5th Meeting - 58th Session of Human Rights Council

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, I declare open the fifth meeting of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, we will now proceed with the high-level segment. I have the honor of giving the floor to His Excellency Mr. Mihai Popsoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova.

Excellency, you have the floor.

President, High Commissioner, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, this session of Human Rights Council is taking place in a rapidly evolving international context. While we continue to face appalling conflicts in Sudan and recent military hostilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we also see positive signs in other regions. We sincerely hope that the negotiated ceasefire in Gaza will hold, leading to sustainable peace based on a long-term two-state solution. Dear colleagues, these days we also mark three years since Russia unleashed its unprovoked, unjust war of aggression against Ukraine. This war, conducted by a nuclear power and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has already caused destruction and suffering which will take generations to repair. Moldova stands in solidarity with Ukraine to resist the Russian aggression. My country continues to provide support to Ukrainian people, hosting more than 135,000 refugees, mostly women and children, providing humanitarian aid, helping with the transit of goods. As many as 70,000 Ukrainians are registered under temporary protection mechanism established in Moldova two years ago, benefiting from access to healthcare services, employment, education, including in their mother tongue. As discussions on peace are starting strongly, we believe that sustainable and comprehensive solution to this conflict entails the UN Security Charter being paramount, that it should bring Justice through robust accountability mechanisms for war crimes. Prevent any new war through robust security guarantees. And open the way for the reconstruction of Ukraine. No discussion on Ukraine without Ukraine. Mr. President, as a candidate country on its EU accession path, the Republic of Moldova is strengthening the rule of law, fighting against corruption, and promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. In line with our international commitments and policy objectives, we will spare no effort to ensure the implementation of human rights standards. Equally, as a candidate country for the seat in the Human Rights Council for 2027-29, Moldova will promote human rights as a foundation of a fair and just world, regardless of geographical area. Mr. President, the Republic of Moldova regularly updates the Council on human rights situation in the breakaway, transitional region of my country. This year, there is no exception. The situation continues to be dire, as the freedom of expression, of assembly, and of the press are still suppressed. Any dissenting voice or any show of opposition by local activists may result in a prison term on extremist charges, and we continue to receive notification in this regard. Criminal liability still stands for those who are daring to seek justice in international courts, such as the European Court of Human Rights. We welcome the recent release of a number of persons held behind bars in the Transnistrian region on political grounds. We call on the release of the remaining ones and hope this practice will not be repeated again. Let me also refer to the situation in the eight Latin script schools located in the region, which have been subject to constant and various forms of pressure and intimidation throughout the years. We urge the Russian Federation abide by international obligations and execute without further delay the European Court of Human Rights judgment in cases originating from the Transdniestrian region of Moldova and pay the just satisfactions awarded by the Court. As the Republic of Moldova takes over the presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe between November 25 and May 26, the execution of judgments will be one of our priorities. We will also pay special attention to the fight against discrimination disinformation, propaganda, strengthening local democracy, the protection of children and women's rights. Mr. President, Moldova will stay engaged in common efforts for ensuring the Council remains effective. We adhere also to the calls for strengthening the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights by ensuring sustainable, predictable, and adequate funding. In the year of the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the UN, the role of the Office of the Human Rights Council remains pivotal. Thank you.

Thank you, Excellency. I now give the floor to His Excellency Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See. Excellency, you have the floor.

Mr. President, this year, as the world grapples with the tragedy of numerous conflicts, global crises, and ongoing violations of human rights, Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee Year of Hope to be celebrated by the Catholic Church. It is the desire of the Holy See that the Human Rights Council will respond holistically and constructively to humanity's need for tangible signs of hope in the times we live in. Mr. President, the right to life is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is a prerequisite for the enjoyment of all other human rights. As Pope Francis affirms, All life must be protected at every moment, from conception to natural death, because no child is a mistake or guilty of existing, just as no elderly or sick person may be deprived of hope and discarded. Furthermore, the Holy See reiterates its call for the universal abolition of the death penalty. The demographic crisis calls for a renewed appreciation of the gift of life, motherhood, and of the family. The Holy See hopes that the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Conference will be an occasion to celebrate the many gifts that women uniquely possess and to recognize and support the vocation of motherhood. Human rights are universal and apply to all. including the estimated 125 million people forcibly displaced. Pope Francis has stated that these people cannot be treated like objects to be moved about. They have dignity and resources that they can offer to others. It is only by viewing things in this perspective that progress can be made in confronting a phenomenon that requires the contribution of all countries, not least through the creation of safe, regular pathways. It is worrying that almost half of the world's population lives in countries that spend more on debt repayment than on health or education. Therefore, I reiterate the call of Pope Francis to the international community to work towards forgiving financial debt as a matter of justice, not merely as a question of generosity. Moreover, there is also a need to recognize and address the ecological debt that exists between the global north and the global south. Furthermore, attempts to restrict religious freedom are an obstacle to lasting peace and integral development. Yet, across the world, around 380 million Christians continue to suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith. This Council can play a crucial role in combating discrimination against Christians, Jews, Muslims and members of other religions, and in ensuring religious freedom. Mr. President, The world is facing pressing issues which require a strong multilateralism that respects the equal sovereignty of States uses a common language and does not seek to manipulate multilateral documents by changing the meaning of terms or unilaterally reinterpreting the content of human rights treaties in order to advance divisive ideologies that trample on the values and beliefs of peoples. This is a form of ideological colonisation. that fractures relations between states and compromises the integrity of multilateral institutions, while diverting precious time, energy, and attention away from the issues that really matter. In a world in need of tangible signs of hope, the diplomacy of hope called for by Pope Francis could help this Council play a key role in healing the wounds of humanity and in giving multilateralism the new vitality it needs to address the complexities of our times. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank His Excellency. Now I have the honor to give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Maria Gabriela Sommerfeldt Rozero, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador. Her Excellency, you have the floor by video.

Ecuador remains committed to defending, promoting, and protecting human rights, both in the universal and regional systems. My country has defended strengthening multilateralism and the principles of international cooperation and solidarity, which will foster the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. Ecuador, my country, was the first state in the world to have ratified the 27 legally binding international instruments in the area of human rights and has brought its law and practice into line with these principles. Since 2003, Ecuador has had a standing invitation to all United Nations special procedures mandate holders to visit the country, and we strive to ensure that commitments with the UN human rights treaty bodies and universal periodic review are met. Nevertheless, Ecuador and the whole region face a serious crisis of violence. This is the result of the activities of transnational organized crime groups, which attack citizens' security, state sovereignty and peaceful coexistence. I'm referring in particular to the alarming increase in the activity of criminal organisations that crosses borders. These unlawful networks have become a cancer which corrodes the social fabric of our countries and fuels corruption and violence. In this regard, we have proposed a number of visionary ideas to curb these groups which undermine peaceful coexistence between nations. When we held the presidency of the Security Council in December of 2023, Ecuador reiterated its commitment to building a fairer, more supportive and inclusive world. We believe that all countries, regardless of their size or power, have a role to play in promoting international peace and security. This holistic vision of peace and security has to be the beacon to guide our actions. We cannot allow transnational crime to continue to prosper at the expense of our nation's stability and wellbeing. We firmly believe that peace and security are factors for development. Thus, if we eradicate violence and combat transnational organized crime, then we will be achieving the goals which the Government of Ecuador has set itself. But we need to have international cooperation to this end. We shall continue to play a constructive role in the Human Rights Council and lead on a number of different resolutions and initiatives. We're also running to be a member of the Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 mandate. In the past, the United Nations General Assembly has chosen us on three different occasions to join the Human Rights Council as a member, and a number of Ecuadorian experts have held high positions in the various mechanisms that are part of the universal inter-American human rights systems. It's against this backdrop that Ecuador will continue to adopt the necessary measures to promote human rights, empower women and girls, prevent and eradicate discrimination and violence, and to promote gender equality. We will continue to forge public policies and programs for the effective enjoyment of rights by children, adolescents, indigenous peoples, Ecuadorians of African descent, older persons, persons with disabilities, and others who are vulnerable. This is in line with international conventions to which Ecuador is a state party, and in line with our domestic law. Furthermore, my country is playing an active role in implementing the Global Compact for Refugees and for a safe, orderly, and regular migration. and we use a cross-cutting human rights-based approach for this. We have also amended our organic law on human mobility in order to strengthen the effective application of the constitutional mandate of equality and non-discrimination. This has been done by including a framework for preventing and protecting victims of human trafficking and migrant smuggling. We will continue to advocate that the international community pay the appropriate attention to the link between human rights and the environment. In this regard, my country has undertaken a number of different actions in order to tackle climate change, because we believe that climate change poses a threat to the enjoyment of human rights. Allow me to conclude by reiterating that Ecuador will continue to work on outstanding challenges and on the initiatives to improve legal frameworks and to strengthen institutional capacity using a human rights based approach and gender, disability and age perspectives. We will work in strict compliance with the principles of equality and non-discrimination with the aim of preserving and strengthening peace, security and development in Ecuador. We believe that cooperation among all stakeholders and solidarity are vital tools for preventing human rights violations. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Excellency. Now I have the honor to give the floor to Mr. Georg Danilov Georgiev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. I am honored to address the principal international body responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, the Human Rights Council. Allow me to extend my warmest congratulations to His Excellency the Ambassador, Jorg Lauber, of Switzerland. on the occasion of his election as President of the Human Rights Council for 2025 and to express our full support for his efforts to advance dialogue, cooperation, and the use of digital technologies. I wish him and the Bureau of the Human Rights Council every success in their work. I would like to underline how important it is to ensure the independence, integrity, and sustainability of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as of the Office of Human Rights Council mechanisms and the UN treaty bodies. Bulgaria remains steadfast in its support for their efforts to uphold and promote human rights. Mr. President, just yesterday, the world marked three years since the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We reiterate our strongest condemnation of all violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed in the course of Russia's aggression. Those violations demand full accountability. In this regard, we welcome the Human Rights Council's continued engagement on the human rights situation in Ukraine, which will stay high on our agenda during this session as well. We fully support the resolution extending the mandate of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which will be presented by Ukraine. In January, we commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. which solemnly reminded to us all about the need to combat intolerance, discrimination and hate, and to prevent war crimes and crimes against humanity. Ensuring accountability for the serious human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law is crucial for the prevention of future crimes and atrocities. Bulgaria remains firmly committed to combating impunity and promoting international criminal justice. We emphasize the important role of the International Criminal Court to end impunity, uphold the rule of law, and guarantee respect for the international law and human rights. Mr. President, in these turbulent times, marked by devastating conflicts, rising inquiries, and powerful emerging technologies, the international rules-based order with human rights at its core remains vital for the security, stability, and prosperity of the humankind. The promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights are a fundamental prerequisite of the achievement of freedom, dignity, equality, democracy, rule of law, peace and sustainable development. These values and principles are at the heart of Bulgaria's foreign policy priorities. As a member of the Human Rights Council, our country underscores the central role of this body within the UN system. At a time when multilateralism is under increasing pressure and the Council's functioning faces new challenges, we believe it is imperative to offer a collective response. The upcoming 2026 review of the Human Rights Council's status presents an excellent opportunity to reaffirm the Council's mandate, highlight its pivotal role in the international system, and demonstrate the enduring value of multilateralism. Bulgaria will continue to support the efforts to promote the culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding. We regard as indispensable the role of the Human Rights Council for the achievement of human rights-based sustainable development goals. Bulgaria allocates equal attention to the needs, ensure adequate reactions of the Council to gross violations and abuses of human rights, and to exercise the Council's prevention functions. We seek to contribute to all endeavors to combat disinformation while strengthening media freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists. This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark achievement in the advancement of women's rights and equality between women and men. We firmly believe that concrete policies aimed to empower women and girls are crucial in order to foster sustainable development, social justice, and prosperity for all. In its national policies, Bulgaria continues to place a strong emphasis on the equality between women and men, as well as on the empowerment of women and girls. A visible testament to Bulgaria's commitment to this cause is the active participation of women in leadership roles across all sectors of society. Bulgaria remains dedicated to the advancement of the right to education for all children, motivated by the significant long-term benefits of early and pre-primary education for the cognitive and social development of children. We encourage all Member States to engage constructively in the governmental working group exploring the possibility of an optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which aims to consolidate the access to free education. Bulgaria is fully committed to the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities and continuously encourage and facilitate their integration in all spheres of public life. It is important also to address the impact of the artificial intelligence on human rights, especially with regard to children's rights, the media freedom and the fight against disinformation. In conclusion, I would like to highlight again the leadership of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and his dedicated staff in the tireless strive to advance the cause of human rights around the world at this precious time. Let me also reaffirm Bulgaria's unwavering commitment to the principles of international law, universal human rights, dialogue, and continued strengthening of multilateral cooperation. These are the foundations for the progress that humankind has achieved so far, and they will continue to be the basis on which we can build a more just, inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable future for all of us. Thank you for the kind attention.

I thank the Foreign Minister of Bulgaria for his statement. And now I give the floor to Mr. Jan Lipavsky, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Czechia, by video.

Mr. Secretary General, High Commissioner Turk, President Lauber, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, We are living in difficult times. Armed conflicts, coups, and humanitarian crises are increasing. Human rights are under threat. It's our shared duty to defend them. This year, the United Nations mark its 80th anniversary. This is a moment to reflect on its founding principles. Tshisekela is a strong supporter of the UN human rights system. We are proud to serve on the Human Rights Council for the fifth time. The Council plays a key role in addressing the human rights crisis. We will not stand aside. Protecting human rights requires a united effort. Governments, civil society, activists, journalists, and media workers all have a role to play. If we fail, the consequences will be more suffering, greater inequality, and increasing instability. Women and girls must have full protection online and offline. The 30th anniversary of the Beijing Action Platform remind us of the power of inclusion. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues to cause enormous human suffering. We must defend international law, condemn attacks on civilians, and hold Russia accountable for its crimes. Russia's occupation of Crimea and parts of Donbas has led to severe repressions. People face persecution and economic hardship. We call on Russia to release all political prisoners, including Iryna Dalinovich and Emir Hussein Kuku. Czechia stands with Ukraine. We support its people at home and abroad. Our help is diplomatic, political, financial, material. Sanctions must continue. In Russia, human rights are also under attack. The Kremlin silences critics and crushes freedoms. People face unfair trials, long prison sentences, and harsh reprisals. Russia must stop oppressing its own citizens and release all political prisoners. Human rights violation persists in many parts of the world. In Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, Myanmar, Belarus, China, and other countries, people suffer daily. The world cannot look away. In Georgia, the right to peaceful assembly is under threat. Czechia will again present a resolution on this June. Our own history shows why these freedoms must be protected. Digital rights matters. The Human Rights Council must help shape global standards. We support stronger cooperation between human rights experts and technology specialists. Mr. President, Czechia will work with its partners to strengthen this Council and uphold human rights worldwide. I thank you.

I would like to.

Thank His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs from the Czech Republic. I would now like to give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Mateus da Cecilia Finias Seiz, Minister of Justice, Religious and Constitutional Affairs of Mozambique by video. The interpreters regret to inform the Council that interpretation of this video is not possible because of the background music.

The United Nations, for human rights, distinguished representatives of the Member States of the Council on Human Rights, dear participants, it is with great honour that I address this Council. em representação do Governo da República de Moçambique, num momento crucial para o nosso país e para a consolidação dos direitos humanos no mundo. A presente sessão do Conselho dos Direitos Humanos tem lugar num momento de muitos conflitos geopolíticos no mundo, caracterizados por violações graves dos direitos humanos. Nunca antes o mundo teve tantos conflitos ativos em simultâneo, como foi o caso em 2024. O terrorismo e o extremismo violento no nosso país continuam a representar um obstáculo ao gozo e proteção dos direitos fundamentais dos cidadãos. Estes conflitos violam o direito humano fundamental e produzem milhões de refugiados em todo o mundo. As mudanças climáticas têm estado na origem dos frequentes desastres naturais em Moçambique, caracterizados por ciclones tropicais cíclicos, provocando deslocamentos internos forçados das populações, com impacto negativo no gozo e respeito pelos direitos humanos. A assistência humanitária às populações afetadas, quer pelo terrorismo e extremismo violento em Cabo Delgado, quer pelas mudanças climáticas no centro e norte do país, tem contacto com o apoio e solidariedade da comunidade internacional, que, em parceria com o governo, tem procurado mitigar os efeitos negativos. a este propósito reiteramos o apelo à solidariedade internacional para a solução deste conflito e a proteção dos direitos das vítimas especialmente mulheres e crianças excelências o nosso país realizou em outubro de 2024 mais um ciclo eleitoral um Marco significativo no fortalecimento da Democracia moçambicana no entanto o período pós-eleitoral foi marcado por tensões sociais e manifestações populares que evidenciaram desafios na gestão da ordem pública, resultando, lamentavelmente, em episódios de violação dos direitos humanos. O governo de Moçambique condena veementemente quaisquer atos que comprometem o exercício dos direitos fundamentais incluindo a liberdade de expressão e de manifestação reconhecemos que alguns excessos cometidos por elementos de força de defesa e segurança durante as respostas às manifestações pós eleitorais requerem uma análise profunda e medidas concretas para garantir que tais situações não se repitam contudo o estado moçambicano considera que o direito à manifestação pacífica deve ser exercido de forma responsável e dentro dos limites da lei garantindo a convivência harmoniosa e a estabilidade Nacional com a investidura do novo governo reforçamos o nosso compromisso de implementar mecanismos de prevenção e resposta rápida às eventuais violações dos Direitos Humanos assegurando que todas as instituições do Estado atue dentro dos limites da lei e a estrita observância dos direitos fundamentais dos cidadãos. O governo também está a reforçar os mecanismos de diálogo social para permitir que todas as vozes sejam ouvidas, garantindo que as manifestações pacíficas sejam respeitadas e protegidas, estando empenhado em implementar reformas estruturais no setor da justiça e a reforçar a capacidade das forças de defesa e segurança para atuar em Total respeito aos direitos humanos em garantir investigações Independentes e transparentes sobre as alegações de abuso e violência assegurando justiça às vítimas neste desiderato contamos com o apoio técnico deste órgão para terminar reafirmamos o seu compromisso inabalável com a promoção proteção e defesa dos direitos humanos, em consonância com os princípios consagrados na Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos, na Carta Africana dos Direitos do Homem e dos Povos e demais tratados internacionais em matéria dos direitos humanos de que este Estado parte. Agradecemos ao Conselho dos Direitos Humanos pelo seu trabalho incansável e reiterar a nossa disponibilidade in continuing to collaborate with this body and its mechanisms in the search for solutions that benefit not only Mozambique, but the global community. Thank you for your attention.

I would like to thank His Excellency the Minister of Justice and Religious and Constitutional Affairs of Mozambique, interpreters informed us that it was not possible to interpret this video message from the Minister of Justice because of the video quality and the background music. So we will now pursue our work and I would like to give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Vichith Herath, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka. You have the floor, Excellency.

Mr. Vice President, Excellencies, At the elections held a few months ago, the people of Sri Lanka elected a new government with a strong mandate to direct the country towards economic, social, and political transformation. The results of these elections reflected a unified voice from people of all regions of the country, ethnicities, and religions. The current Parliament is the most inclusive in our history, with a record number of women, including two from the Malay community and a visually impaired person. This inclusivity represents Sri Lanka's new path, focused on upholding the rights of all its people irrespective of gender, ethnicity or other grounds. The economic crisis affected all segments of the population, especially the poorest and the most vulnerable. Having stabilised the economy, the Government is currently in the process of laying the foundation toward economic transformation and greater economic democratisation through fair distribution of opportunities. We are acutely aware of the continuing impact of the economic challenges on our people, particularly the most vulnerable, and decisive steps are being taken to advance their economic and social rights. In the national budget for 2025, we have committed to a series of measures to extend much-needed relief to the people, including increased allocation for social welfare and security. Special attention has been paid to improving the socio-economic conditions and address critical needs such as resettlement, housing, compensation and infrastructure development in the northern and eastern provinces. Through the Clean Sri Lanka project launched by the President on 1st January, the government has introduced a new political culture and commitment to moral and ethical governance. The Government will prioritise integrity and addressing issues of mismanagement and corruption. The fundamental and long-standing principles of democracy and freedom enshrined in our Constitution will be respected and safeguarded while protecting the human rights of all citizens. Administrative, political and electoral processes will be activated towards this end. The Government has pledged to take tangible steps to further advance national unity and reconciliation. The President has proposed to declare a Sri Lankan Day, in line with our vision for a reconciled Sri Lanka and bridging gaps between communities. We will ensure that the domestic processes established to address remaining challenges from the conflict will continue their work in an independent and credible manner. Domestic institutions such as the Office on Missing Persons, Office for Reparations and Office for National Unity and Reconciliation will be strengthened. The contours of a truth and reconciliation framework will be further discussed with a broad cross-section of stakeholders to ensure a process that has the confidence of all Sri Lankans. Our aim is to make the domestic mechanisms credible and sound within the constitutional framework. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be empowered to investigate acts of violence that give rise to tensions within Sri Lankan society. The Government is fully cognisant of the responsibility that accompanies the people's mandate to fulfil the aspirations for a just, fair and prosperous society. As we work towards national unity, reconciliation and inclusive development, the continued encouragement and support of the international community will be important. Sri Lanka is an active member of the UN and a party to all core human rights instruments. We regularly engage with treaty bodies and special procedures. In the past few years, We have received visits from over 10 special procedures and engaged productively with treaty bodies, most recently with the CEDAW Committee, ICCPR and the UPR. We are committed to genuine dialogue and cooperation on human rights through continuous and constructive engagement. Sri Lanka stands ready to support this Council in addressing the pressing global challenges in a balanced and holistic manner, in line with its founding principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity. We believe that States must be encouraged and empowered to address their challenges through robust national human rights frameworks, supplemented by assistance upon request. We will continue to work in a constructive spirit of dialogue and cooperation with the UN and this Council within our national legal framework. Thank you very much.

I would like to thank His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka.

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Mr.

President, dear colleagues, it is an honor to address the Council. As we all know, human rights are crucial to human dignity, quality, freedom, peace, and sustainable development. These principles form the very foundation of a good life. Unfortunately, that is far from the reality for many people around the world. Let me provide just a few examples. Three years ago, Russia launched its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified full scale invasion of Ukraine. Civilians have been forced to flee their homes. Civilians have been traumatized. Civilians have been killed. We must all continue to stand by the Ukrainian people for as long as necessary. In Gaza. The humanitarian situation remains catastrophic following Hamas's horrific terror attack on 7 October 2023. Far too many civilians have been killed. The events that have unfolded over the last 16 months clearly illustrate the need for a long-term solution to the decades-long conflict. We have seen some positive momentum during the past month. But we must continue to focus on taking steps towards sustainable peace. A two-state solution is the only viable long-term solution. In the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the current escalation of the conflict is deeply concerning, as also discussed by the Council in the special session a few weeks ago. Reports of sexual and gender-based violence, including cases of mass rape, are horrific. The people of the DRC deserve peace. The people of the Great Lakes region deserve peace. International borders must be respected. There is no military solution to the conflict, only a political one. In Myanmar, the junta continues its brutal crackdown, oppressing its people. Our voice in support of the people of Myanmar is therefore still important. And unfortunately, I could continue this list. The United Nations play a vital role in maintaining peace and security and in ensuring a stable and just global order. The UN is the only place where the whole world can come together to advance peace, security and fundamental freedoms for all. The importance of international law cannot be overstated. No nation can stand alone. Global challenges demand global solutions. We cannot afford to move backward. Our collective goal must be in a world free of war, a world free of poverty, a world free from the suppression of human rights. Thank you.

I thank the Foreign Minister of Denmark for his statement.

I would like to give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Paul-Marie Gouanjou, Minister of Justice and Garde des Sceaux of Gabon. You have the floor, Your Excellency.

Excellency, President of the Human Rights Council, Ministers, Ambassadors, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, please allow me at the outset to convey the greetings of the Government of the Transition and the Gabonese people to the international community and all the different states and institutions present. I would also like to pay tribute to the Human Rights Council and all its mechanisms for their work to promote human rights. I would also like to congratulate Ambassador Jorg Lauer, the Swiss Permanent Representative, for having been elected to the presidency of the Council for 2025. I would also like to congratulate his predecessor, Omar Znaiber, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Morocco for the excellent presidency last year. And last, I would like to convey my highest esteem to Mr. Volker Turk, High Commissioner for Human Rights, and his team for their tireless efforts to promote and protect human rights, despite the challenges they face. President. I'm honored to represent his Excellency Brigadier General Brice Clotaire Oligui N'Gema, President of the Transition, President of the Republic and Head of State, and I do so by reiterating Gabon's commitment to multilateralism and the principles of human rights. But these principles are being buffeted by a plethora of crises this year. But from our point of view, our response has to be by strengthening multilateral institutions and by making human rights a cornerstone of our societies. I would also like to inform you of the main developments that have occurred in Gabon since the 55th session following the coup of liberation in August 2023. The transitional authorities determined to respect human rights, and over the past six months, this has been reflected in consistent efforts and actions at national and international level with support from our partners. When it comes to co-operating with human rights mechanisms, I am pleased to inform you that my country has received the visit of the Sub-Committee on the Prevention of Torture in March of last year, and we have also submitted our periodic reports to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. On a national front, a number of measures have been taken with our partners to ensure effective enjoyment of human rights. Last January, we organized a workshop for the members of the national mechanism for drafting reports on using databases and adoption of the national action plan for implementing the recommendations from the fourth UPR cycle. We enacted Act 023 of 2024 last November to reorganize the National Human Rights Commission. This is a watershed for achieving human rights in Gabon. On the 12th of February of this year, we also published a call for candidates, and the new members will be selected over the coming months by the National Assembly. We also enacted Decree 0133 on 27 March last year, which establishes, organises and regulates the functioning of the National Preventive Mechanism on Human Trafficking. This is a coordinating body which will deal with human trafficking and will strengthen the existing legal arsenal on this subject. When it comes to criminal justice, we have amended the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code to include offences and reparation for violations of human rights in order to ensure better protection of these rights. And when it comes to health, I'm pleased to mention that the government has gradually taken action to implement strategic projects which will improve healthcare, strengthen governance of healthcare, and ensure universal access. President, since August 2023, the transitional authorities have been committed to a road map which sets out political and institutional reform which will enable us to return to peaceful and safe constitutional order prior to holding elections. These reforms have involved all stakeholders in our country and have focused above all on the holding of a national inclusive dialogue from the 2nd to the 30th of April last year, with over 680 participants, including participants from the diaspora. And we also adopted a new constitution following a referendum. It enshrines, amongst other things, a seven-year presidential mandate, which can be renewed once. And there will be no prime minister. And one specific feature is that power cannot be handed on from one member of a family to another. We also strengthened the rule of law and the grounds for national reconciliation and social cohesion. We also adopted Organic Law 001 of the 19th of January of this year, establishing the electoral code, which brings in a number of novelties which will simplify the legal framework and ensure the transparency and calendar for elections. We have also established an independent authority for each election to ensure that we are transparent and fair, and we have reserved two seats in Parliament to be elected by the diaspora. Prisoners will be allowed to vote, and there will be quotas for women and youth, 30 per cent and 20 per cent respectively. Involving women in the electoral process is part and parcel of our resolve to implement the Beijing declaration and programme of action 30 years after its adoption. When it comes to that, we will spare no effort to strengthen the rights of women, promote gender equality and combat violence against women by adapting a national strategy for gender equality. President, ladies and gentlemen, we're holding a session today as Gabon moves into a new republic based on a new constitution, strengthening the rule of law, freedoms and democratic governance. In fact, my country is moving towards the end of the transitional period. which will be marked by the holding of presidential elections on 12 April, to be followed by local elections. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our bilateral, regional and multilateral partners for supporting us in stabilising our country and returning to a safe and peaceful constitutional order. Enhanced international cooperation is, in our humble opinion, the only choice we have if we are to find lasting solutions to human rights issues. Thank you very much.

My sincere thanks to you, Minister. Minister of Justice from Gabon.

His Excellency, Mr. Andreas Kravik, State Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Excellency Eide Flø.

Excellencies, Mr. President, Over the past year, the world has again witnessed an unacceptable number of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. We have seen an increased willingness to disregard the important lessons of the past and ignore our responsibility to stand up for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The UN Charter, international humanitarian law, and human rights must be respected and protected. Violations are unacceptable. If states can safely violate international law, its credibility collapses. And, obviously, it will be harder to uphold international law in the future. In Ukraine, Russia has shown a blatant disregard for the UN Charter, international humanitarian law, and human rights. Yesterday, in the UN headquarters in New York, the vast majority of UN member states gathered around defending international law, the UN Charter, and a sustainable peace for Ukraine. Ukraine's fight for freedom is our fight for freedom. And Russia's aggression continues, and we need to remind ourselves that this is a Russian war of choice. Russia could end this war tomorrow. Norway will not relent in our support for Ukraine. The Human Rights Council has a crucial role to play in upholding international law, including through mandating independent investigations and monitoring of human rights situations. And the ability of this Council to act is all the more important. Those responsible for violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and international human rights law must be held accountable. In Palestine, in Ukraine, in Sudan, and in other conflicts and crises, human rights defenders continue to be essential in promoting and protecting all human rights for everyone. They must not be silenced. They must, in fact, be protected, included, and supported. Mr. President, Norway will continue to stand up for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of everyone, economic, social, and cultural, as well as civil and political rights. for everyone and everywhere. We are currently witnessing a regression of women's and girls' human rights and a backlash against feminist movements. Hard-won progress is slowly eroding. The status of women, along with the rights of LGBT+ persons, individuals with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and ethnic and religious minorities, serve as crucial parameter for the health of any society. Denying these groups their rights weakens the very foundation of our societies and undermines the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and accountability. Norway will remain a strong supporter of the rights of women and girls, including their right to decide over their own bodies. We are committed to continuing our fight for and support to sexual and reproductive rights and health, both financially and politically. If women do not enjoy sexual and reproductive health and rights, their political and economic participation is also affected, and societies suffer. Mr. President, protecting human rights online as well as offline is an important priority for Norway's national and foreign policy. Although digital communication tools and social media have made it possible for many to access and share information and opinions directly with others, we also see more hate speech and abuse that threaten the right to freedom of expression and personal privacy. The scale of hate speech and disinformation online increases polarization in society and undermines trust in democratic institutions and values. It targets human rights defenders and seeks to limit, silence, and discredit them. Internationally, Norway supports efforts to combat digital violence and harassment, spreading of disinformation and hate speech through several means. We believe that a multi-stakeholder approach is necessary to succeed in this work. Addressing hate speech does not mean limiting freedom of expression. It means keeping hate speech from escalating into something much more dangerous. Mr. President, Norway is proud to present, during this session, a resolution on the protection of human rights defenders in the digital sphere. It will focus on new and emerging technologies and human rights defenders. We see this as a relevant and timely issue, including in the lead-up to the Internet Governance Forum that Norway will host in June this year. We invite all States and civil society to engage in constructive and transparent negotiations, and hope that the resolution will enjoy the Council's consensual support. Finally, we look forward to working with all of you to uphold our shared commitment to the core values of the UN Human Rights Council. I thank you for your attention.

I thank the State Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Norway for his statement. Now I give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Georgios Kotsiras, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece. You have the floor.

Your Excellency, High Commissioner for Human Rights, President of the Human Rights Council, Excellencies. It's a great honor for me to address the 58th high-level segment of the Human Rights Council. I wish to express our utmost appreciation for the work of High Commissioner Turk, whom we warmly thank for his inspirational visit to Athens last November. Today, the world faces truly unprecedented challenges and conflicts that brutally violate human rights law, humanitarian law, and the United Nations Charter. The human rights situation in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, the DRC, and other conflict zones has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths, starvation, and millions of refugees. The multilateral system itself is challenged as never before. In this framework, this council is a source of hope, where human rights are not simply at the center of our decisions, but an end in itself. These days, in all international fora, there is one common topic for discussion. the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We stand in sorrow and respect for the thousands of our fellow human beings who lost their lives during the war. For Greece, it is a matter of principle. We will always oppose the threat of the use of force. Greece will always advocate for the peaceful settlement of disputes with full respect to international law and the UN Charter. The only solution is a diplomatic solution that will lead to the cessation of the deadly hostilities and the establishment of a generally acceptable, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine with adequate security guarantees. In the Middle East, the ceasefire and hostage release agreements are significant breakthroughs. Now, all hostages have to be released to ensure a permanent end to hostilities, and the political process must start paving the way for the reconstruction of Gaza. With deep regret, we note that since October 7th, antisemitism has spiked worldwide. We must do our utmost together to fight antisemitism, Holocaust denial, and preserve our democratic and human rights values. Greece reiterates its unwavering support for Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Syria needs an inclusive government where all ethnic and religious communities participate, protecting the legitimate rights of all Syrians, a government free of external intervention, respecting international law. Greece, on its part, is a pole of stability in the entire region. Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Giannopoulos have repeatedly visited the Middle East to promote peace and stability. We declare our readiness to contribute actively with humanitarian aid and technical assistance in institution building in Syria and the region. We welcome the deployment of two OHCHR teams to Armenia to collect information about displaced persons and refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh. Mr. President, Greece, a nation whose history has profoundly shaped the values of democracy, diplomacy, and dialogue, fully supports the multilateral human rights system within the United Nations. As an elected non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Greece is working hard to advance the peaceful settlement of disputes, international law, climate and maritime security, and protect women and children in armed conflict. Greece actively promotes the Human Rights Council's vital work, focusing on youth, sport, and human rights education as an open window for progress, notably by co-sponsoring relevant resolutions. In times of severe challenges, there is but one way forward: working together, building bridges, and trying to reach our common goals. At the national level, Greece systematically implements strategic master plans on key social issues. In parallel, we have introduced targeted horizontal policies, continuously evaluated through central government mechanisms. Each initiative marks a significant step toward a more just and inclusive society rooted in the rule of law. As regards to the human rights of refugees, we have radically improved our asylum system, our reception facilities, and our unaccompanied minors program, while strengthening the protection of EU borders and intensifying efforts to combat smuggling networks. The Greek Coast Guard has saved more than half a million lives in the sea. Regarding allegations that were shared yesterday in this room, Greece constantly places particular emphasis on safeguarding the rights of the Muslim minority of Thrace, a religious minority according to the Treaty of Lausanne. Its members enjoy both special protection as a religious minority in accordance with the said treaty and their full rights as Greek and EU citizens. And from this floor, I would like to reiterate Greece's firm support for a just and viable solution of the Cyprus issue according to the United Nations Security Council resolutions. This solution would be the best guarantee for the rights of all Cypriots. Mr. President, as a candidate country for the HRC 2028-2030, Greece reiterates its unwavering readiness to contribute substantially to the long-term effectiveness of the United Nations system. Together, we can build a world where human dignity is not just an aspiration, but a reality for all future generations. Thank you.

I thank Your Excellency for your statement. Now, I give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Nuno Sampaio, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal, Excellency Efraim.

President, Excellencies, I'd like to thank the Secretariat for having enabled me to speak Portuguese. This is a language which unites almost 300 million people and which we hope will become a United Nations official language in the near future. This Council is meeting at a particularly challenging time, characterized by concurrent challenges. at a time when multilateralism and respect for human rights have been put to the test. We have witnessed the gradual erosion of humanitarian law in war zones, backsliding on democracy, and Gender equality becoming an ever more distant promise. At the same time, hatred, disinformation, intolerance and racism are spreading. We've seen this in Ukraine. Three years on from the start of Russia's war of aggression, we're still witnessing persistent violations of international law and prisoners being treated in a way which violates the Geneva Conventions. We've seen it in Gaza. Whilst we welcome the ceasefire and the gradual release of hostages, we cannot forget the unacceptable number of civilian victims and the unprecedented destruction of civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, and restrictions on humanitarian aid. But we've also seen it in the Sahel, in the Horn of Africa, and in the Great region where people continue to pay too high a price for these protracted conflicts we deeply regret that the last year will go down in history as one of the darkest ever for children according to the recent report to the council from the secretary-general special representative for children and armed conflict we reiterate the need to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to contribute to a global culture of respect for human rights. President, this year we're commemorating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The adoption of the Pact for the Future provides us with renewed hope in multilateralism and in three central pillars of the United Nations action. Portugal defends a balanced United Nations in which these pillars are given equal importance and appropriate resources. You can't have peace and security without human rights, and if you haven't got human rights, you won't achieve sustainable development. We are also fighting for this Council to be raised to the rank of a principal organ of the United Nations and that closer synergies with the Security Council be explored. We defend an effective international protection system which prevents human rights violations and abuse and which ensures that perpetrators are held to account. an independent system which safeguards the independence of the High Commissioner and his office, which continues to strengthen treaty bodies and the Council's various mechanisms, and which allows all stakeholders to take part, namely small island developing states and the least developed countries. the trust fund for whom Portugal has made a contribution to. And we also need the active voice of civil society. President, Portugal will continue to play its role to strengthen the multilateral human rights system. Within a few days, we will continue our tradition of presenting a resolution to the Council on the achievement of economic, social and cultural rights in all countries. This year's resolution will focus in particular on financing for development. Portugal has taken an active role in discussions on the subject as a co-chair of the preparatory process for the Fourth International Conference on Funding Development and in other multilateral fora. We are driven by the ultimate goal of contributing to adapting the international financial architecture so it meets its aim and to including human rights perspective for achieving the sustainable development goals. Also in June, we'll present a resolution on the right to education and here in Geneva, we'll continue to lead the group of friends on national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up on international human rights obligations and recommendations. We will work along with Morocco and Paraguay to promote the international network of those mechanisms, and we hope to contribute to that process by holding the third international seminar in Lisbon. In a few days' time, we will have the adoption of the outcome of Portugal's universal periodic review. We believe this is a vital tool for constructive dialogue between States, and we will pursue our efforts, which we believe are in priority areas: the abolition of the death penalty, combating racism, protecting the human rights of young people and migrants. This year, is also a key year for promoting gender equality and women's rights. We're commemorating the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action and the 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. We eagerly await the outcome of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, in which we will actively participate. I would like to conclude, President, by reiterating Portugal's support for this Council. In keeping with our tradition of building bridges and the principles that we defend and the commitments that we take on, we shall promote constructive and inclusive dialogue, because we believe that Achieving human rights is always work in progress. And so we need everybody to take part in it. It's with this trust in multilateralism and to promote the values that Portugal will continue to work consistently and coherently, as is its custom in foreign policy. And that's why we're standing to be a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the two-year period 2027-2028. Thank you very much.

I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Nandu Sampaio for his statement. And now I give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Kang In-soon, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. Excellency, you have the floor.

Mr. Vice President, distinguished delegates, It is my second time addressing this august chamber following last year. And this year, I am standing before you with an even keener sense of responsibility as the Republic of Korea has embarked on its role as a member of the Human Rights Council. We celebrate the eighth anniversary of the UN and recall its spirit rooted in humanity's inherent longing for peace. Yet we still witness grave human rights situations unfolding in all corners of the globe. The war against Ukraine just reached its third year yesterday, and it has been further complicated by strengthened military ties between Russia and the DPRK. Daily, we hear reports of the eroding human rights situation in Gaza and the DRC. The rise of emerging technologies is adding to the complexities of human rights challenges like a Pandora's box. As rightly observed by the High Commissioner, the key to resolving today's conflicts and crises rest in greater respect for human rights, not less. In this regard, 2025 offers a fitting opportunity to double down on our efforts in enhancing human rights as we start to implement the Pact for the Future adopted last year. As a member of the Human Rights Council, we will constructively engage with the international community, focusing on the following key priorities. First, We reiterate our unwavering belief in the Council and UN human rights mechanisms as a bastion of promoting and protecting human rights. Human rights are universal, and every voice counts. The Council plays an indispensable role in helping developing countries build the capacity to advance human rights norms and policies. Korea will continue to support such endeavors to ensure that human rights-based approaches are effectively implemented around the world. Second, the digital transformation. It is reshaping our world, and it presents both opportunities and challenges for human rights. Recognizing these transformative developments, Korea has made it a priority to tackle these complexities through a human rights-based approach. We are committed to leveraging our digital expertise to help the Council navigate the evolving human rights landscape in the digital age. In this regard, we will table our fourth resolution on this critical issue at the 59th session. Third, we must do more to protect women, girls, and other vulnerable groups, especially in times of escalating conflicts and protracted crises. This year marks 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and 25 years since UN Security Council Resolution 1325. It is a crucial moment to renew our wholehearted commitment to gender equality. Korea has long supported the WPS agenda. And we have been promoting survivor-centered responses to gender-based violence in conflict. As a country with a historical experience of women and girls victimized as a comfort to women, we view the WPS agenda as a particularly relevant and significant. We will continue to work together with the Japanese government to restore the honor and dignity of the comfort women and to help to heal their psychological wounds. At the last June's Security Council briefing on the human rights situation in the DPRK, the High Commissioner accurately captured the dire situation on the ground, a stifling claustrophobic environment where life is a daily struggle devoid of hope. The DPRK's deployment of its troops to Russia once again highlights the linkage between the DPRK's human rights abuses and its ramifications for international peace and security like two sides of the same coin. Reportedly, DPRK soldiers are drawn to the battlefield unaware of their involvement in the real combat, and trained to commit suicide when captured, which is incompatible with the right to life. We are deeply concerned about the inhumane treatment of the DPRK escapees being forcibly repatriated, including extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detentions, and reinforced -- enforced disappearances, as reported by the multiple UN special procedures. We reiterate our call for the states to respect the principle of non-refoulement. My government once again strongly urges the DPRK to immediately resolve all issues relating to abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war, including the prompt release of the three Korean missionaries, Kim Jong-uk, Kim Gook-ki, and Choi Choon-gil. We strongly urge the DPRK to heed the international community's recommendations made during last year's UPR and take prompt actions to bring about fundamental change in its dire human rights situation. And we look forward to the release of the High Commissioner's comprehensive report, which updates the human rights situation in the DPRK since 2014. Rising from the ashes of war, my country overcame devastation, poverty, and national division. We have never relented in striving to build a nation founded on freedom, democracy, and prosperity. The journey was arduous, and it remains so. But time and again, we have proved our resilience. The road to promoting and protecting human rights is not straightforward. Korea, based on our experience and strong sense of resilience, will remain a dedicated partner in navigating this path. Thank.

You.

I thank Her Excellency. Madam, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. I now give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Neil Richmond, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora of Ireland.

Excellency, you have the floor.

Mr. Vice-President, ladies and gentlemen, it is a privilege to address the Human Rights Council at the opening of its 58th session. It is 70 years since Ireland joined the United Nations. Then, like now, we did not take our role as a UN member state lightly, but made a firm commitment to the multilateral rule-based order and to the UN Charter. A few short months ago, all States here pledged a new beginning to multilateralism by signing the Pact for the Future and committing to human rights as an integral part of the UN system. As we convene for this new session of the Human Rights Council, we also restate our commitment to this Council, the primary UN human rights body. Our presence here this week is a show of unity in the face of division, of support to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to international law, and to upholding, promoting, and defending human rights. In times of crisis like we face today, it is difficult not to lean into division and distrust. However, it is also in these moments that we can and must stand secure in our commitment to the principles of interrelated, interdependent, and indivisible human rights. Today, like 70 years ago, I restate Ireland's commitment to a rules-based international order and to a constant, persevering dedication to peace. Mr. Vice-President, this week, three years ago, Russia made clear its disdain for the UN Charter and international human rights law. The Commission of Inquiry established by this Council has found that violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, as well as war crimes, have been committed in the context of Russia's brutal, illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. The international community must continue to condemn such actions and ensure that perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses are held to account. Ireland will continue to call for an end to Russia's war of aggression and violations of international law and for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the UN Charter and with respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Last week marked 500 days since the brutal attacks perpetrated by Hamas and other terrorist organisations on Israel. Ireland unreservedly condemns these attacks and the taking of hostages. Last month, we welcomed the long-awaited ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza. This brought much-needed hope and relief to the people of both Israel and Palestine. We need to see the ceasefire agreement fully implemented in all its phases, including the release of all hostages. There must also be continuing entry of humanitarian aid at scale, the provision of basic services, and a framework for the return of those displaced from their homes within Gaza. We must also remain focused on the deteriorating situation in the West Bank. Ultimately, Implementation of the two-state solution remains the only way to ensure lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. In Sudan, the Sudanese armed forces and the rapid support forces and their allied movements and militias have shown utter disregard for human rights. They must comply with their obligations to protect civilians, humanitarian workers and human rights defenders from harm and allow rapid and unimpeded humanitarian relief to all areas under their control. In Yemen, attacks against civilians by all parties to the conflict should be independently investigated to ensure accountability and enhance the protection of Yemeni civilians. In Afghanistan, the High Commissioner has determined that systematic gender persecution is being perpetrated by the Taliban. The Taliban must revoke all discriminatory decrees and all other measures that seek to eradicate women and girls' access to education, work and public services and that restrict their freedom of movement. Ireland is firmly committed to protecting and advancing both civil and political and economic, social and cultural rights. In recent years, the Human Rights Council has addressed the human rights implications of climate change. We have discussed how to enhance global protection against business-related human rights abuses, advocated for a human rights-based approach to new and emerging technologies, promoted gender equality, and advanced guidance on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination and the prevention of violence and discrimination against LGBTI+ persons. A crucial component of this process is the constant open engagement with civil society partners. We have and must continue to advance protections for civil society and for human rights defenders. This council must be enabled to fulfil its role as the primary intergovernmental body for the promotion and protection of human rights globally. The Office of the High Commissioner must be adequately resourced and empowered to carry out its vital work. The guidance and recommendations of special procedures and of the treaty body committees must be heeded. Respect for human rights is where our values and interests align. It is through more respect for human rights that we achieve peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. Mr. Vice-President, in conclusion, as you will be aware, Ireland is seeking membership of the Human Rights Council for the term 2027-2029. If elected, we will protect and champion the universality of human rights and the principle of non-discrimination. We will be an advocate for prevention and for accountability. And we will work in partnership and good faith with all who share our commitment to multilateralism and the values and principles set out in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Guram Minalgv, and thank you very much.

I would like to thank you, His Excellency. And now I give the floor to Son Excellence, Madame Isabelle Beraud Amadei.

Ms. Isabelle Beraud Amadei, Councillor of Government and Minister of Foreign Relations and Cooperation of Monaco.

Monsieur le President du Conseil des droits de l'homme.

President of the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, at the very outset, I would like to reaffirm once again the paramount importance for Monaco of respect for human rights, international law, and our common commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. A few weeks ago, I had the honor of leading the Monaco delegation to the ceremonies organized as part of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. These moving commemorations honored the memory of millions of victims of human barbarism and highlighted the justification of the struggle for human rights, their universality and indivisibility. This is a constant struggle and one that is more relevant than ever. While geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, interstate conflicts, and humanitarian crises persist, It is our shared responsibility always to defend the values upon which the UN system was built. There is no place for war in it, nor for unacceptable living conditions into which a large portion of humanity have been plunged. Thus, in Ukraine, three years to the day since the start of the Russian aggression, the guns have still not been silenced. Grave human rights violations continue there, as confirmed by reports submitted to this Council by your Office, Mr. High Commissioner, and by the International Commission of Inquiry. This documentation work is invaluable and indispensable with a view to establishing responsibility. Once again this year, Monaco will support the renewal of the Commission's mandate. Regarding the situation in the Middle East, The Principality of Monaco welcomes the cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon and the release of hostages. The very heavy human and material toll is appalling. Monaco reaffirms that the solution to any crisis can only be political. The process of peace and reconstruction will be lengthy and costly. It can only be conducted properly in a climate of peace and security for the civilian populations of the region. and within the framework of the two-state solution, which we continue to call for and wish for. The situation in Syria has also seen very significant developments following 13 years of civil war and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. This Council was actively involved from the start of the crisis, and this commitment has never failed so far. The witness testimony and evidence gathered by the Commission of Inquiry and the Mechanism on Syria will be valuable to establish responsibility and to combat impunity. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Monaco reaffirms that peace, sustainable development and human rights are indivisible. This Council is therefore key to uphold our vision of a peaceful, just world where all can live in dignity. The commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions mandated by the UN play an important role in responding to violations of international law and international humanitarian law. This is why, very recently, regarding the events in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Monaco supported the establishment of a fact-finding mission during the extraordinary session held on 7 February. I could also have mentioned many other situations of particular concern, especially concerning the rights of women and minorities in many countries. All crises require immense resources from the OHCHR, which we know are still insufficient. In addition to this, there are significant cross-cutting challenges that have emerged requiring coordinated global action. I'm referring, for instance, to the impacts of climate change, degradation of our environment and to the rapid development of artificial intelligence. In this context, I assure you, Mr. High Commissioner, that the Principality will maintain this year once again its political and financial support for your office. I wish the Council every success in its work and I assure you of the total commitment of the delegation of Monaco to this end. I thank you.

I thank Her Excellency Ms. Isabelle Pierrot-Amadei for the statement.

Her Excellency Ms. Melita Gabric, State Secretary for Multilateral Affairs, Economic Diplomacy and Development Cooperation of Slovenia. Excellency, you have the floor.

Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is an honor to address this esteemed Council on behalf of the Republic of Slovenia, a country firmly committed to upholding the principles of dignity, equality, and justice for all. The 80th anniversary of the United Nations, a milestone we celebrate this year, invites us to reflect on the enduring importance of human rights, multilateralism, and the rules-based international order, all of which have faced serious challenges in recent years. The UN was born out of the ashes of the Second World War. As we commemorate this anniversary, we also remember the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the horrors of the Holocaust. This year, we also commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. These tragedies remind us of the consequences of hatred, intolerance, and the failure to protect the most vulnerable. They compel us to renew our pledge, never again. Yet today, we face some 70 conflicts around the world, causing immense suffering and destruction, from Ukraine, where it has been three years since the unprovoked and illegal Russian aggression, to Sudan, where millions are subject to violence, displacement, and hunger. While we see some steps in the right direction in the Middle East, there remains an urgent need to ensure that the fundamental human rights of all people, including of the people in Gaza, are respected and that they can live in dignity and safety. All this underscores the urgent need for collective action, as human rights are also the very foundation of peace and security. The UN Human Rights Council plays a central role in this endeavor. Slovenia strongly supports, from the very outset, the Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in their efforts to address violations, promote justice, and prevent future atrocities. Prevention must remain at the very core of our work, as only through early action can we avert the escalation of conflicts and protect human dignity. As the High Commissioner reminds us, human rights are a low-cost investment with high returns. As a member of the Security Council, Slovenia firmly believes that human rights must be an integral part of all the Security Council deliberations. For my country, the rights of those who are marginalized are a priority. On the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 25th anniversary of the UN Security Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, Slovenia reaffirms its commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. In the face of rapid demographic change, the human rights of older persons should receive more attention. We believe it is time to take concrete action to address the existing gaps in human rights protection so that older persons can enjoy their human rights on an equal basis and participate actively in societies. Similarly, we must advance the implementation of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, a right that Slovenia has been an avid promoter of. As we face manifold challenges. We must never lose sight of our responsibility to uphold the human rights of every individual. It is in this spirit that Slovenia stands for membership of the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2026 to 2028. We pledge to work tirelessly to strengthen the Council's effectiveness, promote inclusiveness, and ensure that no one is left behind. As we look to the future, let us honor the memory of those who have suffered and died in conflicts and atrocities by building a world where human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled for every human being. Together, we can and must make a difference. Thank you.

Thank you, Your Excellency, Ms. Melita Gebre for her statement. Now we give the floor to Her Excellency, Ms. Varsen Agabikian, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine. Excellency, you have the floor.

Vice President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Palestinian people faces one of the most serious situations in its history. Illegal occupying forces destroy, cause famine, forcible displacement and arrests illegally. They have been perpetrating war crimes and crimes against humanity for the past 50 years. So we stand here before you to reject plans to forcibly displace our people. These plans are a threat to our sovereignty and they are ways of trying to distract the world's attention away from all the acts caused by the settlers And we have 18,000 people who've been killed or injured, mostly women. People are being displaced. They face famine, illness. The occupation schools and hospitals have been destroyed. Places of worship and other infrastructure has been bombed. This has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. In view of the horror of these massacres, the International Court of Justice issued three interlocutory measures in recent months following the case brought by South Africa. Summary executions and arbitrary detention continues in the West Bank. The occupying forces continue to destroy houses. They're trying to devour what remains of Palestinian territory. Attacks against innocent civilians continue by settlers and they're defended by the occupying forces. 90,000 Palestinians have been forced into refugee camps in Tulkarem, Tuba and Jenin. This is the largest forcible displacement operation for years. Military blockades isolate villages and they are a blockade on Palestinians in their own land. We see that there are attacks on holy sites. There is continuing Judaization. Palestinians don't have access to places of worship. Their right to freedom of religion is being swept away. The Israeli government is trying to destroy the lives of the original inhabitants. There have been horrendous crimes against Palestinian prisoners. They are beaten, they are subject to verbal abuse and humiliations. Their dignity is being destroyed. They are deprived of food and medical care. Some of them are being tortured into complete physical and psychological destruction. Unwais facing an insidious attack. with a view to ending its role. UNRWA is a lifeline for refugees wherever they are, so we need international defense of UNRWA. It cannot be replaced. It is being cut off from its sources of finance, but this cannot happen unless the right of return for Palestinian refugees is achieved. We would like to congratulate Switzerland on its accession to the presidency of the Human Rights Council, and we welcome efforts to organize the conference of the high contracting partners parties to the Geneva Convention and we hope that it will spell out clear obligations of state parties in respecting international law and bring an end to the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory security and stability at an international level will only be achieved if there is International and serious uh commitment to the two states solution the International Conference on peace which will held in New York in mid-June this year under the co-presidency of Saudi Arabia and France is historic opportunity to reach a collective vision and put an end to the occupation and fully recognize the state of Palestine and to ensure that the state of Palestine becomes a fully fledged member of the United Nations with a view to ensuring peace and stability in the region in line with international resolutions notably resolutions 24 42 and 338. There have been attempts to silence the voice of justice. That's why we urge the international community to strengthen the role of international institutions tasked with delivering international justice, including the ICJ, which faces threats and sanctions to hinder its efforts to hold criminals to account. We must respect the aims of the court. We're at a critical moment and we congratulate efforts of states who stand up to war machines. They have clearly condemned crimes against women and children. We pay tribute to the states who have called on international courts to uphold international law and provide justice to victims and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. In its advisory opinion, the International Court of Justice has reiterated the illegal nature of the Israeli occupation and called on for measures to be taken immediately to put an end to the occupation. In view of the serious situation, we need a a program which clearly sets out states obligations to put an end to the Israeli occupation and the crimes and expulsion plans. There must be respect for the advisory opinion and the Council's resolution, which includes the prohibition of trade in weapons with occupying forces. We need justice for those children who have lost limbs and women and families who have been removed from the civil register. call on specialized international institutions to support efforts to achieve peace and justice. We cannot wait. We cannot put off our action. We must act immediately in order to stop the systematic crimes against humanity and to provide the Palestinian people with justice and hold the criminals accountable. We reiterate that our people will continue to live on the land of its ancestors. We will continue our legitimate fight for and we believe that an end will come to this illegal occupation. Thank you.

I thank the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine for her statement. Now I give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Jordan come down, Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of Croatia by video.

Mr. President, Mr. High Commissioner, distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, almost eight years ago, the UN rose from the ashes of the World War II, representing a new commitment to global peace and security. Development and human rights, together with peace and security, form three pillars on which the United Nations idea is built. More than ever, these three pillars are under threat, fueled by 120 armed conflicts worldwide. All this negatively affects the enjoyment of human rights, as well as the development of affected communities. Russian aggression against Ukraine is a clear example of obvious disregard of the UN Charter. Marking its third anniversary, we see the cracks that war has left in the UN foundations. At the same time, the UN Charter upholds states' right to individual and/or collective self-defence in response to aggression. Croatia remains committed to supporting Ukraine in every aspect, bilaterally, internationally, raising its voice against the aggression. Numerous reports show that rules of international humanitarian law are often not respected. There is no place for torture in human civilization, yet there is credible evidence of torture of civilians and civilian detainees, prisoners of war, kidnapped children, and others. The Human Rights Council has a role to play in ensuring accountability for grave violations of international humanitarian law, especially in situations in which the Security Council is blocked. Mr. President, last year brought new opportunities and challenges for people in Syria. who were caught in one of the longest recent conflicts. Systematic violations of women's and girls' rights in Afghanistan will have a damaging effect on personal freedoms and long-term development of the country. Brutal repression of civil and political rights, combined with strict control of the media in countries such as Belarus and Russia, shows that authorities fear democracy and opposition. The recent special session on the Democratic Republic of the Congo has relieved horrifying levels of brutality towards civilians, including horrendous levels of sexual violence, demanding accountability for the perpetrators. We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and hope it will lead to the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza. We acknowledge the important role of the International Committee of the Red Cross has played in the hostage release. Mr. President, due to the aggression against my country in the 90s, Croatia has had decades of experience in clearing landmines. Assisting affected countries and helping them in clearing landmines has been one of the cornerstones of our humanitarian efforts. We believe that human rights and humanitarian obligations of states should be part of the policies addressing the presence of mines, including through the implementation of the relevant international instruments. We are pleased to have joint efforts with our cross-regional partners in presenting a new resolution on the impact of landmines on human rights. Mr. President, Croatia is still searching for 1,782 missing persons vanished during the Homeland War in the '90s. My country remains committed to find out their fate and whereabouts and strongly invites the other sides to enable access to the archives that could reveal their fate. Croatia is committed to the humanitarian nature of the issue of missing persons. Our efforts have been recognized within the Global Alliance for the Missing. We will continue to serve as devoted co-chairs, along with Switzerland, for the next two years. We are looking forward to the Universal Periodic Review later this year. We shall continue our work within the Human Rights Council and beyond on the universal promotion of these rights for all. Thank you.

I thank His Excellency Mr. Jordan. And now I give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Noura **** Mohammed Al Qari, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates.

Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me pleasure to congratulate you on assuming the presidency of the Human Rights Council, and we are sure that you will steer the Council ably and successfully. I also wish to thank your predecessor, Mr. Omezembi, for his valuable efforts to steer the Council. We highly value the effort undertaken by the OHCHR in this respect. Mr. Vice President, the UAE is firmly committed to the promotion of human rights. This is clearly reflected in the efforts undertaken by the UAE to develop its policies and legislations through programs and initiatives to uphold and advance human rights. The UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities who live in peace and harmony in a tolerant society and a just and effective judicial system. 2024 has seen numerous legislations that cope with the largely diverse population of the state. At the legislative level, amendments have been made to the Personal Status Code to provide a comprehensive legal framework to regulate personal status, in addition to issuing federal laws to regulate the penitentiary institutions in the country and to realize social empowerment. The family protection is high on the priorities of the policies and government plans in order to realize a safe and tolerant homeland where all the members of society have welfare and stability in this respect. The UAE issued numerous domestic violence laws to realize social coherence. and the protection of the family. In December 2024, the Ministry of the Family was created to create young people who are able to innovate. "A strong, coherent, and stable society means a nation able to realize its aspirations and address its challenges and soundly plan for the future." This is a quote from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the state, where a dedication has been made in 2025 under the slogan of "Hand in Hand with a view to embodying the vision of the wise leadership of the UAE. Women have also been occupying high decision-making posts in this regard. The UAE ranked seventh globally and first regionally in the UNDP Gender Inequality Index 2024. Mr. Vice President, tolerance is one of our main tenets since the federation has been created, His Highness. His Highness Zayed bin -- Zayed -- Prince Zayed has set this as a principle in this respect. The United Nation has established has issued a historic resolution 2686 on tolerance, peace, and international security, which the UAE co-drafted, recognizing that hate speech and extremism can lead to the escalation of conflicts around the world. We have launched, in partnership with the OHCHR, a training program aimed at preparing human rights specialized national staff. In mid-December 2024, the State hosted the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls in a field visit, where she lauded the progress made towards combating violence against women and children. The UAE has proudly been a member of the Human Rights Council for three terms, believing in the pivotal role of the Human Rights Council in promoting human rights. I have the pleasure to declare that my country is setting for the membership of the Human Rights Council 2028-2030. We look forward to cooperating with all countries of the world to address human rights issues around the world. The Middle East is facing major challenges that requires intensifying international and regional efforts to realize all-out peace. We have to make it -- to keep in sight the human being that have always suffered from political conflicts and Wars the UAE reaffirms its unwavering historical position towards realizing the Palestinian people's rights we affirm that a political Horizon must be found to put an end to the Israeli Palestinian conflict and creating an independent sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Our position has always been avoiding escalation and realizing tolerance. and relieving sufferings of the people. In conclusion, we affirm that the UAE will continue its efforts to promote and enhance human rights and to cooperate with other countries to uphold human rights around the world. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

I thank you, Excellency. Now I give the floor to Mr. Endrit Aizirat, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania. Excellency, you have the floor.

Mr. Vice President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to speak at this high-level segment of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council. Allow me also to congratulate Ambassador Loeb on his assumption of office as president of the 19th cycle of the Human Rights Council. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted 77 years ago, stands as a remarkable achievement, reflecting shared values of equality, dignity, and justice. Unfortunately, conflict, violence, discrimination, and inequality persists in this world to this day. where people's fundamental rights are constantly violated. Now more than ever, it is crucial to ensure that the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are upheld. The third grim anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for freedom, sovereignty, and the protection of democratic values and fundamental human rights. The human cost of this brutal aggression is staggering. Thousands of lives have been lost. Millions have been displaced. Russia's actions have been marked by deliberate attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure, use of torture, extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detentions, sexual and gender-based violence, war crimes, and a blatant violation of international law. At this pivotal moment, Albania praises the resilience and courage demonstrated by the Ukrainian people in the face of this relentless aggression. And as a member of the Human Rights Council, we will continue to uphold the principle of accountability as one of its main priorities, together with fighting impunity and preventing further violations of human and fundamental rights. Mr. Vice-President, Albania is deeply concerned by the ongoing conflicts and crises affecting various regions across the globe. These situations not only threaten regional stability, but they also result in a widespread violation of human rights. In Afghanistan, the situation of human rights continues to deteriorate. The systematic oppression of women and girls, the shrinking of civic space, and the marginalization of minorities are alarming developments that require immediate international action. In Iran, women and girls continue to be deprived of their fundamental rights and freedoms, and are subjected to laws that restrict their autonomy and, most importantly, their dignity. We stand in solidarity with the brave Iranian women and girls as they continue to fight for equality and justice. After decades of suffering, the Syrian people deserve justice, they deserve dignity, and the restoration of their fundamental rights. We all have a crucial role to play in ensuring that the atrocities committed against the Syrian people are punished and that their rights are fully restored, respected and protected. Other conflicts in many parts of the world, in Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar and Haiti, have worsened the already dire humanitarian crisis and led to widespread human rights abuses, with millions of people lacking access to basic necessities, including food, clean water, healthcare, and safety. Mr. Vice President, in a world where human rights violations persist and authoritarianism is on the rise, Albania is convinced that human rights mechanisms, such as the Human Rights Council, Special procedures and treaty bodies, along with the vital role of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, are essential tools for safeguarding human rights, ensuring accountability, and promoting justice and equality. At a national level, Albania has taken significant steps to strengthen the protection of human rights and align its legal framework with international standards. We have adopted policies that respect the rights of all individuals, regardless of origin, nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, belief, and other individual differences. Gender equality has been a key priority in recent years, with significant progress in empowering women and girls and placing them at the core of sustainable development. We are equally committed to defending minority rights and promoting social inclusion, while also safeguarding their cultural heritage. We remain steadfast in supporting civil society and human rights defenders, recognizing their critical role in driving positive change across societies. We remain committed to promoting, protecting, and fulfilling the rights of children at home and abroad. Albania will continue to advocate for the protection of refugees, migrants, and stateless persons. We must also ensure that older persons are not left behind. It is our responsibility to ensure that they enjoy the same rights, dignity, and respect for life as everyone else. Mr. Vice President, Albania firmly believes that human rights are the cornerstone of peace, stability, and sustainable development. We will continue to work with all of our partners to ensure that human rights are protected, promoted, and respected all across the globe. Thank you very much.

I thank His Excellency for his statement. And now I give the floor to Her Excellency Esmeralda Mendoza, Secretary of State for External Relations of Angola. Her Excellency, you have the floor.

President. Excellencies, esteemed representatives of Member States, I am deeply honoured to take part in this debate and reiterate the Republic of Angola's trust in the work of the Council, its mechanisms and bodies, against a backdrop of the numerous global challenges we currently face. The Republic of Angola remains faithful to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as the African Charter on Human and People's Rights, and all the human rights commitments which we have ratified. Our constitution is based on the defense of fundamental rights and freedoms, and consolidating the democratic state and rule of law, peace, and sustainable development. The Government regularly takes part in the United Nations Human Rights Council sessions, and we have served as members on three occasions. We remain committed to constant co-operation with the Human Rights Council's special procedures, and we always respond positively to visits from rapporteurs. we reiterate and strengthen our commitment to transparency and protecting human rights. By way of an example, I would like to highlight the visit conducted to Angola last May by Ms. Atiya Waris, who is the independent expert on the effects on human rights of external debt, and she will be presenting her visit report to the Council this session. 2025 is a very special year for Angola because we will be taking on the pro-temporary presidency of the African Union and also commemorating the 50th anniversary of our national independence. I would like to recall the words spoken by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres exactly one year ago in the Council about the intrinsic relationship between human rights and peace, when he declared that human rights are the basis for peace and that the path to peace starts with full respect for all human rights and by building a culture of human rights. We want to echo those statements as they will be the slogan for our pro-temporary presidency of the African Union. When he took on the presidency of the African Union, the president of Angola, His Excellency Joao Manuel Lourenco, stated that he attached vital importance to the issues of peace and security, because these are the main bases for the African Union's 2063 agenda and the program which sets out that we must silence weapons by 2030 in order to make Africa a prosperous region. And to set Africa on the path towards development. It's against this backdrop that Angola calls on the United Nations and all its members and mechanisms, including the Human Rights Council, to pool their efforts to achieve effective development, peace and human rights in Africa and all the other regions of the world. President, when We turned over a new leaf in our political life under the presidency of Joao Manuel Gonsalves Lourenco. When he took on the presidency for the period from 2017 to 2027, human rights were paid greater attention, and this has led to significant improvements. On the 23rd of January of this year, Angola took part in its fourth Universal Periodic Review and received a number of recommendations from member states encompassing crucial areas such as health, education and protecting vulnerable groups. Many of the recommendations are aligned with the National Development Plan 2023-2027, as well as national programs and priorities for strengthening the rule of law, our institutions and improving our Human Development Index. These cover areas such as education for human rights and equal participation, as well as Angola's commitment to transparency and combating corruption. During the interactive dialogue at the UPR, Angola underscored its commitment to the universal principles of human rights and implementing policies which strengthen progress in priority areas. Some of the main frameworks include the ratification of international treaties, such as the Convention against Torture and the International Convention on Eradicating All Forms of Racial Discrimination, as well as our efforts to adhere to new legal instruments. It's against this backdrop we would like to take this opportunity here today to thank the Working Group on the UPR and the Member States who made constructive recommendations to Angola on the basis of the reports which were submitted. President, in recent years, Angola has implemented a number of legal institutional reforms striving to make justice swifter and more accessible. These measures have included creating 39 county courts and investment to significantly increase the number of judges and lawyers and to extend free legal aid. We also adopted the Angolan criminal code, which strengthens measures to combat discrimination, gender-based violence and torture, and it also foresees mechanisms for holding people accountable for violations of fundamental rights. On the social front, Angola has made eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development its priorities. It invests 30% of the state budget in social sectors, so programs such as Quenda have brought benefits to over a million families who were facing vulnerable situations. And we've also been investing in the municipal intervention plan, which has resulted in significant improvements in health and education infrastructure. It's along these lines that we have renovated many hundreds of schools and built others. And this is why we have promoted initiatives to combat early school dropout, notably targeting young people who are in a vulnerable situation, above all girls, and extending programmes such as the school snack programme and scholarships for young people who are at risk. We have also built and renovated some 729 health units between 2017 and 2023, and we have improved access to primary health care. and reducing maternal and infant mortality. We've also extended the network of health units and trained more health professionals. When it comes to refugees, Angola currently hosts over 52,000 people who enjoy international protection. They have access to basic services, including education and medical care, and we've implemented a biometric register to ensure these rights. This shows Angola's commitment to promoting the social well-being and inclusion of refugees in line with international standards. We will always put respect for human rights at the heart of our public policies because we believe that this is the best way of ensuring all citizens' well-being. I would like to conclude, President, by reiterating Angola's commitment to the Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the promotion and protection of human rights, both at home and abroad, in line with international standards. Thank you very much, President.

I thank you, Excellency, for your statement. And now I give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Alejandro Solano Ortiz, Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs of Costa.

Rica.

President, High Commissioner, Excellencies and friends. we're charting stormy geopolitical seas. As democracies, even though we're imperfect, we must act and play a leading role in defending peace and recalling the fundamental role of multilateralism and international law, which ensures respect for human rights. Authoritarianism is gaining ground around the world. It's alarming to see how some paint themselves of democracies, but use judicial and legislative power to undermine respect for human rights and the rule of law. Tyrants cling on to power, rise above the law with the complicity of other states and some international financial institutions. These dictatorships close down universities and media outlets or use them as tools for propaganda. Many opponents, journalists, artists and human rights defenders are forced into exile and they're arbitrarily stripped of their nationality and their property is confiscated. We see armed conflict, illegitimate annexation of territory, massacres of civilians by extremists, and crimes against humanity perpetrated by member states of the UN, sometimes with the help of mercenaries. We see more and more systematic violations of human rights. coup d'etat and shrinking democratic space. This is all compounded by disinformation, fake news and the triple planetary crisis of loss of biodiversity, climate change and pollution. Nevertheless, against these growing divisions, we must take this opportunity to reiterate our founding ideals, the founding ideals of our international system. It's vital to promote room for dialogue and understanding, putting human beings at the heart of what we do, as well as the universal values, non-discrimination and equality. Human rights must be our reference for moving forward towards tangible sustainable development. Public policies, regional cooperation initiatives, new international treaties being negotiated on various subjects must be guided by a human rights-based approach. This is the minimum level of commitment and agreement which we must have. It's never a good moment to hide, but particularly so when multilateralism is under attack. This is the time for communication, for more discussion, which is open, transparent. and includes a wide range of stakeholders. President, each state has made a sovereign and voluntary commitment to human rights, be it through the Universal Declaration or the Vienna Declaration or through ratifying various international instruments. Costa Rica would like to take the opportunity today to recall that there is a key principle in law of treaties. Covenants are to be Complied with. Pacta sunt servanda. This is a slogan which we use in our diplomatic affairs every day. The value of the word or if you like, the value of paper. We must be consistent. To our commitments when we act in the field, respecting our obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law is not a choice, it is a duty which affects. everyone on the territory of each Member State. Costa Rica urges the members of the Council to not just talk about human rights, but to act accordingly and to respect not just the universal instruments, but also the regional ones as well. My country calls for more efforts to promote and protect the rights of all persons and that starts in the negotiating hall of this body. I'll be very frank, President, if you're a member of the Council, then that's a privilege, but also a responsibility. You must be active, you must participate and be transparent. If you don't do so, if you just sit back, then you are disrespecting this forum, but above all the people out there who are the victims of human rights violations and abuse. We must all act. We must all take up a position. As Member States, we must put to one side and disregard nationalist and regionalist speech which is misconstrued, and we must take on the responsibility of meeting the Council's mandate at all times and wherever human rights violations may occur. We must act in accordance with our commitments. As an activist, Tatiana Avik said, we mustn't kill what we're fighting for day in, day out. Thank you.

And now I give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Caspar van Veertkamp, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands by video message.

Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the world is in turmoil and the protection of universal human rights is under threat. In recent years, freedom of expression and freedom of religion have continued to decline. More journalists were killed in 2024 than in any previous year. And we're all aware of the deplorable humanitarian situation in Ukraine, Sudan, Eastern Congo, Gaza, Myanmar, and other places. Yesterday, we marked the grim three-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. And the question we must ask ourselves is, what can we do to improve this situation? What can we do to support a detained Russian journalist, an oppressed Belarusian human rights activist, a Christian held in North Korean detention? The Human Rights Council is a forum for multilateral dialogue, but we don't gather three times a year in Geneva just to make strong statements. It is our collective duty in this Council to uphold and defend the hard-won norms of international human rights, and to make sure that these norms are respected, especially in turbulent times. Excellencies, there can be no peace without justice. And this is why we work tirelessly to restore justice for Ukraine, together with many of you. There can be no impunity for blatant aggression. Victims of Russian aggression deserve compensation. The Netherlands is also firmly committed to achieving justice for the victims of ISIS, like the Yazidi people of Syria and Iraq. We are investigating the establishment of an international tribunal so that the crimes against them do not go unpunished. The promotion and protection of human rights also requires a strong Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. High Commissioner, we share your concerns about the UN's liquidity crisis and its impact on the UN human rights pillar. And I would like to reiterate your call for more states to give your office their full support. The Netherlands values strengthening your office in its field presences, which is why we have committed additional funds to support human rights monitoring in the Palestinian territories, in Sudan, and Ukraine. When it comes to human rights, my country is obviously not beyond criticism. We all need an independent perspective to see where things need to be improved. And that's why we continue to advocate for civil society organizations to engage with the Human Rights Council. So, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, our commitment to human rights is not a hopeless endeavor. There are signs of hope, like in Syria, where an opportunity for a more peaceful and inclusive society exists. Across the world, people are demanding universal human rights, and we have a responsibility to strengthen their voices. Please be assured that the Netherlands remains your partner in promoting and protecting human rights. Thank you.

I thank His Excellency for his statement. Now I give the floor to Ms. Marjana Svorc-Lajic, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Vice President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Today, violations that were once considered abhorrent have disturbingly become normalized in conflicts around the world. I stand before you to remind us of an undeniable truth. Every patient killed in a hospital bed, every family buried, under the rubble of their home, every hostage stolen from their loved ones and every prisoner tortured and deprived of basic dignity, every city levelled and every village destroyed. These are not unfortunate realities of war. They are a betrayal. We must not become numb to the fact or that fact. or we risk sleepwalking into a world where the barriers that once restrained brutality in war are removed. The scale of suffering we witness is not inevitable. It is the direct result of dismissive interpretations of international humanitarian law. But people have the power to change course. It will require, though, courage and leadership to move past political divisions and recommit to the fundamental belief that human life must transcend political divides, both in war and in peacetime. Excellencies, together, international humanitarian law and international human rights law share a common goal: to protect human life, health, and dignity, no matter what country you were born in or what side of the front line you live on. These bodies of law are mutually reinforcing. They need one another. The erosion of respect for one contributes to the erosion of the other. In war, how can the right to health be fulfilled if hospitals are bombed? How can the right to food prevent hunger if crops are destroyed? How can children see their right to education come true if schools are attacked? There is no right to life when civilians and the infrastructure that they rely on for survival are systematically targeted. International humanitarian law exists to protect them in times of war. The way wars are fought today will inform the way they are fought tomorrow. Where basic humanitarian rules are violated, rebuilding costs skyrocket and new security threats arise. We can choose a different path, one that promotes life, stability and prosperity. This starts with committing to international humanitarian law and making it a political priority. The ICRC, together with Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan, and South Africa, in September launched a global initiative to revive political commitment to international humanitarian law. Many states have since joined, and I hope that many more will continue to do so. Mr. Vice President, at this time of tectonic political shifts, the pressure for humanitarian organizations to pick a side is at a fever pitch. We, as the ICRC, will not bend to it. If we did, we would lose our ability to help people on all sides in the world's most contentious theatres of armed conflict. States do not need to be neutral, but they need the ICRC to fulfil the role. A neutral humanitarian body is a vital feature of the international peace architecture, and without which the entire system is weaker. It is by upholding our strict impartiality and confidentiality that we ensure our ability to stand for humanity. I thank you.

We thank the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross for her statements. And now we give the floor to Mr. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of.

Europe.

Vice President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe that today we could ask ourselves and recall why we exist. Why did the United Nations come into being 80 years ago? How and why for 75 years now, the Council of Europe, the body I represent, how has it breathed the wind of freedom, of justice with its convention of human rights, European Convention, over this period of 75 years? I believe it is in peace, or in other words, the rejection of war, that we will find our shared roots. Once again, we see that war is raging on European soil in Ukraine. This has been the case for exactly three years now. The Council of Europe has made Ukraine its top priority. We are committed to three major pillars of action. All three of them are rooted fundamentally in the defense of human rights. One of them is justice. with zero impunity for any violations of human rights that may have been perpetrated. Second, protection of Ukrainian children. And third, reconstruction of the country. The principle behind this is very clear, the principle for action, no to impunity. In recent weeks, we have seen significant progress in setting up a claims commission based on the register for damage. and the creation of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression. This is another priority. Now, I have just appointed a special envoy for the situation of children in Ukraine. Now, Vice President, Excellencies, I would like to give you the following argument. There can be no effective, stable protection of human rights without functioning rule of law. There can be no stable, rule of law that is accepted and that functions without democracy that functions. And there is no democracy without massive investment in education and without acceptance by everyone of the rules, without everyone abiding by the democratic rules of play. I am saying this because I believe that fundamentally, democracy is essential to ensure stable and effective defense of human rights. And everyone in the world, including in Europe, we see that safeguarding democracy is a daily struggle. This is one of the major works of progress that we have. We need to renew the democratic pact, not just let things slip through our fingers. And this is why I launched a project to adopt a new democratic pact behind which education is the driving force. We have the tools to counter democratic backsliding, the rise in authoritarianism and populism, disinformation, and everything that threatens our democratic societies. To defend human rights, we need some conditions. These conditions do not mean accepting that we live in a world that is dominated by power, by violence, by a balance of power and impunity. As the UN Secretary-General said in September in New York, the level of impunity around the world that we live in today has never been so high, not in many decades. This is not what we are aiming for. We need to do everything we can to live in a world in which relations between states are based on law, in which relations are predictable, in which the environment can be created and protected to ensure that everyone is answerable for their actions, especially in cases of violations of human rights. In conclusion, Vice-President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, together we must get a grip on this situation that we are seeing today. Sometimes it's the case that nothing happens over decades, and then suddenly, all in one week, decades go by. This moment is now, and we must seize it to build a more just and safer world. And in a world that is constantly changing, we need to return to the fundamentals, that is, defense of human rights, defense of the rule of law, defense of democracy. We need to do this together. There are alternatives to multilateralism. They do exist, but they are all very bad. Thank you very much.

We thank His Excellency, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, for his statement.

And.

Now, we will hear from His Excellency, Mr. Zacarias Albano da Costa, Executive Secretary of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries.

Vice President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am honored to address this esteemed Council at a crucial moment for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. The principles of universality, indivisibility and interdependence of human rights have been increasingly called into question and threatened. Armed conflict, discrimination, persecution and social inequality, climate change and humanitarian crises have been. borne above all by the most vulnerable groups, and they are factors which have contributed to an increasing threat hovering over the principles which underpin the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. That is why, as we face unprecedented global challenges, It is ever more urgent that we take on our collective responsibility to guarantee the dignity and fundamental rights of each and every person. It is our responsibility as members of the international community to reiterate our unwavering commitment to defending human rights with no ifs or buts. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the community of Portuguese-speaking countries has demonstrated its commitment to promoting human rights by strengthening multilateral cooperation and fostering initiatives which strive to strengthen sustainable development, social justice and equity. The vital importance of human rights and their primacy are a principle which is inscribed inequivocally into our founding declaration and our statutes. This reflects the commitment of all our member states to dignity and respect for individuals' rights. The CPLP has deployed efforts to ensure that peace, multilateralism and respect for human rights are actively promoted throughout its action. With a view to further strengthening our cooperation, the CPLP has been working to build capacity in member states with the support of the United Nations system. This is with a view to improving the submission of reports to human rights treaty bodies, including the Universal Periodic Review. Furthermore, The Conservative Party is deeply committed to abolishing the death penalty and creating an interministerial human rights network. That network was established with a view to further promoting our reflection on human rights within the Conservative Party and more robust co-operation. We do hope that we will have the support and cooperation of the United Nations High Commissioner for ensuring that this network is well-structured and operational. operational so that it becomes a success. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the CPLP, we've been very aware of the climate emergency we face, which directly affects the fundamental rights of our people. The current presidency of the CPLP has the theme youth and sustainability. This reflects our commitment and duty as citizens, decision makers, to combating climate change, the loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation. These are threat not only for the life of future generations, but for the life of current generations as well. The Human Rights Council has a vital role in ensuring that no right be considered a secondary right and that no violation go unpunished. So it's with a spirit of urgency and commitment that the CPLP is promoting an internal debate on recognizing the concept of a stable climate as an object of international law. We believe that this is an innovative debate, and we want to include our development partners in it so that we can tackle the challenges that face us together. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, sometimes values and ideals are used to question our progress, and we daily see that there is a failure to respect fundamental freedoms. So that's why the CPLP joins those who are raising awareness about the dangers facing human rights. That's why we support the Council's work and its tireless efforts to raise awareness about violations that occur daily around the world. And all those who work to defend human rights on a daily basis and are committed to a fairer future for all. It's with this inspiring example that we're going to go beyond words and achieve tangible progress through our policies, which are committed and effective. Thank you very much.

I thank His Excellency Zakaria Chokhachkhachashvili for his statement. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, this was the last speaker on my list for this meeting. 00 a.m. tomorrow. To continue with the high-level segment, I hereby declare closed the 58th, the fifth meeting of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council.