17th Meeting - 60th Session of Human Rights Council

Excellencies, distinguished participants, I hereby declare open the 17th meeting of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council. Before we begin, allow me to remind you that this meeting will continue until 6:15 p.m. We will now continue the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report concerning the panel discussion on strengthening efforts to promote and protect economic, social, and cultural rights in the context of combating inequalities. We continue with the list of speakers. I give the floor to Bangladesh.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Madam Vice President, we thank the High Commissioner for the report on the panel discussion held pursuant to HRC Resolution 54/22. The report rightly underlines that inequalities, global debt distress and structural shortcomings in the international financial system severely constrain the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. For countries of the global south, including Bangladesh, these challenges are further compounded by climate vulnerabilities, external economic shocks, and limited fiscal space. Despite such constraints, Bangladesh has consistently prioritized inclusive development, universal health coverage, education, women's empowerment, and social protection, guided by our constitutional commitment to advancing the dignity and well-being of all our citizens. Madam Vice President, we echo the call for strengthening OCHS field facing capacities, in particular through the operationalization of the knowledge hub on economic, social and cultural rights, enhanced advisory services, technical assistance and capacity building at the regional level in this regard would be important in supporting developing countries to meet their obligations and implement the 2030 agenda. Bangladesh underscores that international solidarity and cooperation are indispensable in realizing economic, social, and cultural rights. Finally, we underline the importance of reforming the global financial architecture, ensuring climate justice, and mobilizing resources so that no one is left behind. I thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you. I give the floor to Malawi.

Madam Vice President, Malawi thanks the High Commissioner for the comprehensive report and welcomes focusing on reinforcing economic, social, and cultural rights in addressing inequalities. For Malawi, the indivisibility of human rights is clear. The enjoyment of civil and political rights is indispensable for the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights. Malawi continues to prioritize access to education, health care, housing, and social protection, including through programs such as the Social Cash Transfer Program and the Affordable Inputs Program. However, like in many developing countries, our efforts are constrained by debt burdens, limited fiscal space, and the escalating impacts of climate change. We therefore echo the calls for urgent reform in international financial architecture, strengthened international cooperation, and enhanced OHCHR field-facing support, especially in Africa, to provide tailor-made technical assistance. Madam Vice President, reducing inequality is essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda. Malawi reaffirms its commitment to work with partners to build inclusive human rights economies and grounded in solidarity, equality, and leaving no one behind. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to India.

Madam Vice President, India has taken note of the High Commissioner's report. India stands unwavering in its commitment to reinforce the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights, especially in times marked by deepening inequalities and unprecedented global challenges. India believes that dignity, equality, and the promise of leaving no one behind must be at the heart of every policy decision. India's transformative journey reflects robust measures such as the Right to Education Act, universal health coverage, and National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which secures livelihood for rural communities. Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan have revolutionized access to safe drinking water and sanitation for millions, affirming the right to health and dignity. These flagship initiatives highlight India's focus on marginalized groups, social protection, and building resilient communities. India continues to actively invest in inclusive digital infrastructure, gender equity measures, and climate resilient initiatives. Madam Vice President, guided by the SDGs and our developmental philosophy of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas in a whole of society approach, India calls for global solidarity to address inequalities, reform resource mobilization, and expand support for developing nations. We urge decisive international cooperation, a reform of the global financial architecture and strengthened capacity building at the regional level. On our part, India reaffirms its resolve to eradi- eradicate poverty, champion social protection and share best practices, advancing the vision of a fair, resilient and truly inclusive future for all. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Armenia.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Armenia recognizes the importance of realization of economic, social, and cultural rights and its contribution to achieving sustainable development, particularly Goal 10 on reducing inequality, such requires policies grounded in human rights. In this regard, Armenia makes every effort to ensure protection, well-being, and dignified living conditions of refugees. We have allocated necessary budgetary resources to overcome the humanitarian emergency and met basic needs of victims of forced displacement. Additionally, Armenia's proposal to the Crossroads of Peace is aimed to advance the rights center ecosystem in the region, hence promoting regional connectivity and cooperation is an enabler of well-being of the rights holders in our region. Joint declaration of 8 August 2025 signed by Armenia and Azerbaijan, witnessed by the United States, is an important milestone toward the establishment of peace in the South Caucasus and unblocking regional and global communication routes. Trip connectivity project in the territory of Republic of Armenia is fully in line with the Crossroads of Peace initiative and constitute its integral component. Armenia remains committed to full realization of economic, social, and cultural rights and strengthened international cooperation. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Bahrain.

Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. We align itself with the statements made by the groups to which we belong. We take note of the report that focuses on very important conclusions and a very important role played by NHRI's for human rights. Their work makes it possible to strengthen the capacities of states to implement their own obligations. The exercise of human rights is not the same throughout the world, and this is why we need efforts to guarantee human rights and support the system of multilateralism. In my country, we are seeking to respect our obligations focusing on national development priorities. This is why we established partnerships between the government, civil society, the academia, and the private sector to guarantee a prosperous future for all. In conclusion, I would like to say that it is crucial to have an approach that is based on the full implementation of economic, social, and cultural rights to overcome challenges like lack of resources and inequalities. we should promote a sustainable development and leave no one behind in order to guarantee the well-being of societies and individuals. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Ethiopia.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Ethiopia welcomes the report of the High Commissioner on promoting and protecting economic, social, and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities. Ethiopia affirms that addressing inequality is central to achieving inclusive and sustainable development. Economic, social, and cultural rights are indivisible from civil and political rights and must be realized universally to ensure dignity, justice, and peace. Our national development agenda integrates human rights principles through large-scale poverty reduction, universal primary education, and agricultural transformation. We continue to implement broad macroeconomic reforms while strengthening access to public service, especially for vulnerable communities. Initiatives such as Ethiopia's Green Legacy addresses both environmental justice and rural livelihood. Reinforcing the link between sustainability and equity, we echo the High Commissioner's call to enhance which are, which is our regional presence, tailored field basic technical assistance and support national efforts to implement rights-based policies. However, these efforts require greater international solidarity. We stress the need for structural reform of the global financial architecture, just debt restructuring, and increased climate and development financing for countries for facing multiple vulnerabilities. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Islamic Republic of Iran.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Madam Vice President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you, Mr. High Commissioner, for the presentation of your report. We believe the effective realization of economic, social and cultural rights requires addressing the deep structural inequality that exists at the international level. Unilateral coercive measures remain among the most serious obstacles in this regard, depriving peoples of access to resources, technology and financial systems. and disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups. It is essential that these challenges receive adequate attention in future reports and discussions. On the issue of technical cooperation and advisory services or regional activities of OHCHR must be strictly based on the request and consent of the concerned state and fully aligned with their national priorities. Finally, we wish to stress that peace and regional stability are indispensable for the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural rights, and conflicts and insecurity drain resources, exacerbate inequalities, and deprive peoples of their fundamental rights. Promoting peace, dialogue, and stability must therefore remain a core priority to our collective efforts. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. I give the floor to Russian Federation.

Madam Vice President, we have carefully read the report on the results of the thematic discussion on economic, social, and cultural rights held during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council. We share the desire enshrined in this document to pay due attention to economic, social, and cultural rights on an equal footing with civil and political rights. We proceed from the premise that this issue is directly related to upholding of traditional, spiritual, and moral values, the promotion of equal opportunities for women, as well as supporting the institution of family as an equal union of women and men. We also agree with the thesis that unilateral course of measures against different countries have a negative impact on implementing this set of human rights. At the same time, we regret to note that the report could not avoid imposing a neoliberal agenda promoted by a separate group of countries with the support of the OHCHR. Such an approach distracts from the consideration of such pressing issues of the social agenda as overcoming poverty, employment, social integration, ensuring the interests of minors, youth, the elderly, and the disabled. In conclusion, we would like to stress that we look forward to the successful holding in Doha of the Second World Social Summit in November, the outcome of which will make an effective contribution to the further promotion of economic, social, and cultural rights in all countries of the world. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you. I give the floor to.

Sudan.

Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. We express our full support to human rights in transitional justice systems. For this reason, it is necessary to respect economic, social, and cultural rights. We take note of the recommendations contained in the report, especially the importance of access to education, drinking water, health, and the preservation of the rights of women, young people, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. We reiterate the very important role of families in the consolidation of the social fabric. Madam Vice President, conflicts have a direct impact on the exercise of economic, social, and cultural rights. The war that was launched in my country by militia supported by other countries has led to a degradation of the exercise of these rights. Hospitals were targeted, and this is happening on a daily basis. This deprives the population of the most basic rights. This is why we urge the international community to put an end to these crimes that is a blatant violation of economic, social, and cultural rights of Sudanese people. Thank you.

Thank you.

I.

That this was the last speaker on my list. We will proceed with the list of speakers for national human rights institutions and non-government organizations. I give the floor to National Council for Human Rights of Morocco.

Thank you very much. Madam Vice-President, we welcome the presentation of the panel's report, which underlies the need for enhanced cooperation with the UN system. This commitment is reflected in specific actions, and the NHRI regularly submits its report to international human rights mechanisms, including the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the UPR, through its memoranda and advisory opinions addressed to Parliament, and the Government works to integrate international standards into laws, evidence on organic law on strikes in 2025. In terms of capacity building, in partnership with the OHCR, we organize a training on economic, social, and cultural rights. We recall that major sporting events can be catalysts for development. They provide an opportunity to promote inclusion and improve access to rights. While welcoming the projects already undertaken in Morocco as part of the organization of the 2030 World Cup, which will have a positive impact on promotion of these different rights. We stress that this event represents an opportunity to stimulate development, continued development, infrastructure, and strengthen social cohesion. However, it is important to ensure full respect for human rights and ensure that no one is left behind. We believe that the effective implementation of national human rights strategy to which we have contributed and which is part of the work towards the 2030 World Cup, it is essential to meet the economic and social challenges, and there is a need to ensure that these investments are accountable and aligned with the UN guiding principles as business in human rights, including due diligence.

I give the floor to National Independent Commission of Human Rights of Burundi.

Madame Vice President. The Independent National Human Rights Commission of Burundi takes note of the presentation of the report of the High Commissioner and the importance attached to the protection of economic, social, and cultural rights. Our organization notes significant progress, especially in the development and implementation of national development plans. that has been revised for 2024 and 2027, the extension of social safety nets, free education, free health care for children under five years old, free health care for pregnant women and those giving birth, the creation of the Women's Investment and Development Bank and the Youth Investment Bank to promote empowerment and employment. These efforts should continue, and we encourage the State to continue this through the increase in the GDP and finding durable solutions in terms of housing, the ratification of international instruments, and especially the Optional Protocol, the Convention on the Migrant Workers, and the Maputo Protocol. Thank you very much, Madam Vice-President.

Thank you. I give the floor to State of Palestine Independent Commission for Human Rights by video.

President, distinguished members, the Independent Commission for Human Rights welcomes the High Commissioner's report and emphasizes that Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank face grave violations of their economic, social, and cultural rights, deepening structural inequalities under Israeli occupation. In Gaza, Military aggression and blockade have destroyed housing, hospitals, schools, and basic infrastructure, causing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Over 2.2 million people, 94% of the population, are displaced into overcrowded areas with little shelter. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, face malnutrition, lack of medication, and collapsed health services. In the West Bank, settlement expansion, settler violence, land confiscation, and movement restrictions undermining livelihood. Unemployment has reached to 35%, restricting equal access to work, education, health, water, and housing. These policies amount to collective punishment, entrenching inequality, and violate international law. The international community must act to end the occupation, ensure accountability, and guarantee Palestinians' equality, dignity, and self-determination. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Frontline AIDS Limited.

Madam Vice President, Frontline AIDS delivers this statement on behalf of the National Alliance for Communities for Health in Senegal. We thank the High Commissioner for this report and welcome the importance it places on economic, social, and cultural rights. ANCS notes with concern that persistent inequalities continue to deprive millions of their right to healthcare, social protection, education, housing, particularly amongst populations affected by HIV and other vulnerabilities. In Senegal, ANCS works daily through its community clinics and its health insurance systems, including a mutual health scheme, to reduce these gaps. Yet much remains to be done to ensure that no one is left behind, especially people living with HIV, young women, rural populations, persons with disabilities, and key and vulnerable populations. We also stress that climate and environmental justice is inseparable from health and human rights. Senegal, with its coastal zones, fragile ecosystems, and communities already affected by rising sea levels, flooding, drought, and extreme weather events, knows well how the environment health and access to services. We call on states to fulfill their obligations to respect, protect, and fully realize economic, social, and cultural rights for all without discrimination. A human rights-based approach grounded in equality and accountability is essential to ensure universal access to services and to build more just and resilient societies. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Senta Zagros. Looks like Center Zacharos is absent. I move on to the next speaker. I give the floor to China NGO Network for International Exchanges.

Ladies and gentlemen, ensuring equal access to economic, social, and cultural rights for all is a crucial objective in the realization of all human rights. As a rapidly developing megacity, Beijing faces unique opportunities and challenges. Civil organizations in Beijing, with their unique professionalism, innovativeness, and social mobilization capabilities, have always actively participated in urban governance and ESCR protection. In the digital field, they have actively promoted the application of AI and robotics in disability assistance services, cooperated with enterprises, developed sign language interaction devices to help hearing-impaired individuals. They understand the needs of vulnerable groups to penetrate the rehabilitation services system for all and throughout the entire life cycle, providing services to disabled nearby and at their convenience. They have carried out public welfare projects such as initiatives to care for autism and provide skills training for injured victims, safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups, playing an active role in ensuring basic livelihood, promoting social equity, and enriching cultural life through practical actions. We call on the international community to practice multilateralism, increase investment in ESCR, encourage civil society to participate, finally implement the sustain sustainable development of the global human rights.

Thank you. I give the floor to British Humanist Association by video.

We thank the High.

Commissioner for his report and echo Dr. Mambie's concerns about discrimination and nationality laws, particularly on the basis of religion as a driver of statelessness and its resulting human rights violations. We would like to highlight the omission of the non-religious and religious minorities as protected groups under recommendation 40E of the report. This is despite this Council's resolution 710 on the arbitrary deprivation of nationality that calls on states to enact or maintain legislation to protect against discrimination on grounds of religion or belief. The prevalence of discriminatory nationality laws that undermine the rights of the non-religious and religious minorities is well documented. In Mauritania and the Maldives, converting away from Islam can result in the loss of citizenship rights. In Pakistan, religious affiliation is mandatory on national identification documents, but there is no option to declare no religion. In Afghanistan, non-religious citizens report lying on identity documents to avoid persecution. In each of these countries, either blasphemy or apostasy, and in some cases both, are capital offences. Together, these laws force the non-religious to conceal their beliefs to avoid detection and persecution. This results in significant underreporting and underestimates the true scale of the discrimination they face. Will the High Commissioner confirm that member states must enshrine the principles of equality and non-discrimination on grounds of religion or belief, inclusive of the non-religious, in national constitutions?

Thank you. I give the floor to Beijing Guomeng Charity Foundation.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

I'm Xu Kuiyong, representative of Beijing Guomeng Charity Foundation. My topic is starting from the family, safeguarding cultural rights and caring for special groups through the wisdom of harmony between man and nature. The protection of cultural rights must be rooted in families. We safeguard the rights of families to inherit and develop culture through sub-regional education and warm special groups with public initiatives. We have built a cognition practice inheritance assistance system. One, launching wise family workshops to help over 5,000 families reconnect with traditional wisdom. Two, training more than 200 instructors to conduct brain training activities in communities and bridge the intergenerational gap. Three, initiating a STAR project to support autistic groups through family-based assistance, helping over 2,000 special families rebuild connections and integrate into society through customized TCM and brain rehabilitation parent-child courses. Four, collaborating with international platforms to share relevant experiences. The family is the smallest unit for cultural rights protection. We look forward to working with all parties to let the wisdom of harmony between man and nature benefit more families and jointly build an inclusive cultural rights ecosystem. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Asian Pacific Resource and Research Center for Women by video.

I deliver this statement on behalf of the Asian Pacific Resource and Research Center for Women, ARROW. We welcome the High Commissioner's report and echo the observation that inequalities in access to healthcare, education, housing, and employment have grown in recent years, and that poly-crisis has exacerbated pre-existing social, gender and economic inequalities and other marginalizations, including barriers faced by persons with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. We emphasize that economic, social and cultural rights cannot be fully realized without addressing structural and systemic inequalities, including gender as well as disability-based discrimination. Universal access to health care, including sexual and reproductive health, and inclusive social protection systems are essential. We urge all Member States to integrate disability-inclusive and gender-responsive strategies in national development plans. strengthen international cooperation and reform the financial architecture to uphold the principle of leaving no one behind.

Thank you. I give the floor to INPUD Limited by video.

Thank you, Chair. Punitive drug laws, policies and practices have a detrimental and enduring impact on the human rights of people who use drugs.

Particularly in the socio-economic sphere protected under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

In addition to the frequently referred to in reports such as the right to health, these rights also encompass the fundamental social and economic conditions necessary for a dignified and free existence, such as access to food, water, housing, education, cultural identity, employment, social security, and an adequate standard of living. Importantly, in the context of drug use, these rights also extend to bodily autonomy, freedom from.

And other protection outlined in the International Covenant. In late 2022, the CESCR decided to initiate work on general comment on the impact of drug policies on economic, social and cultural rights. The purpose of the general comment is to clarify states' obligations relating to the impact of drug policies.

On the enjoyment of rights enshrined in the Covenant to provide a framework for implementation of the Covenant as a whole with regards to drug laws, policies and practices. However, progress has been very slow, if any. Therefore, we call the Committee to walk the talk on leaving no one behind.

Thank you. I give the floor to Association PEACE. Looks like they're absent. I move on to the next speaker. I give the floor to Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba.

Madam, the Union of Artists and Writers from Cuba tried to promote the diversity and wealth of Cuban culture, made-up of 7,850 members, and tries to develop collaboration and integration of creative work throughout the country in order to protect very important rights, such as the respect for the freedom of expression and assembly of creators. Our organization endorses the debate that has been taking place in this room, and we endorse those defending economic, social, and cultural rights. We believe that it is a requirement for the full attainment of the lives of Cubans. Particularly, we would like to highlight the role of culture as an indispensable component of spiritual life and the preservation of identity in a country characterized by over 60 years of economic and financial embargo from the government of the United States. which has been harshened in recent times. The effects of this embargo have an impact on creators and artistic creation, and even jeopardize the universal and free educational system we have. Cuba has a network of cultural institutions and laws to safeguard and protect heritage and subsidizes cultural production, in addition to guaranteeing subsidized prices for enjoying the arts. This is clear proof that democratizing the cultural life has been done by Cubans. Our cultural assets and proposals are inclusive, and they do not differentiate between gender, race, ages, religious belief, or ability. All of us have a right to work, participate as either creators or observers of arts that identifies us as a nation. Thank you.

China Society of Human Rights Studies. It seems they're absent. I now give the floor to Juventum e.V.

Mr. President, Mr. High Commissioner, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Juventum is honored to participate. We appreciate the panel discussion on inequality during HRC 57, based on resolution 54/22, and the High Commissioner's report on the debate. Inequality is one of the most important sources of human rights issues in many contexts. For minimal survival, the rights to food, water, physical integrity, and the living conditions should be given the highest priority. Many other rights should be protected too. We should listen to common sense. Progressive taxation is a fairness machine to adjust economic injustice. Walking away from polluting the environment is a hit-and-run crime. To discuss collective human rights actions at the national and international levels, we should be based on equitable, participatory, democratic decision-making processes, education to promote the awareness of human rights, scientific examination of the conditions, and the implementation of effective actions. Some states handle certain issues better than others. Good practices should be shared with others. Many indicators can provide a meaningful rankings of achievements, together with the empathy and compassion, We hope constructive discussions will take place in the future. Thank you very much for your attention.

Thank you. I give the floor to Society for Development and Community Empowerment.

Thank you, Madam President. I have a burden, urgent message to the attention of this Human Rights Council because in Tamil Nadu, more than hundreds of social activists, environmental activists, and lawyers have been killed in DMK regime. Mr. K. M. Singh, former Bhagwan Samaj Party leader of Tamil Nadu, as an advocate at the Madras High Court, was brutally murdered on July 5, 2024. Bhagwan Samaj Party National President, Shivji Maya Vajji, demanded a CBI probe over the murder. Eight cases under the investigation stage. There is a strong suspicion and a wide range of individuals, including prominent political leaders, caste leaders, and big business owners are involved in this murder case. In this murder case, other the multiple accused were absconding, namely called Sambam, Sindhil, and Moti Kishan, and absconded without trace. The police issued the red corner notice till the police unable to find the local criminals. There is a strong suspicions on Tamil Nadu Congress Party leader, Mr. Selvaraj Pandagai, and P.K. Selvaraj, Minister of... HR&C and CMDA under the DMK government, in connection with this murder, that the state has responsibility and role to investigate the case top to bottom. Public are opined the above politicians are played a crucial in this murder case. Above suspects are hold key position in a present DMK government, so the state police hesitate to investigate them and bring them on the record. The government should ensure the safety of the victim family members. We call upon this United Nations Human Rights Commission to direct the state government of Tamil Nadu and central government of India to form a committee and provide a mechanism to investigate the crimes and taking care of the, ensure the safety of Tamil Nadu people and the political leaders. This is for Armstrong J.B. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to APG 23.

Ms. Vice President, APG 23 thanks the High Commissioner for the reports. Economic, social, and cultural rights are essential to forge human rights-based solutions for ensuring a peaceful, fair, and sustainable future for humankind. Indeed, along with the rights to development and to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, they have a crucial role to play in orienting the structural changes needed to overcome the deep-rooted inequalities of the current development model, such as the unfair and unsustainable debt burden that strangles too many countries and communities. We underline the need for reversing the unacceptable underinvestment in economic, social and cultural rights. Such deficit sounds even more worrying in light of the huge financing gaps and the money in the 2030 agenda, while we assist to a dreadful arms race and increasing of military expenditures. The progressive realization of all human rights requires adequate financial and non-financial resources and a transformative approach to remove the structural obstacles to their mobilization by fostering international cooperation and addressing systemic issues such as fiscal policies, global trade regimes, foreign debt governance, economic and financial architecture, and accountability of business enterprises. Especially, we want to highlight the need to establish different priorities in budget allocation. First of all, by reducing military expenditures to release resources for increasing social spending, enhancing a human rights economy, and realizing infrastructures for peace. Thank you.

Thank you. This was the last speaker we could accommodate at this meeting. I now give the floor to the Director of the Thematic Engagements, Special Procedures, and Right to Development Division for her concluding remarks. You have three minutes.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Thank you all for your rich contribution to this discussion and the support for further strengthening of our work in the area of economic, social, and cultural rights. As we've heard, economic, social, and cultural rights are pivotal to building just, equal, and resilient societies. The additional resources provided by HRC Resolution 54/22 have led to a substantial step forward in our support to countries on this front, as is clear from the ESCR report this session and the Office's report from our SURGE project. We are encouraged by the increased number of countries that have embraced the concept of a human rights economy, which prioritizes human dignity, equity, and sustainability in economic development, and we hope that more states will do the same. We share the concern voiced by many states in this session about the urgent need for reform of the international financial architecture. We also welcome the increased interest and demand from states and the UN system, including resident coordinators, about economic, social, and cultural rights, and the call to systematically include human rights, including the right to development, in national sustainable development cooperation strategies. The ESCR Knowledge Hub, which will be launched formally on 2 October, carries much potential to further enhance mutual learning and exchange through promising practices and capacity building. Bringing in the expertise of economists within our team has enhanced our work in a myriad ways, including by strengthening our work on reform of the international financial system, debt management and relief, development and climate financing, taxation, and inclusive care and support systems. The strengthening of ESCR capacity has also allowed the Office to reinforce ESCR support to countries with special needs, including in Bangladesh, the Gambia, the Marshall Islands, and Nepal. OHCHR has also expanded its work with states on combating corruption by incorporating human rights in their strategies, legislation, and asset recovery. And responding to the comments by some of the small island developing states, I wanted to note that we've also advocated for the integration of human rights in international frameworks for SIDS, including the Antigua and Barbuda agenda for SIDS, and note the recent regional dialogue in Barbados about the human rights-based approach to climate finance. While important progress has been made, there's no denying that the liquidity crisis is holding us back. It's blocked filling of any post sustainably and has meant delayed hiring of a more limited number of temporary staff to do the work I've described. At the same time, a significant part of the funding to support ESCR activities has been frozen. Despite these challenges, we have paid particular attention to giving effect to the Human Rights Council's call for strengthened economic, social, and cultural rights work. Unlike other areas where we've been forced to actually reduce our work over the past two years, economic, social and cultural rights is an area in which we have been able to continue to grow our work. We appreciate the support that we've heard from many of you today for further strengthening, particularly of our capacity in the regions. And with this capacity, OHCHR would look forward to being able to provide hands-on technical guidance, assessment tools, and frameworks for countries moving towards human rights-based economies, along with content-specific technical assistance to support countries in addressing economic, social, and cultural rights. Thank you again for this debate.

Thank you. This is the end of this interactive dialogue. We now take a short break before proceeding with the interactive dialogue on OHCHR report on privacy. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we will now begin the interactive dialogue on the OHCHR report on privacy. I have the pleasure of welcoming the Director of the Division of Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and the Right to Development at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes. I now give the floor for the presentation of the report. She has approximately seven minutes.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. OHCJ's report on the right to privacy in the digital age focuses on the challenges and risks related to the right to privacy associated with the collection and processing of data. Digital transformation is reshaping economies, politics, and culture. At its heart lies the collection and processing of data at a speed and scale never imagined. While these processes offer opportunities for innovation and inclusion, this report highlights how data-driven technologies, including AI, can perpetuate and deepen inequality and discrimination. The right to privacy enables the exercise of other rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and access to health, education, and housing. Yet not everyone enjoys this right equally. The report documents how biased algorithms, discriminatory profiling, and opaque decision-making systems are affecting people in key sectors. In law enforcement, predictive policing tools and biometric recognition systems often rely on biased data, disproportionately targeting racial, ethnic, and religious minorities. These technologies can then reinforce historical injustices and create dangerous feedback loops over over-policing and exclusion. Migration management relies as well on vast data sets, including highly sensitive biometric and health data and data collected on social media. Such systems can entrench discriminatory profiling and undermine the rights of migrants and refugees. In social protection, automated systems are being increasingly used to determine eligibility for benefits and detect fraud. While these systems promise efficiency, they often result as well in exclusion errors, unjust denials, and intrusive surveillance, disproportionately affecting women, minorities, and low-income communities. In health care, digital tools and AI-enabled diagnostics can perpetuate bias based on skin tone, gender, and ethnicity. Health data is often shared without consent, including by public authorities, exposing, for example, women accessing reproductive health care and LGBTQI people to risks of criminalization, and at times, leading to unjustified denial of health care coverage. The rollout of digital public infrastructure, including digital identity systems and payment platforms, can facilitate inclusion, but also poses risks of exclusion, surveillance, and rights violations. underscoring the need for inclusive design, robust safeguards, and alternatives for those who are unable to access digital systems. The report highlights that the threats to right to privacy and other human rights link to a vast array of surveillance activities carried out by states and businesses. This includes data collection practices in so-called smart cities, And the monitoring of online spaces amassing enormous amounts of data that can be used for legitimate purposes, but also for illegitimate ones, such as surveillance that can be abused for racial profiling and to identify and track people for discriminatory purposes. In online spaces, data-driven engagement-focused content curation and moderation can amplify hate speech and discriminatory content. At the same time, automated content moderation tools can be biased against the very groups they intend to protect. These examples reflect broader patterns of structural discrimination embedded in the design, deployment, and use of data-driven technologies. They reflect common challenges, including, first, bias in system design stemming from flawed assumptions, incomplete or non-representative data, and the use of proxies that correlate with protected characteristics. Second, lack of transparency and accountability, relating both to and private actors to provide adequate information about their data-driven projects, services, and tools, but also to the complexity of the data environment in which the output of machine learning systems is often difficult or impossible to explain. Third, the scalability of data-driven tools can dramatically increase the negative effects of even small error rates and bias. The problems ingrained in such systems can affect hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people. Fourth, the use of inferences and predictions where seemingly innocuous data is used to draw conclusions about sensitive personal traits and can have serious implications for rights and freedoms. Fifth, human structure and institutional bias, which reflects deep-seated human assumptions and prejudices, often perpetuating historical injustices. And sixth, the role of the private sector, which dominates technological development, but often lacks adequate safeguards, transparency, and accountability. The report calls for stronger regulation and oversight, especially in contexts where states rely on private actors for public services. Underlying these six challenges is the fact that digital divides limit access to technologies and exacerbate inequalities. Nearly one third of the world's population remains offline. Digital applications are often developed targeting wealthier regions and audiences so that they don't serve those most in need. The dominance of certain languages in digital service and projects is another aspect of the digital gap. Against this backdrop, the report offers a comprehensive set of recommendations to states, businesses, and other stakeholders. It calls for, first, establishment of regulatory frameworks that comprehensively address discrimination and inequality in the context of data collection and processing, including dedicated legislation on data privacy, protection, freedom of information, anti-discrimination, artificial intelligence, and sectoral regulations. governing both public authorities and private sector. Second, states should ensure that they only use data-driven tools in full compliance with international human rights law. Third, states and businesses should conduct human rights due diligence throughout the lifecycle of data-driven systems that they design and deploy, with a particular focus on discriminatory and other impacts of such systems. Fourth, the need to increase transparency of use of data-driven automated decision-making systems, including by adequately informing the public and affected individuals, enabling independent and external auditing of such systems, and consistently monitoring such systems and their impact. The report also stresses the importance of strengthening access to remedies and calls for systematic measures to identify, prevent, and mitigate bias in data and algorithmic systems. Excellencies, The findings of this report are sobering. They show that discrimination and inequality in the digital age are not peripheral issues. They are central challenges to the realization of human rights. If left unaddressed, they threaten to undermine democratic governance, social cohesion, and the realization of human rights for us all. But the report also offers a path forward. Technological innovation can help us overcome challenges if anchored in human rights. Data-driven systems must serve people, not the other way around. Let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to equality, dignity, and justice in the digital age. Let us ensure that the right to privacy is not a privilege for the few, but a reality for us all. Thank you.

Thank you. Excellencies, distinguished participants, I invite interested delegations to ask questions and make comments on the report. I give the floor to Sweden on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Vice-President. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States. We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for its report. The Nordic-Baltic States believe that technology must have a human-centric approach and fully respect international human rights law. This applies equally to the collection and analysis of personal data. Data collection must not discriminate against any individual or group on any ground. Intractable risks of data collection and processing are not merely technical, but political. The potential for state surveillance, the systemic exclusion of persons belonging to marginalized groups, and violations of human rights are among those. Safeguarding the right to privacy and other human rights in a digital environment requires that users retain meaningful control over their own data. The possibility to opt out must be guaranteed. Safeguards must be developed to uphold the individual's right vis-a-vis data holders. Effective remedies are essential to ensure accountability. Openness, transparency, and human oversight mechanisms need to be built into the systems. So, Director, can you share some best practices of human rights compliant risk monitoring and management systems which ensure reliable, accurate and representative data? Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Germany on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. This is a statement on behalf of the core group on the right to privacy, Brazil, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Germany. We welcome the OHCHR's report mandated by our last resolution and will take its conclusions and recommendations into consideration when preparing the next iteration of this resolution next year. As the report points out, the increasing reliance on data-driven technologies is creating significant transformations changing economies, political environments, and cultures. They are causing new and complex challenges, including to the enjoyment of the right to privacy. We note growing concerns, for example, regarding the use of AI in mass collection of data, regarding the rights of the child in the digital environment, or regarding the processing of personal data by social media platforms. In a digital world that is developing ever faster, the importance of protecting the right to privacy online and offline is increasing, making it all the more necessary to pool efforts and take even more concrete action to strengthen this right. Ms. Hicks, what would you consider to be the challenges to the right to privacy that need to be addressed most urgently, also to regain trust in digital technologies and to overcome inequalities? Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to European Union.

Madam Vice President, the European Union thanks the Office of the High Commissioner for its report. New technologies must be anchored in international human rights law and standards, including the right to privacy. In that respect, the Global Digital Compact makes clear that the collection, sharing, and processing of data, including in AI systems, may amplify risks in the absence of effective personal data protection and privacy norm. The EU indeed considers that digital transformation, data collection, and data processing may expose individuals, including those in a vulnerable situation, to arbitrary surveillance, censorship, and discrimination. Data protection is a fundamental right in the EU, enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and we have developed robust legislation over the years to uphold the right to privacy, such as the GDPR, the Digital Services Act, and the EU AI Act. Finally, the Data Governance Act and the Data Act empower individuals and organizations with greater control over their data. Human rights safeguards and strong data protection frameworks are needed to prevent the misuse of personal data. We advocate for global standards that prioritize users' right to privacy, yet facilitate data flows that support innovation, trust, and sustainable development. This can only be achieved through a multi-stakeholder approach. Madam Director, what are the main hurdles to the development of human rights guardrails for the development of data-driven technologies?

I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Liechtenstein.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

We thank the High Commissioner for the presentation of this valuable report on the unequal enjoyment of the right to privacy associated with the collection and processing of data. In the era of big data and innovation, we have become increasingly reliant on new and emerging technologies. Despite their ability to do good for humanity, we must be wary of their potential danger to human rights. The collection and processing of large data sets can easily be misused to violate the right of privacy to millions. In law enforcement, health, and social services, it can lead to the reinforcement of discriminatory biases against minorities. This is why we must act with urgency to identify and target the greatest threats posed by big data to human rights. With the rapid expansion of data-driven technologies into all spheres of life, this need for action has become even more pressing. States must establish regulatory frameworks that enshrine human rights into every application of data collection and processing.

Personal data needs to be protected from corporate abuse, and any digital public infrastructure needs to be designed in ways that uphold the right to privacy.

Both businesses and governments have a duty to conduct human rights due diligence throughout the life cycle of the data-driven systems they employ. Let us ensure collectively that big data and technology remain unequivocal forces for good in the future. I thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you. I give the floor to Afghanistan.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

We welcome the report of the UNHCR.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban surveillance of communications and social media is being used to suppress dissent and to target women.

Journalists, human rights defenders, and minorities.

Online spaces, which, when provided, avenues for activism and visibility, particularly for women, now expose people to reprisals.

And further erosion from public life.

Biometric and digital identity systems left behind by previous government have been seized by the Taliban. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have warned that this mass surveillance places countless people of Afghanistan and their families at the direct risk of persecution. Madam Vice President.

Our situation is increasingly dire.

Just yesterday, the Taliban implemented a new decree cutting internet access, further.

Severely restricting citizens' access to education, the right to media freedom, and the.

Ability of the people of Afghanistan to connect with the rest of the world.

This digital blackout is yet another tool of control designed to isolate the people of Afghanistan and silence their voices. We urge this Council and its.

Special procedure to monitor and report on digital surveillance in Afghanistan and to consider safeguards for Afghanistan's activists abroad.

I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Chechia.

Honourable Vice-President, we thank the OHCHR for its report. As a country standing firmly behind a human rights-based and human-centric approach to technologies, we believe that setting healthy boundaries to the AI systems is the only way to reap full technological benefits. In today's rapidly expanding and often unregulated digital landscape, significant human rights and ethical challenges linked to data breaches arise. The right to privacy does not stand in isolation. Individuals whose personal data have been compromised may hesitate to exercise their other rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression. Moreover, some states deliberately deploy digital technologies that facilitate intrusive surveillance, eroding the very foundations of human rights and democratic accountability. Czechia concurs with the OHCHR recommendations, mainly as regards the prevention against abuse of the public digital infrastructure. The Czech Republic is proud to introduce a resolution in UNGA Third Committee on Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the context of digital technologies. where the right to privacy will feature high. Madam Director, what is the most urgent action to prevent multiplying attacks on the right to privacy? Thank you.

Thank you. The list of speakers is now closed. I give the floor to Costa Rica.

Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. We'd like the special rapporteur for the report, the right to privacy is strong. strongly enshrined in international human rights law, and in light of technological progress, it is necessary to strengthen all human rights. Costa Rica has been strengthening its own legal framework related to digitalization and not divulging personal information and managing those organizations that deal with personal data. An independent agency supervises the compliance with these laws, and this way we try to improve transparency, accountability, and being in line with international standards, and we made significant steps to reduce the digital gap and digital divide and combat cyber attacks. Costa Rica expressed its strong concerns at the algorithmic discrimination that affects privacy and exacerbates discrimination. We also see that the prevalence of a few languages creates difficulties in access to the internet for people. Costa Rica reiterates that all technologies based on data should be based on human rights and the right to privacy through measures that guarantee transparency, accountability, and effective resources to ensure that all persons can benefit from technological progress in a free manner. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. The Kingdom of the Netherlands thanks the Office for the presentation of the report. Ms. Hicks, we are alarmed by the clear evidence the report confronts us with. It shows how data-driven technologies, if left unchecked, perpetuate discrimination and undermine the enjoyment of the right to privacy. This not only infringes upon the human rights of individuals, but it deepens existing inequalities, fosters exclusion, and deprives individuals, regions, and communities of equal protection and participation in the digital age. We share your concern that innovation must not come at the expense of human rights. States and private sector actors must ensure that data-driven technologies are developed and deployed in full compliance with international human rights law. Human rights should not only be the guardrails of new and emerging technologies, but the blueprint on which they are built. We therefore welcome the report's recommendations that strong regulatory frameworks, enforcement capacities, and effective oversight should be established. Ms. Hicks, the report underlines the need for sustained, comprehensive, whole-of-society efforts. Yet too often, initiatives remain fragmented, pursued in isolation, and lacking coordination. How, in your view, can we most effectively break down these silos and foster this comprehensive, whole-of-society approach? Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Rwanda? It seems Rwanda is absent. I give the floor to Georgia.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. At the outset, I would like to thank the OHC HR for the comprehensive report, the government attaches particular importance to safeguarding the right to privacy in Georgia and remains committed to upholding international human rights standards in alignment with the European Union's data protection framework. In this regard, let me stress that the law of Georgia on personal data protection safeguards the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals by establishing six fundamental principles governing data processing. It is worth mentioning that the above-mentioned law also introduced an additional safeguard. Personal data must be processed in a way that does not infringe upon the dignity of the data subject. Moreover, Georgia law establishes comprehensive rights for data subjects that are especially important for protecting minorities, marginalized communities, and individuals at risks of social or economic exclusion. In order to strengthen trust and help prevent discriminatory misuse of data, controllers and processors are subject to extensive obligations, including transparency, accountability, data breach notification, privacy by design by default, impact assessments, and the appointment of the data protection officers or representatives. We reaffirm commitment to ensure that challenges and risks associated with discrimination and unequal enjoyment of the right to privacy are effectively addressed both at national and international levels.

I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Algeria.

Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. We would like to thank the High Commissioner for the report. also agree that it is necessary to protect human rights when we develop artificial intelligence, something that requires the appropriate legal framework that preserves the right to privacy for all. Our Constitution guarantees this right, especially the right to privacy and the protection of individuals and their personal Law 1807 was adopted to preserve the rights of all citizens to privacy. Data processing is carried out with full respect. of the dignity and privacy of the concerned persons, and data collection is only carried out for legal reasons. Our national authorities ensure the full application of the law, and our independent body receives complaints related to the violation of privacy and data processing. Argentine law punishes all attacks on privacy, whether deliberate or not deliberate. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Chile.

Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. I would like to thank the High Commissioner for the report that includes very important elements that deal with current challenges. related to the digital transformation, and also equality and protection of private lives. Chile supports the development of emerging technologies that places humans at the center. The focus on protection of privacy helps us overcome structural divides that prevent historically marginalized groups from enjoying rights. At the same time, Chile urge the need to protect personal data, privacies, and the of communications based on legal framework related to the need to protect certain groups of the population, especially human rights defenders and journalists, especially in the face of transborder oppression. believe that due diligence processes will help mitigate and repair the negative impact related to the use of private data in line with the guidelines on business and human rights. Also, transparency, explainability should guide all the entire life cycle of systems of AI, together with impact on human rights, human supervision, and accountability. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to UNICEF.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. UNICEF welcomes the High Commissioner's report. We commend the attention given to the profound human rights challenges arising from rapidly evolving technologies. Yet we stress that children, who are among the most affected, too often remain invisible in this debate. Children's data requires distinct protection as children are uniquely vulnerable. Their understanding of risks evolves and consent alone cannot ensure safety. Emerging technologies such as generative AI, biometric tracking, smart toys, and algorithmic profiling amplify existing risks. Social media and digital services in education, health, and finance often feature data sharing practices that violate children's rights to privacy due to weak transparency, low default protections, and limited mechanisms for children or guardians to challenge misuse. UNICEF urges states to enshrine children's rights to privacy in legal frameworks, while respecting their full range of human rights. Laws and regulations should be grounded in the best interests of the child and respect children's evolving capacities. States should ensure data governance regimes uphold transparency, data minimization, high privacy defaults, and robust oversight. We also encourage states to require child rights impact assessments for new technologies, strengthen accountability for data set creators and platforms, and enable meaningful participation of children in shaping the policies that affect their digital lives. Children's right to privacy is not peripheral. It is foundational to dignity, autonomy, and equality in the digital future. States must act now to close the gap between rights and practice. We stand ready to support. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Burkina Faso.

Madame Vice President, my delegation congratulates the Office of the High Commissioner on the excellent quality of the report. With the help of digitalization, the protection of human rights is a major challenge, and the absence of relevant guarantees in the processing of personal data may lead to discrimination and inequalities. especially related to vulnerable groups. In the face of this challenge, Burkina Faso adopted Law 001/2021, 30 March 2021, related to the protection of individuals related to the use of their personal data. The law establishes strict rules for the data treatment and processing. As the independent administrative body, a special authority is protecting the fundamental freedoms and rights of individuals during data processing. The Digitalization Commission may also receive complaints from citizens and punish abuses. The organization also carries out public awareness campaigns amongst the public at large and especially local administrations. In conclusion, Burkina Faso would like to express its determination to step up and continue its effort to ensure the protection of privacy and personal data. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Togo.

Madame Vice President, the Togolese delegation would like to thank the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for its report on the right to privacy in the digital age. We share the concern raised in the report, particularly with regard to the breach of personal data through intrusive technologies and the risk of further discrimination through digital tools. It is our view that states and companies need personnel to provide adequate service to populations and customers. Togo remains committed to the protection of privacy and welcomes the relevant recommendations that the Office of the High Commissioner is proposing. My country adopted in 2019 a law regulating the collection, processing, transmission, storage, and use of personal data applicable to all sectors, including online. My delegation also believes that more action should be taken at the global, regional, and national level in order to reduce the digital divide while strengthening the accountability of companies manufacturing these technologies as well as that of users with regard to protection of personal data. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Kenya.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Kenya thanks the Office of the High Commissioner for this inclusive and timely report on the critical nexus between discrimination and the right of privacy in the digital age. The findings demand urgent, decisive action to ensure digital technologies uplift human dignity rather than entrench systemic biases and exclusion. The report underscores issues that resonate deeply with our national experience, including the prevalence of discriminatory algorithms used in law enforcement, migration management, social protection, and health services. As Kenya accelerates digital transformation initiatives such as digital identity systems, e-welfare programs, and digital health services, we remain committed to ensuring that these tools uphold human dignity, equality, and fundamental rights. In this regard, the right to privacy is a constitutional foundational pillar, enshrined in Article 31 and further protected by the Data Protection Act of 2019. This legal framework provides essential tools to confront digital era challenges. However, emerging legislation such as Kenya Information and Communications Amendment Bill reminds us of the delicate balance required between security and privacy. and fundamental freedoms. We are actively engaging stakeholders to safeguard against overreach, surveillance excess, and digital exclusion that would undermine constitutional guarantees. Kenya welcomes the report, an emphasis on business enterprises, and the need for states to prevent rights infringements. We also state the urgent need to bridge digital divides.

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Malawi.

Madam Vice President, Malawi welcomes the report and thanks the High Commissioner for the timely discussion of the challenges and risks related to discrimination and unequal enjoyment of the right to privacy associated with the collection and processing of personal data. The fundamental right to privacy is guaranteed in the constitution of Malawi and is only limited when it's prescribed by law, reasonable, recognized by international human rights standards, and necessary in an open and democratic society. The Data Protection Act of 2024 designates the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority as the data protection authority responsible for regulating the processing of personal data as prescribed in the act and overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the act. Malawi is in the process of drafting its national action plan for the implementation and operationalization of the guiding principles on business and human rights, with data protection as one of the focus areas. Malawi takes note of the recommendations and will engage the High Commissioner for further insights towards implementation. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Egypt.

The delegation of Egypt takes note of the report presented by the OHCHR and the recommendations. Our constitution and national legislative framework and the personal data protection law issued in 2020 guarantees a range of relevant rights. In this context, we stress that advances in AI and its applications, and despite the great opportunities they offer, must be accompanied by responsibility and adherence to human values. To this end, we launched the National AI Strategy 2021 and the Egyptian Charter for Responsible AI in 2023, with due regard for transparency, privacy protection, non-discrimination, and equality. highlight the importance of making sure that digital technologies do not become tools that deepen discrimination and inequality. We also ask how can the international community develop practical tools to ensure that AI do not contribute to the escalation of hate speech. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Russian Federation.

The OJCIR report. We agree with the conclusions contained in the text that tools based on personal data should be used in full compliance with norms of international law, including those related to respect for the right to privacy, equality, and effective legal remedies without any discrimination. Any restrictions on human rights must comply with the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality. We also share the view that access to public services, including social benefits, healthcare, and basic education, should depend not only on digital face identification, but also provide alternative means to it. The introduction of the latest technology is becoming the basis of the global process of the digitalization of all spheres of life and opens up wide opportunities for improving the quality of life of people. At the same time, the use of innovative technologies does not exclude the emergence of qualitatively new abuses in this area and related violations of the rights and legitimate interests of citizens. In this regard, we proceed from the fact that central role in organizing the storage and processing of personal data belongs to the state, the only entity that is able to establish and ensure their effective protection. At the same time, access to personal information should be carried out only in strict accordance with the law. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Sudan.

Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. We have carefully studied the report on the right to privacy. We support the recommendations that invite states to strengthen the legislative frameworks related to privacy and build capacities to combat cybercrimes and guarantee sustainable technological services. Technology facilitates certain activities, but we also have to deal with such threats as harassment online. The Sudanese law defends the right to privacy, and it's possible to use technologies without the violations of any rights related to privacy. Any violation of the right to privacy is punished by the law. We protect the private lives of our citizens under the relevant law from 2007. And we also have a special prosecutor's office dealing with cyber crimes to consider different complaints and ensure remedies. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Cambodia.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. My delegation thanks the High Commissioner for the report. The Kingdom of Cambodia views the protection of personal data not merely as a technical imperative, but as a moral and legal obligation intrinsic to the respect for human dignity. In recognition of the profound implications of data governance for individual dignity and national development, Cambodia has undertaken significant legislative initiative to safeguard the right to privacy in accordance with the Article 40 of our Constitution and our evolving national legal framework. In July 2025, the Royal Government introduced the draft law on personal data protection, a comprehensive legal framework designed to regulate the collection, processing, and transfer of personal data, which reflects Cambodia's aspiration to align with international human rights standards while maintaining national security and public order. The proposed legislation enshrines the principle of lawfulness, fairness, and transparency. It establishes clear legal basis for data processing, prohibits the unauthorized handling of sensitive personal information, and affirms the rights of individuals to access, rectify, and erase their data. Cambodia remains steadfast in its commitment to constructive dialogue and international cooperation. We welcome the opportunity to engage with member states, civil society, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that our digital future is inclusive, rights-based, and.

Prospecting.

Thank you. I give the floor to India.

Madam Vice President, we take note of the OHCHR report on privacy. India is committed to inclusive use of digital technologies for achieving our goal of inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development, leading to digital transformation of India. We are committed to development and use of digital and other emerging technologies that yield tangible benefits for society, developed through a multi-stakeholder approach that is adaptive, dynamic, and aligned with universal values, including respect for freedom of expression and privacy. With the aim to establish a comprehensive legal framework to govern digital personal data protection, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act was enacted in India in 2023. This law provides for the processing of digital personal data in a manner that recognizes both the right of individuals to protect their personal data and the need to process such personal data for lawful purposes. Madam Vice President, privacy is a core element of an individual's life. India fully recognizes and respects the right to privacy as an essential element of the right to life, guaranteed as a fundamental right under our constitution. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Armenia.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. Armenia thanks the High Commissioner for exploring the challenges and risks related to discrimination and unequal enjoyment of the right to privacy in the context of data collection and processing. We share the conviction that the right to privacy must be guaranteed for all, equally and without discrimination, particularly in light of the rapid digitization of both public and private sectors. Armenia is committed to safeguard personal data and prevent discriminatory practices in data use. The right to privacy is enshrined in our constitution. The law on the protection of personal data, adopted in 2015 and amended in 2023, establishes the principles of lawful, fair, and transparent processing in personal data. Armenia has also ratified the Council of Europe's Convention 108+ and continues harmonizing its legal framework with international and regional standards on data protection. We recognize that digital technologies, while for public safety and crime pre prevention must be deployed responsibly to avoid inequalities and protect vulnerable groups. We acknowledge the importance of enhancing transparency and developing stronger safeguards for biometric data and other emerging technologies. Armenia recently joined Freedom Online Coalition and strives to contribute positively to the work of this important platform for knowledge sharing and generating rights-respecting approaches to digital services and governance. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Iraq.

Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. We would like to thank the Office of the High Commissioner for the efforts with a view of preparing this report in line with resolution 2154 of the Council. The report reports on the violation of Article 10 of the Covenant on Political and Civil Rights and also violation of Article 26 related to equality before the law. This is a warning against the risks posed by emerging technologies and also a warning related to their impact on human rights. We're facing a phenomenon of direct and direct discrimination provoked by algorithms that undermine the application of the law, social services, health services. We see that the error rate reaches 70 percent and this includes biometrical face recognition. And these are very dangerous developments that aggravate inequalities, and this is why it is necessary to ensure that treaty bodies and mandate holders deal with these issues in order for them to reflect on these matters and to deal with these dangerous phenomenon. We will state once again that the recommendations contained in the report are extremely important.

China.

Thank you, Vice President. China has noted that the High Commissioner's report focuses on cutting-edge aspects for the protection of the right to privacy. The right to privacy is an important human right. The Chinese government attaches great importance to it and protects it by law. In the digital age, China's law regarding personal data and privacy's protection is constantly improving, forming a legal guarantee system based on data security law. the Personal Information Protection Law and the Civil Code, comprehensively and systematically protecting privacy and dignity of citizens. Last July, the World AI Congress and the High-Level Meeting on Global Governance were held in Shanghai, and the Global AI Governance Action Plan was released. clearly stating that we must actively promote the supply of quality data, actively protect individual privacy and data security, diversify artificial intelligence data sets, eliminate discrimination and prejudice, and promote, protect, and preserve the artificial intelligence ecosystem to ensure the diversity of human civilization. China is ready to work with all parties and to pay active attention to regulatory issues on AI technologies so as to ensure a balance between technology innovation and protection of private right. Thank you.

Floor to Cuba.

Vice President, Cuba reiterates the right to privacy as an essential component for human dignity and a fundamental pillar for the full enjoyment of all rights. In the digital age, this right is facing growing threats arising from indiscriminate use of technologies, mass surveillance, and the trading in personal data. The report highlights that digitization, far from just bridging gaps, can heighten structural inequalities if it is not regulated with a human rights approach. Gathering and processing data through automated systems has shown to reproduce gender, sex, and socioeconomic biases, particularly affecting the most vulnerable sectors. Cuba, in 2022, adopted a personal data protection law, which recognizes every person's right to have access to, modify, and remove their data, and it has safeguards against unauthorized use. Cuba rejects the use of digital technologies for espionage and meddling in sovereign political matters. The defense of privacy in the digital realm goes hand in hand with equality, inclusion, social justice. Cuba shall continue to call for an ethical, democratic digital order, one that is person-focused. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Islamic Republic of Iran.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem. Madam Vice President, discrimination and inequality arising from data collection and processing are A striking example is the wrongful arrest of black individuals due to erroneous facial recognition technologies. In today's data-driven society, data practices increasingly infringe upon the fundamental rights to informational privacy and decision-making autonomy. Both businesses and governments bear a responsibility to respect and protect human rights. The discriminatory consequence of digitalization presented profound challenges, particularly as misuse of data, including contact lists, geological data, and messaging histories have been documented even in the context of armed conflict. Madam Vice President, in many Western countries, biometric recognition systems have demonstrated a currency deficiency that persists despite attempted mitigation by developers. Moreover, such technologies have been deployed to monitor peaceful protesters and political dissidents, resulting in discrimination based on political opinion. Furthermore, in Western countries, immigration management infrastructures are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence, automated decision-making systems, and predictive analysis. While these technologies are often justified as tools for border detention or risk assessment, their deployment can produce adverse consequences for migrants, including highlighting survivors.

I give the floor to Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Thank you, Vice President. We appreciate the presentation of the report that addresses the risks and challenges linked to discrimination and the unequal enjoyment of the right to privacy associated with the collection and processing of data. We value its conclusions and recommendations. Our constitution establishes an essential link between equality and non-discrimination and security personal data. In its 48th articles, it guarantees secrecy and the inviolability of private communications, allowing their interception only under court order. And Article 19 compels the state to ensure, without any discrimination, the progressive enjoyment of human rights. Altogether, both principles consolidate the state's duty to protect privacy and personal data equitably, without discrimination for individuals. Likewise, organic law of the Plan of the Homeland of the Seven Great Transformations constitutes a significant step forward, promoting the articulation between relevant institutions to guarantee security against cyber threats. This framework promotes not just regulation and compliance with the rules and procedures in the digital sphere, but also the implementation of education and awareness plans aimed at citizens and aimed at strengthening a culture of data protection and the prevention of vulnerabilities. To conclude, Venezuela reiterates its commitment to the protection of human rights, digital security, making progress towards a legal framework that guarantees equality, the protection of data, and the defense of the homeland, given the threats of the digital age. Thank you.

Thank you. This was the last speaker on my list. We will proceed with the list of speakers for national human rights institutions and non-government organisations. I give the floor to Article 19.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. Article 19 welcomes the report of the OHCHR, which rightly shows how data-driven technologies often reinforce historical and structural inequalities. Sensitive data deserves special protection under international human rights law as improper disclosure can profoundly intrude into the privacy, personal dignity and other fundamental freedoms of individuals. Informational self-determination and individual's right to control the access and use of such data is paramount. Governments and businesses collect, process, analyze, use, and disseminate greater amounts of sensitive personal information than ever before. So the increasing deployment of digital technologies in daily life for welfare, health, education, security, and finance. Across the world, biometric technologies are also being used to collect and process data on a mass scale, not only bringing unprecedented chilling effects on the right to freedom of expression, but risks of profiling, discrimination, and violations of the right to privacy and due process. Alarmingly, we're also seeing the increases of data-driven tools by law enforcement for a particular policing, which is inherently biased and likely to produce discriminatory outcomes. It's essential that states and businesses transparently and systematically conduct human rights due diligence throughout the life cycle of the data-driven technologies, uh, they use and to stop using sensitive data to feed into artificial intelligence systems. All data-driven technologies must meet the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality. Many will not, and as such there needs to be complete bans on their use, such as for biometric mass surveillance, emotion recognition and predictive policing. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Partners for Transparency.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Partners for Transparency thanks the High Commissioner for her reports and efforts and appreciate her particular attention to the issue of discrimination and inequality in the enjoyment of the right to privacy in the context of data collection and processing, especially amid the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence technologies. Madam Vice President, PARNAS has expressed concern regarding the report's finding on the increasing risk associated with the use of data collection and analysis technologies by public and private entities. This has resulted in clear patterns of discrimination against marginalized groups, particularly within criminal justice systems. In the United States, the use of biometric identification and facial recognition technologies has reinforced existing biases against minorities and people of African descent. Estimates indicate that facial recognition algorithms misclassify black women at rates as high as 35% while being accurate with white men, thereby increasing the likelihood of wrongful arrest against them. Moreover, law enforcement authorities use images of over 117 million individuals without their knowledge or consent in blatant violation of the right to privacy and data protection. In conclusion, Madam Vice President, partners calls on the Council to strengthen legal and ethical frameworks to ensure fair and non-discriminatory use of digital technologies. Our question to the High Commissioner is, what practical steps are proposed to ensure accountability for states and companies regarding biased AI systems? Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Youth Parliament for SDG by video.

President, serious concerns remain regarding the documented use of Israeli spyware by UAE services in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates to surveil human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society actors. These practices represent a direct assault on the right to privacy and gravely undermine freedoms of expression, association, and participation that form the counterstone of democratic dialogue and inclusive development. Such surveillance does not protect security. It silences critical voices and spreads across borders, creating an atmosphere of repression that extends far beyond national boundaries. The use of spyware against activists threatens their safety, networks, and families, while weakening the space for civil society globally. We urge the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy to pay particular attention to these cases in meetings with the UAE to highlight the role of state and private actors in enabling such violations, and to recommend and re-recommend urgent safeguards to ensure accountability, transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights in the digital age. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Midline for Human Rights, MHR, by video.

Chair, NGOs and activists, note that using surveillance mechanisms,

the interpreter apologizes, but the sound quality is not good enough to provide proper interpretation.

Elle est conçue pour faire taire la dissidence, affaiblir la société civile et étouffer les voix indépendantes. Le droit à la vie privée à l'ère numérique n'est pas un droit isolé.

Il soutient les libertés d'expression, d'association et de participation.

Lorsque des logiciels espions sont déployés contre des activistes, leur sécurité, leurs réseaux et leurs familles sont mis en danger.

Et le dialogue démocratique est sapé.

L'effet dissuasif de telles pratiques s'étend bien au-delà des frontières, menaçant l'espace civique à l'échelle mondiale. Nous appelons donc le Rapporteur spécial sur le droit à la vie privée à mettre en lumière ces cas directement dans son dialogue avec les Émirats arabes unis et à recommander des mesures concrètes pour mettre fin à l'impunité de telles pratiques. Ce Conseil doit également renforcer les mécanismes internationaux visant à réglementer les logiciels espions et à empêcher les États de sous-traiter la répression à des acteurs privés.

Je vous remercie.

Thank you. I give the floor to Privacy International by video.

Privacy International would like to make the following observations on three issues addressed in the report. Firstly, in relation to border management, we share the concerns that governments have been expanding interoperable databases permitting access to personal data, including biometric data, for a too broad range of state actors. This in the context where people crossing borders are increasingly subject to various forms of intrusive surveillance. Secondly, access to social benefits in many countries are dependent on vast processing of personal data. At every stage, automation is being built into the system, from digital identity verification to eligibility assessments. Using personal data to profile individuals and automating these processes have led to discrimination. Thirdly, Privacy International and its partners have documented abuses to the right to privacy and discriminatory outcomes related to the introduction of digital technologies in health services. For example, data exploitation practices have been used to limit women's access to reproductive health care. Modern data protection laws, if robustly enforced, offer useful protection against discriminatory outcomes. Privacy International welcomes the report's recommendations, and we would like to ask how the High Commissioner intends to assess the adequacy of national legislation aimed at addressing discrimination occurring in the context of data processing. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Humanist International by video.

Thank you, Mr. President, and we thank the High Commissioner for his report. As humanists, we believe equality, dignity, and the right to privacy are essential for human freedom. Yet, this report shows that data-driven technologies often reinforce pre-existing discrimination and inequality. Several trends seen in the report are particularly concerning, including the use of health data being used to criminalize women exercising their rights and algorithmic systems targeting minority groups through predictive policing and the denial of benefits. Minorities' voices are also silenced online while incitement and hate speech are amplified. HRDs are increasingly targeted online through laws that restrict freedom of expression, such as blasphemy laws, which are incompatible with international law, and through the misuse of counterterrorism laws. These are not bugs, but features of systems which threaten to undermine democratic participation and universal human rights. Technology must support human freedom, not restrict it. Digital innovation must be grounded in international human rights law, and we echo the report's call for transparency and accountability in the development of digital technologies and the prioritization of the right to privacy by all stakeholders.

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to China Foundation for Human Rights Development by video.

Hello. I'm Professor Xiao from Beijing, the China Foundation for Human Rights Development. In the bigger data era, personal privacy is in big trouble, like data leakers, info abuse, and behavioral tracking. Collecting and using personal data is getting more complex and hidden. Traditional laws can't handle these new problems. So, we suggest countries clear up what personal and sensitive info is. Define the data minimization principle. Improve the informed consent process.

Let users control their own data.

Governments should use reliable tech and law enforcement to supervise all platforms regularly, super, medium, or small. We need a round-the-clock complaint response system so everyone can protect their privacy equally. Also, stringent legal checks on cross-border data flows push for global privacy standards to work together. Only by strictly enforcing legal duties and teaching people can we really safeguard personal privacy.

Thank you all.

Thank you. I give the floor to Il Sena Kolo.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. With the increasing number of protests in the Tindouf camps, south of Algeria, bloggers and influencers and defenders of human rights are facing systematic violations of their life. The Algerian security agencies are using the new technologies in order to increase surveillance on activists, defenders of human rights and influencers to increase spying, surveillance and violating their private life for the sake of blackmailing them. The Polisario militias that enjoy impunity, are surveilling all those who are against them and confiscate their mobile phones, laptops, without any legal justification. They confiscate their family pictures and try to fabricate some videos that are immoral and spread them and broadcast them on some social platforms that are managed by very well-known leaders of the police. That's why we would like to ask you, Mr. Special Rapporteur, to interfere in order to protect bloggers, influencers, and human rights defenders from all practices that are violating the president is interrupting.

Voluntary disappearance.

Madam Vice-President, On behalf of 15 organizations, I thank the OHCHR for its report, which reaffirms how the violation of the right to privacy is a gateway to the violation of other human rights. These include the rights against arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, extrajudicial killing, and enforced disappearance. Victims of these violations, especially HRDs, are almost invariably initially surveilled, providing perpetrators with information on when, where, and how it would be best for them to strike. In the digital age, violating the right to privacy has become exponentially more sophisticated. Last year, on August 28, environmental defender Felix Salaveria Jr. was forcibly disappeared. Witnesses state that Felix was being surveilled months before by entities identifying themselves as military personnel. There were also reports of a drone flying around his house prior to his disappearance. This is just one case out of countless others and highlights the imperative of having mechanisms in place to guarantee the protection of HRDs. In the Philippines, there are HRD protection bills pending before Congress, which provide for the protection of the right to privacy, not only of HRDs, but of their organizations. These have been filed in previous Congresses and approved twice on final reading at the House of Representatives, but lamentably did not see any movement in the Senate. We earnestly request the Human Rights Council to urge the Philippine government to urgently enact the HRD protection bill into law. Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you. I give the floor to International Institute for Human Rights Development by video.

President, we reiterate our concerns about the outcome of Abu Dhabi Secrets, the case involving the UAE and the firm Al Services in deploying Israeli spyware like Pegasus in 18 European countries. Testimonies from human rights experts, civil society actors and journalists reveal cross-border surveillance operations that are about silencing and defaming dissent, shrinking civic space and spreading fear far beyond national borders. This privatization of repression, outsourcing surveillance to mercenary intelligence firms, represents a serious threat to international law and to the foundations of digital trust. The right to privacy in the digital age is integral and interdependent to all other rights. When spyware is deployed, safety, families, jobs, and reputations are placed in danger. Freedoms of expression, association, and participation are also systemically undermined. We therefore urge the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy to highlight this case in direct engagement with the UAE. And we also call on the United Nations to establish clear international norms and accountability pathways to end the impunity of spyware.

Thank you.

Thank you. This was the last speaker we could accommodate at this meeting. I now give the floor for the concluding remarks. Madam, you have three minutes.

Thank you very much. Thanks to all for your contributions to the debate, which have really informed us and which we will take forward. Picking up some of the key points that were raised, one of the questions was what is the most urgent action that we need. I want to stress the importance of the state role here, because it relates not just to what states can do for themselves but also to what they need to do with regard to the private sector, which is one of the key themes in the report. The first and most important thing is the thing that we have heard, which is that we need the proper regulatory frameworks, including fundamentally data protection and privacy laws that are workable at the national level. But beyond that, states can do much more in order to ensure a better environment here. For example, by mandatory human rights due diligence and really pushing their role within the UN guiding principles, which means that they have to protect against abuses that states can, that companies can be involved in. They can also, states can also really look at their own practices, make sure that they are using good data practices and modeling the behavior that we want to see elsewhere. And finally, I think we need to think more about what it means to encourage a race to the top for companies. What are the incentives for companies to actually do better on the data side of this stage? There's a lot on the stick side, but we need more on the carrot side where we recognize companies that are doing things in a good way as well. There was also a question about what are the hurdles that we see as most important to making the progress we need in this area, and I'll mention four. The first, and one that I think comes through very strongly today, is a false dichotomy between the need for innovation and the possibility of guardrails and risk management. The reality is that innovation is only successful if it's innovation that actually takes into account human rights and the need for guardrails. And so successful innovation is what we're looking for, in which risks are managed, and people and the tools that we're developing actually serve the people they're designed to. The second is the information that we talked about around the digital divide. The problem is because of that multidimensional digital divide that the report mentions, the reality is that risk management doesn't happen the way that it should because we're not looking at the potential impacts of tools, for example, in places where they speak different languages or where there are different contextual contexts for a variety of reasons in terms of the legal, cultural, or other constraints. So we need the digital divide to be closed. The third is around the bias and discrimination that we've heard. This is a problem that we know about. It's been very well documented, yet what has been done about it? To me, there's a real complacency around, okay, we'll roll out tools that have some discriminatory built in, discrimination built in. But we need to really get beyond that complacency and push for both companies and governments to regulate this more in a way that takes that into account. And fourth, one of the big problems we have here is that governments, states, even companies are trying to do the right thing. But the problem is that this area is developing so quickly that the measures that are being taken just aren't keeping up with what's happening. And that means we need to innovate as well in terms of how we address of these challenges. We need measures that are flexible and that can evolve. It's not a one-time stop shop where you develop legislation and you quit there. You have to be willing to really look forward and be able to iterate as you go forward. And we look to all of you to think about that in the context of the upcoming WSIS+20 review, the global dialogue on AI, and we're hoping, of course, that the independent international scientific panel on AI will take that into account. I also wanted to address one other point, which is around the whole of society approaches and breakdown in silos, which was asked. One of the things we need here is to really believe that this is an important part of what we're doing and invest in it and devote the time and resources necessary. That means breaking down barriers in areas like technical standard setting, which we've been working on with our partner ITU, and having much greater transparency in value and remedy chains. There are best practices here, for example, institutions to monitor the use of AI public sector, as has been done in Chile. Finally, I'll just point out that our office is really engaging to try to address all these issues. We have the Human Rights Digital Advisory Service that we're trying to roll out, which is mentioned in the Global Digital Compact, as well as our B-Check project, which takes on the company side. So we're looking forward to working with you on all of that. Thank you.

Thank you. This is the end of the interactive dialogue. Excellencies, distinguished participants, We now take a short technical break before proceeding with the presentation of reports and the general debate under agenda item three. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we will now proceed with the presentation of the report of the Working Group on the Right to Development. I have the honour to give the floor to Mr. Zamir Akram, Chair Rapporteur of the Working Group, who will present the report. You have seven minutes.

Thank you, Madam President, distinguished delegates. I am honored to address you in my capacity as chair rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Right to Development. The working group held its 26th session over four days from 12 to 15 May 2025 in Geneva. Due to budgetary constraints, the session had to be reduced by one day. The session was opened by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Turk, who highlighted the global crisis facing the world, from conflicts and climate chaos to soaring inequalities and debt distress. He noted that while humanitarian crises capture headlines, the world's poorest people are falling further behind. The High Commissioner warned that the right to development would remain a distant dream for billions of people unless we achieved a fundamental shift in global priorities. He stressed that the right to development is unique and essential to this shift, because it explicitly recognizes the interconnectedness of individuals, communities, and countries. He urged member states to embed human rights, including the right to development, as a guiding principle in national laws and policies and in global agreements. Besides general statements by member states and other participants, the working group held a combined interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur and the Chair of the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development. Last year, the working group recommended convening an interactive dialogue with experts aimed at addressing the divergent views expressed in the working group. It also recommended continuing engagement with the subsidiary bodies and treaty bodies of the Human Rights Council with a view to mainstreaming the right to development in their work. In line with these recommendations, the 26th session included an interactive dialogue with subsidiary mechanisms of the Human Rights Council and treaty bodies on the theme of children, future generations, and development. A member of the Committee on the Rights of the Child and the Special Rapporteur on the right to development, along with other independent experts and practitioners, contributed to this important discussion. The working group also held four interactive dialogues with experts aimed at addressing divergent views expressed in the group. These dialogues focused on, one, the debt crisis and the right to development; Two, the right to development as a right of peoples, the collective dimension of the right of development. Three, coercive measures and the right to development. And four, illicit financial flows and repatriation of funds of illicit origin. Over 20 invited experts offered their perspectives, generating considerable discussion and valuable feedback from delegations. The working group also adopted its conclusions and recommendations by consensus. Madam President, the working group recommends that it continue to convene an interactive dialogue with relevant experts aimed at addressing divergent views expressed in the working group. It also recommends that the Human Rights Council should consider dedicating the next biennial panel discussion on the right to development to be held in 2026 to be the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development. The Working Group moreover recommends that it consider the possibility of convening intersessional meetings across various geographical regions to benefit from diverse perspectives and unique regional challenges, and that it holds thematic discussions, inter alia, on the impact of emerging technologies and digitalization on the right to development, harnessing technology to bridge divides, empowering women and girls and persons in vulnerable situations, and countering disinformation and other new and emerging issues. Finally, Madam President, the Working Group recommends that the High Commissioner include in his next report on the right to development and analysis of existing practices and the challenges and obstacles to the realization of the right to development, including unilateral coercive measures, the non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin, and the impact of the debt crisis, with recommendations on how to overcome them and specific proposals for supporting the Working Group in fulfilling its mandate. In conclusion, I would like to thank all delegations for their trust and confidence reposed in me and for their active participation in the work of the Working Group, and to the Council as well as the Office of the High Commissioner for their sustained support. I thank you.

Thank you. We will now proceed with the presentation of the report of the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group to elaborate the content of an international regulatory framework without prejudging the nature thereof relating to the activities of private military and security companies. I have the honor to give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Solisi Siso Nkosi, chair rapporteur of the working group, to present the report. You have seven minutes.

Thank you very much, Madam Vice President, and I appreciate your effort to try and pronounce my name, which is the typical Southern African click. I will, one of these days, offer to give you some lessons on how to pronounce it. And I'm sure other delegates would also be keen to join in that class. It is indeed an honor for me, excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, to present the progress report on the sixth session of the Intergovernmental Working Group to elaborate the content of an international regulatory framework without prejudging the nature thereof to protect human rights and ensure accountability for violations and abuses relating to the activities of private military and security companies. Ahead of the sixth session, which took place from 7 to 9 April 2025, The Chair-Rapporteur released the fourth draft of an international regulatory framework on the regulation, monitoring and oversight over the activities of private military and security companies. The fourth draft was at the centre of the discussion which took place during two days of informal intersessional consultations on 2 and 3 December 2024. On the basis of comments and textual suggestions received during the last session, the intersessional consultations, as well as the expert advice of the members of the group which was established at the third session to provide legal and technical advice on specific issues, the Chair delegation released a revised fourth draft which served as a basis for the discussion at the last session. The overall approach to the revised fourth draft had remained unchanged, namely to draw on past reports of the working group, existing non-binding regulatory documents such as the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers, the Montreal Document on Pertinent International Legal Obligations Relating to Private Military and Security Companies, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the draft of a possible convention on private military and security companies for consideration and action by the Human Rights Council. To adhere to the mandate of the resolution, the approach in the draft presented at the sixth session has continued to be carefully thought so as to abide by the mandate of the resolution. This has continued to translate into a format that could form the basis for either a legally or a non-legally binding outcome, with language options to reflect both approaches. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all State delegations and other stakeholders for their valuable contributions and comments, as well as concrete textual suggestions made during the last session on the revised fourth draft. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the group of legal experts We have continued to provide legal advice on some specific issues at the request of the working group. Such active engagement on the text speaks loudly to the need for this group to continue its work and to develop a draft regulatory framework that would regulate private military and security companies in an appropriate and fair manner, ensure that human rights abuses are curtailed and that victims have recourse to effective remedies, and enable States to discharge their regulatory responsibilities based on a strong international regulatory instrument. Preparations are underway gearing towards the seventh session of the working group. As per the roadmap adopted at last session, the fifth draft currently being prepared will be informed by written inputs received during and after the session, as well as from a meeting that the Chair convened last July with the legal experts to seek their input on specific issues identified collectively by the working group. The chair delegation is finalizing the text of a fifth draft instrument, which will be discussed during informal consultations scheduled to take place at the beginning of December. This fifth draft that aims to reflect progress made will contain some parts of the text on which there appear to be consensus in green color. so that the intersessional consultations can focus on outstanding issues on which consensus is still being sought. Let me conclude by assuring you of my commitment as chair rapporteur of the working group to continue working towards the much needed framework to end the abuses caused by private military and security companies and ensure accountability and remedies to victims. I thank you for your attention and support.

Thank you. Excellencies, we will now proceed with the briefing by the President of the Economic and Social Council. This briefing is held in accordance with resolution 37/25, in which the Council decided to invite the President of the Economic and Social Council to brief the Human Rights Council annually on the discussions of the High-Level Political Forum. I now have the honour to give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa for his statement by video. You have eight minutes, 45 seconds.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is both an honour and privilege to address this August gathering. At the outset, I take this opportunity to affirm the importance of deepening collaborations between the Economic and Social Council and the Human Rights Council for advancing inclusive development and human dignity. I also wish to recall Human Rights Council resolutions 37/25 of March 2018, Through that resolution, the Council decided to invite the President of ICOSAG to present each year during a regular sessions on the outcomes of the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The intent was clear to ensure that human rights and development pillars of the UN systems are integrated with particular attention to the means of implementations advance together as one integrated package. This approach recognizes that progress on one pillar reinforces the other. It is in this context that I am pleased to brief you today on the key outcomes of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum. Excellencies, this year's High-Level Political Forum carried a special weight. held just days after the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville. It built on the momentum of the Compromiso de Seville, a renewed place to align finance with sustainability and to mobilize resources at the scale of the 2030 Agenda demands. The forum was a gathering of energy and convictions. More than 6,000 participants came together, governments, civil society, youth, indigenous peoples, women's groups, scientists, business leaders. It was not only a policy forum, it was a gathering of life experience and urgency. The forum reviewed the five goals, health, gender equality, decent work, life below water, and partnerships. The message was consistent. No goal can be achieved in isolation. Health depends on equality. Equality depends on decent work. Decent work depends on protecting the planet. And all depends on strong partnership. It was also the 10th anniversary of the Voluntary National Reviews. 35 countries presented the VNRs, bringing the total to more than 400. That means over 400 stories of ambition and resilience prove that even in difficult times, countries are willing to stand up and account for their progress before the world. The ministerial declaration reform the 2030 agenda is our universal roadmap. It reaffirmed that sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace, and that SDGs seek to realize the human rights of all. Mr. President, Excellencies, the discussions also reveal the depth of the challenge. Only a third of the targets are on track. The financing gap remains vast. But the spirit of the forum was not despair. It was resolved, the resolve to act not in isolations, but in solidarity, to move from rhetoric to results, and from aspirations to impact. The call was clear, the reform, the global financial architectures, expand access in conventional finance, and harness innovations to mobilize private capital, science, technology, and innovations, especially digital tools and artificial intelligence were seen as powerful enablers, but only if governed inclusively and directed towards equity. Partnership were highlighted as indispensable across sectors, across borders, and across communities. Indigenous peoples, women, youth, and those often left behind must be recognized as leaders, not just beneficiaries. The forum underscores the need for just transitions. Workers and communities cannot be left behind as economies respond to climate change and technological shifts. It also gave special attention to least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing states, and middle-income countries. Solidarity must be both universal and tailored. And it states that the SDGs will only succeed if they take root locally. With most targets requiring actions on the ground, the agenda will be won or lost in communities, cities, and villages. Excellencies, my presidency is guided by theme, delivering better. It is about restoring trust in multilateralism, bridging divides, empowering the vulnerable, and turning commitment into actions. The focus is on five levers, transforming food systems, accelerating digital inclusion and youth entrepreneurship, advancing climate resilience, mobilizing financing for development, and commemorating 80 years of ECOSOC. Each of these priorities speaks directly to human rights, from food security to the digital divide, to protecting communities on the climate front lines. This brings me to the commemorations of the ECOSOC 80 in January 2026 and throughout the year. From its inception, ECOSOC housed the Commissions on Human Rights, the front runner of the Council. That legacy reminds us that development and human rights have always been intertwined. As we mark this milestone, we do not only look back, we recommit to ensuring that human dignity remains at the heart of multilateral actions. Colleagues, this coming year will be pivotal. With the Pact of the Futures adopted, And building on the outcome of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa, the international community has signaled its determination to strengthen multilateralism and deliver results. ECOSOC will play its part in ensuring coherence across these processes. I count on this Council to ensure that the human rights dimension remains central so that development cooperation is not only more effective, but also more just. Resolution 37/25 envisioned this dialogue as a bridge between Geneva and New York. Let us use it as such. Let us align our efforts, reinforce each other's mandates, ensure that SDGs are delivered in ways that advance both prosperity and human dignity. And let us seize ECOSOC's 80th anniversary not just to commemorate history, but to shape a future where development and human rights advance together, leaving no one behind. I thank you.

Thank you, Excellencies. distinguished participants. We will now proceed with the presentation of the thematic reports submitted by the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights and his office. It is my pleasure to give the floor to the Director of the Division of Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures, and the Right to Development of OHCHR to present the reports. You have approximately five minutes.

Thank you very much. It's my pleasure to introduce nine reports of the Secretary General and the High Commissioner to be considered under item 3 of the agenda. Due to time constraints and in the spirit of contributing to efficiency, my presentation has been substantially shortened. I'm not sure if I'll make five minutes, but I'll do my best. But the full version of the statement will be posted on the extranet. Due to the liquidity and financial crisis facing the United Nations, three reports have not been delivered at this session as initially foreseen, as the High Commissioner informed the HRC in his letter of 16 June. First, the report of the Secretary General and the High Commissioner on the right to development, which provides an overview of activities undertaken by our office to promote and realize the right to development, and an analysis of the impact of unilateral coercive measures and the non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin on the right to development, a theme I'll note has resonated in the economic, social, and cultural rights discussion this morning. The report underscores the severe and multifaceted impacts of unilateral coercive measures on human rights. States are urged to refrain from adopting measures that are not in accordance with international law and recommends robust human rights safeguards, including through human rights impact assessments. States imposing such measures should establish broad, effective humanitarian exemptions to minimize overcompliance. and facilitate the work of humanitarian actors. The report also highlights how the inability to recover and return illicit funds deprives countries of vital resources to achieve sustainable development. Report of the High Commissioner on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples provides an overview of the development and actions contributing to the promotion and full application of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The report reveals persistent systematic violations of indigenous peoples' rights, with at least 42 indigenous human rights defenders killed in 2023 across 11 countries. The report also brings to the fore the unique struggles of indigenous women and girls and the impact of environmental degradation on traditional livelihoods. The report calls on states to strengthen legal frameworks for land protection and implement robust consent mechanism for territorial projects, enhance human rights defenders protections, and ensure meaningful Indigenous participation in environmental decision making and implementation of other recommendations. The Office's update to the technical guidance on the application of a human rights-based approach to the elimination of preventable maternal mortality and morbidity underscores that this deeply alarming phenomenon remains a lethal expression of gender-based discrimination. In certain sub-Saharan African countries, women are up to 400 times more likely to die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth than women in high-income countries. These women are not dying from untreatable diseases, and their deaths are not inevitable. They are dying due to a lack of political will to address the root causes of maternal deaths by upholding women's human rights, especially the right to sexual and reproductive health and the rights of the most marginalized populations. States should address maternal mortality and morbidity with a new sense of urgency through bold systemic change and solidarity. Surviving pregnancy and birth should become a reality for all, not a privilege for few. The annual report of the Secretary General on the death penalty examines the human rights implications of the death penalty. Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia either abolished or limited the death penalty during the reporting period. The GA's 2024 resolution on a moratorium received record support of 130 states. Yet a shrinking number of retentionist states increased executions. In 2023 and '24, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia accounted for over 90% of known executions, with Iran responsible for 64%. Executions for drug-related offenses also surge. New execution methods, such as the use of nitrogen gas in the United States, raise concerns as well. The report underscores systemic discrimination in the application of the death penalty and the persistent violations of fair trial rights. States are urged to abolish the death penalty or adopt moratoriums, uphold fair trial standards, prohibit executions of juveniles and persons with disabilities, and refrain from applying it to crimes that do not involve intentional killing, such as drug-related offenses. The High Commissioner's report on the rights of the child and the violations of the human rights of children in armed conflicts outlines the legal framework protecting children in armed conflict, identifies barriers to effective protection, and offers recommendations to prevent violations, strengthen safeguards, support recovery and reintegration, and ensure accountability. The High Commissioner urges states to take urgent, coordinated, and sustained action, including, first, ratifying and implementing key legal instruments, second, embedding child protection into military policy, Third, providing timely, gender and age sensitive support. Fourth, strengthening child protection mandates and peace operations. And fifth, ensuring accountability for violations and treating children associated with armed groups primarily as victims. In addition, ensuring safe humanitarian access, supporting reintegration, and involving children meaningfully in all stages of response are essential. The High Commissioner also urged the Human Rights Council to mainstream children's rights in its work. OHCHR's study on the human rights and the social reintegration of persons released from detention and persons subjected to non-custodial measures emphasizes that reintegration is a human rights imperative. Holistic reintegration models in Austria, Costa Rica, and India demonstrate the value of coordinated evidence-based approaches. Public engagement initiatives in Singapore and Czechia, uh, show how inclusive narratives can reduce stigma. Women-led efforts in Colombia and youth-led programs in Trinidad and Tobago highlight the importance of involving formerly incarcerated persons in programs. In Zambia and Mexico, grassroots NGOs founded and led by women with lived experience are offering gender-sensitive solutions tailored to women's needs. In Australia and Canada, culturally relevant community-based strategies that empower indigenous communities and respect their legal traditions and governance are being developed. The report calls for institutionalizing a human rights-based approach to reintegration, reforming punitive practices, including the use of criminal records and fines, and expanding non-custodial measures, among other recommendations. Next, OHCHR's evaluation of the implementation of the fourth phase of the World Programme for Human Rights Education provides an overview of national efforts to advance human rights education for youth between 2020 and 2024. The report emphasizes the importance of embedding human rights education with broader sectoral approaches. This approach enables more strategic use of resources and fosters long-term sustainable impact. The report calls for increased efforts to ensure the inclusive and meaningful involvement of youth, not just as beneficiaries, as key partners and decision-makers. Human rights education and its promotion of the principles of solidarity, equality, and belonging to a community, a common humanity, is crucial to building inclusive, cohesive, and resilient societies and represents a beacon of hope for us all. OHCHR's study on human rights monitoring in the context of migration underscores the urgent need for robust, systematic, and comprehensive monitoring of human rights across all aspects of migration and border governance. Monitoring enables states to understand the human rights impacts of migration laws, policies, and practices, and it prevents harm by ensuring independent scrutiny and supports accountability for human rights violations. The report includes promising examples of integrating monitoring into migration governance, demonstrating that such integration is both achievable and instrumental in advancing effective rights-based migration governance. Key recommendations to states include integrating monitoring in legal and policy frameworks, safeguarding the independence and adequate funding of public human rights bodies, facilitating unhindered access for independent monitors, and putting in place institutional channels for follow-up findings. The study also calls for the Human Rights Council to support its efforts to strengthen independent human rights monitoring at international borders. Finally, OHCHR's report on discriminatory laws and policies, acts of violence and harmful practices against persons with innate variations in sex characteristics, as presented earlier in the session, examines human rights violations faced by intersex persons, including infanticide, violence, medically unnecessary interventions performed without consent, high levels of discrimination, and barriers to accessing justice and remedy. The report highlights promising practices by States and other stakeholders across all regions, including banning medically unnecessary interventions on children without consent, ensuring independent oversight to distinguish medically unnecessary or non-urgent interventions from interventions that are needed to preserve the life and health of the child, reviewing medical protocols, providing access to counseling and information for intersex persons and their families, and collecting data in line with human rights standards, and supporting intersex civil society organizations. The report also emphasizes the need to combat hate crimes, incitement to violence, and discrimination based on sex characteristics. Thank you for your patience.

Thank you. We will now take a short technical break before proceeding with the general debate. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we will now begin the general debate under agenda item 3. Let me remind you that requests for a right of reply will be accommodated exclusively at the end of the general debate. I would also remind all speakers to comply to the allocated speaking time, which is one minute and a half for all. As is the practice, full statements can be uploaded on the extranet. The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes. We will start with the list of members of the Council. I give the floor to Cuba on behalf of a group of countries.

Vice President, Cuba has the honor of making this joint statement on behalf of 68 countries. International solidarity is a fundamental principle of international law and a fundamental instrument to prevent and overcome global challenges. It contributes to the promotion of attaining all human rights and face national challenges in this area. It is a fundamental component to attain the right to development and the full enjoyment of economic, social, and cultural rights. International solidarity calls for specific actions and true commitment from all. We call on states, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations to include into their activities the rights of peoples to international solidarity. We underscore that the adoption by the Human Rights Council of a declaration on the right to international solidarity and its later approval by the UNGA would be a significant step towards a more fair and equal world and would strengthen cooperation for the promotion and protection of all human rights. We call on states and other relevant stakeholders to actively and constructively participate in the consultations that will take place in October, November 2025 and 2026 to adopt a declaration on the right to international solidarity. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the European Union on behalf of a group of countries.

Madame Vice-President, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Liechtenstein and Armenia align themselves with this statement. We thank the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for reports under item 3, as well as the briefing by the ECOSOC President. Closer cooperation between the HRC and bodies under the two other UN pillars is imperative for this Council to fulfill its mandate. The EU reaffirms its unequivocal opposition to the use of the death penalty in all cases and all circumstances. It is a cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment contrary to the right of life. We welcome the growing worldwide trend for its abolishment. We reiterate the importance of a human rights-based approach when developing policies to reduce preventable maternal mortality and morbidity and ensure access to sexual and reproductive health care services. We underline the contributions of and challenges faced by indigenous people, as reported by the UN human rights mechanisms, including in regards to obstacles to the enjoyment of their rights. Full realization of all human rights for all is essential to achieve inclusive and sustainable development that leaves no one behind. We remain convinced that while development contributes to the enjoyment of other human rights, the lack of development progress could never justify human rights violations. The full statement is to be found on the extranet. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Kuwait on behalf of Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.

On behalf of my country and the members of the group I represent,

the GCC, we reiterate the importance of protecting human rights. We thank the Secretary-General for the report speaking about the meeting of actors on the role of the family. We would like to point out that supporting the family and family unification is an essential part of a sustainable, safe future for all societies. With that in mind, the member states of the Cooperation Council of Arab States of the Gulf would like to express their rejection of family suffering in Gaza, and we call for an end to the genocide. We support the mediation efforts to put an end to the human rights violations. We support the role of the Arab Council. For some countries, we must look for trustworthy, credible sources to strengthen constructive cooperation. We have become aware of various reports presented on this item, and as far as we are concerned, And as regards the death penalty, we believe that this point cannot be considered without thinking about the situation of the country and the country's cultural specificities. Thank you.

I give the floor to Pakistan on behalf of Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Madam Vice President, the OIC group reaffirms its commitment to the promotion and protection of all human rights. Given resource constraints, we are gravely concerned at the risk of hollowing out the UN human rights pillar in certain areas. But every crisis can also be an opportunity. The right to development remains a master key to unlock the realization of all human rights and bring economic, social, and cultural rights at par. We urge the High Commissioner and his office to continue to prioritize this inalienable human right. Madam Vice-President, The right to self-determination remains the touchstone of our work. The long-standing denial of this inalienable right of peoples under foreign occupation has become a definitive test of the UN and this Council. In Palestine, it has led to Israel's genocide in Gaza and insatiable appetite for repression in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. It is precipitating threats and aggression against regional countries on flimsy pretexts. and in complete contravention of the UN Charter and international law. We must decide whether to allow the promise of human rights to weather in the face of rogue behavior, selective approaches, and double standards. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Italy on behalf of a group of countries.

Vice President, I am profoundly honored to deliver this statement on behalf of Cyprus, Iraq, Italy, Mexico, and the cross-regional group of additional 140 countries whose list is available online. Cultural rights are enshrined in key international human rights instruments. The CRPD reaffirms the right of persons with disabilities to participate in cultural life on an equal basis, as well as to have their own specific cultural and linguistic identity. Despite normative progress, persons with disability still face significant barriers to the enjoyment of their cultural rights. Urgent action is needed to develop solutions, including through accessible digitalization of a cultural heritage that guarantees equal access to cultural life and heritage for all persons with disabilities, including persons with intellectual disabilities and persons with psychosocial disabilities. Strengthening legal frameworks, harmonizing policies and integrating cultural rights into education are essential steps. In line with the commitment to leave no one behind, promoting the cultural rights of persons with disabilities is not merely a question of inclusion. It is fundamental to building just, resilient and equitable societies and should also be addressed in emergencies, armed conflict and post-conflict settings. This requires the active participation and leading of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes related to cultural and education policy and programming. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Algeria on behalf of Group of Arab States.

Madam Vice Chair, it is my honor to deliver the statement on behalf of the Arab Group. We insist on the importance of equality between all human rights, namely social, economic, and cultural rights, because they are one of the main pillars of the international system. We reiterate that promoting these should be based on respecting national sovereignty, cultural diversity, cultural context according to international norms and commitments. We took note of the High Commissioner's report on the right to development. It is a fundamental right. It is the foundation of achieving sustainable development. In the face of economic challenges that developing countries are facing, we insist on the need to promote collective and joint action to support this right. Our discussion today reminds us of the tragedy of the Palestinian people in Gaza under the unjust Israeli blockade. They are using the uh policy of starvation as a tool to eradicate the right to food we call for an urgent action at the international level to end the systematic starvation and to ensure the entry of humanitarian assistant in sufficient quantity by air by sea and by land we also denounce the Israeli aggression on the brotherly state of Qatar and the violations of the occupying power Israel in Gaza and in the West Bank against the Palestinian people. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Uganda, off of movement of non-aligned countries, N.A.M. Uganda. May I assume that Uganda is absent? And I move to the next speaker. I give the floor to Mongolia on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Core Group presenting the resolution on the question of the Pen of the Composites of Belgium, Benin, Costa Rica, France, Mexico, Republic of Moldova, Switzerland, and my own country, Mongolia. We thank the Secretary-General for his latest report on the question of the death penalty. We share the Secretary-General's concern about the continuation of a trend whereby an ever-diminishing number of the ratificationist countries are substantially increasing the number of executions, including for drug-related offenses. This trend runs counter to the dominant movement led by the global south to abolish the death penalty. This num- this movement is gaining momentum worldwide with legal reforms, judicial interventions, interventions and policy shifts paving the way toward a more human and just society. While the death penalty continues to be applied in some parts of the world, the human rights of persons facing the capital punishment must be respected at all time and all circumstances. There is no doubt that its abolition or even moratorium on its use contributes to the enhancement of human dignity and full respect of human rights, in particular the right of life. Together, let's continue to uphold universal respect for human rights in a world where that should no longer have.

I give the floor to Belgium on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

I deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends on Children and Armed Conflict, co-chaired by Uruguay and Belgium. We thank the High Commissioner for his timely report on the violations of the human rights of children in armed conflicts. While many states have aligned their national frameworks with international standards, implementation remains inconsistent. This gap results in ongoing violations and widespread impunity affecting nearly half a billion children living in conflict. The latest UNSG's annual report on CAC is heartbreaking. It records the highest number of verified grave violations since the UN monitoring and reporting mechanism was put in place 20 years ago. highlighting a 25% increase in 2024, while 2023 was already a horrific year. Denial of humanitarian access increased by 52%, sexual violence by 35%, and explosive weapons accounted for more than 70% of the victims. This trend is unacceptable and must end. the growing disregard for international humanitarian law and international human rights law, the intensification and complexity of armed conflict, and the devastating impact of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

We call on States.

To reverse this trend urgently, protect children affected by conflict, including by ending and preventing their recruitment or use in hostilities. demands renewed political will, enhanced cooperation across the UN, and reform.

I give the floor to Spain on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you very much, Vice President. It is an honor for me to make this statement on behalf of Chile, Iceland, Mexico, Spain, and many countries from various regions. The full version of the statement is on the Extranet. Two years ago, with Resolution 54/6, this Council recognized care and support as fundamental parts of attaining human rights. and sustainable development, dignity, and equality. We welcome the growing attention to this subject by the Office of the High Commissioner and the Working Group on Discrimination Against Women and Girls. We take note of regional development to anchor care and support in human rights, as the consultative opinion of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the Tlatelolco Commitment of the 16th Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the focus of the President of South Africa of the G20 to support the care economy. We remain concerned over current practices that perpetuate in all countries gender-based discrimination and see persons with disabilities, children, and older persons as dependents, passive dependents, instead of right holders. We urge all states to invest in systems of care and support that are aligned with human rights and gender sensitive. as well as sensitive to age and disability. We encourage exchanging best practices regionally. To change systems of care is fundamental to attain gender equality and the full enjoyment of human rights for all. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Vietnam on behalf of a group of countries.

Madam Vice President, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Cooper countries. Immunization is critical part of the right to the high-attainable standard of physical and mental health, a key component of primary healthcare and essential to achieving universal health coverage and SDG 3.8. Vaccination remains one of the most successful and cost-effective health investment. Yet vaccine preventable disease as researching measles, botulism, diphtheria, and polio put millions of life at risk while declining routine coverage leaves 25 million children under immunized each year. We welcome advances in vaccine science and that has spanned protection across the life course. The transition towards sustainable COVID-19 immunization highlight the need for resilient health systems and equitable access for persons in vulnerable situations. We stress the importance of challenging international cooperation, vaccine multilateralism, sustained financing, knowledge and technology sharing, and improve access to close immunization gaps and ensure that no one is left behind. In this context, we welcome the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement. We look forward to the convening of the high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response in 2026, which we believe will provide further opportunities to strengthen immunization at past or broader effort on PPPR. Investing in immunizations is investing in human dignity, equity, and resilience, and in protecting the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. I thank you.

Thank you. The list of speakers is now closed. I give the floor to Estonia on behalf of a group of countries.

Madam Vice President, I'm delivering this statement on behalf of 33 countries from across regions. Human rights, climate action, and environmental protection are deeply interconnected. Addressing these challenges requires a human rights-based, gender-responsive and intersectional approach. We recall Human Rights Council resolution 48/13 and General Assembly resolution 76/300, which recognize the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, essential for the enjoyment of other human rights. In this effort, environmental and indigenous human rights defenders are crucial to climate action and a just transition. We call on all states to ensure their safety, dignity, and ability to work freely in line with human rights obligations. We are also pleased to draw attention to World Cleanup Day, an official UN International Day. We call on all states, UN bodies, organizations, and other stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, and academia to observe World Cleanup Day on September 20. Launched in Estonia in 2008, when nearly 4% of the population came together to clean the country in one day, the citizen-led initiative has grown into a global movement, uniting millions of people across nearly 200 countries and territories. But more than waste removal, World Cleanup Day symbolizes solidarity and the need for both local action and global cooperation. The full version of the statement is uploaded on the extranet.

Thank you. I give the floor to Malawi on behalf of a group of countries.

Madam Vice President, Malawi makes this statement on behalf of a group of countries as per the list attached to the statement. The complete statement can be found on the extranet. Neglected tropical diseases are 21 preventable and treatable diseases affecting about 1.5 billion people worldwide. They debilitate, disfigure, and can be fatal, and by affecting the most vulnerable, create cycles of poverty and cost nations billions per year. NTDs predominantly affect populations with low visibility and limited voice. They impact rural communities with few resources, cause stigma and discrimination, especially for women and girls, and increase morbidity and mortality. NTDs are intrinsically linked to human rights as they prevail where rights to health care, education, safe water, sanitation, and housing are not guaranteed. They are both a cause and consequence of rights violations and those afflicted facing infringements on their rights to health, life, privacy, education, work, and social progress. We call on states to work together to prevent, treat, and control NTDs and urge the Council to address these critical human rights issues. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Germany on behalf of a group of countries.

Madam Vice President, I make this statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of 50 countries. We express our grave concern about the growing trend of transnational repression as a threat to human rights globally. It affects human rights defenders, journalists, media workers, dissidents, and persons belonging to diaspora communities, among others. conducted by states or actors under their effective control to harm, silence, and intimidate individuals outside their borders. It undermines the free, full, and equal realization of human rights and perpetuates an environment of fear and intimidation. Transnational repression includes, but is not limited to, threats or acts of physical violence, Misuse of cooperation with other foreign states, international bodies, or intergovernmental organizations in order to detain, forcibly return, or repress targets. Forced return by misuse of powers. Misuse of spyware and other intrusive surveillance software, hacking and cyber harassment, or doxing and smear campaigns, particularly targeting women. Targeting of and threats against family members, representatives, or associates. We unequivocally condemn transnational repression and call on all states to refrain from all acts of transnational repression, to hold perpetrators accountable, and to protect the victims. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Indonesia on behalf of a group of countries.

Madam Vice President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Family. The full version will be uploaded on the extranet. The group welcomes the convening of the expert workshop on the role of the family and family-oriented approaches, policies and programmes in the promotion and protection of human rights and in sustainable development on the 28th to the 29th of May 2025. We commend the rich exchange of experiences and best practices during the expert workshop. The group reaffirms that the family is the natural and fundamental unit of society, entitled to protection by the state and society as enshrined in international human rights instruments. Supporting and empowering the family strengthens the resilience of societies as a whole. We emphasize that family oriented approaches are essential to the implementation of the 2030 agenda. When the family is supported through enabling policies, it contributes to poverty eradication, the promotion of education, health and well-being, and the empowerment of women and girls within the family and the community. The group reaffirms its shared commitment across regions to the central role of the family in building cohesive, inclusive, and sustainable societies. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Iceland on behalf of a group of countries.

Madam Vice President, I take the floor on behalf of a group of countries to commemorate this year's International Equal Pay Day, designated as a day of observance in 2019 by the United Nations General Assembly. International Equal Pay Day is an opportunity to highlight progress achieved in closing the gender pay gap and to further support equal pay for work of equal value. Despite positive progress towards gender equality and women's empowerment, the gender pay gap remains around 20% globally. It is a fact that women are too often paid less than men for the same work, and that unequal access to resources and opportunities continue to limit women's and girls' full realization of their human rights. Further, historically, jobs and occupations undertaken by women have long been unrecognized, unpaid, or undervalued. The knowledge, abilities, and skills these tasks demand have been greatly underestimated. Equal pay is more than the paycheck. Equal pay and economic independence are central for gender equality. While the principle of equal pay for men and women has been widely endorsed, a significant implementation gap remains. We take this opportunity to reaffirm once again our strong commitment to equal pay. Cooperation between a diverse range of stakeholders will remain crucial when it comes to reaching the objective of equal pay. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to China on behalf of a group of countries.

Madam Vice President, China has the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter. The full version will be uploaded to the Extranet. This group attaches great importance to the promotion and protection of all human rights. In this context, the right to development represents one of the people's rights whose realization and enjoyment is of the most urgency. The inequalities between the global South and the North require the transcendence of the right to development and inalienable human rights that must be both guaranteed by all states and recognized by the international human rights system. We consider the part of the gaps are the result of the unequal and unjust exploitation of the vast natural resources of the South. Perhaps the most illustrative examples of such supremacist mindset are the illegal imposition of unilateral coercive measures, the threat of the use of force against the sovereign states, and the groundless accusation, vilification, and smears on normal law enforcement and judicial cooperation among sovereign states. Finally, we reiterate the importance of lifting all UCMs and stopping interference in states' internal affairs. in order to ensure both the realization of the rights to development and the timely attainment of the SDGs. I thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you. I give the floor to Kuwait.

Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. The State of Kuwait renews its full commitment to the promotion of human rights, and we appreciate the main issues being reviewed by the Office. Kuwait continues its effort to promote these rights with the implementation of our national development plan, New Kuwait. This plan focuses on having a diversified economy based on social justice, improving education and health services. Along the same lines, the SME support program with a view of broadening social coverage have been adopted. This makes it possible to ensure equality of opportunities for all. Madam Vice President, we'd like to reaffirm that economic, social, and cultural rights cannot be separated from civil and political rights. We believe that it is necessary to consolidate such rights, and for that, what is required is appropriate framework based on international cooperation and respect for human rights. We have to move away from politicizations or… trying any attempts to try to use the questions of human rights to interfere in the internal affairs of countries. We appreciate the role of the Council on the Promotion of Human Rights, and we are ready to work together with all mechanisms of the Council.

Thank you. I give the floor to Ethiopia.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. We align with the statement delivered by Ghana on behalf of the African Group. Ethiopia remains firmly committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights, among them the right to development holds a central place in our national agenda as a collective right essential to achieve peace, dignity, and shared prosperity for all. However, this right is increasingly threatened by structural imbalances in the international financial system, the global debt crisis, and the growing impacts of climate change. As one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, Ethiopia has faced repeated climate-induced shocks that undermine agricultural productivity and food security. We are integrating climate resilience into national planning through initiatives like our Green Legacy initiatives and broader macroeconomic reforms. But climate action and sustainable development require adequate international financing, debt relief, technology transfer, and the repatriation of illicit financial flows. We therefore stress the urgent need for reform of global financial architecture to ensure equity and inclusiveness. In conclusion, Ethiopia remains committed to advancing the right to development through multilateralism, justice, and inclusive international cooperation. Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you. I give the floor to China.

Madam Vice President, the turmoil and changes now gripping the world are causing significant delays in the implementation of Agenda 2030 and rising deficit in global human rights governance. It is our common responsibility to effectively promote and protect all types of human rights. China attaches great importance to the promotion and protection of human rights This is the fifth year of our final push against poverty and the start of a new transition. We have therefore contributed Chinese solutions to the international fight against poverty. We have in the meantime put in place the biggest systems of education, social protection, and public health in the world based on the belief that people's happy life is the ultimate human rights. We call on all countries to work together to build a more equitable and reasonable global human rights governance system. This means respecting the human rights path of all countries, rejecting interference in others' internal affairs in the name of human rights, favoring dialogue, cooperation, multilateralism in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. That also means even-handed promotion of all types of human rights.

And try to prevent young.

Financial crisis from disproportionately impacting on the investment in economic, social, and cultural rights and the right to development.

I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Costa Rica.

Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. Costa Rica, in line with its long tradition as an unarmed democracy and commemorating this year the 25th anniversary of the adoption of Resolution 1325 of the Security Council, makes an urgent call to states to step up their efforts to achieve the meaningful participation of women and girls as agents of change in the search for solutions and building of peace. Gender equality is fundamental to human rights, sustainable development, and peace. However, we are concerned about the escalation of violence and discrimination against women and girls, including that facilitated by technology and social networks, which prevents and discourages them from participating and representing them in spaces of political life. The road ahead shows that when women and girls are actively involved in decision-making, our democracies are more inclusive, our societies more just, and our institutions more legitimate. Costa Rica, upon assuming the chairmanship of the Commission on the Status of Women reaffirms its commitment to the Beijing+30 agenda and its six priority areas with cross-cutting focus on youth to reduce the digital divide and poverty, eliminate violence, achieve equality in decision-making, promote peace and security, and ensure climate justice. We urge everyone to ensure that this agenda be at the heart of our commitments to make substantive progress on the human rights of all women and girls. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to South Africa.

Madam President, South Africa remains committed to the promotion of the equal advancement of all rights as envisioned by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, which continue to guide our participation in the Human Rights Council. For South Africa, the implementation of all rights, including the right to development, without discrimination is imperative for the effective promotion and protection of human rights. We meet at a time when the world continues to witness systemic shifts in global order and trade, which present challenges and threats to the realization of the economic, social, and cultural rights, particularly in developing countries. The situation is compounded by the illicit financial flows, which significantly undercut efforts by developing countries to fulfill their human rights obligations. We reiterate our view that current unilateral tariffs actions contribute to an increasingly protectionist environment, which poses great hardships and danger for the countries of the global south. It is our view that to address the global imbalance, the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization and the United Nations at their core must be preserved until all member states are able to reach their development goals. It remains a serious concern that only five years before the target date of the Sustainable Development Goals, the realization of the international framework remains under threat. We emphasize the need for the reform of the international financial architecture to address governance questions, debt architecture, financial reforms, and other medium-term issues. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Maldives.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. We thank the High Commissioner and mandate holders for their reports under this agenda item. The Maldives remains committed to building a society rooted in dignity, equality and justice. Our Constitution anchors these commitments and guides policy to integrate human rights across planning and service delivery.

We have advanced several measures to strengthen protection for workers, including those in sectors.

Such as fisheries, agriculture and small and medium enterprises. This includes the ratification of the Industrial Relations Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which enhance fair workplace practices, safety standards, and access to redress. The Maldives continues to implement climate resilience strategies. Our third Nationally Determined Contribution highlights community engagement through participatory approaches and strongly focuses on empowering and strengthening the resilience of vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, youth, older persons, and persons with disabilities.

Human rights are being mainstreamed across all sectors through the forthcoming 20-year national development master plan.

As a small island developing state, we attach particular importance to the right to development and welcome progress towards a draft international covenant that will strengthen its recognition. Finally, the Maldives calls for advancing human rights through cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity building, ensuring that progress is achieved in a spirit of solidarity. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Georgia.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. We thank the Secretary General and the High Commissioner and the Special Procedure mandate holders also for the reports. My government remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms through coherent and sustainable long-term policies.

To this end, the implementation of the National Strategy for the Protection.

Of Human Rights in Georgia for 2020 to 2030 is ongoing through a comprehensive action plan. Particular attention is given to protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities. At the same time, Georgia places a strong focus on economic and social rights. Significant progress has been achieved in reducing poverty, improving access to healthcare and education, and fostering opportunities for young and future generations. Georgia remains fully committed to advancing its national human rights agenda in line with international standards. while ensuring inclusivity, accountability, and sustained progress of the process. Regrettably, people residing in Georgia's Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, occupied by the Russian Federation, are deprived of the possibility to benefit from the above-mentioned programs, and further continue to suffer the grave violations of their rights and fundamental freedoms.

Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Spain.

Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. Spain associates several statements made by the European Union, and we thank for the reports that were presented. With regard to death, humbly we affirm that its abolition is essential to ensure respect for human dignity. It's an irreversible, cruel, and human integrating punishment contrary to the right of life and whose deterred effect has not been proven. The 30th anniversary of Beijing and 25th anniversary of Resolution 3025 are not testimonial. The world cannot afford to go backwards on gender equality, for justice, for efficiency, and because it is the best investment for our societies to prosper. Sexual and reproductive rights are essential conquests that must be asserted against those who seek to subjugate women. The prevention of maternal mortality requires a human rights approach, and we encourage cooperation between UN agencies to end this serious and preventable problem. Development must be for all countries, inclusive, sustainable, and based on human rights. without forgetting about the common objectives of the 2030 agenda. We believe that the approach must be comprehensive. Human rights are indivisible. We support the efforts of the High Commissioner to translate the so-called human rights economy into public policies that promote effective equality in line with the UN Summit on Financing for Development that took place in Seville. Spain will continue to work to guarantee the rights to drinking water and sanitation, will promote the transformation of care, and support Thank you very much.

Thank you. I give the floor to Algeria. Algeria? Algeria may be absent. I give the floor to Bangladesh.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Madam Vice President, Bangladesh firmly believes that both civil and political rights, as well as economic, social, and cultural rights, including the right to development, should be treated in a fair and equal manner on the same footing and with the same emphasis. We fully support the ongoing process towards the finalization of a legally binding international covenant on the right to development. Madam Vice President. Many of our countries in the Global South remain highly vulnerable to external economic and climate shocks. They continue to be grappled with poverty, hunger, inequalities, digital divides, and capacity constraints. For billions of people of these countries, development is not a mere choice, but an urgent human rights imperative. We therefore urge the Council and the wider UN system to address those systemic factors that disproportionately undermine the limited capacity of developing and least developed countries. Climate change, which is one of the greatest threats to the enjoyment of human rights, demands urgent and continued attention of the Council. Climate justice must be discussed in a meaningful and constructive manner. Finally, we remain deeply concerned by the rise of hate speech and hate incidents, particularly against migrants. We call on all to eliminate all forms of discrimination targeting migrants and to counter negative stereotyping and misleading narratives around migration. I thank you, Madame Vice-President.

Thank you. This was the last speaker we could accommodate in today's meeting. Excellencies, dear participants, this brings us to the end of this meeting. We will reconvene tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. to continue the general debate under item 3. I hereby close the 17th meeting of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council.