13th Meeting - 61st Session of Human Rights Council
Human Rights Council
Date: 2 March 2026
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/hrc/61/13
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

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Human Rights Council · Vice President [0:03]:

Excellencies, distinguished participants, I call to order— hereby call to order the 13th meeting of the 64th session of the Human Rights Council. We continue the general debate under item— agenda item 2. We continue with the list of speakers, of observers, of


Cambodia [0:33]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We thank the High Commissioner for his update and his reminder that the credibility of the international orders is proven in time of ease, not in the moment of strength, so when adherence to laws is inconvenient And residents demand courage. Peace and security are not decorative aspirations; they are the pillars of the Charter and the foundation for the enjoyment of all human rights. When peace collapsed, law fell silent, rights becoming hollow promises. Yet we confront a troubling inversion: law treated as optional, peace as negotiable, and force as expedient. The Charter was not drafted for selective compliance. No, it's too legitimized. Phase are complete. Coercion cannot yield some peace, nor can occupation confer legality. Against this backdrop, since mid-May 2025, Thai armed forces have conducted sustained operations across several border sections, resulting in grave harm to civilian communities and total encroachment within Cambodia. The human cost has been severe. Civilian casualty, destruction of home and infrastructure, police and forced evictions and large-scale displacement. Barbed wire shipping containers continue to obstruct access to homes and villages, impeding safe and dignified returns and prolonging civilian suffering. Cambodia calls upon this Council to uphold laws over force and act with resolve. Only through respect for sovereignty, accountability, and principled multilateral action can humanity be safeguarded and peace made durable. I thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [2:13]:

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. And now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Madagascar.


Madagascar [2:22]:

Merci, Monsieur le Vice-président. Thank you, Vice President. As we face the current international context, sadly marked by growing tensions and the need to preserve trust between nations, we reiterate the importance of constructive. Dialogue in managing disputes and interstate issues. Madagascar reaffirms its commitment to the respect of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of states. These are critical essentials to preserve stability and international cooperation. In this spirit, Madagascar encourages continued efforts to promote dialogue and multilateralism built on international law and international relations that should be harmonious and respectful of the choices made by each state. We remain convinced that international cooperation should be part of an approach that is built on respect for international commitments and the search for peaceful solutions to disputes. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [3:25]:

Thank you very much. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Niger.


Niger [3:30]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Thank you, Vice President. My delegation offers its warm congratulations to you upon your election to the presidency of the Council, and we assure you of the full cooperation by Niger in you accomplishing your mandate. We commend the update made by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and we take good note of the report on the human rights situation across the world. Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, despite a particularly difficult security context which includes attacks by terrorist and criminal groups responsible for serious violations of human rights and IHL, the use and exploitation of religion to destabilize weak states in order to pursue neocolonialist exploitation of wealth, locking them in a cycle of underdevelopment, Niger remains strongly committed to respect for the promotion of human rights that are recognized universally. The process of government overhaul underway in Niger is a key process, as is AES in general, and vital for the reconstruction of our country. As regards the situation in the Middle East, we condemn violence and reaffirm our commitment to the principles of universality, indivisibility, non-discrimination, and non-politicization of the review of human rights situations. The promotion of human rights must remain a framework for constructive dialogue built on mutual respect and state sovereignty. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [5:09]:

Thank you very much. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of South Sudan.


South Sudan [5:16]:

Mr. Vice President, South Sudan aligns We welcome the African Group and NAM statements and welcome the update by the High Commissioner for Human Rights. We reiterate our steadfast position that the ideal way to promote and protect human rights is through constructive dialogue and objective cooperation. All parties should abide by the noble principles of the UN Charter and adhere specifically to the principle of universality, and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. South Sudan reaffirms its unwavering support to the One China principle. Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Jiang-related issues are inalienable parts of China's territory, and commend China for its active fulfillment of international human rights obligations. We are with the view that amid the current global landscape and financial constraints, It is high time for efficiency and rationalization of council to avoid any duplication, overlapping, and numerous mechanisms working in parallel in one country, and to prioritize technical assistance and capacity building, as well as to uphold multilateralism and avail funds to the council. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [6:36]:

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I give the I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Guinea. Microphone, please. Thank you.


Guinea [6:54]:

Guinea aligns itself with the group statements already made. We are deeply concerned by the widespread use of force to resolve disputes between groups as well as serious violations of international humanitarian law that are repeated. There are massive suffering inflicted on civilian populations in conflict zones. This is of concern to the international community. Protection of civilians is an absolute priority under international law and state obligations. To these crises, we also see poverty and climate change. We, we also have to redouble our efforts to fight racial discrimination, xenophobia, and religious intolerance, which undermine social cohesion and threaten peace. As we face these multiple crises that are interconnected and sabotage the international order, we reaffirm our commitment to strong multilateralism built on solidarity and international law. We reiterate our commitment to peace, development, and human rights. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [8:00]:

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to distinguished representative of Djibouti.


Djibouti [8:07]:

Merci, Monsieur le Vice. Thank you, Vice President. Djibouti aligns itself with the statements by its country groups, and we thank the High Commissioner for the oral update. My delegation would like to take this opportunity to commend the efforts of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in monitoring. And commitment, as well as advocacy to protect and promote human rights across the globe. My delegation welcomes the cooperation with the High Commissioner in various different areas, notably integrating human rights into policies around public sector funding of healthcare, as was mentioned by the High Commissioner in the oral statement. This cooperation is a part of our commitment to ensure equitable access to services for for— including healthcare services for all, as well as people with disabilities, in order to promote a healthcare system which is truly inclusive and close the budgetary gaps. We also want to see governance built on human rights in order that in our resilient societies everyone is equal in terms of healthcare, dignity, and equal participation in national development. We wish here to underscore the importance of supporting the efforts by the High Commissioner and allocating sufficient resources to the High Commissioner's Office, as well as the Council for Human Rights, so that these mechanisms remain essential and vital tools to protect human rights. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [9:31]:

Thank you very much. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh.


Bangladesh [9:39]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We thank the High Commissioner for his presentation. Following the national election last month, a new government has assumed office in Bangladesh. Marking a peaceful democratic transition that reflects the freely expressed will of the people and reaffirms our steadfast commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, rule of law, accountability, and justice. Mr. Vice President, Bangladesh is deeply concerned by the recent escalation of conflicts in the Middle East region. We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize the protection of civilians, and resolve the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy. Bangladesh calls for an immediate, comprehensive, and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and the withdrawal of occupying forces. We firmly oppose settlement expansion, annexation, and any actions that undermine the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. In our neighborhood, the Rohingya minorities continue to face atrocities and violations of human rights. We request the High Commissioner to effectively pursue a permanent solution of the Rohingya crisis. As climate change poses one of the most profound threats of the enjoyment of human rights. We emphasize the urgent need for a just transition that upholds the principles of equity and climate justice. Finally, we are alarmed by the sharp rise in global inequality undermining the right to development, and we urge the High Commissioner to strengthen efforts in promoting international solidarity and cooperation. I thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [11:03]:

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I now give the floor to to the distinguished representative of Bahrain.


Bahrain [11:13]:

Thank you, Vice President. My country, which has always upheld peace and tolerance, targeting by airstrikes against civilian infrastructure and civilians in Bahrain in a flagrant undermining of its sovereignty, stability, and security, and as a threat to its security, its peacefulness, and the lives of its residents and citizens, and in contravention to the rules of neighborliness. We condemn in the strongest terms the attacks against the Kingdom, against the UAE, against Saudi Arabia, against Kuwait, and against our neighborhood. Bahrain has stood up against these assaults with courage, and we are continuing to deliver on our national duty to ensure that any threat against the security, stability, and territorial integrity of Bahrain is defended. Our national security, our medical cadres, and our institutions have been on the ground working to provide the necessary assistance to ensure public order and protection of lives and property. Mr. Vice President, the international community should shoulder its responsibility and not stay on the sidelines, but to undertake real action against these assaults that are a veritable aggression against human lives and a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and international law at large. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [12:50]:

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mauritania.


Mauritania [12:59]:

Thank you, Vice President. Mauritania would like to express its thanks to the High Commissioner for the oral update, which has shed light on the exacerbating challenges in the field of human rights as we see an escalation of conflicts around the world. Mauritania renews its support for the High Commissioner's Office and its critical role in promoting and respecting human rights and instilling the principles of accountability and the rule of law. Mr. Vice President, Mauritania has been monitoring with grave concern the military escalation in the Middle East, and we express our strong condemnation of the Iranian aggression against a number of brotherly Arab nations. And we consider that those aggressions are a grave violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. We are supportive and we express our unconditional solidarity with those brotherly nations and anything that might undermine their security and stability. Mauritania renews its call for an immediate de-escalation and privileging diplomatic solutions in respect of state sovereignty and the principles of international law to ensure stability and security in the region and spare that region more escalation. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [14:19]:

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Yemen.


Yemen [14:28]:

Thank you, Vice President. Yemen would like to thank the High Commissioner for the comprehensive oral update, which has reflected the size of the unprecedented challenges that the human rights system is facing, given the escalation of conflicts and the and respect for international law. We condemn the grave violations perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces in the Arab-occupied land, and we condemn the ongoing aggressions against the sovereignty of states. In the same context, we condemn the interventions and aggressions by Iran against Arab and Gulf states. detained while ensuring the safety of international and Yemeni workers. And in conclusion, we reiterate the UN's observation that we are witnessing a dangerous erosion of international law and the UN Charter, which obligates us to shoulder our collective responsibility to support the international human rights system. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [16:03]:

Thank you very much. I now give the I now yield the floor to the distinguished representative of Afghanistan.


Afghanistan [16:12]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We thank the High Commissioner for his update. The Taliban rule has ushered in a widespread and systematic assault on the rights of our people, with our women and girls being subjected to an institutionalized system of gender-based discrimination, oppression, and domination. Restrictions on education, employment, movement, access to justice, The restrictions on women's freedom of speech, assembly, health, and public life are being imposed in a manner that may amount to crimes against humanity. The recently imposed Criminal Procedure Code for courts further normalizes and legalizes violations against women and children. It narrows gender-based violence to physical thresholds, where only excessive beating results in fractures or visible bruising is criminalized. It removes access to counsel, the right to silence, and effective remedies. It further enables distinctions based on religion and social status, and by allowing public flagging and corporal punishment. Mr. Vice President, these developments are taking place at a time of escalating cross-border clashes, with airstrikes and fighting across several border areas, which further worsens the humanitarian and human rights situation in Afghanistan. We call upon Member States, particularly OIC, to publicly denounce this coup and to condemn the recent escalation of cross-border hostilities. I thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [17:42]:

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. That was the last speaker that we have on our speakers list. We will now move to our NHRI speakers list and our speakers list for NGOs. We will first hear from the Ombudsperson of Colombia through a video announcement.


Colombia · Ombudsperson [18:07]:

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations is an invaluable reference place and a key partner in our work of promoting and protecting human rights in Colombia. In 2025, we worked together towards the signing of a commitment to a free and peaceful electoral process to ensure that the presidential elections and legislative elections in 2026 would happen in a climate of respect and peaceful coexistence. We also worked together in implementing the Final Peace Accord. This faces innumerable challenges. Violence has increased throughout many territories. We have seen 175 homicides against leaders, men and women alike, and human rights defenders in 2025. Currently, the Ombudsperson's Office has more than 130 early early warning alerts open in 432 municipalities. In this context, we are concerned over budget cuts in the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia. This undermines its presence in vulnerable zones. It undermines the capacity to monitor and protect the population. Given the situation and the budget cuts also for the Ombudsperson's Office in 2026, We make a call for international cooperation to continue to protect, guarantee, and defend human rights in our country. This is necessary if we're to build the right to a good future for Colombia. Muchas gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [19:34]:

Thank you very much. And now give the floor to Genève pour les droits de l'homme.


Genève pour les droits de l'homme [19:42]:

Merci. We deliver this statement in a spirit of constructive. Accountability to name structural tensions and to advance solutions. At 20, the Council stands between resilience and fragility. Its credibility gap between commitments and delivery has not narrowed. Charges of double standards and selectivity cannot be answered by rhetoric, only by structural reform and changes. Gravity-indexed triggers based on civilian harm, violations, and domestic protections applied independently would make consistency structurally binding. Structure, not rhetoric, defeats selectivity. On implementation, the distance between identifying violations and remedy is where accountability disappears. Tracking matrices connecting human rights outputs with domestic follow-up must ensure continuity and locally owned action. NMERFs, NHRI, LRAs must be constitutive actors, not periodic consultees. Participation must operate as a mandatory accountability question. Elite capture of CSOs' spaces is a credibility risk equivalent to state selectivity. Youth engagement must move from symbolic to co-governance with genuine agenda-setting power. On root causes and defenders, violations arise from militarized economies, unfair economic orders, extractive strategies that subordinate dignity and agency to profit and power. Without protecting defenders, those who document and challenge these structures' accountability collapse. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [21:16]:

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. For a joint statement, I give the floor to Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain.


Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain [21:32]:

Bahrain promotes the image of cleaning its prisons through royal pardons while it detain political dissent and opposition figures, and the human defenders like Hassan Mushaim, Al-Singiz, and Khwaja remain imprisoned under inhuman conditions despite repeated UN calls for their release and urgent medical care. The latest royal pardon notably excluded all political partners At the same time, arrests for expressing dissent or demanding basic rights have been on the rise, with authorities continuing to summon and arrest individuals, including minors and the elderly, whether by participating in peaceful demonstrations or posting on social media. Many are subjected to torture and coerced into signing false confessions. or pledges as a condition for release. We urge Bahraini authorities to unconditionally release all opposition leaders, human rights defenders, and political prisoners, and to end the practice of arresting individuals for exercising their right to free expression. Muchas gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [22:54]:

Thank you very much. I now give the floor for joint statement to Centre Europe Tiers-Monde.


Centre Europe Tiers-Monde [23:04]:

Thank you, Vice President. We are concerned by the intensified attacks against international humanitarian law and undermining the principles of the UN Charter. We are seeing growing political pressure, financial coercion of new forms, the creation of substantive parallel financial structures, as well as attempts to undermine the independence of UN bodies for protecting human rights. These alarming changes erode the very credibility, impartiality, and universality of the multilateral system. As a country of the United Nations, a member state, the United States has undermined civil society and mandate holders, violating their obligations under their host country agreement. This undermines universality of the organization and hinders the participation of human rights defenders in key processes. Access to the United Nations offices should not be allocated


Human Rights Council · Vice President [24:44]:

Thank you. I give the floor to Association Culturelle des Tamouls en France. They are not in the room with us at this time. I give the floor then to the Coordination for Associations.


Coordination for Associations [24:59]:

Since the outbreak of the conflict in Sudan 3 years ago, civilians have suffered its most severe consequences. Widespread violations, including summary executions, sexual violence, arbitrary killings, abduction, and torture have spread across Sudan. Following his visit to Sudan last January, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged all states with influence to take immediate action to halt the fighting and stop the flow of arms fueling the conflict. Yet external support continues to enable atrocities. Financial and material backing has significantly reinforced the Rapid Support Forces' capacity to carry out large-scale attacks. The UAE's support has facilitated crimes against civilians. Victims of RSF violence therefore call on member states to demand an immediate end to all forms of support to the RSF, condemn the UAE's involvement through its support for the RSF, contribute to a full investigation into its actions. The scale of violence and the number of casualties are appalling. Member States cannot remain passive. Failure to act now will inevitably prolong the suffering of civilians. I thank you. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [26:28]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to— for Water, Environment, and Health.


Water, Environment, and Health [26:37]:

Mr. President, we thank the High Commissioner for the report presented under Resolution 58/2. The findings confirm a grave and ongoing pattern of violations of fundamental human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory. Palestinians, civilians face killings, forced displacement, arbitrary detention, the destruction of their homes and essential services while being denied water, food, food, healthcare, and humanitarian aid, leaving them in conditions that violate human dignity and threaten the very right to life. International humanitarian and human rights law are not optional. The protection of civilians is an absolute obligation. Prolonged occupation cannot justify measures that target entire communities, demographic engineering, or deprive people of their basic necessities. Essential for survival. The Council must move beyond expressions of concern. Accountability is essential to prevent repetition. We call for independent investigation, full cooperation with UN mechanisms, a concrete step to uphold international law, including the protection of humanitarian access and civilian infrastructure. We urge the international community to protect Palestinian civilians and show Ensure accountability and respect the fundamental rights guaranteed to all peoples without exception. Thank you. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [28:03]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to Relief Foundation.


Relief Foundation [28:10]:

Merci, Monsieur le Président. Eliska condamne les interventions extérieures. Thank you. We condemn external interventions on the African continent which Thank you very much. We condemn the support of the United States to the Rapid Defense Forces, which violate the rights of the African peoples and bring insecurity. We condemn the support also in arms and munitions to the Rapid Defense Forces, as well as the involvement of 4 Colombian militia. This interference undermines the prospects of peace and could mean inclusion in Darfur genocide and other crimes of ethnic cleansing. We are drawing attention to the situation in the east of the DRC where we have received reports of the 23rd of March group fighting in North Kivu and South Kivu. We have also seen violations against the Sahrawi in the Tindouf camps where children have faced acts of torture. ENISCO calls on the High Commissioner to fight against these violations in the above-mentioned areas and refer this to the Security Council of the United Nations. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [29:39]:

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to OIDACO, Bureau International des Droits de l'Homme, Action Colombia.


OIDACO, Bureau International des Droits de l'Homme, Action Colombia [29:48]:

Mr. Vice President, Colombia has made normative progress such as the law that prohibits child marriage, the law that promotes economic stabilization of demobilized women, and the law that strengthens the right to food. Despite this progress, we still see a serious worsening of the armed conflict. Illegal groups are to be found in some 80% of rural population, leading to massacres, displacement, the recruitment of children, and an impact on Afro-descendant and Indigenous communities. In 2025, every 2 days we saw the killing of a human rights defender. We respectfully urge the Colombian state to deepen its effort to bring peace and to ensure human rights, accelerating the implementation of the Peace Accord, in particular, Rural Conference of Reform, the substitution— voluntary substitution of illicit economies, and the adoption of the agrarian reform. We urge dialogues, strengthened dialogues with non-state armed actors, and the full respect for human rights, including the non-recruitment of children. We urge the strengthening of protection for human rights defenders, social leaders, communities, and the dismantling of criminal structures. Lastly, we call for a backing of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, ensuring the centrality of victims, including the issue of sexual violence as a pattern in macrocrime, as well as that this be addressed in judicial decisions.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [31:21]:

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to promotion of development, economic and social.


promotion of development, economic and social [31:27]:

President, we thank the Commissioner for prevention of violations, particularly in the context of prolonged humanitarian situation. In this regard, the situation of the population residing in Tindouf camps raises sustained concerns. Several UN reports have underscored the need to ensure transparent registration and census of the population and strengthen legal protection of refugees. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees reiterated this in their reporting because census is important for rights and delivery of assistance. UN bodies in their concluding remarks on Algeria as a host country urged stressed the importance of guaranteeing freedom of movement and the right to an effective remedy within any territory under state jurisdiction. Contexts characterized by the absence of regular access to independent monitoring mechanisms and weakened avenues for redress generate heightened vulnerability, particularly among women, children, and youth. Confidence-building and sustainable peace remain contingent upon effective protection of fundamental rights within Tindouf campus. We call for providing access of Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights in Tindouf camps and promoting independent complaint mechanisms and also evaluating respect of human rights on the field.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [33:03]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to Osoir Africain pour Développement, Gouvernance et


Speaker 42 [33:15]:

I have been subjected to all forms of violation of human rights in Tindouf camps. I've been subjected to enforced disappearance and kidnapping for over 4 months. I've been subjected to physical and psychological support pressure before leaving the camps. This is because I was a blogger using social media to put an end to grave, methodic violations against Sahrawi civilians by the leadership of Polisario and their armed groups. Tindouf camps have witnessed an exceptional legal status, which has been exacerbated by the Polisario and the host country to conduct a census of people living in these camps. People there are subjected to kidnapping, on a daily basis due to slavery and methodic theft of humanitarian assistance by the Polisario, as well as the recruitment of children and their exploitation in drugs trade and criminal networks. The aim is to muzzle the voices of bloggers and scare the residents. We call upon the Council to intervene to save residents in Tindouf against the atrocities of Polisario. and put an end to violations committed against Sahrawi refugees on Algerian soil, of which the State of Algeria is responsible as per international law.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [34:45]:

The President— Thank you. I now give the floor to Institut International pour les Droits du Développement.


Institut International pour les Droits du Développement [34:55]:

Are we condemned to live in an era of repeated genocides? Watching thousands of lives erased while accountability becomes a myth. In Sudan, humanity continues to fade, and our own humanity is being tested never before. The Fact-Finding Mission describes the atrocities committed by the RSF in al-Fashir as clear indicators of a genocidal path. The recent reports make one point painfully clear: This is not an isolated internal crisis. It is a war fueled by external support. It urges extending the Sudan arms embargo nationwide and warns that any actors supplying arms or support may be complicit in serious international law violations. We fully endorse these recommendations and urge all member states to take concrete measures to implement them, including targeted sanctions against those responsible and their foreign backers. It's past time to clearly name the actors enabling these massacres. The international community can no longer ignore the growing body of evidence concerning the role of the Emirates, nor accept its political denial. The reality is clear. If we want this war to end, we must address its root cause: the support and arming of the RSF. Without this external backing, the RSF would lack the means to launch and sustain its operations. If there's a genuine political will to stop the war—


Human Rights Council · Vice President [36:29]:

Thank you. I give the floor to Shaanxi Patriotic Volunteer Association.


Shaanxi Patriotic Volunteer Association [36:37]:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, delegates. I represent the International Patriotic Pact Organization. 80 years ago, UN was founded with lofty ideals of ending wars and safeguarding peace. However, 80 years on, the specter of war is still with us. At its root, we believe, lies the absence of a correct globalized concept of patriotism. Some hegemonic nations pursue their narrow self-interests, frequently resorting to force, plundering the wealth, and continuously creating wars and unrest. To address this, in 2022, we launched the initiative of loving one's own country without harming the interests of other countries. Under it, we drafted the International Patriotic Pact and promoted the review of right to development. Currently, 295 NGOs from 65 countries have signed it. Today, when we discuss the major issue of human rights, it's essential to recognize a core premise: right to development of a country is a solid guarantee for human rights. Any discussion of human rights divorced from right to development rings hollow, like a tree without roots. Thank you. Therefore, we call on all countries and international institutions, including UN, to actively focus on the signing and implementation by states of the International Patriotic Pact, as well as the review of right to development. We firmly believe that only when the right to development is fully respected can the world achieve true lasting peace and can human rights be effectively upheld. Let's work together for a peaceful, just, and prosperous world. an inclusive world tirelessly. Thank you all. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [38:08]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to Comisión Colombiana de Juristas.


Comisión Colombiana de Juristas [38:15]:

Mr. Vice President, despite numerous progress in human rights, the worrisome increase in violence mentioned in the annual report of the High Commissioner on Colombia can worsen more, uh, for numerous factors. First, electoral context that currently is in the country. This gives rise to particular risks of violence for those holding leadership in the territories under dispute and for human rights defenders more generally. Secondly, speech that delegitimizes the search for peace in Colombia. There are national and international issues that undermine total peace. There's also a lack of commitment to the 2026 instrument, as well as the legislative debate could lead to a loss in priority for this, with armed solution winning out. Third, the budget cuts and the cuts in staff in the UN Human Rights Office in Colombia, they will no longer be able to support communities and human rights defenders at the most vulnerable moment. This must be strengthened so they can supervise and oversee the sanctions that transitional justice is beginning to put into place. For the aforementioned, the decided support of this Council for Colombia is more important than ever. We are supporting the country in matters of peace, strengthening the work of the office, and offering guarantees for human rights defenders and communities during the electoral period are concrete actions that can be supported. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [39:49]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to Evangelical Alliance.


Evangelical Alliance [39:57]:

Mr. Vice President, the World Evangelical Alliance welcomes the High Commissioner's report and reaffirms its strong support for multilateral system and the essential work of international human rights mechanism. In this time of deep uncertainty, these institutions mean vital safeguard of human dignity, and accountability. Our world is increasingly marked by division, polarization, and armed conflict. We are troubled by the steady growth in military spending at the expense of peacebuilding, development, and social cohesion. Amid these tensions, the poor and marginalized, racial and religious minorities, women and children, and persons with disabilities suffer most. Their rights are too often neglected and their voices unheard. We are especially concerned by the targeting and imprisonment of religious leaders who speak out against injustice and corruption. In several countries, those serving their communities and promoting peace face harassment, detention, and death. In Colombia alone, more than 50 Christian leaders have been killed, detained, or forcibly disappeared by illegal armed groups in the past 2 years for defending human rights. Such actions violate fundamental freedoms. We urge all states to renew their commitment to human rights and to protect religious leaders and faith actors as vital contributors to resilient communities. Thank you. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [41:25]:

Thank you. I give the floor to Culture International.


Culture International [41:38]:

We reaffirm that the promotion and protection of human rights is also dependent on the strengthening of international prevention and mediation mechanisms. We hail the pioneering role of the African institutions for mediation and the ombudspersons in the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as good governance and a rule of law. Our organization wishes to underscore the experience of our institution, of the body in Morocco, defending human rights and promoting these values, the values of transparency in public service. This dynamic is also to be found in the regions of the south of Morocco through the regional representation of this institution, which has seen positive results. As, as, and has become an essential mechanism that guarantees the effectiveness of human rights in different dimensions to include the right to health, education, and the right to work. The strengthening of national independent institutions and ombudspersons mechanisms are a fundamental pillar in preventing human rights violations. We encourage— Africa International encourages the sharing of best practices in Africa. In this area as well as increased support of national initiatives for institutional support and good governance. Thank you very much. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [43:06]:

Cedo la palabra a— Thank you. I give the floor to—


Speaker 54 [43:10]:

Monsieur le Vice-président. Mr. Vice President, ladies and gentlemen, members of the Human Rights Council, the situation of human rights in the refugee camps in Tindouf camp calls for immediate mobilization. In the camps that do not have legal frameworks or independent mechanisms for oversight, violence is perpetuated with total impunity. These violations target children in particular that are recruited forcefully, indoctrinated, and involved in military activities or forced labor. There's increased violence against the children. There's also systematic racial violence that includes degrading treatment and contemporary forms of servitude. the holding to account of those responsible. These responsibilities must be met. The Tindouf children in particular, those discriminated against because of the color of their skin, should not— cannot be abandoned to a legal void that leaves them without protection or justice. I thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [44:34]:

Thank you very much. I give the floor to International Muslim Women's Union.


International Muslim Women's Union [44:40]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. My organization urges the Council to address the grave and gendered human rights crisis facing women in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. As already documented in the 2018 and 2019 OICHR reports, decades of militarization have transferred women's bodies, lives, and future into sites of violence, control, and punishment. Since 1989, over 23,000 women have been widowed and thousands rendered half-widows. rights groups document 11,000 sexual violence cases, while official figures acknowledged 5,000 rapes aimed severe underreporting globally. These violations persist within a framework of impunity enabled by security laws shielding perpetrators. The impact on women's mental health is profound. Studies show that 50% of Kashmiri women suffered from depression, 37% from anxiety, and 20% from post-traumatic stress disorder. Reflecting trauma normalized by prolonged occupation, women activists and political voices continue to face harassment, surveillance, and detention, particularly since 2019. Reports suggest many of these detainees are held in poor conditions mentally and physically, and we're facing long-term detention without trial. We urge the High Commissioner to urgently issue the—


Human Rights Council · Vice President [46:17]:

Gracias. Thank you. I now give the floor to International Action for Peace and Sustainable Development.


International Action for Peace and Sustainable Development [46:25]:

Mr. Vice President, my organization draws the Council's attention to continuing human rights concerns in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The 2018 and 2019 reports by the Office of the High Commissioner documented excessive use of force, arbitrary detention, restriction on civic space, and systematic impunity. 6 years later, the absence of meaningful accountability has allowed these violations to intensify. Since 5th August 2019, more than 1,000 killings have been reported, including 287 custodial killings. Over the same period, 2,600 individuals were subjected to torture and sustained critical injuries. 33,000 people, including students, journalists, lawyers, and activists, are arrested under UAPA and PSA. Despite these alarming figures, access to international observers, humanitarian actors, and independent media remains severely restricted. Mr. Vice President, besides gross human rights violations, Indian forces, after the Pelgam incident in May last year, attacked within Azad Kashmir and across Line of Control, killing and injuring hundreds of civilians. My organization urged the High Commissioner for the— for a meaningful intervention to save the lives and property of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and asked Indian authorities to respect the right of self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [48:00]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to Lashonis.


United Villages [48:06]:

Thank you, Chair. United Villages appreciates the High Commissioner's comprehensive report and efforts to address pressing human rights issues worldwide. We share concerns about the humanitarian situation in Palestine, Yemen, Ukraine, and Syria. And support the call for peaceful resolution. In this context, we highlight the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, where human rights concerns persist. The region's people have long aspired for dignity, justice, and self-determination. We note with concern reports of restrictions on freedoms, detentions, profiling of religious leaders, and the impact of security measures on civilians. We request this Council to consider sending a fact-finding mission to the disputed territory, which has been rendered inaccessible to NGOs and international media, to assess the situation on the ground. We encourage all parties to the dispute to engage in a meaningful dialogue and work towards peaceful resolution of the long-standing conflict that respects the rights and aspirations of Kashmiri people. The international community can support the this process by promoting understanding and facilitating discussions. We hope for a future where all people in the region can live in peace, dignity, and security. I thank you, Chair.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [49:27]:

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I now give the floor to War Resisters International. This will be from a video message.


War Resisters International [49:35]:

WRI, together with its partner Connection EV, thanks the High Commissioner for his opening statement. We express our profound concern for the increasing violations of human rights, which are continuously reported, and the current repeated attempts to undermine international law. Human rights are more popular than populism and should apply to all individuals as they are universal and not derogable. Unfortunately, what is indeed more popular is their constant violations and the disregard for human life. We continue to be seriously alarmed by the wars and massacres in different countries. And the total disrespect for peace negotiations and agreements by the persistent and ignored breach of the peace and the fueling of war system. More individuals around the world object to war and refuse to kill. The human right to conscientious objection to military service is inherent to the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. It is constantly violated in many countries, and hundreds of individuals are persecuted and often forced to seek protection abroad, especially in times of war. Unfortunately, our voices, the voice of individuals and civil society organizations, are not determining our future. Some of those voices have been ultimately silenced or criminalized or simply gone unheard. Our future is greatly depending on what this council is willing to agree on and pursue, and by what governments around the world eventually implement and stay accountable for. WRI Together Reconnection EV wishes this council a collaborative work To set a steady and swift pace on the road to the protection and full implementation of human rights. Thank you. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [51:08]:

Thank you. For a joint statement, I give the floor to Franciscans International.


Franciscans International [51:17]:

Merci, Monsieur le Président. Thank you. We thank the High Commissioner for this and. For the concerns over the situation of human rights in Madagascar after the implementation of the new administration. Reforms were announced to fight corruption and to provide access to public services, as well as for the strengthening of rule of law. In this context, the human rights mechanisms and the treaty bodies are an essential phase in order to ensure an approach based on human rights and for the reforms underway. We call for efforts to address internal migration, climate change, and the effective inclusion of civil society in these processes. We also call for the NHRI to be in step with the Paris Principles. We take note of the efforts to protect diversity, and we call for an inclusion of additional efforts already recognized in Madagascar. We call for the adopting of holistic management of domestic matters as well as an evaluation for the reduction of statelessness. We also call for the different partners to address the human rights situation in Afghanistan and to provide technical assistance in the implementation of recommendations from the UPR as well as other UN mechanisms. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [52:46]:

I now give the floor to Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development.


Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development [52:51]:

Mr. Vice President, we thank the High Commissioner for his global update. We echo the High Commissioner's call on Nepal to uphold human rights and safeguard civic space ahead of the March elections. These elections take place in the context of shrinking civic space and impunity. 77 people were killed during the September protests. Despite commitments to a public inquiry, no one has been held accountable and key investigation reports remain unpublished. Similarly, protesters' demands for institutional reforms remain unaddressed and the transitional justice process continues to lack credibility. In Bangladesh, developments following the historic February elections raise questions about the new government's commitment to constitutional and governance reforms. Reported refusal to engage with the proposed Constitutional Reform Council and July National Charter commitments risk undermining promised reforms. International oversight and support, including by the High Commissioner, is necessary to ensure reforms demanded by the protesters in August 2024. Finally, in Indonesia, recent legal measures expanding the military's role without clear limits or accountability seriously undermine human rights, particularly in the context where protests have been labeled terrorism or treason. Ongoing criminalization of activists and protest leaders such as Del Pedro Merhein has a further chilling effect. These situations underscore the vital role of the UN human rights mechanisms in monitoring and reporting, supporting accountability and reforms, and preventing further violations. These mechanisms must be strengthened and adequately funded. Thank you. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [54:26]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to the Inclusivity Project, Inc.


Inclusivity Project, Inc. [54:33]:

Mr. President, we thank the High Commissioner for his reference to the communities discriminated on work and descent during his Global Human Rights Update. Despite that this phenomenon is recognized by the very definition of racial discrimination of Article 1 of the ICERD, it remains internationally invisible. His office has worked diligently in the last years in order to fulfill— to fill this gap by reinforcing regional and thematic coordination, dialoguing with states, and ensuring adequate attention at country offices. Through the UPR, there is a growing state practice on both making and accepting recommendations on CDWD, with concrete results on the ground. There is also a growing recognition of CDWD through the several special procedures and treaty bodies. CERD's General Recommendation 29, which elaborates on the content of CDWD, despite its strong wording, reflects the reality of 2 decades ago. We encourage the international community to work on an update of this important instrument. This Council has the opportunity to contribute to fill a gap that affects over 270 million people across the world. I thank you. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [55:56]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to the World Jewish Conference— Congress.


World Jewish Congress [56:03]:

Mr. President, the World Jewish Congress addresses this Council on behalf of Jewish communities worldwide at a moment of profound consequence. Bound as we are by a long and intertwined history with the Iranian people. For more than 4 decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has consolidated power through repression at home and aggression abroad, has brutally crushed dissent, persecuted women and minorities, and responded to protests with threats of lethal force against people demanding nothing more than basic rights. The same government institutionalizes and exports antisemitism, arms proxy militias, instigated the October 7th terror attacks against Israel, has murdered Jews and endangered Jewish communities worldwide. Its nuclear and missile programs threaten Israel and destabilize the region. The actions taken by the United States and Israel are the inevitable result of decades of unchecked violence and sustained international failure to confront a threat that has been allowed to grow for decades. This Council cannot ignore that reality. Iran is now attacking neighboring states in an open display of reckless escalation. This is the same state that has retaliated by killing Jews and deliberately targeting Jewish communities far beyond any battlefield. We call upon all governments to act immediately to protect their Jewish citizens and Jewish institutions. Iran's conduct has led directly to this moment. There must be accountability now. I thank you. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [57:37]:

Thank you. I give the floor to Peace Brigades International.


Peace Brigades International [57:43]:

Gracias, señor vicepresidente. Thank you, uh, President. In Colombia, we are hailing progress such as the regulation decree on the law of women searching and its full implementation. There is a serious situation of ethnic communities and campesinos in territories with resources These are under dispute and are subjected to armed activity and illicit and illicit economies. There are armed groups infiltrating the areas. There must be a greater presence of the state in rural areas. In Guatemala, according to some organizations, including UDEFUGA, between January and September of '25, there were more than 4,500 attacks on human rights defenders. There must be more protection of the indigenous peoples and— that are defending their territory. There must be effective measures to prevent, protect, investigate, and punish those responsible. There must be compliance with the agrarian agreement. And there must be dialogue in Honduras. 10 years after the killing of the human rights defender Berta Cáceres, we're worried about the foreign investment in extractive processes that contribute to violence. A group of independent experts concluded that the financing of international development banks was— were used in the killing of this leader. We urge Honduras to meet the plan for the reparation of the group of experts, including the responsibility to work with the— This speech was cut off.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [59:14]:

Thank you very much. I give the floor to Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII.


Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII [59:19]:

Mr. Vice President, the United Nations are increasingly subjected to criticism and delegitimization. This trend stems in large part from the paralysis of the Security Council, often blocked by the veto power, as well as from the resurgence of force-based politics, the rise of nationalism, and the deep crisis of multilateralism. Delegitimizing the UN means undermining the very idea of a rule-based international order. Accusations of inaction frequently overlook a fundamental truth: the UN reflects the will of its member states. It is not an autonomous actor, but an instrument shaped by those who compose it. Blaming the organization while ignoring the responsibility of its members confuses the mechanism with the political choices that guide it. In this context, President Trump's Board of Peace raises serious concern as it appears to privilege geopolitical interests and the logic of strength over shared norms and multilateral dialogue. We affirm that, despite the need for meaningful reforms, the UN remains the only universal impartial forum where all States can express themselves and defend their rights. It continues to play an essential role in humanitarian action, human rights protection, and international cooperation. We therefore call on Member States to provide the political and financial support necessary to strengthen the UN and uphold the principle upon which it was founded. Our current world demands renewed solidarity and collective responsibility. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:00:55]:

Thank you, and I'll give the floor for joint statement through video to Article 19 International Center Against Censorship.


Article 19 International Center Against Censorship [1:01:05]:

Thank you, Mr. President. This is a joint statement co-sponsored by 7 ECOSOC-accredited NGOs. Article 19 thanks the High Commissioner for his global update and his ongoing efforts to address the human rights crisis in Hong Kong. In 2022, the Human Rights Committee raised its grave concerns and called for the repeal of the National Security Law. In flagrant disregard of the Committee's concluding observations, the National Security Law, alongside the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, continues to be weaponized to persecute independent, media actors, and facilitate transnational repression against overseas Hong Kong human rights defenders and their families. We welcome and share the High Commissioner's condemnation of the sentencing of Apple Daily publisher Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison, an effective death sentence for the 78-year-old, along with the parallel sentencing of 8 co-defendants to 6 to 10 years under the National Security Law. We further condemn the sentencing of Kwok Ying-sai, father of overseas human rights defender Anna Kwok, to 8 months in prison under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. This is an act of transnational repression and reprisal against Anak Mox.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:02:06]:

Uh, we will interrupt. There's a request, uh, for point of order. China has the floor.


China [1:02:20]:

Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, this particular NGO This representative seriously undermined the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of China, seriously violated the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. China demands the Vice President to terminate the capacity of this person to speak— this representative. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:02:52]:

But it's just— Shh. Gracias. Thank you. The Secretariat reports that the NGO has been duly accredited. Does the delegation of China have objections over the substance? If so, they can use their right of reply. Having said this, we can continue with the video message.


Article 19 International Center Against Censorship [1:04:26]:

UN human rights mechanisms. The targeting of overseas human rights defenders carries overwhelmingly chilling effects and psychosocial harms, often leading victims to choose between protecting their family or abandoning their rights, and its deliberate strategy to obstruct scrutiny and accountability of domestic human rights violations. We urge states to speak out against these violations and step up efforts to help ensure the release of all human rights defenders in Hong Kong. We also urge relevant states to take all measures to prevent, investigate, and ensure accountability for all acts of transnational repression on their territory. Being—


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:05:00]:

I now give the floor To Agence Internationale pour le Développement. Oh, pardon. Pardon me. First, I give the floor to Juventum EV.


Juventum EV [1:05:16]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Educational Energy for Sustainability, Juventum is honored to participate. The world is upside down. It is full of mess and miseries. Many selfish leaders emerge and walk all over other people's lives. They stay in power for years. The children are witnessing justice defeated by greed. Our common sense is challenged and replaced. Children should not be brainwashed and controlled. We need to equip the young generations with a human rights education. The human rights-based approach is built upon empathy and compassion. It is the best way to peace, development, and sustainability in the end. Any issue of concern should be looked at through the lens of human rights. The United Nations has a sufficient accumulation of human rights wisdom, including the UDHR, the resolutions, and the outcomes of the HRC discussions. All UN member states should be obliged to teach human rights in schools, and the children's knowledge should be tested and ranked internationally. Such criteria should serve as a reference for the Council membership elections. Isn't it high time to take human rights education more seriously? Thank you very much for your attention. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:06:46]:

Thank you. I give the floor Now to Agence Internationale pour le Développement.


Agence Internationale pour le Développement [1:06:53]:

Thank you, Vice President. As we see growth changes due to migrants are moving due to climate change and other reasons, we are working for security and to protect the basic rights of migrants. In this context, our organization would like to highlight the experience of the Kingdom of Morocco on an inclusive basis with social inclusion, access to basic social services, and providing regularization for vulnerable migrants. This is visible in the south of Morocco where local initiatives implemented by civil society and public authorities contribute to social support and social integration of migrants as well as welcoming Centers provide access to healthcare, education, and other services. The African experience shows that sustainable experiences and solutions require cooperation with civil society. These agencies working in the field are vital for ordered migration that is respectful of human rights. Thank you. Muchas gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:08:07]:

Thank you very much. I give the floor to Human Rights Watch.


Human Rights Watch [1:08:12]:

Thank you. Following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel, Gulf states, and attacks in the region, we urge all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians. This council should ensure robust monitoring and impartial investigations into violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. We highlight 3 other situations that require enhanced monitoring and attention. In Tanzania, the October 2025 elections were marred by serious abuses by law enforcement and nationwide internet restrictions. This followed growing government repression over several years and intensified clampdown on free expression and association. Government critics faced arbitrary arrests, violent attacks, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. We urge the government to ensure impartial and credible investigations and accountability. The situation in Georgia has sharply deteriorated, with a wave of restrictive legislation and government actions aimed at silencing independent media and government critics, undermining the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, association, and non-discrimination. The government should release those unjustly detained, investigate abuses by law enforcement officers, and repeal repressive laws that violate international obligations. In the United States, we are alarmed by the slide into authoritarianism with the rollback of civil rights and democratic guardrails. Protesters have been subjected to excessive and lethal force. In raids by U.S. immigration enforcement, masked agents assaulted individuals, damaged property, and detained children. Asylum seekers and refugees have suffered serious abuses, including deportations to unsafe countries and countries of origin despite clear risks. I thank you. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:09:50]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to Réseau Unité pour le Développement, Litani.


Réseau Unité pour le Développement, Litani [1:10:00]:

Mr. Vice President, in light of what the world is witnessing today in terms of violations of the rights of civilians, especially in conflict countries, we're in a dire need for a strong civil society But how can we achieve that if we're seeing that there's a receding role of civil society, an ever-shrinking UN space? And now we're witnessing that access by civil society to this council has become a political privilege, not a right or a duty for the NGO to continue to monitor violations perpetrated by some countries. Mr. Vice President, we've seen how. ECOSOC's membership and accreditation can be used as weapons to settle political scores instead of serving for the protection of victims, including refugees, the marginalized, human rights defenders, and others, under the guise of procedure. This is why we need to protect the UN system, including the international human rights mechanisms. This is why we recommend what follows. First, ensuring First, a fair and transparent and non-politicized access by NGOs to the human rights mechanisms, and this should include accreditation by ECOSOC and guaranteeing floor time. Second, promoting independence and efficiency of treaty bodies with clear guarantees for non-political abuse and regular reviews and measurements. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:11:36]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to the International Commission of Jurists.


International Commission of Jurists [1:11:42]:

The ICJ concurs with the High Commissioner's concerns about attacks on the rule of law and independent legal professionals, and about the outrageous levels of gender-based violence, especially affecting women and girls in Afghanistan. The systematic gender-based persecution driven by the Taliban regime continues unabated. Since August 2021, discriminatory decrees and restrictive practices now entrenched in the Taliban's new criminal procedure code have reduced women, girls, and LGBTQI+ persons to second-class status under the law while penalizing men and boys if they do not comply with the new rules. The ICJ urges member states to ensure adequate political and financial support to the new, new mechanism so human rights violations are properly investigated, documented, and preserved for accountability purposes. and Indigenous authorities continue to face undue criminal liability, including on terrorism charges. The new policy for the protection of human rights defenders still lacks an effective implementation mechanism. Internal monitoring and effective support for judicial independence and civic space, including by the OHCHR, must continue. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:13:18]:

I thank you, and I now give the floor for a joint statement from the


Speaker 92 [1:13:25]:

Mr. President, this is a joint statement. Human rights multilateralism faces a triple crisis: an accountability crisis, a financial crisis, and a legitimate crisis where big powers mock international law and the rules that allow all nations and peoples to coexist peacefully. Now we must maintain and build a system that is more credible, inclusive, and responsive. And to achieve this, we must be bold. First, we must secure adequate and sustainable funding for the human rights pillar. States should oppose the systematic gutting of human rights budgets by the ACABQ and by China and Russia at the Fifth Committee. The US cannot continue to hold the UN financially hostage, and all states should pay their contributions in full and on time and agree on the temporary suspension of the return of credits. Second, we must empower the HRC to combat impunity for atrocity crimes and act better and faster on crises. Independent mechanisms should be established based on objective criteria And states should authorize this council to refer situations to the Security Council and to request advisory opinions from the ICJ. Third, we must make the case for human rights at a time of UN reform. Human rights mandates cannot be viewed as financial burdens. Their value should be measured by their impact: justice delivered, lives improved, systems changed. Civil society must be embedded in every reform effort. Lastly, we must build a large coalition of states from all regions with an unwavering commitment to human rights multilateralism. The joint statement delivered earlier by Albania is a crucial step in this direction. The human rights system is essential for peace, security, and sustainable development. Fund it, protect it, strengthen it. I thank you. Muchas gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:14:59]:

I thank you, and I give the floor to Maloca Internacional.


Maloca Internacional [1:15:04]:

Presidente, agradecemos el informe del Alto Comisionado que reconoce los esfuerzos We would like to recognize the efforts of the Colombian government in matters of peace and human rights at a time when there are still dynamics regarding territorial control as a result of illicit economies and armed actors that affect communities. These tensions are not isolated, as for example near the Amazon and Andes in Putumayo, in Tolima, the extractive activities of the Canadian— of a Canadian company Cooper is creating risks of displacement, fragmentation of communities, and a weakening of local governments. The way in which these territories are managed is directly tied to who can have a real effect on political decisions. When social sectors and politicians find obstacles in electoral participation, risks increase, not just in in matters of democratic pluralism, but also in the protection of territories. The National Electoral Council must— has noted worries regarding the compliance with Article 25 of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights. The governance of resources or stewardship of resources and democratic open— cannot be separated. Colombia seeks to bring a regional balance to protect the territory and bring peace. Thank you very much.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:16:36]:

Thank you. I give the floor to Vivat International.


Vivat International [1:16:42]:

Mr. Vice President, Vivat International and partner NGOs strongly condemn the ongoing and rapidly escalating genocide against Christians in Taraba State, Nigeria. There is a deliberate Systematic and organized killing of Christians, as confirmed by Bishop Mark Nzukwe of Wukari Catholic Diocese. Last year alone, over 3,000 Christians were mercilessly killed, while more than 100,000 have been displaced from their homes due to targeted attacks. These figures underscore a chilling pattern of violence that reflects not just a crisis but an existential threat to Christian communities in the region. Fulani militia groups repeatedly invade villages, destroying homes and farms and inflicting terror upon innocent civilians. This deliberate targeting of Christians in Nigeria should evoke collective outrage worldwide. Vivat International and allies urge the United Nations to independently investigate the genocide against Christians in Taraba State and Nigeria as a whole, demand justice for victims of this violence, and mount diplomatic pressure on Nigerian authorities to ensure that the lives and rights of these communities are both protected and preserved. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:18:12]:

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada.


Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada [1:18:20]:

Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada and the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute have for years witnessed statements before this Council regarding the persistent lack of accountability and justice in Sri Lanka. Resolution after resolution has been adopted only to be consistently disregarded by the Sri Lankan government. The pattern is clear. Commitments are made in Geneva, but impunity continues at home. The current government was elected on promises of reform, transparency, and meaningful accountability. However, more than a year into its mandate, we have seen no measurable progress towards these goals. This is no longer a new administration entitled to the benefit of time. Victims and survivors cannot wait indefinitely. It is time to move beyond declaratory resolutions and take concrete actions to ensure accountability for documented violations of international law and decades of entrenched impunity, without which lasting stability and peace will remain unattainable. We call on the Council to appoint a dedicated Special Rapporteur for Sri Lanka with a robust mandate to monitor, report, and advance measurable progress towards justice and institutional reform, ensuring that the aspirations and rights of Tamil and minority communities are meaningfully addressed. We also urge all member states in arrears to promptly fulfill their financial obligations to the United Nations to ensure the vital work of this council and other UN mechanisms can be sustained. Thank you. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:19:48]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to Peace, Development, and Human Rights Association.


Peace, Development, and Human Rights Association [1:19:58]:

Thank you, Vice President. The world is witnessing Wars, conflicts, killing, and destruction, which means that the role of the OHCHR and the Council are of prime importance. Your voices and positions today will be remembered by history. The High Commissioner said that if we call people and ask them what they want, they will say that they want peace and human rights. However, we see all this flouted today. He condemned military attacks by the Israeli occupation and America and Iran and Iranian retaliation. As the High Commissioner said, it is the civilians who pay the highest price. Therefore, we should protect them in zones of conflict. In Yemen, we see that the Transitional Council poses a threat to civilians, particularly with the unveiling of its secret prisons. Therefore, we recommend that it military formations be listed as terrorists and impose sanctions on military leaders implicated in violations against civilians. We recommend more pressure on RSF militias to end their crimes against civilians and pressure their funding countries to stop their military funding. In closing, Vice President, we wish that the Human Rights Council and the OSCE play an important and strong role in ending the current war in Iran and resume talks in order to protect lives of civilians. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:21:34]:

I give the floor to the next organization.


Speaker 102 [1:21:41]:

We thank the OSCE team for their valuable comprehensive report on sexual violence committed against Ilham Tamim women. The report once again confirms what survivors and witnesses have long stated. Sexual violence in Sri Lanka was not incidental but systematic and used as a weapon of war and repression. For decades, Tamil women in the north and east have endured rape, sexual torture, enforced nudity, and other forms of gender-based violence at the hands of state security forces. These violations occurred in homes, at checkpoints, in detention centres, and in internally displaced persons camps. The patterns documented revealed intent, coordination, and impunity. Survivors continue to face intimidation, surveillance, and stigma preventing meaningful access to justice. Successive governments have denied allegations, shielded perpetrators, and militarized affected regions. In such circumstances, internal processes cannot deliver justice. Therefore, we respectfully call upon this Council to establish a country-specific Special Rapporteur on Sri Lanka. Continuous monitoring, survivor protection, and evidence preservation are essential. Furthermore, given the gravity of the alleged crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of genocide, and the persistent absence of genuine domestic accountability, we urge the Member States to take concrete steps towards referring Sri Lanka to the ICC. Survivors deserve truth, accountability, and guarantees of non-recurrence. The international community must act decisively. Thank you. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:23:09]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to Amnesty International.


Amnesty International [1:23:14]:

Mr. Vice President, we thank the High Commissioner for his diagnosis of conditions driving alarming and dangerous global trends and his recommendations to counteract them. The escalation in hostilities across the Middle East and North Africa following the United States and Israel attack on Iran and Iran's retaliation is putting civilians at grave risk. We urge all parties to abide by international humanitarian and human rights law. Civilians must be protected. The lack of meaningful action by international community— the international community has emboldened Ethiopian authorities to further obstruct independent efforts to document and monitor conflict-related human rights violations at a time of an alarming military buildup and upcoming elections. We urge the High Commissioner to report in detail on information gathered on the ground by monitors supporting his office. States must act urgently to prevent further deterioration, including by restoring the Human Rights Council's monitoring and reporting. We urge Tanzanian authorities to further clarify the number of those killed and hand over their remains to their relatives for a decent burial and the necessary rites. In this context, we urge the High Commissioner and this Council to monitor and report on steps taken by Tanzanian authorities to address attacks on protesters and on progress made by the National Commission of We urge Tunisian authorities to cease their repression of dissent, which has included severely curtailing freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly through mass trials, harsh prison sentences, and the routine use of counterterrorism and cybercrime laws to punish peaceful activity and criticism. We urge Ugandan authorities to drop their charges against people arrested solely for exercising their human rights. Gracias. Release those still detained.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:24:50]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to Consejo Indigenista Misionario CIMI.


Consejo Indigenista Misionario CIMI [1:24:55]:

Mr. Vice President, there have been more than 30 days where they— we have occupied a port, Cargill, defending their lives, their spirituality, and their dignity. This, given the threat of the privatization of the rivers decrees 12,600 of 2285 was drafted without consent, and it violates the rights of the river. The river is being, existing, life, food, spirituality, and it is a right holder. The revocation of the degree came with a great deal of fight. This is— we're not here to celebrate. We're here to support the people of the Thank you. The people of the river in their ongoing fight against a model of development that gives preference to the big companies. We continue to fight for these people and their rights. We ask that this council reaffirms its attention to this case, reaffirming the right to self-determination and the return and defense of the traditional lands. Without a river, these people cease to exist. Our thanks also to the team of the High Commissioner's Office in Brazil for supporting us in this fight. Thank you very much. Muchas gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:26:21]:

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to World Muslim Congress.


World Muslim Congress [1:26:27]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We thank the High Commissioner for comprehensive updates and commend the Office of for its vital work. We remain deeply concerned by the escalating conflicts and persistent impunity, particularly regarding the alarming human rights situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. We urge the High Commissioner to intensify monitoring of arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, attacks on human rights defenders, and demolition of properties. We are gravely alarmed by the misuse of anti-terror laws to stifle Legitimate dissent alongside systematic surveillance and profiling of religious institutions and restrictions on social media amounting to a digital siege. Accountability for these violations must remain paramount. We support the High Commissioner's focus on economic, social, and cultural rights and climate justice. We affirm our commitment to constructive dialogue, calling on all states to cooperate fully with the Office ensuring unhindered access to all territories, including that of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, to promote a meaningful civil society engagement. Finally, we underscore the importance of adequate and predictable funding for OICHR to maintain its independence. The High Commissioner's voice is indispensable in addressing emerging challenges and upholding the universality, indivisibility, and interdependence of all human rights. I thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:27:59]:

Thank you. I give the floor to Belgrade Center for Human Rights through— with a video message.


Belgrade Center for Human Rights [1:28:05]:

Distinguished members of the Human Rights Council, I speak on behalf of the Belgrade Center for Human Rights and civil society organizations across Serbia, and I speak with urgency. 16 lives, that is the cost in human lives of the Novi Sad railway station tragedy. Citizens took to the streets demanding accountability. What they received instead was repression. Peaceful student protests were met with organized violence— thugs sent to beat students, cars deliberately driven into crowds. Presidential pardons were granted to perpetrators, signaling not just tolerance but institutional coordination of violence. More than 2,300 individuals have been charged with serious criminal or administrative offenses. Beyond the streets, sonic weaponry deployed against demonstrators, serious enough for the European Court for Human Rights to issue interim measures. NGOs raided without court orders, fire used against activist journalists, a Russian-style foreign agent law looming over civil society. In 2025, 7 communications were addressed by Serbia by UN special procedure. 7 in a single year is not routine. It's a warning signal of systematic backsliding. The Council must act. We call on this body to demand that Serbia immediately cease mass arrests and politically motivated persecution. Investigate all credible allegations of excessive use of force. Refrain unlawful surveillance and foreign agent legislation. Protect journalists, defenders, students, and teachers from state-sponsored intimidation. The people of Serbia are not asking for extraordinary. They are asking for accountability, the most basic promise of the rule of law. We ask this Council to stand with us. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:29:40]:

I now give the floor to Connectas.


Connectas [1:29:43]:

Mr. President, Conexa would like to draw attention to the impact that big tech companies and AI tools currently have on democracy, as well as the risk they pose to electoral processes. In 2026, Brazil will undergo a new cycle of general elections, and it's concerning that in this context may affect the free exercise of the right to vote, the security and equality of the conditions among candidates, the right to access to information and the integrity of the electoral process. In recent years, the business model of digital platform companies and the widespread adoption of these technologies have profoundly influenced public debate, either by enabling the expansion of disinformation campaigns or by facilitating the perpetuation of stereotypes, hate speech, and the reinforcement of inequalities. Considering that elections are fundamental components of democracy, We urge the Council and its mechanisms to closely follow Brazilian elections and to call upon the competent electoral authorities to promote inclusive political participation and to effectively reinforce the existing rules governing the operation of digital platforms during electoral periods in Brazil. Thank you. Muchas gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:30:57]:

Thank you very much. I give the floor to East and Horn of Africa.


East and Horn of Africa [1:31:04]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We condemn the arbitrary detention and lengthy interrogation on February 22nd at Nairobi Airport of Pan-Africanist lawyer Brian Tamuka Kagoro and his subsequent declaration as a person non grata and forcible deportation from Kenya. These acts, carried out without due process, constitute a significant abuse of power by Kenyan authorities. They reference Section 54 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act on documentation-related offenses. However, there appears to be no substantiating evidence or specific charges brought against Mr. Kagooro. We call on the Kenyan government to disclose the legal basis for actions against Mr. Kagooro, uphold individual rights, and ensure access to effective remedies. We also call on Kenya to assure African citizens that they are welcome to enter the country to conduct legitimate, peaceful activities related to human rights or other issues. Mr. Vice President, in Kenya as elsewhere, the protection of human rights defenders and civic space should be a priority. Civil society and media actors are often the first to identify patterns of abuse, rising incitement, and other early warning signs of crises. An open civic space isn't only a human rights imperative, it's a practical safeguard against risks of violations and violence. We urge this Council to examine civic space indicators to assess situations and to treat civic space restrictions as early warning signs of crises. Thank you. Muchas gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:32:37]:

Thank you very much. I give the floor to Community Human Rights and Advocacy Center.


Community Human Rights and Advocacy Center [1:32:41]:

Mr. President, we urge the Council to place the human rights situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir at the center of its concerns. The OHCHR's first update in 2018 and the second in 2019 documented arbitrary detentions, excessive use of force, communication blackouts, and severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms— warnings that remain tragically relevant in 2025. Repression has intensified under draconian laws. UN special procedures experts report that nearly 2,800 individuals including students, journalists, lawyers, and activists have been arbitrarily detained under the PSA and UAPA. Since 2019, there have been 444 PSA detention orders with 389 persons still detained. The criminalization of dissent extended to employment. 82 government employees have been dismissed without due process, undermining labor and constitutional rights. Convention rates under UAPA remain excessively low, reflecting punitive detention rather than justice. Patterns of custodial torture, forced confessions, arbitrary detention, and suppression of civic space continue, widely condemned by human rights groups. Access for independent monitors, humanitarian agencies, and media remains restricted under entrenched impunity. Mr. President, we call on the High Commissioner to release a third OHCHR report on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. I thank you. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:34:11]:

Thank you. I give the floor at this time to the Independent Center for Research and Initiatives for Dialogue.


Independent Center for Research and Initiatives for Dialogue [1:34:21]:

Monsieur Vice-Président, Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs. Vice-President, Excellencies, our organization thanks the High Commission and reiterates that the effective promotion of human rights requires an institutional framework that is stable and guarantees access to justice, public services. And this question falls under the remit of the UN Security Council, which has reaffirmed in its Resolution 2597 of 2025, October, the need for a realistic, sustainable political solution built on compromise in order to ensure regional stability and to improve the living conditions of the populations concerned. We hail the efforts of the Kingdom of Morocco in favor of socioeconomic development and in favor of constructive cooperation with the international human rights system. Any sustainable solution must also guarantee to the populations concerned, including those in the Tindouf camps, full enjoyment of their basic rights. I thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:35:30]:

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the Organization for the Communication in Africa and the Promotion of Economic and International Economic Cooperation.


Organization for the Communication in Africa and the Promotion of Economic and International Economic Cooperation [1:35:42]:

Thank you. We appreciate the High Commissioner for the detailed and valuable report, and we wish to remind this honorable council that the The credibility of the international system is based fundamentally on the independence and neutrality of the U.N. mechanisms with active, free, and fair participation that is inclusive of civil society. President, our organization hails the historic resolution of the Security Council on the Sahara conflict. This comes at a key moment. This has lasted 50 years with suffering and the lack of enjoyment of the Sahrawi population in the Tindouf camps. Today, the international community recognizes that the only solution that is fair is that produced by the Kingdom of Morocco, which will guarantee all economic, political, and social rights. Based on reconciliation of all Sahrawi, where there's no victor and no one loses, based on sovereignty in Morocco and in step with UN principles aimed at building lasting peace. Our organization calls upon this Council to ensure that the UN mechanisms not become places of political division And the social actors, thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:37:18]:

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to Association Lutte Contre la Violence Faite aux Femmes.


Association Lutte Contre la Violence Faite aux Femmes [1:37:30]:

Thank you. We note the situation in the north of Sri Lanka. The Tamil have suffered, lost the access to their ancestral lands due to the actions of the Maori Development Authority. The construction of the anti-elephants so-called structure has represented part of the efforts to take more and more land. These developments are part of a broader context of militarization, state colonization, and demographic transformation, which has been decried a long time by the civil society. The Tamil nation has been heavily affected by this, marginalized increasingly, compromising their ability to survive and their right to land. As we see the persistent allegations of violations and the absence of effective recourse on the national level, we recommend, one, the urgent nomination of a special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. with a mandate specifically focused on land law, transitional justice, and the protection of the Tamil people, also referring this to the International Criminal Court. And to— we note that the credibility of this council rests on the ability to act to protect vulnerable communities and provide them with justice. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:38:54]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to the Association Humanitaire


Association Humanitaire [1:39:03]:

Thank you, Chair. I address this Council regarding the grave and ongoing human rights situation of Tamil Eelam. We express deep concern over the apparent lack of meaningful follow-up to the finding presented by the Office of the High Commissioner regarding the persecution of Tamils. Despite extensive documentation of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, land seizures, and militarization, accountability remained absent. Thank you, Chair. The High Commissioner's report has provided credible evidence of serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. Yet without decisive action by this Council, these findings risk becoming another record of ignored suffering. Victims and their families continue to demand truth, justice, and guarantees of non-recurrence. We therefore call upon this Council to take 2 Urgent steps. First, the appointment of a dedicated special reporter on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. Second, we urge member states to consider referring the situation in Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court where national mechanisms have failed to deliver justice. International accountability mechanisms must be activated to address alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Justice delayed is justice denied. The people of North and East of Sri Lanka deserve nothing less than accountability, dignity, and lasting peace. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:40:33]:

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


Society for Development and Community Empowerment · Ramesh Govindasamy [1:40:39]:

Thank you, Vice President. I'm Ramesh Govindasamy, Tamil Nadu from India. I stand before today with a heavy heart, compelled to raise my voice against grave injustice in my homeland. The Tamil Nadu government may threaten my life for bringing these human rights violations and other critical matters to the United Nations Human Rights Council's attention. Mr. Vice President, Tamil Nadu is witnessing rampant human rights abuses and murders daily. On July 5th, 2024, Mr. Armstrong, the state president of the Bahujan Samaj Party, was brutally murdered in broad daylight in front of his own house. Shockingly, the state government and police have failed to conduct a proper investigation. They are simply ignoring the case, denying calls for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe. And the ruling Dravidar Munnetta Kalakam Party have been opposed to a CBI inquiry in the Supreme Court. This is a blatant miscarriage of justice that demands international scrutiny. I urge the United Nations to immediately take up this matter with the Indian government and insist on the necessary CBI investigation to uncover the truth and deliver justice. Mr. Vice President, Marina Beach in Chennai, the world's second-largest urban beach, is being discredited. The government has turned this natural treasure into the cemetery for former chief ministers, including Mr. Annadurai, Mr. Ramachandran, Mr. Karunanidhi, and Mr. Jayalalithaa. Factories along the shoreline compound the damages, polluting our seas and eroding our environment. I implore the United Nations to direct the Indian government to relocate these cemeteries to private lands, protect our natural heritage, and halt industries' encroachment on the shore. The people of Tamil Nadu cry out for the United Nations Human Rights Council intervention. Let us uphold the universal principle of human rights, justice, and environmental superiors. I thank you, Mr. President. Muchas gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:42:19]:

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to Al-Bashir Foundation for Development.


Al-Bashir Foundation for Development [1:42:28]:

We are following with concern the situation in the occupied Western Sahara, occupied by Morocco, and violations of the Sahrawi people and their rights to self-determination. The detainees, the Sahrawi, are tortured and they are subjected to exclusion, as well as the majority of the Sahrawi people, human rights defenders among them. Natural resources of the Western Sahara are exploited. This tramples the rights of the right holders to include, in this case, the Sahrawi. We call for respect for the rights of the Sahrawi people, including the right to freedom of association and indemnity. We call upon the Council to address the situation of human rights in our territory, which seeks independence for more than half a century. We have taken note of the request by the UNHCR— by the Office of the High Commissioner for a country visit to be authorized by the Moroccan authorities, but we would like to insist on the important role of the High Commissioner's Office on the human rights situation, and we call upon all to respect their commitments. Thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:43:54]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to Jerusalem Institute of Justice. Not with us right now. I now give the floor to the International Committee for the Respect and Implementation of the African Charter for the Rights of Humans and Peoples.


International Committee for the Respect and Implementation of the African Charter for the Rights of Humans and Peoples [1:44:16]:

Mr. Vice President, CIRAC would like to recall that independent participation of civil society is an essential precondition for the proper operation of the international system, the protection of human rights. We wish to express our concern over the many practices aimed at using certain international mechanisms to restrict the legitimate action of NGOs. And human rights defenders. We like to— we observe with concern the emergence of institutional pressure brought through administrative procedures that are repetitive, selective challenges, and efforts aimed at calling into question the credibility of organizations working with the United Nations. These practices bring fragility to the civic space internationally, and they create a climate of intimidation that is incompatible with the principles of multilateralism. The initiatives recently taken by Algeria before certain UN bodies give rise to certain questions— serious questions regarding the principle of impartiality and the protection of human rights defenders. The abusive use of institutions positions to target actors in civil society are a worrisome shift that risks weakening trust in international instruments. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:45:51]:

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the Asian Center for Human Rights. They are absent. I give the floor at this time to


OIPMA [1:46:02]:

The situation in Yemen reflects precisely what the UN Secretary-General warned of during this session. He said, the rule of law is being outmuscled by the rule of force. Today, the people of the south are facing grave violations amid a foreign military intervention that lacks any UN mandate or legal basis. Saudi airstrikes and the advance of Saudi-backed forces have resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties. Peaceful protesters have been shot with live ammunition, and activists have been detained and abducted in clear violation of international human rights law, while the international community remains silent. Saudi Arabia has also imposed coercive measures targeting southern institutions and leaders, including the dismissal of the STC leader, Ayyad al-Subaidebi, from his position as vice president of the PLC, an attempted assassination against him, the forced closure of STC offices, and the empowerment of extremist elements. These actions have created conditions that allow terrorist groups to expand, posing a threat to regional and international security. OIPMA calls on the UNSC to adopt a resolution demanding the withdrawal of Saudi forces from South Yemen, the deployment of UN observers, and the launch of investigations into violations committed under Saudi control. The people of the South have the right to determine their future and to restore the state in accordance with just codex. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:47:32]:

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to Tamil Style, absent. I give the floor to the Association Paix pour la Lutte Contre la Contrainte et l'Injustice, absent. I give the floor to the Rajasthan Samagra Kalyan Sansthan.


Rajasthan Samagra Kalyan Sansthan [1:47:51]:

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the High Commissioner for the annual report. A just and democratic international order is not merely an aspiration; it is the cornerstone of durable peace and the full realization of, of human rights. It requires equality among nations, respect for sovereignty, and the consistent application of international law without selectivity or double standards. Terrorism continues to pose a grave threat to this vision. The attack on innocent civilians in Pelgam Baisaran Valley, Kashmir, is a tragic reminder that terrorism is a direct assault on human rights, democracy, and peaceful coexistence. The international community must act decisively to dismantle all forms of support to terrorism, including financing, safe havens, and political justification. Inaction or selective condemnation weakens our collective credibility. At the same time, strengthening multilateral cooperation and inclusive development remains essential. India's commitment to global solidarity was reflected in the G20 presidency theme, One Earth, One Family, One Future, promoting shared responsibility and collective progress. Mr. President, let us work together in mutual respect and cooperation to transfer human rights commitments into lived realities for all. We thank you. May all live happily. Gracias.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:49:19]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to Merja Sarka.


Merja Sarka [1:49:24]:

Monsieur le vice-président, le Commissariat des Nations Unies aux droits de l'homme sur le droit de la vie privée à l'ère numérique, il apparaît que la transformation numérique est devenue un facteur structurel qui redéfinit l'exercice des droits de l'homme, notamment avec l'expansion des technologies fondées sur les données de l'intelligence artificielle et des systèmes de prise de décision automatisés. Le rapport met en évidence les risques liés à la discrimination algorithmique, à la surveillance arbitraire, aux atteintes à la vie privée et à l'aggravation des inégalités, en particulier pour les personnes en situation de vulnérabilité. Especially for persons in vulnerable situations, it also points to the persistence of the normative regulatory gaps at both the national and international levels. We affirm that the digital human rights do not constitute constitute a new category of rights, but rather an indivisible extension of the universal human rights framework. However, the non-binding nature of existing instruments limit their effectiveness in ensuring accountability and preventing violations. In this context, we express our support for the proposal put forth by our partners, the Union Association for Human Rights of the UAE, to launch its Unified Arab Delegate Declaration on Principles and Digital Human Rights as a regional guiding framework, aimed at bridging normative gaps. We further support the initiation of a gradual international process within the United Nations systems toward the development of a specialized convention on the protection of human rights in digital space. We call for an inclusive and multi-stakeholder dialogue in— a multi-stakeholder dialogue to ensure that digital transformation advances human dignity, equality, and sustainable development. Thank you, Mr. President.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:50:57]:

Thank you very much. floor to the Agence Suisse pour le Développement et les Droits de l'Homme.


Agence Suisse pour le Développement et les Droits de l'Homme [1:51:04]:

Mr. Vice President, in the framework of the report from the High Commissioner's Office, our organization would like to draw attention to a growing phenomenon, that is to say, the cross-border mechanisms targeting certain states, including the UAE, by way of official media platforms financed by the state or with a direct oversight. This goes beyond legitimate criticism, including open calls to undermine the legitimacy of sovereign organizations, influencing as well political stability for media campaigns. This trend gives rise to serious concerns over Article 2 of the UN Charter, as well as the principles established according to which human rights should not be used as a means of domination or political interference. Sovereignty, stability, and the effective enjoyment of human rights, drafting clear norms regarding responsibility when official media or quasi-official media is involved in cross-border incitation. Thank you very much.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:52:32]:

Thank you very much. With that last speech, we have concluded our discussion on Agenda Item 2. We will continue now With statements, uh, in enjoyment of the right to reply for agenda item 2. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan. You have 3 minutes. There is no request for the floor then. Okay, we will continue. We will continue with Tanzania.


United Republic of Tanzania [1:53:14]:

Didn't we? Excuse me, but we had not requested a right of reply. Thank you. Nevertheless, gracias por esa.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [1:53:23]:

Thank you for that clarification. There was a mistake in the recording system then. Thank you for your clarification. For a right to. To reply, I give the floor at this time to the distinguished representative of Tanzania.


United Republic of Tanzania [1:53:42]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The United Republic of Tanzania wishes to exercise its right of reply in response to the statements delivered by the representatives of Belgium, Norway, the United Kingdom, European Union, Sweden, Switzerland, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International concerning the events related to the recent general elections in the United Republic of Tanzania. We firmly reject the selective and unsubstantiated nature of those interventions, which misleadingly described some events while omitting reference to individuals and groups who openly called for the disruption of the electoral process. Because of the serious omissions of these statements, the United Republic of Tanzania is compelled to remind partners that on 29th of October 2025, Tanzania experienced unprecedented acts of violence in some parts of the country targeting police stations, local government offices, public transport, private homes, and businesses. Even citizens exercising their rights to vote were also attacked. These were not isolated incidents but organized efforts to undermine constitutional order. Mr. Vice President, democracy requires both the protection of rights and respect for the rule of law. Acts intended to obstruct lawful elections cannot be equated with legitimate political participation. The absence of clear condemnation of such violence is not only alarming but inconsistent with constructive dialogue. As a sovereign state, Tanzania bears the primary responsibility to preserve public order, safeguard its constitutional framework, and protect its citizens. Upholding the integrity of the electoral process is not optional. It is a constitutional duty. Measures taken to prevent violence and maintain stability must therefore be understood within the legitimate exercise of state responsibility. To reinforce transparency and accountability, Her Excellency Dr.— Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan established In accordance with the law, an independent commission of inquiry composed of competent persons of international repute to investigate incidents arising in the context of the elections. Contrary to some unfounded assumptions, the commissions operate independently with clear mandate to establish facts and recommend appropriate measures. We appreciate the comments of the High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the ongoing work of the Commission. Following a brief extension, the Commission is scheduled to present its findings on the 3rd of April 2026. These findings are expected to inform subsequent reconciliation initiatives as well as the forthcoming constitutional and institutional reforms. We remain confident that Tanzania will emerge from this process stronger and more united, reaffirming that violence has no place in our political culture. We urge our partners to respect the independence of— Thank you very much. Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tanzania. Pardon me, the Islamic Republic of Iran.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:57:04]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. My delegation is exercising this right of reply to respond to some concerns and allegations and also to register our strong criticism on others. The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns in the strongest terms not only the grave violation of international law arising from the recent aggressions by the US and Israeli regimes, but also the troubling silence and inaction of certain states in the face of these unlawful attacks caused serious violation of human rights. The prohibition of the use of force under Article 2 of the UN Charter is not a selective obligation. It is a preemptory norm of international law, binding upon all the states. In a situation that fundamental principle is openly breached, the targeted country will have no choice but to exercise its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the Charter. The deepening silence in the face of war crimes and acts of aggression, along with the widespread violation of human rights through massacre of innocent innocent civilians and attack to hospitals is appalling. During the previous years, hundreds of civilian people has been martyred. Only in one attack in Minab, 182 innocent girls are massacred by the US and Israel. How can self-proclaimers of human rights witness the massacre of nearly 200 little angels while they studying, yet turned a blind eye to it and failed to condemn it. Selective condemnation, double standards, and political expediency undermine the universality of human rights. This Council and the broader international community must reaffirm that international law applies equally to all. Accountability, accountability must not be contingent upon political considerations. And finally, Mr. Vice President, a message addressed to our friendly and neighboring countries. We have never attacked and will never— we have never attacked and will never attack the territory of our friendly and brotherly Islamic countries. Iran is aware of your position, but this war was imposed on Iran and was not a decision made by Iran. Iran cannot be subjected to attacks and be expected to remain silent and not respond to those attacks. What we are doing is solely the exercise of our legitimate right to self-defense by targeting bases and personnel that are directly involved in the aggression against us. Iran's armed forces have been instructed to exercise sufficient caution in selecting targets in countries of the region, and that no attack can be carried out without thorough assessment. We did not create the current situation, and full responsibility for the present circumstances rests with the full— and with the U.S. and Israeli regime who have dragged the region to this unjustified and unnecessary war. Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Türkiye.


Türkiye [2:00:18]:

Mr. Vice President, we deem it necessary to bring to the attention of the delegates once again the provocative and unfounded allegations regarding the Cyprus issue, which we totally reject. We would like to reiterate once again that the only occupation in Cyprus is the occupation of the government of the once Partnership Republic of Cyprus by Greek Cypriot side through force of arms. The years between 1963 and 1974 were the darkest days in the history of the Turkish Cypriot people. When the Greek Cypriot side hijacked the now-defunct Republic of Cyprus back in 1963 by force of arms, the Turkish Cypriot people were subjected to atrocities and massacres perpetrated by the Greek Cypriot militia between 1963 and '74. In 1974, when Greece and its collaborator Greek Cypriots made a final attempt in the Weykowee coup d'état for the total extermination of the Turkish Cypriot people in the island and to annex the island to Greece through enosis, Türkiye's timely intervention in the island in accordance with her rights and obligations under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee saved the lives of Turkish Cypriots. The Turkish peace operation also saved the lives of the Greek Cypriots in 1974. However, the Turkish Cypriot people are still being denied their rightful representation and participation in meetings, activities, and events held by international organizations, including here in this very relevant forum of the United Nations, which has been assigned to promote and protect the human rights of all the peoples in the world. The unjust isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people by the Greek Cypriot side in every aspect of their daily lives, such as right to representation, travel abroad, communications, trade and tourism, all cultural and sporting relations with other countries for more than 60 years, still continues today. In the light of the Israeli The international community is expected to lift the unjust and illegal restrictions imposed on the Turkish Cypriot people without further delay and to reaffirm their sovereign equality and equal international status to enable them to take their rightful place in the international fora. I thank you. Thank you very much. I give the floor to the distinguished representative


China [2:02:52]:

Mr. Vice President, the UK, France, Australia, and some other countries, along with certain anti-China NGOs, have abused the forum of HRC to continuously fabricate and disseminate false information, smearing and discrediting China, which China strongly opposes and firmly rejects. Currently, Xinjiang and Xizang enjoy economic growth and social stability. The rights of people of all ethnic groups, including freedom of religion and freedom to use and develop their own spoken and written languages, are fully guaranteed. Since the implementation of the NSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, social stability has been restored in Hong Kong, and its residents' lawful rights have been effectively protected. Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs and brook no external interference. China has repeatedly stated its stern position on the so-called Xinjiang assessment report. The report lacks legitimate mandate, the consent of the country concerned, and factual basis, rendering it entirely illegal and invalid. The 51st session of HRC resolutely voted down on the draft resolution on Xinjiang. Numerous countries have supported China on issues concerning Xinjiang, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong through various means at the Council, fully demonstrating the prevailing views of the international community. The so-called forced labor allegation has been fabricated by certain groups out of ideological prejudice in an attempt to contain China's development and is completely unsubstantiated. Ethnic minority workers seeking employment outside their home regions do so of their own free will and based on enterprises' recruitment needs. There's no such thing as forced labor transfers. Some countries persistently fabricate lies and rumors to attack and smear China, yet remain silent about their own serious human rights violations. They ignore deep-rooted problems at home, such as racism, anti-immigrant hostility, rampant drug abuse, thereby allowing their citizens' human rights and dignity to be trampled upon. Yet under the guise of human rights, they arbitrarily single out other countries for criticism, apply double standards, foment conflict and confrontation, and wantonly interfere in other countries' internal affairs, infringing upon the human rights of countless people in developing countries and jeopardizing the credibility of the UN human rights mechanisms. China urges these countries to take a hard look at themselves, take concrete actions to uphold the very purpose of the HRC and contribute to the sound development of the international human rights cause. Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Singapore.


Singapore [2:05:48]:

Mr. Vice President, my delegation takes the floor in response to the statement by Switzerland directed at my country in relation to the use of capital punishment. We recall that the UN General Assembly, in establishing this Council 20 years ago, explicitly emphasized that the work of this Council should be, and I quote, guided by the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity. With this in mind, it is regrettable that Switzerland has chosen to selectively criticize Singapore and has continually sought to impose their own views and values on others. Such selectivity and non-impartiality undermines the spirit of constructive dialogue that should guide the work of this Council. It is undisputed that capital punishment is not prohibited under international law. There remains diverse opinions and practices around the world regarding its use. At a time when the UN human rights system requires collective support, such selective approaches only weaken the credibility of this Council. Singapore remains committed to dialogue based on mutual respect for sovereignty and genuine cooperation, and we urge the Swiss delegation to do the same. I thank you. Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Cuba.


Cuba [2:07:16]:

President, we do not recognize any delegation to lecture another country on human rights. We have seen Lithuanian violations of human rights documented, including discrimination against women. They recently expressed their concern over— deep concern over the ongoing violent gender violence in Lithuania. This continues to be highly underreported and normalized. We are also concerned over the meaningful restrictions to the access to sexual and reproductive health in that country. The Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights has also noted increased discrimination against national minorities and the Romani community, which continues to face exclusion in employment, housing, health, and education in the country's serious structural inequalities persist, including wage— gender wage gap. In the 21st century, women in Lithuania make 12% less than men. This gap is even higher in key sectors such as healthcare. Human rights mechanisms in the United Nations have expressed serious concern over the multiple reports of multiple— of massive expulsions of refugees and asylum seekers, a lack of asylum procedures, and deficient conditions in retention centers. These practices have left many, including children and other vulnerable groups, without access to food, water, housing, and legal assistance. President, if Lithuania was truly concerned over the human rights in Cuba, they would have spoken up against the actions taken against Cubans by the United States. There would be at least one mention of the cruel energy blockade imposed on us With the goal of bringing a humanitarian catastrophe. But the delegation of Lithuania has not said one single thing over these criminal and illegal actions that flagrantly violate the human rights of the Cuban people. While in Geneva, the delegation of Lithuania continues to show apparent concern over human rights in other areas such as Cuba, they defend the criminal blockade against Cuba such hypocrisy. Instead of seeking to give other countries elections that no one asked for, the, uh, the representatives of that country should resolve the growing and serious human rights violations in their own country. I conclude by emphasizing that Cuba does not interfere in the domestic affairs of any country, nor do we seek to give lessons to anyone. However, we will not be silent in the face of this double standard and hypocrisy. I thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso.


Burkina Faso [2:10:14]:

My delegation exercises its right of reply following the statements made by the delegations of Switzerland and Australia concerning Burkina Faso. My delegation would like to note that the measures taken are a part of an exceptional security environment with terrorist attacks and the priority of preserving public order, national security, and territorial integrity. The suppression of political parties is a part of a new model of participation and political representation which is in step with the aspirations of the people and our sociocultural realities. Burkina Faso remains deeply committed to the protection of human rights, including the right to life. The context of fighting terrorism, however, requires legislative measures that have been adopted, such as regarding the death penalty. We are fully aware of the issues related to preserving civic space, given the serious security issues we are going through. And there are clear legal foundations for civil space, and these allow greater financial transparency for such civil society organizations, preventing them from being used in offensive ways. Thank you. Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.


Democratic People's Republic of Korea [2:11:45]:

Mr. Vice President, the DPRK delegation would like to exercise its reply of— right of reply to the statements delivered by France, which we categorically reject. The Western countries, including France, are raising so-called human rights issues in our country that do not exist. They are not concerned about the human rights. Their purpose is to smear our image and interfere in our internal affairs. The DPRK is making continuous efforts to improve the lives of our people. They are already enjoying real and tangible benefits from these efforts. We know very well what we need to do. France should focus on addressing its own grave human rights violations, including police brutality against the peaceful protesters and racial discrimination rather than presumptuously pointing fingers at others. I thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Rwanda.


Rwanda [2:12:59]:

Monsieur le vice-président. Vice President Rwanda is taking the floor. Eastern provinces. Such a crisis indicates internal and structural issues. AFC-M23 is a Congolese movement made up of Congolese citizens born from political and security claims from within the country. It meets a political and institutional need, and it falls under the remit of the Congolese authorities. Instability, however, is not limited by the borders with Rwanda. Violence and security tensions impact a number of neighboring countries, including close to the capital of Kinshasa, illustrating the structural and security challenges for the governance. The persistent presence of the FDLR is a clear factor that has been documented as undermining regional In the Congolese armed forces in violation of the pertinent resolutions of the Security Council. Neutralizing the FDLR is the primary responsibility of the DRC and they have recognized that responsibility in the process of African Union mediation and in the Washington Accords. The stability of the Great Lakes region requires a honest analysis of the deep causes of the conflict and the full exercise of national responsibilities. I thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan.


Azerbaijan [2:15:33]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. My delegation wishes to exercise its right of reply in response to the statement made by the delegation of of Armenia. Azerbaijan has taken decisive steps to investigate and prosecute atrocity crimes. Last month, the national courts rendered judgments in a number of criminal cases stemming from the past conflict, whereby Azerbaijan exercised not only its right, but also its duty under international law, to investigate and prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity. Azerbaijan's legitimate right and obligation under international law to prosecute and hold accountable individuals responsible for international crimes committed on its territory were also affirmed by the opinion of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued in February last year. The judgments are fair and proportionate to the gravity of crimes committed. Armenia in this regard should acknowledge and respect judgments rendered to those individuals. Thank you. Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.


Thailand [2:16:47]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. It is with deep regret that Thailand has to take the floor to respond to the remarks made by Cambodia. Cambodia has continued to use disinformation and accusations to portray Thailand as an aggressor through unsubstantiated claims to amplify nationalist sentiment, resentment, and antagonism. The allegation of occupation and military operations is gravely unfounded. Under the ceasefire reached in December last year, both sides agreed to maintain existing troop deployments in their position at the time of the ceasefire. Further dialogue under established bilateral mechanisms. Thailand places the safety and well-being of civilians above all considerations. We do not engage in pillage or unlawful appropriation and conduct all actions in accordance with international law. Stabilization measures, including the use of barbed wire, Are intended to prevent renewed confrontation and ensure safety of people. Tensions arose after years of encroachment and repeated provocations. The communities referred to by Cambodia are in the Thai territories that we provided as temporary shelters for Cambodians fleeing conflict in the 1980s. After the conflict ended, many remained and gradually expanded settlements into Thai territory. Despite Thailand's continuous protest, no correction— no corrective action was taken. Instead, the Cambodian military has encouraged civilians to engage in encroachment and activities that heighten tensions. Moreover, throughout the conflict, Cambodia conducted unprovoked and indiscriminate armed attacks against Thailand. Resulting in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. Such actions constituted a serious violation of Thailand's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a clear violation of the UN Charter, international human rights, and humanitarian law. While exercising the utmost restraint, Thailand was compelled to exercise its right to self-defense to protect our sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of our people. The defensive measures undertaken by Thailand are strictly limited in scope and proportionate to the threats faced. Lastly, we affirm our commitment to the ceasefire agreement and peaceful resolution. Thailand wishes to move beyond this conflict and sincerely hopes that Cambodia will demonstrate the same good faith. I thank you, Mr. Vice President. Thank you very much. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia.


Indonesia [2:19:48]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Indonesia wishes to exercise its right of reply to the statement delivered by an NGO during the general debate under item 2 this afternoon. Indonesia remains firmly committed to the international human rights framework. We have ratified 8 out of the 9 core international human rights instruments, and more recently, we have reformed our criminal code and criminal procedural law to strengthen legal certainty within the criminal justice system. These reforms enhance due process guarantees, reinforce judicial oversight, and aim to prevent arbitrary conduct throughout investigation and detention processes. Our commitment implementing international human rights instruments is reflected in and guides our legislative processes. In this spirit, we would like to offer several clarifications as part of our— of a constructive and open dialogue. First, our human rights commitments guide our deliberations on all legislations, including laws related to the role of the military. These discussions involve consultation throughout the process, to ensure accountability and also inclusivity between relevant stakeholders. The proposed legislation itself serves to strengthen oversight and accountability mechanisms by defining clear criteria, limits, and thresholds for participation by the military. Second, Indonesia values the role of human rights defenders and civil society as essential components of our vibrant The freedoms of expression, opinion, and peaceful assembly are guaranteed by our constitutions. However, as with all rights, their exercise is subject to limitation as provided for under our constitutions and national law. In this regard, the determinations of whether a particular act constitutes a criminal offense rests within the competence of an independent judicial system. Any assumptions regarding the outcome of judicial proceedings prior to a final court decision will be premature and unfounded. So to conclude, Mr. Vice President, Indonesia remains committed to the promotion and protection of human rights. I thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Tunisia.


Tunisia [2:22:21]:

Thank you, Vice President. We wish to express our right of reply to an intervention by Amnesty International and the falsifications it provided. We wish to provide, therefore, the following clarifications. We are keen to preserve human rights and freedoms as per our constitution and law and international commitments. Tunisia has undertaken reforms in 2021 to consolidate democracy and the rule of law in line with the aspiration of our people, which aims accountability, reform, and combating corruption. Tunisia is keen to reform the judiciary so that it conducts its mandate in achieving justice and providing and protecting rights of people. While achieving equality and non-politicization and neutrality. The 10 years before 2021 saw the judiciary being compromised by certain parties affecting the interest of the country and the people, where the party of the judiciary was unable to achieve justice. Therefore, reform of judiciary was a priority for our state. Judicial prosecution is done according to the law and with respect of human rights and the right of— to defense and all other legal guarantees. This is done on the basis of the commission of crimes related to public interest. These have nothing to do with human rights, freedom of expression for the people involved. Involved because all people are equal in front of the law and therefore they enjoy their rights, and equally they are subjected to interrogation before the law. The freedom of expression and some peaceful assembly is guaranteed by the Constitution and in line of our international commitments. Vice President Tunisia time and again expressed his support for human rights freedoms and cooperation with special procedures of the Human Rights Council. We, one of few countries which received over the last years various visits, visits by various human rights mandate holders, we also submit our regular reports to the UN human rights treaty bodies on a regular basis. We urge all parties to respect the will of the Tunisians and their aspirations for justice and reform, and we call for respect for its sovereignty and to refrain from intervening in its domestic affairs or in its judiciary. And thank you, Vice President. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Greece.


Greece [2:25:15]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Greece exercises its right of reply to the statement made by the delegation of Turkey. We categorically reject all claims and accusations made by Türkiye. For more than 15 years now, since the 1974 Turkish invasion, Türkiye continues to illegally occupy approximately 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, a UN and EU member state, thus violating the most fundamental rules and principles of international law, as well as the, as the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee. The ongoing Turkish occupation is a daily violation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Cyprus, including first and foremost the displaced Greek Cypriots, the missing persons and their families, as well as the remaining enslaved persons. Moreover, the so-called unjust isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community is also a direct result of Turkey's ongoing occupation. The only way to end human rights violations in Cyprus is equally well known. It is the end of the Turkish occupation and the commitment to result-oriented negotiations in the UN framework, as determined by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, towards a mutually acceptable, just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue. Tangible progress in the ongoing intensive dialogue under the UN Secretary-General depends not only on the Turkish Cypriots to engage in the UN process, but also on whether Türkiye will allow a substantial negotiation, abandoning unacceptable positions outside the UN parameters. Greece remains fully committed to supporting the UNSG-led efforts and calls upon Türkiye to commit itself to finding a solution to the Cyprus issue on the basis of this framework for the benefit of all Cypriots. Thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. The distinguished representative of Türkiye has requested a second right of reply. You have 2 minutes.


Türkiye [2:27:19]:

Mr. Vice President, we would like to exercise our second right of reply. Once again, we categorically reject all the baseless The legality of the Turkish intervention of 1974 has been underlined by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in its Resolution 573, which was adopted in 1974. Furthermore, the Athens Court of Appeal, in its decision of 21st of March 1979— the decision number is 673— has also underlined the legality of the Turkish intervention. Thank you. 2658/79 underlined that, in quotes, the Turkish military intervention in Cyprus, which was carried out in accordance with the Zurich and London agreements, was legal. Turkey, as one of the guarantor powers, had the right to fulfill her obligations. The real culprits are the Greek officers who engineered and staged a coup Moreover, it is very important to recall the dramatic statement made before the Security Council on 19 July 1974 by Archbishop Makarios, the Greek Cypriot leader at that time, in which he openly accused Greece, not Türkiye, of invading and occupying Cyprus. I would like to remind that the Greek Cypriot leader was expelled from the Security Council Lastly, the presence of the Turkish peace forces prevents the recurrence of the violence on the island, and I would like to recall that none of the UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus have ever referred to the legitimate and rightful Turkish intervention as invasion, or subsequent presence of the Turkish troops to deter further Greek Cypriot atrocities on the island as occupation. I thank you.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [2:29:11]:

Thank you. Thank you very much. Is there any other delegation that wishes to exercise their right to reply? I do not see any. We will now have a brief break and then we will meet again in just a few short minutes to address agenda item 3. Addressing the report from the Special Rapporteur on torture and other forms of inhumane, degrading, and degrading treatment. Thank you. And punishment. Excellencies, dear participants, I call to order agenda item— or I declare open agenda item 3 entitled Promotion and Protection of All Human Rights, Civil, Political, Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, including the right to development. We shall now begin the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes. I give the floor to Ms. Alice Jill Edwards to present her report.


Human Rights Council · Special Rapporteur · Alice Jill Edwards [2:33:23]:

Mr. Vice President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, a torture survivor told me, and I quote, They wanted to make an example out of me. They wanted to see that they had fractured my skull and they had broken my nose. End of quote. Other survivors carry their scars internally as psychological wounds and trauma. Over 3 years, I convened regional survivor hearings in Bogotá, Nairobi, and Kathmandu, which brought together 42 survivors from 36 different nationalities. I received more than 120 submissions from survivors and survivor-led organizations from across regions, cultures, and generations for this report. I have met hundreds of survivors during my mandate— survivors who have historical claims of mistreatment to those whose torture is recent, people tortured by their own government by armed groups, or by foreign governments. The survivors included politicians and diplomats, photographers and journalists, artists, activists, builders, shopkeepers, students and teachers, mothers and fathers, daughters and sons— people just like you and me. Their stories differed, but their messages converged. Survivors told me that torture does not end when the abuse stops. Its effects continue in the body, in the mind, family life, social standing, and economic survival. Many described a second struggle to be believed, to access care, to navigate complex institutions, and to obtain legal recognition. It is from these conversations that the Survivors' Charter emerged, which I have the honour of presenting a copy of to you today, and which is annexed to my related report A/HRC 61/42. I present this historic Charter of Rights of Victims and Survivors to this Human Rights Council as a framework for action. The Charter addresses truth, accountability, and justice, survivor participation in decision-making, rehabilitation, measures to prevent recurrence, and protection from re-traumatization, as well as international solidarity and cooperation. My ambition is that this document will become an internationally endorsed standard grounded in survivors' priorities, which should be seen, for example, as complementary to the UN Basic Guidelines and Principles on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Atrocity Crimes. Excellency, this new Charter is born from courage. Survivors who have endured unimaginable harm chose not only to speak of their experiences and what happened to them, but of their hopes for recognition, accountability, and for change. Central to the Charter is the importance of survivor participation and leadership. International law is clear. The prohibition of torture is absolute, and victims have the right to an effective remedy and full reparation. The Charter reinforces these existing rights, but instead makes them meaningful for those whose rights have been violated. Survivors repeatedly told me that they cannot access rehabilitation services. Others wait years. Some are excluded because they lack documentation, legal status, or the right category of case. Many experience the justice system as a second site of torture. A survivor said, 7 years have passed. It is as though our suffering has been filed away. Thank you. Torture is a form of cruelty that is not only deeply traumatizing for individuals affected, but also for their families, their neighbors, their coworkers, their societies, and communities. As a survivor told me, and I quote, they tortured one of us to scare 1,000 of us, end of quote. Excellencies, we should also recognize progress. Over recent decades, important advances have been made: the expansion of universal jurisdiction, the work of international and regional courts, national criminalization, reparations programs, rehabilitation centers, transitional justice mechanisms, and improved training on standards of conduct for public authorities. Yet this— yet despite this progress, Torture persists, and most survivors told me that justice remains distant from their daily reality. Survivors repeatedly emphasized that policies designed without them often fail to address their real needs and can unintentionally reproduce harm. For example, legislators may consider their work finished when a law is adopted, Survivors want those laws to be applied in practice. Courts may issue judgments, but they are virtually meaningless if never enforced. Policymakers may prioritise efficiency and timelines, and survivors also value progress, but they want to help define what recovery looks like rather than having solutions imposed upon them. Governments may want to move on by pointing to quick results. However, healing from torture for individuals and societies can take years, sometimes decades, of painstaking rehabilitation. Sincere policies must respond to this reality. Too often, survivor participation is treated by authorities as a box-ticking exercise or as a burden. Survivors were clear. Participation and their leadership must be formalized within national processes, with inclusive approaches that ensure women and girls, persons with disabilities, minorities, and other marginalized groups are meaningfully involved and heard. And I start a quote. The torture took my body. The environment took my autonomy. was how a survivor with a torture-inflicted permanent disability put it as they tried to navigate life after torture. Participation must be supported in practice through safe spaces, psychological support, accessible procedures, and sustained engagement. Recognizing the unique experiences of survivors is not only a matter of dignity, it strengthens policy, improves prevention, and helps build institutions that people can trust. The Charter provides a blueprint for how to achieve this. Across all our different— all of our differences, Excellencies, we share our humanity. The same blood through— sorry, the same blood flows through your veins as does mine, and we feel pain, in the same ways. The real question confronting this chamber, and the United Nations itself, is how do we break cycles of violence and live in peace after violence, and in spite of all of our differences? The Survivors' Charter speaks to this reparation and renewal. The Charter starts with survivors and asks states to respond. Crafted by survivors themselves, the Charter is an example of what we have long discussed in this and other forums, namely it sets out a true victim and survivor-centered approach to human rights in both methodology and in outcome. The Charter reminds us that survivors are not merely witnesses to atrocity. They are rights holders, advocates, and architects of positive change in their own societies. And now globally, their voices must shape the systems meant to protect them. So have you heard their demands? Have you listened? Will you act? Je vais maintenant, Monsieur le sous-président. President, you are a part of the accountability visit that I made to Senegal. From the 3rd to the 14th of February 2025. And I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to the government of Senegal for their sincere commitment and support for that visit. We had constructive discussions with all the competent authorities and I was able to visit 4 different provinces. With just one exception, I was able to gain access to to places of detention without advance information. At the time when I visited, Senegal faced a serious situation around prison overpopulation, which led to inhumane conditions of detention. I recommended that the government urgently review the functioning of the criminal justice system, notably the severe shortage of lawyers and long delays in judicial proceedings, and to examine ways in which they can reduce the use of imprisonment, for example, by using alternatives to detention. I noted that the government had introduced certain new measures such as electronic tagging. However, I consider these to be insufficient at present given the scale of the problem. I encouraged the government to adopt short-term measures, notably large-scale controlled release of persons in pretrial detention for minor offenses, but also to consider the early release of other individuals. Without bold measures such as these, I fear that the untenable situation of inhumanity in Senegalese prisons will continue to haunt the country for many years to come. I look forward to hearing more information from the government and the National Human Rights Commission during this session today on the progress made in this area, but also on other issues that were raised during my visit. Thank you, Vice President.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [2:44:26]:

Muchas gracias a la relatora especial. Thank you for your remarks. In step with our habitual practice, we'll begin by hearing the— by hearing from the delegation of the country concerned in the report that we have just heard. I now give the floor to distinguished representative of Senegal. You have five minutes. Monsieur


Senegal [2:44:53]:

le Président, President Senegal would like to provide clarifications already communicated to the Secretariat after the report following the visit third to fourteenth of February. Since the implementation in 2009, the government in Senegal has undertaken a number of measures to shore up and update legislation on prisons as a national mechanism for the prevention of torture, but also for a new monitoring system for persons in prisons. On 16 February 2026, a text was adopted overhauling the 2009 law on the national observer. This text contains recommendations for the Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture and Other Inhumane Treatment. This includes the creation of a national observatory instead of having a simple observer, institutional anchoring for greater independence under the ministry. Notably, this includes the Justice Ministry, the armed forces— that is both the gendarmes and posts for the military— and the Interior Ministry for the police, but also administrative and financial independence for the observatory. And then in line with the Paris Principles affirming notably the status of an independent administrative structure for the observatory, as well as immunity for the Secretary-General and delegated observers. As regards jurisdictional controls and procedural guarantees preventing torture, the Government of Senegal is working to strictly apply Regulation No. 5 of the 25th of December 2014 relative on harmonizing the rules governing the work of lawyers. The Minister of Justice has adopted circulars inviting prosecutors of the Republic to ensure full application of these given regulations. In 2016, there was a new criminal code which established changes regarding the sanction of non-respect for these guarantees as fundamental. Respect for this regulation is strict for national judges, as has been seen in a number of rulings handed down recently. As regards sanctions against acts of torture and other poor treatment, the Criminal Code of Senegal, through Article 295.1, provides serious sanctions against any functionary in public office, including penitentiary officers, engaged in torture, wounding, physical, mental, or other kinds of violence. It is therefore possible under law that complaints can be lodged before the Prosecutor of the Republic against the perpetrators of any such acts. There are a number of similar such cases recently with prosecutions and condemnations following allegations of torture or inhumane treatment. As regards measures undertaken to improve prison overpopulation. The State of Senegal has adopted a number of different measures, notably rehabilitation and extending a number of penitentiary establishments, applying new alternatives to imprisonment, as well as electronic monitoring. We are also currently undertaking the construction of 9 new prisons. Regular statistics are amassed on the prison population also. On the definition of the crime of torture in the Senegalese Criminal Code, we inform that the recommendations from the committee aimed at including key new aspects in the first article of the UN Convention Against Torture have now been taken into account in the draft reform of the criminal code, which eventually will include a specific provision on the legality of evidence received under torture. As regards recommendation of the abrogation of the law on amnesties and also related to political events between 2021 and 2024, the decision to abrogate this law on amnesties is not yet on the agenda. However, investigations into the events are open and are undertaken by the Dakar Research Section in cooperation with a number of local NGOs. I thank you. Thank you


Human Rights Council · Vice President [2:49:46]:

very much to Senegal. The list of speakers is now closed. I now invite delegations to ask questions of the Special Rapporteur. Her and to make comments or observations on her reports. The speaking time will be 1 minute and 30 seconds for all speakers. I would like to recall that the interactive dialogue will be for 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, if time permits, additional delegations can take the floor. With that being understood, I give the floor first To the distinguished delegation of Luxembourg on behalf of a group of countries. Mr. President,


Luxembourg [2:50:33]:

I have the pleasure to deliver this statement on behalf of Belgium, the Kingdom of Netherlands, and my own country, Luxembourg. We subscribe to the statement of the European Union. Torture remains a widespread practice in many countries around the globe. Survivors suffer not only from physical harm but also from mental effects which they carry throughout their life. The feeling of vulnerability, fear, and shame, consequences of the scourge of torture, are hidden and often ignored, while the victim's right to redress, including psychological, medical, and legal support, remains too often unfulfilled. We therefore want to extend our sincere appreciation to the Special Rapporteur for her report. We welcome the presentation of the Charter of the Rights of Victims and Survivors of Torture, and we appreciate that it was developed by the victims themselves, thereby placing them at the center of the public policy. The Banalux reaffirms the absolute nature of the prohibition of torture and recalls the obligation of all states to prevent, combat, investigate, prosecute all violations, and ensure the possibility of redress for victims in this regard. For this charter to become widely adopted, what support can you and your office provide to facilitate states' implementation of it? Thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I now give the floor to distinguished representative of the European Union. Thank you. Special


EU · EU [2:52:08]:

Rapporteur, the EU thanks you for your report and for presenting the new Charter of Rights of Victims and Survivors of Torture. As this also marks your last interactive dialogue, we acknowledge your considerable contribution to the global fight against torture throughout your mandate. Torture is never isolated. It thrives in the context of war, discrimination, impunity, and weak rule of law, leaving deep and lasting harm on survivors their families, and communities. The EU welcomes the Charter's emphasis on survivor participation, accountability, meaningful reparations, and support for survivor-led networks. We commend the Special Rapporteur for emphasizing the experiences of survivors in the elaboration of this Charter. They should be our priority, and their voices are integral to understanding the profound impact of torture and ill-treatment, as well as designing measures to restore dignity The testimonies of survivors underscore the urgent need to address not only acts of torture but the structural conditions that enable them to occur, despite the clear obligations of States. We reaffirm our commitment to the absolute prohibition of torture and stress the responsibility of States to prevent and combat torture, ensure prompt and impartial justice, reparations, and to combat stigma. Special Rapporteur, what's the What steps should the international community take to ensure that the Charter becomes a living tool rather than a symbolic framework? I thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I give the floor at this time to the distinguished delegate of Pakistan on behalf of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation. Mr. Vice President,


Pakistan · OIC [2:53:45]:

the proposed Charter of Rights of Victims of Torture must apply equally to all. People under illegal foreign occupation cannot be accepted. In the occupied Palestinian territory, the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment is both systematic and widespread. The High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN treaty bodies, special procedures, and the Commission of Inquiry have all documented, spoken out against, and furnished recommendations to address it. The legislature of the illegal occupying power, Israel, has advanced proposals meanwhile to impose the death penalty only on Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, occupation forces' policy of arbitrary arrest, detention, and torture continue unabated. An inherently racist legal and judicial system is propping up apartheid in the OPT. The plight of Palestinian prisoners, many of them illegally and arbitrarily incarcerated under torturous conditions for years, cannot be left unaddressed. Their inherent human dignity and rights to freedom from torture, access to justice, reparation, or guarantees of non-recurrence are as non-derogable as anyone else's. Impunity for the occupying power runs counter to all tenets of international human rights law. The alarming use of torture against the Palestinian people should not remain a glaring omission from this mandate. Thank you. Thank you very much.


Human Rights Council · Vice President [2:55:01]:

I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of Poland on behalf of a group of countries. Mr. Vice President, I


Poland [2:55:09]:

have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Lublin Triangle countries. Lithuania, Ukraine, and my own country, Poland. Our states unequivocally condemn torture and all forms of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment anywhere in the world. Regrettably, in our immediate neighborhood, we continue to witness widespread and systemic use of torture and ill-treatment as a tool of political repression and a method of warfare. Reports by the UN Mechanism leave no doubts: the Russian Federation commits blatant violations of human rights against civilians and prisoners of war in the illegally occupied territory of Ukraine, as well as on its own territory. Testimonies of victims and survivors provide compelling evidence that the use of torture, including sexual violence, is the element of horrific pattern in which such acts are common, acceptable, and even encouraged by the Russian authorities. Authorities. We owe those who have suffered not only our solidarity but our unwavering commitment to justice. We will continue to expose the atrocities and demand full accountability. We express our gratitude to the Special Rapporteur for her report and her focus on the perspective of victims and survivors. We also commend other UN mechanisms for their commitment to documenting cases of torture and ill-treatment. often in challenging conditions. I thank you. Thank you very much. I give the floor at this time to distinguished representative of Lithuania on behalf of a group of countries. Thank you, Mr. Vice President,


Lithuania [2:56:46]:

Special Rapporteur. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic States. At the outset, I want to acknowledge that this marks the final dialogue of your mandate. We commend your steadfast and tireless dedication throughout your mandate, including in order to amplify the voices of survivors in the global fight against torture. We welcome your report and the development of the Charter of Rights of Victims and Survivors of Torture. It demonstrates how survivors' perspectives are indispensable to understanding the full impact of torture on them, their families, and communities. In order to develop measures that restore dignity and ensure accountability, it is imperative to ensure a victim- and survivor-centered and gender-responsive approach. Public awareness and recognition of survivors' experiences are equally vital to building a lasting culture of zero tolerance for torture. Special Rapporteur, what would be the most effective for ensuring that survivors' voices are embedded in every stage of anti-torture policies and reparation programs. I thank you. Thank you very much. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mongolia on behalf of a group of countries. I have the honor of delivering


Mongolia [2:58:03]:

this message on behalf of the Global Alliance for Torture-Free Trade. The prohibition of torture and other forms of ill-treatment is one of the strongest and most most universally recognized rules in international law. While torture and other ill-treatment can never be justified, there is still no global regulation that bans inherently abusive equipment and controls the trade in law enforcement equipment that can be misused for torture and other ill-treatment. We welcome the work of the Special Rapporteur to clarify states' existing legal obligations to prohibit they prevent the production, trade, and the use of such items, including the listing of goods that the CR judges to be inherently cruel and degrading. We call on all states to take effective measures to prevent and prohibit the use or trade of inherently abusive law enforcement equipment and to join the Global Alliance for Torture-Free Trade. Upholding the absolute prohibition on torture, including by Putting an end to the use of and global trade of goods that have no practical use other than this purpose must be a priority for our collective action. Madam Special Rapporteur, could you elaborate on what states can do concretely to ensure that modern-day torture tools are not traded and that the trade in other law enforcement equipment is adequately controlled? How, in your view, should national risk assessment and due diligence obligations we designed. I thank you. Thank you very much to Mongolia. Uh, dear participants, Your Excellencies, with this we come to the end of this meeting. We will be meeting anew tomorrow at 9:30 tomorrow morning to continue our interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment. And then we will have our interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the— on freedom of religion or beliefs. I adjourn this 13th session of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council. Thank you.