, or neglect, and also participate meaningfully in family, community, and national life. As care and support is a human right and central to the well-being and dignity of older persons, caregivers, whether family members, community-based workers, or professional care workers, must be supported and protected. Particular attention must be given to migrant caregivers and care workers, ensuring that their rights are protected so they can provide the highest standard of care while upholding their own dignity and well-being. The Philippines reaffirms its commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the 2030 Agenda. We share the SG's deep concern over mounting threats to children's rights and well-being, especially grave violations in armed conflict, widening inequalities, climate-related risks, and declining development financing. Our National Plan of Action for Children promotes stronger safeguards against online sexual abuse and exploitation, as well as reforms in early childhood care and development. The Philippines will host the second global ministerial meeting on ending violence against children in Manila this November 18 to 19 to accelerate collective efforts on child protection. Madam Chair, the vital contributions of migrants to sustainable development in countries of origins, transit, and destination must continue to be recognized. We reaffirm our commitment to protecting the human rights of migrants regardless of status and advancing safe, orderly, and regular migration. As a major seafaring nation, we are also committed to advancing the human rights, safety, and welfare of seafarers worldwide. Building on the Philippine-led Human Rights Council Resolution on Seafarers, the 2025 Manila Declaration on Seafarers' Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being reflects a shared commitment to protect seafarers in times of crisis, uphold decent working conditions, promote gender equality, and ensure a just transition in the maritime industry. The Philippines welcomes the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development and underscores its full operationalization as an integral human right and foundation for achieving the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. We support international cooperation that respects national priorities and policy space and continued efforts towards a legally binding instrument. The Philippines reaffirms the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and underscores the importance of universal health coverage, equitable access to quality and affordable services, and strengthened primary health care. We continue to strengthen resilient people-centered health systems, address health inequalities and social determinants of health, and advance prevention, mental health, and financing for the health workforce. Madam Chair, in conclusion, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to upholding human rights, human dignity, and leaving no one behind. We will continue building bridges, fostering consensus, promoting constructive dialogue and cooperation to translate our shared commitments into meaningful progress for all. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines. I just wanted to add with regard to the point that you raised the live list was circulated on the 29th of September and the general debate is proceeding as planned and in accordance with customary protocol. Yes, thank you. Sorry, microphone for the Philippines, please.

We did follow that and unfortunately it kept on changing and there wasn't any certainty as to when we would speak. I just want to put that on the record. I don't want to have any debate on that. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Philippines. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sudan.

In the name of God, the gracious, the merciful. Thank you, Madam Chair. Sudan supports the statement. made by Egypt on behalf of the OIC and Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China. Madam Chair, respect for the sovereignty, independence of states and non-interference in their internal affairs is primordial, particularly in a world in which double standards have become the norm. 75 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, We must demonstrate respect for this historic document.

Severe humanitarian challenges in its recent history due to the war of aggression by the genocidal RSF militia and its regional sponsor. The militia has perpetrated a series of systematic and widespread crimes, most notably sexual violence and rape as a weapon of war. terror, intimidation, and social fabric destruction. The government of Sudan reiterates its commitment to implementing the National Comprehensive Plan for the Protection of Women and Girls, strengthening prevention and protection mechanisms, ensuring access to comprehensive and dignified survivor-centered services. strengthening access to justice, accountability, ending impunity, and advancing security sector reform in a manner that contributes to the protection of civilians and the strengthening of the rule of law. By committing to and implementing accountability measures and addressing any individual violations, Sudan reaffirms its commitment to strengthening legal institutional frameworks that protect the rights of women and girls. and to ensuring their active participation in peacebuilding and decision-making in line with the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Madam Chair, with regard to upholding and safeguarding children's rights, particularly in conflict situations, despite all the significant challenges and difficulties, the Government of Sudan remains committed to diligently fulfilling its commitments and obligations as Sudan endures To advance the status and rights of children within the nation, it does so pursuant to its national and constitutional obligations to protect all citizens. Consequently, no entity is more committed to the welfare of Sudanese children than our national institutions. We underscore the importance of ensuring mutual understanding and enhancing governmental efforts in addressing gaps and eradicating all forms of violence against children. In this regard, the government looks forward to the upcoming visit of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Children and Armed Conflict, during which it will sign the National Action Plan. Madam President, the government of Sudan is steering steadfast effort to ensure the decent livelihood, robust social protection, decent employment, and economic empowerment for people with disabilities. Furthermore, it remains deeply committed to providing comprehensive health care and essential services to elderly and vulnerable segments of the society. These objectives are pursued through a comprehensive state-formulated strategy implemented in close cooperation with the civil society. Madam President, perhaps no item in our agenda reflects Sudan's current crisis more than migration and displacement. Sudan was traditionally a generous host country to millions of refugees from neighboring countries and from the region. Today, because of the war of aggression, Sudan faces the largest international displacement crisis. Millions have been forced to flee their homes for safety, and I'm one of them, by the way. Yet, dynamics are changing positively. security and state authority have been restored across large parts of the country, and more than 5 million displaced have voluntarily returned to their homes. In this regard, the government's utmost priority is not only to facilitate return, but to sustain it, and we call on the international community to provide robust, predictable support to assist the Government of Sudan with the immediate return needs, early recovery, and long-term development.

To conclude, the essential value that the United Nations Charter calls upon us to uphold is based on non-selectiveness, objectivity, cooperation, solidarity, and dialogue. We reaffirm our position of principle. With regard to the politicization of human rights, it is clear that this politicization leads to negative results, which in no way improve human rights and which in no way favor human values. On the contrary, it undermines state sovereignty and denies the role of their institutions, even though those institutions are responsible for protecting human rights. We oppose the instrumentalization of human rights and them being used as a pretext to interfere in states' internal affairs. It is necessary to promote dialogue, respect the state's sovereignty. When addressing human rights matters, the international community must adopt a more balanced, more comprehensive approach. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Sudan. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Nicaragua.

Senora President.

Madam Chair, Nicaragua aligns itself with the statements by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China, Cuba on behalf of a group of like-minded countries, and the joint statement delivered by the People's Republic of China on unilateral coercive measures. For the Government of Reconciliation and National Unity of the Republic of Nicaragua, human rights are restored each day when families have access to free health and education, when our children receive food at school, when women are able to fully participate in political, economic and social life, and when our original and average descendant peoples exercise their rights over their territories. Under the leadership of our co-presidents, Comandante Daniel Ortega Saavedra and Compañera Rosario Murillo, Nicaragua is continuing to make progress on a human development model focused on people, families, and communities, aimed at restoring rights, reducing poverty, and building better living and well-being conditions. Our national plan to combat poverty and to build human development is a fundamental guide in these efforts. Since 2007, poverty and extreme poverty indices have fallen in large to a great extent and this progress is supported by public investment, social programs and policies aimed at strengthening the productive capacities of our families. Madam Chair, health is a fundamental right of our people In Nicaragua, our family and community health model guarantees free public care, bringing medical services, treatment, and specialized care closer to families and communities across our territory. This restitution of rights is reflected in a historic transformation of our public health infrastructure. Nicaragua has gone from having 33 hospitals to 79 currently operating, having built 43 new hospitals since 2007. in addition to expanding, rehabilitating and modernising other health facilities, thus guaranteeing good quality, free health services. Madam Chair, free, good quality education is another pillar of our model. We are continuing to strengthen school infrastructure, technical and technological training, literacy and opportunities to make sure that our children can fully develop their capabilities in a decent setting. In 2026, more than 50,000 young people were studying in our 74 technology centres, with 79 technical pathways on offer. Moreover, this year, our young people had more than 36,000 study opportunities made available through the National University Scholarship Fair. For our young people, the restitution of rights means guaranteeing food, health, education, culture, sport, recreation and protection. Our school meals program each day benefits more than 1.2 million students, contributing to their nutrition, their learning and making sure they stay in school. These efforts reflect our conviction that investing in education, health and nutrition means investing in the present and the future of our coming generations. Nicaraguan women are key actors in our present and in our future. We actively participate in political, economic, social and community life, and we are there in important leadership and decision-making spaces. Nicaragua has achieved recognition internationally on the Women in Politics 2025 map, produced by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UN Women. It is listed there as the country with the greatest representation of women ministers in the world. Women hold 56% of positions in the cabinet and the government and more than 57% of elected positions. In addition, Nicaragua is third in terms of gender equality in parliaments, with 55% of seats held by women. This political leadership is accompanied by policies aimed at strengthening the economic autonomy and empowerment of women, their access to health and education, training, technologies, financing and entrepreneurship. We are also continuing to strengthen inclusion, care and full participation for persons with disabilities, as well as the well-being and support for our older adults, recognizing their contributions to our families, communities and society. Madam Chair, Nicaragua is a multi-ethnic and pluricultural nation. It is proud of its identity, its culture, its history and the productivity of our original and Afro-descendant peoples. Our Caribbean coast autonomy model is something that we have historically won. Nicaragua has restored territorial rights over 23 territories, equivalent to more than 37,841 square kilometers, strengthening communal property, territorial governments, and the leading role of original peoples and Afro-descendant peoples in decisions over their land. This progress allows our peoples to preserve their cultures, languages, traditions, and means of organization. and forms of organization, thus exercising their collective rights within our autonomy model. Nicaragua once again reaffirms its commitment to the eradication of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, as well as its commitment to justice and historic reparations for peoples that suffered the consequences of colonialism and slavery. In that context, Nicaragua also reaffirms its firm solidarity with the Palestinian people and their inalienable right to self-determination, independence, and to live within their own state, while reiterating the importance of reaching a just and lasting peace that fully guarantees their rights. Madam Chair, our model also recognizes the role of young people, families, and communities as key actors in development. We are continuing to promote opportunities for training, employment, entrepreneurship, culture, sport, recreation and community participation. The restitution of rights is closely linked to building the conditions for a decent life. Therefore, we continue to make progress on housing, electrification, drinking water and sanitation, road and transport infrastructure, food security and support for productive and entrepreneurial families. For Nicaragua, these results show that human rights have real meaning when they are turned into tangible results in health, education, nutrition, housing, participation, opportunities and better living conditions for our peoples. Madam Chair, Nicaragua will continue to promote human rights based on the principles of universality, objectivity, impartiality and non-selectivity. while also promoting dialogue and cooperation and in full respect for the sovereignty, independence, self-determination and national priorities of each people. We believe that international cooperation should help strengthen national efforts. Developing countries require greater access to financing, technology and resources to continue expanding health, education, nutrition housing, social protection and human development programmes. In this context, immediately ending all illegal unilateral coercive measures is essential. These measures and aggressions restrict the resources and capacities that are available for development and hinder States' efforts to guarantee the well-being and the rights of their peoples. Madam Chair, our experience shows that making progress on human rights means reducing poverty, guaranteeing health and education, protecting our young people, strengthening the role of women and youth, supporting our older adults and persons with disabilities, and fully recognizing the rights of our original and Afro-descendant peoples. From our blessed and always free Nicaragua, we will continue to defend our peace, which we have achieved through working with hope, solidarity, and a commitment to the restitution of rights, social justice, and the well-being of our families and communities. We will continue to make a contribution to building a more just, equitable world with greater solidarity, a multipolar world in which the dignity of people's cooperation and the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter may guide our relations. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nicaragua. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Andorra.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Allow me first of all to congratulate you on your election to chair the Third Committee. I would also like to congratulate the other members of the Bureau and assure you that you have the full support of the Andorran delegation in your work. Andorra aligns itself with the statement by the European Union and would like to add a few comments in our national capacity. This year marks several important anniversaries for the international human rights system: the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the two international covenants and the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Human Council, as well as several fundamental human rights conventions. These anniversaries are an invitation for us to take stock, but also, and above all, to reaffirm the principles upon which our common architecture is based: universality, indivisibility and the interdependence of all human rights. For Andorra, this year is particularly meaningful. On the occasion of this 81st session of the General Assembly, our country ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, thus strengthening our commitment to the full realization of all human rights. peace and security, sustainable development and human rights are interdependent and mutually strengthening. There can be no lasting peace without respect for human rights, nor can there be sustainable development without dignity and equality. For Andorra, as a small state, a multilateral system based on international law and the sovereign equality of states is essential to make sure that all voices can be heard and that human rights are protected universally. Our commitment also begins at the national level. During our Universal Periodic Review last November, Andorra accepted 108 recommendations, and we continue to implement them with our national institutions and civil society, Madam Chair. The promotion of the rights of women and girls remains a priority for Andorra. Despite the progress that has been made, structural inequalities and gender stereotypes continue to limit the access of women and girls to education, employment, justice and political participation, and contribute to the persistence of gender-based violence. We cannot take for granted the progress made over recent decades. In Afghanistan, restrictions imposed on secondary education have already affected at least a million girls. If the current policies remain unchanged, that figure will exceed 2 million by 2030. Depriving girls of education compromises their autonomy, their future prospects, and the future of an entire generation. In conflict situations, existing inequalities are further exacerbated and sexual violence continues to disproportionately affect women and girls. But women must not be thought of solely as victims. They are essential actors in prevention, peacebuilding, justice and reconstruction. Their full, equal and meaningful participation is essential for lasting peace. Equality between women and men is a priority for Andorra, both internationally and nationally. We are continuing our efforts to mainstream gender in our public policies, to combat stereotypes starting from education and to ensure the full and effective participation of women in all areas of society. Madam Chair, the protection and promotion of the rights of the child is also a priority for Andorra. In 2024, 473 million children, more than one in six children, lived in conflict-affected areas. The same year, the United Nations verified more than 41,000 grave violations against children, a 25% increase year on year. Behind those numbers, there are children killed or maimed, recruited or used in conflicts, abducted, victims of sexual violence, deprived of education or of access to humanitarian assistance. The Convention on the Rights of the Child must remain at the heart of our action. Andorra, in particular, supports the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and is involved in the Prove It Matters campaign on the lasting consequences of grave violations on the lives of children. That is we decided a few years ago to increase our contribution to the Office of the Special Representative, and we invite all other countries to do the same in order to reverse this tragic trend as quickly as possible. All children deserve to grow up in the best possible conditions. The situation in Gaza is a tragic illustration of this reality. Andorra recalls the need to protect civilians, to fully respect international humanitarian law, and to guarantee safe and unhindered humanitarian access. In this context, we reaffirm our support for the essential role of UNRWA in the provision of essential services for Palestinian refugees, including in the areas of education, healthcare, and emergency assistance. Our commitment to the protection of children affected by conflicts is also guiding our participation in the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. A few days ago in Toronto, our Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed our commitment to the safe and unconditional return of Ukrainian children illegally deported or forcibly transferred, while respecting their best interests. Protecting children also requires combating impunity. and guaranteeing effective access to justice and reparations. It is also with this in mind that Andorra actively participates in work on a future convention on the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity. As a member of the Bureau of the Preparatory Conference, Andorra is among those countries that put forward amendments aimed at strengthening the provisions on the rights and specific vulnerabilities of children in the future instrument. The protection of human rights also depends on those that defend them. Civil society, journalists and human rights defenders must be able to do their work freely, to participate in public life and to cooperate with UN mechanisms without fearing intimidation or reprisals. Madam Chair, in the context of the UN80 initiative and the current financial constraints, we must preserve the balance between the three pillars of our Organization: peace and security, development and human rights. These three pillars are inextricably linked. Our efforts to make our organization more efficient must not compromise our ability and the ability of human rights protection mechanisms to do their jobs. Sixty years after the adoption of the two covenants and 20 years after the creation of the Human Rights Council, our responsibility is not only to reaffirm the principles upon which our system is based, but also to give them full effect. Andorra will continue to defend the universality and indivisibility of human to work for the universal abolition of the death penalty and to support effective protection mechanisms. In a particularly difficult international context, more than ever, we must preserve a multilateral system that is rooted in international law, dialogue and cooperation, one that can turn our collective commitments into tangible progress for the rights and the dignity of all. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Andorra. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia. Mic for Colombia, please.

Thank you, Madam Chair. It is a pleasure to greet you as well as the other members of the Bureau and to wish you all the very best in your work. You can count on Colombia's support in order to contribute to your work and the work of the Committee. The Third Committee plays a key role in our collective efforts to promote and protect human rights, strengthen the rule of law, and address the complex challenges that affect the security and well-being of our societies. That is why Colombia considers that the deliberations of this committee should be translated into practices that are effective and place people and their rights at the very center of our efforts. We promote an international cooperation that is based on reciprocity, mutual benefit, and strengthening national capacities. convinced that protecting human rights, preventing crime, and the rule of law are mutually reinforcing when they are based on solid institutions and coordinated international action. Colombia reaffirms its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights on the basis of universality, impartiality, and the respect for state sovereignty. Their defense should strengthen fundamental freedoms, democracy, and human dignity, and never, ever be instrumentalized for political purposes. As a member of the Human Rights Council, Colombia champions a multilateralism that is results-oriented. We value technical cooperation and a constructive dialogue with the universal human rights system in order to strengthen state capacities while fully respecting national institutions. Protecting human rights cannot be unlinked from the conditions of security, institutionality, and governability that allow for their effective exercise. And in line with the priorities of the government of President Abelardo De la S. Priera, Atmospheric security and the fight against terrorism and organized transnational crime are priorities for our foreign policy. Colombia recognizes that these threats go beyond borders and have impacts that go beyond mere security by affecting human rights, biodiversity, economic development, and democratic governance. Drug trafficking is a particularly clear manifestation of the reality that many countries face. Their networks connect territories that are territories of production, transit, and destination, and they have logistical chains. And they also produce other kinds of crimes, such as weapons trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, corruption, contraband, and environmental crimes. That interconnectedness demands responses that do not address the issue in a fragmented manner, but that address the networks, their financing, and the assets produced by these illegal activities. Madam Chair, Colombia will once again have the honor of introducing the draft resolution on preventative actions and the fight against corrupt practices and measures to facilitate the recovery of assets and the restitution of those assets. and we would like to thank all delegations for their constructive spirit and we trust that through an open dialogue we will be able to update and rationalize the text to reflect progress in this area. We seek to make the draft more concise and focused without losing the substantive elements of the resolution. Colombia also considers that social development and economic growth should go along hand in hand. Social policies should build capacities, broaden opportunities and create the necessary conditions so that people fully participate in their economic and productive lives. And in that sense, our government is committed to conditions that favor decent and productive work, as well as the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities. Given the new challenges that we are currently facing, Colombia believes it is necessary to promote a responsible use of new technologies and data analytics, fully respecting human rights and data protection, promoting measures to prevent and mitigate risks in the digital sphere. We nevertheless recognize that deep technological transformations, including the rapid advance of AI, is changing labor markets and the necessary skills in order to participate in the economy. Therefore, for Colombia, it is fundamental to promote decent work in this committee and to broaden training opportunities or opportunities to update skills, especially for young people. demographic transformation should also be incorporated into strategies for social and economic development. Colombia highlights the importance of promoting policies that favor comprehensive well-being throughout the life cycle, with policies and programs that ensure inclusion, empowerment, and participation, as well as the full exercise of the rights of older adults. Our country also champions recognizing care as a right and a strategic component for sustainable development, which is capable of making our economies more dynamic. Care policies are an effective way of eliminating barriers and creating opportunities for participation for vulnerable populations. This includes people living with disabilities. Protecting children is a key investment in the future of our societies. We reaffirm our commitment to preventing and eradicating all forms of violence against children and adolescents. Colombia also recognizes that youth are right holders and fundamental protagonists of sustainable development, democracy, and social transformation. Colombia reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the full enjoyment of human rights and the best possible health for women and girls, championing universal coverage as well as reducing maternal and child mortality by strengthening comprehensive health care systems and without any kind of precondition. And in that context, my delegation reaffirms its commitment to eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls, and we also seek to champion strategies that ensure their empowerment and economic self-sufficiency. These are fundamental to close inequality gaps and ensure the full enjoyment of their human rights. Finally, Colombia recognizes Indigenous Peoples as collective rights holders. They have special constitutional protection on the basis of their differentiated ethnic and cultural identity and their own forms of social, political and cultural organization. This is why the country reiterates its commitment to fully implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to the strengthening of multilateral mechanisms to promote and protect their human rights, such as the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, by ensuring the full, significant, and effective participation of Indigenous peoples in matters that concern them. Colombia, Madam Chair, reaffirms its commitment to promote measures to fight against racism, racial discrimination, and the historic inequalities that continue to affect communities and peoples of African descent. We will continue upholding our international obligations. We will continue to promote actions that ensure equality, inclusion and respect for ethnic and racial diversity. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Colombia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of New Zealand.

Thank you, Chair, and also allow me to thank you for your leadership and for the opportunity to engage on the critical human rights issues before us today. This year, we mark 60 years since the adoption of the two human rights covenants, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Together, these transformed the aspirations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, establishing a global framework underpinned by human dignity and autonomy, equality and non-discrimination, and promoting access to health, education and work. The framework rests on the foundation that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. Since the adoption of these two landmark covenants, there have been many achievements to acknowledge: the adoption of conventions specifically addressing the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities, and the further strengthening of the prohibition against torture through a standalone convention; the progress that States have made over time through their engagement with the universal periodic review and the human rights treaty bodies; Yet, after decades of progress, the international human rights system is under sustained pressure. We see efforts to narrow the system's scope, impose hierarchies among rights, and roll back long-established norms. Hard-fought rights that we assumed were well-established face sustained pushback, particularly for women and girls. The intensification of armed conflict, with a doubling of the number of active conflicts over the last 20 years, has caused untold suffering. The universal enjoyment of economic, social, and cultural rights face persistent challenges. Chair, New Zealand is clear that all three pillars of the UN, peace and security, development, and human rights, are mutually reinforcing. The promotion and protection of human rights is fundamental to creating and sustaining peace and security. Societies in which citizens enjoy their universal human rights have a better chance of avoiding the descent into conflict that impacts so many today. New Zealand is deeply concerned by the global rise in the repression of protest and the criminalisation of human rights defenders. These trends erode democratic institutions and threaten the rule of law. We are particularly troubled by the shrinking space for individuals to freely express their views in some countries and by reports of arrests and harassments targeting opposition political figures, civil society organisations, and media. Media freedom is a cornerstone of a free society. Journalism must not be constrained under the guise of national security. It is essential to holding governments accountable and exposing violations of human rights. Participation in civic life is nothing to be feared. Societies flourish when every voice is heard. New Zealand strongly supports the participation of civil society in this institution and in public life, as well as the vital role of national human rights institutions, both at home and abroad. Chair, we are gravely concerned by the sharp increase in the use of the death penalty globally, with recent reports of there being 2,707 executions recorded in 2025, a 78% increase from 2024. Against a backdrop of heightened repression, we are deeply alarmed about the increased application of capital punishment to silence voices of dissent. These trends only reinforce the urgency of progress towards abolition. New Zealand maintains a principled and practical opposition to the death penalty in all cases and under all circumstances. We consider the death penalty contrary to international law, namely the right to life and the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment. Its application is irreversible, disproportionately affects marginalised groups, and there is no credible evidence of its supposed deterrent effect. New Zealand continues to support efforts towards universal abolition, including through the biennial resolution on the moratorium on the use of the death penalty, and through support to the International Commission Against the Death Penalty. We call on all states that retain the death penalty to move towards abolition and, as an immediate step, establish a moratorium on executions. Chair, as the first country to grant women the right to vote in 1893, New Zealand has an enduring commitment to advancing the rights of all women and girls. New Zealand has made many advances since then. Women currently occupy some of the highest leadership roles in our democracy, including the Governor-General and the Chief Justice of New Zealand, and we are well represented around the boardroom table. However, we acknowledge that we still have plenty of work to do. Approximately one in four women in New Zealand have experienced intimate partner violence during their lifetime. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence is an increasing concern. As part of our response to this concern, New Zealand has recently established a new criminal offence of stalking and harassment, both online and in person. We call for strengthened efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, ensure access to justice and survivor-centred support services, and to address the harmful social norms and inequalities that enable such violence to persist. No woman or girl should face violence, discrimination or exclusion because of her gender. Chair, our legacy of supporting the rights of women and girls is why recent global trends eroding those rights are so concerning to New Zealand. The evidence is clear. Advancing women's rights drives economic growth, strengthens communities, and builds more peaceful, prosperous, and resilient societies. Yet, progress globally remains uneven, and in some regions is reversing under the weight of conflict, increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters, and rising authoritarian influence. Pushback on sexual and reproductive health and rights has seen a regression in legislation, jurisprudence, and freedoms, and access to related services has been restricted or denied. The global statistics remain sobering. 700 women die each day from preventable pregnancy-related causes. This number represents the death of a woman every two minutes. Far too many women, this pushback is literally a matter of life and death. Chair, these trends come at a time when this very institution is under pressure. As we said in our address to the General Assembly, we cannot expect the UN to continue in a state of constant financial crisis. Member States must meet their financial obligations in full, on time, and without conditions, in accordance with the obligations under the Charter. We need a United Nations that is focused, disciplined, and accountable. This financial crisis is already having significant impacts on the UN's ability to deliver on the human rights pillar. We, as member states, must focus on the issues that really matter and that can genuinely deliver benefits for our citizens. This is as true for human rights as it is for any aspect of the UN's work. Resolution 80/251 equips Member States to tackle the long-standing challenge of mandate accumulation and to take a more disciplined approach to setting the organization's priorities. Failing to do so will leave us with an ever-growing set of responsibilities supported by an ever-shrinking pool of resources that will do little to advance the universal realization of human rights. Chair, we want to end on a positive note. This year also marks 20 years since the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and with it the transformation of the global understanding of disability. By reaffirming that persons with disabilities are rights holders entitled to full and equal participation in society, the Convention has helped shift policy and practice away from charitable and medical approaches and towards a human rights-based model that emphasises dignity, autonomy and equality. The Convention has further strengthened international cooperation and on disability rights. Through reporting, dialogue and monitoring mechanisms, it has encouraged governments to assess progress and address barriers faced by persons with disabilities. The CRPD has helped place disability at the heart of global development cooperation. New Zealand is proud to continue working alongside Mexico to co-facilitate the biennial General Assembly resolution on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Through this work, we seek to advance the Convention's principles and address the barriers that many people with disabilities continue to experience so that the fundamental principle of non-discrimination is realized for all. Chair, as we mark the 60th anniversary of the two covenants and 20 years since CRPD, we must all recommit to those fundamental principles that undermine our shared humanity. We must stand firm in upholding universal human rights and ensure that no one is left behind. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of New Zealand. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the League of Arab States.

Thank you, Chair. First of all, allow me to congratulate you and the members of the Bureau. I wish you luck. The League of Arab States stands ready to contribute to these discussions and strengthen cooperation with all delegations. We gather today as communities pay a hefty price for conflicts and crises. Civilians, specifically the most vulnerable categories, women, children, the elderly, are impacted the most. Our Arab region has experienced the bitterness of wars, occupation and displacement, but we have also known the efforts for building, reform, reconciliation, and recovery. The most important lesson we have learned is that permanent stability requires justice and development takes root when everyone benefits, and that institutions earn the trust of people through their ability to protect their rights and meet their aspirations. Therefore, the hefty challenges ahead call on us to strengthen the system of human rights and protect its credibility implement its principles to all without selectivity or double standards. The League of Arab States reaffirms the universality of human rights, their indivisibility, and their interlinkages. It is important to pay special attention to civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights in a balanced manner. We also reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation and dialogue. We need to respect the sovereignty of countries. Countries must meet their international obligations, must strengthen national institutions and the rule of law pursuant to the principles and purposes of the Charter. The suffering of the Palestinian people remains a true test to the credibility of abiding by these principles. The rights to life, security, food, water, health, and education should not be become hostage to political considerations. An entire people cannot be denied their right to self-determination, as we reaffirmed the universality of this right elsewhere. We condemn Israeli attacks and violations against the Palestinian people. It is important to protect civilians in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territory. Humanitarian assistance must be delivered at scale in a safe, sustainable manner and without any obstacles. We must protect humanitarian and medical workers, as well as civilian facilities. We must provide the right conditions for basic services and reconstruction. We categorically reject the forceful displacement of Palestinians from their land. There must be an end to settlement expansion, the confiscation of land, settler violence, and attempts of annexation. The legal and historic status quo of Islamic and Christian holy sites must be respected in Jerusalem, and there should be accountability for any violations pursuant to international law. We pay special attention to the protection of Palestinian children and guaranteeing their right to education, healthcare, family life, and provide them with psychosocial support. We also must support UNRWA, and financially so that it can carry out its mandate and provide services to Palestinian refugees. We reaffirm the unity of the occupied Palestinian territory. territory. We reject any separation between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. We support the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state that is sovereign along the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. We remain committed to protecting human beings, including all Arab countries affected by conflicts and crises while taking into account the specificity of each case and its reasons. This responsibility means we need a balanced, sustainable response that preserves the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of states and takes into account urgent needs and providing the components for recovery and stability. In Yemen, in the Sudan, in Somalia, we reaffirm the need to strengthen humanitarian and developmental response to support food security and basic services, to protect civilians, humanitarian workers, and provide protection to IDPs and refugees, and protect women and children from violence, including sexual violence. We also support efforts for a political settlement in Yemen to end the conflict, to protect the unity, sovereignty of the Sudan and its national institutions, and to build institutions and strengthen the resilience of Somalia. We also call for a fair distribution of burden with Arab countries that are hosting refugees to support their communities and to prioritize the social development of all Arab countries, especially least developed countries and those affected by climate change and water scarcity. Protecting rights means we must provide people with the component of a decent life, with a genuine opportunity for education, work and participation. We need to combat poverty, inequality, expand social protection system and guarantee access to healthcare. quality education and decent work. We commend the State of Qatar for hosting the second Global Summit for Social Development that was held in Doha in 2025. We reaffirm the importance of building on the Doha Political Declaration to reaffirm our commitment to combating poverty and provide decent work for all. We also call for translating commitments to policies and follow-up. with the support of international financing and cooperation, while taking into account national priorities and the needs of developing countries, and reaffirm the role of the Council of Arab Ministers for Social Affairs to follow up on implementing the outcomes of this summit. The efforts of the League of Arab States are based on the Arab Charter for Human Rights, Whilst taking into account the need to cooperate with UN mechanisms, we reaffirm the need to empower women and their participation in decision making and building peace and to combat violence and discrimination against women. We also call for protecting children and guaranteeing their education and care and expanding opportunities for young people. We call for using technology and AI in a way that protects rights and privacy and reduces digital gap to guarantee that everyone benefits. In conclusion, we reject once again racism, xenophobia, racial extremism, including Islamophobia, we call for strengthening dialogue, tolerance, and combating incitement while protecting the freedom of expression. We reaffirm the need to protect the rights of migrants, combating human trafficking, organized crime, and to protect the victims of these crimes. In conclusion, we reaffirm that the League of Arab States remains ready to strengthen its partnership with the UN to turn all these commitments into actual protection, equal opportunities, and a safer, more just, and more decent life for all. I thank you. And I apologize for taking so long.

I thank the distinguished representative of the League of Arab States. We have heard the last speaker on my list. The committee has thus concluded its general debate. The committee will begin its consideration of the rolling lists of general discussions of items, starting with item 24 on social development, to be followed by item 25 on the advancement of women, tomorrow morning, Tuesday, 6 October, at 10:00 a.m. The forthcoming speakers are reflected in the live list circulated through the eDelegate portal. I would like to remind delegations that the Committee will maintain a rolling list of speakers and that delegations should be prepared to deliver their statements earlier if necessary. Information on the work of the Committee, including the latest programme of work and the list of documents under each agenda item, is available on iGov. The exercise of the right of reply has been requested in accordance with rule 115 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. I should like to remind delegations that the number of interventions in exercise of the right of reply for any delegation at a given meeting should be limited to two per item. The first intervention should be limited to five minutes and the second to three minutes. I give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In the name of God, the most compassionate, the most merciful. Madam Chair, I am exercising the right of reply in response to the outrageous statement made by the representative of Bahrain against Islamic Republic of Iran. The delegation of Bahrain chose to speak of human rights while turning a blind eye to the single fact that explains the events it now weeps over. The Kingdom of Bahrain placed its territory, its bases, its airspace at the disposal of the United States for the launch of an unlawful war against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Having handed its territory to the United States on a silver platter for use in an unlawful war against a neighbor, Bahrain does not get to plead surprise at the consequences. Iran did not strike first. Iran was attacked. What followed was the exercise of the inherent right of self-defence. A right that does not expire when the platform used to launch the aggression happens to sit on the soil of a smaller neighbor. Let there be no ambiguity. If the territory of any state in our region is again used to launch attacks against Iran, we will respond. There are only two paths. Either we build security together or we bear the insecurity together. Bahrain has already chosen the second path once. And it should not expect a different result if it makes the same choice again. Thank you.

I give the floor to the representative of Belarus.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The delegation of Belarus is exercising its right of reply in relation to the statements by the representatives of Lithuania, Poland and Latvia. Today, during the general debate, we underscored that the growing polarisation is a major problem in this committee. The statements of the three aforementioned states fully confirm this argument. Belarus received unfounded accusations of persecuting so-called political prisoners and of instrumentalising migration. Regarding the first accusation, once again, we underscore that in Belarus, there are no so-called political prisoners. Regarding persons who, in accordance with the law, have been prosecuted for extremist and terrorist activities, which our EU neighbors call political prisoners, we note that the legislation of Belarus is fully in line with the universally recognized norms of international law and is constantly being improved in order to ensure citizens rights and freedoms. The legislative approach to combating extremism and terrorism is based on constitutional provisions in accordance with which the Republic of Belarus defends its independence, territorial integrity and constitutional order, while at the same time ensuring law and order. Any state must take all necessary measures to establish and maintain public order in order to ensure the full realisation by all citizens of the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. However, in the spirit of humanity and based on statements about crimes by so-called political prisoners, the president of Belarus has already pardoned several hundred such people. Regarding the instrumentalization of migration, migrants and refugees have passed through Belarus in the past, but previously there was cooperation with the bordering EU states and there were no such problems. We weren't the ones that stopped this cooperation, it was our EU neighbors that did so based on political considerations. Therefore, accusations against Belarus are entirely unfounded. We would like to note that it was not Belarus, but rather the neighbouring EU countries that care so much about human rights, that built barbed wire fences that harm people and the environment, that are forcing refugees and migrants across the border and even throwing their bodies onto Belarus' territory. These actions, together with the use of gas and weapons, have caused grievous bodily harm to thousands and led to the death of more than 100 people. And that's only the officially documented cases over the last five years. The State Border Committee of the Republic of Belarus constantly informs the public about persons who have been found dead in the border area between Belarus and neighbouring EU countries. At the global level, there is the International Organization for Migration initiative Missing Migrants, the Missing Migrants Project, which records cases of migrant deaths, including refugees and asylum seekers, on the state border or when they are migrating to another state. Belarus' border forces and doctors provide prompt assistance to migrants in cases where that is possible. Belarus' other efforts in the area of border control were mentioned during our national statement. Once again, we confirm the Republic of Belarus' commitment to fulfilling its obligations, and we call upon the countries that are politicizing the pain and suffering of migrants to, at long last, resume observing the norms of international law, to engage in civilized, professional work, and good and scrupulous cooperation. Thank you very much.

I give the floor to the representative of China.

Chair, the representatives from the UK, Australia, Japan, Ireland, Turkey, and Lithuania made groundless accusations and maliciously slandered China's human rights situation in their statements. China hereby expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition. The countries mentioned above, arrogant and believing themselves to be superior, frequently act like lecturers on human rights. Given their serious human rights issues at home, they are in no position at all to talk about human rights, let alone pass judgment on China. China has been safeguarding and improving the quality of life of its population through development. We have completely eradicated abject poverty, lifting nearly 100 million people out of poverty and expanding the middle income group to over 400 million people. In contrast, poverty in the UK has kept worsening in recent years, with over 40 million people living below the poverty line, half of whom are in extreme poverty. Then let's look at Japan. Its relative family poverty rate stands at 15%, with child poverty becoming an increasingly prominent issue, China is deeply concerned about its human rights situation. China has been promoting the whole of process democracy for its people, ensuring that people are the owners of their country. The approval rate for and satisfaction rate with the Chinese government has exceeded 90% for many years. The Hong Kong National Security Law marked a historical turning point in Hong Kong from chaos to order and from order to prosperity, optimizing and developing the democratic system in Hong Kong SAR and receiving support from all walks of life in Hong Kong. In contrast, in the UK, polls show that about 75% of its population are concerned about the prospects of democracy. Then in Australia, public trust in and check here. Public trust in government has hit new lows and young people's confidence in the democratic systems has significantly declined. All ethnic groups in China are equal members of the Chinese nation as one big family, tightly embracing each other like pomegranate seeds or ethnic groups in Xinjiang and Xizang are seeing their political, economic, cultural and religious rights effectively guaranteed. The promulgation and implementation of the law on promoting national unity and progress aims at achieving the common prosperity and development of all groups. In contrast, Japan has failed to honor its commitment to eliminating racial discrimination and failed to treat the Ainu and Ryukyuans as equal ethnic groups, resulting in crisis for the survival and development of these people. Now let's look at the UK and Australia and Ireland. The colonialism they practiced in the past has caused endless harm, which can be felt even to this day. What's more, as we speak, they are facing serious social issues such as racism and ethnic division. At a time when the world is fraught with turmoil and change and when multilateralism is facing headwinds, China has held high the banner and taken responsibility. China has not only injected confidence and momentum into the international human rights cause through its own development, but also promoted and cooperation in the human rights field through concrete actions, leading global human rights governance toward a more just and rational direction. In contrast, the UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Lithuania, among others, keep paying lip service to morality but turn a blind eye to the injustices suffered by the peoples in Palestine, Iran, Cuba, and other countries. Under the pretext of human rights, they repeatedly interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, implement UCMs, and infringe on the interests of developing countries, thus playing an extremely disgraceful Chair, the multipolarization of the world and democratization of international relations are unstoppable. Unity, cooperation and progress are the common aspirations of all peoples. China will will adhere to a human rights development path that aligns with the times and suits its own national conditions. We stand ready to engage in constructive dialogue with all parties on human rights issues, jointly resist the politicization of human rights, and work tirelessly toward the noble goal of human rights for all. We advise a handful of countries to stop fabricating and spreading lies related to China and stop using human rights issues as a pretext for political manipulation. Otherwise, they will only be shooting themselves in the foot. Thank you, Chair.

I give the floor to the representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The delegation of the DPR Korea is exercising its right to reply in response to the groundless remarks made by the delegate of the Republic of Korea. concerning the human rights issues of the DPRK and so-called cooperation between two countries. The allegation of the cooperation and assistance for improving human rights brought up forward by the Republic of Korea are nothing but a politically motivated plot designed to defame the dignity and system of the DPR Korea. It has absolutely nothing to do with the genuine promotion and protection of human rights. In particular, it is the height of hypocrisy and the blatant deception of the international community for the Republic of Korea to talk about cooperation and coexistence while staging large-scale joint military exercises almost every single month in collusion with foreign forces and continuously deploying advanced strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula. The DPRK has already defined its relationship with the Republic of Korea as two fundamentally hostile states at war. We take this opportunity to state clearly once again that DPR Korea has absolutely no intention to sit face to face with the Republic of Korea, nor has any desire to pursue any engagement with them in the future. The DPRK government consistently prioritizes the rights and well-being of our people through our popular mass-centered socialist system, and responsibly fulfills its international obligations by maintaining active engagement with the international human rights treaty bodies. The Republic of Korea would be well advised to look inward and address its own deep-rooted, severe social inequalities and systematic human rights issues first. These ingenious and deceptive proposals for cooperation do not contribute to easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. They only fuel mistrust. We strongly urge the Republic of Korea to immediately cease its reckless maneuvers to politicize human rights for confrontation and return to a rational attitude fitting for the norms of international diplomacy. In conclusion, and in response to the remarks made by the Czech delegation today, The DPRK wants to recommend them that if they truly care about the promotion and protection of human rights, do not keep silent on the crimes against humanity caused by the state-sponsored terrorism and do not weaponize human rights to attack sovereign countries. And please care and help to address the serious human rights issues that is ridding globally. Thank you so much, Madam Chair.

I give the floor to the representative

of Cuba.

Madam Chair, Cuba reaffirms its commitment to the promotion, protection, and respect for all human rights for everyone. We will continue to uphold the provisions of the 44 legal instruments when it comes to human rights, of which we are a state party. We will continue to promote the universality of all human rights. which should be ensured without any kind of distinction and with equal emphasis. As is referred in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, it is imperative that all countries work in a framework of respect and cooperation, staying away from selective or punitive approaches which have altered the true meaning of human rights. Madam Chair, there is no ideal model for democracy or human rights. Today, on this planet, there is not a single country that is exempt from human rights challenges. There simply isn't. Even developed nations or others that coming from the global south do not know what it means to make a country go forward and have human rights indicators that are without par under a blockade that is costing us lives, even those nations face significant challenges when it comes to human rights. Cuba is also concerned with these challenges, such as, for instance, the challenges that certain indigenous populations face in countries in the South, the protection of their territories or the recognition or restitution of their ancestral lands, or the difficulties faced by migrants, their living conditions, and the gaps when it comes to accessing economic or social rights. Nevertheless, and despite our concern over these challenges, we have preferred to not politicize human rights. Each State must seek out their own solutions to overcome their own challenges on the basis of their legal system and without any kind of external influence. Just a week ago, Madam Chair, the high-level week of our 81st session ended, and for over a week, 43 heads of state called for lifting the criminal blockade imposed by the United States against us, and they called out the serious humanitarian impact of this policy that undermines the full enjoyment of human rights for an entire people. We would like to thank delegations that, in this general debate of the Third Committee, have recognized the impact that unilateral coercive measures have on the living conditions of the Cuban people, especially when it comes to accessing essential goods and services, vital goods and services, we could even say. And we can share irrefutable data of how the blockade costs lives in Cuba. In these circumstances, speaking about resilience has become very complex and we do not like to romanticize this concept. Cuba will continue making efforts to favor social justice with universal and free access to education, health, culture and sports as fundamental rights. We will continue to work for the full realization of human rights for all Cubans, and we will not desist in order to build an equitable and democratic international order where no one is left behind. I thank you.

I now give the floor to the representative of Bahrain.

Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation would like to exercise the right of reply. In response to the intervention by the Islamic Republic of Iran, the allegations are baseless, and they are

a clear attempt to distort reality.

We reject the allegations related to the use of our territory to

launch military aggression.

And we believe and we reiterate that these are baseless allegations to shift the blame.

And we also reiterate our commitment to good neighborliness and noninterference in internal

affairs and respect for states and their territorial integrity, which runs contrary to what we view from Iran. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I give the floor to the representative of Japan.

Thank you, Madam Chair. It is unfortunate that I am compelled to exercise my right of reply in response to the statement by China. The claims that China mentioned regarding Japan are based on factual errors and groundless. Okinawa Prefecture has its own unique and rich culture and tradition, just like other regions in Japan. The government of Japan, however, is not the view of the Japan born in Okinawa. Indigenous people was being part of an indigenous ethnic group, nor is such a view widely recognized in Japan. In fact, Voices of protest have been raised in multiple municipal assemblies in Okinawa, stating that it is incorrect to recognize people born in Okinawa as indigenous people, as belonging to an indigenous ethnic group. As a matter of course, Japanese people living in or born in Okinawa Prefecture, Japanese nationals, on an equal basis with all other citizens and their rights as Japanese nationals are guaranteed fully and without distinction. Japan has concluded various human rights treaties, sincerely adheres to them, and strives to protect and promote human rights. Japan consistently reviews its various domestic institutions and measures. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I give the floor to the representative of the Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Chair. My delegation would like to exercise its right of reply in response to the statement made by the representative of the DPRK. First, As our head of delegation mentioned this morning, the Republic of Korea will continue to work with the international community to bring about tangible improvements in the human rights situation of the people of the DPRK. Second, the Republic of Korea attaches great importance to the values of human rights and democracy and continues its efforts to promote them. At the same time, we hope that the DPRK will sincerely pursue policy and institutional changes aimed at bringing about tangible improvements in the human rights situation of its people, including through cooperation with the UN human rights mechanisms. Third. Our joint military exercises are purely defensive in nature. The government of the Republic of Korea has a fundamental responsibility to protect its people in the face of continued nuclear and conventional threats from the DPRK, which continues to violate relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Let me reiterate that the only way to achieve peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula is through the resumption of the dialogue and communication. We count on the unwavering support of the member states for our continued efforts toward dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. Madam Chair, let me recall the famous words of one of our former permanent representatives, Ambassador Oh Joon. Some of you may remember him. For South Koreans, people in North Korea are not just anybody's. Many South Koreans still regard North Koreans as our brothers and sisters. Indeed, the DPRK itself had long recognized this special relationship until Pyongyang fundamentally changed its longstanding position in late 2023 and defined the inter-Korean relations as relations between two hostile states. We deeply regret about these changes, and let me reiterate our position to pursue our reconciliation and communication with our brothers and sisters in the North. Thank you.

I give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on a second intervention.

Much, Madam Chair, this delegation and almost everyone in this room is surprised, genuinely surprised to hear Bahrain describe as allegations what sits in plain sight. Is the placing of Bahraini territory, bases and airspace at the disposal of the United States a story invented in this room? It has not explained why its territory Its bases and its airspace were placed at the disposal of the U.S. for an unlawful war against Iran. Bahrain is not a victim. Bahrain is a platform for the war. Iran did not strike first. Iran was attacked. The strikes that followed were self-defense, and self-defense is not suspended to spare the state that lovingly rented out the launch pad. Handing Bahrain's territory to the United States was a surrender of sovereignty for use in an unlawful war, and Manama does not get to discover the cost only after the bill arrives. The weeping started when the consequences did. The decision came first. Let this be the last time it needs to be said. If any territory in this region is used against to attack Iran, Iran will hit back in a manner the likes of which one has never seen before. Thank you.

I give the floor to the representative of China on a second intervention.

China is exercising a second right of reply to respond to the statement made by Japan. China will uphold and promote a correct approach to human rights and continue to improve human rights protection in the process of modernization with Chinese characteristics. China is ready to work with all parties to firmly defend multilateralism, uphold the post-war international order, continuously improve human rights governance globally, and promote the development and progress of human rights civilization. Japan turns a blind eye to its own serious human rights problems at home, such as the wealth gap, racial discrimination, gender-based violence, and elder abuse. Therefore, it is in no position to lecture on the human rights situation in other countries. Japan's attempts to distort historical facts, evade responsibility for its past aggression, and steadily push its security policies towards an offensive, expansionist, and dangerous direction have long torn off its mask of a so-called peaceful nation. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trial. That landmark trial of the century exposed the countless war crimes committed by Japanese militarism, demonstrated the international community's shared resolve to uphold fairness and justice, defend human dignity, and maintain world peace, and served as a powerful warning to all those who seek to revive militarism. Japan should and must deeply reflect on its history of aggression and profound sufferings, its crimes inflicted on the victims and take an honest and responsible approach to addressing historical issues, including the forced recruitment of comfort women. We urge Japan to honor its international obligations, thoroughly eradicate lingering influence of militarism, and remain committed to peaceful development. Only in doing so can it truly free itself from the burden of history. Attempts to whitewash its history of aggression through false narratives, such as international contribution or an alleged existential crisis, to promote resurgence of militarism, challenge justice and conscience are doomed to be called to account by history and justice once again. We solemnly call on Japan to confront and tackle its own human rights issues and to engage constructively in international human rights dialogue and cooperation based on equality and mutual respect. Only in this way can it genuinely gain the confidence of the international community. Any attempt to politicize human rights issues, apply double standards, or use human rights as a tool to pressure or contain China is doomed to backfire. Thank you, Chair.

I give the floor to the representative of Bahrain on a second intervention.

Thank you, Chair.

Madam Chair, we reject the allegations made by Iran. Just because they repeat them doesn't make it true. And as we've already said, we recall resolution 2817 of the Security Council that condemns Iran. We have to all commit to this resolution and we have to respect good neighborly relations and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. I thank you.

I give the floor to the representative of Japan on a second intervention.

Thank you, Madam Chair. It is unfortunate that I'm compelled to exercise my second right of reply in response to the statement by China. Japan has concluded various human rights treaties, sincerely adheres to them, and strives to protect and promote human rights. Japan consistently reviews its various domestic institutions and measures. Regarding Japan's national security policy, the defense capability Japan maintains are kept to minimum necessary to ensure Japan's security in the face of the most severe and complex security environment since end of World War II. Under the Constitution, Japan adheres to the basic policy of exclusively maintaining national defense-oriented policy without becoming a military power that poses a threat to other countries. Also, Japan firmly maintains three non-nuclear principles. Japan will never change the course it has taken as a peace-loving nation. Thank you.

I see no further requests for the floor. The meeting is adjourned.