39th Meeting - 60th Session of Human Rights Council

Excellencies, your colleagues, I call to order the 39th meeting of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council. Now we will continue with our interactive dialogue on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on technical assistance and capacity building for the promotion of human rights in Libya. The next speaker on our list of speakers is Jordan.

You have the floor.

Vice President, my delegation would like to thank the Office of the High Commissioner for the report on technical assistance and capacity building in Libya, and we take note of the challenges and recommendations contained therein. We stress that the protection and promotion of human rights in Libya must be based on full national ownership, strengthening the role of Libyan authorities as the body concerned with determining priorities and needs for technical support, and national efforts in transitional justice and the rule of law and the prosecution of violators must be improved, while promoting national reconciliation and stability and unity in Libya. It is important to work in coordination with the OHCHR and in line with national priorities. Thank you.

Tunisia is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We have taken note of the report of the High Commissioner. We welcome the commitment of Libya to cooperate with the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms. the role of the High Commissioner and trying to promote and protect human rights. It is important for the international community and the United Nations to organize technical assistance as well as capacity building according to priorities and needs. We support the draft resolution presented by the national group in order to prolong the mandate of technical assistance and capacity building for human rights. Tunisia reiterates its commitment to continue to support the United Nations efforts and the mandate of the mission in Libya, as well as to continue to contribute to dialogue and reconciliation. And we welcome the tripartite mechanism with the neighboring countries in order to find a political solution. a Libyan-Libyan solution, working with Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia to have the territorial integrity of the country with the principle of Libyan leadership and a political process. And that should help restore security and stability away from any interference in international affairs.

Thank you.

Thank you, Vice President. We support Libya for its cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. And we welcome the efforts of the Office of the High Commissioner in supporting capacity building in the brotherly state of Libya, particularly in improving the conditions of detention standards, reforming the criminal and military justice system, and creating an environment conducive to transitional justice and reconciliation. It should focus on developing countries and to provide the technical assistance to build capacities according to the needs of countries concerned, in close consultation with them. To conclude, my delegation reaffirms its full support to Libya and its efforts to overcome the crisis that it is presently going through, through a national dialogue. in a way that preserves the unity of the state and achieves the aspirations and hopes of the people for peace, stability, and prosperity. We reject any kind of meddling in the domestic affairs of the state, and we underscore the need to step up the pace towards an electoral consensus in order to allow the presidential elections and parliamentary elections to be concluded and finish the transition process.

We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for the report. Turkiye will continue to contribute to capacity-building efforts in Libya. We have full confidence that the Libyan authorities will give due consideration to the High Commissioner's report. Turkiye continues to do her part, both to pave the way for transparent, fair, and credible elections, as well as to contribute to the maintenance of security on the ground in order to provide an environment for the political efforts towards elections. Turkey will remain adamant to support all Libyan-owned and Libyan-led endeavors that aim to tackle the problems that the sisterly and brotherly Libyan people are facing. We will continue to stand in solidarity with Libyan people in their efforts to achieve lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in the country. Thank you.

Thank you. Germany is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Germany aligns itself with the statement by the European Union. We thank the OHCHR for its support of human rights in Libya and express our appreciation for Libya's decision to seek a renewal of the Item 10 mandate. It is vital that the High Commissioner's work to strengthen human rights in all of Libya and for all persons in Libya can continue. Despite progress achieved in collaboration with the Libyan authorities, significant human rights challenges remain. To enable long-term peace and stability, Libya needs to break the cycle of impunity and restore the rule of law. We wish to commend Libya for its cooperation with the OHCHR, in particular the improved access to official detention facilities and joint capacity-building initiatives. We call on all actors to cooperate fully with OHCHR and provide unhindered, safe, and full access throughout the country. Mr. Vice President, Germany remains strongly committed to supporting the Libyan-led, Libyan-owned political process facilitated by UNSMIL, notably through the Berlin process and its working group on international humanitarian law and human rights. We believe that through this process we can jointly make progress towards achieving the protection of human rights for all persons in Libya.

Thank you.

Thank you. Now Ireland is recognized.

Vice-President, Ireland aligns with the EU statement and thanks the Office for its report. Ireland acknowledges efforts made by the Libyan authorities to improve detention conditions and the administration of military justice, including the granting of partial access to UN organizations to some places of detention. We call on Libya to grant unhindered access to these sites to OHCHR and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. Protection of civic space and the full, equal and meaningful participation of women are essential to an effective transitional justice and reconciliation process. Ireland is concerned by the further erosion of civic space, including the repression of freedom of expression and restrictions on youth organizations. We reiterate our call for an end to arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances across Libya. We encourage the Libyan authorities to intensify efforts to adopt legislative frameworks crucial for addressing human rights challenges. and to strengthen institutional readiness with a view to holding meaningful and inclusive national elections. Ireland notes Libya's continued engagement with this Council and encourages increased cooperation with OHCHR and UNSMIL to address human rights challenges in Libya and ensure accountability for violations and abuses. Deputy High Commissioner, how can the international community best support Libyan-led transitional justice and reconciliation process, inclusive of women, youth, and civil society? Thank you.

Thank you. Italy is recognized.

Thank you.

Microphone for Italy, please. Italy's microphone seems to not be working.

Excuse me, you don't have the interpretation. Uh, we don't interpretation, so just a quick, uh, technical issue. Can you restart, please?

May I have to switch? That's right. Is it better?

Yes.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Italy aligns itself with the EU statement, thanks the Deputy High Commissioner for the report and comments of OHCHR, OSCE, and the Libyan authorities for their continued engagement under item 10. We welcome the progress made in technical cooperation, including the expanded access to detention facilities, while expressing concern for the persistence of human rights violations, such as arbitrary detentions and forced disappearances, as highlighted in the report. The violent clashes in Tripoli last May once again demonstrated that the status quo in Libya is not sustainable. The launch of the political process under the UN auspices is key to overcome the country's fragmentation as well as to meet the Libyan people's legitimate democratic aspirations. Italy welcomes Libyan authorities' willingness to continue to cooperate with the UN human rights system and encourages them to ensure justice for all victims. We stress the importance of inclusive participation of civil society, including women and youth, in shaping Libya's future. Italy continues to support UN-led initiatives such as Rihadat, which empowers Libyan women and girls, promoting better awareness of their rights. Italy remains committed to constructive dialogue and technical cooperation with Libyan institutions, including immigration management, in full respect of UN rights. We stand ready to work with Libya, OHCHR, UNSMIL, and all partners in support of a sustainable peace, unity, and stability for the benefit of all Libyan people. I thank you.

Thank you. Saudi Arabia is recognized.

Mr. Vice President, my delegation has taken note of the briefing of the OHCHR. We commend the positive cooperation of the sisterly state of Libya in this respect, especially its constructive involvement in the UNHCR mechanisms. Mr. Vice President, my delegation commends the effort exerted by Libya to promote and protect human rights despite the numerous challenges it is facing, which reflects a full commitment to jointly work with the international community. Hence, we see that continuing to support Libya with technical assistance and capacity building is an important factor to promote its national institutions and to promote human rights in it. We also call upon the international community to pursue supporting Libya for it to move towards a more prosperous future. Thank you.

Thank you. Sudan is recognized.

Thank you. We take note of the report of the Office of the High Commissioner on providing technical assistance and capacity building. The country faces numerous challenges in terms of democracy and human rights, and we welcome the efforts made seeking reconciliation and a consensus for transitional justice. We welcome the activities organized for the promotion of human rights, particularly those based on technical assistance and cooperation with displaced persons and refugees. Illegal migration has increased the burden that Libya has to face for the promotion of human rights, and we welcome the efforts made by Libyan authorities to provide assistance to refugees. We invite the UN to assess the priority needs of technical assistance for transitional justice. We also support the items and the recommendations made. Thank you. We support the statement made by the regional group that we belong to. We welcome the positive developments mentioned in the report, and we hope that the Office of the High Commissioner will meet the needs of Libyan authorities and other stakeholders in technical assistance and capacity building. The report mentions several obstacles for technical assistance provision. The liquidity crisis, though, must be addressed effectively and swiftly. in order to address the needs of Libya and to create effective, long-lasting solutions. To conclude, we support the people of Libya, and we welcome efforts to promote and protect human rights while respecting the interests of brotherly peoples. Thank you.

Cameroon is recognized.

Thank you, Vice President. Cameroon would like to thank the Office of the High Commissioner for the presentation of the report, and we align ourselves with the statement made by the African Group. My delegation takes note with interest the technical assistance activities that have been carried out with UNSMIL and the Libyan authorities. We welcome the joint efforts that have made it possible for national institutions to expand and to train magistrates and prison staff, and to strengthen the foundation for the framework for transitional justice and reconciliation. We encourage such initiatives, in particular in order to improve detention conditions, to consolidate the rule of law, and to promote true, inclusive, Libyan-led national reconciliation. We also take note of the ongoing challenges highlighted by the reports and call on the international community to continue its technical and financial support to enable Libya to overcome these obstacles and honor its international human rights commitments. Cameroon reaffirms its solidarity and support for Libya in its efforts to seek stabilization, to rebuild, and to strengthen its institutions in the interest of peace, security, and sustainable development in the region. Thank you.

Thank you. Now I would like to give the floor to Switzerland.

Thank you, Vice President. Switzerland would like to thank the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for their reports. We are concerned by numerous violations of international humanitarian law and violations of human rights that continue to be perpetrated throughout Libyan territory. It is essential to bring an end to impunity and to bring those responsible with these authorities to justice. We note the efforts of the Office of the General Prosecutor and encourage them to continue these efforts. The situation on the restriction of the civic space, which leads to enforced disappearances, arrests and arbitrary detentions, torture and documented cases of Deaths in detention are particularly alarming. We condemn the systematic use of these practices and flag in violation of international law, and we call on freeing any person detained arbitrarily as well as the guarantee of a fair trial. Switzerland also calls on Libyan authorities to implement the recommendations included in the final report of the fact-finding mission and to continue its cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The UNSMIL is part of the process. Madam, how can we support the efforts to combat impunity in Libya in order to restore the rule of law and to improve trust in institutions? Thank you.

Thank you. Chad is recognized.

Thank you, Vice President. Chad endorses the statement made by the group that represents us, and we would like to thank the Office of the High Commissioner for the presentation of the report, which gives us an overview of the technical assistance and capacity-building activities done in cooperation with Libyan authorities. Chad welcomes the efforts made as well by Libyan national authorities to support the promotion of human rights, and we welcome the continued positive cooperation and constructive engagement of the Libyan authorities with the Office of the High Commissioner. We welcome the vision of Libyan authorities, which is based on essential pillars like restoration of national sovereignty and the rejection of all foreign interference, the promotion of a national inclusive national dialogue for reconciliation, the unification of the sovereign institutions, and the organization of free, transparent, credible elections. To conclude, Chad, in its capacity as a brotherly, friendly, and neighboring country, pays particular attention to developments in Libya, and we reaffirm our solidarity with the people of Libya, and we call on all stakeholders to fully participate in good faith in the national reconciliation dialogue process in order to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Thank you, Vice President.

Thank you. Egypt is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. My delegation takes note of the report of OHCHR, and it stresses the important role of the Council in providing technical assistance and building the capacities of Libyan institutions to improve the human rights situation in the country in line with the relevant national needs and priorities. The delegation also commends Libya's cooperation with the Office to promote human rights and to advance the path of transitional justice. Our delegation reaffirms Egypt's steadfast position in support of achieving security and stability and of comprehensive national reconciliation effort based on the principle of Libyan national ownership free from any external interference or imposition. Egypt also reiterates its welcome of the UN road map for resolving the Libyan crisis, particularly with regard to the formation of an interim government tasked with preparing for the holding of national elections in the sisterly state of Libya within a defined timeframe. This process should fulfill the aspirations of the brotherly Libyan people for stability and development through a sound electoral path, and holding presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously while unifying Libyan institutions under a new unified government. We stress the importance of supporting the implementation of the necessary economic reform in order to safeguard Libya's resources.

Thank you. Niger is recognized.

Le Niger, s'il vous plaît. Niger, please.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. We welcome OHCHR and UNSMIL technical assistance and capacity building in Libya and their growing cooperation with the Libyan authorities. We support Libya's renewal of this item 10 resolution so that it stays on this Council's agenda. The OHCHR's report raises a number of concerns, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and torture with limited accountability. We urge Libya to address threats to civic space, including reprisals against civil society and restrictions on youth organizations. Women and girls reportedly face violence and discrimination, while migrants suffer abuse and are subjects of disinformation. We call for international non-governmental organizations to be permitted to operate in accordance with international humanitarian law and domestic regulations and deliver vital services to vulnerable groups. We urge the Libyan authorities to adopt legislation on reconciliation, women's protection, and to close all unofficial detention centers. We welcome the extension of the ICC's jurisdiction in Libya, and we support calls for a comprehensive rights-based transitional justice process. The UK stands ready to support inclusive Libyan-led efforts to restore the rule of law and deliver justice for victims. Mr. Vice-President, how can the international community support Libya to ensure transitional justice efforts are inclusive, victim-centred and lead to meaningful accountability? Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the Russian Federation.

Thank you, President. Russia regards issues of technical and consultative assistance to Libya as an important element in the UN's human rights work. The OHCHR plays a particular role in this, providing technical assistance to the affected country at its request. Unfortunately, Libya for over 10 years has not been able to overcome the consequences of the NATO intervention, which destroyed its state structures and undermined its territory, integrity and economy. This irresponsible venture had a catastrophic effect on the region as a whole. The road to successful resolution of the existing difficulties in Libya and the socioeconomic situation is constructive inter-Libyan dialogue based on mutually acceptable compromises. We are opposed to politicization of technical assistance to the Libyan authorities. This should not this type of activity should not raise issues that go beyond the Human Rights Council's mandate on human rights. We have to note that certain States use this issue as a pretext for bringing up issues that are not connected to the mandate of the Human Rights Council within the Council. Using technical assistance as a pretext for interference in the internal affairs of the Libyan authorities discredits the Human Rights Council and undermines the international efforts to promote and protect human rights. Thank you.

Thank you, Colonel.

Vice-President. China always advocates for constructive dialogue and cooperation in resolving differences in human rights and opposes the politicization and the instrumentalization of human rights and interference in the internal affairs of countries concerned. The Council's debate should help Libya's stability and development, not the opposite. The international community should respect Libya's sovereignty, its will, and national conditions, and based on full consultation, give it greater understanding and support. and necessary assistance tailored to its needs, helping its economic development, improve people's lives, and better promote and protect human rights. Foreign models must not be imposed, and country-specific mechanisms not related to technical cooperation should not be forced through. China is ready to work with all parties to uphold mutual respect and equal treatment and continue providing practical support to Libya in human rights protection and play a constructive role. Thank you.

Thank you.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the floor.

Thank you, Vice President. We appreciate the presentation of the report made by the Office of the High Commissioner. We appreciate Libya's collaboration with this Council and the country's willingness to continue to make progress in implementing specific measures to improve the human rights situation of its people. We welcome the achievements of sustained cooperation between parties, especially the efforts to strengthen the rule of law in the context of the national reconciliation process. Venezuela continue to reject interference in domestic affairs in Libya and NATO invasion that plunged the country into an unprecedented crisis. The Council, multilateral organizations, and competent international agencies might provide technical assistance that Libyan authorities consider relevant in the field of human rights, and that, in strict compliance to the of principles of respect for sovereignty and non-interference in domestic affairs of states enshrined in the UN Charter. Thank you.

Thank you. Malta is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Malta aligns itself with the EU statement, and we thank the High Commissioner for the report. Malta appreciates the continued efforts of Libya to pursue cooperation with this Council and the Office. We consider such engagements to be vitally important as Libya continues its transition process. Cognizant of the delicate situation on the ground, we do recognize that further work needs to be undertaken by the Libyan authorities to safeguard and protect human rights. We welcome the declaration lodged by the Libyan government on 12 May 2025. declaring Libya's acceptance of the ICC jurisdiction with respect to alleged crimes in its territory from 2011 to the end of 2027. Malta remains fully supportive of technical cooperation with Libya and urges the Libyan authorities to make full use of the Office's technical expertise as national institution building and legislative development ensues. I thank you.

Thank you, excellencies, dear colleagues. That was the last speaker on my list, which now brings us to the list of nongovernmental organizations. I would like to begin with Mott for Peace, Development, and Human Rights Association. through video.

Thank you, Mr. President.

MATT for Peace, Development, and Human Rights notes a clear.

Increase in hate speech and misinformation targeting migrants and refugees in Libya, and agrees with the High.

Commissioner's report on this matter.

MATT commends the holding of municipal elections in Libya, but regrets that despite the holding of local elections.

Libya has yet to set a specific timetable for national, legislative, and presidential elections due to the political division between the eastern and western governments. Matt also has concerns about security tensions in Tripoli, which makes violence likely to flare up at any time. This is exasperated by the reliance on foreign mercenaries and militants, particularly in western Libya.

Matt hopes that the Libyan Presidential Council will help advance the implementation of the roadmap.

Developed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya regarding elections and national reconciliation. We also recommend that the High Commissioner provide technical assistance and capacity building to potential electoral supervisors in Libya.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies by video.

Thank you, President. We are seeing a generalized repression campaign against civil society and human rights defenders. Activists working for human rights of Libyans are subject to arbitrary arrest, to enforced disappearance. This is being carried out against bloggers and others. We have seen widespread arrests of people from various religions. accused of sorcery, in particular the Sufis. Over 11 arrest warrants were launched against such persons in Libya. Cooperation with Libya is largely symbolic. Some guilty parties who were arrested were then able to get back to were freed and allowed to return to Libya? For example, a person arrested in Rome and sent back to Libya. We call for an international mechanism to for an of inquiry in Libya. Thank you.

Thank you. International Commission of Jurists.

Mr. Vice President, since HRC Resolution 5616 adoption, 67 unidentified bodies were discovered in.

Refrigerators at the Abu Salim and Al Hadra hospitals.

In May 2025, a leaked video showed Ibrahim.

Al-Dasi, a House of Representatives member who had been missing for a year, shackled and bearing signs consistent with torture.

Also in May, over 10 civilians were killed as a result of hostilities escalating between different militias, following one of their leaders' extrajudicial execution. These events reflect patterns of systematic abuses committed with impunity across Libya. Moreover, the authorities continue to attack and harass civil society actors, preventing their work. Notwithstanding Libya's acceptance of the International Criminal Court jurisdiction, it is yet to effectively cooperate with it. While at least two suspects wanted by the ICC for crimes committed in Tarhuna are in custody.

Libya is yet to hand them over to the court.

Osama El Masri Najim, another ICC wanted suspect, is under investigation but remains free. Over 2 years of technical assistance have not.

Yielded effective results in terms of domestic accountability for serious human rights violations.

While the International Commission of Jurists support the OHCHR recommendation to continue to provide technical assistance to alleviate authorities, this Council must also establish a more robust independent monitoring mechanism in the form of a special rapporteur. Thank you.

Merci, je passe la.

Thank you. I call on the International Alliance for the Defence of Rights and Liberties by video.

Thank you, Mr. President. The International Alliance for the Defence of Rights and Freedoms stressed that technical cooperation in Libya will have no value unless it translates into tangible protection of civilians and into grave violations. First, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance and systemic violence against migrants cannot be tolerated under the cover of immunity.

Any cooperation built without accountability will remain superficial and only prolong the crisis. Second, judicial independence, oversight of detention facilities, and transitional justice are not secondary issues. They are essential for any genuine capacity building process. Third, the participation of victims and independent civil society is indispensable. Ignoring their voices means emptying the technical cooperation of its substance. Libya needs a cooperation both grounded in realities on the ground, leading to a set of law and institution that safeguard rights and freedom. Thank you.

Thank you.

I call on Rado.

President Rado, thanks to the High Commissioner for the report. and endorses the relevant recommendations which will help Libya to address the current challenges and move beyond the transition phase. We also welcome the resumption of work of the International Committee for Monitoring of the Libyan Situation. This process that began in Berlin must continue in order to unify all institutions, including military, security and financial institutions, and organize transparent, inclusive elections in line with resolution 2755 of 2024. However, we are gravely concerned at the ongoing impunity. Sub-Saharan migrants, refugees, women and children are still victims of abuse, torture, abduction, trafficking, slavery, and all forms of sexual violence, there must urgently be efforts to end these appalling practices. Furthermore, the sentencing of the former French president is an important step towards justice, reminding us that nobody is allowed to be ignorant of the law. Reda would like to know what the High Commissioner would advise regarding prosecution. Thank you.

I call on Egypt Peace for Development and Human Rights by video.

Thank you, President. We are seriously concerned the High Commissioner's report on the tragic situation of migrants and refugees in Libya. This is an exacerbation of the series of violations that started years ago. There are common graves with dozens of bodies of migrants, showing the systematic violence that the victims have been suffering, be it from traffickers or the Libyan security forces. The security forces claiming to rescue the migrants detain, torture, and kill them. Pressure by the European Union and States parties to the Trans-Mediterranean Union have not borne fruit because the interception of ships. have led to the sending back of innocent migrants who have certainly been killed in Libya. We call on the Libyan authorities to free the detainees rapidly.

International intervention by video.

International by video.

Report of the High Commissioner and appreciate the focus on technical assistance and capacity building in Libya. However, we remain deeply alarmed by the gravity of human rights situations on the ground, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and torture.

Continue to be committed with impunity by state and non-state actors alike.

The exposure of unofficial detention facilities and the discovery of mass graves underline the urgent need for accountability and independent investigations. Migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face systematic abuse, including arbitrary arrest, collective expulsions, and denial of medical care. The smear campaigns against humanitarian organizations and the suspension of their activities have only deepened.

The suffering of already vulnerable communities.

Civic space continues to shrink, with activists, journalists, women and youth organizations facing harassment, intimidation and restrictive laws. We echo the report's call for the adoption of the law protection of women from violence and from the reversal of the measurements of curtailed civil society. We urge the Libyan authorities to close all unofficial detention centers, release those arbitrary detained and commit to a genuine reconciliation process that delivers truth, justice and reparations to victims. We also call on the international community to condition its cooperation on clear human rights benchmarks and to support accountability, including through the International Criminal Court.

Thank you, excellencies, distinguished colleagues. That was the last speaker on my list. I now get the floor to Ms. Al-Nashif for her concluding remarks. You have the floor.

The Vice President, thank you, your excellencies, distinguished delegates. Just a response to a few of the questions. Ireland and the United Kingdom requested some additional insight into support to transitional justice and reconciliation processes. Let me reiterate, we urge all member states to play the most constructive role possible in support of Libyan actors towards a rights-based, inclusive, national reconciliation that will create a conducive environment for what we believe has to be a Libyan-led, UN-facilitated political process. In that sense, it's critical to support initiatives that amplify the voices of civil society, victims, women, young people, persons with disability, with cultural components as a means of ensuring safe and meaningful participation in all the political, electoral and reconciliation processes. And I think it would be appropriate to share best practice by the Member States from their own context in these processes moving forward. Latvia, on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states, asked about the pursuit of justice and accountability. Again, we call on the Libyan authorities to refrain from acts of intimidation and reprisals against civil society actors and the investigation and the provision of effective remedies to victims of such attacks in order to ensure that they can remain a very robust component of these efforts moving forward. We also urge the authorities to intensify efforts to adopt a legislative framework that could protect the rights to freedom of assembly and association in line with Libya's human rights obligations. In the absence of such a valid law that is updated, authorities continue to apply a repressive Gaddafi-era law, which is further eroding civic space. Switzerland asked about the fight against impunity. Again, we urge the member states to lend their full backing to each pillar of UNSMIL's political roadmap. The legacy of serious crimes and the ongoing impunity must be addressed through this process to support the reestablishment of the rule of law and confidence in all national institutions. As I mentioned already, support for civil society actors is critical. And let me underline, witness and victim protection can also be supported through judicial capacity building and strengthening of the security sector reform. And of course, I did mention the importance of member states exercising universal jurisdiction over international crimes and ensuring full cooperation with the ICC. In wrapping up, Mr. Vice President, I would just like to reiterate again that our office welcomes the Libyan authorities' enhanced cooperation over the previous period. I look forward to further expanding this cooperation and support under a renewed mandate, and we remain committed to working with all the stakeholders, as I outlined in my statement. Looking ahead, we will also embark on new areas of technical cooperation in line with the priorities of the Libyan authorities and in support of each of the pillars of UNSMIL's political roadmap. Delivering on the promise of the roadmap will require concrete steps to restore civic space, to end violations that block safe, open participation in the political, electoral, and reconciliation processes. To this end, we will be working very closely with the authorities to enhance witness and victim protection and to strengthen institutional preparedness for elections that guarantee the right to political participation. Just a couple of examples, there will be more, and of course, to continue to create an enabling environment for rights-based reconciliation. and transitional justice, along with unified and accountable institutions. With that, I'll end.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. Excellent, distinguished colleagues. That brings us to the end of this interactive dialogue. I thank the Deputy High Commissioner once more for her participation. We shall have a brief technical break before moving to the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia.

Excellencies.

Distinguished colleagues, we shall now begin the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Cambodia. under resolution 5436 of the Council, and I have the honour to welcome the mandate holder, Mr. Vitit Muntarbhorn. The speakers list will close in 15 minutes. I now give the floor to Mr. Muntarbhorn to present the report. You have the floor.

Good morning. Bonjour. Thank you warmly for your kind attention and support. In my pro bono and independent capacity as Special Rapporteur under the UN umbrella, it is an honor to present to you my fifth report on natural resources and human rights in Cambodia. The report covers the situation from the middle of 2024 till June 2025. Before delving into the contents of the report, a couple of key developments during the past four months since June deserve to be well noted. First, a border conflict arose during that period along the country's western frontier. Fortunately, at the end of July 2025, a ceasefire agreement was reached between the parties concerned, and I welcome the positive development. Effective implementation of that agreement, anchored on shared wisdom, discourse, and humanitarian practices, is essential, together with the de-escalation of tensions and peaceful settlement of disputes under international law. Civilians affected by the situation should be assisted consistently in keeping with human rights standards, and measures to curb misinformation and disinformation need to be maximized. At the field level nearby, there is the presence of OHCHR and other agencies which can offer a helping hand. Second, in September 2025, Cambodia witnessed the passage of an amendment to the law on nationality, enabling the national authorities to revoke the birth citizenship of Cambodians found guilty of colluding with foreign powers to undermine the country. The alarm has been sounded by civil society and other stakeholders that this amendment is an intimidating instrument to constrain dissident voices internally and externally. The preferred approach is thus to refrain from applying this law and to orient towards its revocation. This leads appropriately to the findings of the most recent report on the human rights situation. A constructive feature is that the national authorities are committed to multilateralism. Yet, there is the quandary that the national system remains in the hands of the established elite, In particular since 2017, when the main opposition party, the Cambodian National Rescue Party, was disbanded by court order under dubious circumstances. The current rulers are closely aligned with the political party that won the largest share of votes in various elections, which were neither free nor fair, and there has been a monopolistic transfer of power from one generation to the next of the same kith and kin. The situation is aggravated by the following elements. First, in 2023 and 2024, three elections were held at different levels in the country. All were distorted in favor of the ruling elite. Second, political actors continue to be detained, and there have been new arrests, detentions, and prosecutions of opposition members. Third, various civil society actors, such as environmental and human rights defenders, were harassed, arrested, detained, and sentenced to imprisonment during this reporting period. Judicialized lawfare casts a wide shadow over those perceived to be dissidents, with the justice system being used to apply laws and policies to sanction decisions from the top. Fourth, there were multiple cases of transnational repression during the year. And fifth, there were many cases of online fraud, scams, and related trafficking in persons. The situation remains serious, with a clampdown in one place resulting in a pop-up in another place. Turning now to the issue of natural resources, the country is not short of laws and policies on this front. In practice, however, there is a quagmire of potholes. The issue of local stakeholders demands a participatory response to ensure a more democratic process of resource management, conservation, and benefit sharing, rather than unwittingly placing them in the hands of politically linked tycoons. Interconnected challenges include forced evictions, land tenure and dispossession, respect or disrespect for the principle of free, prior, and informed consent and related remedies, and for indigenous peoples and their rights, together with predatory microfinance and debt and reprisals against stakeholders. There's also a need for the business sector to cooperate to integrate human rights due diligence into their activities. Lessons from those life elements call for not only detailed plans and laws on natural resources, but also the space for political liberalization, action against strategic lawsuits, constraining public participation, localized stakeholdership, responsiveness from the government and related businesses, and people-led checks and balances against abuse of power. Interlinked with the above, the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment espoused by the UN is far from being implemented nationally and locally, whether from the procedural, substantive, or remedial angles, while an array of other rights continue to be jeopardized by the stultifying political system. My fifth report identifies preferred steps addressed to key target groups. For instance, the national authorities are urged to apply the Cambodian Human Rights Action Agenda formulated by this humble Special Rapporteur a while ago, including to drop charges against and release political dissidents and ensure liberalization of civic and political space. The government should work with the business sector to implement the UN's guiding principles on business and human rights. It should encourage engagement with all stakeholders to implement the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Meanwhile, civil society is encouraged to monitor and advocate against the destruction of civic and political space and the ubiquitous persecution of environmental and human rights defenders, other dissenting voices, and their supporters. In sum, The kaleidoscope of the country is colored by the call for peace, human rights, democracy, sustainable development, and environmental protection, together, not only materially, but also non-materially. In that pursuit, portentously, credible change can only take place through the sharing of power and resources equitably, inclusively, and transformatively. Whether a quandary or a quagmire, it is environmentally, political, and politically environmental. Thank you.

Thank you, excellencies, distinguished colleagues.

In keeping with our practice, we shall start by hearing the delegation of the concerned country. I now call on the distinguished representative of Cambodia. You have five minutes.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President, distinguished delegates. Mr. Modi, thank the Special Rapporteur for his report. We engage in this dialogue with openness and cooperation. We must speak with clarity and conviction. We are sovereignties. Our progress and the voice of people are at stake. We appreciate the rapporteur's and the Court's to uphold a ceasefire, yet peace cannot arise on words alone. His mandate extends beyond appeal to confront violation that in Jersey. Displacement in cycles, property seizures, forced evictions, and the price of captive soldiers. These are not abstractions, but grave breaches of human rights and humanity and law. They call for us imperialist reconciliation, and to ignore them is to distort the truth. On the amendment to the nationality law, the report is not about its constitutional foundation and its international comparability. Two reforms does not Thailand nation, it is a guard of sovereignty. Reaffirming rights, violence, national security, the judicial process, and strengthen resilience against unprecedented challenge. The report claimed Cambodia is trapped between quandaries and quagmire. Such rhetoric, however vivid, undermines the impartiality of the mandate holder. Cambodia is not apolitical. We are advancing, rising from worse to be an institution of peace and law. To use the resilience to caricatures is to deny the sacrifice of our citizens. Once we simply the cost space report appears of worries, we friends that Cambodia election are neither free nor fair, and that opposition and civil societies operate under sea. This weapons claim disregard both facts and law. Elections are conducted under the electoral law, million voted freely and peacefully. The dismissal of voice is not to critic government. It is to silence the sovereign will of the people. The report further questions Cambodian peaceful transfer of leadership as though continuity of world weakness in a two succession carried out in full conformity with the constitution and democratic process. Legitimacy is not measured by external preference, but by the will of the peoples and the strength of the institution. The claim of shrinking civil space lies wide open under scrutiny. Cambodia is home to more than 6,000 registered organizations and 2,000 media outlets, many openly critical of the government. These are not a sign of contention, but of vitality. Civil society thrives because of peace and stability, given it fertile ground. Freedom cannot flourish in chaos, it grows in peace. The quality misplaced is the charge of mass arrests, persecution, addition, or judicial law fears. No one in Cambodia is prosecuted for political belief. Prosecution arises from the breach of law. Nor can we accept the claim of state national repression. To label every lawful conviction repression is to distort justice and strip our Article 19 out of the ICCPR of it between liberties and responsibilities. On online scam, we do not deny the gravities about rejects and the distortion of inaction. This transnational syndicate has been a matter with this mentors network, which shows the victim perpetrators and a different regional cooperation, clear as evident of results, not failure. On the national results and the environment report involved across miles. Strategies to get us clean, from land and water governance to environmental management. Yet the picture is partial. Cambodia does not deny challenges, but reform are advancing. Balancing conservation and development is a universal test. Cambodia confront it openly through law, consultation, and reform. Our past is one of resilient and sustainable growth, not of quandaries or fast mire. Mr. Vice President, civil and political stability in Cambodia is not law. flawless, no country is, but its dynamics and involvement with wider consultation, greater digital access, and judicial reform, reinforcing independent. Equally, we insist that rights are indivisible. Civil and political freedom cannot endure as we economic and social rights collapse. Civil and political Yet, the report is marred by selectivities and imbalanced valence on the witch and political scam while skill is acknowledged socioeconomic gain. We therefore call upon the rapporteurs to uphold the code of conduct and discharge James' mandate. Cambodia does not claim perfection, but we do claim progress. We rebuild institutions up to the world, restore stabilities and house poverty, both in education and health. true foundation upon which rights are employed. We urge this Council to approach the report with fairness, recognizing achievements as well as challenges, resist selectivities and politicization, and reaffirm cooperation based on impartialities and balance. Cambodia remains unwavering in its commitment to peace as the foundation of rights, to development as the path to dignity, and to the full enjoyment of all human rights for all our people. I thank you.

Thank you, excellency, distinguished colleagues. The list of speakers is now closed. I now call on interested delegations to ask questions and make comments on the report. The speaking time is one minute, 30 seconds for all speakers, and I call on the European Union.

The European Union thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report. Your role remains vital in monitoring the human rights situation on the ground. We remain deeply concerned by the severe restriction of civic and political space in Cambodia, including the continued harassment, judicial persecution, and arbitrary detention of opposition figures, human rights defenders, journalists, media workers, and trade unionists. This climate of repression has a chilling effect on public participation, especially among youth. The erosion of multi-party democracy and the lack of truly competitive elections are alarming. Forced evictions and unresolved land disputes continue. Administrative and legal barriers undermine civil society's operations and independence. We call for the immediate release of all individuals detained for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association, the lifting of restrictions on independent media, and a transparent environment for NGOs. We underline the importance of fair trial guarantees and accountability for perpetrators. The recent adoption of the amendment to the law on nationality raises our concern. These provisions must be brought fully in line with Cambodia's international human rights obligations. The EU stands ready to support Cambodia in advancing human rights, welcoming its cooperation with the United Nations human rights system. We recognize Cambodia's commitment towards multilateralism and international cooperation, as well as its dedication to social protection for persons in vulnerable situations. Mr. Special Rapporteur, how could we encourage Cambodia to effectively implement the human rights action agenda as proposed by you?

I thank you.

Thank you.

Malaysia, on behalf of Asia, is recognized.

Mr. Vice President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste. We take note of the Special Rapporteur's report. We commend the government of Cambodia for its positive and constructive engagement with human rights mechanisms. for providing unfettered access for the SR and for hosting the OHCHR's field office for the past 32 years. We emphasize the importance of balance and constructive working methods of the SR, which take into account national circumstances and the perspectives of the government. The use of reliable, verifiable sources and factual information is critical. The mandate of the SR is to identify gaps and provide advice on the necessary technical assistance and capacity building. We applaud Cambodia's 13th renewal of its MOU with the OHCHR, reflecting sustained cooperation and commitment to strengthening human rights institutions. We also commend its acceptance of 85% of recommendations from the fourth UPR cycle. This is a reflection of its consistent commitment to the advancement of human rights and openness with the international community. While acknowledging Cambodia's challenges, we recognize their remarkable initiatives and efforts in improvement across the board. To conclude, we underscore the role of the Council in delivering concrete and meaningful human rights impact on the ground through constructive dialogue and cooperation.

I thank you.

Thank you. Thailand is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report. As immediate neighbors, Thailand and Cambodia's peace, stability, and prosperity are closely intertwined. We welcome human rights progress in Cambodia. We encourage Cambodia to focus its attention to further address pressing challenges and respond to the needs of its people. On natural resources management, Thailand calls on Cambodia to ensure transparency and people-based process. Such management, when involved, foreign parties requires even greater transparency on our side. We urge Cambodia to provide casualty and disappearances records and inform families of the fate of their loved ones, including soldiers who may have lost have been lost in the recent conflict, in compliance with the ICPPED. Thailand will continue to provide technical cooperation and capacity building to Cambodia, including in education, health, and socioeconomic development. This aim to promote well-being and rights of Cambodian people. We are also committed to protecting rights of Cambodian workers in Thailand. Lastly, Thailand encourages Cambodia to constructively engage with the UN mechanisms and mandate holders. We thank the Special Rapporteur and respect his independence and impartiality. We hope he can continue his mandate professionally and free from intimidation. I thank you.

Thank you.

Japan is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Special Rapporteur, Japan expresses its sincere appreciation for your dedicated work. Thank you very much. We have consistently supported countries that strive to improve human rights situation through dialogue and cooperation. In this spirit, we are pleased note the improvements reported in Cambodia, such as the extension of social security systems for impoverished households and vulnerable groups, as well as progress made in fulfilling some of the sustainable development goals. We also hope to see further progress through the implementation of the recommendations made by various delegations during the fourth cycle of the UPR last year. However, significant room for improvement remains in expanding political and civic space. We are also concerned about the repressive activities against the Cambodian civil society actors, including the potential negative impact due to recent constitutional amendments allowing for the revocation of nationality. We urge the government to make efforts towards expanding political and civic space and to ensure an environment conducive to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and association in which all parties can operate freely. Lastly, we affirm our continued support for the Special Rapporteur's mandate and express hope for enhanced cooperation between the Cambodian government and human rights mechanisms. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. Timor-Leste is recognized.

Mr. Vice President, Timor-Leste thanks the Special Rapporteur, Mr. Vivet Montarbond, for his comprehensive report. We recognize Cambodia's ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development and advance human rights protection. Its commitment to multilateralism and active contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals are particularly commendable, including notable progress in social protections, steps toward universal health care, and expanded support for vulnerable groups, reflecting A dedication to inclusive development and the well-being of all citizens. We also acknowledge Cambodia's constructive measures in establishing a national human rights institution through broad stakeholder consultations, reflecting its commitment to upholding international human rights standards. Furthermore, Cambodia's effort to align national policies with international obligations and to strengthen judicial independence through legal reforms underscore its dedication to the rule of law. In conclusion, Timor-Leste reaffirms its support to Cambodia in its ongoing efforts to meet the aspirations of its people, uphold human rights, and strengthen regional cooperation. Thank you, Vice President.

Thank you, Australia.

Thank you, Mr Vice-President.

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report and welcomes Cambodia's ongoing engagement with him. Noting Cambodia's efforts to address scam centres, a cross-regional issue, we encourage the government to take stronger steps to eliminate scamming compounds within Cambodia and ensure protection and justice for trafficked victims. Australia calls on Cambodia to allow political parties and civil society, including environmental activists, human rights defenders, trade unionists and independent media to operate freely

and exercise their rights of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.

In applying new and existing laws, including the law on nationality, we urge Cambodia to respect rights enshrined in its constitution and commitments in international declarations and conventions, and to ensure due process and procedural fairness in the judicial system. We support Cambodia's efforts to improve education, healthcare, social protection, social accountability, gender equality, and LGBTQIA plus and disability rights. Australia welcomes cooperation with Cambodia to address the effects of climate change and ensure a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy. How can Australia support Cambodia in implementing the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur's report, particularly addressing challenges around environmental sustainability in alignment with Cambodia's development strategy? Thank you.

Thank you, Qatar is recognized.

Thank you, sir. After having considered the report, we welcome the arrangements. and the cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner and the United Nations mechanisms. We appreciate the efforts for human rights in spite of the many challenges that the country faces. We welcome the commitment to the SDGs, and we encourage the commitment to pursue the current progress to improve social protection as part of the national policy for social protection, while implementing the action plan to combat disasters and the strategy for persons with disabilities 2024 and on. We welcome efforts aimed to increase social coverage and to improve social, economic, and cultural rights. We encourage continued constructive collaboration from the office with Cambodia while guaranteeing technical assistance and improving the country's capabilities, which would help to protect human rights and to respect them. Thank you.

Thank you. Vietnam is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Vietnam thanks the Special Rapporteur for the report and commends Cambodia for its continued progress in advancing human rights alongside socioeconomic development. We welcome achievement in poverty reduction, education, health care, and social protection, which have improved people's living standards and advanced the SDGs. Vietnam further welcomes Cambodia's constructive and effective cooperation with the United Nations human rights mechanism. In particular, we underscore Cambodia's active engagement in the UPR process and its ratification of eight out of nine core international human rights treaties. Mr. Vice President, Vietnam believes that genuine dialogue and cooperation remains the most effective means to advance human rights and encourages Cambodia and the United Nations to continue working together in this spirit.

I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. My delegation takes note of the Special Rapporteur's report. The Lao PDR commends Cambodia for the update and for its commitment to promote and protect human rights, as demonstrated by its longstanding and constructive engagement with the United Nations human rights mechanism, including Special Rapporteurs, treaty bodies, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. My delegation also welcomes significant progress made by Cambodia, especially in the economic, social, and cultural rights, including implementations of the National Social Protection Policy Framework 2024 to 2035, and its efforts to promote human rights educations at both national and subnational levels by providing the human rights training for law enforcement officers. The La Pedia in college, the special of the and the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to continue their constructive dialogue and cooperation with the governments of Cambodia, guided by the principle of impossibility, objectivity, non-selectivity, and non-politicization, and taking into account the government's priority and the national circumstances. I thank you.

Merci, Luc.

Thank you. Kyrgyzstan is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We take note of the report. I would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for the dedicated work. The Kyrgyz Republic warmly welcomes the delegation of Cambodia and appreciates its constructive engagement with the Special Rapporteur and the UN mechanisms. We would like to praise Cambodia's active and commendable participation in the Universal Periodic Review process. This engagement has contributed to strengthening national human protection systems and has been instrumental in advancing the realization of civil, political, socio-economic and cultural rights for all people in Cambodia. Furthermore, we acknowledge Cambodia's continued emphasis on the principles of inclusivity and the rule of law. These pillars underscore its dedication to fostering a liberal democratic society where diverse voices are not only heard but are respected. We also applaud Cambodia's increasing focus on environmental protection, which is intrinsically linked to the human rights to health and a clean environment. In this spirit of constructive dialogue and international cooperation, we wish Cambodia continued success in its human rights and development journey. And I thank you.

Thank you.

Sri Lanka is recognized.

Mr. Vice President, Sri Lanka welcomes Cambodia's progress and achievements in advancing human

rights and the constructive engagement and cooperation with the regular UN human rights mechanisms over the years. Sri Lanka also commends the progress towards the establishment of a national human rights institution in consultation with the stakeholders. The ongoing efforts of Cambodia to advance the well-being of its people through comprehensive policies, action plans, and programs on health, education, and social welfare are noteworthy.

The initiatives that are being implemented by Cambodia to protect the rights of

children, gender equality, and the rights of persons with disabilities are further encouraging. Mr. Vice President, we urge the Council to recognize the positive developments in Cambodia to advance the human rights of its people and extend support to Cambodia's ongoing efforts to further strengthen the domestic processes. Sri Lanka reiterates the importance of extending such support with the adherence to guiding principles of universality, impartiality and non-selectivity stipulated in the UNGA Resolution 60/251 and the IB package of the Council. Thank you.

Thank you.

Cameroon is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, sir. Cameroon would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of the report, and we note with interest the analysis of the human rights situation in Cambodia, particularly in relation to natural resources. My delegation commends Cambodia's continued cooperation with UN mechanisms, in particular renewing the memorandum of understanding with the Office of the High Commissioner. and hosting the Special Rapporteur for several visits, as well as joining eight of the nine core international instruments on human rights. Cameroon also welcomes the significant progress made by Cambodia in areas of pluralist democracy, participation in UPR, and the establishment of a national human rights institution in keeping with the Paris Principles. We take note of Cambodia's efforts to strengthen political pluralism, improve social coverage, promote the rights of women and children, protect indigenous communities, and consolidate the rule of law. In that spirit, Cameroon wishes to reiterate the importance of addressing all of these issues with a spirit of openness, cooperation, and respect for sovereignty, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter. In conclusion, my country reiterates the need to give priority to dialogue and technical support, avoiding any selective or stigmatizing approach that does not favor trust nor progress. Thank you.

Thank you. Azerbaijan is recognized.

Mr. Vice President, we take note of the report of the Special Rapporteur for the current ID and information provided by Cambodia as a concerned country. We would like to emphasize that all matters falling within the domestic jurisdiction of the UN member states, including that of Cambodia, must be resolved through dialogue and cooperation based on respect for the rule of law, independence, and sovereignty of states. We believe that the Office of the High Commissioner for human rights should favor constructive dialogue and cooperation with the Government of Cambodia and provide it with necessary advisory services, technical and financial assistance as appropriate, and with the consent of the Government, to support Cambodia's actions and programs in ensuring the protection of human rights in the country. I thank you.

Thank you. Saudi Arabia is

recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. My country's delegation has taken note of the report from the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia. We welcome Cambodia's cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Vice President, we welcome the efforts that have been made for the promotion and protection of human rights and the promotion of gender equality. the atomization of women at the economic level and in public spheres, as well as improving education and capacity building, and to take actions to adapt to climate change. It is important to build on the gains made so far and to cooperate with the people affected in order to have more progress in human rights.

Thank you. Thank you.

Germany is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Germany aligns itself with the EU statement and would also like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his report. While commending Cambodia for the cooperation with the OHCHR and human rights mechanisms, and also acknowledging developments in the area of economic and social rights, Germany notes continued limitation of political and civic space in the Kingdom of Cambodia. Often those who dare to exercise their constitutional right to voice dissenting or critical opinions take a high personal risk. This includes human rights defenders, environmental activists, trade unionists, and journalists. They may not only face harassment, but worse, lengthy detention after seemingly endless trials. Many are forced to leave the country and may risk ending up stateless after the entry into force of the amended law on nationality. We hope for a more inclusive, enabling, pluralistic, political, and civic environment. Germany is committed to supporting the government of Cambodia in advancing human rights, the rule of law, democratic standards, and the freedom of speech. Mr. Special Rapporteur, how can the shrinking space for media freedom and the harassment of journalists be addressed? Thank you.

Thank you. Zimbabwe is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Zimbabwe takes note of the report of the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia and commends Cambodia's commitment to fulfilling its human rights obligations and its positive and constructive engagement with the human rights mechanisms, including the granting of unfettered access to the Special Rapporteur. We welcome Cambodia's efforts in ensuring economic, social, and cultural rights through prioritizing policies that focus on growth, employment, equity, efficiency, and sustainability. We take note of its effort to achieve universal health coverage through focusing on ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare services and building a resilient healthcare system. We further applaud Cambodia for the progress made in protecting the vulnerable groups, including women and children and persons living with disabilities through national efforts to combat violence, improve social protection, and enhance social inclusivity. We recognize Cambodia's efforts to ensure judicial independence and enhance justice through legal reform programs, demonstrating the country's commitment to upholding the rule of law. Zimbabwe therefore supports Cambodia's efforts in promoting and protecting the human rights of its people. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. Kuwait is recognized.

Thank you, Vice President. We have taken due note of the fifth report presented by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia. We would like to thank the Office of the High Commissioner for their work in this area. Sir, We appreciate the progress that has been made by Cambodia, particularly as regards improving women's representation in legislative and governmental bodies. We also appreciate the progress that has been made to combat violence and violence against women. We encourage Cambodia to align itself and accept the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur. By conclusion, we would like to urge the Council to continue providing technical assistance to Cambodia in keeping with its priorities and needs. Thank you.

Thank you. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. My delegation took note of the Special Rapporteur's report. The DPRK commends the Government of Cambodia in its positive and constructive engagement with human rights mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights.

We recognize Cambodia's efforts in strengthening democratic institutions and advancing the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and other vulnerable groups.

We believe Cambodia's continued commitment to constructive dialogue, inclusivity, And the rule of law, as enshrined in its constitution and the UN Charter, deserves acknowledgment and support. I thank you.

Thank you. Belarus is recognized.

Thank you, President. Assessments by the human rights mechanisms of country situations must be impartial and objective, not politicized. We welcome Cambodia's cooperation with the UN human rights system, including the work of the OHCHR in the country. There has been considerable success by the country in protecting human rights, reducing poverty, improving living standards, achieving the SDGs, developing socioeconomic parameters, and improving the legislation and institutions. We commend the work to improve access to education and health care and to protect vulnerable groups and combat trafficking. Working with Cambodia must be on the basis of unwavering compliance with the standards, so no selectivity or politicization. mutually respectful dialogue, we are convinced that technical assistance on the basis of the national priorities of Cambodia will be best placed to develop the human rights situation in the country.

Thank you.

Thank you, Turkey.

Mr. Vice President, I have carefully listened to the statement by Cambodian delegation and thank them for their comprehensive presentation. We welcome Cambodia's cooperation with the OHCHR and commend Cambodia for the positive and constructive engagement with human rights mechanisms, especially its active participation in the universal periodic review process and its close cooperation with the OHCHR and the Special Rapporteur. Cambodia's progress on poverty reduction and economic growth, despite global economic uncertainties, should especially be welcomed. We believe that. Further progress in tackling important issues such as access to health and education and empowerment of women in general will be paramount for the development of the overall human rights environment in the country. Turkey will continue to support Cambodia in its endeavors. Thank.

You.

Thank you. India is recognized.

Mr. Vice President, India takes note of the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia. India and Cambodia enjoy warm and cordial relations. As a longstanding development partner, India has extended assistance to Cambodia in various socioeconomic sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, women's empowerment, capacity building, sanitation, environment, and information technology. We remain committed to supporting Cambodia in its efforts towards sustainable and inclusive development. Mr. Vice President, India firmly believes that strengthening national capacities through technical assistance and capacity building, undertaken in consultation with and with the consent of the state concerned, is a constructive means to advance the promotion and protection of human rights on the ground. We appreciate the continued cooperation of the government of Cambodia with the Office of the High Commissioner and commend its engagement with the UN human rights mechanisms, including the Special Rapporteur and treaty bodies. We note positively Cambodia's ratification of core human rights treaties and its ongoing efforts towards establishing a national human rights institution in line with international standards.

Thank you.

Thank you. UNICEF is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. UNICEF welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur. We strongly support his call to advance the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment in Cambodia. This right is particularly important for children, given their unique vulnerabilities to environmental threats with immediate and long-term impacts on the realization of their rights. We also support the Special Rapporteur's call for meaningful participation of local communities and indigenous peoples, including children, in decision-making. Environmental human rights defenders, including children, play a vital role in environmental protection and must be safeguarded. UNICEF joins the Special Rapporteur in commending Cambodia's progress in expanding social protection and welcomes the government's use of UNICEF's Children's Climate Risk Index, which highlights the country's high climate risk and underscores the urgent need for child-centered climate policies. We echo the Special Rapporteur's call to implement the guiding principles on business and human rights and to ensure inclusive participation of all stakeholders, including children, to realize the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for all. We also acknowledge the government's use of evidence-based assessments, including in the area of juvenile justice, and echo the Special Rapporteur's call to detain children only as a last resort. Finally, we urge Cambodia, amid public administrative reforms, to ensure that children's rights remain centrally monitored and coordinated at the highest levels, including by preserving the role and.

Capacity of the National Children's Office.

Thank you. Indonesia is recognized.

President, Indonesia welcomes Cambodia's commitment to advancing human rights alongside efforts to achieve SDGs. We particularly commend the adoption of Cambodia's National Social Protection Policy Framework 2024-2035 and the Health Strategic Plan 2024-2033. Ensuring universal access to social security and health is essential for all.

Segments in the society to fully and inclusively enjoy these fundamental rights. We take note of SR's assessment of Cambodia's initiatives.

On environmental sustainability and the need to strengthen environmental governance and invest in sustainable resource management.

We support the effective implementation of Cambodia's.

Code on Environment and Natural Resources and its Circular Strategy on Environment to modernize environmental policy and promote green development.

We underline the significance of sustained technical assistance and capacity building to improve human rights in Cambodia and address the remaining challenges. In that regard, we emphasize that the promotion and protection of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

As well as the right to development, are equally important.

Finally, we call on Special Rapporteur and OHCHR field office in Cambodia to continue their constructive engagement with the Government of Cambodia in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect. Thank you, Mr. Vice.

Thank you. I call on Cuba.

Vice-President, Cuba recognizes and welcomes the systematic work done by Cambodia to promote and protect human rights and the positive results achieved. We note the ratification of eight of the nine core treaties, launch of a national human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles, and the active, constructive participation in the UPR. We recognize the ongoing efforts to strengthen the rule of law and inclusive governance, and to combat trafficking, protect vulnerable groups, promote social justice, and protect the environment. Cuba congratulates the Kingdom of Cambodia on these genuine efforts to pursue the well-being of all citizens and wishes it every success in the future.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President, and thank you, Special Rapporteur. We welcome Cambodia's progress in health care, education, social protection and climate action. We reaffirm our support for its ambition for a smooth transition from least developed country status in 2029. However, we remain concerned about ongoing restrictions on civic space. Judicial harassment of opposition voices, human rights defenders and journalists undermines democratic principles. We are particularly concerned by the wide application of Article 495 of the Penal Code on incitement and its chilling effect on freedom of expression. The UK is concerned by tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border, and we support efforts to uphold the ceasefire, rebuild trust, and address the humanitarian needs of affected communities. We are deeply concerned by reports of trafficking and forced labour linked to the online scamming industry. we encourage stronger, more consistent law enforcement and victim support. We also urge Cambodia to continue working towards the Special Rapporteur's recommendations, including on strengthening judicial independence and enabling civil society to operate freely. Looking ahead to the next elections, inclusive dialogue and the participation of all stakeholders will help build confidence and stability. A vibrant press, active civil society and respect for freedom of expression will not only reinforce democratic principles, but also support Cambodia's long-term prosperity and international reputation.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Egypt.

The delegation of Egypt warmly welcomes the Special Rapporteur and welcomes his constructive and inclusive approach. We took note of the latest report submitted to the Council. We encouraged Cambodia to continue its positive cooperation with international human rights mechanisms in a constructive spirit and in accordance with its national priorities to achieve the aspirations of its citizens. We emphasized the importance of providing the necessary support to Cambodia to continue its efforts to improve the human rights situation, including for women, children, and persons with disabilities. Egypt wishes to highlight the importance of supporting technical cooperation and capacity-building mechanisms in various countries as one of the most important means of improving the capabilities and capacities of countries to enhance civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, including the right to development. We emphasize that this should be done based on the country's requests and in accordance with their needs and national priorities. We stress the importance of preserving the nature and objectives of item 10, keeping its focus on providing support to countries to help improve their human rights situations and avoid bringing up topics and issues that are being discussed under other agenda items. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I call on the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Mr. Vice President, the Islamic Republic of Iran support the ongoing effort of Cambodia in the promotion and protection of human rights. We underline that any technical assistance provided to a state must be extended upon their explicit request and should be consistent with their national priority and development goals. In this context, we welcome the provision of capacity building and technical assistance to Cambodia aimed at strengthening the government's ability to advance human rights. It's essential that in delivering such support, particular emphasis is placed and the implementation of recommendation accepted during the universal periodic review and strengthening of those national programs that are already under implementation. A constructive and cooperative engagement between the concerned state and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights can yield tangible results on the ground. Finally, we reaffirm the importance of fully respecting the primary role of the state in decision-making process related to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental Thank you.

I call on the Russian Federation. Thank you, President. We note Cambodia's efforts in human rights, including the protection of the most vulnerable groups. The state authorities work actively with international structures and local NGOs to monitor the human rights situation in the country. We note the government's steps to fulfill the recommendations made during the UPR. Cambodia continues to implement the National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking to 2028 and is attentive to citizens' rights to land plots and to issues of illegal logging and forced expulsion from traditional lands, as well as domestic violence and to helping victims. There are social programs for vulnerable population groups, reducing the poverty level notably. We believe that given the efforts to uphold citizens' rights and freedoms and comply with international obligations, Cambodia's authorities will continue to improve governance, justice, and to combat corruption, as well as uphold the political space and create the necessary conditions for political activities and the operation of civil society institutions. Thank you.

Mr. Vice President, recent years, Cambodia actively advanced national construction, maintained political stability, economic development, and continuously achieved progress in poverty alleviation, social security, education, and medical and healthcare, and environment protection, and other fields. Living standards of people have been steadily improved. Various human rights have been effectively protected and progress made in implementation of SDGs. China welcomes and affirms Cambodia's effort in promoting protecting human rights. China firmly opposes countries concerned using human rights as pretext to interfere in internal affairs of sovereign states, undermine legitimate rights and interests of Cambodian people, help all countries abide by its purposes, principles of the UN Charter, respect Cambodian sovereignty, independent territorial integrity, respect development path, independent chosen by the Cambodian people, do more things conducive to safeguard the country's stable development and regional peace and prosperity. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I call on Venezuela.

Thank you, Vice President. We commend the dialogue and positive cooperation by Cambodia with all human rights mechanisms under the United Nations, treaty bodies, and the Office of the High Commissioner. Cambodia has made significant progress in economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights, including the right to development. We note its valuable cooperation with the UPR mechanism in 2024. It accepted a large number of the recommendations received during the interactive dialogue and showed the country's readiness to promote, protect and ensure enjoyment of human rights. President, Venezuela reaffirms that human rights cannot be treated through selective mandates imposed on sovereign states, particularly when they do not have the agreement of the concerned country. We reiterate that it is only through genuine dialogue and cooperation, which are fundamental pillars of the work of the Council, to make progress in protecting human rights throughout the world. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Pakistan.

Mr. Vice President, my delegation thanks the Special Rapporteur for presenting his report, of which we have taken note, and welcomes the remarks by the delegation of the country concerned. As one of the first countries to recognize the independence of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Pakistan welcomes the country's progress towards sustainable development, as well as its efforts to promote and protect human rights. Pakistan believes that this Council's technical assistance to Cambodia should continue to be responsive to the needs and priorities of the Cambodian Government. Consultation with and consent of the recipient state remain indispensable for maintaining positive momentum in improving the human rights situation. Mr. Vice President, my delegation takes note with appreciation of Cambodia's efforts to uphold, in particular, the ESC rights of its people, including their right to development. The country's progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is all the more notable in view of global uncertainty and shrinking overseas development assistance budgets. We appreciate the Cambodian Government's sustained constructive engagement with the UN human rights mechanisms, including the UPR Working Group, treaty bodies, the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, and the OHCHR field office.

I thank you.

Thank you. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, that was the last speaker on my list. We will now move to the list of speakers from non-governmental organizations. I call on Human Rights Now.

Mr. Vice-President, Human Rights Now is deeply concerned about the Government of Cambodia's continuing targeting of political opposition and civil society voices. At least 76 persons are currently being arbitrarily detained due to their speech or legitimate activities, including the recent detentions for social media comments of union leader Pich Pisit and elected

local government officials Moot Rin and Kan Koon in the political opposition.

Other recently arbitrarily detained political opposition members include Chan Chyatt, Hem Ho Un, Vorn Lang, Soeng Hiang, and Iam Ravut. Of particular concern are the recent amendments to the nationality law, which provide a means for arbitrarily stripping Cambodians of their citizenship, chilling speech, and potentially rendering some persons stateless and vulnerable. The amendments appear to violate the right to nationality by having overly broad, vague, and undefined standards and terms that allow officials to arbitrarily target opponents without evidence or due process. They further lack conditions for valid restrictions on civil and political rights, including being predictable, non-discriminatory, and necessary and proportionate to a legitimate and reasonable objective, taking the least restrictive actions necessary under narrowly tailored standards. We call on the government of Cambodia to release all persons arbitrarily detained for their political or activist speech or activities, and to bring its nationality law in line with international human rights standards by revoking or revising the recent amendments to meet those standards.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Earth Justice.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report and share his concern about the systemic shrinking of civic space, which particularly weakens the protection of the country's natural resources on which so many rely for their livelihood. As stated in the report, members of the organization Mother Nature Cambodia, a long-standing and international award-winning environmental organization, have been sentenced to between six and eight years in prison in July 2024, actually for their environmental activities. We call for their immediate release. The right to environmental information is also at risk when journalists, both local and international, are prevented to report on environmental issues, are threatened, arrested, or even killed in one case in December last year. Illegal logging has become a disaster of national proportion. Cambodia has lost more than seven million acres of tree cover since the 2000 and has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. For many indigenous people and for historically marginalized communities in Cambodia, the forests are a source of life, culture, and survival. In order to reverse such a dramatic trend, all threats and attacks against environmental human rights defenders must end, and the use of armed forces to suppress peaceful protest must stop. We join the call to the Cambodian authorities to constructively engage with all stakeholders to implement the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

For the Cambodian people.

Thank you, I call on.

Thank you. Article 19 makes a statement jointly with Cambodian civil society organizations. We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report, which shows how Cambodia continues to experience severe democratic backsliding. According to Article 19's Global Expression Report, Cambodia remains in crisis for the exercise of the right to freedom of expression. The Cambodian government continues to weaponize a myriad of repressive laws and policies to criminalize critical and dissenting voices and create a pervasive climate of self-censorship, such as provisions in the Criminal Code, alongside the Press Law, the Cybercrime Law, the Citizenship Law, and the Charter for Professional Journalism. Journalists and media workers face unprecedented attacks on their safety and livelihoods, especially those covering land and environmental issues. The killing of Choung Chheng, a veteran environmental journalist, is a reminder of how journalists risk their lives in uncovering crime and corruption. Cambodia is a leading perpetrator of transnational repression, reaching beyond its own borders to commit egregious human rights violations. This is having an existential impact on the right to freedom of expression, creating a world where Cambodian journalists, human rights defenders and other civil society actors have nowhere to hide from attacks. We encourage States to urgently engage with and call on the Cambodian authorities to review and amend laws that restrict the right to freedom of expression and to cease all attacks against journalists and media workers. We also urge on the Cambodian government to fully implement the recommendations of the report as well as recommendations accepted during the UPR process. Finally, we reiterate our full support for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Cambodia and call for its renewal at this session. Thank you.

Thank you.

I call on Civicus.

Mr. Vice President, Civicus welcomes the Special Rapporteur report on the human rights situation in Cambodia. We are deeply concerned about the persistent use of judicial harassment and intimidation to silence activists, journalists, and the opposition. In July 2024, five members of environmental group Mother Nature Cambodia were convicted and sentenced to imprisonment between six to eight years for their legitimate human rights work. Their requests for bail have been consistently denied. and they have been transferred to prison far from their families, hindering family contact, medical care, and legal support. Peaceful protests continue to be systematically suppressed, and civil society have been silenced due to the law on associations and NGOs. Civicus also remains concerned about transnational repression against Cambodian activists and dissidents in exile, including arrests, assaults, enforced disappearances, and unlawful killings with impunity. Amendments to the citizenship law and the the fundamental right to nationality and risk living activists and opposition politicians stateless. We call for repeal or review of provisions of the Cambodian criminal code that criminalize incitement, article 494 and 495, insulting the king, article 437, and plotting, article 453, which are routinely misused to punish activists. Mr. Vice President, the people of Cambodia deserve an environment where the civic freedoms are respected. and those who defend rights and the environment are celebrated and not imprisoned.

Merci. La parole est à Asian Forum.

Thank you. I call on Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development.

The Vice President. We welcome the Special Rapporteur's report. The mandate remains an essential lifeline as repression continues to deepen under Prime Minister Hun Manet. The country increasingly resembles a one-party state where dissent is criminalized and democratic institutions have been hollowed out. The judiciary has become the government's primary instrument of repression. Vague charges of incitement, defamation, and conspiracy are systematically deployed against human rights defenders, journalists, trade unionists, and civil society. conviction and imprisonment of members of Mother Nature Cambodia epitomizes this pattern of judicialized lawfare. Similarly, over the past one and a half years, at least 14 members of the opposition were convicted. The assassination of former parliamentarian Lim Kimia in Thailand underscores risks against critics even outside the country. Amendments to the citizenship law takes this repression further. These amendments allow authorities to render Cambodian citizens stateless if convicted on charges of treason or collusion with foreign powers by the ruling party-controlled judiciary. The government's narrative of progress stands in stark contrast to the reality of collusion between political and corporate elites who profit from resource exploitation at the expense of human rights and marginalized communities. We call on Cambodian authorities to release all political prisoners, including members of Mother Nature Cambodia, to end harassment and targeting of human rights defenders and journalists, and to align all national legislation with Cambodia's international obligations. I thank.

You.

Thank you. I call on the International Bar Association for a joint video statement.

The International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute, Lawyers for Lawyers, and Lawyers Without Borders Canada welcome the Special Rapporteur's report. We appreciate the recent communication on the challenges facing lawyers and access to justice in Cambodia, addressing concerns on the lack of investment in legal aid. Combined with the reduction of international funding, these issues leaving thousands without access to justice and disproportionately affecting marginalized groups and undermining fair trial rights. Cambodia's justice system requires dedicated attention. The country lacks enough lawyers to meet the demands, and those who take on sensitive cases are isolated, under-resourced, socially discriminated, and harassed. The absence of a strong, independent legal community erodes trust in the rule of law. While attention is focused on the peace at the border between Cambodia and Thailand, we receive troubling reports of arbitrary arrests for expressing opinion about the conflict. With no independent legal aid network in place, only a handful of lawyers can afford defending basic rights without a pay, making the legal defense unsustainable. Lawyers are critical to the defense of human rights defenders, and therefore we urge the international community and this council to work with Cambodia and civil society to build an independent, resilient legal profession to protect the rights of everyone without fear of retaliation.

Thank you.

Thank you. Amnesty International is recognized.

Mr. President, Amnesty International agrees with the Special Rapporteur that there is a need to address a quagmire of concerns in Cambodia. We call on Cambodian authorities to immediately release all human rights defenders detained for the peaceful exercise of their human rights, and to amend or repeal repressive laws in accordance with the country's international human rights obligations. We remain concerned about slavery, human trafficking, and torture in Cambodia's scamming compounds. This year, we identified more than 50 scamming compounds across the country. The government's woefully ineffective response and failure to meet its obligations to adequately prevent and investigate the scamming crisis demonstrates its acquiescence and points towards complicity in the human rights abuse taking place. Amnesty International calls on Cambodian authorities to investigate and shut down all scamming compounds and properly identify, assist, and protect all victims and provide support and remedy to them. We urge the government to invite the Special Rapporteur and other special procedure mechanisms, including those working on contemporary forms of slavery, trafficking in persons, and torture, to visit the scamming compounds identified in our report, as well as shelters housing rescued victims. Lastly, we ask the Special Rapporteur how UN agencies and bodies present in Cambodia, including OHCHR, could play a greater role in scrutinizing human rights violations and supporting human rights defenders. Thank you.

Thank you. Lawyers Rights Watch Canada through a video statement.

Mr. President, Lawyers Rights Watch Canada, the International Commission of Jurists, and the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute concur with the Special Rapporteur's findings about persisting human rights violations and abuses in Cambodia. We are deeply concerned about Cambodia's long-standing strangulation of civic space and dissent, misuse of judicial processes, and arbitrary detention of land rights and environmental defenders, labor leaders, opposition politicians, and journalists. Cambodia's recent armed conflict with Thailand has led to a crackdown on freedom of expression. Journalists' independent reporting has led to arbitrary detention on false treason charges. Cambodia continues to resist the establishment of an independent judiciary and legal profession, resulting in a.

Systemic lack of fair trials and crowded prisons.

Inadequate legal aid further compounds lack of independent legal representation. Government-organized legal aid remains inadequate and lacks independence. Access to legal aid lawyers appointed by independent civil society organizations has deteriorated with the plummeting of international aid. The recent overbroad amendments to the Constitution and Nationality Law create alarming potential for stripping of citizenship on politicized grounds without due process should authorities deem citizens' actions to harm ill-defined national interests. The need for continued independent monitoring by the Special Rapporteur is clear. We urge the Council to renew the mandate.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Human Rights Watch is recognized.

Mr. Vice President, Human Rights Watch thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report, which highlights concerns over shrinking civic space and throttling of the political opposition in Cambodia, as well as transitional repression. Opposition members, activists, and journalists continue to face fabricated charges of plotting, incitement, and treason, which the Special Rapporteur has described as judicialized lawfare. In July, Cambodian authorities charged two journalists with treason for reporting on border clashes with Thailand. Others who reported on cyber scam compounds or environmental destruction have faced arrest, intimidation, or coerced confessions. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to immediately release those detained for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, opinion, and assembly, and drop politically motivated treasons and entrapment cases. We are alarmed by recent amendments to the citizenship law that allow the government to revoke nationality on vague grounds, such as treason or acts against national interests. These provisions are not aligned with international standards, as they could be used to arbitrate against critics, dissidents in exile, and human rights defenders. We urge Cambodia to urgently repeal these amendments. The report also addresses how Cambodia's predatory microfinance sector fuels over-indebtedness, coerced land sales, and possible debt-related suicides. These harms have been especially severe for indigenous peoples. We asked the Special Rapporteur what steps could the government take to better enforce applicable law and policies to regulate the microfinance sector and hold it accountable for abusive lending and collection practices?

Thank you.

Thank you. International Federation for Human Rights League has the floor.

Vice President, FIDH regrets that the Special Rapporteur was unable to conduct an official visit to Cambodia amid the heightened tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. The Cambodian government has used the ongoing border crisis to further limit dissent and civic space. Since late August, at least four members of the political opposition and three journalists have been arrested for the exercise of the right to freedom of expression in connection with the Thai-Cambodian situation. In addition, the government hurried amendments to the nationality law, giving it sweeping powers to strip Cambodians of their nationality under vague and overly broad provisions that are not in accordance with international law. This law risks becoming another tool for the government to silence peaceful and legitimate dissent. Socioeconomic consequences also loom. The government's plan to enforce military conscription in 2026 could lead to negative impacts on young people by disrupting their education and employment opportunities. The return of nearly a million migrant workers threatens Cambodia's economic stability and will worsen the over-indebtedness crisis in the microfinance sector. Mr. Vice President, at least 79 individuals remain detained or imprisoned on politically motivated charges. They include members of opposition parties, trade unionists, journalists, social media users, and environmental rights defenders, such as the five activists from Mother Nature Cambodia. We urge the Cambodian government to release all these individuals, drop all charges against them and stop all acts of harassment against civil society. I thank you.

Thank you, Excellencies, dear colleagues. That was the last speaker that we could accommodate. Now I would like to give the floor to Mr. Mutterborn for his concluding remarks.

You have eight minutes, 30 seconds.

Thank you very much. I would like to thank everyone for their comments and their contributions. I will be addressing 5 questions that were raised.

One on the action agenda that I proposed a while back to guide human rights in Cambodia. The second one was on natural resources. This was posed by Australia. The third one was from Germany on media. Fourth one was from AI on international action. And the fifth was on microfinance. I'll try and do them succinctly for lack of time. The action agenda, which was put forward by me some four years ago, was a 10-point action agenda to guide human rights implementation in Cambodia. Some aspects have been improving, such as the social protection area or some aspects concerning vulnerable groups in terms of, for example, child protection laws, which is now being improved, or a new draft for the domestic violence law, and more participation of women on some fronts. However, about seven out of the 10 points of the action agenda still await fulfillment, including number one, implementation of my recommendations, humbly. Number 2, open up civic space. Number 3, adjust the path to elections to ensure pluralism. Number 4, end prosecution of opposition, human rights defenders, et cetera. Number 5, address land issues in a participatory manner. Number 6, improve quality law enforcement and also counter the lawfare that we've been hearing. Number 7, to improve the various laws and policies generally on various groups. And this is also linked with the need to broaden the discourse in regard to not only peace, but human rights, democracy, sustainable development, and environmental protection. With regard to the natural resources issue, there are many recommendations at the end of the report, and I'll single out some. Some of them are softer, some of them are more difficult possibilities for implementation. Number one, implement the right to clean environment. Two, secure indigenous rights by expediting and simplifying the collective land titling. Number 3, Strengthen financial consumer protection by capping interest rates, enforcing transparent loan disclosures, and banning the use of soft title of land as collateral. Number 4, uphold the importance of human rights by ending forced evictions and abide by the principle of prior free informed consent through consultations. Number 5, respect the possibility of demonstrations and the right to assemble as well as freedom of expression. And number 6, ensure quality-based environmental impact assessment. Number 7, to implement the guiding principles on business human rights. And number 8, to end the attacks on environmentalists and human rights defenders, particularly in regard to what we call SLAPP cases, strategic litigation against public participation. Thirdly, on the media, on the media, there are many possibilities. End the use of all these draconian laws. So many of them have been listed already through the discourses this morning. Suspend the application of the more recent press charter, which broadens censorship not only in regard to traditional media, but also bloggers in general. And end the prosecutions, persecution, attacks on human rights defenders, particularly journalists, both the former journalists and also those who are blogging. In regard to the AI question on international cooperation, there's a whole section at the end of the report. I'll just list one or two which might be of interest. Number one, the international community should support more rights-based conservation and provide technical cooperation on that front. Number 2, monitor against human rights abuses, particularly also on microfinance, which has been listed. Number 3, require rigorous human rights due diligence in regard to projects. Number 4, support creation of grievance mechanisms, particularly as linked with the guiding principles on business and human rights. Five, the issue of monitoring the role of finance institutions related to the debt issue. And number six, reiterate the responsibility of development finance institutions to ensure access to remedy for human rights violations. Seven, develop management action plans with clear deliverables in regard to concerns affecting communities. And 8, support know-how for NGOs to diversify funding, as well as to generate finance for itself in terms of sustainability. In regard to the final question from Human Rights Watch, I think I've covered it to some extent. I've interviewed many directly at the field level, particularly the last time I was there. And actually, it's back to poverty also. So action against poverty is very important because a lot of the local people who take loans are also trying to cover health costs. So that's a root cause, which is very important, together with the other deliverables that we would like to see, such as a cap on interest rate in terms of soft loans. and not to enable the soft title at the local level, particularly the indigenous peoples, to be used as guarantees of loans, and also monitor against sharks generally, whether they be local or international. With that, I think I've responded to the five from the European Union, Australia, Germany, AI, and Human Rights Watch. And I thank you very, very warmly for your kind attention and cooperation. Merci beaucoup.

Merci.

Thank you. Excellencies, dear colleagues, this brings us to the end of this interactive dialogue. Once again, I would like to thank Mr. Muterborn for his participation. We will now have a short break before we begin the interactive dialogue on the human rights situation in Ukraine. Excellencies, dear colleagues, we will now begin our interactive dialogue on the human rights situation in Ukraine pursuant to resolution 59/22 of the Council. The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes. It is my pleasure to give the floor to Mr. Volker Turk, High Commissioner for Human Rights, who will be presenting the reports. You have the floor.

Monsieur le Vice-President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Three and a half years after Russia's full-scale invasion, the war in Ukraine has entered an even more dangerous and deadly stage for Ukrainian civilians, under relentless bombardment of their schools, hospitals, and shelters. This year has seen intense attacks along the frontline and massive airstrikes largely in populated areas. In some towns in frontline communities, nearly all the housing has been damaged or destroyed. Russian forces launched the largest air attack of the war the night of 6 September, sending a total of 823 munitions, including 810 long-range drones. and 13 powerful missiles over Ukraine. Harm to Ukrainian civilians has risen sharply, with total casualties in the first eight months of the year increasing by 40% compared to last year. In July, we documented the highest number of civilian casualties in a month in more than three years. Since the start of the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation, we have documented more than 50,000 Ukrainians, civilians killed and injured, including more than 3,000 children. Continued attacks on critical infrastructure, including power stations, gas facilities, bridges, and railways, disrupt daily life and essential services. Vulnerable groups, including children, older people, and those with disabilities, are hardest hit. by attacks on civilian infrastructure. The onset of winter will only make their living conditions even worse. The Russian Federation has reported civilian casualties at much lower levels resulting from alleged attacks by Ukrainian forces, but we have not been able to verify these figures. Meanwhile, the Russian Federation has detained large numbers of both Ukrainian civilians and military personnel. The report we issued last week lays bare the violations of international law inflicted on civilian detainees. In many cases, people living in occupied territory have been arbitrarily seized from the street and held for weeks, months, or even years. In a significant number of cases, these detentions may amount to enforced disappearances. My office has recorded 90 extrajudicial executions of Ukrainian civilians detained by the Russian authorities. We have documented 38 deaths in custody resulting from torture, lack of medical care, or poor conditions. We also documented patterns of widespread, systematic torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence against Ukrainian civilian detainees. my staff had already recorded these same violations against Ukrainian prisoners of war. Amendments to the laws of the Russian Federation have entrenched impunity for military personnel, enabling extrajudicial executions, torture, and ill treatment to go unpunished. We have also recorded cases of the Ukrainian authorities torturing and mistreating detainees connected to the conflict, including cases of sexual violence. Many of these were in 2022. The Ukrainian authorities have taken steps to strengthen safeguards and improve detention conditions, but there is limited accountability. Mr. Vice President. The Russian authorities continue to perpetrate widespread and systematic violations of human rights against Ukrainian civilians in the territory they occupy in the south and east of the country. Residents face increasing pressure to obtain Russian citizenship, to access basic services, or risk intimidation, deportation, and the confiscation of their property. The Russian occupying authorities have imposed their own curriculum on schools and introduced patriotic and military education. Surveillance and censorship have intensified, including on messaging apps and VPNs, putting civilians and human rights defenders at even greater risk. These practices reflect a deliberate effort to suppress dissent and Ukrainian identity. Mr. Vice President, my office, including our monitoring team on the ground, is following these developments closely, gathering evidence and documenting alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. For my last report, our staff conducted over 400 interviews in 17 places of detention across all regions controlled by Ukraine. For cases from territory currently occupied by the Russian Federation, my staff conducted 216 interviews with released detainees. Our work is shedding light on what is happening to people who are directly affected by this terrible war. I call on the Russian Federation to halt all extrajudicial executions, torture, mistreatment, and sexual violence against civilian detainees and prisoners of war, and to end all arbitrary and unlawful detention practices. I urge the Russian Federation to respect international law in territory under its control, to ensure effective oversight of all places of detention, and to grant full access for independent monitors to locations where Ukrainian civilian detainees are held. I urge Ukraine to respect its obligations and international law in its treatment of detainees by safeguarding them from torture, ill treatment, and sexual violence. And I urge all parties to conduct prompt, independent, and effective investigations into all allegations of violations and to ensure accountability for perpetrators. Mr. Vice President, this war needs to end. The human toll on civilians and on soldiers and their families is staggering and heartbreaking. Recent reports that Russian military drones have been seen in countries neighboring Ukraine remind us of the dangers this war poses across the region and beyond. Every day, as the violence continues, the risks of escalation and expansion grow. All negotiations and peace initiatives need to prioritize the protection of civilians and uphold the dignity and rights of all. The people of Ukraine and of Russia urgently need peace in line with the UN Charter, international law, and General Assembly resolutions anchored in human rights. Thank you.

Thank you, High Commissioner. Excellencies, dear colleagues, pursuant to our practice, we will begin by listening to the delegations of the countries concerned. I will begin by recognizing the distinguished representative of Ukraine. You have five minutes.

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the High Commissioner for his oral update that continues to shed light on Russia's systematic human rights violations documented by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. Ukraine is under constant fire. With each subsequent massive strikes, Russia's air assaults become heavier, bringing death and destruction. No night without attack, no city without damage, no community without casualties. This is not warfare, but deliberate terror. And this terror doesn't stop at Ukrainian borders. In recent weeks, Russian drones have violated the territory of many other peaceful nations. This is a reckless challenge to regional security and international order. Russia knows this, and still it chooses escalation. Dear High Commissioner, we appreciate your office's commitment to address unprecedented gross and systematic human rights violations and war crimes committed by Russia against the Ukrainian people, and highly value the continued attention to the fate of our civilians on the occupied territories and in Russian captivity. The latest report of the monitoring mission sheds even more light on the cruelty Russia inflicts on them. The findings are stark. Arbitrary arrests, torture, cruel and inhuman treatment, including sexual violence, are widespread. Civilians are held in basements, garages, or deported to Russia, cut off from their families and the protection of law. Journalists, teachers, veterans, volunteers, public servants, no one is safe. In the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, entire cities and villages have been turned into open-air prisons. Streets that once echoed with children's love and community life are now patrolled by Russian soldiers and overshadowed by fear. People live under constant surveillance, surrounded by checkpoints. Every movement, every word, every attempt to remain Ukrainian is punished. Schools are stripped of Ukrainian books, churches are desecrated, public squares are renamed, and flags are turned down. Russia attempts to erase the identity of our people. Occupied territories, once full of life and voices of free people, are now silenced by force. But let me remind, no territorial acquisition resulting from the threat or use of force should ever be recognized as legal. Russia may attempt to cage our people, but it cannot extinguish their spirit. And we must not lose sight of these occupied lands, their suffering, their resistance, and their hope. The monitoring mission confirms what we already know. These abuses are not random brutality, they are systematic. They are carried out by Russian state structures, the army, the security services, the prison system, the police. In occupied territories, Russia openly breaching the Fourth Geneva Convention and denying access to UN monitors. It hides its crimes, but it cannot hide the truth. These are war crimes. These are crimes against humanity. This Monday, Putin signed a law denouncing the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture. Although this decision is merely a formalization of what was already happening in practice, for prisoners and their families, this news has a strong symbolic meaning, a feeling of even greater isolation and defenselessness in the face of repressive mechanisms of the occupiers. Dear colleagues, the lessons of history are clear. When an aggressor faces no consequences, aggression spreads. Russia already exports instability beyond Ukraine. It already strikes European skies. If we don't stop it now, others will pay the price tomorrow. We must not allow these violations to continue with impunity. Justice must come. Every perpetrator, from the soldier who tortured to the officials who ordered it, must face accountability. The highest political and military leaders of Russia must know their crimes will not be erased by time. Human rights are universal. International law is binding. When Russia tramples these principles, it threatens not only Ukraine, but the foundation of the global shared values. Ukraine will continue to stand for dignity, for freedom, and for human rights. We call on all member states to stand with us firmly, clearly, and without compromise. I thank you.

Thank you. Now I would like to invite interested delegations to ask questions and make comments. on the oral presentation. Speaking time is one minute, 30 seconds for each speaker. Her Excellency, Madam Baiba Braze, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, has the floor to speak on behalf of a group of countries.

I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states. Despite the United States, Ukraine's, and international community's efforts to end Russia's brutal war of aggression, There is not a single indicator that Russia is genuinely interested in peace.

Russia is mocking international peace efforts while cynically talking about peace.

It continues its aggression. Russia continues to blatantly violate the UN Charter, international human rights law, and international humanitarian law. According to the UN Commission of Inquiry, Russia has committed war crimes, some of which may amount to crimes against humanity.

Russia's relentless daily aerial bombing, missile and drone attacks continue to kill and injure innocent Ukrainians and to destroy infrastructure.

The daily playbook of Russia's imperial colonial war includes arbitrary detentions, torture, executions, rape, and sexual violence. Civilian casualties are reaching new records. Russia and its leadership must be held accountable for its war of aggression against Ukraine.

For all crimes.

Committed, including for the unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, their illegal adoption, militarization and indoctrination. Russia must immediately ensure their safe return to Ukraine. And we urge countries to increase support for Ukraine.

It is in our common interest that the rules-based international order and international law is upheld.

Thank you. the European Union has recognized.

Mr. Vice President, the EU thanks the High Commissioner for his update. We continue to express deep concern over the increasing number of civilians killed and injured. According to the COI, Russian armed forces have committed crimes against humanity, including murder and war crimes, including deliberate targeting of civilians. The OHCHR report describes the dire situation of Ukrainian civilian detainees. The findings set out how Russia has subjected Ukrainian civilian detainees, including in occupied territory, to consistent patterns of serious violations of IHL and gross violations of IHRL, including torture and sexual violence applied in a systematic and widespread manner. The EU reiterates its resolute condemnation of the atrocities committed in Ukraine. and Russia's continuing violations of IHRL and IHL, such as arbitrary detentions, illegal deportations, forcible transfers, the use of torture, sexual violence, and summary executions of POWs and civilian detainees. We reaffirm the EU's commitment to ensuring full accountability. High Commissioner, what repercussions could Russia's denunciation of the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture have on the prevention and addressing of torture in Russian detention? Thank you.

Thank you. The Council of Europe is recognized.

Honorable High Commissioner, distinguished Mr. Vice President, the Council of Europe shares all the grave concerns expressed and reported today. As Secretary General Alain Berset said, quote, our unwavering support for Ukraine comes from our determination that this unjust and illegal war must end and accountability must be ensured. Through the European Court of Human Rights, the monitoring mechanism, the Kyiv Office on the Ground and Action Plan on Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction, our organization remains fully committed to providing continuous support to the Ukrainian people. The Council of Europe's register for damage caused by the Russian aggression provides evidence for humanitarian damage to the Ukrainian people. More than 55,000 claims have so far been submitted in the first tranche of 11 categories, while more categories will open covering all kinds of damage inflicted on the victims of war. The register and the emerging claims commission are part of the international compensation mechanism in line with the UN General Assembly resolutions. Political and financial support is necessary to ensure its establishment. To ensure comprehensive accountability, Ukraine and the Council of Europe have also signed an agreement on the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression. We can never give back what people have lost, but justice requires compensation, and this is part of rebuilding and reconstruction of Ukraine after the war. It is our obligation to ensure justice and compensation for Ukraine and its people.

I thank you.

Thank you. The Sovereign Order of Malta is recognized.

Mr. President, the Sovereign Order of Malta thanks the High Commissioner for his update and fully shares his views on particularly the urgency of to respect human rights and the international humanitarian law. In this period, through its presence in 15 cities in Ukraine and its embassy in Kyiv, the Order of Malta is at the forefront of providing steadfast assistance to the victims of this terrible war, including humanitarian aid, emergency response, first aid, psychological support and assistance to the elderly and persons with disabilities. Two weeks ago, our Minister for Humanitarian Action and International Cooperation visited Ukraine and met several ministers. He reaffirmed the Order's commitment through numerous medical, social, and psychosocial assistance initiatives dedicated to both the affected population in Ukraine and refugees in neighboring countries. He focused also in particular on the needs of the most vulnerable groups, such as children and internally displaced people. Since February 2022, the Order of Malta has been working with its European associations, relief corps, and around 1,000.

Volunteers, mobilizing 80 million.

Euros for its action in order to provide medical and social aid, as well as safe shelter for the displaced, supporting around 4 million people. This effort will be pursued.

Thank you.

Thank you, Excellencies, dear colleagues. I would like to inform you that the list of speakers has closed. The Republic of Moldova is recognized.

Mr. Vice President, we thank the High Commissioner for presenting the report that establishes that the Russian Federation has subjected Ukrainian civilian detainees to consistent patterns of serious violation of international humanitarian law and gross violation of international human rights law. The situation of civilian detainees, which also includes adolescents, older persons, persons with disabilities, is deeply alarming. Once again, we witness reports of systemic and widespread torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence, during interrogations and captivity, indicating the involvement of different Russian state entities. The dire conditions of detention, including insufficiency of food, poor medical treatment, unsanitary conditions, are of further concern. All of these have a long-term impact on the physical and mental health of civilian detainees. The report also indicates a pattern of violations of basic legal conditions faced by the civilian detainees, with their relatives having consistent difficulties in obtaining information about their whereabouts. In violation of IHL, several civilian detainees from occupied Ukrainian territory were deported to Russian Federation. We strongly condemn all these violations. Accountability must be ensured. We echo the High Commissioner and once again call on Russian Federation to grant access for independent monitors, including OHCHR, to places of detention and stop all the mistreatment. We further call on the Russian Federation to withdraw its troops from the entire internationally recognized territory of Ukraine, and we look forward to a just and lasting peace while standing firmly alongside Ukraine. Thank you.

Thank you. Turkey is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We thank the High Commissioner for the oral update. Turkey has been firmly supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence since the occupation, the illegitimate referendum, and attempted annexation of Crimea in 2014. We continue to call for and work towards a just, comprehensive, and lasting solution, one we believe that can only be achieved through and negotiations. Three rounds of talks hosted in Istanbul demonstrated that progress is possible. They produce concrete results, particularly in addressing some of the urgent humanitarian needs. Turkey will continue to stand ready to facilitate dialogue between Russia and Ukraine. We remain committed to helping pave the way for a fair, lasting, and comprehensive peace through diplomacy. Mr. Vice President, we commend the legal measures initiated by the government of Ukraine to strengthen the rights of the Crimean Tatar Turks. A just and durable peace is not only a regional necessity, it is also the aspiration of the Crimean Tatar people, who have been waiting with patience and resilience for many years. For Turkey, their safety and well-being and dignity, the indigenous people of the peninsula, will always remain a top priority. Our policy of non-recognition of the de facto situation in Crimea is unwavering. Thank you.

Thank you, Georgia.

President, Georgia thanks the High Commissioner for the update.

The findings of the latest OHCHR report once again highlight the devastating human rights consequences of Russia's full-scale military aggression against Ukraine. The report documents ongoing civilian deaths and injuries, large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructure, and pattern of indiscriminate attacks in clear violation of international humanitarian law. concerned on systematic abuses in the occupied territories, including arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances, sexual violence, and discrimination of those opposing occupation indicated in the report's conclusions. Particularly alarming remain the forcible transfers and deportations of Ukrainian children combined with attempts to erase their identity, acts that amount to war crimes. Georgia commends the work of OHCHR and other mechanisms in documenting these atrocities. Such efforts are essential for ensuring accountability and justice for the victims, as well as for reinforcing the rule of international law. We once again urge Russia to comply with the international obligations, cease its aggression, and withdraw unconditionally from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Czechia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. We appreciate High Commissioner's update and report on the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. Documentation of human rights violations remain crucial part of this technical mandate. In the fourth year of Russian aggression against Ukraine, Russia is deliberately targeting civilians, including children, with escalating airstrikes and drones. This is a clear violation of international humanitarian law. We remain deeply concerned by the findings regarding Russians' widespread and systematic use of torture, including through sexual violence and forced disappearance and summary executions of Ukrainian prisoners. The report describes how Russia subjects the civilian detainees, also in the temporary occupied territory, to the same treatment of torture and sexual violence. Yet another proof of consistent patterns of serious violations of IHL and gross human rights violations. We call on Russia to release all detained POWs and civilians. Mr. High Commissioner, could you address the growing evidence of torture, ill-treatment, and executions of prisoners of war, as well as of detained civilians?

Thank you. Thank you.

Mr. Vice President, we thank the High Commissioner for the update and the report.

From the outset of its aggression, Russia has persistently violated the UN Charter and international law, trampling on the most fundamental rights to life, safety and dignity. In recent weeks, it has escalated missile and drone attacks, including the launch of more than 800 drones in a single night, intentionally striking civilians and civilian infrastructure.

These deliberate acts amount to grave human rights violations and war crimes.

High Commissioner, your office's report provides compelling evidence of the large-scale detention of Ukrainian civilians and military personnel. Since February 2022, over 15,000 civilians have been detained by Russian authorities, with at least 1,800 still held. The report documents widespread and systematic torture, sexual violence, and other forms of ill treatment, in flagrant breaches of international.

Law. Instead of observing the strict safeguards required of an occupying power.

Russia has weaponized detention, targeting civilians for alleged crimes such as treason, criticizing the invasion, or discrediting its armed forces.

These abuses, sustained by impunity, leave civilians without legal protection and create a climate of fear, oppression, and enforced disappearance. We share your view, High Commissioner, that peace negotiations must prioritize the protection of the rights of civilians and the release of civilians detainees.

We also reiterate the need for.

Accountability for all crimes committed in the context of the Russian aggression and for ensuring victims' rights to truth.

Justice, reparations, and guarantees of non-recurrence.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the Russian Federation. Vice President, we note that today Ukraine is governed by forces that carry out countless gross human rights violations in all areas of life. The country is submerged by a wave of violence and crimes politically and ideologically motivated. Ukraine does not spurn terrorist methods using political murders. From 2015, Pavel Sheremet and Oleg Buzin, journalists, were killed, and the activist Ilya Kova. Inconvenient political figures, journalists, human rights defenders, bloggers, activists are all persecuted. Under the current policy, there are criminal cases brought against dissenters. They suffer political persecution and then there's criminal cases for treason or collaboration. According to published data from 2022, the intelligence service has brought 70,000 such criminal cases. Ukraine continues the targeted destruction of the spiritual foundations of the state, depriving millions of people of historical memory and destroying the national identity. For many years, the Ukrainian authorities have been openly at war with the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The High Commissioner and his office continue to close their eyes to these egregious incidents and shamelessly cover up from Kiev's monstrous crimes. We call for an end to this practice.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Mr. President, Bulgaria aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the High Commissioner for his update. Bulgaria reiterates its strong condemnation of the illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. We remain deeply concerned that this full-scale invasion has been causing suffering to the civilian population, especially children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable people for four years now. We are deeply worried by the findings in the recently published report of the OHCHR on the treatment of the detained Ukrainian civilians in the context of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine. Bulgaria regrets that detained Ukrainian civilians are facing a system of violations of basic legal conditions and procedural guarantees. We condemn the use of torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian civilians by Russian authorities during their arrest, interrogations, detention, and transfer to locations in the temporarily occupied territories and the Russian Federation. We support efforts to ensure full accountability for all violations of the international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Ukraine, as well as the right of victims to justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-repetition. Bulgaria remains consistent in its unwavering support. for Ukraine, for its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, as well as for its European and Euro-Atlantic perspective. Mr. High Commissioner, are there any opportunities for the Office of the High Commissioner to continue?

Thank you, Eikelen Ireland.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Ireland aligns with the statement of the EU and thanks the High Commissioner for his update and for the work of his staff in extraordinarily challenging circumstances. Ireland strongly condemns Russia's illegal war against Ukraine, including the egregious human rights violations since the start of the war. We are appalled at the high level of civilian suffering and deaths caused by Russian aggression. Attacks on civilian facilities such as hospitals and medical centers, as well as residential areas, are reprehensible. The intensification in Russia's aerial attacks has caused further widespread death and destruction. We call once again on Russia to cease its attacks and end its war. We are extremely concerned by reports of the exploitation of Ukrainian children by Russian authorities in their war efforts, including to conduct surveillance and commit sabotage or arson. The exploitation of children in hostilities is appalling. We call on Russia to immediately cease such activity. We condemn also the forcible transfer and deportation of children, which may amount to a war crime. Ireland will continue to stand with Ukraine in calling for justice and accountability for all violations of international law. High Commissioner, what further steps can the international community take to support vulnerable civilians in Ukraine?

I thank you. Thank you.

I call on North Macedonia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We thank the High Commissioner for his presentation. We remain deeply concerned by the devastating impact of Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine in blatant violation of the UN Charter and international law. The indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and energy facilities as it was documented by your office, are unacceptable and must stop immediately. The use of explosive weapons in populated areas, including reported use of cluster munition, continues to cause horrific civilian casualties and long-term suffering. We are particularly alarmed by the disproportionate impact of the conflict on children, women, persons with disabilities, and those in vulnerable situations. Mr. High Commissioner, North Macedonia strongly supports the tireless efforts of your office in monitoring and documenting these violations. Your work is essential for accountability and justice. Your reports remind us of the urgent need to strengthen protection of civilians and to ensure respect for international humanitarian and human rights law. Conclusion, we reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. I thank you.

Thank you. Slovakia.

President, Slovakia aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the High Commissioner Turk for the latest report on the human rights situation in Ukraine. The documented violations of international law are alarming and demand our urgent attention. We are deeply concerned by the report's conclusion that large-scale and systematic deprivation of liberty continues to define the conflict. Widespread torture of Ukrainian civilians detained by Russia in occupied territories, with acts ranging from beatings, electric shocks, to sexual violence and mock executions, constitute grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. The imposition of Russian criminal law in the Ukrainian regions ignores the obligation to respect the laws in force in the occupied territories. This is a clear breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and undermines the rule of law. Thousands of Ukrainian civilians remain in detention, often without access to legal protection or humanitarian assistance. We call on the Russian Federation to immediately cease unlawful detention practices, release civilian detainees, and ensure accountability for violations. Slovakia also knows the challenges faced by Ukraine in its own detention practices, and we welcome steps taken to improve detention conditions and legal safeguards. Slovakia reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We stand firmly in support of international law, human dignity, the protection of civilians, and call for immediate cessation of hostilities and accountability for all violations. I thank you.

Thank you, High Commissioner.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Japan would like to thank the High Commissioner and his office for the latest report. We remain deeply concerned over the grave humanitarian and human rights situations in Ukraine. More than three and a half years have passed since the Russian launched its aggression, which is a grave violation of international law and shakes the very foundation of the international order. The report documents alarming patterns of arbitrary detention and forced disappearance, torture and ill treatment of civilians in Russian occupied territories. Such acts are serious violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law and must never be tolerated. Japan condemns in the strongest terms those actions and calls on Russia to end such violations immediately, ensure humane treatment of all detainees, and grant full access to independent monitors. We express our respect for the Ukrainian people, who have demonstrated immense bravery in standing up against Russia's aggression day after day with no end to the hostilities in sight. Japan reaffirms its unwavering support for the people and the government of Ukraine, and we continue to work closely with the international community to achieve a just and lasting peace and ensure that the human rights of the Ukrainian people are upheld. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Spain. Thank you, President. Spain aligns with the EU statement and thanks the High Commissioner for the oral update. and the report which documents grave systematic violations of IHL and human rights law by the Russian Federation. High Commissioner, previously you said that the war was the epitome of human rights violations and What you've described is an appalling reality with the systematic torture, sexual violence, damage to infrastructure, enforced disappearance, and summary executions. International mechanisms have also seen forced deportation of Ukrainian children towards Russia. It's been once more calls on the Russian Federation to stop its war of aggression and withdraw from Ukrainian territory. Russia must release the civilians who are unjustly detained and guarantee decent treatment to all prisoners, and it must return the deported Ukrainian children to their families. We call for accountability for the perpetrators of these crimes and for rehabilitation of the victims. We reiterate our support to the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine As we have done up to date.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Italy.

Italy align itself with you statement and thanks the High Commissioner for his update. Italy reaffirms its unwavering support for the Ukrainian people and Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We strongly condemn Russia's most recent airstrikes on Kyiv. We remain deeply concerned by the impact of the conflict on civilians, with a steady increase in casualties throughout 2025. Reports continue to document widespread violation of human rights and international humanitarian law committed by Russian authorities, including unlawful detention, conflict-related sexual violence, and forced displacement in the occupied Ukrainian region. Attacks on strategic and the energy infrastructure have worsened the humanitarian crisis, halting household access to essential services, as well as medical and educational facilities. We are also alarmed by the devastating impact of Russia's war of aggression on children, who are increasingly victims of violation of their fundamental rights, as well as other vulnerable people, such as older person and people with disabilities. Italy remains committed to promoting accountability for international crimes and human rights abuses arising from this war. We will continue to support every initiative that can advance a just, durable, and comprehensive peace in Ukraine, grounded in the UN Charter and international law. I thank you.

Thank you.

I call on Liechtenstein.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Liechtenstein thanks the High Commissioner for his oral update on the human rights situation in Ukraine. We remain deeply concerned about the violations of international law stemming from the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Thousands of Ukrainian civilians are still held in arbitrary detention by the Russian occupiers, enduring severe beatings and sexual violence. Cruelly, their families often receive no or very little information on their whereabouts and well-being. Russia ignores its obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law, including by applying torture and ill treatment in a systematic and widespread manner against civilians in places of detention. The widespread Russian drone attacks terrorize the civilian population, even targeting ambulances and other medical services, forcing the local inhabitants to flee. The Russian Federation must immediately stop its war of aggression against Ukraine. We reiterate our strong support to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We condemn Russia's airspace violations against several European states as a clear breach of sovereignty and international law, particularly the UN Charter, threatening regional stability and security, as well as the enjoyment of human rights. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I call on Poland.

Mr. Vice President, Poland aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. We thank High Commissioner for the update, and we are grateful for the work carried out by his office. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues to inflict severe suffering on civilians. Every day across Ukraine, families are torn apart and entire communities traumatized by the relentless violence. This report demonstrates that in the occupied territory of Ukraine, the Russian Federation is systematically and deliberately failing to uphold its obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. Ukrainian detainees have been subjected to torture and other forms of degrading treatment or punishment, including sexual violence, in a systematic and widespread pattern. Ukrainian civilians are being arbitrarily detained in both occupied territory and the Russian Federation. Many are held in abhorrent conditions. Poland strongly condemns such actions. We are committed to ensuring full accountability for the perpetrators of those human rights violations. We continue to call on the Russian Federation to immediately withdraw its forces from the entire internationally recognized territory of Ukraine, to fully respect Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity, and to cease all violations of international, humanitarian, and human rights law.

I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Slovenia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Slovenia aligns with the EU statement.

We thank the High Commissioner for the update and his office for documenting violations and providing impartial reporting. We are deeply concerned at the findings of your latest report, Mr. High Commissioner, where the documented civilian casualties and the destruction of critical infrastructure underscores the devastating impact of Russia's war against Ukraine. Slovenia is alarmed by the targeting of populated areas with explosive weapons and aerial bombardments. We remain deeply concerned by the evidence of ill treatment and violence against prisoners of war, as well as arbitrary detention and intimidation of civilians in areas under Russian occupation.

We urge that all allegations of war.

Crimes and crimes against humanity be thoroughly investigated and that the perpetrators be held accountable. Slovenia reaffirms its support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and will continue to advocate for accountability, justice, and lasting peace, guided by respect for human rights, international law, and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

I thank you.

Thank you.

I call on the Netherlands.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the High Commissioner for his update. The latest OHCHR report again exposes horrifying testimonies. Beatings, electric shocks, mock executions, sexual violence, and deliberate deprivation of food. These are not isolated incidents. They reflect Russia's systematic use of torture and ill-treatment against civilians. Russia has instilled a climate of fear and repression by its policy of arbitrary detention and forced disappearances and denial of information to families. Civilians are locked away without cause, while their families are left in the dark, uncertain of their loved ones' fate. These violations must end. Impunity must end. Above all, Russia must stop its war of aggression. We remain committed to supporting Ukraine's path towards accountability and reaching a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. High Commissioner, how can the international community most effectively support the release, repatriation, and rehabilitation of arbitrarily detained civilians and ensure this issue is firmly embedded in future peace negotiations? Thank you.

Thank you, Austria.

Thank.

You, Mr. Vice President.

Austria aligns with the EU statement and thanks the High Commissioner for his update. We also reiterated our support for the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. The current report highlights that high numbers of Ukrainian civilian detainees remain arbitrarily detained by Russian authorities. Civilian detainees continue to be subjected to serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The Russian Federation not only applies Russian criminal law in occupied territory of Ukraine, ignoring its obligation to respect the.

Laws in force in the.

Occupied territory, it also applies torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, including sexual violence, in a systematic and widespread manner against civilian detainees and against prisoners of war. We therefore urge Russia to immediately cease torture, ill treatment, and sexual violence against prisoners of war and civilian detainees, and to unconditionally release all arbitrarily detained. We also call on Russia to provide independent and impartial monitors full and regular access to all places where Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees are held. High Commissioner, could you please elaborate on the impacts of prolonged detention and lack of information and communication on families?

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Romania.

Thank you, Vice-President. On behalf of the Romanian Alliance for the EU Statement, and thanks to High Commissioner as well as the Office for the update and their continuous work. The report raises deeply troubling concerns regarding the treatment of civilians deprived of their liberty in the context of the Russian Federation's ongoing aggression against Ukraine. It presents credible evidence of torture and forced disappearances, arbitrary detention, and the unlawful application of Russian criminal law in occupied Ukrainian territories in clear violation of international humanitarian law. Civilians must be treated in line with human rights standards and international humanitarian law, especially the Fourth Geneva Convention, which affords them specific protection in armed conflict. However, the report highlights that legal and procedural safeguards are frequently violated. Civilians are often held in harsh and inhumane conditions, often in unofficial places of detention, isolated from their families and without due process. Notably, the Russian Federation has failed to establish any legal framework for civilian internment in line with international humanitarian law obligations. As an occupying power, Russia must fully respect its obligations under international law, including granting OHCHR full and unimpeded access for independent monitoring. However, the report documents a consistent refusal to meet these obligations, alongside systemic patterns of abuse, including arbitrary detention, torture, and other grave violations, which may amount to war crimes. High Commissioner, what further actions can the international community take to more effectively prevent these violations and ensure accountability?

Thank you, Excellencies.

Distinguished colleagues, in order to try to catch up a little, the conference services and interpreters have given us an extra 10 minutes, taking us to 13.10. I thank them for their flexibility, and I call on Croatia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Russia Alliance itself with the EU statement. We would like to thank the High Commissioner for his update and to his office for the latest report. The report's findings show widespread and systematic violation of IHL and IJRL by the Russian authorities in the occupied territories of Ukraine. As reported, the Russian Federation has arbitrarily detained a high number of Ukrainian civilians, including journalists, media workers, civil servants, public officials, and many more, for reasons or actions related to the armed conflict. We are concerned by the reports of torture and ill treatment, including conflict-related sexual violence, as well as summary executions of POWs and civilian detainees. It is crucial that Russia provides all the necessary information about the fate and whereabouts of the to the relatives of the detainees and to thoroughly investigate all causes of enforced disappearances. We call on the Russian Federation to cease all practices of deporting Ukrainian detainees to its territory. Moreover, we demand to immediately stop deportation of Ukrainian children and ensure their prompt and unconditional return to their families and communities in Ukraine. Mr. High Commissioner, We were shocked to learn that the Russian parliament adopted provisions in the criminal code exempting persons enlisted in the Russian armed forces and its military personnel from criminal liability for serious human rights violations. What impact will it have for achieving accountability in Ukraine?

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Paleros. Mr. President, the issue of cooperation with Ukraine and provision of assistance on human rights deserves careful attention from the point of view of its effectiveness and the advisability of keeping this on item 10 of the agenda. For over 10 years, the Human Rights Council has been examining the Ukraine situation under this item, but the human rights situation just gets worse. The reports of the Office of the High Commissioner, although it's only one-sided, recognize the problem. The document this year talks about cases of torture and ill treatment of citizens of Ukraine. held by the Ukrainian authorities. The special procedures of the UN have finally paid attention to the Ukrainian authorities' attempts to crush any freedom of religion. We call on the Office of the High Commissioner thoroughly to monitor the current situation and provide effective assistance to the public of Ukraine. Its authorities' claims to want to join the EU do not provide any real improvement in the human rights situation in the country, particularly since the human rights situation within the EU itself has long needed assessment by the human rights mechanisms.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Germany.

Germany aligns itself with the EU statement, and we thank the High Commissioner for his update and his office's meticulous reporting. The work of the OHCHR continuously reminds us of the devastating human cost of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. We are alarmed at the growing number of civilian casualties caused by Russia's illegal war. Russia is subjecting Ukrainian detainees to serious violations of international humanitarian law and gross violations of international human rights law. Often arbitrarily detained in abysmal conditions, they suffer the systematic and widespread application of torture and ill-treatment, including gender-based and sexual violence. In this context, let me also reiterate that torture, ill-treatment, and killing of Ukrainian POWs constitute war crimes. Russia must be held accountable, despite all efforts to deny, attack, and reverse victim and offender. We commend Ukraine for granting OHCHR regular and unimpeded access to detainees held under their authority, as well as for their efforts to improve conditions of detention and strengthen legal safeguards. High Commissioner, How can effective legal representation for Ukrainian detainees held in the occupied territories of Ukraine by the Russian occupying authorities be achieved? Thank you.

Thank you.

I call on Malta.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Malta aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the High Commissioner for his update. We remain gravely concerned by the continued Russian aggression against Ukraine. Ukrainian citizens continue to face arbitrary detention and forced disappearances, torture, and other inhumane treatment, including sexual and gender-based violence. These violations have persisted since the onset of Russia's invasion more than three years ago. Beyond the immediate loss of life, the destruction of homes, schools, and energy infrastructure continues to deepen the humanitarian crisis, displacing thousands and leaving millions without access to essential services. We call on Russia to end the unlawful practice of child deportation and forcible transfer and ensure their immediate and safe return to Ukraine. Malta stresses that accountability is paramount, and those responsible for alleged war crimes and other serious violations committed in connection with Russia's war of aggression must be brought to justice. Finally, we reiterate our demand for Russia to immediately and unconditionally cease all military action against Ukraine, withdraw from the entire territory of Ukraine, and to fully respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Switzerland. Vice-President, Switzerland thanks the High Commissioner for the report and the oral update. Switzerland is gravely concerned by summary executions, deaths in detention and enforced disappearances carried out by the Russian authorities, as reported. Civilians may only be held in line with international law and human rights law, and deportations of Ukrainian civilians, including children, are grave violations of IHL. We are seriously concerned by the systematic use of torture and ill-treatment by the Russian authorities, as documented by numerous international mechanisms, and by the inhumane detention conditions, with a lack of adequate food, health care or hygiene. Switzerland calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and human rights law. We call the obligation of states promptly and impartially to investigate all violations and prosecute the perpetrators. We reaffirm the importance of an effective access to independent monitoring mechanisms for all places of detention. Switzerland calls for the freeing of all persons arbitrarily detained, including the three OSC staff members held since 2022. High Commissioner, what priority measures would you recommend to ensure treatment of civilian detainees in line with international law?

Thank you. Thank you.

I call on Albania.

Thank you, Vice-Mister President. Albania thanks the High Commissioner for his update and expressed strong support for his office and the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. We are deeply shocked by the findings of the most recent report of the Office of High Commissioner on civilians deprived of their liberty in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

According to the report.

More than 92% of released Ukrainian civilian detainee interviewed had been subject to torture or ill treatment.

The report also documents enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention without charge, inhumane conditions, and at least 90 extrajudicial execution and 38 deaths in custody. Many detainees were deported illegally to the Russia in clear violation of international law. These patterns are systematic and widespread practices. They place Ukrainian civilians outside of the protection of the law and amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Albania condemns Russia's ongoing war of aggression. We call on Russia.

To immediately release all unlawfully detained civilians, cease torture and ill-treatment, and grant Office of High Commissioner and the.

ICRC unimpeded access to all detention facilities.

Accountability for these crimes must be ensured.

Albania stands firmly with Ukraine and its people.

I thank you.

Thank you, Recon, Cyprus.

Mr. Vice President, Cyprus aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the High Commissioner for his update. We are deeply alarmed by the report's findings detailing the treatment of civilians deprived of their liberty in the context of the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine. The report documents large-scale detentions, arbitrary arrests, and enforced disappearances of Ukrainian civilians by Russian authorities in the occupied areas. It also reports that the Russian Federation has subjected Ukrainian civilians to serious violations of IHL and IHRL. These violations include torture and ill treatment, rape and other forms of sexual violence, unlawful confinement, and unlawful deportation and transfer. We call on Russia to immediately release all those arbitrarily detained, to respect all legal and procedural safeguards, and to ensure humane treatment. Cyprus, reiterates the importance of the work done by the Office of the High Commissioner and the need for unfettered access to all areas of occupied Ukrainian territory to facilitate comprehensive monitoring, which is critical to ensuring accountability. As a country that continues to endure the consequences of foreign invasion and occupation, Cyprus stands in solidarity with Ukraine and reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Thank you.

Thank you, Colonel Frans.

Thank you, Vice President. We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for the report, which shows the crucial nature of the documentation carried out by the observation mission since its creation in 2014. This shows that arbitrary arrests, detentions in indecent conditions, and torture of Ukrainian civilians in the illegally occupied territories occupied by Russia are confirmed. In addition to enforced disappearances, use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, false transfer and deportation, in particular of children, we continue to call for their return. These systematic human rights violations are war crimes, and the perpetrators shall not remain unpunished. The conclusions overlap with those of the OSC presented last September on treatment of prisoners of war, Ukrainian prisoners of war. The recent withdrawal by Russia from the European Convention on the Prevention of Torture is particularly worrying. France will continue to support the Ukrainian international jurisdictions and all inquiry mechanisms that document and bring accountability for crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine since the launch of the war of aggression. Mr. President, France expresses full solidarity with the people and authorities of Ukraine and its unflagging support to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Thank you, High Commissioner, for your update. We condemn Russia's treatment of Ukrainian civilian detainees. As others have said, civilians are subjected to arbitrary detention, to torture, and frequently held in dire conditions. International humanitarian law is unambiguous. Civilians can only be detained on lawful grounds and must be released from detention as soon as the lawful grounds for their detention cease to exist. Russia must cease unlawful detention and abuse of Ukrainian civilians, ensure humane conditions, and release those who have been arbitrarily detained. They must also ensure the return of all Ukrainian children who have been illegally deported to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories. Children must not be a pawn of war. We recognize that as a result of Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the number of conflict-related detainees has strained the Ukrainian criminal justice system. We welcome the progress the Ukrainian authorities have made to improve detention conditions. We urge the Ukrainian authorities to ensure that conflict-related civilian detainees are treated in full compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. How best can the international community support Ukraine in these efforts? Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Iran.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Islamic Republic of Iran takes note of the oral updates by High Commissioner. We believe political agendas and action directed against other states should not be raised under Item 10. This agenda item was designed as a platform for capacity building, technical assistance, and constructive cooperation. Introducing politically motivated issues into this framework undermines its core purpose and diverts resources away from its intended technical and developmental objectives, allowing political consideration to enter item 10, risk eroding trust among stakeholders and discouraging local and national actors from engaging with its mechanism out of concern that it may be misused as a political tool. To preserve the effectiveness and impartiality of item 10, it is essential that the focus remain on capacity building and technical assistance, while political disputes are addressed through the appropriate channel. I thank you.

The extension granted by the interpreters has now come to an end, and the interpretation will be stopping at.

This point. Orateur, que nous était possible d'écouter au niveau de cette réunion, et ceci nous amène à la fin de cette séance. Nous allons nous retrouver cet après-midi à 15h00 pour continuer le dialogue interactif sur la situation des droits de l'homme en Ukraine, suivi de la présentation des rapports et le débat général sous le point 10 de l'agenda. Je déclare close la 39e séance de la 60e session du Conseil des Pradhyumn.