16th Meeting - 61st Session of Human Rights Council

Excellencies, distinguished participants, a very good morning to all of you. I hereby declare open the 16th meeting of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council. We continue the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights and proceed with the list of speakers, and I give the floor to the representative of the European Union.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The European Union would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting her report on cultural rights and nature conservation. Cultural rights are essential for comprehensive planning of nature conservation. In this, the EU Member States are actively engaged in an integrated approach taking into account the interdependency between cultural, economic, and social rights and civil and political rights. EU's main tool for nature conservation, the Natura 2000 network, integrates cultural landscapes, traditional land uses, and local heritage into conservation planning, ensuring that nature protection respects and preserves cultural values. Management of these areas often integrates traditional farming, grazing and forestry practices essential for maintaining biodiversity. This should be based on the principle of leaving no one behind, including persons with disabilities. The protection of specific landscapes helps to preserve the traditional and historical values associated with them, supporting the rights of communities to maintain their way of life. Madam Special Rapporteur, effective protection of biodiversity and ecosystems go hand in hand with the respect for human rights, including participation, access to information, and access to justice. What best practices can you share for involvement of all stakeholders to ensure that local needs and perspectives are included? Thank you.

Yes.

Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the group of countries.

Thank you, Vice President. Venezuela makes this statement on behalf of the group of friends in defence of the Charter of the United Nations. We reaffirm that cultural rights are an integral part of human rights, which are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. We emphasize that respect for and promotion of cultural rights are fundamental to development, peace, poverty eradication and the promotion of social cohesion. We express concern at the obstacles that prevent the full realization of cultural rights for all. In particular, we are alarmed by and reject the serious effects that unilateral coercive measures have on States' ability to guarantee access to, enjoyment of, and contribution to the culture of their peoples, including the digital preservation of their heritage. We also express deep concern at terrorist attacks and acts of vandalism directed against cultural property, resulting in its damage, theft or destruction. Finally, The Group of Friends reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the Charter of the United Nations and the rule of law at the international level. We will continue to oppose aggression, intervention and neocolonial practices in all their forms. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, President. We welcome the report of the Special Rapporteur on preserving nature. This makes us think of the connection between nature and human dignity. We must protect biodiversity, and that cannot be done without protecting cultural diversity. Protecting nature is a moral responsibility that is part of Arab and Islamic values. Thus, we protect the earth. Protecting nature does not mean choosing between humans and nature. They are interdependent. Local communities have protected the environment and culture over the centuries, and all policies must involve local communities respecting their traditions and cultures. The world has a place for identity and memory, and there is a complementarity between protecting nature and protecting the rights or the cultural rights of human beings, ensuring sustainability. Thank you.

Gracias. A continuation.

Thank you. I call on Kenya on behalf of the group of Arab states, of African states, I'm sorry.

Mr. Vice President, the African group appreciates the special rapporteur's report on the intersection of nature and conservation and cultural rights. The group acknowledges her call to integrate a cultural rights-based approach into nature conservation policies and programs at the national and international levels to protect biodiversity and preserve cultural diversity. The African Union's Agenda 2063 on the Africa we want places culture at the heart of inclusive and sustainable development and as an essential investment tool towards achieving poverty reduction. In this context, the return or restitution of illicit trafficked cultural property remains a continental priority. For the people of Africa, nature is not a separate entity to be preserved in a static, untouched state. It is the living matrix of our identities, spiritualities and livelihoods. Our diverse communities hold traditional knowledge systems which have developed over the years and have actively shaped and conserved biodiversity. In this regard, the African Group remains committed to advancing people-centred conservation policies that honour our heritage and empower our communities as primary custodians of our natural wealth. In conclusion, the African Group underscores the importance of enhanced international cooperation and capacity-building efforts to promote cultural rights in a manner that respects national sovereignty and advances Africa's development priorities.

I thank you.

Thank you. I call on the Ambassador of Finland on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States. We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report. As highlighted in the report, cultural rights are important to nature conservation and vice versa. Cultural and natural heritage are interdependent, and safeguarding both is essential for the resilience, identity, and well-being of communities, including local communities, as well as of indigenous peoples. The cultural connection with nature promotes environmental awareness and sustainable development, where traditional knowledge complements science-based nature conservation. The safeguarding of cultural and natural heritage is structurally linked in international frameworks. We support the framework through which UNESCO advances the protection of cultural rights as an integral component of nature conservation. UNESCO's normative instruments provide a strong basis for aligning cultural rights with conservation policy, and their successful implementation requires political commitment and inclusive governance. contribution of environmental human rights defenders is crucial. We share the Special Rapporteur's view that the protection of cultural rights should be an integral component of nature conservation. Moreover, conservation initiatives should be human rights-based and gender-transformative, inclusive and participatory. Special Rapporteur, how to encourage states to systematically integrate and strengthen cultural and natural heritage in education.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of the Marshall Islands on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I have the honor of delivering this statement on behalf of an informal group of small island developing states whose names will be posted on the extranet. Despite representing less than 0.5 percent of the world's total land mass, SIDS are home to more than 20 percent of the world's biodiversity. The thriving nature of our islands is a source of great pride and a central part of our cultural heritage. Indeed, when healthy, these ecosystems provide a myriad of goods and services that are the foundation of our livelihoods and identities. Local island communities have long been protectors of the environment with a focus on symbiosis and sustainable use of resources. This is why we are concerned to see these biodiversity hotspots increasingly under threat amidst triple planetary crises of biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change. Thus, we echo the Special Rapporteur's call for states to adopt a cultural-based approach to nature conservation. It is vital that conservation and restoration measures not only allow the rich intangible and tangible cultural heritage of SIDS to thrive, but also use them as tools and guides. Incorporating local, indigenous, and traditional knowledge in environmental protection efforts both protects the cultural heritage of states and enhances the effectiveness of such measures. Finally, we thank the Special Rapporteur for her report on her visit to our fellow states, the Federated States of Micronesia, and welcome her insightful consideration of the contribution of Micronesian traditional knowledge systems to the realization of human rights. Kumul Dada and I thank you.

Thank you. call on the distinguished representative of Cyprus on behalf of group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the group of friends on cultural rights of persons with disabilities. We thank the Special Rapporteur for her comprehensive report and for her continued efforts to enhance the visibility and understanding of cultural rights. Cultural rights are closely interconnected with the enjoyment of a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Under the CRPD, states shall ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy access to monuments and sites of national cultural importance. Likewise, the CESCR has affirmed the right of everyone to take part in cultural life. Yet, physical and cognitive barriers often prevent many persons with disabilities from fully exercising their cultural rights, including in natural environments and heritage sites. We therefore call on the international community to ensure that environmental and cultural policies are inclusive, accessible, and developed with the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities. And, Madam Special Rapporteur, what measures should the international community promote to ensure equal access and participation of persons with disabilities in natural heritage sites and cultural landscapes? Thank you.

Thank you.

I call on the Marshall Islands.

Thank you again, Mr. Vice President. The Republic of the Marshall Islands thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report and welcomes its focus on a cultural rights-based approach to digital technologies. As the sea level rises because of climate change, the risk of land loss, displacement, and associated loss of cultural heritage is of great concern to all Marshallese. whether they are in diaspora or remain in the Marshall Islands. We are particularly concerned with the loss of intangible cultural heritage, which forms the basis of our identity as voyagers and our ocean-based culture. In that regard, digital processes can play a unique role in preserving all forms of cultural heritage and making it accessible. Recently, the Marshall Islands has been using digitalization as part of our preservation strategy through the 3D mapping of remote islands and atolls and making models available online. In a time of advancing technology, a human rights-based approach is critical to ensuring inequities are not perpetuated. Accordingly, we call for the creation of adequate safeguards in realizing cultural rights through digitalization, including to protect vulnerable groups and ensure community participation.

Thank you.

I call on Namibia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Namibia welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur. Namibia recognizes the need to preserve and protect nature and at the same time protect and recognize cultural rights. Cultural rights, as alluded to in the report, are an integral part of universal human rights, which also protects other rights. Mr. Vice-President. Namibian Constitution provides that every person shall be entitled to enjoy, practice, profess, maintain, and promote any culture, language, tradition, or religion subject to the Constitution. In addition, the Constitution provides that the state shall adopt policies aimed at maintenance of ecosystems, essential ecological process, and biological diversity of Namibia, and the utilization of living natural resources on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Namibians, both present and future. These provisions and those contained in other statutes and policies, as well as the various conventions to which Namibia is a state party, are the source from which the obligations of the state to conserve nature and protect cultural rights emanate. The government has enacted several statutes and policies which provides for the sustainable use and management of its natural resources. Statutory stipulations require consultation and participation of local communities in decision-making and natural resource management. Mr. Vice President, Namibia welcomes recommendations stipulated in the report that states you all legal.

Thank you. I call on.

Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, Vice-President. We thank the Special Rapporteur for the report. We have taken a number of measures in line with the recommendations contained in it. We welcome the positive mentions of initiatives, including the use of protected zones, which is part of our cultural heritage in Islam. This involves local communities and the management of natural resources. This can be seen in the Najran reserve. It's a link between humans and the environment. We have also taken measures to combat the effects of illegal fishing and measures to protect the cultural heritage through fishing and sustainability of ecosystems. We have carried out programs to raise awareness of the need to protect all threatened species and nature as a whole for current and future generations. All of these efforts are in line with the 2030 vision of Saudi Arabia and our commitment to sustainable development for a decent life for all.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

My delegation supports the.

Comments submitted by the Lao People's Democratic Republic in response to the reports of the Special Rapporteur on cultural rights. Lao PDR has reaffirmed equality and non-discrimination through its 2025 constitutional amendments. and recognizes all 50 ethnic groups as equal members of the national community, following the 2008 National Assembly resolution abolishing previous categorizations. Article 46 of the Resettlement and Evacuation Law guarantees access to information, compensation, livelihood, rehabilitation, and participation in consultations, while Article 50 serves as a safeguard against false information and unlawful obstruction.

We further recall.

That the mandate conferred by the United Nations Human Rights Council to the Special Rapporteur is limited to cultural rights. Other civil and political matters fall within the competences of relevant mandates and treaty bodies. We commend Lao PDR's continued efforts to implement its international obligations in line with national realities and believe constructive dialogue remains the best path forward. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

I call on El Salvador.

Thank you, Vice-President. We note with interest the report of the Special Rapporteur on cultural rights and protection of nature. Our experience shows that it's only valid when it involves the linkage between environment and humans, and we have thus encouraged community participation, focusing on traditional knowledge, sustainable wealth, sustainability, and plans for environmental management. However, we recognize that there are still ongoing challenges, and protected zones can bring tensions with communities and the need to ensure that the economy is also protected. Thus, we promote participation and greater sustainability. And we would like to ask what practical criteria the rapporteur would recommend to ensure that conservation policies systematically involve culturally appropriate participation by communities to avoid exclusion in conservation measures of cultural rights. Thank you.

Thank you. I call once more on Cyprus.

Thank you, Vice-President. Cyprus aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the Special Rapporteur for her comprehensive report and commend her dedication to strengthening the visibility of cultural rights within the human rights system. As a firm supporter of your mandate, Cyprus will continue to champion cultural rights as an essential pillar to the broader human rights framework. States have committed to integrating cultural dimensions into efforts aimed at effective environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. Cyprus follows a participatory approach grounded in the principle of free, prior and informed consent in the development of biodiversity and nature conservation policies. In this regard, affected communities actively participate in environmental consultations, including in the context of Natura 2000 sites. Women whose knowledge sustains many craft traditions and ecological practices make significant contributions, while young people engage through school programs and workshops. Madam Special Rapporteur, what practices can you share regarding the incorporation of cultural rights impact assessments into biodiversity conservation policies?

I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Vietnam.

Mr. Vice President, Vietnam takes note of the report of the Special Rapporteur, which highlights the close interconnection between biodiversity protection and the safeguarding of cultural diversity. We also appreciate the close cooperation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic during the country visit and commend its continued efforts to protect and promote cultural rights, including the constitutional recognition of the cultural identity and traditions of the country's diverse ethnic groups. In Vietnam, Protecting cultural rights is closely linked with sustainable development and environmental protection. Our recently adopted Resolution No. 80 of the Politburo on developing Vietnamese culture and people in the new era reaffirms that culture is both a foundation and a driving force for national development. The resolution places strong emphasis on safeguarding cultural diversity, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting people's access to and participation in cultural life While recognizing the importance of protecting natural environment and ecosystems that sustain cultural traditions and community livelihoods, Vietnam remains committed to constructive cooperation with the United Nations and partners in promoting cultural rights and sustainable development.

I thank you. Thank you.

I call on Zambia.

Mr. Vice President, Zambia aligns with the Africa Group statement.

We thank the Special Rapporteur for this report, which rightly affirms that biodiversity protection and cultural rights are mutually reinforcing. In Zambia, conservation is part of community life. Through community-based natural resource management frameworks and community resource boards, particularly in ecosystems such as the Luangwa and Kafue, local communities participate directly in wildlife governance and sustainable resource management. These experiences demonstrate that those who live closest to nature are often its most committed custodians. Traditional leaders and customary norms also continue to regulate access to forests, fisheries, and sacred sites, reflecting generations of ecological knowledge embedded within cultural identity. Conservation in our context has long been intertwined with heritage and stewardship.

However,

we recognize that tensions can arise where conservation initiatives limit access to ancestral lands without adequate consultation or equitable participation. For Zambia, the way forward lies in strengthening participatory approaches, integrating traditional knowledge into biodiversity strategies, and ensuring that international partnerships reinforce local stewardship systems. We remain convinced that conservation endures when communities are respected as partners in protecting both nature and culture.

I thank you.

Thank you. I call on the Council of Europe.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We thank Special Rapporteur for her insightful report. In May 2023 in Reykjavik, European leaders committed to address climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss by adopting the strategy on environment, strengthening the link between a healthy environment, the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, while recognizing that ecological protection and human well-being are mutually reinforcing. This is important from the perspective of conservation of cultural rights. The strategy is grounded in transparency, inclusiveness, and broad stakeholder participation, ensuring intergenerational perspectives and engagement with youth and civil society, including local communities. It sets out five clear priorities, integrating human rights into environmental action, strengthening democratic governance, protecting environmental defenders and whistleblowers, combating environmental crime, and safeguarding our wildlife and various ecosystem. Our vision is simple yet urgent, protecting the planet and protecting people and their heritage must go hand in hand. The Council of Europe and Convention protects white flora, fauna and natural habitats through intergovernmental cooperation and civil society engagement. The Landscape Convention recognizes that landscapes are part of our cultural heritage and quality of life shaped by communities, identities and lived experience. These instruments call for stronger policy coordination and holistic approach linking culture, climate change and demographic change. Ultimately, protecting cultural rights means protecting people, their rights, dignity and future, as well as strengthening the resilience and vitality of our democracies at the core of the Council of Europe's values.

I thank you. I call on Bulgaria.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Bulgaria aligns itself with the EU statement.

We welcome the report of the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights.

Bulgaria expresses its full support for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and thanks her for the profound research and dedicated work. We share the understanding reflected in the report that the protection of biodiversity and cultural diversity must go hand in hand with conservation initiatives. Bulgaria underlines the importance of nature conservation and the full and unhindered enjoyment of cultural rights by all members of our society. without discrimination and in line with international human rights law and international environmental law. We must continue to strengthen the human rights-based approach to cultural heritage protection, thus guaranteeing the respect for cultural rights. In this context, Bulgaria would like to underscore the paramount role of UNESCO in preserving and promoting culture as a tool for peace, cooperation, dialogue, resilience and sustainable development.

I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Nepal.

Mr. Vice President, Nepal thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report on nature conservation and cultural rights. Nature and culture are interrelated and mutually reinforced. The protection of biodiversity necessitates The protection of cultural diversity, the right to live in clean and healthy natural environment and the right to participate in cultural life and promote cultural practices go hand in hand. Every human person deserves both rights. We believe that the protection of nature and exercise of cultural practices not just peace and brings harmony within communities. Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multilingual, multicultural and diverse society endowed with a variety of flora and fauna thriving in over 40% of country's forest cover. We recognize, respect and promote both natural diversity and cultural plurality. Nepal's constitution guarantees both cultural and environmental rights, guided by the principle of prior informed consent, indigenous nationalities, local communities and relevant stakeholders need to meaningfully participate in decision-making process on matters relating to environmental conservation and cultural practices. In this spirit, Madam Special Rapporteur, how can we better promote participation of local communities and guarantee the protection of cultural rights in natural conservation? We wish all the success in delivering your important mandate. Thank you.

Thank you.

I call on Mongolia.

Mr. Vice-President, as a nation with rich nomadic heritage and vibrant contemporary cultural life, Mongolia recognizes that cultural rights are integral to human dignity, identity and sustainable development. The safeguarding of our tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including traditional knowledge, language, arts and pastoral practices, remains a national priority. Mongolia's culture and identity are deeply rooted in a harmonious coexistence with nature. For centuries, our nomadic pastoralist way of life has been guided by traditional ecological knowledge, seasonal migration, and rotational grazing practices that sustain the fragile steppe ecosystem. At the same time, we face challenges. Market pressures, overgrazing, mining expansion, and climate change increasingly strain ecosystems and traditional livelihoods. Addressing these requires revitalizing traditional respect for nature, strengthening environmental education, and ensuring development aligns with ecological sustainability. We are incorporating inclusive consultation mechanisms and environmental impact assessments into biodiversity policies to ensure that conservation measures respect human rights and cultural traditions. Ms. Santaki, how can states ensure that protected area expansion and climate-related initiatives do not disproportionately affect pastoralist communities? I thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished delegation of Eritrea.

resident. In Eritrea, the relationship between nature and culture is deeply rooted. Our land and sea are not only sources of livelihood, but also spaces in which cultural identities, traditional knowledge, and community life have evolved and sustained over generations. Our cultural practices linked to land use, agricultural, and coastal livelihoods continue to play an essential role in social cohesion and food security. From a cultural perspective, the conservation of nature cannot be separated from the protection of cultural life. As the special repertoire highlights, conservation approaches that exclude communities or disregard their cultural practices undermine human dignity and long-term environmental sustainability. Local communities are not passive beneficiaries of conservation. They are active custodians whose knowledge and practices can contribute meaningfully to biodiversity protection. Eritrea takes note of the Special Rapporteur's concerns regarding conservation models that limit participation or marginalize traditional knowledge systems. We underscore the importance of culturally grounded approaches that respect national contexts, promote non-discrimination, and support cultural rights and the right to development. In this regard, we would like to ask the Special Rapporteur how can States, particularly those with rich cultural and ecological diversity, be supported in adopting conservation policies that protect biodiversity while respecting cultural rights and the needs of local communities?

I thank you, Mr. President.

The next thing that we will do is we will give the floor back to the Special Rapporteur to use part of her speaking time in order to respond to some of the questions which have been asked by delegations. Special Rapporteur, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, and thank you all for such a rich engagement with the report and your comments. I will take them into account very seriously. Let me just go back to the country reports for two minutes. So to Laos, I think that I need to clarify a couple of things. So information did come from inside and outside Laos, and this is how the monitoring works in general. And of course, information did come from outside as things happen in general with country visits, but also specifically for Laos because many human rights defenders are in exile, and this is the reality. And this has been commented by other parts of the United Nations. um, human rights monitoring. Um, secondly, um, I have taken all the, uh, comments into account, but, um, and, and it has been very useful and very good for the report. to have these comments, the factual comments, and I have changed the factual comments. What I did not take into account and what I disagree is that civic space is not part of the mandate. How can one express one's views and have meaningful participation in cultural life if the public space for free expression is limited and if human rights defenders are worried about what's going to happen after they express their So, also another state that mentioned that, yes, it is part of the mandate because the context of where we operate has great impact on cultural rights and the freedom that somebody comes to exercise and practice their cultural rights. And third, of course, sovereignty has to be respected. And I think that my four years, I have been quite sensible in respecting sovereignty. However, as a sovereign state, Laos has ratified human rights treaties, has decided to ratify human rights treaties. And what we're doing here is to monitor the decisions that Laos has gladly, you know, undertaken with great support and commendation to be part of the human rights monitoring. Uh, when it comes to Micronesia, um, you're so right, climate change is a very big issue that affects, um, uh, cultural rights, and we can see this in the, in the intersection of, um, um, of conservation and cultural rights in Micronesia, I learned a lot. I learned a lot about the close interconnectiveness between humans and nature in Micronesia. I thank you for that. And this is a positive example that we should take into account. And yes, we should speak more about this. In the same way, I really look forward to continuing the discussion with Laos beyond this report. And this is how things should really work. I thank very much the comment by the EU. The EU is a major donor of conservation projects globally, so it is very important and civil society have discussed oversights maybe in some projects and this is very important to continue having the discussions about the obligations and the responsibility that the EU has as a major donor. I think it is very important, Kenya, what you said, thank you very much, and the African states, and I look forward to learning more about how Kenya has implemented and has taken into account the Ogeik judgment of the African Court of Human Rights and Peoples. There have been multiple hearings about Kenya and its lack of implementation, its delaying in implementing the decision by the African Court. Finland, you talked about UNESCO, absolutely, UNESCO is very important. However, UNESCO's job, role, is to focus on the protection of culture and the United Nations' job, role, focus, is to protect the cultural rights of persons. We complement each other very well, but our role is equally important and the monitoring that exists in the United Nations, unfortunately, does not exist in UNESCO. And I think also UNESCO is, uh, it works very much in terms of states, and here we work, um, we focus on the implementation of human rights, so the state's obligations towards, uh, the individual. So a lot of states talked about, uh, what they do to protect their cultural heritage. which is great, but here, you know, in the United Nations, states have agreed to have obligations to protect the cultural rights of individuals, so access and participation, for example. And finally, Namibia, thank you very much. I do take note that the plant extension of the seaport in Luderitz in Namibia that would endanger an important heritage site memorializing of the Nama and of the Herero peoples has been stopped, but was no FPIC there. And Council of Europe, I do take note of the developments, fantastic. I would have liked the Council of Europe to talk about effective participation as in the Framework Convention of National Minorities of the Council of Europe. Thank you.

Thank you. Let's go back to the list of speakers now. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Armenia.

Mr. Vice-President, Armenia thanks the Special Rapporteur, Ms. Antaki, for her timely report on nature conservation and cultural rights. We welcome the central message that the protection of biodiversity and cultural diversity are mutually reinforcing and that conservation efforts must take into account cultural rights. We support a cultural rights-based approach grounded in non-discrimination, meaningful participation and effective consultation. As Armenia prepares to host CBD COP17, we see this approach as essential for the durable implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including through the recognition of indigenous and traditional knowledge and cultural practices relevant to biodiversity conservation. The Nature and Cultural Summit, which will be organized in Armenia in the frameworks of COP17, will explore and discuss the intrinsic relationship between nature and culture and its importance to support the implementation of the KMGBF. As Armenia aims at an inclusive COP, the Nature and Cultural Summit will serve as an opportunity to amplify the voices of a wide range of stakeholders, including Indigenous people and local communities. We thank the Special Rapporteur for highlighting the essential link between nature conservation and the full enjoyment of cultural rights.

I thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Paraguay.

Thank you, Vice-President. we thank the Special Rapporteur for her rapporteur Paraguay has a national system of protected areas and legal and public policy frameworks which are designed to strengthen conservation with a cultural approach notably we have Indigenous people taking part in the management of protected areas, safeguarding intangible cultural heritage linked to nature and programmes to promote the handing down of traditional knowledge from one generation to the next. Notably, we have initiatives to document ancestral knowledge, strengthen cultural practices linked to nature, and ensure there is free, prior, and informed consultation and consent with the effective participation of indigenous communities, women, and youth. Our question, what are the good practices for promoting indigenous people's participation in nature conservation, which is sustainable and in line with the institutional capacities of each country? Thank you.

The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Vice-President, Cuba reiterates its support for this important mandate on cultural rights. As is reflected in the report, respecting, protecting and ensuring cultural rights is fundamental for effective environmental protection and conserving biodiversity. Traditional practices, traditional ecological practices and local governance are vital for achieving positive results in the area of nature conservation. For Cuba, cultural rights are a priority. Culture plays a vital role in the spiritual life and national identity of the Cuban people. The effects of the criminal blockade of the United States have an impact on all areas of cultural life. Despite these challenges, we have a strong network of cultural institutions and a body to protect heritage, as well as support for artistic groups. We also subsidize ticket prices so that everyone has access to culture. We will be sponsoring a draft resolution on the promotion of cultural rights during this session and we welcome your valuable support for this initiative thank you very much

thank you the next speaker is the United Republic of Tanzania.

Thank you Mr. Vice President the United Republic of Tanzania notes with strong reservations the claim of independent expert concerning the gorongoro conservation area.

The area is a World Heritage.

Site and Tanzania bears an international legal responsibility to protect this unique ecosystem for the benefit of present and future generations. Rapid population growth has increased ecological pressure, threatening both the integrity of the site and the long-term sustainability of resident communities. A voluntary, application-based application program reallocation program is being implemented to reconcile conservation responsibilities with sustainable livelihood and access to social services. To address concerns raised by the residents, Her Excellency the President established a commission to review and strengthen the implementation of the program. There have been no false evictions and allegations of violence and intimidations are firmly refuted. UNESCO has conducted advisory mission visits to the area and made recommendations on solutions proposed by the government. Cultural rights must advance dignity and development and should not entrench inequality or poverty. Tanzania remains committed to ensuring equal rights, conservation and development advance together. We encourage the independent experts to approach this complex matter with objectivity and due regard to scientific evidence. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Mr. Vice President, Thailand thanks the special rapporteur for her report. Thailand takes note of her recent visits to Lao PDR and Micronesia and welcomes the positive developments in these countries, particularly the integration of traditional knowledge into biodiversity frameworks and approach Thailand regards as essential to sustainable conservation. At a national level, Thailand enacted the Protection and Promotion of the Way of Life of Ethnic Groups Act, which entered into force in September last year. The act establishes protected areas for the way of life of ethnic groups under a structured co-management framework, mandating joint mapping and master plans between communities and state agencies to enhance land tenure security while preserving state land status. It further recognizes traditional sustainable practices, including housing, subsistence farming, and cultural rituals, as consistent with the conservation objectives, thereby balancing cultural rights into environmental protection. Madam Special Rapporteur, drawing on your experience, What practical safeguards and institutional mechanisms have proven effective in ensuring that co-management frameworks remain responsive to evolving cultural practices while maintaining clear and measurable environmental conservation standards? I thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Afghanistan.

Mr. Vice President, we welcome the report of the Special Rapporteur and her focus on cultural rights in nature's conservation. For centuries, the people of Afghanistan have lived in close connection with their land and its rich cultural heritage. Since 2021, this relationship has come under increasing strain under the Taliban's governance. has become highly authoritarian and personalized, and the major decision on everything, including natural resources, cultural heritage, and the land use are taking without due consideration or consultation with the affected communities. Furthermore, reports of illegal mining, gold mining activities taking place in the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan around the main water resources supported and profited by the Taliban continue to endanger the environment and the livelihood of local communities. The impact of these activities is especially severe for the ethnic minorities, indigenous groups, and women who face growing exclusion from decision-making. Without inclusive participation, conservation cannot be effective or just.

There is no denying that Afghanistan's natural heritage and cultural diversity are inseparable.

Sustainable conservation requires participation, non-discrimination and respect for cultural practices in line with international human rights obligations.

I thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you. The next speaker is a video statement from the Seychelles.

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her timely report and for highlighting that nature conservation is often pursued with little consideration for cultural rights, or worse, at their expense. As a small island state, Seychelles attaches great importance to ensuring that conservation and cultural rights advance hand in hand. Our national policies and legal frameworks provide avenues for the participation of local communities, stakeholders and affected persons in conservation planning and implementation. Our protected area policies explicitly aims to engage all stakeholders, including local communities, the private sector and NGOs in the planning and management of protected areas. The Nature Reserves and Conservancy Act 2022 further embeds co-management arrangements and principle of community involvement, enabling shared governance of protected areas with government, civil society and resource users. Importantly, social impact assessment for Sustainable Use Marine Protected Area Programme 2024 examine issues such as disruption to traditional cultural practices, customary uses, and equity in access and benefit sharing, ensuring cultural and social rights were considered throughout the project cycle. Mr. President, Seychelles remains committed to conservation approaches that safeguard biodiversity while fully respecting the cultural rights.

The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Georgia.

Mr. Vice President. We thank the Special Rapporteur for the report. We share the view that the protection of biodiversity necessitates cultural diversity and agree with a cultural rights-based approach. To further update its biodiversity-related policies and respond to these needs, Georgia is currently developing a new national biodiversity strategy and action plan through a transparent and inclusive process at all levels. It will further support the involvement of local communities in decision-making through the agriculture-related policies, access and benefit sharing, and the enhancement of local government capacities. Ensuring meaningful community participation in these processes is therefore not only a matter of sound environmental governance, but also an essential component of the protection of human rights and sustainable development. Unfortunately, as we speak, due to Russia's illegal occupation of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali regions of Georgia, none of the benefits provided by my government can be introduced therein. Georgia remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of cultural heritage and the continued violation of-- sorry. Georgia remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of cultural heritage and the continued violation of cultural rights in the occupied territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region.

I thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is distinguished representative of Egypt.

Mr. Vice President, we thank the Special Rapporteur for her report on the relation between nature conservation and cultural rights. We welcome the attention given to the interaction between biological diversity and cultural diversity. This is a complementary relationship and needs to take into account the specificities of local communities, we also believe that the fortress conservation raises several concerns. We need a comprehensive vision for sustainable development while keeping the right to development in order to strike a balance between conservation and quality of life, especially in developing countries. We must allow our developing countries much take the necessary policies in accordance with their national capacities. And in Egypt, we make sure that this is the case.

Thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is distinguished representative of Ethiopia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We thank the Special Rapporteur for her insightful and timely report on nature conservation and cultural rights. Ethiopia fully recognizes that the protection of biodiversity and the realization of cultural rights are mutually reinforcing. In our context, nature and culture are deeply intertwined. Our Constitution guarantees cultural rights, including the right of nations, nationalities and peoples to preserve their heritage, language and identity. Ethiopia is also a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. We are committed to integrating human rights, including cultural rights, into environmental governance. To this end, Ethiopia has made tangible progress through large-scale ecosystem restoration initiatives, community-based natural resource management, and the recognition of intangible cultural heritage practices that contribute to sustainable land use. Our grid legacy and urban corridor development initiatives demonstrate how environmental protection can be anchored in public participation and intergenerational responsibility. Ethiopia remains committed to ensuring meaningful participation of local communities, women and youth in environmental decision making, strengthen legal safeguards and promoting culturally sensitive impact assessments. In closing, Ethiopia reaffirms that sustainable development requires respecting both biodiversity and cultural diversity.

Thank you. The next speaker is the representative of China.

Vice President, we have taken note of the attention devoted by the Special Rapporteur to cultural rights and nature conservation. We hail Laos's efforts to promote cultural rights. Our action reflects our commitment to cultural and natural heritage, reflected in the report on protecting and developing global natural heritage in China from 1985 to 2025. All the sites listed are well preserved. The traditional cultures of all ethnic groups are carefully protected and passed on. linguistic rights of ethnic groups are truly guaranteed. In Tibet, around 3,000 cultural, in immaterial cultural heritage objects have been listed in the UNESCO cultural heritage list, including Tibetan opera. Modernization with Chinese characteristics focuses on harmony between material and spiritual progress, humanity and nature. China will strengthen international exchanges and cooperation in the areas of cultural and natural heritage. Thank you very much.

The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe.

We affirm our unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of cultural rights through our Constitution, the National Museums and Monuments Act, the Protected Places and Areas Act, as well as the National Archives of Zimbabwe Act. These provide for the conservation, management and preservation of cultural heritage for the benefit of the current and the future generations. In Zimbabwe, traditional beliefs, including the protection of sacred forests and groves, have historically played a crucial role in preventing environmental degradation, with significantly lower forest loss in areas protected by traditional spiritual values. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority operates programs like the Junior Rangers to engage young people in environmental stewardship and understanding their natural heritage. While conservation efforts are largely successful, they must navigate challenges like human-wildlife conflict and historical land-use disputes. The government and NGOs work closely together to ensure a sustainable practices that balance human needs with nature conservation. Special rapporteur, how can countries navigate the dichotomy between development and cultural rights preservation? I thank you.

Gracias.

Thank you. The next speaker is distinguished representative of Azerbaijan.

Thank you. Mr. President, Madam Special Rapporteur, the link between cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and environmental protection is indeed essential to sustainable development and to the dignity of communities worldwide. The promotion and protection of cultural rights remain a priority for Azerbaijan. Cultural diversity is an integral element of our society and is safeguarded by the Constitution and the Law on Culture. which guarantee equality and the right of all persons, including those belonging to national minorities, to the preservation and development of their cultural identity, language, and heritage. Azerbaijan is actively establishing now green energy zones in its territory to utilize renewable resources, targeting extensive ecological restoration. Key projects include sustainable infrastructure and smart cities. Azerbaijan is a multicultural and multi-ethnic country where different religions, languages, and traditions have coexisted peacefully for centuries. The state provides institutional, financial, and legislative support to ensure that cultural life flourishes freely and inclusively. Situated at the crossroads of civilizations, Azerbaijan has consistently promoted intercultural dialogue at the international level. Through initiatives such as the Baku Process, we have created platforms for exchange and cooperation among diverse cultures, reinforcing mutual respect and understanding as foundations for peace. We remain committed to the constructive engagement with the mandate holder and to continue dialogue.

Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine.

Mr. Vice-President, we thank the Special Rapporteur for her important report affirming that biodiversity protection and cultural diversity are interdependent and that conservation cannot come at the expense of cultural rights. We welcome her clear warning against the fortress conservation model, which has led in many contexts to displacement, exclusion and serious violations of cultural rights. In situations of occupation, these risks are further aggravated. In the OPT, including East Jerusalem, land has been designated by Israel, the occupying power, as nature reserves, national parks, archaeological zones, and closed areas, restricting Palestinian communities' access to agricultural land, water resources, and sites of cultural and historical significance. These measures disrupt land-based cultural practices, weaken the intergenerational transmission of knowledge, and undermine community identity and continuity. Settler colonial ecology is also evident in the OPT, where tree-planting initiatives have been implemented on lands belonging to displaced Palestinian communities and on the sites of depopulated villages. Such practices reshape the cultural landscape and restrict access to ancestral lands, contributing to the erasure of historical memory and a form of greenwashing the occupation. Restrictive planning policies further curtail Palestinian access to land and heritage, compounding this erosion of cultural life. Mr. Vice-President, How should international human rights apply in situations of occupation where conservation or heritage frameworks disproportionately restrict the cultural rights of the protected population? And what safeguards or accountability mechanisms should prevent discriminatory practices under the...

Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Togo.

Thank you, Vice-President. My delegation thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report on nature conservation and cultural rights. In Togo, for many generations, communities have had a respectful relationship with their environment through cultural practices and traditional knowledge which contribute to preserving ecosystems. When it comes to public policies, the government strives to ensure that the creation and management of protected areas is done with respect for local ways of life. Cultural sites such as Tata Temberma in northern Togo are on the UNESCO World Heritage List thanks to this policy. On 25 February this year, the government adopted a law to strengthen the protection of cultural heritage throughout the country. This updates the legal framework which has been in place in 1990, which focuses above all on aligning national texts with UNESCO's international conventions and bringing the criminal code into line as well. Togo takes note of the recommendations made and will pursue its efforts to promote and protect human rights, including cultural rights. linked to its environmental and nature conservation policies. Thank you.

Thank you. And the next speaker is the distinguished delegation of Mauritius.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Mauritius welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur and shares the view that Mauritius nature conservation must never come at the expense of cultural rights. As a small island developing state with a multi-ethnic society, we recognize that nature and culture are inseparable. In fact, all the different cultures in the vibrant melting pot that is Mauritius have a deep respect for and commitment towards nature, environmentalism. environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. Conservation efforts in Mauritius respect cultural diversity, are undertaken in a non-discriminatory approach and involves all stakeholders, including affected communities. Government has committed to advancing a transition toward a sustainable and ecological future. A constitutional review commission has been set up to include and further strengthen environmental rights, cultural, and new generation rights, including the rights of nature. Mauritius reaffirms that cultural rights must be fully integrated into nature conservation at all stages. I thank you.

Thank you.

I call on Samoa.

Thank you, Vice President. Human rights and sustainable development are intertwined and mutually reinforcing. Samoa therefore welcomes the Special Rapporteur's timely focus on nature conservation and cultural rights. We align ourselves with the joint statement delivered by the Marshall Islands on behalf of the informal group of SIDS and reiterate the importance of incorporating perspectives of small island developing states. For Samoa, the land, sea, air, and ecosystems are foundational to our way of life and inseparable from our culture, identity, and community life. Our living heritage informs our concern with conservation models that risk sacrificing cultural diversity in the pursuit of biodiversity. Accordingly, we support the Special Rapporteur's call for states to adopt a cultural rights-based approach to nature conservation. This understanding guides Samoa's inclusive and cross-cutting approach to sustainable development, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's commitment to work in close partnership with communities and stakeholders, and is reaffirmed in our 2022-2027 National Environment Sector Plan. We also commend the Federated States of Micronesia for its continued human rights efforts, including through hosting the Special Rapporteur. Her visit highlights the potential for states to integrate traditional knowledge systems and community-led practices in advancing human rights and conservation outcomes. Finally, in supporting the Special Rapporteur's call for bottom-up, self-led development, Simona encourages states to consider the unique opportunities for contribution and challenges encountered by SIDS. To conclude, we hope to continue in cooperation and knowledge sharing, including to identify new technologies to expand access to cultural resources so that all people may enjoy a vibrant culture and sustainable environment.

I thank you. Thank you.

I call on Ukraine.

Mr. President, we thank the Special Rapporteur for her timely report highlighting the link between biodiversity and cultural diversity. For Ukraine, this link is not theoretical. Russia's ongoing aggression has led to unprecedented devastation of our nature reserves and historic landscapes that are being deliberately destroyed. Among the most severely affected sites is the Nizhnedneprovsky National Nature Park in the Kherson region, which suffered catastrophic ecological losses following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in June 2023. The Stone Grave Historical and Archaeological Reserve in the Zaporizhzhia region remains under occupation, placing its unique petroglyphs of global significance at serious risk. While the occupation of Askania Nova Biosphere Reserve in the Kherson region, one of the Europe's oldest steppe reserves resulted in ecosystem disruption and serious threats to rare species. Uh, since the start of the full scale invasion, over 10,000 cases of environmental damage have been documented, over 1,600 cultural heritage sites and nearly, uh, 200, uh, excuse me, 2,500 cultural infrastructure facilities have been damaged or destroyed. This is not a collateral damage. It is a deliberate attempt to erase identity by destroying the natural and cultural ecosystems that sustain it, precisely the interdependence your report describes. Madam Special Rapporteur, how can we, the international community, ensure accountability when environment...

Thank you. I call on Burkina Faso.

Vice President, my delegation aligns with the statement by the African group and congratulates the Special Rapporteur on the report based on the right to protection of nature and culture. In my country, nature conservation is managed under Law 3/2011, which is the Forest Code, and 6/2013 on the environment. These laws protect biodiversity while ensuring that the cultural needs of present and future generations are met. The national legislation has been strengthened through adoption of the law 22 of 2023 on protection and maintenance of the cultural heritage. This protects the natural cultural heritage, including nature conservation. The inauguration of the day of customs and traditions in 2024 on the 15th of May provides followers of traditional religion with a way to promote their cultural rights like in other religions my delegation reiterates its commitment to the promotion of cultural rights and its support to the mandate of the special rapporteur I thank you

thank you I call on India

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

My delegation underscores the intrinsic linkage between cultural rights and nature conservation.

In India's civilizational ethos, there is a deeply rooted understanding that human well-being and ecological balance are interdependent. Our cultural traditions do not see nature as a resource to exploit, but as a sacred trust to preserve.

India's constitutional and legal framework embodies this approach.

The National Biodiversity Act 2002 and Biodiversity Rules 2022 mandate

prior informed consent from local communities and fair and equitable benefit sharing for commercializing biological resources. The Forest Rights Act, 2006, recognizes the rights of forest dwelling communities, empowering over 2 million title holders and strengthening community-led conservation across millions of hectares.

Initiatives such as the Green India Mission and the Plan for Mother campaign further integrate cultural reverence with participatory afforestation. India's UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Kaziranga and Sundarbans, exemplify inclusive management incorporating indigenous practices.

These efforts demonstrate that conservation and the right of forest dwellers must go hand in hand with sustainable development.

India stands committed to harmonizing cultural rights, conservation and development for present and future generations.

To Madam Special Rapporteur, I have a question as to

Madam rapporteur, how can we ensure that the precepts of free and prior informed consent

and benefit sharing do not merely become a tick-boxing exercise, but a concrete reality in various ongoing bilateral agreements?

Thank you. I call on Ecuador.

Vice-President, my delegation thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report and agrees that protection of nature must involve respect for the protection of individual and collective cultural rights, from design and financing of conservation projects to implementation, monitoring and assessment. In Ecuador, this is reflected in the constitutional framework, which recognizes the rights of nature, reaffirms the cosmic vision of the indigenous peoples and reflects the interdependence between cultural diversity, sustainability and environmental protection. This is strengthened with the guarantee of the right to live in It's a healthy and environmentally balanced environment, and with protection of collective knowledge, traditional wisdom, and cultural practices of the peoples and nationalities. We have institutions and mechanisms such as recognition of indigenous justice, the bilingual intercultural education system, free, prior, informed consent, and the right to access to information and effective participation by the indigenous peoples. in decisions that affect their territories, cultures and ways of life. On this basis, we will continue to promote a model that mainstreams economic growth with environmental sustainability, community participation and protection of cultural rights as crucial elements in building democratic, inclusive societies. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Spain, Ambassador.

Thank you, Vice-President. Spain aligns with the statement by the European Union. We thank the Special Rapporteur for the report and support these core thesis of protecting nature and cultural rights as two indissociable elements. There is no healthy ecosystem without system, without protection of the cultures that live there. The outcome document of the Mondial Cult Global Conference reaffirms clearly the intrinsic link between cultural diversity and biodiversity. It was an exercise of multilateralism for culture as a shared heritage and its recognition as part of sustainable development. We note the recommendations on the need to mainstream the cultural dimension in climate policy. If we ignore traditional knowledge and the vital link of people with their environment, we lose the best tools in achieving true sustainability. There is no ecological transition without a cultural transition. Thus, Spain's cultural rights plan takes to ensure that cultural practices can be practiced in daily life where they arise. Protecting our planet must be an act of respect to our shared memory and a guarantee of the future of our diversity. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Pakistan.

Mr. President, we welcome the Special Rapporteur and thank her for presentation of her report. We concur with the report's premise that biodiversity and cultural diversity are interdependent. We share also the view that the protection of nature cannot be pursued at the expense of cultural rights. Pakistan values our natural biodiversity. Our people cherish the enduring bond between nature and culture. Across our diverse ecosystems, communities have long nurtured and safeguarded natural resources through community-led, culturally grounded stewardship practices that sustain ecological balance and resilience. Mr. Vice President, we underscore that international cooperation remains essential. Technology transfer, capacity building, and predictable financing are critical for developing countries to achieve biodiversity targets in a manner consistent with their human rights obligations and development priorities.

Madam Special Rapporteur, how best could this be achieved?

Finally, Mr. Vice President, Pakistan reiterates its grave concern over continued attacks aimed at erasing the cultural heritage and local ecosystems of the Palestinian people. Upholding cultural rights of people under foreign occupation is a binding obligation under international law. Protecting these rights assumes greater urgency amidst prospects of cultural erasure and an unfolding genocide. Thank you.

Thank you.

I call on Bangladesh.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Bangladesh thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report on nature conservation and cultural rights. We take note of the emphasis placed on the intrinsic link between biodiversity and cultural diversity. The report rightly reminds us that conservation efforts cannot succeed if they disregard the cultural identities and knowledge systems and livelihoods of affected communities. Bangladesh recognizes the importance of adopting inclusive and participatory approaches in conservation policies. As a country highly vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation, we are acutely aware that environmental protection must go hand in hand with safeguarding the rights and dignity of local communities. Traditional knowledge, community stewardship, and locally driven adaptation strategies remain vital components of our environmental initiatives. At the same time, we underscore that conservation measures must be implemented in a balanced manner, consistent with national circumstances and development priorities. Effective environmental governance requires partnership, capacity building and adequate resources, particularly for developing countries facing multiple and intersecting challenges. We support the call for strengthened participation, non-discrimination and accountability in conservation processes. Constructive dialogue between states, communities and international partners will be essential for ensuring that biodiversity protection advances rather than undermines the enjoyment of cultural rights. Finally, Bangladesh reiterates its commitment to promoting sustainable development that respects both nature and human dignity. I thank you.

Thank you.

I call on Greece.

Vice President, Greece aligned with the EU statement and thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report. We welcome the focus on the interconnections between culture, identity, and environmental protection. Cultural rights, including the protection of traditions, knowledge and ways of life, are essential for effective conservation. Respecting and incorporating cultural practices strengthens biodiversity outcomes and fosters sustainable relations between communities and nature. In Greece, integrated approaches through the National Biodiversity Strategy 2014-2029 and the Natura 2000 network safeguard ecosystems while recognizing cultural landscapes and heritage practices. Examples include documenting biodiversity within archaeological sites, where cultural significance and ecological value are mutually reinforcing. Such measures also contribute to implementing global biodiversity goals in ways that respect both human rights and environmental objectives.

Conservation initiatives must carefully balance ecological priorities with cultural

rights, ensuring that heritage, traditional knowledge, and local identities are preserved alongside nature. Upholding this balance enhances the legitimacy, sustainability, and effectiveness of conservation efforts. In closing, Greece reaffirms its commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that respect cultural rights while promoting nature conservation and to cooperating with international partners and local communities to achieve these objectives. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on the Dominican Republic.

Thank you, Vice-President. The Dominican Republic recognises the crucial role of defenders of cultural rights in promoting diversity, protecting heritage and strengthening inclusive democratic societies, hand in hand with nature. My country considers that protecting cultural rights defenders is crucial, as well as environmental human rights defenders. particularly in contexts where they can face risks of stigmatisation or restriction of freedom of expression. We emphasise the importance of safe environments that allow their work to be carried out safely. My country has a valuable, tangible and intangible cultural heritage and is recognised as having the traces of the history of the Americas, we reaffirm the centrality of culture as an element of identity, memory and development. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Italy.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. In line with the Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and relevant key international human rights instruments, Italy recognizes that protection of biodiversity necessitates cultural diversity. Our country is committed to taking effective and active measures for the protection and conservation of cultural and natural heritage, also with reference to persons with disabilities. We also acknowledge the benefits of integrating local population to community tourism and biodiversity observation. Italy reiterates its commitment to apply a cultural rights-based approach and to ensure that nature conservation measures do not discriminate against specific individuals or groups. We will continue supporting the Group of Friends for the Cultural Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Madame Special Rapporteur, which and how international instruments could serve as guidelines to better support the participation of local communities in nature conservation projects? I thank you.

Thank you.

I call on Kenya.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Kenya aligns with the African Group statement and thanks the rapporteur for this report, which highlights the nexus between nature conservation and cultural rights. Championing cultural approaches over outdated fortress models, it offers a roadmap for truly sustainable stewardship that honors both biodiversity and the living heritage of our communities. Kenya stands firmly committed to this vision. Our nation has long understood that effective conservation springs from ancestral knowledge of those who have tended our lands for generations. Pastoralists, hunter-gatherers, and farmers whose practices have sustained ecosystems long before modern designation. This commitment is enshrined in our Constitution 2010, which robustly protects cultural rights, heritage, and the land and the resources access of marginalized communities. We particularly know the reports recognition of Kenya's Endorois and Okiak presidents as pioneering African jurisprudence, which established that cultural rights must prevail over exclusionary conservation practices. These cases have catalyzed our national shift towards model like the Northern Rangelands Trust, where pastoralist communities lead wildlife protection efforts. blending tradition with innovation to deliver results for both people and the planet. At the same time, we emphasize that cultural rights holders share in this vital endeavor. Their practices must harmonize with sustainable principles through transparent engagement in consultation and respect for broader human rights framework, including the universal right to healthy environment. This mutual accountability fosters partnership essential for enduring success. In this spirit, we pose a question to the Special Rapporteur. How can Global South states most effectively operationalize biocultural frameworks within

national biodiversity.

Thank you. I call on Malaysia.

Thank you, Madam Special Rapporteur, for your report on cultural rights and the conservation of nature. Malaysia recognizes that cultural rights and the conservation of nature are deeply intertwined. Cultural practice, traditional knowledge and ways of communities, including indigenous people and local communities, are closely linked to the natural environment. and plays an important role in protecting and managing environment in a sustainable way. As a country rich in biodiversity, Malaysia continues to play an emphasis on both balancing environmental conservation and cultural heritage protection. This is supported by national frameworks such as National Forestry Act 1984, which guides sustained forest management and conservation efforts. Conservation initiatives are further pursued in ways that respects cultural traditions, customary knowledge, and community participation. Malaysia also promotes practical initiatives that connect conservation with community participation. For example, the National 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign 2021-2025, which strengthens public awareness and reinforces national commitment to sustaining forest areas. Madam Special Rapporteur, in your review, how can States better integrate traditional knowledge and cultural practices into conservation policies while ensuring meaningful participation of affected communities in environmental decision-making? Thank you.

Thank you, I call on Cameroon.

Thank you, Vice-President. Cameroon thanks the Special Rapporteur for presenting her report on the link between protection of nature and cultural rights. This is particularly relevant at a time where the international community is stepping up efforts to overcome the loss of biodiversity and address the effects of climate change while seeking to ensure respect for human rights. Cameroon supports the idea that protection of biodiversity and cultural diversity are intrinsically connected. In a country that has a wealth of ecosystems and cultural traditions, we're aware that indigenous knowledge, customary practices, and effective participation of local communities are essential levers for sustainable conservation. Our environmental legislation and management policies for protected zones progressively have involved participatory approaches with the local populations involved in protecting natural resources. We also share the need to avoid one-size-fits-all approaches which ignore national socio-cultural realities Conservation must go hand in hand with human dignity and collective responsibility to preserve the environment for present and future generations. Cameroon remains committed to a balanced approach based on dialogue, inclusive participation and international cooperation. Thank you.

Thank you. I thank the delegations for keeping to the time limit. We've been able to listen to 50 statements. Unfortunately, there is no time to incorporate more speakers, and we will now move to the list of NGOs and human rights institutions, and we shall hear the Chinese Association for International Understanding.

We highly appreciate deep concern of the Special Rapporteur in children's cultural rights. Children are entitled to the rights to education and culture, including aesthetic education that transcends borders and languages, an important form of international exchange. CAFU has long focused on cultural exchange and the crucial role of culture in children's education. For example, together with our partner Shandong Tongshan Charitable Center for Child Welfare and Development, is committed to aesthetic education for rural children in multiple countries.

Through.

Painting and traditional cultural courses, the center helps children express emotions, build confidence, connect with their cultural roots, and promote.

Cultural heritage.

We firmly believe that cultural heritage and continuity must begin with children. Only when children understand their cultural roots can the torch of civilization be passed down from generation to generation. To this end, we call on the international community to attach great importance to children's cultural rights and prioritize their aesthetic education. We hope that through joint efforts, children worldwide can enjoy the right to aesthetic education, allowing every child to grow up nurtured by beauty and culture.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you.

We shall now hear the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba by video statement.

The Cuban Union of Writers and Artists, with almost 8,000 writers and artists, seeks to develop cooperation and integration throughout the country to protect the rights of freedom of expression and association and promote the wealth and diversity of Cuban culture. We support the debate in this room and we seek to defend economic, social and cultural rights crucial to full development of citizens. We emphasize the role of culture in a nation marked by over 60 years of economic and financial blockade by the US government, which is now being stepped up and is in its most cruel and inhuman phase. Its effects have an impact on creators and on artistic creation and to threaten the educational system, which is universal and free. Our culture is inclusive. We do not differentiate according to gender, race or age, nor religious belief or ability, and believe that everybody has a right to participate as a spectator or as a creator of culture. Thank.

You.

Thank you. We shall now here the Shanghai Patriotic Volunteer Association by video statement.

I'm from IPPO which advocates that patriotism must never come at the expense of other countries' interests. The Special Rapporteur's report highlights the nature conservation efforts often overlook cultural rights. One example is the Amazon projects. The US, making use of its political and economic influence, imposes so-called advanced model on Brazil and other countries. This model completely disregards the cultural traditions and ways of life that indigenous people have maintained for generations. Indigenous people rely on specific plants and animals for hunting, collecting, and traditional medicine practices that are central to their identity and cultural continuity. If the U.S. projects restrict indigenous people's access to the area and limit their traditional activities, as a result, some unique cultural skills face extinction and cultural diversity is undermined. This fundamentally violates the principle of interdependence. By contrast, in China's Shanxi Province, during the project protection of Qinling Mountains, the government respects local cultural traditions, encourages local participation, and achieves a win-win outcome. We must reject the fortress conservation, resist the U.S. interference, and fully integrate cultural rights into conservation while ensuring participation of local community. Finally, we thank the Special Rapporteur for providing valuable guidance.

Thank you. Humanists International.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President, and we thank the Special Rapporteur for her important report. As noted therein, there is no trade-off between cultural rights and nature conservation, and decisions presented as zero-sum seldom are. The protection of the natural world can be ensured while respecting universal human rights, including cultural rights. One area in which we would like to see further discussion is land ownership and accountability. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, faith-based organizations own 8% of the world's habitable land and 5% of commercial forests. This concentration grants these organizations outsized influence over the climate and the cultural landscapes they inhabit, as well as far beyond that, given that the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss are felt by all. While many of these organizations espouse good practices, others fall short. In the Amazon and Southeast Asia, the expansion of religious missions and agricultural enclaves has led to the systematic erasure of indigenous lands. In Colombia, for example, the Mennonite community has cleared vast forests, directly threatening the ancestral territories of local people. These cases illustrate a dangerous accountability gap, where private or religious property rights, often protected by tax exemptions and special statuses, are used to shield organizations from their duty to protect the biodiversity and heritage these lands sustain. Special Rapporteur, we would like to ask how can we ensure that private landholders, particularly religious organizations, acknowledge their duty to conserve land as a prerequisite for fulfillment of cultural rights? Thank.

You.

Thank you. The next speaker is the representative of, oh, sorry, I beg your pardon. It's a video statement from Echo Phone.

India's engagement on cultural rights in 2025 reflected rights based on a globally cooperative approach to culture as both the public good and pillar of peace. We note India's prominent participation at UNESCO Monda Cult 2025 in Barcelona, where it addresses cultural rights, AI's impact on culture, and culture for peace, while advocating a stronger global culture goal in the post-2030 agenda and emphasizing intellectual property protection for artists and heritage conservation. We recognize the Government of India's action in advancing international recognition and safeguarding heritage. The Maratha Military Landscapes were inscribed as India's 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site. Deepavali was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, strengthening global visibility of India's cultural legacy. We further recognize national initiatives that expand access and participation, including Gyan Bharatam to digitize manuscript heritage through a national portal and knowledge exchange. Platforms like Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 strengthened cultural bonds through performances and community engagement, while Republic Day 2025 showcased mass folk participation, reflecting unity in diversity. At civil society, we ensure inclusive access, especially for marginalized audiences with cultural institutions, artist groups, and communities in documentation, outreach, and safeguarding. We underline alignment with the International Convention on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and UNESCO conventions. We urge UNESCO to encourage member states to deepen digital inclusion, protect creators' rights, and strengthen community-led heritage governance.

Thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is a representative of Earth Justice.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Mrs. Special Rapporteur, thank you for your report on nature conservation and cultural rights, describing notably how human rights are increasingly taking their rightful crucial position in this field. We do need an improved articulation of environmental impact assessment, as illustrated by the last report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, with cultural and human rights impact assessment. You already yourself had emphasized the importance of procedural rights in your 2020 report on climate change and cultural rights. Weaponization of conservation for political or economic purposes, legitimizing the displacement or surveillance of population is also of great concern. Recent examples were given by decisions taken by the member states of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, totally contradicting the recommendations provided by the IUCN and the World Heritage Center itself. This underlines how the protection of cultural and environmental rights defenders is of crucial importance. Furthermore, we agree with you about the danger posed to ecosystem conservation by their financialization, which leads them to depend on rationales that are far removed from the needs of socio-economic and ecosystemic processes. Mr. Special Rapporteur. How do you intend to continue the dialogue with conservation in organizations and do you envisage pursuing with other special procedures a dialogue with UNESCO?

Thank you.

Thank you. The next is a video statement from Minority Rights Group.

President, MRG, BMC and Ai-Wen Tan, the Special Rapporteur, for her important report and for clearly affirming that conservation and cultural rights are inseparable. The recognition that conservation measures must comply with the human rights-based approach is both timely and necessary. For too long, so-called fortress conservation model have led to dispossession, exclusion, violence against indigenous people, minorities and other marginalized communities. We particularly welcome the reference to important African regional jurisprudence. This decision affirms that conservation cannot justify violation of cultural rights, land and other collective rights. They provide clear guidance to state and conservation actors alike. Yet implementation remains greatly insufficient. Many communities continue to face eviction, criminalization, denial of access to their ancestral land in the name of conservation. In Uganda, for example, the Masab Sheikh of Bennett continue to suffer displacement and are still pursuing justice at the national level. The situation illustrates that the persistence gap between progressive due to presence and realities on the ground. We therefore urge the state, conservation organization and donors to move decisively away from exclusionary model to ensure that all conservation is effective, initiative, respect and fulfill human rights including cultural rights. Conservation should be carried out in partnership with communities who are at its forefront with full respect to their traditional knowledge and accountability in all actors involved. Thank you.

I continue.

The next speaker is representative of Society for Threatened Peoples.

Mr. Vice President, we thank the Special Rapporteur for a report that speaks directly to one of the gravest cultural rights crises today, the systematic dismantling of Uyghur cultural life. For centuries, the landscapes of the Tarim Basin, from the Taklamakan Desert to the Tian Shan Mountains, have shaped Uyghur identity, spirituality, and ecological knowledge. Yet across this region, communities have been forced faced forced displacement, demolition of mosques and sacred sites, prohibitions on cultural and religious practices, and the rupture of intergenerational knowledge transmission. This is not incidental harm. It is the destruction of biocultural heritage inseparable from the environment itself. Your central finding that conservation and development policies too often proceed without the free and prior and informed consent is directly relevant. Large-scale land transfers, infrastructure projects, and so-called ecological migrations programs have relocated hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs from ancestral lands without meaningful consultation. These measures are framed as environmental protection or poverty alleviation according to the Chinese authorities. At the same time, international climate and green development finance continues to flow in the region without credible cultural rights impacts assessments or access to grievance mechanisms. How can your framework on FPIC and cultural rights be applied where independent monitoring is blocked and affected communities are effectively silenced?

Thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is Africa Culture International.

Our organization wishes to thank the Special Rapporteur for his engagement with the protection of rights, particularly the rights of children to their dignity and identity in an environment that respects their rights. We underline the role of ombudsmen in Africa because they ensure enjoyment of children of their basic rights. The Medium Institution Morocco is an example in defending the rights of children. In the south of Morocco, this institution defends the rights of its children. It achieved positive results, including the right to education and participation in artistic activities and right to health. It enabled disabled children to have special care, ensuring their social integration. It tabled legislative reforms to serve the high interests of children. We are attracted to exploitation of children in protracted crises. There is an initiative which is described as humanitarian. However, civil society organization raised the concerns about its use and its politicization. We, Special Rapporteur, could you evaluate this initiative to avoid hate speech and to protect social and cultural rights for children? The President interrupts the speaker.

Thank you.

We'll now hear a video from the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights.

The Special Rapporteur for her report. While the Chinese government presents itself as preserving Tibetan culture, in reality Chinese authorities are relentlessly eradicating Tibetan civilization, its language, religion and way of life through their policies, raising concerns about potential crimes against humanity committed in Tibet. The Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, in his report to the Human Rights Council from January 5, stated that, I quote, "The boarding school education system implemented by China in Tibet is aimed at erasing the Tibetan language and identity." On January 22, UN experts also expressed deep concern regarding persistent allegations of forced labor affecting Tibetans. The expert highlighted, I quote, "Between 2000 and 2025, some 3.36 million Tibetans have been affected by government programs requiring them to rebuild their house for nomads to become sedentary, whilst official statistics say that around 930,000 rural Tibetans have been relocated through either whole village relocation or individual household relocations." In many cases, the coercive elements are so severe that they may amount to forcible transfer and/or enslavement as a crime against humanity, they concluded. We call on the Human Rights Council and its member and observer states to urge the Chinese government to end policies of cultural eradication in Tibet and allow Tibetans to enjoy their cultural rights as guaranteed by international law. Thank you.

This was the last speaker that we could accommodate in this segment. So I'd now like to give the floor back to the Special Rapporteur for her closing remarks. And you have two minutes, Madam Special Rapporteur.

Thank you very much. I heard everything and I take note of everything. Thank you very much. So, ways forward. I think it's important the continuing engagement with human rights and the human rights system. I'm very worried about the shrinkage of this space. The mandate that I have is the only independent mandate in all international organizations that focuses on cultural rights, and I think this is important to take forward. Action. Forced removals and relocations in the name of conservation have to stop. Impact assessments must address cultural rights. The active and meaningful participation of individuals and communities is essential in the management, in the decision-making, and in the evaluation of projects related to conservation. Effective participation means meaningful participation of individuals, effective participation, which is an extra when it comes to minorities, free, prior, and informed consent, which is an extra when it comes to indigenous peoples and local populations. I'm not saying anything new. These are all in the standards of human rights. All bodies in conservation have, sorry, traditional cultural and scientific knowledge is not only the experts but also the local people that have the experience. You know, this is what I said in my report on the right to participate in sciences. All bodies working in nature conservation, from the project manager to the security guards, must know, understand, respect and ensure cultural rights. The chain where the security person violates cultural rights, but they are appointed by the co-management committee composed by conservation organizations and funded by a donor on the ground of the state, means that no one takes responsibility. I'm sorry, but both states, both donor state and the state where the violation happens, have responsibility. And NGOs and conservation organizations have responsibility. And, you know, this has to be clear. States must investigate promptly and objectively, and there must be grievance procedures. And let's continue the discussion, but really, let's take action. There has been discussion a lot. Thank you so much.

I'd.

Like to thank the Special Rapporteur for her statements and all her work. I'd also like to thank delegations for taking part in this debate. Now this brings us to the end of the interactive dialogue and we will just take a short technical break before we resume with the Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing. Thank you very much. Let's resume the session. Please take your seats, ladies and gentlemen. We're now going to start the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing. So I would like to welcome the mandate holder, Mr. Balakrishnan Rajagopal. The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes. I'll give the floor straight away to Mr. Rajagopal in order to introduce his reports. Special Rapporteur, you have the floor.

Thank you, Vice Chair, Excellencies, delegates, and members of civil society. It is both an honor and a moment of profound reflection for me to appear before you today for the final time in my capacity as Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing. Over the past six years, it has been a privilege to serve this mandate during a period marked by extraordinary global turbulence, the COVID-19 pandemic, cascading financial crises, armed conflicts, including lawless attacks by powerful states on other states, as we are seeing in Iran, genocide, and mounting political attacks on the UN system and on independent experts entrusted with its human rights mandates. Throughout my tenure, I've sought to confront the multiple intersecting global crises that manifest most acutely as violations of the right to adequate housing. I have reported to you on the persistence and deepening of discrimination and spatial segregation, on the centrality of housing for responding to pandemics like COVID-19, on the global affordability crisis that now engulfs even middle income households, on the climate emergency and environmental degradation, on migration and its political instrumentalization, on the phenomenon I have termed domicide, the mass destruction of homes during conflict, and on the central importance of land as essential foundation of the right to adequate housing. Together with the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty, I also urge States to decriminalize homelessness and poverty, calling for compassion and structural reform instead of punishment. Today, I present my thematic report containing the guiding principles on resettlement along with the legal commentary. These principles are the culmination of a three-year-long consultative process and builds upon two previous thematic reports submitted to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly. I also present as addenda my country visit report to Guatemala and a follow-up report on domicide, documenting the mass destruction of housing in Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, and Ukraine. Distinguished delegates, you may rightly ask whether there has been meaningful progress in realizing the right to adequate housing. Regrettably, I must conclude that progress has been minimal and in far too many contexts, conditions have become worse. I have observed a surge in forced evictions and displacement, mass homelessness, spatial segregation, and an affordability crisis which has aroused dark sentiments of racial and religious hatred against migrants, even as billionaires and the real estate class see homes as sources of profit, not as places of dignity, security, and belonging. Since the beginning of my mandate, I have transmitted more than 462 communications on behalf of alleged victims of housing rights violations to states, international organizations, public housing providers, businesses, and other non-state actors. Some concerned draft legislation. In a number of instances, these interventions led to tangible improvements. I have also submitted amicus curiae briefs to the Court of Justice of the European Union and to the Supreme Courts of India and the United States. and testimony to regional mechanisms such as the Inter-American system. In India, I welcome the Supreme Court's landmark ruling that punitive housing demolitions are unlawful and its issuance of binding guidelines to be observed by all authorities. At the same time, I have witnessed unprecedented housing destruction in armed conflict, displacing millions and inflicting long-lasting trauma and inhumane suffering. My follow-up report before you seeks to offer recognition, and through recognition, a measure of dignity to victims whose suffering has too often been rendered invisible. It documents four ongoing situations: Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, and Ukraine. It is regrettably also a testament to the failure of the international community to prevent genocide and to hold perpetrators accountable. The level of impunity is shockingly high. This cannot continue. The destruction of housing in conflict also creates immense practical and human rights challenges for reconstruction once hostilities cease. In response to requests from States and civil society, I have developed draft guiding principles on human rights-based reconstruction, which I invite you to discuss at our informal meeting this Friday. I hope you will find them timely and constructive. Let me now turn to the guiding principles on resettlement, the central focus of my report. As I documented in my previous reports, the record of involuntary resettlement worldwide is deeply troubling. Too often, displacement caused by development projects, disasters and conflict is followed by a second trauma, poorly planned, underfunded and rights violating resettlement. The guiding principles aim first and foremost to prevent involuntary resettlement wherever possible. Resettlement must be a measure of last resort. When unavoidable, it must be carried out in full respect of the dignity and rights of affected individuals and communities. The scope of these principles is broad and universal. They apply to all situations of displacement, eviction, relocation, or resettlement, regardless of cost. This includes infrastructure and energy projects, mining, agribusiness, and industrial development, urban renewal, cultural and world heritage protection, natural or human-made disasters, environmental degradation and climate change, armed conflict and violence, and situations of occupation. The principles emphasize the right to remain, the right to return, and the right to resettlement as the trifecta of rights that must be respected. The principles highlight the right to information, meaningful participation and consultation, free, prior, and informed consent, voluntary, safe, and dignified return where possible, fair and adequate compensation and reparation, and access to effective remedies. They require that adequate budgets be secured and land assembled before any resettlement process begins. They call for participatory resettlement action plans, continuous monitoring and adaptive management. They further provide that affected communities should share fairly in the benefits shared by development projects that necessitate their relocation. Specific guidance is directed to international organizations, businesses and non-state actors who are frequently involved in such processes. Finally, the principles establish clear standards for accountability and access to justice. My sincere hope is that these principles will help reduce arbitrary displacement and prevent communities from being uprooted without consent, consultation, or adequate compensation. States must end the practice of relocating communities to sites lacking adequate housing, services, employment opportunities, and livelihoods. Resettlement, when unavoidable, must be people-centered, participatory, and equitable. Excellencies. I extend my gratitude to the Government of Guatemala for its invitation and cooperation before, during and after my country visit in July 2025. In my report, I highlight the widespread practice of violent forced evictions and the criminalization of Indigenous peoples and peasant communities. Many evictions are driven by judicial orders following criminal complaints filed by private actors. Others occur extrajudicially, with insufficient state protection for those affected. Although efforts have been made to reduce forced evictions, many communities still lack security of tenure over ancestral or long-occupied lands. I observed a disturbing pattern of criminalization of housing and land rights defenders. Human rights advocates, lawyers, and journalists face prosecution or self-censorship. Entire communities live under the threat of arrest warrants for alleged user-patient offenses. I have therefore called on Guatemala to adopt an immediate moratorium on evictions, respect the land rights of its long victimized indigenous peoples, and to review or repeal legal provisions that criminalize peaceful occupation and legitimate defense of housing rights. The right to live in dignity and security on one's land and in a home must never be treated as a crime. Distinguished delegates, in recent months, we have witnessed a troubling erosion of respect for international law and for the United Nations human rights system. When states such as the United States disregard international human rights law, undermine accountability, or intimidate or sanction independent experts, they weaken the very foundations of the post-World War II international order. We cannot normalize lawlessness, nor can we accept as inevitable the systematic destruction of homes in places like Gaza and Ukraine and the impunity of lawbreakers. This cannot continue. I call on you to defend the international law-based order with all of its inadequacies. It is better than the law of the jungle, which prevailed during colonialism, even as some harbor nostalgia for those bygone days. If all this becomes the new normal, there is no point in pretending that there is a functioning UN system for protecting human rights. The right to adequate housing depends on the integrity of the entire human rights framework. Human rights are interdependent and indivisible. Without a credible and respected system of international law, they cannot be fully realized. The mandate of the Special Rapporteur is one important anchor in that system. I urge you to continue to support it robustly. Let me conclude with a simple but urgent affirmation. Homes are anchors that allow for the full realization of many other rights, even the right to self-determination, let alone water and sanitation and health, employment, privacy or food. I call on you to recommit your states to the full realization of the right to adequate housing, the right to home that guarantees safety, security, privacy, and dignity in peace. It is time for states to fulfill this fundamental human rights obligation. I thank you.

Thank you. In line with established practice by the Council, we'll start by beginning the concerned country. I give the floor to the distinguished ambassador of Guatemala. You have a maximum of five minutes.

Thank you very much, Vice-President. Guatemala would like to thank the Special Rapporteur, Mr. Balakrishnan Rajagopal, for his official visit to our country in July of last year and for presenting his report. We would like to extend our thanks for your six years of work and we wish you every success in future endeavors. We appreciate the broad dialogue we had during your mission and the opportunity to incorporate your analysis in our efforts to gradually ensure the right to adequate housing. The State recognizes and has identified structural challenges linked to historic inequalities and access to land. insecure land tenure, and the consequences of the internal armed conflict. Indigenous peoples, rural communities, and other vulnerable groups are particularly affected. For them, housing is closely linked to the territory, cultural identity, and community forms of living. We share your view that the right to housing is not just a question of infrastructure; it also involves access to land, basic services, land planning, climate resilience, legal certainty and effective participation, and should incorporate culturally relevant perspectives. Since the start of President Bernardo Arrevalo's mandate, the government has focused its management on restoring people's trust in institutions, strengthening the democratic rule of law, and strengthening a policy of openness and cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. When it comes to housing, the Office of the Deputy Minister for Urban Development and Housing is fostering a multi-sectoral strategy, which includes updating the National Housing Policy, the National Policy on urban development and improving neighborhoods, as well as a national system on information on housing and strengthening financial instruments for broadening access to formal and progressive housing solutions. When it comes to the rural world, the Land Fund is facilitating access to land through soft loans, regularising and titling land. as well as with sustainable community development programs. The state is strengthening land registries and gradually recognizing collective forms of land ownership in line with ILO Convention 169. When it comes to social and agrarian conflicts, we have made dialogue a central tool for preventing and changing conflicts by creating the Presidential Commission for addressing conflicts, which is supposed to provide institutional solutions with a human rights based approach. Guatemala reiterates that any restoration or regularization of lands must closely follow the domestic legal framework, ensure due process, proportionality and protecting vulnerable persons. The state will continue to strengthen institutional mechanisms to prevent and resolve conflicts through dialogue and sustainable solutions. The State also recognises the importance of strengthening access to justice in the area of housing, ensuring consistent institutional responses which are consistent with the principles of equality and non-discrimination. We present our observations in an annex to the report, which we hope will be considered to be an integral part of the report. legal, institutional and programming progress. We reiterate that we stand fully ready to continue our constructive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur and the Office of the High Commissioner, and we consider that technical cooperation is a vital tool for strengthening institutions. The right to housing is a bedrock of the right to a decent standard of living. In order to achieve it, we must address the historic structural causes of problems through sustainable participatory and human rights-based public policies. We will continue to work with openness and responsibility so we gradually achieve this right for everybody. And I would like to thank you, Vice-President, for giving me the floor.

Thank you, Ambassador. We shall now start with the list of speakers and the Interested delegations should put questions and comments to the Special Rapporteur on his report. Speaking time is one minute 30 seconds for all. I would just like to remind you that the maximum time for this interactive dialogue is one hour and 30 minutes, but if there is additional time, we will allow as many delegations to speak as possible. The list of speakers is now closed. I'd like to begin by giving the floor to the Ambassador of Finland on behalf of the group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. I would like to express our appreciation to the Special Rapporteur for his report. Distinguished Special Rapporteur, as this is your final dialogue with us in this capacity, Allow me to thank you for your dedication to advancing the right to adequate housing. The guiding principles which accompany the report emphasize that resettlement cannot be treated as an administrative matter alone, but instead understood in the context of the human rights of those affected. Assessing the impacts of persons in vulnerable situations is important. The targeting of housing in conflicts is a grave human rights concern. The guiding principles underscore the right to meaningful, free, active, informed, and ongoing participation. of affected persons in decisions relating to resettlement. Special Rapporteur, what are some promising examples of meaningful and inclusive participation to ensure the participation of all, including women and persons in vulnerable situations, that you have encountered? Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the European Union.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The EU thanks the Special Rapporteur for his longstanding efforts to advance the right to adequate housing during his tenure, as well as his guiding principles of resettlement. Access to adequate and affordable housing should be a reality for all. But as highlighted in the report, the world faces an escalating crisis of evictions and displacement linked to a wide range of factors. Responses remain fragmented and inadequate. Poorly executed resettlement can lead to long-term and negative impacts for multiple generations. Violations of the right to adequate housing affect the realization of other rights. Persons in vulnerable situations are often the most severely affected. The EU emphasizes that eviction, displacement, or resettlement must always be the last resort and be strictly compliant with the international human rights and humanitarian law. EU is advancing the right to adequate housing by launching this year its first European affordable housing plan to tackle rising housing costs by increasing supply, enhancing sustainability, providing immediate support, and promoting structural policy reforms while protecting vulnerable groups and young persons. This action will focus on addressing the underlying causes of the housing crisis, supporting safe, affordable, and dignified housing. Mr. Special Rapporteur, how has implementation of the right to adequate housing evolved during these past years? Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Group of Arab States.

Thank you, Vice-President. I take the floor on behalf of the Group of Arab States. We thank the Special Rapporteur for the report and the guiding principles on resettlement. This is important in the context of the right to housing. We thank her for mentioning the destruction of housing in Gaza. The report points to the Israeli occupation in Gaza and the crime of obliterating residential neighborhoods. There must be accountability. The destruction in Gaza was not only aimed at infrastructure and residential areas, but sought to remove the possibility of ongoing life in Gaza and the establishment of the Palestinian state. It is crucial that humanitarian assistance be allowed into Gaza and that reconstruction projects can begin with housing, because the right to housing is essential within a decent life.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Bahrain. on behalf of the Cooperation Council for

the Arab States of the Gulf.

Thank you, President. The interpreters regret that the sound quality is not adequate for interpretation.

سياسات الهدم والاستيطان في الأراضي الفلسطينية المحتلة، بما فيها الضفة الغربية، والتي تمثل

انتهاكا لاتفاقية جنيف الرابعة، وتتعارض مع قرار مجلس الأمن ألفين وثلاثمائة وأربعة وثلاثين، الذي

أكد على عدم شرعية المستوطنات، إن استمرار هذه الممارسات يقوض فرص السلام، ويهدد الأمن والاستقرار في المنطقة، وتدعو دول المجلس

As you see, there

was a technical issue with the interpretation. Out of respect for delegations that understand Arabic, it was decided that the recorded statement could be played. I will ask the Secretariat to ensure that this type of situation does not happen again and that adequate quality sound is ensured. I will ask the Secretariat to distribute the text so that all delegations may acquaint themselves. And with that, I will call on Dominica on behalf of the Caribbean community.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Dominica has the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the CARICOM group in Geneva. We thank the Special Rapporteur for his final report, which underscores resettlement as a distinct and often overlooked human rights issue. For the Caribbean region, this issue is especially pertinent given the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related events alongside other natural hazards and the expansion of large-scale development projects, which continue to exert considerable pressure on the enjoyment of the right to adequate housing. We therefore welcome the Guiding Principles on Resettlement for its recognition of persons threatened with or affected by eviction or displacement as rights holders and for clearly outlining the obligations and responsibilities of states and non-state actors. We also appreciate its emphasis on prevention, meaningful participation and accountability, which offers practical guidance in our respective and collective pursuits of climate action and development. We underscore that within CARICOM, efforts are already underway to operationalize several of these principles. These efforts include community-led relocation initiatives, the adoption of climate-related, climate-resilient housing and infrastructure standards, and the application of mandatory impact assessments and consultation processes in advance of development projects. Mr. Vice President, we look forward to continued engagement and the shared development of practical approaches to uphold human rights in the context of climate and development-related displacement and eviction. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Kenya on behalf of the Group of African States.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of African States. The African Group thanks the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of this report, which takes stock of the achievements made and the challenges encountered over the past six years of this mandate. The multiple challenges related to access to adequate housing remain a genuine concern for the African communities, in particular for migrants who continue to face discrimination and segregation based on race and ethnic origin. This situation results in extreme vulnerability and exposes them to heightened risk of exploitation, including as victims of trafficking in persons. The African Group also concurs with the conclusion of the Special Rapporteur, drawing our attention to the climate crisis, which constitutes a fundamental threat to the enjoyment of the right to adequate housing. The Group supports the call for a just transition so that the housing sector becomes right-respecting, resilient and socially equitable. In this regard, the African Union's Agenda 2063 identifies as essential objective for inclusive growth and a decent standard of living conducive to sustainable development, access to for all to adequate, affordable housing and sanitation. The African group therefore reiterates its support for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living and for the right to non-discrimination in this context. I thank you.

Thank you.

I call on Paraguay on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Vice-President. On behalf of a group of countries, the full list on the extranet. We thank the Special Rapporteur for the report. We welcome the leadership over the six years of mandate, which has reaffirmed that the right to adequate housing is not merely an aspiration but a human right which is intrinsically linked to equality and the right to life and is crucial in the context of crisis. In line with this, we note the Guiding Principles on Resettlement, which seek to guide States and other stakeholders in preventing violations of human rights in resettlement. We ask what are the priority measures for States to take to strengthen their normative frameworks and ensure that resettlement processes are carried out with a human rights-based approach.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on distinguished representative of Maldives on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I have the honor to speak on behalf of an informal group of states as listed on the extranet. We thank the Special Rapporteur for drawing attention to emerging challenges such as climate-induced displacement and the implications for the enjoyment of the right to adequate housing. As highlighted in the Special Rapporteur's report, climate-related hazards are increasingly placing communities at risk. For SIDS, sea level rise, flooding, and extreme weather events continue to threaten housing, public infrastructure, and essential services. With limited land mass and accelerating land degradation, these pressures are especially acute. In this context, we stress the importance of prevention, risk-informed planning, and meaningful community participation in safeguarding housing rights. This requires sustained investment in adaptation measures and disaster risk reduction, resilient infrastructure, and ecosystem-based approaches to reduce vulnerability and displacement. Housing in SIDS must also be understood within the broader framework of human rights and the right to development. We urge the international community to match commitments with delivery through accessible, predictable, and concessional finance to strengthen resilience and protect communities. I thank you.

Thank you.

I call on Germany, representing a number of states.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

This statement is on behalf of the call group on the right to adequate housing, Brazil, Finland, Namibia, and my own country, Germany. An estimated 2.8 billion people lack access to adequate housing, including 1.1 billion living in slums. and informal settlements and more than 300 million homeless people worldwide. These challenges affect countries on every continent. The right to adequate housing remains unfulfilled across the globe and affects the enjoyment of several other rights, such as the right to health and education. That is why we are presenting a resolution seeking to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. We hope that it will again be adopted by consensus. Special Rapporteur, As this is your last interactive dialogue, we want to extend our sincere gratitude for your work over the last six years. Your present report takes stock of the wide variety of issues tackled under your mandate. It provides a showcase not just of your own work, but underlines the importance of the special procedures system more generally. Special rapporteur, looking forward, what are the most urgent policy priorities to improve access to adequate housing for all? including women and girls in all their diversity over the next decade.

I thank you.

Thank you. I

call on Azerbaijan.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report. For Azerbaijan, the issue of adequate housing and resettlement is not so vertical. One of the largest reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in the region are being undertaken in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. Today, Azerbaijan is rebuilding these territories based on principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and human dignity, ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of internally displaced persons in line with international human rights standards. In this context, we attach particular importance to the right to return, access to basic services, and livelihood opportunities, including through smart city and smart village initiatives. designed to provide adequate housing and sustainable modern living conditions for returning international internally displaced persons. Mr. Vice President, Azerbaijan will host the 13th World Urban Forum this year, together with UN-Habitat, under the theme, "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities." This platform will bring together leaders, experts, and stakeholders to exchange knowledge, present innovative solutions, and foster partnerships that drive sustainable and inclusive urban development. WUF13 will provide a unique opportunity to highlight practical approaches to housing and city planning, encouraging collaboration and concrete commitments to build resilient, livable cities for the future. I thank you.

Thank you, Aiko. Again,

on the representative of Dominica.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Dominica aligns with the statement delivered on behalf of the CARICOM Group in Geneva. We welcome the final reports of the Special Rapporteur and express our gratitude for his focus on the intersecting challenges of climate change and housing affordability. In Dominica, our experience of climate-induced displacement has reaffirmed the urgency for a long-term rights-based approach to housing that builds resilience and guides sustainable urban development. We also acknowledge, as emphasized in the report, the rising cost of housing for persons of low to middle income as a growing challenge. To address these realities, the Government of Dominica continues to advance key initiatives, such as the Housing Revolution Programme, which has made significant progress in providing safe, climate-resilient homes to citizens, prioritizing those most vulnerable to natural disasters and poverty, and the future housing program, which aims to support working class citizens, especially young adults, in owning modern, resilient homes under more affordable terms. Lastly, we consider the guiding principles on resettlement as a valuable resource for strengthening our responses to the impact of climate induced events on affected communities. Mr. Vice President, Dominique calls for strengthened international cooperation in support of the realization of the right to adequate housing, particularly for small and climate vulnerable states. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Seychelles.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. We thank the Special Rapporteur for his timely report introducing the Guiding Principles on Resettlement, and we warmly congratulate him on the successful completion of his two terms, recognizing his dedication and important contributions. Ensuring access to adequate housing remains a central priority for our country. Recent national programs continue to expand the delivery of affordable homes across multiple districts, supported through initiatives such as the Housing Subsidy Scheme and financial products offered by the Housing Finance Company. In response to rising construction costs, subsidy rates were revised in 2023, and in 2024, additional support was introduced to reduce interest rates for low-income applicants, ensuring their assistance that assistance remains responsive and accessible to those most at risk. Our national labour migration policy further underscores employer responsibilities to ensure decent housing for migrant workers, reaffirming that adequate housing is integral to protecting dignity and rights for all. To conclude, we thank the Special Rapporteur for drawing attention to the climate crisis, which constitutes a fundamental threat to the enjoyment of the right to adequate housing. especially for small island developing states. Thank you.

Thank you.

I call on Angola.

Thank you, Mr. President. Angola aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the African group and thanks the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of this timely report and for addressing such an important theme. Inclusive infrastructure is a fundamental right that ensures autonomy, dignity and full participation in society, in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In Angola, this remains a national priority. The National Inclusion and Support Plan promotes social integration and barrier removal, with increased funding for special education, civil society support, reflecting our commitment. While progress has been made, additional efforts are required, particularly to improve the inclusiveness of public transport and strengthening oversight in the construction sector. Angola reaffirms its determination to advance accessibility and ensure the full enjoyment of rights by persons with disabilities. In this context, we would appreciate the Special Rapporteur's views on how technical assistance and capacity building can be better leveraged to help States implement housing policies that combat segregation and discrimination in rapidly growing urban areas. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Namibia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Namibia welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on this important matter. Namibia concurs that the right to adequate housing is a component of the right to adequate standard of living and on the right to non-discrimination. This is in line with the resolution being developed by Namibia and other countries. Namibia is of the view that governments and private sector actors have an obligation to ensure that its citizens have access to affordable housing without discrimination. Mr. Vice-President, as indicated in the report, the right to adequate housing is closely interrelated with other rights, such as the right to the highest attainable standard of health and the right to life. Therefore, States have a responsibility to make housing affordable, address homelessness, regulate forced evictions, prevent discrimination and focus on solutions which benefit the most vulnerable members of our societies. Namibia is faced with challenges in serviced land in urban areas and a high cost of housing. To address these challenges, the government approved the revised national housing policy and implementation action plan. To conclude, Namibia welcomes the Guiding Principles on Resettlement and they are of our aims. I thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you. I call on the Marshall Islands.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Republic of the Marshall Islands thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report. As a result of the nuclear testing program conducted on our islands, Marshallese were removed from their ancestral lands and forcibly resettled on other islands with poor and inadequate living conditions due to lack of viable food systems. With climate change related sea level rise, our communities are at risk of being displaced once again. As the Special Rapporteur highlighted in previous reports, the climate crisis has increased the severity and frequency of natural disasters, which could affect countless coastal communities around the world. For those reasons, we welcome the Special Rapporteur's Guiding Principles on Resettlement, which highlight that people have a right to remain on their homelands and resettlement should only be a last resort and only in response to imminent threats or for those who cannot safely return to their homes. In closing, we echo the Special Rapporteur's call for states to address the root causes of climate change rather than resorting to displacing communities and persons. Thank you.

Thank you. Bye.

Thank you, Vice President, and we welcome the Special Rapporteur on the right to decent housing. And we stress that demolition of houses will trigger displacement of people, escalate crisis, and lead to absence of security in affected communities, equally affecting the development of those regions. Vice President, Libya is fully aware of the need to provide adequate housing. This is part of our reconstruction following years of conflict. And we consider that the guidelines in the report are key for states to provide solutions to displaced people and ensure human dignity, and that they provide sustainable, adequate housing. All houses demolished in Gaza led to displaced families and loss of hopes of children. The Special Rapporteur paints a bleak picture where Gaza is no more inhabitable. We are highly documenting these crimes by Israel. And we call for keeping the ceasefire and entry of humanitarian aid, and starting reconstruction and holding perpetrators accountable.

And thank you. Thank you.

I call on Fiji.

Mr. Vice President, Fiji acknowledges the Special Rapporteur's final report tabled to this Council. and the useful guiding principles on resettlement in line with the Council's resolution 5511 of 2024. The right to adequate housing has become increasingly under threat with the rising number of forced evictions and displacement, housing unaffordability, discrimination, homelessness, and systematic housing destruction in armed conflict, amongst others. For small island developing states like Fiji, community and state-led relocation efforts have been undertaken due to the impacts of climate-induced sea level rise. We therefore support the broad coverage of the Guiding Principles on Resettlement. Special Rapporteur, can you please elaborate on the integration of the Guiding Principles of Resettlement in relation to climate and disaster-related displacement and in addressing critical gaps across conflict, development and climate and disaster regimes? I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Rwanda.

Mr. Vice President, adequate housing is deeply interconnected with many other human rights and often determines whether those rights can be meaningfully enjoyed. Rwanda's affordable housing policy is rights-based and anchored on strengthening both housing supply and effective demand, ensuring that urban development remains inclusive, sustainable and accessible to citizens across income categories. The government supports projects through the provision of land, infrastructure or a combination of both, thereby reducing development costs and ensuring private investors to deliver units at affordable prices. This integrated model combining policy reform, strategic government support, private sector participation, and careful demand management, positions Rwanda to sustainably scale affordable housing delivery while maintaining financial and social viability. By ensuring all citizens, including low-income households and the population in climate-vulnerable high-risk zones, can access adequate, safe, and affordable housing, Rwanda gives practical effect to the right to an adequate standard of living under international human rights instruments and welcomes investors to support these efforts. I thank you.

Thank you.

I call on the Council of Europe.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Council of Europe welcomes the report and thanks the Special Rapporteur for his extensive work during his mandate. In our work, the European Social Charter sets out binding legal standards on the right to adequate housing, monitored by the European Committee of Social Rights through national reporting by State parties and collective complaints by social partners and NGOs. In the past year alone, the Committee has included a review of the impact of the cost of living crisis on social rights, with extensive findings on housing affordability. Three cross-cutting themes emerged from that work. On vulnerable households, the committee identified structural shortages of affordable and social housing resulting from long-standing policy choices. On the obligation to prevent homelessness, it said that eviction must occur only as a last resort and always with safeguards and access to alternative accommodation. On energy poverty, the committee confirmed that prolonged lack of access to electricity violates the charter, while affordable energy is a prerequisite for the enjoyment of housing and other social rights. Finally, in response to large-scale housing destructions in conflict settings, including Ukraine, the Council of Europe is implementing the project, facilitating housing solutions for the war-affected people in Ukraine, phase two, supporting right-based housing reconstructions, damage documentation, and access to remedies in line with European and international standards. I thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished delegation of Zimbabwe.

Mr. Vice President, Zimbabwe welcomes the special rapporteur's report and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the progressive realization of the right to housing for all its citizens. This mandate is enshrined in our national constitution. In line with Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy II, government is transitioning from traditional housing models to more sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban and rural settlements. To address the housing backlog and ensure the dignity of our people, the government launched a national housing delivery program, which aims at accelerating the construction of affordable housing units. It is also regularized in the centers in informal settlements through issuance of title deeds to long-standing residents in unplanned settlements. in order to ensure tenure security while upgrading basic services such as water, sanitation and electricity. We are developing new self-contained smart cities to decongest existing urban centers and provide modern integrated living and working space. Zimbabwe stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the relevant stakeholders to achieve SDG 11, making our cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. I thank you, Mr. President.

Gracias.

Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished delegation of Mauritius.

Mr. Vice-President, we thank the Special Rapporteur for his report and his presentation. As a city of barely 2,000 square kilometers, Mauritius faces constraints to cater for the housing needs of our population of approximately 1.3 million people. We have put in place land administration and management systems to ensure effective and sustainable land use to cater for our developmental, economic, social and environmental needs. In addition, we also have, as part of our national Marshall Plan against poverty, put in place schemes to provide heavily subsidized social housing to the most vulnerable and socially disadvantaged persons. Nevertheless, as a result, of the climate change, which has a more profound impact on small islands such as Mauritius, with effects such as sea level rise, flash floods and landslides, the authorities have had to take measures as to forcibly remove persons from the affected areas. It is our view that in spite of the indivisibility of rights, the right to life must have priority over the right to adequate housing in specific circumstances. It is our view that this aspect should be reflected in the guiding principles of resettlement. We thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The State of Palestine expresses its sincere appreciation for the Special Rapporteur for documenting the democide in the Gaza Strip and an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people. He has repeatedly highlighted the unprecedented destruction of housing in the OPT before both the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council. The occupying power has deliberately and systematically destroyed homes and essential civilian infrastructure in Gaza, forcibly displacing the vast majority of the population and preventing their return. Weapons with wide area effects and AI-assisted targeting have been used in densely populated neighborhoods, resulting in disproportionate and indiscriminate attacks on homes, UN facilities, and vital infrastructure, in addition to the burning, bulldozing, and destruction of homes and UN facilities. These acts violate international law and amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Housing is not merely property; it's safety, dignity, and the foundation of other human rights. With 92% of homes completely or partially destroyed, families remain displaced, without shelter or security, surrounded by unexploded remnants of war. These acts occurred in the context of unlawful prolonged occupation, blockade, attempted annexation, and the unlawful use of force. We urge immediate compliance with international law, an end to the unlawful destruction and forcible displacement, full humanitarian access, including shelter and reconstruction materials, and an end to the illegal occupation. Thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished delegation of El Salvador.

Thank you, Vice-President. El Salvador recognizes the importance of this mandate on adequate housing. And we've taken note of the presentation of the Guiding Principles on Resettlement as an effort to set standards and to close loopholes. For our country, the right to adequate housing is an essential part of the right to a decent standard of living, and there must be a preventive approach to it by giving priority to the effective participation of communities and non-discrimination, particularly for vulnerable persons. We agree that, when strictly necessary, Resettlement is still a measure of last resort. We must ensure equal better conditions, secure tenure, access to basic services and effective appeal mechanisms. We believe that any guidelines should also be applicable to disasters and emergencies, but we mustn't lose sight of national capacity. Question. How can the guiding principles contribute to strengthening national development plans and risk management? Because resettlement should be exceptional and human rights based approached. Thank you.

The next speaker is distinguished representative of Nepal.

Mr. Vice President, Nepal thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report on adequate housing. We congratulate him on the successful completion of his tenure and wish him continued success on his future endeavors. The Constitution of Nepal recognizes the right to an appropriate housing. We have legal provisions like the Right to Housing Act 2018 to ensure the right of every citizen to appropriate housing. There is no discrimination to accessing appropriate housing irrespective of their caste, gender or status. We have also introduced National Urban Policy 2025-24 and the National Land Act 2019 in order to develop inclusive and sustainable urban infrastructures. Mr. Vice President, as a country vulnerable to climate change, Nepal faces challenges relating to sustainable housing. Frequent changes in climate patterns leading to natural disasters such as floods and landslide have disproportionately affected vulnerable communities. In this context, we would like to hear from Special Rapporteur how international financial institutions can support in scaling up climate resilient and affordable housing for vulnerable groups of communities. We wish you all success in fulfilling your mandate. Thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is the distinguished delegation of Uruguay.

Thank you, Vice-President. We'd like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his report, and we appreciate the presentation of the Guiding Principles on Resettlement. Their aim is to prevent any involuntary resettlement and identify the rights and guarantees of affected persons and set out state obligations before, during and after resettlement. Uruguay reiterates that the right to adequate housing is a basic human right, and it's recognized in international human rights instruments. This right is not just about having a roof over your head, but it also encompasses secure tenure, habitability, affordability, accessibility, location, and being culturally appropriate. Ensuring housing is vital for exercising other rights, and public policies must focus on equality, inclusion, and community participation. Uruguay has presented its five-year housing and habitat plan, which addresses social, territorial, economic and environmental issues with the aim of ensuring access and remaining in good quality housing, improving infrastructure and neighborhood services, and combining its immediate responses to housing emergencies as well, with a view to reducing inequalities and improving people's quality of life. Adequate housing must be addressed as a human right. International cooperation and multilateralism are vital tools for moving towards sustainable solutions. Thank you.

The next speaker is Ethiopia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. We thank the Special Rapporteur for his comprehensive report and appreciate the constructive engagement during his tenure. Ethiopia reaffirms that the right to adequate housing is an integral component of the right to an adequate standard of living. Our constitution further guarantees equality before the law and protection from discrimination on any ground, reinforcing our commitment to inclusive development. In recent years, Ethiopia has implemented large-scale housing initiatives, including the Integrated Housing Development Program. which has expanded access to affordable house for low and middle income households, created employment opportunities, and strengthened urban infrastructure. Ethiopia has also advanced land administration reforms, digitalization of land registries, and certification programs aimed at enhancing security of tenure, particularly for women, thereby addressing historical inequalities in land ownership. Ethiopia continues to strengthen its legal and policy frameworks to ensure that resettlement process are participatory, transparent, and consistent with international human rights standards. Special attention is given to vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, and rural communities. In closing, Ethiopia remains committed to constructive dialogue and international cooperation to progressively realize the right to adequate housing for all without discrimination and to ensure that development leaves no one behind.

I thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished delegation of Ukraine.

Mr. President, we express our gratitude to the Special Rapporteur for his efforts to uphold human rights under exceptionally challenging circumstances and commend for his report, which describes the systematic targeting of civilians, residential neighborhoods, and civilian infrastructure by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine. Unfortunately, Russia continues to wage a campaign of terror against Ukrainians. Through repeated strikes using missiles, multiple launch rocket systems, guided aerial bombs, and combat drones, residential areas, energy infrastructure, and essential services are deliberately targeted. These attacks inflict daily fear, suffering, and destruction, seemingly intended to break civilian resilience, render cities unlivable, and forcibly displace Ukrainians from their homes. It speaks volumes that over the course of the four years of full-scale war, Russia has damaged or destroyed more than 2.5 million households. In Kyiv alone, about 3,000 residential buildings have been affected. Russia must be held accountable for genocide and other grave violations of international law. Those responsible must face consequences. Justice for the victims is not only a moral imperative, but also a binding legal obligation. Mr. Special Rapporteur, how can existing international legal mechanisms be strengthened to ensure accountability for acts of domicide and related violations documented in your report?

I thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is distinguished representative of Maldives.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Maldives thank the Special Rapporteur for his report. As a small island developing state facing land scarcity and climate vulnerability, the Maldives recognizes housing as a fundamental human right that extends beyond shelter. Adequate housing must incorporate affordability, habitability, accessibility, and critically, resilience to climate and environmental risks. Through our Housing for All policy, we affirm every Maldivian's right to adequate housing. Our national response includes land allocation, initiatives, large-scale housing programs, public-private partnerships, structured pathways for the first-time home ownership, and accessible financing mechanisms, all designed to provide affordable, climate-resilient housing. We concur with the Special Rapporteur that migrants are not drivers of the housing crisis, but face disproportionate exposure to inadequate housing. The Maldives is addressing this this through purpose-built accommodation that meets national standards and strengthened housing inspections and enforcement measures against labour exploitation under the Employment Act. Special rapporteur, as your six-year tenure comes to an end, we express our gratitude for your dedicated services in advancing the right to adequate housing globally. We would welcome your reflection on what concrete steps international mechanisms can take to align technology transfer, capacity building, and climate finance with the housing needs of countries most vulnerable to climate change, particularly small island developing states. I thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Algeria.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. We would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for the report. We take note of the recommendations. We attach special importance to the importance of preserving citizens' right to decent housing. The Progress made in the sector of housing is an indicator for economic and social development in Algeria, we have adopted an ambitious policy by, uh, starting a number of programs to improve the living conditions of our people. The formula that are used include different forms of rent, of lease, of buying, and this depends on the various programs. In this context, we refer to the fact that we started in 2026 an ambitious program to establish 360,000 housing units including 30,000 rural housing units. We also work on linking all housing with the various needed services, electricity, natural gas, water, internet, et cetera. We reiterate the importance of having sustainable housing that preserves social cohesion. Thank you.

Thank you. The rapporteur has indicated that he would now like to take the floor in order to respond to some of the questions posed by delegations. He's now going to use part of his allocated speaking time. Special rapporteur, you have the floor.

Thank you. Thank you very much, Excellencies, for your constructive and very useful comments, and also from many of you for welcoming the Guiding Principles on Resettlement. I'll try to respond to some of the comments, and then, of course, hopefully we have more time later. On Finland's question about examples of participation in the context of resettlement, I have actually cited some of this in my two previous reports to the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council. In particular, I'm thinking of, for example, the Pak Mun Dam example in Thailand, where because of participation, the height of the dam was reduced so that the number of people who were going to be affected by displacement actually fell by 80%. It wouldn't have been possible without participation. Same with the Sri Lanka North Transport Project, which I also quoted in one of the reports. The actual consultation led to the rerouting of the project and avoided quite a lot of displacement. So the issue is to avoid the compulsion to do more resettlement, then try to avoid displacement, because there is less of a headache then to deal with people who have been displaced. On European Union's comment on how right to housing has evolved, I think just looking at, for example, the kind of reporting I've done on the range of issues should at least give you a sense of the fact that while originally when right to housing mandate was established, it was pretty much focused on forced evictions, but particularly in the context of both urban renewal as well as development projects. But now climate, for example, is a major issue. Conflict is a major issue. Financing and the role played by big finance actors and real estate has become a big issue. What the Human Rights Council has acknowledged in the form of the concern over financialization of housing, treating housing as an asset as opposed to a human right. So I think that it's important to take note of these changes. I really urge Saudi Arabia, given their comment, to really come to the informal meeting that we have on Friday, and then to take really a close look at the draft guiding principles on reconstruction. The world needs a human rights-based approach to reconstruction, because right now, reconstruction doesn't have a human rights founding anywhere. And that's one of the reasons why the conversations about rebuilding happening through the so-called Board of Peace with regard to Gaza make zero references to any human rights principle, even something as fundamental as right to self-determination. So I urge you to really take a look at it closely and engage. Just turning to the comment from Paraguay on the guiding principles, what priority measures are normatively needed, that's a very important question, because the reality is that most states don't have any normative basis for dealing with resettlement. Or if they have such laws, they approach the question of resettlement purely as a matter of providing compensation in case people end up moving. But that's a very property lens. But the reason you're all in this room is because you agree also that we need to think about housing as a human right. It's not just property. It can be property, but it goes way beyond that. And I just hope that One of the main normative gaps that countries really take a close look at their own systems is to ask, do you really have proper legislation that governs resettlement in the context of not just development, but climate, for example? Fiji, for example, has such a policy. I pointed that out. But I think it's extremely important to take a close look at it. And maybe my last comment before we close is Particularly, maybe I'll say something about Germany's response about the most urgent policy priorities, particularly regarding women and girls. And by the way, thank you so much to the core group for its strong support for the mandate, and I'm very grateful for its commitment to continue the mandate, and my best wishes to the successor. But I think the question that you ask is extremely important about women and girls. There are three issues that I've mentioned. The first is we don't even have disaggregated data in the case of most human rights challenges with regard to housing, say homelessness, for example. What's the real impact on women and girls? Many countries don't even have disaggregated data available. And then the second major issue is the structural barriers that have prevented women from accessing housing as a human right. still remain major, major issues, including inheritance laws, for example. And thirdly and lastly, impacts. There has to be a way to understand impacts on particular vulnerable groups, and that particularly includes women and girls. So I hope that this at least tries to answer some of the concerns regarding women and girls. So with that, thank you very much.

Thank you. In order to make the most of the available time this morning, we're going to go back to the list of speakers now, and I'd like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic.

Thank you very much, Vice-President. The Dominican Republic would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting his report on the right to adequate housing. We have taken note of the Guiding Principles on Resettlement. For the Dominican Republic, ensuring adequate housing is closely linked to human dignity. reducing poverty and social cohesion. In recent years, we have fostered public policies to broaden access to adequate and affordable housing. We've got programs such as the Happy Families programs, which have led to over 6,000 housing units being delivered over the past two years, and there are others being built. They are funded through special instruments, which allows access to them for medium income families. When we hand over a housing title, it's not just a document, it's also security, dignity and future. These are the clear priorities then for our country. We want to work towards solutions which will provide decent living standards and respond to the lived realities of our communities. In this regard, this is an initiative which reflects our our idea of providing human rights-based approaches which attack the structural causes and ensure that no one's left behind. Thank you very much.

Thank you. The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Ghana.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Ghana aligns with the statements of the Africa Group. We welcome the report of the Special Rapporteur on Guiding Principles on Resettlement, which provides a practical framework for rights-based housing and resettlement policies. Ghana recognizes that adequate housing is fundamental to human dignity, health, and social inclusion. We remain concerned that forced evictions, inadequate resettlement, and unequal access to housing continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable and marginalized communities. We affirm our commitment at both the national and international levels to advancing rights-compliant approaches to housing and resettlement. At the national level, Ghana is taking steps to address its significant housing deficits through affordable housing initiatives, public-private partnerships, housing finance reforms, and efforts to strengthen the rental regulatory framework. Mr. Special Rapporteur, how can this Council help to ensure that we have a world where everyone has access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing? I thank you.

Thank you. I'd now like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Oman.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his quality report, especially with regards to resettlement, as well as the guidelines that make sure that adequate housing is a basic pillar of human dignity. We reaffirm our, uh, commitment to preserving this right, uh, through a comprehensive approach. focuses on sustainable urban planning. Oman has public housing programs for middle and low-income families. We aim at preserving equality in the geographic distribution of services and to achieve a balanced urban development urban development. We attach special importance to integrated management of disaster risks and we focus on limiting to the extent possible any resettlement. Thank you.

Thank you very much. The next speaker is distinguished representative of Burkina Faso.

Vice-President, my delegation endorses the statement delivered on behalf of the African Group, and we have the following comments in our national capacity. We'd like to congratulate the Special Rapporteur for his work in the mandate, and we've taken note of the guiding principles on resettlement. Since 2015, we've had a security crisis triggered by terrorist attacks, which has led to people being displaced into safer parts of the country. In this context, one of the major challenges is to provide basic social services to forcibly displaced persons, including decent housing in the areas of return, integration and resettlement. In order to overcome the challenge, we adopted the national strategy for forcibly displaced persons and host communities. This is the resettlement document at national level for internally displaced persons. And with that, in July 2024, we launched a building project for 1,000 housing units for persons who were forcibly displaced and then returned or resettled, as well as for other vulnerable persons in the host communities. Land grabbing for property speculation is also one of the causes of displacement. To remedy this, we've adopted a code setting out the limits on this. This law will only allow for urban building. Thank you.

The next speaker is the distinguished representative of Kenya.

Mr. Vice President, Kenya aligns with the Africa Group statement and thanks the Special Rapporteur for his final report presenting the guiding principles on resettlement. These principles address a critical gap in addressing displacement and post-eviction relocation across diverse contexts, from urbanization and infrastructure to climate impacts and disaster, offering a consolidated framework drawn from international human rights standards. Kenya remains committed to rights complaints approaches in housing and land governance, prioritizing prevention of avoidable evictions and ensuring that any necessary resettlement upholds dignity, livelihoods, and community integrity for urban residents, pastoralists, and project-affected communities alike. This commitment is anchored in our 2010 Constitution, which safeguards property, environmental health, and adequate housing. Supporting legislation, including the Land Act 2012, Sectional Properties Act 2020, and Revised Housing Act 2023 enables upgrading of informal settlements, community land registration under the Community Act Land 2016 and livelihood restoration in major projects such as the standard gauge railway and the Lamu port. Our evolving national resettlement policy guidelines mandate prior impact assessments, free prior informed consent for indigenous groups and extended monitoring, aligning with principles, emphasis on through planning and accountability. We pose a question to the special rapporteur.

Thank you. I call on South Africa.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

We align with the Africa Group statement.

And thanks the Special Rapporteur for the comprehensive and balanced report presented to this Council.

We reaffirm that the right to adequate housing is firmly entrenched in our Constitution and remains central to our democratic project. Since 1994, South Africa has delivered over 4 million subsidized housing opportunities, providing millions of.

Citizens with access to secure tenure, basic services, and improved living conditions.

We have strengthened participatory planning at municipality level, accelerated informal settlement upgrading programs, and expanded access to affordable rental housing.

Through targeted policies, we are addressing spatial inequality, inherited from apartheid, promoting inclusive, integrated human settlements closer to economic opportunities.

At the same time, we acknowledge the persistent challenges highlighted in the report, including.

Rapid urbanization, climate vulnerability, informal settlement, and housing affordability.

We remain committed to progressive realization of the right to adequate housing. within available resources and to ensuring that evictions are conducted only as a measure of last resort and in full compliance with human rights standards. South Africa values constructive engagement with the Special Rapporteur and stand ready to continue cooperation in advancing sustainable, resilient and inclusive housing solutions that leave no one behind.

I thank you, Chair.

Thank you. The last speaker for this morning will be the distinguished representative of Brazil.

Brussels thanks the Special Rapporteur for presenting the Guiding Principles on Resettlement. The report addresses a significant protection gap by reaffirming that every person threatened with eviction or displacement is a rights holder, and that resettlement must preserve dignity, equality, participation, and non-discrimination. The global housing crisis reflects structural pressures. such as financialization of land, speculative urban expansion, climate vulnerability, and deep social inequality. Rights-based resettlement must be understood as a corrective to development models that externalize social costs. In Brazil, housing is constitutionally recognized as a social right. A legal framework restricts forced removals and requires community participation and proximity to livelihoods in cases of resettlement. National programs seek to reduce vulnerability and prevent displacement before it occurs. We believe that preventing avoidable displacement must remain the first principle. Resettlement, when unavoidable, must not reproduce patterns of segregation or economic exclusion. We would welcome the Special Rapporteur's views on how the guiding principles can help states reconcile infrastructure development, climate adaptation, and urban transformation with the imperative of preventing structural displacement and ensuring durable social inclusion.

Thank you. Thank you.

We shall now suspend this debate and return to this room at 2:30 for the panel discussion on human rights and the culture of peace, to be followed by resumption of the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur, and then the interactive dialogue with the independent expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations on human rights. And I hereby close the 16th meeting of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council.