39th Meeting - 61st Session of Human Rights Council

Excellencies, distinguished participants, I hereby declare open the 39th meeting of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council. We will now proceed with the consideration of the outcome of Bulgaria. The outcome is based on the report of the working group on the Universal Periodic Review of Bulgaria and its addendum. These documents, together with the additional information that will now be provided by Bulgaria, will constitute the outcome of the review and shall be adopted by the Council through a standardized decision. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Angel Banjov, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva to present additional information on the review. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Vice-President.

Mr. Vice-President, Excellencies, distinguished members and observers of the Human Rights Council, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honour for me to address you on behalf of the Government of Bulgaria regarding the results of the review within the framework of the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. A few days ago, on March 15th, we mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251, establishing the Human Rights Council. Within the broad spectrum of the Council's activities, Bulgaria attaches particular importance to the Universal Periodic Review, which made the human rights records of all UN member states available for regular and comprehensive international scrutiny. It reaffirmed international human rights standards, catalyzed the implementation of obligations in the field, and reinforced the concept that the human rights situation is a matter of both national and international responsibility. Bulgaria presented its national report to the 50th session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review on 6th of November 2025. The Bulgarian delegation was headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Georg Georgiev, the Deputy Minister of Justice, of the Interior and of Labour and Social Policy among the senior officials who took part in the meeting and were part of our delegation. I would like to express my gratitude to the 88 delegations which made statements and 256 recommendations during the review of Bulgaria. These recommendations were thoroughly examined by the relevant ministries and other institutions in Sofia. The results of their consideration are reflected in the addendum to the report of the working group on the Universal Periodic Review. The addendum was approved by the National Coordination Mechanism for Human Rights in the Republic of Bulgaria. When considering the received recommendation, the government's general approach was to accept those for which measures could be foreseen and implemented in the time for the next review in 2030, or for which measures had already been implemented or measures are in progress of implementation. Bulgaria has decided to accept 193 of the received recommendations, around 75%, and to mark 53 as noted. Additional clarifications in the addendum is provided on another 10 recommendations, indicating which part of the recommendations has been supported and which part has been noted. Mr. Vice-President, the received recommendations cover a number of different human rights issues. I take this opportunity to elaborate more on some of them in light of the developments during the fourth review cycle. We are committed to continue strengthening the two national human rights institutions, the Ombudsman and the Commission for Protection Against Discrimination. Their budgets are updated annually by the state to guarantee the effective performance of their duties. 2025 marked the appointment of a new Ombudsman and the reaccreditation of the Ombudsman with the highest UN status, status A, as a national institution for the protection of human rights in full compliance with the UN Principles of Paris. Again in 2025, new members of the Commission for Protection Against Discrimination were appointed by the Parliament. On the 12th of March 2026, the Bulgarian Parliament adopted amendments to the Protection Against Discrimination Act, which provided the members of the Commission with functional immunity, exempting them from criminal or civil liability for their official actions and acts, except in case of international public offenses. We continue to take consistent measures to improve our justice system and the rule of law. We undertook a significant institutional and legislative reform in 2023, which ensured stronger accountability and possibility for effective criminal investigation of the Prosecutor General. According to the 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Bulgaria ranks second in the administrative case proceeding time, which demonstrates the high efficiency of our administrative justice. We continue our resolute fight against corruption. We have improved our legal framework on whistleblowers, foreign bribery and liability of legal persons for criminal offences. We remain committed to combating discrimination, intolerance, hate speech and hate crime, including online. Bulgaria has a robust and comprehensive framework of reporting and accountability. Citizens can file reports to a wide range of authorities. Furthermore, cases can be reported to online platforms, administrators or Internet intermediaries. A new cybercrime directorate at the Ministry of Interior has been established to monitor and act on cases reported by various sources. The criminal code introduced racist, xenophobic and homophobic motives as aggravating circumstances in a number of crimes such as murder, bodily harm, kidnapping, et cetera. In addition, the criminal code was amended to extend the scope of provisions on torture in line with the definition of Article 12 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane and Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and to criminalize the act of torture as precisely as possible. Bulgaria remains strongly committed to gender equality and combating domestic violence. We are currently implementing the National Strategy for the Promotion of Equality between Women and Men for the period 2021-2030. We are proud that over 50% of management positions in specialized local administrations, science organizations, public media and the judiciary are held by women. The President, the Speaker of the Parliament and the Foreign Minister are women. Bulgaria will continue to counter and combat domestic violence by improving its legal framework in compliance with the highest international standards. Bulgaria amended the Criminal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act and the Aid and Financial Compensation for Victims of Crime Act. These amendments allowed to expand the scope of the crime domestic violence, expand the group of persons eligible to seek protection, extend the deadline for reporting and enhance the protection measures. We have also established a National Council for Prevention and Protection from Domestic Violence. With regard to some recommendations to introduce the crime marital rape, I take the opportunity to point out that the criminal code already contains a provision on rape that is generic and relates to any such act, regardless of whether it was committed in a marriage or not. Freedom of expression, independence of media and the safety of journalists are among our priorities. The criminal legislation was recently revised in the field of insult and defamation in order to curb the strategic lawsuits against public participation, the so-called SLAPPs. Amendments to the Criminal Code reduce the lower limits of the fines for some forms of insult and defamation. This gives the courts greater discretion to make a balanced assessment of proportionality when determining the penalty. A working group has been set up to prepare the necessary amendments to the national legislation in line with the EU Media Freedom Act. Improving the situation of Roma and their equal participation in all spheres of social and economic life in Bulgaria are matters of priority for each of our governments. The National Strategy for Equality, Inclusion and Participation of Roma for the period 2021-2030 provides a framework for policies on inclusion of Roma. The measures aim to combat anti-Romani sentiment, promote Roma participation and to reduce inequalities in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. State authorities allocate budget funds to support a number of programs dedicated to achieving progress in the integration of Roma into the wider society. An important task of these programs is to increase the number of the so-called Roma mediators who are actively working to improve Roma communities' access to healthcare, education, employment, and social protection. Efforts are consistently made to improve access of Roma people to housing. Ex officio address registrations were introduced for persons who cannot supply property or use of property documentation in the municipality of their last registration. This greatly facilitates the address registration of many Roma and their subsequent application for social housing and other support services. The authorities continue to take prompt actions to prevent and combat manifestations of discrimination, xenophobia, hate speech and other forms of intolerance with regard to the Roma, persons belonging to the Roma community. Bulgaria attaches the utmost importance to the rights of the child, including the right to education, healthcare and protection from all forms of abuse. Bulgaria is among the countries which initiated the establishment of the open-ended intergovernmental working group tasked with drafting an optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the right of free pre-primary and secondary education, and we encourage others to join us. Bulgaria has improved the legislation framework on the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, supporting their well-being and expanding their opportunities to use social services. The implementation of the National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities for the period 2021-2030 continues to play a key role in improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities, ensuring their full and active participation in all areas of public life and promoting respect for their rights. The Bulgarian government has improved the mechanism for providing high-tech assistance devices for people with permanent disabilities. The previous provision of assistance devices through public procurement has been replaced by the provision of these devices on the principle of a voucher system. Persons with disabilities are able to choose the most suitable assistance devices, including portable brow computers, brow displays, screen reader software, neuromuscular stimulators for walking or for hands, etc., from registered suppliers on the free market. In view of the current demographic situation in our country, where the number of persons aged 65 years and more is increasing, The Bulgarian government is implementing a national strategy for active aging for the period 2019-2030. The strategy promotes the active life of older people in the field of employment, participation in society, independent living and a favorable environment for active life of older people. Mr. Vice President, I'll say a few sentences in French honoring the month of March, which is the month of the French language.

I would like to reaffirm the firm commitment of Bulgaria to the UPR process. We stand firmly determined to ensure the implementation of the recommendations we have accepted so as to strengthen the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms freedoms on the ground. As we have said today, we are implementing key strategic documents that chart the course forward. These documents serve as a basis for political planning and for the adoption of additional specific measures. With the help of the UPR, we do hope that we will achieve the desired results in the field of human rights.

I would like to announce that the Bulgarian government will adopt an action plan for the implementation of the accepted recommendations from the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review and will submit a voluntary mid-term report on the implementation of the recommendations. Thank you very much.

I thank His Excellency for this presentation. And I now open the floor to Member and Observer States for their comments on the outcome of the review. The speaking time has been set at one minute and 30 seconds for all States. The first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Thank you, Deputy President. We note that all three recommendations made by the Russian Federation to Bulgaria were adopted. That being said, the Russian Federation remains seriously concerned about the increase in the number of cases of glorification of Nazi and the use of rhetoric against Turks, Muslims, Jews, people of African descent and other minorities, including asylum seekers. We hope that the recommendations adopted by Sofia will help overcome the shortcomings and flaws in the field of human rights in this country. We will carefully monitor the implementation by Bulgaria of the recommendations received. The Russian Federation recommends the adoption by the Council of the outcome report of Bulgaria's UPR review. Thank you.

Thank you.

Very much. I call on the distinguished representative of Tunisia.

Thank you. We would like to thank the delegation of Bulgaria for the presentation of their report and we are relieved to see that many of the recommendations, most of the recommendations were adopted, including the two recommendations made by Tunisia calling for strengthening of the right to education for all children and greater access to health care for all citizens as well as health coverage and social protection. We We welcome the efforts made to support persons with disabilities and for the awareness raising about women's rights and also measures taken to combat violence within the family, domestic violence. We welcome the contribution being made to official development aid. And to conclude, we would like to wish Bulgaria further success in the implementation of the recommendations it has accepted and we recommend that the Council adopt the report. I thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to UNICEF.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. UNICEF would like to commend the Government of Bulgaria for its constructive engagement throughout the UPR process and in particular for its acceptance of almost all recommendations related to child rights. UNICEF is encouraged by Bulgaria's continued commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of every child, including refugee and migrant children. UNICEF welcomes the renewed commitment to ratify the third optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure. We also appreciate the government's commitments to advance child justice reform, strengthen reintegration measures for children in conflict with the law, and enhance protection and support for victims of violence. UNICEF further welcomes the pledges to ensure adequate funding for shelters, counseling, legal aid, and other essential services for victims and their families. Likewise, we value the commitment to improve access to services and foster the inclusion of vulnerable groups, especially in education, healthcare, and housing. Looking ahead, UNICEF encourages the government to take firm steps towards the adoption of a comprehensive national strategy for the child to provide a long-term vision and continuity for the realization of the rights of every child in Bulgaria. UNICEF remains fully committed to supporting the government in its efforts to advance the rights of children, particularly the most vulnerable. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I call on the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates.

Mr. Vice President, my delegation expresses its deepest appreciation to the Republic of Bulgaria and thank them for the presentation. on the position of Bulgaria with regards to the recommendations they received during the fourth cycle of the review. We also appreciate the fact that Bulgaria has accepted the recommendations that we advanced, including inclusive and comprehensive education, in addition to combating all forms of discrimination and violence against women through developing a ones raising and social assistance programs. In conclusion, we wish Bulgaria all success and we recommend the Council to adopt the UPR report. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I now call on the distinguished representative of Uzbekistan. This is a video message.

Thank you, Chair. Uzbekistan warmly welcomes the delegation of Bulgaria for the adoption of the report of the working group on its fourth cycle of the Universal Periodical Review. We note the active participation of 88 delegations during the review, resulting in a total of 256 recommendations. We appreciate the constructive engagement of Bulgarian delegation throughout the progress, which reflects the importance attached to the UPR mechanism. welcome the support expressed for 193 recommendations, including three recommendations made by Uzbekistan. We commend Bulgaria for its efforts to strengthen the legislative and institutional framework for human rights, including judicial reforms, anti-corruption measures, and mechanisms to combat discrimination and hate speech. We also welcome steps taken to strengthen social protection, promote gender equality, reinforce

child protection and social services.

We congratulate the delegation of Bulgaria on the successful completion of its review and wish them success in implementing the accepted recommendations. I thank you.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Thank you, Vice-President. A cordial greeting to the delegation of Bulgaria. We commend Bulgaria's cooperation with the UPR mechanism. We are convinced that it is the voluntary mechanisms and not those that are imposed which yield greater results with regard to the protection and promotion of human rights. Therefore, we welcome the acceptance by the State under review of recommendations 128.47 and 128.215, which were made by my delegation. These recommendations are aimed at the adoption of effective measures for eradicating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and other related forms of intolerance. and at strengthening the National Strategy for Equality, Inclusion and Participation by the Roma 2021-2030, so as to address the challenges that said community faces. We note with concern reports about human rights violations, especially the excessive use of force and discrimination against ethnic minorities and migrants. Therefore, we encourage Bulgaria to redouble its efforts on the basis of the recommendations that were made in order to fully guarantee its people's human rights. Many thanks.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam. They are not in the room. I therefore give the floor to the distinguished representative of Albania.

Vice-President, Albania would like to extend a warm welcome to the Bulgarian delegation and we congratulate them for their continuous commitment to the UPR process. We commend Bulgaria on its successful Universal Periodic Review and on having accepted a large number of recommendations aimed at further promoting and protecting human rights in the country. We are pleased to see that the Government of Bulgaria accepted three recommendations made by Albania on, firstly, ensuring implementation of the law of 2023 on the protection against domestic violence, the implementation of the National Strategy for Equality, Inclusion and Participation of Roma 2021-2030, and thirdly, on strengthening the fight against gender-based violence. It is on the basis of the accepted recommendations that we can say we're convinced that Bulgaria will continue to provide improvements, in particular to its legislative and institutional framework as it relates to human rights. Albania would like to conclude recommending that the Council adopts the UPR report on Bulgaria.

Thank you.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria. They are not in the room. I therefore call on the distinguished representative of Armenia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Armenia extends a warm welcome to the delegation of Bulgaria. We appreciate its meaningful participation in the Universal Periodic Review, which demonstrates the respect that Bulgaria places on the UPR process. The high number of recommendations accepted by Bulgaria illustrates its unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights. We express particular gratitude that Bulgaria accepted Armenia's recommendation to further enhance the participation of women in political and public life, as well as promoting a human rights-based approach to disability, ensuring the full enjoyment of rights by children with disabilities. We commend Bulgaria for the legislative and institutional reforms undertaken to strengthen the rule of law, including efforts to combat corruption and enhance accountability. We also welcome Bulgaria's continued measures to reinforce national human rights institutions and to combat discrimination and intolerance. In conclusion, we wish to express our full support for the adoption of the Working Group's report and wish Bulgaria every success in implementation of its accepted recommendations. Thank you, Mr Vice-President.

Many thanks. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahrain.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We commend the efforts deployed to present the fourth report of the UPR of Bulgaria. We also thank the, we appreciate the recommendations made by Bahrain to Bulgaria in order to promote and protect human rights. With Bulgaria accepting this large number of recommendations within the national UPR, we recommend that the UPR report be adopted and we wish Bulgaria all success. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Brunei Darussalam thanks the delegation of Bulgaria for the update provided today and the constructive measure undertaken since its review. We commend Bulgaria for its continued effort and are encouraged to note its acceptance of 193 out of 256 recommendations received. These include two recommendations from Brunei Darussalam to strengthen the child protection system and enhance efforts to ensure social

inclusion of persons with different abilities.

In this regard, we recommend the adoption of the UPR Working Group report and wish Bulgaria every success in the implementation of the accepted recommendations. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso.

Thank you, Chair. Vice-President. Vice-President, the delegation of Burkina Faso would like to welcome the delegation of Bulgaria. We thank the delegation for the additional information provided to the Council. My delegation welcomes Bulgaria's commitment to the UPR process. We congratulate the authorities of Bulgaria on the high number of recommendations that were deemed acceptable. during the review, and we urge Bulgaria to ensure effective and efficient implementation of these recommendations. Finally, my delegation would encourage the Bulgarian authorities to keep up their constructive commitment towards the UPR, and we recommend that the Human Rights Council adopt by consensus the outcome report of Bulgaria. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon.

Thank you, Vice-President. Cameroun wishes a warm welcome to the delegation of Bulgaria. We thank them for the presentation of the final report. My country notes with satisfaction the fact that Bulgaria has accepted a large number of the recommendations received during its Universal Periodic Review, which took place on 6 November 2025, including those recommendations made by Cameroun, which called for further strengthening of the independence of the judiciary system by guaranteeing transparency and accountability in its operations. To conclude, my delegation supports the adoption of the outcome report of Bulgaria and we wish Bulgaria every success in implementation of the recommendations. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

Thank you, Vice President. Chinese delegation has noted further achievements of Bulgaria in the field of human rights, including strengthening judicial reform, striving to improve the effectiveness of judicial organs, enhancing development of NHRI, formulating laws and regulations against hate speech and religious discrimination, introducing national strategies to safeguard the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, and older people, as well as other groups investing in clean energy to protect the environment, effectively raising the quality of life of people. China welcomes Bulgaria accepting from recommendations of China, which Bulgaria greater achievement promoting protecting human rights. China supports the Council adopting the UPR report on Bulgaria. Thank you, Vice President.

Thank you very much. I'd now like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Congo.

Thank you, Vice-President. The Republic of the Congo would like to bid a warm welcome to the delegation from Bulgaria and thanks it for presenting the additional information to its report on the fourth UPR of its country. We welcome the fact that Bulgaria has accepted a large number of recommendations issued to it, and its steadfast commitment to ensure that peace is sustainable and to promote development by placing human rights and the rule of law at the core of its actions. Congo highly appreciates Bulgaria's tireless efforts in consolidating achievements in the field of promoting and protecting human rights, as well as its ongoing cooperation with the UN mechanisms. We wish Bulgaria every success in implementing the various recommendations accepted, and we call on the members of the Council to adopt the final outcome report by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you very much.

I'd now like to call upon the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Thank you, Vice-President. We would like to greet the delegation of Bulgaria and we acknowledge its commitment to the Universal Periodic Review. We would highlight that the country has accepted 193 recommendations, including four issued by Cuba. We acknowledge Bulgaria's efforts to continue to adopt national policies that protect the Roma population from structural discrimination and hate crimes. We would also underscore the progress made in the prevention, punishment and eradication of gender-based violence. We wish Bulgaria every success in implementing the recommendations accepted. Cuba will support the adoption of the report. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I'd now like to call upon the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic.

Thank you, Vice-President. The Dominican Republic would like to commend Bulgaria on its commitment to the UPR and on accepting 193 recommendations. This is an example of this commitment. We particularly welcome the acceptance of the recommendation issued by our country on expediting the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure. Lastly, We express our best wishes to Bulgaria in implementing the recommendations accepted, and we encourage the Human Rights Council to adopt the report on the fourth cycle of the UPR by consensus. Thank you very much.

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

Muchas gracias.

Thank you, Vice-President. El Salvador would like to commend Bulgaria on accepting 193 recommendations within the framework of the fourth UPR. We recognize the constructive spirit with which Bulgaria has participated in this process, and we take note of the additional information provided. Also, we appreciate the acceptance of the five recommendations issued by our delegation. in particular those aimed at strengthening the fight against domestic violence and strengthening protection against discrimination. Lastly, we wish Bulgaria every success and we support the adoption of its report. Thank you very much.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia.

Mr. Vice President, Ethiopia warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation of the Republic of Bulgaria and comments its constructive engagement during the first cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. We take a positive note of Bulgaria's participation in the dialogue and its continued engagement with the UPR process. Ethiopia particularly appreciates that the Republic of Bulgaria has accepted a significant number of recommendations put forward by various delegations, including those submitted by Ethiopia. notably on enhancing access to quality and inclusive education and increasing investment in the health sector. We encourage the Republic of Bulgaria to take concrete steps to ensure the effective implementation of the accepted recommendations. In conclusion, Ethiopia fully supports the adoption of the UPR outcome report of the Republic of Bulgaria and wishes every success in their effort to promote and protect human rights.

Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India through a video statement.

Mr. President, India warmly welcomes the delegation of Bulgaria for the adoption of the UPR Working Group's report on its fourth UPR held on 6 November 2025. The review saw substantive participation with 88 delegations taking the floor and making a total of 236 recommendations.

The constructive engagement of the delegation of Bulgaria during the entire review

reflects their commitment to the UPR process. India also appreciates that as many as 193 recommendations have been accepted by Bulgaria, including both recommendations made by us. While recommending the adoption of the UPR report, we congratulate the delegation of Bulgaria on a successful review and wish them success in their efforts towards implementing the accepted recommendations. Thank you. Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I call upon the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the active and meaningful participation of Bulgaria in the UPR process.

Iran is pleased

that all of its recommendations are among the 193 that have been supported by the Government of Bulgaria. During the working group, Iran expressed concern about discrimination against Roma communities and the challenges faced by migrants.

Iran also called for the adoption

of a comprehensive measures to combat human trafficking and protect victims. To conclude, Iran welcomes the establishment of a National Council for the prevention and protection from domestic violence and the adoption of a national strategy for active aging in Bulgaria and wishes successful implementation of UPR recommendations as well. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you very much. I'd now like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan. They are not in the room. And so I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. My delegation bids a warm welcome to the delegation of Bulgaria. We highly value the constructive cooperation by Bulgaria with the different human rights mechanisms. We also commend the acceptance of a considerable number of recommendations reflecting its commitment to the promotion of human rights. We also value the fact that the Government of Bulgaria has accepted the recommendations that we advanced, including increasing the national efforts to combat hate speech and discrimination, and to continue the implementation of judicial reforms in line with the international standards. We wish Bulgaria all success, and we recommend the Council to adopt the outcome of the process. Thank you.

Thank you very much. That was the last speaker that we could accommodate. May I remind you that all statements, including those that weren't read out in the room because of a lack of time, should be uploaded. I'd now like to give the floor to the other stakeholders so that they make their general comments on the outcome. Speaking time has been set at two minutes for all. The first speaker on my list is the World Evangelical Alliance, intervention by video.

President, the World Evangelical Alliance and its members, the Bulgarian and European Evangelical Alliances, thank the Government of

Bulgaria for its constructive engagement in the UPR process.

We welcome Bulgaria's acceptance of recommendations aimed at

strengthening freedom of religion or belief, combating discrimination, and ensuring equal access to political and public participation. Commitments related to upholding Articles 18, 25 and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political

Rights, as well as Article

9 of the European Convention on Human Rights, are important steps towards safeguarding fundamental freedoms for all.

At the same time, we note with concern reports related to ongoing political instability and allegations of electoral malpractice, including

vote buying practices that may disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, particularly within the Roma population. Such practices risk undermining the integrity of electoral processes and weakening public confidence in democratic institutions. We are also concerned by reports that Roma evangelical pastors and churches have been subjected to police actions, investigations, or public accusations that appear discriminatory in nature and that may have had a discouraging effect on religious communities.

These situations underscore the importance of independent and impartial

investigations, as well as effective safeguards to prevent potential abuses of authority.

We encourage Bulgaria to fully implement the accepted recommendations and to take concrete measures to prevent discrimination,

protect freedom of religion or belief in practice,

and ensure that no religious or ethnic communities are unfairly affected during electoral processes.

Thank you.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to the Inclusivity Project. by a video.

Members of the Council, High Commissioner, I thank all states that advanced recommendations on Roma equality during the Universal Periodic Review of Bulgaria. The acceptance of 21 recommendations signals political recognition, but implementation remains the decisive test. Despite commitments under the National Strategy on Roma Equality, Roma communities in Bulgaria continue to face entrenched structural discrimination, particularly in housing, education, healthcare, and exposure to hate crime. Segregated schooling persists in all Bulgarian cities, along with forced evictions, such as in the Zakharna Fabrika. In just one month, in July 2024, 27 violent evictions happened, and limited access to essential services persists all year. 77% of Roma children experience material deprivation. At the same time, we regret that the government's decision to take to note key recommendations The refusal to criminalize marital rape, the rejection of temporary special measures such as quotas, and reluctance to strengthen legal frameworks on hate crimes and intersectional discrimination reveal critical gaps between formal and substantive equality. High Commissioner, how will your Office support Bulgaria in moving beyond formal legal guarantees to ensure effective protection against discrimination, and particularly for Roma women facing intersecting inequalities? What concrete steps will be taken to monitor the allocation of resources under the Roma strategy? And how will the Council address the growing patterns of states accepting recommendations while the government limit their implementation through constitutional caveats? We urge the Council to strengthen monitoring of Bulgaria's implementation of accepted Roma-related recommendations, the alignment of national legislation with international human rights standards, particularly on gender-based violence and hate crime. Commitments must be translated into change.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to World Jewish Congress over video.

President, the organization of the Jews in Bulgaria, Shalom, warmly welcomes the delegation of Bulgaria and expresses its appreciation for the presentation of the national report. We commend Bulgaria for its continued commitment to cooperation with international human rights institutions and mechanisms. We commend the progress achieved at the national level through the adoption of the National Action Plan on Combating Antisemitism for 2023-2027 and the institutionalization of the position of National Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism at the level of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. We appreciate the close cooperation between authorities and civil society through the contact group chaired by the National Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism. Antisemitic incidents are constantly condemned and referred to the relevant law enforcement authorities. We commend the government's adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism and encourage the expansion of its application, including within the field of sport. We also appreciate that Bulgaria devotes particular attention to combating Holocaust distortion and denial. It is critical, however, to note the increase of anti-Semitism across Europe and Bulgaria. Indeed, according to our data, 2025 has seen a 200% increase in anti-Semitic acts in the country. Most recently, two synagogues and several monuments commemorating the Holocaust and the rescue of the Bulgarian Jews have been targeted. The organization of the Jews in Bulgaria looks forward to continuing to work together with the government to prevent anti-Semitic acts and protect Jewish life in the country.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to International Lawyers Org.

Thank you. We welcome Bulgaria's active engagement with the Universal Periodic Review and its cooperation with United Nations mechanisms. In particular, we note positively the legislative and institutional reforms undertaken in recent years, including amendments to the Criminal Code on torture and hate crimes, as well as changes to the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act. However, several important challenges remain. The refusal from Bulgaria to ratify the Istanbul Convention remains a concern. The constitutional and interpretative restrictions continue to limit measures criminalizing gender-based violence and to prevent the protection of victims.

International lawyers and the Geneva International Center for Justice are also.

Concerned that, despite notable legislative progress, the persistent discrimination and socioeconomic exclusion, particularly affecting Roma communities, persist as criminal threats.

As it comes in the recommendations, we encourage Bulgaria to reconsider its restrictive interpretative approach to gender to take steps toward overcoming constitutional obstacles. that hinder the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, and to intensify efforts to combat discrimination, hate speech, and violence against.

Roma, women, and other marginalized groups. Strengthening institutional capacity, improving access to justice, and promoting public awareness and education will be essential components in advancing equality.

And ensuring the effective protection of human rights for all individuals in Bulgaria. We look forward to Bulgaria's continuing constructive engagement with the UPR process and to further concrete progress in the promotion and protection of human rights and gender equality for all.

It is time to show real political commitment.

Thank you.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to Association Manona for Human Rights and Immigration.

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Bulgaria, for your positive participation in the UPR. We would like to stress the ongoing democratic backsliding in Bulgaria and the erosion of its fundamental principles, namely the rule of law. The country is facing a judicial crisis with the illegitimate exercise of functions by the current general prosecutor beyond the expiry of his mandate, raising questions about legal certainty. As mentioned in the UPR report, Association Leona and Geneva International Center for Justice also acknowledge the positive step taken towards tackling corruption in the country through the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission. However, we remain concerned about its actual functionality. The integrity of these ostensibly independent institutions continues to be highly disputable due to the appointment procedures. Both the Commission for Countering Corruption and the Ombudsman are elected by the National Assembly, often as a result of political affiliations rather than relevant experience and competence for the post. This may compromise the impartiality the institutions by undermining their core function to safeguard human rights and prevent the abuse of power. Ineffective legal mechanisms like these, which from their very creation were deprived of the possibility of pursuing their purpose, cannot but cast doubt whether fighting corruption was ever a political priority or just a mere political promise. Lastly, as stated in the UPR report, Bulgaria has claimed to be combating discrimination and intolerance, yet the reality seems to be diverging. Recently, the country has adopted legislative changes in education that are directly targeting vulnerable groups, instilling further intolerance among children amid an already existing negative public opinion. In an era of human rights derogation, the international community must remain vigilant and critically assess not only the legal framework, but also its actual implementation, considering the specific political and social context in which they're found. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to Center for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy. They're not in the room. So I give the floor to Shanxi Patriotic Volunteer Association via a video statement.

International Patriotic Pact Initiative. I'm delivering this statement concerning the outcome of Universal Periodic Review on Bulgaria. Bulgaria, a nation of remarkable natural beauty, has made notable progress in promoting human rights, which we highly appreciate. Since the last review, Bulgaria has proactively embraced international recommendations, enacting key legislation and policies that have yielded positive outcomes in the rule of law, anti-corruption, media freedom, gender inequality, and social inclusion. Notably, in combating gender inequality and discrimination, Bulgaria has reinforced its stance against hate crimes and gender-based violence through amendments to its criminal code and established a National Commission for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, ensuring comprehensive protection and support for victims, a truly commendable step. We also recognize that challenges still remain in areas such as the integration of the Roma community, the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, and environmental protection. We encourage Bulgaria to further strengthen the implementation of relevant policies and laws to ensure equal enjoyment of human rights for all. Priority should be accorded to the needs of vulnerable groups with tailored support and assistance. Furthermore, we call upon Bulgaria to deepen its collaboration with the international community in confronting global challenges and advancing the human rights agenda. We are confident that under the commitment of the Bulgarian government, the country will make further progress in advancing human rights. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Imam Ali's Popular Students Relief Society.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. It is disappointing that Bulgaria has not ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, the Istanbul Convention. With at least 20 to 22 femicides recorded in 2024 and thousands of victims of domestic violence, primarily women and girls. Is it not time to demonstrate the political will to change this situation? Mr. Vice President, rape is rape, whether in marriage, partnership, or any other relationship. Studies confirm that domestic violence in Bulgaria is predominantly gender-based and targets women. While laws allow for perpetrator removal from the family home, a 2025 survey found out that over 74% of victims say state institutions turn a blind eye and perpetrators are often not removed after the first report. It is time to reform violence laws to provide real protection and support. The harmonization of European countries in addressing violence against women through the adoption of uniform laws and conventions contributes to improving the situation of women, not only in Europe, but also in other regions of the world. Thank you.

Thank you very much. That was the last speaker on my list. Before giving the floor to the delegation of Bulgaria to make its concluding remarks, I would like to point out that, based on the information provided, Bulgaria supports 193 of the 256 recommendations received and takes note of 53. The delegation provided additional clarification as to a further 10 recommendations and pointed out which sections it supported and which sections it noted. I now give the floor to His Excellency to make concluding remarks.

Please go ahead, sir.

Mr. Vice President, Excellencies, distinguished members and observers of the Human Rights Council, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the government of the Republic of Bulgaria, I would like to express sincere gratitude to the President, Vice Presidents and the Human Rights Council for their outstanding engagement and this valuable guidance by the Bureau. I would also like to express my appreciation to the members of the Troika, France, Kuwait and Mexico, as well as to the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights for their dedicated efforts in preparing and presenting this report. Let me also thank the Member States and civil society organizations that took part and took the floor earlier today for their constructive participation and valuable contributions. Bulgaria continues to attach great importance to the UPR process. We share the view that the UPR is an indispensable mechanism for advancing universal human rights standards. The Government of the Republic of Bulgaria confirms its strong commitment to the effective implementation of the accepted recommendations received during the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. A number of these recommendations are in the process of implementation or already have been implemented. As already said, the government of the Republic of Bulgaria will prepare and adopt an action plan for the implementation of the accepted recommendations received during the current cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. The action plan will provide for appropriate measures to ensure the full and timely implementation of recommendations. In this process, the government will continue to closely interact with the legislature and the judiciary, as well as with the national human rights institutions, civil society and academia. The Republic of Bulgaria will keep the Council informed of its progress in the implementation of the recommendations through the voluntary mid-term report. I'm confident that the implementation of the adopted recommendations will allow the Republic of Bulgaria to achieve further success in strengthening the promotion of and the protection of the human rights and to contribute to its overall preparation for the next review within the framework of the fifth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. Muchas gracias, Senor Vice-Presidente.

I'd like to thank His Excellency for the presentation and the constructive participation of Bulgaria throughout the UPR process. I now suggest that the Council adopt the decision on the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Bulgaria as it appears on the screen. I see no objections. The decision is therefore adopted. Thank you very much indeed. We will briefly suspend the session before our consideration of the outcome of Honduras.

We will now proceed with the consideration of the outcome of Honduras. The outcome is based on the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Honduras and its addendum. These documents together with the additional information that will now be provided by Honduras, will constitute the outcome of the review and shall be adopted by the Council through a standardized decision. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Andrea Varresca Reyes Santos, Vice Minister of State for the Promotion of Human Rights of Honduras, to present additional information on the review through a video statement.

Distinguished President and members of the Human Rights Council, the government of the Republic of Honduras welcomes the opportunity during this session to adopt the report of the fourth cycle of the UPR. We recognize this mechanism as an opportunity for strengthening our policies and practices on human rights through a constructive dialogue with the international community. Honduras would like to thank the troika that supported the process, and we welcome the recommendations received from 79 States. which took part in the interactive dialogue during the review of our national report in the context of the fourth UPR cycle, which took place during the 9th meeting of the 50th session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, which took place on the 7th of November 2025. With a view to considering the 240 recommendations we received, The Ministry of Human Rights undertook a consultation process with state institutions in light of their relevant competencies. As a result, our state has decided to accept 216 recommendations and to note 27, thereby reaffirming our commitment to make headway in a gradual and sustained way towards implementation of our national obligations on human rights. I'd like to highlight that from the 27th of January 2026, the new government of the President, Nasri Juan Asfura Zabla, took up office with a firm commitment to protecting fundamental freedoms, ensuring the security and safety of our people, and creating opportunities for better living conditions. This government is guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights, and it seeks to strengthen our country's institutions in keeping with international standards. In line with this commitment and bearing in mind international recommendations, our state decided to not continue with the state of emergency, but to implement a form of intervention which is focused on the towns and cities with the highest levels of violence. This strategy seeks to prevent crimes such as extortion, violent death of women and to act more effectively in order to guarantee the life and safety of our citizens, in keeping with our Government's plan, called Together We Will Be Well 2026-2030, which promotes security, stability and wellbeing. The Government's plan establishes the implementation of community-based programmes for preventing violence, for educating about values and opportunities for youth, addressing the structural causes of crime. Similarly, it prioritises sustainable human development and seeks to improve essential healthcare services and education in keeping with our international human rights commitments. Since the start of this Government's term in office, we have reaffirmed our commitment to budgetary responsibility and the efficient management of public resources. Between 27 January and 13 March of this year, we implemented measures aimed at optimising the use of the budget, giving priority to strategic projects and generating savings that will make it possible to strengthen infrastructure, healthcare and education. These steps forward reflect our vision, underpinning a transparent, orderly and committed government committed to the wellbeing of all. The State of Honduras has also strengthened its work aimed at guaranteeing the right to education, food and child welfare, as we recognise that these are fundamental elements for sustainable human development. In this context, the Government has given out textbooks in order to encourage learning and promote attendance at school. Moreover, we have been promoting our national program of food meals, an initiative that is rolled out through the Ministry for Social Development in cooperation with the Ministry for Education and with the support of strategic partners such as the World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization. This programme is currently being implemented across 18 departments in our country, reaching some 21,000 educational centres and benefiting around 1.2 million girls and boys of school age. This initiative is helping ensure that pupils receive nutritious food during the day at school, thereby helping their comprehensive development, improving their academic performance and strengthening retention within the educational system. True to its commitment to gender equality, our National Congress recently established a special commission for addressing violence against women. Moreover, the Ministry of Human Rights reactivated the inter-institutional commission for the monitoring and investigation of violent deaths of women and femicides, in coordination with other state bodies and grassroots organizations, strengthening the prevention of violence, prompt investigations and access to justice. Also, the government of President Asfura has made it a priority to review and strengthen the national mechanism for the protection of human rights defenders, journalists, social communicators and justice workers, ensuring its effective functioning, risk prevention and comprehensive protection for the right to be a human rights defender in keeping with the relevant law governing the mechanism and its operations. Also, before the members of the United Nations and the Human Rights Council and civil society representatives, the Government of President Nasir Esfura would like to reaffirm its commitment to respecting and complying with human rights. We would also like to highlight our readiness to work closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and other international bodies on the implementation of recommendations and decisions from the human rights bodies. The Ministry of Human Rights of Honduras, as the institution tasked with promoting public policy in this area and tasked with coordinating the reports of Honduras before the international protection systems, we are committed to continuing the reporting and monitoring of recommendations through our system for the monitoring of international recommendations in Honduras. We are also ready to present in a timely fashion our voluntary mid-term report on progress achieved with regard to the implementation of the 216 recommendations accepted by Honduras. President, Honduras would like to thank those States that took part in this process, as well as the Troika and all the delegations who contributed through their recommendations and comments. Honduras would like to reaffirm its commitment to the Universal Periodic Review as a fundamental mechanism for strengthening international cooperation, promoting constructive dialogue between and among States, and promoting the effective implementation of human rights for all persons. Honduras, we will be well. Thank you.

I thank Her Excellency for this presentation, and I now give the floor to Member and Observer States for their comments on the outcome of the review. The speaking time has been set at one minute and 30 seconds for all States. The first speaker on my list is El Salvador. I give the floor to El Salvador.

Thank you very much, Vice-President. El Salvador would like to congratulate Honduras on accepting 216 recommendations in the context of its fourth Universal Periodic Review. We acknowledge the constructive spirit in which Honduras took part in this process, and we take note of the additional information provided. Similarly, we welcome the acceptance by Honduras of the three recommendations made by our delegation, and we trust that their implementation will contribute to strengthening the institutional framework, child protection, adolescent protection, as well as the exercise of Honduran citizens' human rights. Finally, we wish Honduras every success and recommend the adoption of the report. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Vice-President. The delegation of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea welcomes the distinguished delegation of Honduras and we commend them on their final report from the last session of November 2025. We commend the efforts undertaken by the Government of Honduras to continue strengthening institutions and for approving the inter-institutional protocol for comprehensive care for women victims of gender-based violence and for having updated the national protocol for care for victims of sexual violence. We encourage the Government of Honduras to further strengthen the protection mechanisms for human rights and to implement the recommendations it has accepted. We are pleased to recommend that this Council adopt the report presented by the presentation of Honduras. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Ghana welcomes the delegation of Honduras for successfully completing its review exercise under the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. We recognize efforts by the Honduran authorities to enhance their human rights and socioeconomic conditions in the country. Their active participation in the review process highlights a strong commitment to the UPR mechanism. We note with appreciation that out of 243 recommendations received, Honduras accepted 216, including two of the three recommendations by Ghana. This reflects the government's continued commitment to advancing the well-being and rights of its citizens. Mr. Vice President, in closing, we reaffirm our support for Honduras UPR reports and encourage them in their efforts to implement the accepted recommendations. We wish them continued success in promoting human rights and sustainable development. I thank you.

Thank you. I now call on the distinguished representative of India. This will be a video message.

Mr. President, India warmly welcomes the delegation of Bulgaria for the adoption of the UPR Working Group's report on its fourth UPR, held on 6 November 2025. The reviews saw substantive participation, with 88 delegations taking the floor and making a total of 236 recommendations. The constructive engagement of the delegation of Bulgaria during the entire review reflects their commitment to the UPR process.

I do apologize, that is the wrong video. If we could please have the correct video. Well, we will continue with the list while we correct that mistake. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.

Thank you, Vice-President. My country's delegation would like to welcome the Republic of Honduras, and we thank them for their presentation in the UPR framework. We welcome the acceptance of many recommendations, which reflects a clear will to strengthen human rights on a more robust and sustainable basis. We underscore the acceptance of our two recommendations regarding education and the creation of educational centres for persons with disabilities, as well as further efforts aimed at combating violence against girls and women. To conclude, we wish every success to the Republic of Honduras, and we ask the Council to adopt the outcome of Honduras's UPR.

Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Maldives.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Maldives warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation from Honduras to the adoption of the UPR report and compliments Honduras commitment to the UPR process. The Maldives comments Honduras for accepting the majority of the recommendations it received during the UPR working group session in November 2025, including one of the recommendations from the Maldives. We wish the government of Honduras success in the implementation of accepted recommendations and request the Council to adopt the UPR outcome report of Honduras by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Nepal warmly welcomes the delegation of Honduras to the adoption of the UPR outcome

and thanks them for their constructive engagements with the human rights mechanisms. We thank Honduras for accepting both the recommendations that we offered. We appreciate the measures taken by Honduras to promote women's rights and gender equality. Nepal wishes Honduras all success in implementing the accepted recommendations and supports the adoption of the UPR outcomes report by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. My delegation welcomes the delegation of Honduras to the adoption of its UPR outcome report. My delegation congratulates Honduras on its openness and constructive engagement throughout the UPR process. We appreciate Honduras' decision to accept the vast majority of the recommendations it received including three from the Philippines, focus on strengthening legislative and policy frameworks to combat violence against women and girls, sustaining justice sector reforms to improve administration and delivery of justice services, and three, addressing challenges faced by indigenous peoples and the Afro-descendant population, particularly with respect to their rights to health and education. Mr. Vice President, the Philippines is pleased to support the adoption of the UPR Working Group report on Honduras and wishes the government of Honduras every success in implementing the accepted recommendations. I thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Thank you, Vice President. The Russian delegation notes with satisfaction Honduras's fourth review under the UPR. We note that the overwhelming majority of recommendations, including both of Russia's, have been adopted, which reflects ongoing work by the government to protect and promote human rights and a readiness to further cooperate with international human rights monitoring mechanisms. Despite the unprecedented economic crisis and a worsening humanitarian situation, we consider the human rights situation in the country to be stable. We support the efforts of the current Honduras administration to support the rights of its citizens, including to education, healthcare, and social protection. We welcome the work done in order to support deported migrants, and we share the view of the President about the need for a systemic solution to the problem of illegal migration by addressing its root causes, which is primarily social inequalities and unequal development, as well as the use of unilateral coercive measures, which are worsening the living standards for the population. The Russian Federation recommends adopting the outcome report of Honduras. Thank you.

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

Mr. Vice-President, Singapore congratulates the delegation of Honduras on the successful completion of its fourth Universal Periodic Review. We commend Honduras for its engagement with the UPR process and its careful consideration of the various recommendations put forward by delegations. We thank Honduras for accepting all three of our recommendations. First, to continue efforts to improve access to health and education, especially in the rural areas. Second, to ensure the effective implementation of its National Drinking Water and Sanitation Plan 2022-2030 to enhance access to safe drinking water and sanitation services. Third, to continue to improve national legislation regarding ensuring gender equality and also eradicating violence against women. Singapore supports the adoption of the Working Group's report on the Honduras UPR. I thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tunisia.

Thank you, Vice-President. The delegation of Tunisia would like to welcome the delegation of Honduras. We welcome Honduras' close cooperation with all human rights mechanisms and the international commitments as well as submission of UPR reports. We commend the efforts undertaken by Honduras to support the regulatory and institutional human rights framework, as well as the creation of a Ministry of Human Rights. We also welcome measures that have been taken to promote economic, social and cultural rights. We commend Honduras's positive attitude towards our recommendations. Finally, Tunisia would like to wish Honduras, prosperity and success in human rights. And we recommend that this Council adopt the outcome report. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to UN Women.

Thank you, Chair. UN Women welcomes Honduras' efforts to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for women's rights, including the recent creation of a special commission to follow up on violent deaths of women, the adoption of the law on shelters, and continued support to the Ministry of Women's Affairs. These are important steps towards prevention, protection, and access to services. However, violence against women and girls remains deeply concerning, as 2025 saw an increase in violent deaths of women and femicide. High levels of impunity and gaps in protection and response undermine progress, particularly for women human rights defenders and those affected by organized crime. In line with recommendations made during this review, UN Women is committed to providing technical support in the following areas: 1. Effective regulation and implementation of the law on shelters in coordination with state institutions and women's organizations to strengthen quality standards and nationwide service delivery. Two, legislative and policy reforms to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, with a focus on protection and early warning mechanisms for disappeared women and girls, and the development of gender-responsive care systems. Three, technical assistance to the Special Commission on Violent Deaths of Women, including support for the development of gender-sensitive investigative protocols, data analysis, inter-institutional coordination mechanisms, and monitoring frameworks to address impunity. I thank you.

Thank you. I now call on UNFPA.

UNFPA congratulates the State of Honduras for its participation in the Universal Periodic Review and also progress outlined in the national report. We recognize the institutional efforts that have led to a significant reduction in maternal mortality and the development of programs to keep girls in the education system. These results demonstrate the impact of sustained evidence-based interventions. Furthermore, we commend the progress in strengthening the national statistics system. The upcoming national population census is a cornerstone for informed governance and is essential to ensure that no one is left behind. Building on this momentum, it is now vital to consolidate these gains and accelerate actions to reach every woman and girl. At UNFPA, we're ready to support the state to translate international recommendations into robust and sustainable policies. We welcome the ongoing efforts to address violence against women and girls, and we recognize that the persistence of child marriage and other harmful practices require a vigorous and coordinated response. We look forward to seeing a continued and strengthened prioritization of adolescent pregnancy prevention and the protection of youth and women's fundamental rights. The implementation of the recommendations are key to improve the human rights situation. As Honduras moves forward, UNFPA remains a dedicated partner. We will continue to support Honduras in ensuring that the health, safety, and agency of every person remain at the heart of the national agenda.

Thank you. I now call on the distinguished representative of India for a video statement.

Mr. President, India warmly welcomes the delegation of Honduras for the adoption of the UPR Working Group's report on its fourth UPR held on 7 November 2025. The review saw substantive participation, with 79 delegations taking the floor and making a total of 243 recommendations. We appreciate the constructive engagement of the delegation of Honduras during the entire review, which reflects their commitment to the UPR process. India appreciates that as many as 216 recommendations have been accepted by Honduras, including all three recommendations made by us. While recommending the adoption of the UPR report, we congratulate the delegation of Honduras on a successful review and wish them success in their efforts towards implementing the accepted recommendations. I thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I now call on UNHCR.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. UNHCR commends the efforts of the Government of Honduras aimed at strengthening protection for forcibly displaced people, including refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and returnees with protection needs. In particular, we applaud the adoption of the Law for the Prevention, Attention, and Protection of Internally Displaced Persons, a milestone towards comprehensive protection of people uprooted by violence and other human rights violations. To translate this important progress into tangible improvements in the lives of those affected, UNHCR encourages the government of Honduras to approve the law's regulations and to allocate resources to the Assistance and Protection Fund for Internally Displaced People. Approval of the regulations will firmly establish the government's leadership in protecting displaced Hondurans through coordinating institutional responsibilities and establishing effective mechanisms for prevention, early warning, assistance, and durable solutions for internally displaced persons with the meaningful participation of victims, affected communities, and civil society. In the context of increasing numbers of asylum seekers and refugees, UNHCR also stands ready to support efforts to strengthen the national asylum system, including modernization of processes, digitalization, and promoting access to comprehensive services for the stabilization of people in need of international protection. UNHCR remains fully committed to working with the government of Honduras and all stakeholders to implement relevant UPR recommendations so that no refugee, asylum seeker, or internally displaced person is left behind. I thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam.

Mr. Vice President, Vietnam congratulates the delegation of Honduras on its fourth Universal Periodic Review. We commend Honduras for its commitment to strengthening the rule of law and democracy, advancing social protection policies, expanding access to public services, and promoting institutional transformation. We welcome Honduras' acceptance of two recommendations of Vietnam. First, to expand inclusive social protection and targeted poverty reduction to ensure sustainable access to essential services, health, education, and clean water for children, women, and vulnerable groups. And second, to strengthen climate adaptation and environmental resilience, including reforestation and climate-resilient agriculture in rural areas. We now fully support the adoption of the UPR report on Honduras and look forward to continued cooperation. I thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon.

Thank you, Vice-President. Cameroon would like to welcome the delegation of Honduras. We thank them for the presentation of the outcome report. My country notes with satisfaction the fact that Honduras has accepted 216 out of 243 recommendations it received during its universal periodic review on 7 November 2025, including those made by Cameroon, which called for legislative and regulatory measures in order to ensure the right to mental health. To conclude, my delegation would like to support the adoption of the UPR outcome for Honduras, and we wish Honduras every success in the implementation of the accepted recommendations.

I thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile.

Thank you, Vice-President. Chile would like to welcome the delegation of Honduras, and we thank them for their active participation in the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. This reflects Honduras' commitment to making gradual progress on the implementation of its international human rights obligations. We note with satisfaction that Honduras has accepted recommendations made by my country. In particular, we highlight the acceptance of those recommendations aimed at strengthening the justice system, including human rights training for judges, prosecutors and other justice workers, as well as the adoption of measures aimed at strengthening the independence of the judiciary. We hope that their implementation will lead to concrete progress towards guaranteeing access to justice and respect for due process. We regret, however, that some recommendations made by Chile were merely noted. Our country considers that making progress in the areas referred to by all of the recommendations made would contribute to strengthening human rights protection and promoting societies that are more inclusive and more respectful of the dignity of all. In this context, we wish Honduras every success in the implementation of the recommendations it has accepted, and we stand ready to continue cooperating in the context of the Council.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

China commends Honduras for its engagement in the UPR and welcomes its progress in promoting and protecting various human rights.

Including through advancing socioeconomic development, improving public services such as healthcare, education and public security, and taking measures.

To protect the rights of women, PWDs and migrants.

We appreciate Honduras for accepting China's recommendations and hope that it will continue its poverty eradication efforts to effectively reduce the number of people living in poverty and guarantee the right to development. China looks forward to further progress by Honduras in promoting and protecting all human rights and wishes it success.

China supports the Council's adoption of the UPR report of Honduras.

Thank you, Vice President.

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

Thank you, Vice-President. Colombia would like to commend Honduras on its openness to international dialogue and its commitment to mechanisms to defend human rights. Colombia underscores the broad consultative process conducted by Honduras with 45 state entities to review each of the recommendations of this UPR cycle. In particular, Colombia highlights the acceptance of our recommendation to strengthen the national human rights commissioner based on the Paris Principles and the drafting of the national action plan for businesses and human rights. Similarly, we appreciate Honduras' commitment to increase financial and human resources to tackle climate change. This action is vital to protect coastal populations and other vulnerable communities. We wish Honduras every success in implementing the recommendations accepted, which will make a positive contribution to the development of national efforts to defend and promote human rights.

Thank you.

Thank you very much. That was the last speaker that we could accommodate. May I remind you that all statements, including those that could not be read out in the room because of a lack of time, should be uploaded on the internet. I would now like to give the floor to other stakeholders so that they make their general comments on the outcome. The speaking time has been set at two minutes for all. I now give the floor to the Regional Observatory for Women in Latin America and the Caribbean, AC.

Vice President, we would like to thank the delegation of Honduras for its participation. However, we would like to raise an issue to do with proportionality. Honduras is facing one of the highest homicide rates in the region, with approximately 26 deaths for every 100,000 inhabitants. Organized crime and extortion models affect 80% of businesses in urban areas. This crisis has had a direct impact on the right to life and the security of thousands of families. Despite that documented reality, the review did not include proportionate recommendations to dismantle criminal structures. On the other hand, seven recommendations urged Honduras to legalize abortion. We recall that abortion is not recognised as a right in binding international treaties. On the contrary, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights protects the inherent right to life. The promotion of abortion as a universal obligation lacks a clear basis in international law. In the face of persistent lethal violence, the fundamental priority should be the effective protection of life vis-a-vis homicide and structural insecurity. The question is proportionality. When seven recommendations are focused on abortion, but none of them directly prioritizes the reduction of homicides, doubts emerge as to whether the most urging challenges of the Honduran people are being reflected at this council. We urge States to ensure that their recommendations are based on the reality lived by the population and the key obligation to safeguard public safety and security. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I'd now like to give the floor to Lutheran World Federation, a video statement.

The Lutheran World Federation, the Christian Lutheran Church of Honduras and the Coalition Against Impunity commend the Honduran Government's efforts for its participation in the fourth cycle of the UPR. We recognize the commitment of the Government to engage in a constructive dialogue with the international community regarding the progress made and the challenges that remain in the protection and promotion of human rights. In this context, we encourage the Government to continue strengthening efforts aimed at the implementation of recommendations, in close consultation with civil society and affected communities, through the development and implementation of a national plan of action that includes clear goals and adequate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. We consider the following recommendations to be particularly relevant: accession to key international instruments; Strengthening the fight against corruption and impunity. Strengthening the national protection mechanism by allocating sufficient funds and ensuring effective implementation procedures. Promotion of vocational training and entrepreneurship programs for women and youth in low-income areas and vulnerable contexts. Strengthen measures aimed at guaranteeing equitable and timely access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services. strengthening of reintegration programs for returned migrants under a human rights-based approach that favors sustainable integration and reduces the risks of re-migration. We believe that the effective implementation of the recommendations will contribute significantly to strengthening the rule of law, social justice, and the protection of the rights of the most vulnerable people. reiterate our willingness to contribute with the state of Honduras and other relevant actors in the follow-up and implementation of recommendations. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you very much. I'd now like to give the floor to Marista Foundation for International Solidarity. Video statement.

So, this declaration represents the voices of children, adolescents and young persons of Honduras who took part in the preparation process of the UPR report. Many of them recognized that some progress has been made in the areas of education and health. However, they also voiced deep-rooted concerns about the challenges that they still face in their daily lives. In particular, they highlighted difficulties when accessing quality education. Some children continue to work instead of going to school. due to the economic situation of their families. There's also a significant gap between public and private education, as well as a lack of resources and teachers in some schools. Young people also voiced concern about insecurity, violence associated with gangs, and the fear of suffering abuse or exploitation. This situation affects their right to grow in safe environments. Also, They pointed out difficulties when accessing healthcare services, particularly in rural areas. Also, there was a lack of medicines and accessible healthcare centres. That is why we recommend to Honduras the following: Strengthen the public education system and guarantee access to safe and inclusive education for all boys and girls. Strengthen the policies in terms of protection from violence, child exploitation and insecurity; improve access to health care services and medicines, particularly for the most vulnerable communities; implement programmes that protect children in a street situation and combat child labour; promote the participation of children and young persons in decisions affecting their lives. listening to the voices of children and youth is vital to build fairer public policies. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. I give the floor for a joint statement via video to the International Institute Maria Auxiliadora of the Salesian Don Bosco.

We commend Honduras for its constructive engagement in its fourth UPR. On the right to education, we highlight recommendation 117.134 and .135. While acknowledging the efforts undertaken by Honduras, we remain concerned by the persisting challenges in access to quality education, insufficient bilingual education, and high dropout rates. With respect to the rights of children and youth, we welcome recommendations 117.98, 117 and 203. We express our deep concern for the alarming levels of sexual violence against children, the criminalisation of children in street situations and the increasing prevalence of drug and alcohol addiction among young people. Finally, concerning the rights of women, we highlight recommendation 117.176. We are alarmed by the high rates of femicide, domestic violence and sexual exploitation, and we further note that the services for physical and psychological rehabilitation of survivors remain insufficient. I am a invidious recommend Honduras to one ensure the right to education by guaranteeing inclusive bilingual digital and human rights based education, including through improved infrastructure, adequate teacher training and fair remuneration for educators to prevent and eradicate violence, abuse and child labor and enhance comprehensive protection measures to ensure that all children can grow up in a safe and healthy environment. and free, ensure effective implementation of the existing legal framework to prevent and combat violence against women and reinforce the justice system to enhance access to remedies, accountability and trust in public institutions. I thank you.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to Peace Brigades International. The interpreters apologize, but the sound quality is too poor for interpretation.

Para expresar los temas de inseguridad que enfrentamos las personas LGTBI en Honduras, para el ano 2020 al 2025, dejo un registro de 192 personas LGTBI asesinadas. El presente ano ya suman tres personas LGTBI. Es preocupante el discurso de odio por parte de los funcionarios del actual gobierno, lo que llaman atentar contra los derechos de los defensores las mujeres y las personas LGTBI. También nos preocupa el llamado de la integración de Honduras al escudo de las Américas, lo cual refleja en que muchos diputados del partido de gobierno estén tratando de presentar iniciativas de ley que van orientadas a restringir en los derechos fundamentales de las personas LGTBI. El Comité de la Diversidad Sexual de Honduras presentó ante el examen periódico universal 20 recomendaciones tentativas a reformar el artículo 112 constitucional nacional y aplicar efectivamente el artículo 70, teniendo en cuenta un enfoque de interseccionalidad. También promulgar y aprobar leyes que garanticen la igualdad y la no discriminación hacia las personas LGTBI en Honduras. Reformar, revisar el código penal vigente, contentivo al delito de la discriminación en su artículo 200 11, 212 y 213 e incorporar el delito de odio. También reformar la ley de la policía y convivencia nacional ciudadana, promoviendo la participación de la sociedad civil en estos mecanismos de reforma. Y por último, descentralizar el mecanismo nacional de protección a defensores, promoviéndole los recursos técnicos financieros para este mismo. Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to FIAN International.

Again, the interpreters apologize, but the sound quality is too poor for interpretation. con tratos desiguales frente a otros grupos que mantienen el control de los recursos naturales y propicien actividades contrarias a su conservación, afectando los medios de vida de estas poblaciones. Por ello, para avanzar en el cumplimiento del derecho a la alimentación y nutrición adecuada, es necesario el combate al cambio climático y la degradación ambiental, en el marco de las acciones de erradicación de la pobreza e inseguridad alimentaria. ampliando entre otras medidas la garantía universal de la seguridad social, así como actualizar el marco legal e institucional, especialmente para las zonas rurales y costeras, como lo estipulan las recomendaciones ya emitidas. Las políticas y medidas se deben transversalizar con un enfoque de derechos humanos y de género, por la diferencia evidente en las afectaciones de las problemáticas de erosión costera, inundaciones y marejadas altas, así como de exponer mecanismos de alerta temprana y procedimientos de atención inmediata pérdidas y daños de la población afectada. Deben ser las poblaciones afectadas por el cambio climático y la degradación ambiental las que protagonicen los procesos de toma de decisión sobre sus vidas y sus territorios, teniendo en cuenta que la articulación entre gobierno local y nacional es clave para esto. Hacemos un llamado a los funcionarios públicos de Honduras para que hagan suyas tanto las recomendaciones, así como la jurisprudencia que la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos ha adoptado en un contexto de crisis climática. Agradecemos a la audiencia de este consejo por permitirnos expresar estas palabras de urgencia a la acción hacia la justicia ambiental, social y climática de miles de personas en Honduras.

Muchas gracias. I give the floor to Center for Reproductive Rights.

Mr. President, Honduras remains one of just six countries in Latin America to criminalize abortion in all circumstances. Despite the fact that injury or deaths from unsafe abortions are entirely preventable, the ban on abortion means that complications from unsafe abortions are now the second leading cause of hospitalization. Honduras received a number of recommendations in its universal periodic review to decriminalize abortion. as well as to ensure quality sexual and reproductive health services, and we are deeply disappointed that it has not accepted them. The legalization of emergency contraception in Honduras on 8 March 2023 represented a historic step forward in the recognition of the right to sexual and reproductive health, especially for women and people with the capacity to become pregnant. But two months after the agreement was issued, conservative groups filed a lawsuit through the administrative courts to once again prevent its use and distribution. The proceedings are ongoing, and as a result, access to emergency contraception is at risk. We call on Honduras to implement recommendations made to ensure access to sexual and reproductive health care, which includes the decriminalization of abortion, so that women and girls in the country can fully realize their rights. Finally, we note that sexual violence in Honduras, which remains at unacceptably high levels, disproportionately affects indigenous women who defend human rights, land, and the environment. International human rights organizations and experts have recognized that this and other forms of violence are a direct consequence of conflicts that arise between indigenous peoples and third parties who seek to dispossess them of their ancestral territories or exploit the natural resources of their lands. We therefore call on Honduras to promote a safe environment for the defense of human rights and to refrain from acts of harassment, intimidation, and violence against women defenders, especially those who defend their territory. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to Plan International, video statement.

Hello, my name is Natalie, I'm a Honduran girl and I took part in the consultation process to draft the alternative report on childhood submitted within the fourth cycle of the UPR of Honduras. On behalf of Honduran girls,

apologies, the sound is not good enough for accurate interpretation.

Sabemos que en el ciclo anterior, Honduras recibió 223 recomendaciones, y que 39 de ellas están directamente relacionadas con los derechos de la niñez y adolescencia. Valoramos mucho los esfuerzos realizados hasta hoy. Sin embargo, los desafíos siguen siendo significativos. Muchas niñas, niños y adolescentes viven en situaciones de pobreza y enfrentan retos en educación, salud y protección. miles continúan migrando o siendo afectados por los distintos tipos de violencia. Queremos escuelas en mejores condiciones, comunidades más seguras y mayor protección para las niñas. Es por ello que hacemos un respetuoso llamado a continuar avanzando en la implementación de las recomendaciones de LEPU centradas en la niñez, así como a fortalecer los sistemas creados para garantizar nuestros derechos. A través de mi participación en Plan Internacional, He fortalecido mi liderazgo y he aprendido a expresar mis ideas. Porque priorizar a las niñas y adolescentes no es solo una responsabilidad, es una inversión en el presente y en el futuro de Honduras. Cuando se protege, escucha y apoya a las niñas, niñas y adolescentes, se construye un país más justo, fuerte y lleno de oportunidades para todas y todos. Muchas gracias.

Muchas gracias. I give the floor to AKAHATA, the Working Team on Sexuality and Gender Civil Society video statement.

We appreciate Honduras participation at this UPR.

Cycle and the significant number of recommendations received, particularly those aimed at combating gender violence, discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons, strengthen democracy and the rule of law, and guarantee the comprehensive access to health and sexual reproductive rights.

Once again, the interpreters very much apologize, but the sound quality is not good enough for interpretation. La violencia contra las mujeres y defensoras continúa en niveles alarmantes y con altos índices de impunidad. Asimismo, las personas LGBTQ+ siguen enfrentando crímenes motivados por prejuicio, discriminación estructural y la falta de reconocimiento de sus derechos. Además, persisten barreras en el acceso a servicios de salud sexual y reproductiva, así como prácticas discriminatorias contra personas que viven con VIH, incluyendo violaciones a la confidencialidad, esterilizaciones forzadas, estigma en los servicios de salud y coerción en el uso de métodos anticonceptivos. Lamentamos que el Estado no haya aceptado recomendaciones orientadas a la ratificación del Protocolo Facultativo de la CEDAW, ni aquellas dirigidas a eliminar las barreras legales que restringen el acceso al aborto y los derechos de las personas LGBTQ+. Exhortamos a Honduras a que implemente las recomendaciones sobre erradicación de la violencia de género, lucha contra la impunidad, protección de defensoras y de las personas LGBTQ+. La adopcion de esta revision representa una oportunidad para avanzar hacia una proteccion integral y efectiva de los derechos humanos de todas las personas en Honduras. Muchas gracias.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. And I go to Alliance Defending Freedom.

Mr. Vice President, ADF International commends the Honduran government's acceptance of Serbia's recommendation to strengthen parental rights, specifically the right to choose the form of education and moral and religious upbringing of their children.

This commitment reflects Honduras's constitutional mandate and its obligations under international human rights law.

We also take note of the government's intention to redouble efforts to promote children's health and well-being, including through measures aimed at preventing adolescent pregnancy and tackling the scourge of child sexual violence and exploitation. Efforts to address sexual violence must reflect the gravity and complexity of these violations. Framing prevention merely as requiring greater exposure to information on sexuality risks oversimplifying the issue and revictimizing survivors.

According to the UNFPA.

There is no consistent evidence of the impact of comprehensive sexuality education programs on the perpetration or experience of violence. Furthermore, certain approaches promoted under the framework of CSC introduce ideological notions incompatible with international law, nor aligning with Honduras' legal framework and values.

In contrast, holistic.

Family-oriented approaches that recognize and support parents as primary caregivers and protectors of their children have demonstrated value in strengthening social resilience, reducing vulnerability and resort to violence, and facilitating the care, recovery, and empowerment of children and young persons.

Mr. Vice-President, by engaging parents in the development, implementation.

Implementation and monitoring of scientifically accurate curricula, including on health, risk avoidance and responsible decision-making, Honduras can make tangible progress in advancing the rights and well-being of children.

In this context, EDF International.

Also calls on the government to ensure that parents retain the ability to opt their children out of education programs that conflict with their religious or moral convictions, while safeguarding freedom of education at all levels. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to International Communities Organisation Limited.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Despite the significant indigenous population in Honduras, serious gaps remain in national laws and policies to protect their rights. The Garifuna peoples and other minority communities remain inadequately protected, with essential needs often unmet. Indigenous and minority communities face exclusion from economic opportunity, democratic participation, and access to justice, education, healthcare, and basic public services. Land rights violations remain a serious concern, including plans to construct a mega-prison on Miskito land without adequate free, prior, and informed consent. Together with representatives of these indigenous communities, we therefore urge Honduras to: 1. Fully implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in national law and policy. 2. Ensure the free, informed and prior consent of local communities and indigenous peoples for all private business operations on indigenous land, with the support of UNESCO. 3. Ensure indigenous languages are included in the national judicial system and essential public services to allow for equal access and democratic participation. 4. Support the establishment of the Commission on Access to Justice for Vulnerable Groups and the development of protocols to ensure justice for minority communities. The protection of indigenous peoples is not optional. It is a legal and moral obligation under international law. Thank you.

Thank you very much. That was the last speaker that we could accommodate. I would like to point out that based on the information provided, Honduras supports 216 of the 243 recommendations received and takes note of 27. I'm grateful to to Honduras for their presentation and constructive participation throughout the UPR process. I propose that the Council adopt the decision on the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Honduras, as it appears on the screen. I see no objections. The decision is adopted. Thank you very much indeed. We will now suspend the session very briefly before we consider the outcome of the Marshall Islands. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we will now proceed to consider the outcome of the Marshall Islands. The outcome report is based on the report of the working group on the Universal Periodic Review of the Marshall Islands and its addendum. These documents, together with the additional information that the Marshall Islands will now provide, will make up the outcome of the review, and the Council will adopt them through a standardized decision. It is a pleasure for me to give the floor to Distinguished Jess Gaspar, Jr., Minister of Culture and Domestic Affairs of the Marshall Islands, to present supplementary information on the review. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Republic of the Marshall Islands expresses its deepest appreciation to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Human Rights Council, the UPR Working Group, and the members of the Troika, namely Bolivia, Kenya, and the Republic of Korea. and the Pacific community for their invaluable support and contributions to our fourth UPR cycle review. As a Pacific Island developing state, we rely on productive partnership and constructive engagements to ensure that we have the necessary means to build and enhance our capacity and resources in our ongoing efforts to promote and protect human rights. Following our review in November 2025, We are pleased to provide the following responses to the 223 recommendations made during that UPR session and request your attention to document AHRC-61-14, addendum one. We are pleased to announce our support to more than 95% of the recommendations. The Marshall Islands accepts the recommendations to ratify the remaining core human rights instruments that it has not yet ratified and in relation to other treaties, notes recommendations 121.16 through 17, which will require further evaluation. While the Marshall Islands recognizes the critical nature of these key treaties and protocols and has made progress ratifying human rights treaties, our national administrative capacity is limited, meaning tangible resources are necessary to effectively implement these treaties and protocols and fulfill reporting obligations. The Marshall Island government kindly requests the international community to provide assistance to this end. Human rights treaties require robust institutions to implement them. For that reason, the Marshall Islands accepts recommendations 121.24 to 121.40 to strengthen the Marshall Islands National Human Rights Committee and integrate the Paris Principles. The Marshall Islands has already taken steps that set the foundation for the establishment of the National Human Rights Institution. In 2023, RMI took part in a Pacific Regional Learning Forum through which we received confirmation of technical assistance from APF and SPC. In 2025, the government participated in a training on national capacity building efforts for human rights institutions, and also undertook a feasibility scoping mission with the OCHR and APF. An NHRI bill is now before the Nadijale, or the parliament. for its consideration and enactment. As a sign of our commitment to government accountability, the Marshall Islands accept the recommendations made to strengthen capacity to implement our human rights goals and fulfill reporting obligations. To this end, our legislative body passed the Ombudsman Office Act of 2025. which created an independent office in the Marshall Islands government that is tasked with investigating legal or unethical conduct by elected or high-level public officials. By introducing accountability measures, advancing human rights also requires that individual groups are better represented in our government. To that end, the Marshall Islands accepts the recommendations regarding anti-discrimination and gender equality. Our country and government will continue to consider how to better incorporate protections for all persons, including on the grounds of gender equality and sexual orientation, into our legislation in line with our cultural values and notes recommendations 121.99 and 121.218 to 121.221. As a result of our commitment to combating discriminations against all groups, the Marshall Islands accepts the recommendations to promote women's rights and address domestic violence. Elevating the status of women in the Marshall Islands remains deeply integrated in our pursuit of human rights for all. Women's political and economic empowerment, women's leadership and decision-making roles, and eliminating violence against women are all critical women's rights and vital to our nation's actualizing its full potential, particularly as a matrilineal society. The Marshall Islands will continue to empower women and strongly advocate for the human rights of women and girls in all their diversity. In line with our commitment to a more inclusive future of our country, we also accept the recommendations on children's rights to fully incorporate and implement the provisions of CRC. We also accept the recommendations to support the enjoyment of rights of persons with disabilities and encourage inclusion in all national decision-making processes. However, Even with effective accountability measures and non-discrimination legislation, climate change remains one of the most severe and irreversible threats to the human rights of coastal communities and low-lying atoll nations. And we require resources from many partners and allies to effectively combat this crisis. We gladly accept the recommendations that pertain to climate change. and especially the protection of vulnerable populations from climate-related disasters. The Marshall Island prioritizes human rights in addressing the climate change crisis, but limited capacity and the difficulty in accessing climate finance sources means that the climate crisis is moving faster than our progress is. We thus welcome further collaboration and consideration from the international community. in responding to this urgent crisis and ensuring that the protection and promotion of the human rights of our people. Another barrier to the full realization of the human rights in the Marshall Islands is our nuclear legacy, and our government will continue its efforts to mitigate the effects of nuclear testing programs conducted by the United States while under a UN trusteeship. Our national nuclear strategy is focused on the following areas. environmental remediation, health care for those affected by the nuclear testing, and obtaining compensation for health, property damage, and injuries. We have also been collaborating with OACHR through a technical assistance and capacity building mandate on the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands. To that end, The Marshall Islands accepts the recommendations relating to nuclear justice and notes recommendations 121.19 through 106.20. Given the nuclear legacy, increasing the health of our populace is a key concern. And investing in our educational system is crucial to our future success as a nation. The Marshall Islands therefore accepts the recommendations to improve education and health, including promoting awareness around nutrition, active lifestyle, and communicable diseases. We continue to take steps to improve our health care systems and services, including on the neighboring islands. We understand that detention facilities are critical elements that shape how former inmates are reintegrated into society. For that reason, the Marshall Islands accepts recommendations regarding improvements to our prison facilities and juvenile justice systems. We will take the necessary steps to come into alignment with international standards in this area. Human trafficking is a global issue. And in the Marshall Islands, we are combating this reality through legislation and policy action. We accept recommendations 121.8, 121.58, to 121.71, 121.81, and 121.83, 121.183, to effectively reduce human trafficking in the Marshall Islands and to prevent the human trafficking of the Marshallese individuals living abroad, especially women and girls. To further these efforts, the Marshall Islands would adhere closely to our recently developed national implementation plan. Mr. President, we cannot do this alone. The Marshall Islands has become a pillar of human rights advocacy in the Pacific, but to remain so, we will need the continuing support, collaboration, and investment from the international community as we aim to meet our human rights goals We assure you that the recommendations not implemented at this time are duly noted and considered. We express our sincerest gratitude to each and every one of you in this process, and we welcome your comments. And I thank you.

I thank His Excellency for this presentation. I would now like to open the floor for Member States and observers for their comments on the outcome of the review. The speaking time has been set at one minute and 30 seconds for all States. The first speaker on my list is Nigeria via video statement.

Thank you, Mr. President. Nigeria welcomes the delegation of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the adoption of its fourth UPR outcome report. We acknowledge the climate-related vulnerabilities faced by the Marshall Islands and commend its continued efforts to uphold its human rights obligations and safeguard its communities in spite of these challenges. Nigeria welcomes the acceptance of its recommendations, including those aimed at operationalizing a national human rights institutions in line with the Paris Principles, strengthening efforts to combat trafficking in persons, and expanding access to essential services for neighboring island communities. In this regard, Nigeria recommends the adoption of the UPR outcome report of the Marshall Islands by consensus and wishes the Government every success in the implementation of recommendations accepted. I thank you, Mr. President.

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

Vice-President, the delegation of the Sultanate of Oman would like to welcome the delegation of this friendly state, and we welcome the Marshall Islands' cooperation with all human rights mechanisms and their efforts to strengthen their national regulatory framework, thereby guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms. My country has carefully considered the outcome report of the Marshall Islands of the UPR, which took place in a very fruitful, interactive spirit. We welcome the acceptance of the recommendations presented by my country. To conclude, my country recommends the adoption of the UPR outcome of the Marshall Islands, and we wish them ever more prosperity and success in terms of the implementation of the recommendations they accepted. I thank you, President.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. My delegation welcomes the distinguished delegation of the Marshall Islands to this session. We recognize the Marshall Islands for its strong engagement in the Council, especially its consistent advocacy on the impacts of climate change on the enjoyment and realization of human rights. We particularly appreciate the Marshall Islands' support for the three recommendations proposed by the Philippines concerning strengthened action against trafficking in persons, and first, enhanced enforcement of non-discrimination and gender-based violence with better support for victims, and improved protection for migrant workers, including working towards the ratification of the Migrant Workers Convention. In closing, the Philippines supports the adoption of the UPR Working Group report on the Marshall Islands by consensus and extends its best wishes to the Marshall Islands for the full and effective implementation of the recommendations it has accepted. I thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I now call on the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Thank you, Vice President. We note that all four recommendations made by the Russian Federation to the Marshall Islands were accepted. That said, we must note that, notwithstanding certain progress in the field of human rights, the human rights situation in the country remains difficult. We draw attention to the fact that the government's efforts are clearly not sufficient for addressing widespread gender inequality, domestic violence, and human trafficking, amongst others. We hope that the recommendations accepted by the Marshall Islands in the UPR will be duly implemented and will help overcome the human rights gaps in the country. We wish the Marshall Islands every success in implementing the accepted recommendations, and we recommend that the Council adopt the outcome report. Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I now call on the distinguished representative of Samoa.

Thank you, Vice President. We extend our sincere appreciation to the delegation of the Marshall Islands for their acceptance of all three UPR recommendations by Samoa on enhancing access to education for children with disabilities, seeking developmental assistance to strengthen climate mitigation, and continuing to raise awareness on the effects of nuclear testing. The country's commitment to the UPR process is further demonstrated by the more than 200 recommendations it has accepted in this fourth cycle. Samoa applaud the dedication of the Marshall Islands to achieve recommendations to target non-communicable diseases, as well as to continue implementing the Gender Equality Act and strengthen national human rights institutions. Samoa also recalls that the Marshall Islands is a climate-vulnerable, low-lying, atoll, and small island developing state. In this context, we wish to highlight the importance of international cooperation and technical assistance to the country's implementation of climate change-related UPR recommendations. To conclude, Samoa recommends the adoption of the Marshall Islands UPR report and wishes the delegation every success. I thank you.

Thank you. I now call on the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone.

Mr. Vice President, Sierra Leone welcomes the distinguished delegation of Republic of the Marshall Islands to the adoption of their fourth cycle of the universal periodic review. We thank the Republic of the Marshall Islands for their continued commitment to the UPR process and the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. We note with appreciation that the Republic of the Marshall Islands has accepted 213 of the 223 recommendations made during the review, including all of the recommendations by Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone fully supports the adoption of the report. and wishes the Republic of Marshall Islands every success in the implementation of the accepted recommendations. I thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Singapore.

Mr. Vice-President, Singapore congratulates the delegation of the Republic of the Marshall Islands a fellow Small Island Developing State, on the successful completion of its fourth Universal Periodic Review. We commend the Marshall Islands for its engagement with the UPR process and its careful consideration of the various recommendations put forward by delegations. We thank the Marshall Islands for accepting both of our recommendations. First, to continue to strengthen efforts to combat communicable and non-communicable diseases and enhance access to healthcare services, especially in the outer islands. Second, to ensure sufficient resources and funding of its National Inclusive Education Programme, with a view towards expanding its outreach to even more children with disabilities. Singapore supports the adoption of the Working Group's report on the Marshall Islands CUS UPR. I thank you.

Thank you. I now call on the Syrian Arab Republic.

I thank you, Vice-President. A cordial welcome to the delegation of the Republic of Marshall Islands, and we thank the delegation for their presentation. The presentation reiterated respect for human rights conventions and also achievements that have been made. We commend the efforts made to strengthen institutions and to launch societal initiatives. We commend the practical measures that have been taken to ratify international instruments and to cooperate with international human rights mechanisms. We commend the national efforts that have been taken to promote implementation of UPR recommendations in order to protect social, economic and cultural rights and in order to combat human trafficking and in order to protect and preserve fundamental freedoms and ensure civil society participation. We wish the Marshall Islands every success in their national strategy and in their efforts, and we recommend that the report be adopted.

Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to UN Women.

Thank you, Chair. UN Women applauds the Marshall Islands for enacting the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Act and the Gender Equality Act and for establishing a dedicated domestic violence unit, Weito in Mower, as the first national survivor support service. We note that two in three women experience violence in their lifetime and that most survivors do not seek help from formal services. We look forward to supporting the full implementation and enforcement of existing legislation, expansion of quality survivor-centered services across all atolls, and strengthening collection and use of disaggregated data to inform prevention and response. Advancing women's economic empowerment remains critical. We encourage the adoption of comprehensive labor protections, including safeguards against sexual harassment, and provisions for parental leave alongside expanded access to finance and social services, trainings and markets, particularly for rural women. UN Women stands ready to support these efforts. We welcome progress in women's political representation and encourage the adoption of temporary special measures, leadership development initiatives and voter outreach to accelerate women's equal participation in decision making. We also comment on ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster and climate resilience and emphasize the need for gender-responsive approaches that center women's leadership and disaggregated data. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to UNFPA via video statement.

The United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, congratulates the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands for its efforts to.

Advance the human rights of all. We recognize its leadership in addressing the critical human rights of climate change and the nuclear legacy.

UNFPA commends the legal and policy measures RMI has taken to address gender-based violence, including the 2019 Gender Equality Act. In addition, the government's 2024 Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child and Adolescent Health, RMNCAH, policy ensures quality care for survivors of gender-based violence.

UNFPA stands ready to support.

Implementation of the UPR recommendations to reduce adolescent pregnancies through family life education, youth-friendly reproductive health services.

And the enforcement of the minimum marriage age of 18 years.

Our joint development of RMI's first youth-focused digital SRHR platform is an exciting step of this process. UNFPA is proud to partner with RMI through technical support to increase access to family planning and implement the 2023 cervical cancer elimination strategy. We remain committed to working with the Marshall Islands to ensure every woman and young person's potential is fulfilled.

I thank you.

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

Thank you, Vice-President. A cordial greeting to the delegation from the Marshall Islands. We welcome their cooperation with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. We are convinced that it is the voluntary mechanisms and not those that are imposed which generate the best results for the protection and promotion of human rights. We therefore note the acceptance by the State under review of the three recommendations made by my delegation. These were geared towards addressing the gaps that still remain in the field of human rights. Finally, we encourage the Marshall Islands to step up their efforts and we encourage them to continue cooperating with the UPR mechanism on the basis of the recommendations received with a view to fully guaranteeing their people's human rights. Many thanks.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam.

Mr. Vice President, Vietnam comments the constructive engagement of Marshall Islands in its fourth UPR cycle. We acknowledge with appreciation Marshall Islands acceptance of all three recommendations made by Vietnam. We further appreciate the efforts made by Marshall Islands on climate justice, strengthening protection system for women and children, and enhancing inclusive social services. We encourage Marshall Islands to continue strengthening its health services and quality education for children across all islands. Vietnam recommends the adoption of the fourth UPR report of Marshall Islands and wishes the Republic of the Marshall Islands success in its implementation.

I thank you.

Thank you. I will now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bahamas.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Bahamas congratulates the Marshall Islands on its constructive participation in the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. We note that the Marshall Islands received 223 recommendations and supported 213, including all three made by the Bahamas. These related to improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation in outer islands, sustaining efforts to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases, and accelerating implementation of the national policy on gender equality to advance women's leadership and economic empowerment. We commend the Marshall Islands on the adoption of the National Gender

Equality Policy, the Disaster Risk Management Act of 2021, and its continued leadership on climate action and nuclear justice.

As a fellow archipelagic small island developing state, the Bahamas understands firsthand the compounding pressures of climate vulnerability and geographic dispersion. We encourage the Marshall Islands to continue its engagement with international and regional partners in implementing its accepted recommendations and reaffirm our solidarity as it endeavors to uphold its human rights commitments. I thank you.

Thank you. I will now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Botswana.

Mr. Vice-President, Botswana welcomes the delegation of Marshall Islands on the occasion of the adoption of the UPR outcome report, and we appreciate the update provided today.

We welcome the Marshall Islands' support

for both Botswana's recommendations, which are to establish comprehensive, multi-sectoral, national coordination mechanisms to facilitate access to mental health and psychological support services for survivors of gender-based violence, and to initiate tailored community-based measures to prevent forced child marriages. These commitments reflect a constructive approach to strengthening human rights protection by the Marshall Islands. In conclusion, Botswana supports the adoption of the UPR outcome report of Marshall Islands and wishes the Government success in the implementation of accepted recommendations.

Thank

you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of China.

Mr Vice President,

China is deeply concerned by the problems facing the Marshall Islands, including underdevelopment, gender discrimination, and inadequate protection of vulnerable

groups.

We welcome its support for the three recommendations made by China. We hope that the Marshall Islands will implement the accepted recommendations by taking effective measures against human trafficking, discrimination against women, and hate speech, while effectively protecting the rights of women and children, promoting economic and social development, improving social security, and effectively protecting the rights of vulnerable groups so that all these people can equally enjoy all human rights.

I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Thank you, Vice-President. A cordial greeting to the delegation of the Marshall Islands. We recognise the country's commitment to the UPR. We highlight the country's firm determination to broaden territorial coverage of social services, especially regarding the peripheral islands, ensuring protection and care for persons in vulnerable circumstances. We are glad that the Marshall Islands accepted 213 out of the 223 recommendations it received, including the two made by Cuba. We highlight the progress achieved in terms of strengthening the national strategic plan for ensuring adequate living standards and ensuring healthcare and education services can be adapted to the climate. We wish the Marshall Islands every success in the implementation of the recommendations and support the adoption of the report. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cyprus.

Mr. Vice President, Cyprus wishes to thank the delegation of the Marshall Islands for the update on their progress since the review last November. My delegation commends the Marshall Islands for the large number of accepted recommendations. We are pleased to note that all of our recommendations regarding the continued strengthening of the primary health care system, the establishment of an education to employment transition program in secondary schools, the strengthening of legal frameworks to ensure the integration of climate adoption and disaster risk reduction measures, the provision of unimpeded access adequate health care services and employment for communities affected by nuclear testing, as well as the creation of a dedicated action plan to ensure multi-sectoral response to gender-based violence have been accepted. Cyprus recommends the adoption of the UPR Working Group report on the Marshall Islands by consensus and wishes the Government every success in the implementation of all the accepted recommendations. I thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic.

Thank you, Vice-President. The Dominican Republic congratulates the Marshall Islands on their commitment to the UPR and for having accepted 213 out of 223 recommendations. We are particularly grateful that all of the recommendations that our country presented were accepted. These related to, firstly, strengthening the national mechanism for the implementation and follow-up to international recommendations through the consolidation of a standing interinstitutional mechanism. Secondly, including climate awareness education and human rights education across all levels of the educational system. Thirdly, strengthening climate policies that are based on human rights. Fourthly, ensuring the flexible application of gender policy with a view to full and effective participation of women in decision-making. Finally, we wish all the best to the Marshall Islands in the implementation of the recommendations they accepted, and we encourage the Human Rights Council to adopt the outcome report by consensus. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of El Salvador.

Thank you once again, Vice-President. El Salvador would like to commend the Marshall Islands for having accepted 213 recommendations in the context of the fourth universal periodic review. In particular, we are glad that the three recommendations our delegation made were accepted. We highlight the achievements made in the field of education, as well as measures taken to improve risk management and environmental protection. El Salvador trusts that the implementation of the recommendations will contribute to strengthening the institutional framework of the Marshall Islands, as well as to the protection of children and the struggle against climate change. Finally, El Salvador would like to wish every success to the Marshall Islands, and we recommend the adoption of the report. Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. That was the last speaker that we could accommodate. I'd like to remind you that all statements, including those that were not read out in the room because of a lack of time, should be uploaded on the internet. I'd now like to give the floor to the other stakeholders to make their general comments on the outcome. The speaking time has been set at two minutes for all. The first speaker on my list is the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches. Please go ahead.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We thank the government of the Marshall Islands for accepting most of the recommendations made during the UPR. Nearly 80 years after the first of the 67 nuclear test explosions conducted by the US military, the consequences for human health and the environment persist across the country. We commend the government for drawing international attention to this legacy, including through the two Human Rights Council resolutions. During a solidarity visit by the World Council of Churches to the Marshall Islands in 2023, we heard elderly survivors continue to express a profound wish to return to the atolls from which they were forcibly displaced eight decades ago. The rights to health and to a clean and healthy, sustainable environment for these survivors and all people of the Marshall Islands continue to be violated by the failure of those who carried out the testing to address and remediate the damage caused. We encourage the Government of the Marshall Islands to continue seeking international support for independent research to assess ongoing radiation contamination and to strengthen national capacity to respond to environmental and climate-related risks, including concerns about the Runit Dome. Rising sea levels put this dome at risk of cracking and leaking the contamination that it covers into the Pacific Ocean. The impacts of this would be felt far beyond the borders of the Marshall Islands. Continued calls for full declassification of documents related to radioactive contamination are also essential to ensure transparency and justice. In this context, we again strongly encourage the Marshall Islands to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Ratification would reinforce the country's longstanding moral leadership on nuclear justice. Importantly, the treaty's provision on victim assistance and environmental remediation support affected states in seeking international cooperation and assistance, while not diminishing the primary responsibility of those who conducted the tests. The resilience of the Marshallese people in the face of this legacy is remarkable. The international community must continue to stand with them to ensure that history is not forgotten and their rights to health, environment and justice are fully realised.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to United Nations Watch.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. United Nations Watch welcomes the delegation of the Marshall Islands and commends its continued engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process. We welcome the country's initiatives to strengthen governance, including plans to establish an independent ombudsman and efforts to improve transparency and institutional accountability. At the same time, important challenges remain. We are concerned by gaps in the protection of fundamental rights, including conditions of detention and the need to ensure full respect for due process. We also underscore serious concerns regarding human trafficking. While legislative framework exists, enforcement remains limited. Reports indicate that women and girls are vulnerable to sexual exploitation and that authorities face capacity constraints in identifying victims and prosecuting perpetrators. The government has reportedly not secured a trafficking conviction since 2011. Although new cases were investigated and prosecutions were initiated, impunity remains a major concern, including where official complicity may have enabled suspects to evade justice. United Nations Watch is further concerned that victim protection remains inadequate in practice. Despite the identification of victims, none were referred to protection services during the reporting period and no victim received assistance. Victims should not be required in law or in practice to cooperate with law enforcement in order to access protection. Assistance must be victim-centered, timely, and unconditional. We note in particular gaps in regulating labor recruitment practices, including the continued charging of recruitment fees to vulnerable migrant workers. Particular attention should be paid to women and girls, foreign workers in high-risk sectors, and residents of outer islands. Mr. Vice President, we call on the Marshall Islands to strengthen investigations, prosecution, and victim protection, and to fully implement its national action plan on trafficking.

Thank you.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to Juventem and V through a video statement.

Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Juventem is honored to participate. We commend the Marshall Islands for its ongoing advancement of human rights across multiple fields and appreciate all the recommendations made. We wish the Marshall Islands successful implementations for further improvements. What makes the Marshall Islands unique, beyond the other challenges facing small island developing states, is its sustained pursuit of nuclear justice. Nuclear legacy is damage caused to the locals, whether intentional or accidental. Innocent civilians are damaged by the lasting impact of nuclear materials. What the Marshall Islands faces is an issue for the entire world since there are so many precarious nuclear facilities, the possibility of nuclear wars, and the reluctance to stop nuclear activities. This world is irresponsible. We should not place the responsibility solely on the victims' shoulders. Atomic bombs, nuclear testings, industrial disasters, and other contamination cases must be responsibly monitored and the remedy must be provided. We call for international support, both technically and financially, for the recovery of the rights of the affected people. Thank you very much for your attention.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to Advocates for Human Rights through a video statement.

Mr. President, the Advocates for Human Rights, a member of the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, commends the Marshall Islands for supporting all nine recommendations it received to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which aims for the abolition of the death penalty. We celebrate with caution, however. The Marshall Islands accepted seven similar recommendations in its third cycle UPR, but has not made any progress toward OP2 ratification. We encourage the Marshall Islands to reach out to the Friends of the Second Optional Protocol to request technical support in fulfilling its commitments. We also applaud the Marshall Islands as a UPR 2025 Champion of Abolition. During the 2025 UPRs, states made 444 recommendations on the death penalty, with Iceland, Spain, Australia, Estonia, and Uruguay ranking among the top five global leaders. The Marshall Islands made 10 recommendations on the death penalty, marking the largest increase of any state compared with 2024, earning recognition among the champions of abolition as the global top rising star. The Marshall Islands also stands alongside Cyprus and Mongolia as a regional leader for abolitionist recommendations in the Asia-Pacific. African regional leaders include Namibia, Togo, and Sierra Leone. Ukraine, Latvia, Colombia, and Paraguay join Estonia and Uruguay as leaders in their respective regions. We express our deep gratitude to the Marshall Islands and to all the other UPR 2025 Champions of Abolition. We hope even more member states will advocate for abolition in this year's UPR sessions, and that states that make such recommendations will do so more frequently. We urge the Marshall Islands to continue its work as a champion of abolition and to take all necessary steps to ratify the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to Shanxi Patriotic Volunteer Association through a video statement.

Thank you, Special Reporter. I'm a veteran, distinguished delegates. I shed blood for peace and security of my country, upholding the tenet of patriotic concept, loving one's own country without harming other nations' interests. Today, I'm as an ordinary citizen and also an observer of international human rights called to share my views on the UPR outcome of the Marshall Islands. The Marshall Islands, a small nation in the Pacific, have suffered far too much on their path to pursue human rights, particularly because of the heavy scars left over by the prolonged nuclear tests conducted by the US. This is a grave violation of human rights of Marshall Islands people and a display, ugly display of hegemonism. Despite of these challenges, Marshall Islands have not succumbed or yielded through legislative from international cooperation. They have tried to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and vulnerable groups, actively responded to climate change, demonstrating a firm commitment to human rights. This stands in sharp contrast to the hegemonic acts of certain major countries. I firmly oppose hegemonism, which undermines, disrupts international order and tramples upon human rights principles. I call on the international community to pay attention to the Marshall Islands, support This country addressing these challenges, urge relevant countries shoulder their responsibility, provide compensation, reparation for nuclear harms. Finally, sincerely invite representatives from all member states to attend. the this year's spring forum on IPPO, patriotic organization, which will be held in the morning, uh, um, 1st of April in conference room five, we'll discuss integrated development, international cooperation concept, community with a shared future for humankind. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to the Center for Global Non-Killing.

Dear human beings, senior vice president, Dear populations of the Marshall Islands, dear authorities of the Marshall Islands, including the highest, everyone everywhere, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, justice is the ability to make ends meet and to join our hearts presently as in our common future. Dear delegation, my heart cries for explanations. If nuclear annihilation is close to genocide, in the name of the people of Bikini, Rongelap, Eniwetok, and elsewhere, in the name of all victims of nuclear activities, in the name of humanity, dear delegation, please tell us, when will you ratify the Genocide Convention? If not so, what would help you to do so? Or if not, despite supported recommendations in previous UPRs, please tell us what or who is keeping you from doing this ratification. Dear Delegation, my heart cries for explanations. Marshallese and others are first-hand witnesses to nuclear horrors. Dear Delegation, please tell us, when will you ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons? If not soon, what would help you to do so? We stated in our report under item 10 that Quadraline is not, in our opinion, an impediment. Or if not, please tell us what or who is keeping you from doing this ratification. delegation, my heart rejoices at your outstanding courage and at what you do for your people and for all humanity as you demand justice for nuclear atrocities and for the ongoing remnants. Please, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, take the deed two steps further, and in the name of your people and of humanity, please make these two ratifications. Thank you very much for your proactive promotion of life and for your presence here in Geneva. Muchas gracias, Senor Vicepresidente.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to Imam Ali's Popular Students Relief Society.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. It is gratifying that the Marshall Islands have accepted over 95% of the proposals made to them, but we are surprised that proposals 19 and 20 have not been accepted. Marshall Islands has experienced 67 nuclear tests in the atmosphere and underwater between 1946 and 1958, leaving behind a legacy of environmental damage such as cactus dome and high rates of cancer and birth defects for many years to come. The fact that in recent years, at least four countries, including a country that has recently massacred thousands of its own people, as well as two permanent members of the Security Council, have spoken their readiness to conduct nuclear tests or to resume such testing is deeply alarming, particularly for populations already living through conflict. Ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons could protect the Marshall Islands and its people from repeating the dangers experienced over the past 12 years, while at the same time reducing social harm globally at a time when the world is facing a deeply critical environmental situation. We sincerely hope that you will consider the proposals of South Africa and Indonesia.

Thank you.

Thank you very much. That was the last statement. recorded on the list. Before giving the floor to the delegation of the Marshall Islands to make their concluding remarks, may I point out that, based on the information provided, the Marshall Islands supports 213 of the 223 recommendations received and takes note of 9 recommendations. The delegation provided additional clarifications about another recommendation and indicated which part of it it supported and which part of it it noted. I now give the floor to His Excellency to make concluding remarks. Please go ahead.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We would like to extend our appreciation to the States and NGOs who have provided valuable contributions during the Marshall Islands UPR process. We thank you for meaningfully engaging in this process and providing insightful comments. As a small island nation, we have ambitious goals to serve as a beacon of human rights in the Pacific, remain on the front lines in combating the climate change crisis, and create a more equal world through our legislation and policies. The Marshall Islands has reinforced its human rights commitment through HR 75, HRC candidacy, voluntary pledges focused on rights-based climate action, focused on nuclear justice and good governance. The Marshall Islands has engaged in multilateral forums and has been instrumental in advancing these priorities, particularly in the areas of climate change and the nuclear legacy. issues that are central to the human rights of the Marshallese people. Moreover, since the presentation of our national report in 2025, we are proud to announce that the Human Rights Commission Act has been introduced before our parliament, the Nitijala, to establish an NHRI in line with your pledges. The realization of human rights is a universal effort that requires collaboration, and implementing these UPR recommendations will need partnerships. This is why the Marshall Islands would like to request technical assistance from the United Nations and its members of the international community to advance the following priorities: 1. improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our national mechanism for implementation, reporting, and follow-ups. Number two, promoting and protecting human rights in the context of climate change, particularly in the efforts to adapt to the rising sea level and our transition to clean energy economy. And number three, promoting and protecting the rights to water, especially for communities living in remote areas and in times of drought. Number four, bridging digital divides as envisioned under the Secretary General's roadmap for digital cooperation. And number five, addressing the human rights implications of our nuclear legacy, particularly in dealing with the remaining environmental contamination and responding to the human health issues that we face. With your engagement and collaborations, we will continue to make strides in our human rights journey to build a better future for our people and the people of the world. We welcome your continued support to make our human rights goals a reality. and I thank you all..

Thank you very much to Your Excellency for that presentation and for the Marshall Islands' constructive participation throughout the UPR process. I now propose that the Council adopt the decision on the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of the Marshall Islands as it appears on the screen. I see no objections. The decision is adopted. Thank you very much indeed. Excellencies, distinguished participants, this brings us to the end of our meeting. We will meet again on Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. to continue the consideration and adoption of the outcome documents of the other States that were reviewed at the 50th session of the Working Group of the UPR. I declare closed the 39th meeting of the 64th session of the Human Rights Council. Thank you to all.