50th Meeting - 61st Session of Human Rights Council Human Rights Council Date: 27 March 2026 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/hrc/61/50 Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- HRC · President [0:02]: Excellencies, distinguished participants, we will now begin by hearing the presentation of the report of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights. I have the pleasure to give the floor to Ms. Nozipho January Bardil, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. Madam, you have the floor. VFTC · Chairperson · Nozipho January Bardil [0:45]: Thank you, Mr. President, and good morning, members. In particular, I'd like to acknowledge the presence of the Deputy High Commissioner and acknowledge the fact that this will probably be the last of her attendance of the Human Rights Council. And we'd like to thank her on behalf of the board for the support that she's granted us over the years we've worked with UNHCR. Distinguished representatives of members and observer states, colleagues and friends, it is absolutely my honor to chair as chair of the board of trustees of the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights to present the board's annual report to the council covering its 60th and 61st session held in April and November, respectively. At the outset, I wish to thank the High Commissioner and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights colleagues, both at headquarters and in the field, for their continued cooperation and resilience during an exceptionally challenging period. The Board remains deeply committed to providing strategic guidance to strengthen the Office's technical cooperation work, especially in the face of today's acute global challenges. The past year has seen unprecedented pressure on international human rights and humanitarian law, a decline in multilateral trust, and increasing financial strain across the UN system. These dynamics directly affect OHCHR's ability to respond to the growing demand for technical cooperation. As the report notes, states continue to request in-country presences, regional engagement, and human rights advisors at levels that far exceed available resources. In this context, the Board reiterates its core message. This is not the moment to step back from multilateral human rights cooperation. On the contrary, technical cooperation remains one of the most effective tools to support national reforms, strengthen institutions, prevent crisis, and advance the 2030 agenda. The mandate of the Voluntary Fund to help states build institutional frameworks and capacities that give effect to international human rights standards is therefore more vital than ever. Excellencies, allow me to highlight three findings, key findings from our sessions. First, the Board examined the Office's technical cooperation work within the rapidly evolving global environment marked by declining unearmarked resources, shifts in donor funding policies and heightened operational demands. The Board welcomed the Office's ongoing regionalization strategy under the Office's 2.0 and its alignment with the Secretary-General's UNAT initiative, both aimed at strengthening cross-pillar collaboration and making support more accessible to States at the regional level. Secondly, the Board held in-depth discussions with the Office's presences working on the four thematic areas most affected by global crisis. First thematic area was on accountability for war crimes and gross human rights violations, including case studies from Ukraine, from Sudan, and especially the occupied Palestinian territory, where the office applies a three pillar approach combining monitoring, protection, coordination, and legal analysis to support rights-based humanitarian response and early warning. Secondly, responsible social media and digital technologies with increasing risks from surveillance, disinformation and harmful online content. The board welcomed the office's expanded digital monitoring tools, capacity building for journalists and advocacy with other international institutions. Thirdly, diversity, equality and inclusion with examples from Moldova on disability inclusion, minority rights data collection and rights based communication and anti-discrimination mechanisms. Fourthly, the right to clean, healthy and sustainable environment with examples from Southern Africa illustrating how human rights standards guide climate policy, environmental protection and safeguards for environmental human rights defenders. The board was impressed by how the office's field presences accomplish with limited means offering impactful, scalable models of cooperation. Furthermore, the board reviewed implementation of its recommendations since 2021, including progress on the human rights advisor program, now funded in part through the voluntary fund after closure of the human rights mainstreaming fund. technical cooperation in CERD, particularly in the Pacific, where the Office helped integrate human rights in the Pacific Climate Mobility Framework and strengthened follow-up to UPR recommendations, including the deployment of a UPR advisor to Central Asia and the launch of the new UPR Knowledge Hub to support peer learning. Dear Excellencies, the Board also emphasized the central role of the Universal Periodic Review as an entry point for UN engagement at country and regional levels, noting that the UPR recommendations provide a shared framework for action across governments, UN country teams, national human rights institutions and civil society. Human rights advisors reported that the UPR is one of the most effective tools for integrating human rights into UN planning, helping align programs with agreed national priorities. The board welcomed the office's efforts to improve UPR follow up through clustering of recommendations, regional UPR support, and the new UPR knowledge hub, which together help states translate commitments into concrete reforms and guide targeted technical cooperation. Excellencies, in 2025, the Voluntary Fund supported technical cooperation programs in 55 countries and territories. Total income reached $27.4 million, allowing the office to maintain assistance despite reduced un earmarked contributions. Expenditure amounted to $28.9 million with a year end reserve of $24.2 million, enabling continuity into 2026. The board remains deeply concerned, however, that earmarked contributions continue to rise, reducing the office's flexibility to respond to emerging needs. Predictable, multi-year, unearmarked funding is essential for a program whose value lies in its agility and its responsiveness. The board expresses its sincere appreciation to states that maintain or increase contributions, including new multi-year commitments. Drawing from its analysis this year, the board would like to emphasize the following points. That we reaffirm political and financial support for multilateral human rights cooperation at a time of systematic pushback. Protect the space for technical cooperation in the fourth thematic area we reviewed, all of which are severely affected by the global crisis. Strengthen the Human Rights Adviser Programme, which remains among the most effective tools for supporting States at country level. Increase unearmarked multi-year funding to preserve the agility and responsiveness of the Office's technical cooperation. Improve communication of results, including better visibility of impact and proactive public diplomacy from field offices. And lastly, maintain one in-person board session per year, especially country visits, which remains essential for the board to fulfill its mandate. Finally, Excellencies, the Board has seen firsthand how transformative technical cooperation can be from strengthening national protection systems to improving laws, institutions and policies, to supporting accountability, climate resilient development and the rights of people in vulnerable situations. The modest investments made through the Voluntary Fund translate into significant lasting impacts on the ground. We thank all contributors to the Voluntary Fund and the UPR Voluntary Fund, and we encourage more States to join them. In these testing times, sustained technical cooperation is absolutely essential for stability, for prevention, and for the realization of human rights for all. I thank you. HRC · President [8:58]: Thank you. I'm now pleased to give the floor to Ms. Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, to deliver the annual presentation on behalf of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on technical assistance and capacity building, and to provide the oral update on behalf of the High Commissioner on cooperation with Georgia. Madam, you have the floor. OHCHR · Deputy High Commissioner · Nada Al-Nashif [9:26]: Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you English Chair of the Board of Trustees of the VFTC, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted and very proud to deliver this statement on a theme very close to my heart as my last interaction with the Human Rights Council. Human rights technical cooperation is at the center of how we turn human rights commitments and legal obligations into meaningful improvements in people's lives. It is anchored in national ownership, grounded in the recommendations of the UN human rights mechanisms, and built through partnerships with governments, national human rights institutions, civil society, and the UN system. Our collective efforts over the past year demonstrate the profound impact these partnerships can achieve, and I'd like to share some positive examples from across the world. First of all, technical cooperation continues to enable national implementation of recommendations from the UN human rights mechanisms, including UPR, treaty bodies and special procedures. I'll give a few examples. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, OHCHR supported authorities in designing a national recommendations tracking database, enabling systematic follow-up to accepted UPR recommendations. In Cambodia, the Office worked with the National Follow-up Mechanism to disseminate all accepted UPR recommendations, convening ministries, parliament and civil society to assign responsibilities and agreed timelines. And in Djibouti, we are conducting a legal and policy review of frameworks related to domestic work, supporting the government to align national legislation with international standards and advancing implementation of recommendations from the mechanisms. In Jordan, the Office helped to integrate treaty body recommendations into national strategies and supported the country's first situational analysis on disability and climate change to align climate policy with human rights standards. Second, technical cooperation builds sustainable national institutions capable of protecting rights in the long term. In Papua New Guinea, the Cabinet's approval of the National Human Rights Strategy 24-29, developed with this Office's support, marked the first formal commitment to establish a Paris Principles-compliant national human rights institution. In Kuwait, the Office and the Ministry of Interior conducted training of trainers programs on human rights and law enforcement, supporting the building of national capacity to incorporate human rights standards into policing, and reinforcing preventive approaches within law enforcement institutions. In Syria, OHCHR provided capacity building and legal advice to the national fact-finding committee that was examining coastal violence, strengthening its methodology, its analytical approach and the use of international human rights standards. And in Panama, We provided technical assistance in support of legislative reform that enabled the Defensoria del Pueblo to regain its A status accreditation, reinforcing national accountability. Third, we know that technical cooperation helps safeguard civic space and inclusive participation. In Kyrgyzstan, the Office offered analysis on restrictive legislation and supported the National Human Rights Institution to review its detention monitoring methodology with civil society experts. And in Moldova, we supported Roma mediation systems that expanded access to documentation and essential services for marginalized groups. Fourth, technical cooperation advances both equality and inclusion. In Guatemala, the Office strengthened disability inclusion by supporting the Ministry of Health and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities to develop and implement regulations under the new biopsychosocial certification law. The office's cooperation with the Constitutional Court of Ecuador supported the development of a jurisprudence guide on indigenous justice, reinforcing equality and cultural rights. We also worked very much at the regional level, for example, contributing technical expertise to ASEAN's guidelines on the non-punishment principle for victims of trafficking, establishing a new normative standard. Fifth, technical cooperation strengthens prevention, early warning, and evidence-based protection. In the Pacific, we ensured that human rights were embedded in the regional framework on climate mobility to support people-centered responses to displacement. In Peru, the work with specialized prosecutors helped to integrate human rights standards into 19 emblematic protest-related investigations, strengthening early warning, transparency, and accountability. And in the Central African region, early warning snapshots and election period monitoring supported timely advocacy while capacity building with ECAS reinforced the regional human rights based early warning network. In Qatar, Working again at the regional level, we co-organized the Doha International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, bringing together over 1,200 stakeholders to advance a shared vision for human rights-based and inclusive AI governance. Mr. President, across all regions, we see best practices emerging. Robust national mechanisms for implementation, reporting, and follow-up, supported by digital tracking tools, improve coherence and accountability. Triangular cooperation, governments, national human rights institutions, and civil society creates durable foundations for reform. And evidence-driven prevention, including human rights due diligence, screening, early warning networks and climate mobility analytics, is increasingly central to our collective work. At the same time, of course, effective technical cooperation depends very much on our ability to rigorously monitor and assess human rights situations. That monitoring allows us to identify evolving risks, understanding the needs of right holders, measuring whether our assistance indeed does contribute to strengthening national protection system. Also to determine whether reforms really bring forward those meaningful improvements for rights holders. And so monitoring and technical cooperation must remain mutually reinforcing elements of our engagement. Your Excellencies, in conclusion, let me underscore how the current financial situation has significantly affected our ability to provide technical cooperation. As you have already heard from the Chair, declining unearmarked funding and regular budget-based liquidity constraints have forced us to scale back in-country presences and activities. We have made strategic adjustments. focusing our efforts on contexts where political space, where national demand, and where genuine willingness to engage create meaningful opportunities for impact. The sustained and predictable support from the member states remains essential for this office to maintain both the scope and the quality of its work. And I wish to sincerely thank the Board of Trustees of the Voluntary Fund for their generous advice, their thoughtful contributions, and their steadfast commitment. As well as all the donors who support this work, technical cooperation succeeds when it is sustained, inclusive, and grounded in the lived realities of the people it serves. And on that positive note, Mr. President, if you allow me and distinguished delegates, since this is my last appearance at this Human Rights Council as Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you all for the important collaboration, for the constructive engagement, and most of all, for the trust and confidence which I have enjoyed with your representatives and the delegations. It has been a distinct privilege to serve in this role and to have been able to contribute to the invaluable work of this office and indeed the entire human rights system. I commend your continuing efforts. There is no more noble endeavor in these turbulent times, and I remain hopeful, as we must, that our cause, that of human rights for everyone everywhere, will endure. Thank you very much, Mr. President. Yes, my colleague, Marit, will do Georgia. HRC · President [18:23]: Oh, you're leaving now? Yes. So, Madam Deputy High Commissioner, allow me to say just some words. And colleagues here um many um perhaps all uh would be with me in wishing you all the best and to thank you for for your service as a deputy high commissioner in the past six years is it six years in the past six years um we highly value um your the the intellectual uh process that you have led um your your quiet but your quiet resolve in promoting in the promotion and the protection of human rights. So thank you very much madam. We wish you all the best in your next endeavors and we wish you to stay safe. Thank you. OHCHR · Deputy High Commissioner · Nada Al-Nashif [20:19]: I thought that not. HRC · President [20:20]: Okay. I'm now pleased to give the floor to Ms. Marit Kohonen-Sherif, Director on the Global Operation Division of the OHCHR to deliver her report on cooperation with Georgia on behalf of the High Commissioner. You have the floor, madam. OHCHR · Director, Global Operations Division · Marit Kohonen-Sherif [20:45]: Thank you very much, Mr. President. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, today I'm going to update the Council on the implementation of Resolution 60/29 on cooperation with Georgia adopted on 8 October 2025. We recognize the continued cooperation of the government of Georgia, including in hosting an OATHR presence in Tbilisi. However, during this reporting period, we have noted a series of legislative, institutional and political developments in Georgia that raise serious human rights concerns. The accelerated enactment of restrictive laws has progressively narrowed civic space and weakened democratic safeguards, including the freedom of association and peaceful assembly, as well as institutional checks and balances. Parliament adopted amendments to the law on grants, the law on assembly and manifestations, the code of administrative offenses, and the criminal code. These measures impose extensive reporting requirements and severe sanctions, placing disproportionate burdens on civil society organizations and creating inconsistencies with Georgia's international human rights obligations. Additional amendments negatively affecting freedom of expression and media freedom were adopted in 2025. Administrative penalties for speech deemed offensive towards public officials raise concerns due to vague wording and risk of arbitrary enforcement. Changes to defamation legislation weakens protections for journalistic sources and increase the risk of strategic lawsuits against public participation. Restrictions on foreign funding for broadcasters coupled with harsher penalties for protest-related conduct have further narrowed civic and democratic space. The office has also received credible reports that intimidation, threats and the freezing of bank accounts have led civil society organizations to curtail their activities, contributing to a marked erosion of civic space. Most recently, on the 4th of March 2026, Parliament adopted further amendments expanding governmental control over foreign funding, criminalizing so-called external lobbying, restricting political activity and introducing an extremism offense potentially applicable to actions perceived as questioning the legitimacy of the government. Before their adoption, the High Commissioner had conveyed to the Georgian authorities the Office's readiness to assist in reviewing the draft amendments to support ensuring their compliance with Georgia's human rights obligations. The Office also remains concerned about allegations of serious human rights violations in the context of public protests, including arbitrary arrests, ill treatment, unnecessary disproportionate use of force against demonstrators, journalists, and media workers. We note the government's rejection of allegations regarding the use of prohibited chemical irritants during the November and December 2024 protests. And we urge prompt and independent thorough investigations into all allegations of human rights violations. with full respect for due process and fair trial guarantees. Mr. President, the Office regrets that the authorities in control in Abkhazia and South Ossetia have not responded to our requests for access, despite repeated calls by this Council. These authorities bear the responsibility to respect and ensure the human rights of all individuals in areas under their control. We need updated information on the human rights situation in Abkhazia and a baseline human rights assessment in South Ossetia. Allegations concerning the rights of ethnic Georgians in the Gali and Akhalgori districts, including restrictions on freedom of movement, limited access to primary health care, and continued constraints on using Georgian as a language of instruction in schools in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, remain a matter of serious concern. We urge all responsible actors to remove undue movement restrictions by fully reopening all crossing points along the administrative boundary lines. Other persistent allegations of human rights violations affecting ethnic Georgians remain unaddressed. These include arbitrary detentions, impunity for alleged violations of the right to life and the prohibition of torture, restricted access to healthcare and essential services, as well as infringements on livelihoods, housing, land and property rights. We call on all actors to implement confidence-building measures grounded in human rights, ensure an enabling civic space and allow international organizations to operate in Abkhazia and South Ossetia without undue restrictions. We urge an end to arbitrary deprivation of liberty and the prompt resolution of outstanding issues related to identity and civil documentations to ensure freedom of movement and the equal enjoyment of all rights. Equitable access to economic, social and cultural rights, including quality education in the Georgian language, must also be ensured. Mr. President, In conclusion, OATHR reaffirms its commitment to providing technical assistance and supporting efforts to advance human rights protection, free civic space, and democratic governance throughout Georgia. I thank you. HRC · President [26:01]: Thank you. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we will take a short technical break and then continue the general debate under agenda item 10. And I hereby close the 49th meeting of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council. And the meeting will begin with the 50th meeting in a few minutes. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [31:37]: Excellencies, distinguished participants, I hereby declare open the 50th meeting of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council. And we start by, I will give the floor to the distinguished representative of Georgia. You will have five minutes. Georgia [32:04]: Thank the High Commissioner for the update on the follow up to the Council resolution 60/29 in cooperation with Georgia. Since its initiation in 2017, the resolution in question underscores the urgent need for unhindered access of international and regional human rights mechanisms to the Russia-occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions of Georgia and remains essential in addressing the dire humanitarian situation and the issue of accountability for human rights violations occurring therein. Madam Vice President, since the last update, the situation has not improved even for Iota on the contrary, it continues to worsen under the Russia's occupation and effective control. The absence of full international monitoring leaves many human rights violations concealed from international scrutiny. Violations of basic rights therein occur on daily basis. Particular concerns should be expressed now over the continued discrimination against ethnic Georgians who face pressure in many areas of daily life, including movement, residence, work, education and property. In Abkhazia, this pressure has also taken the form of discriminatory rules of the so-called residence documents and tighter restrictions on inheritance and affectant rights. Georgia remains especially concerned by the fact that in both occupied regions Georgian education is removed from curriculum while children are forced to study in Russian. Such measures target identity, dignity and cultural survival of young generation which the goal are to erase Georgian heritage from these regions. Restrictions on freedom of movement continue to have very serious humanitarian consequences. People are separated from their families, homes, farmland, places of work and sources of income. These restrictions also affect access to schools, hospitals, and urgent medical care. In some cases, delayed movement directly endangered lives. We remain alarmed by latest arbitrary detentions and kidnappings in both occupied regions which have occurred during the reporting period. Another deeply troubling issue is the continuing impunity for grave crimes committed against peaceful Georgian citizens, the killings of Georgian civilians and the lack of accountability in these cases remain a painful reminder of the human cost of occupation. Impunity for perpetrators sends a dangerous message and encourages further recuses. Georgia also remains concerned by ongoing installations of barbed wire fences and other artificial barriers along the occupation line which cut people off from homes, farmland, religious and livelihoods. Georgia also remains concerned by Russia's continuing steps towards annexation of the occupation, occupied regions. last year's resolution already referred to the unlawful operation of Sukhumi airport unauthorized flights and other illegal steps that further isolated the occupation occupied regions from the rest of Georgia the issue of return also remains urgent IDPs and refugees continue to deprive of their rights of voluntary return to their homes in a safety and dignity at the same time the violations of the ground continue to create the risk of further displacement. Progress on these issues is also consistently blocked by the Russian side, including Geneva international discussions. It's important to recall once again that the responsibility for the human rights situations in Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions rests within with the Russian Federation at the power exercising effective control over these regions, which has been repeatedly confirmed by the European Court of Human Rights. In line with last year's resolution, Georgia underlines once again the urgent need for immediate and unimpeded access for the Office of the High Commissioner and other international and regional human rights mechanisms to both occupied regions. Georgia remains committed to cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner and to the peaceful resolution of the conflict. We continue to value the Geneva international discussions and stress the need for the Gali IPRM to resume without preconditions. We appeal to international community to continue a call for access to the occupied regions and to underscore Russian Federation's accountability. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [37:11]: I thank Georgia. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we shall now begin the general debate under agenda item 10. Before we start, I would like to remind you that all requests for a right of reply relating to statements delivered during the general debates will be accommodated at the end of the general debates. I would also like to remind all speakers to comply with the allocated speaking time of one minute and 30 seconds for all. Full statements can be uploaded on the extranet. I thank you for your understanding and for your cooperation. The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes and we will start with a list of members of the Council and I'll give the floor first to European Union on behalf of a group of countries. EU · EU [38:05]: Vice President, I would like to start off first of all by echoing the words of the President on the Deputy High Commissioner and her formal commitment to human rights. I speak on behalf of the EU. Albania, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia and Ukraine align themselves with the statement. We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the reports and oral updates. We emphasize the critical importance of technical assistance and capacity building. The EU and Member States support multiple projects and programmes in this regard, including those implemented by the Office of the High Commissioner. Turning to countries that recently benefit from assistance, We welcome Bangladesh's cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner and the prioritization of the OHCHR mission to the country, which will help Bangladesh in the implementation of its international commitments on human rights. The EU values Cambodia's cooperation with human rights mechanisms and encourages continued constructive engagement with the field office in Phnom Penh, while remaining deeply concerned about ongoing human rights violations in the country. Finally, we are observing closely developments in Madagascar and we stand ready to support the proposed transition process. It is of utmost importance that transparent, inclusive elections occur within a reasonable timeframe. We refer to our statements in other debates and respective dialogues. Our full statement is available online. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [39:29]: I thank you. Next, I give the floor to Pakistan on behalf of Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Pakistan · OIC [39:37]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. The group reaffirms its support for the Council's technical assistance and capacity building mandate as a constructive and cooperative means of advancing the promotion and protection of human rights. Experience has shown that such assistance is most effective when it is grounded in genuine dialogue, guided by national priorities, and implemented with the full consent and ownership of the concerned states. in line with General Assembly resolution 60/251. In this regard, it is essential to ensure that all human rights are treated in a balanced and non-selective manner without creating artificial hierarchies among them. The compounded effects of climate change, pandemics, economic disruptions, and geopolitical tensions have placed significant strain on developing countries, limiting their financial capacity to meet human rights obligations. These realities underscore the need for enhanced and predictable support that is responsive to national context, including cultural, legal and socioeconomic dimensions. At the same time, it is important to safeguard the integrity of technical assistance by ensuring that it is not used as a means of undue interference. Lastly, technical assistance should remain a partnership-based endeavor, supporting states in implementing their commitments and enabling sustainable progress in the realization of human rights for all. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [41:06]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Venezuela on behalf of the Group of. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) · Group of Friends of the Defense of the Charter of the United Nations [41:15]: Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. The Group of Friends of the Defense of the Charter of the United Nations reaffirms that the United Nations remains a central and indispensable forum for addressing and advancing issues relating to international cooperation for economic development and social progress on the basis of dialogue, cooperation, and consensus-building approaches among States, and therefore we remain fully committed to both its revitalization and strengthening. We attach supreme values of promotion and protection of all human rights, including the right to development, and we believe that their promotion and protection is enhanced on the basis of respectful dialogue, constructive cooperation. We reaffirm that technical assistance and capacity building must be provided only in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, in particular, the principle of sovereignty and non-intervention, and in accordance with the consent, priorities and real needs of the States concerned. States proposing bilateral technical assistance and capacity building in the field of human rights to other States should do so only upon their request and consultation and with the consent of the latter and should pursue mutually beneficial cooperation and ensure full respect of the requesting States. Thank you very much, Madam Vice-President. HRC · Vice-President [42:39]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Philippines on behalf of Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Philippines · ASEAN [42:48]: Vice President, I'd like to start by thanking the Deputy High Commissioner for her long and meaningful service not only to this Council but also to other bodies in the United Nations, and we wish her all the best. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. which thanks the High Commissioner for his presentation and notes the report of the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Voluntary Fund. We reaffirm the crucial role of technical assistance and capacity building in advancing the Council's work on the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as the prevention of human rights violations. Given OHCHR's limited resources, We call for technical assistance to be based on urgency and necessity in a balanced manner across all regions and with countries consent, national priorities and context, and acknowledging that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We underline the role of regional organizations in advancing technical cooperation and capacity building given their understanding of regional context. In this regard, our regional human rights body, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, which annually holds a dialogue with OHCHR, supports capacity building on issues of priority for the region. ASEAN looks forward to continued cooperation with OHCHR and partners to strengthen nationally driven technical cooperation and capacity building, and that delivers meaningful impact. Thank you very much. HRC · Vice-President [44:25]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Saudi Arabia on behalf of Group of Arab States. Saudi Arabia · Arab Group [44:37]: Thank you very much, Madam. The Group of Arab States would like to thank the High Commissioner for the annual report on technical cooperation and assistance of the Voluntary Fund for Technical assistance is very important. Technical assistance and capacity building is crucial for promoting human rights, Madam. The Group of Arab States believes that cooperation should respect national sovereignty. and cooperation should be provided on the basis of requests and agreement of the countries concerned, taking into account their priorities in terms of development and programs of technical cooperation should be transparent and sustainable and respond to the changing needs of member states. Strengthening national capacities and national ownership are seen as a condition to ensure lasting impact. The Group of Arab States is supporting the positive cooperation under this agenda item because we wish to promote human rights. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [45:49]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Bahrain on behalf of Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf. Bahrain · GCC [46:00]: Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. The GCC countries emphasize that technical cooperation and capacity building remain key pillars in supporting states to fulfill their obligations and strengthen their national human rights systems. The effectiveness of these programs is based on a cooperative approach based on the consent of the countries concerned. responding to their national priorities and taking into account their legal institutional specificities in order to ensure sustainable results. It is necessary to strengthen the capacities of developing countries in the preparation and implementation of their national plans in line with the SDGs and technical assistance and capacity building should be provided on the basis of the requests made by countries and within the framework of the mandate given to OHCHR. Technical assistance can contribute to prevent conflicts and to ensure peace building efforts through the strengthening of national institutions, developing public policies and creating an environment conducive to dialogue and understanding. Technical cooperation and capacity building must be based on the principles of respect of human rights far from any politicizations and should be based on a constructive partnership based on trust and mutual respect in order to have a practical impact. HRC · Vice-President [47:36]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Kenya on behalf of Group of African States. Kenya · Africa Group [47:45]: President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Africa Group. The group emphasizes that technical assistance to member states must be based on their explicit request as mandated by the Council's institution building package. We reiterate that there is no one-size-fits-all model. Technical assistance must be tailor-made, respecting national specificities and realities and aligning with their national priorities. Its effectiveness rests on fundamental trade State sovereignty constructive dialogue and and total rejection of political instrumentalization maintaining constant dialogue with the concerned States remains essential a pillar for successful cooperation in this regard we emphasize the importance of establishing regular and transparent evaluation mechanisms to ensure the relevance of programs and consider adjustments if necessary Madam President Vice President technical assistance is not merely a procedural exercise it is a critical enabler for translating accepted universal periodic review recommendations into con concrete and measurable outcomes on the ground we the African group is deeply concerned that these ambitions are being hindered by the un's liquidity crisis we firmly reiterate the technical assistance cannot be budgetary adjustment variable of the United Nations finally the group reiterates its full support for the efforts of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the field of technical assistance and capacity building. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [49:18]: I thank you. Next, I give the floor to Uganda on behalf of Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. Uganda · NAM [49:28]: To the movement, this agenda item remains a very essential platform for states to share their vision and views to promote more effective technical cooperation and capacity building in the field of human rights. It's also an opportunity for states to share concrete experiences, challenges and information on assistance needed in the implementation of their human rights obligations and commitments. The NAM calls on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and this Council, at the request of the States concerned, to provide advisory services and technical and financial assistance to support their respective actions and programmes in the field of human rights. Madam Vice President, the NAM emphasizes that the enhancement of international cooperation aimed at strengthening the capacity of states is essential for the effective promotion and protection of human rights and indeed the implementation of the 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development. The technical cooperation and capacity building activities by this Council and the High Commissioner's Office should equally extend focus on the support towards the right to development as they do on rights related to civil and political rights. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [50:41]: I thank you. Next, I give the floor to Maldives on behalf of a group of countries. Maldives · SIDS [50:48]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. I have the honour to speak on behalf of an informal group of SEEDS as listed on the extranet. We reaffirm the importance of technical cooperation and capacity building under item 10 as a cornerstone of this Council's mandate. Such cooperation must be grounded in the universality and indivisibility of all human rights and remain responsive to national priorities. For SIDS, this is particularly critical. Our unique vulnerabilities, as recognized in the OSCE Leaders Declaration on the Special Circumstances of SEEDS, must be fully acknowledged and operationalized across all frameworks. We express our strong support for the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund for LDCs and SEEDS. It has enabled the meaningful participation of over 300 delegates often for the first time, yet today the Fund faces a critical funding gap. We encourage renewed support and thank all partners for their continued contributions. Adequate and predictable funding through the regular budget remains essential to sustain the human rights pillar, particularly in the current financial context. As we approach this Council's 20th anniversary, we reaffirm that a truly universal and inclusive Council, reflective of full diversity of United Nations remain essential. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [52:19]: I thank you. Next, I give the floor to Ethiopia on behalf of a group of countries. Ethiopia · LMG [52:27]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a like-minded group of countries. The list of co-sponsors will be made available on the extranet. We firmly underscore that all technical assistance and capacity building must be grounded in sovereignty, national ownership, and territorial integrity, and fully respect non-interference in states' internal affairs. We emphasize that technical cooperation must be undertaken at the request of and with the full consent of the concerned state and tailored to its national priorities. The UPR Voluntary Fund remains essential in supporting developing countries to translate human rights commitments, including UPR recommendations, into tangible and sustainable results. We stress the imperative of ensuring a balanced, impartial and non-politicized approach in the work of the Office of the High Commissioner. Technical cooperation must not be instrumentalized for political purposes and should foster trust, dialogue and genuine partnership. We further emphasize that sustainable progress in human rights can only be achieved through constructive dialogue, mutual respect and the sharing of best practices rather than through naming and shaming. In closing, we call for enhanced and predictable support to the Voluntary Fund to effectively respond to the needs and priorities of States. HRC · Vice-President [53:49]: I thank you. Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Trinidad and Tobago on behalf of a group of countries. Trinidad and Tobago · five beneficiary countries of the LDCs/SIDS Trust Fund [54:00]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the five beneficiary countries of the LDC SIDS Trust Fund, namely Haiti, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, and my own country, Trinidad and Tobago. We thank the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the annual report of the UN Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights and the Deputy High Commissioner for her oral presentation today. LDCs and SIDS face common structural challenges, including poverty, climate vulnerability, and barriers to access development financing. In light of this reality, we underscore that sustained technical cooperation in line with national priorities is critically important for building capacity in our countries. Indeed, bilateral and multi-country partnerships have proven invaluable for service delivery in our communities and for incorporating a human rights-based approach into public policies. We thank the President for highlighting the importance of the participation of LDCs and SIDS in his statement upon election in January 2026 and urge the international community to continue financial support for this important initiative. We express our sincere appreciation to the donors for their sustained support and the Secretariat of the Trust Fund for their distinguished coordination and professionalism. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [55:33]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Albania. Albania [55:39]: We thank Deputy High Commissioner for his report and reaffirm our full support for the Office of High Commissioner. Technical assistance and capacity building are essential to strengthen national institution and improve the protection of human rights. Albania strongly support the work and the technical assistance that the Office offered globally. Madam Vice President, we strongly support the work of Office of High Commissioner in Ukraine and call for further strengthening the technical cooperation so that Ukrainian institution remain equipped to protect human rights both while the conflict endures and throughout the recovery period. We remain deeply concerned about the situation in Haiti, where violence and insecurity continue to affect the population and undermine basic human rights. Continued international support remains crucial. The human rights situation continued to deteriorate with increasing violence, restriction of civic space and lack of accountability. We stress the importance of cooperation with the Office of High Commissioner and the need for meaningful steps to restore democratic governments and protect fundamental rights. In the Central African Republic, serious human rights violations persist, including abuses against vulnerable groups. We call for strong support and to ensure accountability and support of the victims. Albania encourage all states to engage constructively with the Office to strengthen human rights protection and prevent violation. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [57:10]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Kuwait. Kuwait [57:18]: Madam Vice Chair, my country's delegation would like to express its appreciation to the efforts deployed in the field of capacity building and technical cooperation. We reiterate that this cooperation is the cornerstone for countries to fulfill their commitments. We also reiterate the need to be working based on the principles of voluntary consent, respecting national sovereignty, away from politicization or double standards that undermine the credibility of our international system. Madam Vice Chair, in a world of accelerated challenges, my country considers that promoting the capacities of developing countries to implement their national plans to achieve SDGs is not an option but an urgent necessity. Based on the above, we call upon countries to benefit from the expertise of the OHCHR and to respond to these requests efficiently, rapidly, according to its My country believes that technical assistance is the main cornerstone to promote countries' capacities, namely in the field of cooperation, to promote human rights, to build efficient national institutions. This is the civilizational approach we upheld as a deep-rooted principle to achieve international development and prosperity. Finally, we call for securing the flows of sufficient and sustainable financial resources to empower our programmes of technical cooperation. Thank you, Mr Vice-Chair. HRC · Vice-President [58:53]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Czechia. Czechia [59:00]: Thank you, Madam Vice-President. The Czech Republic aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the Deputy High Commissioner for her update and welcome the OHCHR's continued technical assistance and capacity building in Georgia. The Czech Republic considers this support critical for strengthening the implementation of human rights obligations and for building the skills and resilience of institutions and individuals. We reaffirm our commitment to Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia under Russian occupation. At the same time, we are closely monitoring the developments in Georgia relating to civic space, media freedom, and the exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, association, and expression. In this context, the Czech Republic supported the invocation of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Moscow mechanism regarding Georgia and encouraged full cooperation with the expert mission, with technical assistance playing a central role. I thank you, Madam Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [1:00:15]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are absent. Next, I give the floor to Indonesia. Indonesia [1:00:36]: Madam Vice President, Indonesia thanks for the report and presentation about the best practices and challenges in technical assistance and capacity building efforts provided by the UNHCR and relevant UN agencies. We affirm that technical assistance and capacity building remain indispensable in advancing the promotion and protection of human rights. They play a vital role in supporting states as primary duty bearers in fulfilling their human rights obligations and commitments. At the same time, Indonesia underscores that such technical assistance must be delivered in a genuine, impartial, and non-politicized manner. It should be driven and aligned with the priorities, needs, and national context of the countries with full respect of national ownership. To ensure the effectiveness of technical assistance programs, Indonesia encourages that they are designed based on urgency and necessity, including implemented in a balanced manner across regions. Madam President, Indonesia remains deeply concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation in Palestine and the broader Middle East. The continued violence and suffering underscore the urgent need for genuine international cooperation, including technical assistance that prioritizes the protection of civilians and upholds international law. Finally, Indonesia calls for strengthen and inclusive technical assistance and capacity building to effectively advance human rights for all. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:02:11]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Japan. Japan [1:02:16]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. I'd like to say that Japan expresses sincere appreciation to Madam Deputy High Commissioner for her service over six years, and we wish her success in her future endeavors. We appreciate the High Commissioner's annual representation on technical cooperation and the capacity building, as well as the overall update on the human rights situation in Georgia. We attach great importance to the promotion and protection of human rights. In this regard, we have strengthened bilateral dialogue and cooperation to support the voluntary efforts of other countries to ameliorate their human rights situation while continuing to address serious human rights situations. Please let me introduce our work with Cambodia as an example of this approach. We have engaged in bilateral human rights dialogue with Cambodia and have submitted a series of resolutions on the situation in the country. We appreciate OSHL continued technical assistance in Cambodia, which helps the government to make progress in implementation of its international human rights obligation and the recommendation of international human rights mechanisms and its vital for the capacity building and international We remain committed to supporting OSHR technical cooperation worldwide, to the end we have voluntarily contributed approximately 3.6 million USD. over to OSCHL project in DRC, Palestine, Syria, Moldova, and Thailand, reflecting our commitment to practical on-the-ground support. As a member of this council, Japan will continue to cooperate closely with OSCHL to promote and protect human rights, including through effective-- Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:03:54]: Next, I give the floor to Egypt. Egypt [1:04:04]: Thank you very much, Vice-President. The Egyptian delegation would like to highlight the importance of technical cooperation and capacity building, because this underpins all efforts made by NHRIs in concerned countries. We would like to emphasise the fact that technical cooperation should be done on the request of concerned countries and in answer to those countries' needs, without any attempt to impose directives or specific policies on them. We greet technical cooperation in the round and once again highlight the importance of this process because this is once again a means of strengthening dialogue and strengthening the concerned countries by bolstering national efforts. International cooperation and capacity building generally, including technical cooperation, must all lead to a strengthening of national efforts and be in line with national priorities. It's essential therefore not to sacrifice technical cooperation on the altar of the financial crisis. We must continue cooperation to ensure technical cooperation is increasingly efficient according to national priorities and SDGs. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:05:34]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Slovenia. Slovenia [1:05:40]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. I would like to join others in thanking the Deputy High Commissioner for her work throughout her mandate at the OHCHR. We align ourselves with the EU statement and we highly value the fieldwork of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. We remain concerned about the ongoing humanitarian, political and security crisis in Haiti. We underline that continued progress towards inclusive, free and fair elections is essential for restoring democratic institutions and strengthening the rule of law. My country continues to provide humanitarian assistance and supports efforts aimed at building sustainable peace, stability and respect for human rights in Haiti. Slovenia is also concerned about the persistent human rights violations in DRC. Protection risks remain alarmingly high, particularly for women and children. We call on the government to intensify its efforts to investigate all allegations of serious human rights violations and abuses and to fight impunity. The technical assistance of the Office of the High Commissioner is especially pertinent in the process of transitional justice, notably in the context of MONUSCO's renewed mandate. Lastly, Regarding Central African Republic, taking measures against the persistent armed group violence and especially conflict related sexual violence is crucial. We call for further action to implement comprehensive and victim centred transitional justice programmes. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:07:13]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to China. China [1:07:20]: Madam Vice President. China has taken note of the relevant reports. We welcome the Council and the High Commissioner's Office expanding investment into those areas. Human rights advisory service, technical assistance, and capacity building are important tasks for the Council and are important platforms to help those countries in need and share experience. We must make best use of them as a tool to share the fruits of development. In doing so, we must first respect the sovereignty and the will of the countries concerned. No country can be the human rights mentor. Sharing does not mean control and domination, and assistance does not mean oppression and interference. Technical assistance must be based on full consultations with the countries concerned. Secondly, we must put people at the center of all our efforts. The happy life of people is the biggest human rights, addressing the most practical and urgent problems facing people. should be the starting point and end point of technical assistance and capacity building. Development rights should be given greater prominence. We must pay attention to the orientation of our action with more real aid and fewer empty slogans and appeals so as to practice genuine multilateralism and jointly meet our common challenges. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:08:35]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Ethiopia. Ethiopia [1:08:40]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. Ethiopia aligns with the African group statement. We recognize that technical cooperation and capacity building remain essential pillars in supporting the states to fulfill their human rights obligations, implement accepted recommendations from the universal periodic review, and address evolving human rights challenge. Ethiopia welcomes the presentation of the report of the voluntary fund and the annual update by the High Commissioner. We commend the continued efforts of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in providing advisory services, technical assistance and financial support in response to the specific needs and priorities of Member States. In this regard, Ethiopia underscores the importance of a cooperative, constructive and non-politicized approach to technical assistance. Ethiopia's engagement with OHCHR has contributed to strengthening national capacities, including in areas such as governance, justice reform and the protection of vulnerable groups. We emphasize that adequate, predictable and sustainable funding is critical to ensure the continuity and impact of these initiatives. In closing, Ethiopia reiterates that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated and that technical cooperation should address the full spectrum of rights in a balanced and inclusive manner. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:10:12]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Bulgaria. Bulgaria [1:10:17]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. Bulgaria aligns itself with the EU statement. Bulgaria emphasizes the vital role of technical cooperation in advancing and safeguarding human rights. We appreciate that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights continues its cooperation with the Government of Georgia with the view of strengthening the capacity of the country to promote and protect human rights. OCHR takes this opportunity to recall the commitment of the Georgian Government to strengthen the protection of human rights as confirmed during the successful review of Georgia in the fourth UPR cycle in January this year. We encourage the Georgian authorities to uphold the rights and freedoms of Georgian citizens. Bulgaria reiterates its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders. We express our concern about the negative implications of measures and actions taken by the de facto authorities in the occupied Georgian regions on the rights and freedoms of all people of these regions. We call for immediate and unimpeded access of the international human rights organizations and mechanisms to Georgia's occupied regions. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:11:27]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Pakistan. Pakistan [1:11:32]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. Pakistan reaffirms its firm support for the Council's technical assistance and capacity building mandate. We recognize the important role played by the Office of the High Commissioner and remain supportive of voluntary funds, including those supporting the UPR and assistance to victims of torture. Pakistan believes that technical cooperation is most effective when it is delivered in consultation with and with the consent of the concerned state and is aligned with its national priorities and development strategies. We underscore that financial constraints and capacity limitations remain among the principal obstacles to the full enjoyment of human rights, particularly in developing countries. In this context, states require enhanced support, however, the application of this mandate must remain apolitical and guided solely by the genuine needs and priorities of the concerned states. Greater emphasis should also be placed on the promotion of economic, social, cultural rights, including the right to development as essential to building inclusive societies. Pakistan remains a strong proponent of dialogue and constructive engagement and calls for strengthened, predictable and equitable support for developing countries. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:12:56]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Kenya. Kenya [1:13:01]: Madam Vice President, Kenya aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Africa Group. We welcome the continued focus on technical assistance and capacity building as an important avenue for supporting States and strengthening national human rights systems and implementing their international obligations. Kenya underscores that technical cooperation is most effective when it's undertaken at the request of a state and when it is responsive to national context, priorities and capacities. In this regard, we emphasize the importance of constructive dialogue, national ownership and sustained engagement in the design and implementation of programs. We note the continued demand for technical assistance, including support for the implementation of the universal periodic review recommendations, strengthening national institutions and enhancing coordination within the United Nations system. We also recognize the value of sharing good practices and fostering partnerships at national, regional and international levels. At the same time, we note the challenges highlighted, particularly the constraints arising from limited and unpredictable funding, ensuring adequate sustainable and flexible resources remains essential to maintain the effectiveness and reach of technical cooperation programs. Kenya reaffirms its support for efforts aimed at strengthening capacity building initiatives in a manner that promotes cooperation, mutual respect and tangible outcomes on the ground. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:14:25]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to India. India [1:14:28]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. India would like to reaffirm, in a sincere and constructive spirit, our continued commitment to this agenda item. We see technical assistance and capacity building not as prescriptive tools, but as forms of support that should come at the request of the country concerned and align closely with its own development priorities. We firmly believe that when grounded this way, such efforts can truly strengthen local institutions and build practical skills that make a real difference in people's everyday lives. Madam Vice President, we have also seen how meaningful progress could be achieved when support is shaped by what countries themselves have identified as their priorities, particularly through their accepted recommendations under the UPR. With genuine collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner, these efforts have the potential to translate into tangible, meaningful, and lasting outcomes. We also firmly reiterate the need to preserve the integrity of this agenda. It should remain a space for cooperation, not politicization, and one that respects national ownership in addressing human rights challenges. India has consistently contributed to this work, including through voluntary financial support to relevant UN trust funds, reflecting its belief in shared responsibility. I thank you, Madam Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [1:15:59]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Gambia. Gambia [1:16:02]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. We thank the OHCHR and also extend our sincere appreciation to the outgoing Deputy High Commissioner for her dedicated service and contributions to the advancement of human rights. We wish her every success in her future endeavors. We reaffirm the importance of technical cooperation and capacity building as essential tools for the effective promotion and protection of human rights. We recognize the role of technical assistance provided at the request of states in strengthening national institutions, legal frameworks, and public policies in line with international human rights obligations. In this context, we are concerned that the current financial constraints may affect the delivery of technical cooperation and capacity building and stress the importance of ensuring that such support remains effective, predictable and responsive to the needs of the States. We underline that technical cooperation should be guided by the principles of dialogue, consent and national ownership and remain country-led and focused on the implementation of recommendations from international human rights mechanisms. We note that despite its importance, the Council's work on the item 10 remains on the resource and requires further strengthening to deliver tangible impact on the ground. In this regard, we support efforts to create practical platforms for states to share experiences, identify capacity gaps and request targeted assistance in a cooperative and non-politicized environment. In the context of the Secretary-General's UN 80 reforms, strengthening the Council's capacity to deliver effective demand-driven technical assistance is essential to enhancing impact at the national level. Sustained and predictable support remains essential to enable meaningful results on the ground. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:17:39]: I thank you. Next, I give the floor to Cuba. Cuba [1:17:45]: Vice President, in respectful dialogue, technical support must happen without interference. This is the only effective measure to promote and protect human rights in any nation. Technical assistance Assistance and capacity building can only be carried out on the basis of a request and in consultation and with the consent of the host state. In recent years, Cuba has significantly increased its technical cooperation with the UN human rights mechanisms, including special procedures, the treaty bodies and the OHCHR itself. The outcomes have been positive. We have also received a number of visits to our country and have under-held technical exchanges in a number of areas. These have allowed Cuba to perfect its work on the basis of our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. These actions of cooperation have always included as a priority Cuban civil society. The positive experience in Cuba demonstrates that positive outcomes can be reached when there is complete respect for national sovereignty and priorities, without interference, imposition or politicisation. We will continue down this road without sparing any effort to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:19:17]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Mulawwi. Malawi? They seem to be absent. So next I give the floor to Iraq. Iraq [1:19:40]: Thank you very much, Vice-President. The delegation of the Iraqi Republic would like to highlight that Article 10 is a decisive article in strengthening the credibility of the Council. It is in the best interests of developing countries. and the SIDS as well as the LLDCs. We can use this to support those countries and honour our commitments. This can only be done in consultation with concerned countries and according to their national priorities, which they must conceptually express. There can be no imposition from abroad in this regard. It's essential to highlight that technical cooperation when imposed can weaken national efforts and will. It's essential to give countries a degree of margin of manoeuvre to carry out their own progress and take into account the characteristics and obstacles as well as the challenges at the national level. It is also essential to distance ourselves from any concept that is not consensual. We must root our actions in international human rights law. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:21:08]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Italy. Italy [1:21:16]: Madam Vice President, in line with the EU statement, Italy reaffirms the principle of universality, indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights. Italy remains steadfast in our commitment to strengthening the international human rights system through dialogue, technical assistance, and capacity building, essential to prevent violation and ensure the full realization of human rights for all everywhere. Through development cooperation and technical assistance, We promote capacity building initiatives aimed at reinforcing multilateral institutions, defending the rule of law, and enhancing the protection of human rights. Italy strongly supports the invaluable role of HCHR in assisting states in their efforts to implement their human rights obligations, both in Geneva and on the ground, while also calling upon all states to fully cooperate with the office through constructive dialogue and active participation. Madam Vice President, Italy attaches greatest importance to dialogue and cooperation between states, which are fundamental drivers to achieving sustainable, inclusive and just societies. We stand ready to work with partners from all the regions to keep human rights at the centre of the international agenda. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:22:40]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Angola. Angola [1:22:44]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. Angola thanks the Office of the High Commissioner for the presentation of the reports and oral updates. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the African Group, read to date, our strong support to this agenda item. Angola firmly believes that cooperation must remain at the core of this Council's mandate. Technical assistance and capacity building are essential to strengthen national human rights mechanisms and ensuring their effectiveness. The LDCs and SEEDS Trust Fund continues to serve as a concrete and practical example of the positive impact of targeted assistance for small delegations. Angola has benefited from the Voluntary Technical Trust Fund, which has enabled our meaningful participation in this Council's deliberations, and it has also supported capacity building in key national institutions responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights, particularly in the areas of state reporting, implementation and follow-up to recommendations from treaty bodies and UPR. We also wish to highlight the importance of the role of national mechanisms for the implementation, reporting and follow-up. as one of the most important developments in the field of human rights in the coordination of reporting efforts and engagement with international human rights mechanisms. In this context, we call on the Council to further strengthen international cooperation, ensuring that assistance is responsive to the specific needs of States and aligned with their national development and strategies. In closing, we underscore the importance of preserving the integrity of this agenda item and present. HRC · Vice-President [1:24:24]: Thank you. And next, I give the floor to Estonia. Estonia [1:24:29]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. Estonia aligns with the EU statement. With regard to the situations in Haiti, Ukraine, DRC, Mali and CAR, we refer to the respective Nordic Baltic statements. We welcome Georgia's cooperation with the OHCHR. We are alarmed by the serious human rights violations in Georgia's regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which are occupied by Russia. Restrictions on freedom of movement, ongoing borderization, and lack of access to essential services in these regions remain of great concern. We call on Russia and the other de facto authorities to grant immediate and unimpeded access to and cooperate with international and regional human rights mechanisms. Estonia is also severely concerned by the rapid and continuously deteriorating human rights situation in Georgia. New laws further restrict political participation, freedom of expression and the freedom of assembly by increasingly criminalizing peaceful protests and foreign funding of civil society. Estonia is deeply concerned by the continuing imprisonment of journalists, activists and opposition politicians and the lack of progress in investigating the acts of disproportionate violence by police. To conclude, Estonia strongly supports the OHCHR's important work in providing technical assistance and thanks the Office for its active engagement with all stakeholders. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:25:55]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Qatar. Qatar [1:26:06]: Chairperson, technical cooperation and capacity building are a comprehensive part of this Council's mandate and that of the OHCHR, with a view to supporting countries to fully respect their obligations in human rights. Qatar has continually supported the High Commissioner in its role in this context, and that's the context in which we host the training centre for the Arab world and West Asia. We also support the High Commissioner's budget through regular contributions. Technical assistance and capacity building in the area of human rights require a robust response to the priority needs of Member States, while taking into account national circumstances. This all must happen in the context of a genuine dialogue in order to attain a genuine promotion of human rights. All human rights, including the right to development, are mutually interdependent and indivisible. This is why they need to be treated on an equal footing and they all need to be granted the same level of priority. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:27:31]: Thank you. We shall now proceed with a list of observers of the Council. And I give the floor to Trinidad and Tobago on behalf of a group of countries. Trinidad and Tobago · CARICOM [1:27:43]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the CARICOM group in Geneva. We join others in congratulating the Deputy High Commissioner for her dedicated service. We appreciate the OHCHR's oral presentation and the report of the Chair of the Board of Trustees, both of which have highlighted the challenging and unpredictable context within which much needed technical cooperation and capacity building efforts are being pursued. With the ongoing liquidity crisis facing the UN, we remain mindful that the OHCHR continues to operate under severe financial and resource constraints. In this context, and given the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, we underscore the critical role of technical cooperation and capacity building for small island developing states such as ours, and express continued appreciation for the initiatives undertaken within our region, particularly through the OHCHR Caribbean Regional Office. Since its establishment in 2024, activities have included several targeted human rights workshops for government officials and most recently a webinar for CSOs in preparation for the UPRs of CARICOM states taking place later this year. While the last period has been marked by significant reductions in human and financial resources for the regional office, which impacts on its ability to deliver on its important mandate. We welcome plans for some additional staff and look forward to the office being adequately resourced. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:29:17]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Sweden. Sweden [1:29:21]: Vice President Sweden thanks the OHCHR for its presentation on technical cooperation and the oral update on Georgia Sweden commends the OHCHR for the vital work it carries out every day to protect and promote human rights worldwide we express our full support for the High Commissioner's leadership and for his office whose essential role in the global human rights system remains indisputable I also want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Deputy High Commissioner for her significant contribution to the global human rights system during a challenging period. Vice President, democracy and human rights remain cornerstones in Swedish foreign policy. As a concrete testament to this commitment, Sweden was proud to be the largest contributor of voluntary funding to the OHCHR in 2025 and will remain a strong and reliable partner. Sweden is also a strong supporter of the UN 80 initiative and the establishment of a human rights group in this context. As reform efforts progress, the human rights pillar must remain at the heart of the UN and the human rights mandates must be safeguarded. The OHCHR must be given the resources and independence necessary to fulfill its vital mandate. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:30:47]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Latvia. Latvia [1:30:53]: Vice President, Latvia aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the High Commissioner for the update on cooperation with Georgia and commend the OHR's ongoing efforts to promote human rights in Georgia. Latvia remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Georgia. We reiterate our call on the Georgian government to engage in a meaningful and inclusive dialogue with the people of Georgia. to release unjustly detained politicians, journalists and activists, to reverse oppressive legislation and to protect country's independence, future and the fundamental rights and freedoms of its people. Latvia reaffirms its strong and unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We are profoundly concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation in the occupied breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We call on the de facto authorities in these regions to ensure protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without discrimination. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:32:07]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Finland. Finland [1:32:11]: Madam Vice President, Finland aligns itself with the EU statement. Finland supports the essential work of the Office of the High Commissioner and pays tribute to the excellent contributions of the Deputy High Commissioner and wishes her all the best in the future. We commend all states that have taken steps towards promoting and protecting human rights. We all have our responsibility to advance these universal rights without discrimination of any kind. Madam Vice President, we remain deeply concerned about the growing attacks on the rights of women and girls, as well as on gender equality and human rights more broadly. We must ensure that the hard-won gains in the protection and promotion of these rights are upheld, and for this we need the OHCHR. Regarding UN aid reform, Finland is strongly committed to defending the underfunded human rights pillar. While increasing wars and conflicts are causing immense suffering and severe human rights violations and abuses, the work of OHCHR at the country level becomes even more crucial. Respect for human rights fosters stability, supports economic growth, and most importantly, ensures both our security and human dignity. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:33:35]: I thank you. Next, I give the floor to Australia. Australia is absent. So next, I will give the floor to United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates [1:33:54]: Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. We would like to express our appreciation to the efforts provided by the Office of the High Commissioner related to technical assistance and capacity building. This helps countries strengthen their national human rights systems. We're committed to constructive cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner and the different UN organizations on the basis of partnership and the sharing of best practices and experience. We have special training programs and workshops. all of this with a view of implementing the recommendations of treaty bodies. We also have a national program to ensure follow-up to the implementation of different recommendations. Emirates have provided support of 1.5 million US dollars to support the office and its work and different funds to respond to the growing needs throughout the world. The promotion of human rights requires international cooperation that is based on mutual respect and true partnership in order to implement the SDGs and ensure stability and prosperity both at the national and international levels. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:35:17]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Norway. Norway [1:35:21]: Thank you, Vice President. Norway thanks the OHCHR for continued efforts to provide technical assistance and capacity building in close cooperation with member states and civil society. Such support is essential to enable states to meet their human rights obligations and to uphold the credibility and effectiveness of this council. This session takes place amid mounting global pressures that challenge the multilateral system itself. Continued violations underscore the need for stronger preventive strategies across all regions. At the same time, the UN itself faces an acute financial crisis. In this, let us recall that agenda item 10 remains the cornerstone of the Human Rights Council's mandate. Safeguarding technical cooperation must remain at the forefront and be adequately resourced. Paying assessed contributions in full and on time is crucial, as is core support towards OHCHR to safeguard its independence, integrity and flexibility. Norway reaffirms its unwavering support for OHCHR and for a rules-based multilateral system grounded in universal human rights. Technical assistance and capacity building are essential not only for preventing violations, but also for building prosperous and resilient societies that can address inequality, exclusion and injustice. We urge all members to work constructively under item 10 and to ensure that the UN human rights system is equipped to meet the challenges of this pivotal moment. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:36:53]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Costa Rica. Costa Rica [1:36:59]: Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. Costa Rica would like to thank the Office of the High Commissioner for its work, whose support is essential for translating international commitment into concrete results at the national level. In this context, Costa Rica highlights the relevance of the resident coordinator team in ensuring technical assistance and capacity building. and that they are aligned with national needs and priorities contributing to sustainable development with a human rights based approach. In this regard, we… emphasize the value of the universal periodical review as a mechanism for linking international recommendations with technical cooperation on the ground by facilitating the identification of priorities and directing the support of the United Nations system towards effective implementation at the national level. We also believe that OHCHR can continue to strengthen its impact through greater coordination with local authorities, supporting the development of public policies and territorial strategies that respond more directly to the specific needs of communities. Finally, we reiterate our strong support to the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner and for the strengthening of international cooperation as a national essential pillar for advancing the effective realization of human rights. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:38:24]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Georgia. Georgia [1:38:28]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. Georgia attaches great importance to the role of the HRC in promoting technical assistance and capacity building. In the current complex and volatile international environment, the work of the Office of the High Commissioner merits particular recognition. Georgia remains firmly committed to supporting those efforts. Madam Vice Chair, for decades, population of Georgia's Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions continue to suffer from the grave violations of human rights, which are orchestrated and inflicted by the Russian Federation and occupation power, as it is attested by ECHR and ICC decisions. We once again urge the Russian Federation to cease ongoing human rights violations against conflict-affected population, to ensure immediate and unhindered access the OHCHR and other international and regional human rights mechanisms to the occupied regions of Georgia and to comply with its international obligations under the EU mediated 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement. Madam Vice-Chair, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine represents another blatant violation of the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act, causing immense human suffering, displacement and destruction. The High Commissioner's recent oral update once again demonstrated the scale of devastation and the systematic and widespread breaches of international human rights and humanitarian law carried out by Russia. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:39:52]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia [1:40:00]: Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. We reiterate the importance of this agenda, i.e. to strengthen the capacities of states, and it should be preserved. Strengthening of capacities should be based on the request of concerned countries while respecting the needs and national priorities. respecting the cultural specificities of countries. It should be based on cooperation and constructive dialogue in order to have a concrete impact. Initiatives related to capacity building are important in terms of all rights, including the rights of women and children, because this provides support to sustainable development efforts and makes it possible for everyone to enjoy all human rights. These initiatives are an important tool to provide support to countries, including LDCs, to strengthen institutions and capacities in order to ensure real progress. And now, this -- we should not impose any mechanisms that prevent the enjoyment of human rights. We should strengthen countries in building their capacities and respect their commitments. This is something that is very practical that makes it possible to ensure progress in the area of human rights. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:41:29]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan [1:41:34]: Madam Vice President, we thank the OHCHR for presentation of the reports and the role updates. While acknowledging the primary responsibility and the role of states in promotion and protection of human rights, We are of the view that the technical assistance and capacity building of states in the field of human rights should remain among the core of activities carried out by the UN system, particularly by the OHCHR. Such assistance must be provided upon request in consultation with and with the consent of the member states concerned. We therefore welcome new and existing initiatives aimed at providing human rights technical cooperation and capacity building support. in consultation with and with the consent of the states concerned to assist them in implementing their human rights obligations as well as voluntary pledges and commitments. With this in mind, Azerbaijan regularly makes financial contributions to the OHCHR to support the important work of the office and its pivotal role in extending necessary technical assistance and capacity building to states. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:42:39]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to International Development Law Organization. IDLO [1:42:44]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. Technical assistance and capacity building must deliver results for people. IDLO's work focuses on delivering targeted rule of law solutions to expand access to justice, strengthening public integrity and combat corruption, reduce this justice gap for women and girls, promote environmental governance and inclusive economic growth, and reinforce legal frameworks for public health. At the core of our approach is supporting our partners to design and implement practical, context-specific reforms. To do so, we combine five levels of change: legal and policy reform, institutional strengthening, participatory governance, digital innovation, and legal empowerment. This enables us to work simultaneously top-down by strengthening institutions and legal frameworks, and bottom-up by empowering people and communities to claim their rights and access justice. In Ukraine, IDLO focused on accountability for conflict-related sexual violence. We combined targeted capacity building for prosecutors and investigators with practical support, including the use of digital tools to improve evidence collection and the establishment of a victims and witness coordination center. In Uganda, our technical assistance focuses on targeted training and support to legal aid providers, community legal volunteers, and grassroots organizations to help extend justice services to rural and marginalized populations. In the economic sphere, we strengthen the capacity of justice institutions and dispute resolution actors to resolve commercial disputes efficiently. We support training, institutional reforms, and mediation and other alternative-- Thank HRC · Vice-President [1:44:23]: you, and next I give the floor to Lithuania. Lithuania [1:44:27]: Thank you Madam Vice President. We thank the Deputy High Commissioner for her presentation and all her work. Lithuania strongly condemns the ongoing illegal occupation of the Georgian Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions by Russia, as confirmed by the rulings of the International Criminal Court and the European Court of Human Rights. In the occupied and militarized regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the human rights and humanitarian situation remain grave. It is essential to protect all internally displaced persons ensure their property rights and access to essential services while allowing international monitoring mechanisms to improve security and human rights situation. We also follow closely the human rights situation in Georgia. The justice system in Georgia continues to be politically exploited as authorities intimidate and prosecute human rights defenders, journalists, members of the opposition for political purposes, eroding accountability. Repressive legislation adopted in recent years undermines democratic norms, violates fundamental human rights, such as freedom of assembly, and contributes to shrinking space for civil society. We call on the Georgian authorities to free all arbitrarily detained persons and end impunity for violations committed by the law enforcement, including excessive violence against peaceful protesters. We stand with the Georgian people in their democratic and European aspirations and reaffirm support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:46:00]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to the Maldives. Maldives [1:46:07]: Madam Vice President, the Maldives thanks the High Commissioner for her presentation. For the Maldives and other SIDS, item 10 is closely linked to delivery on the ground. While our commitment to human rights remains strong, many of us continue to face constraints in capacity, fiscal space and resources that affect implementation. In this regard, the Maldives attaches particular importance to the LDCs SIDS Trust Fund. As a co-lead in establishment and a beneficiary, we call for strengthened and predictable resourcing for the fund and thank donors for their continued support. We also underscore the need for capacity building to strengthen national institutions. In this spirit, MOLDIS was proud to host the regional workshop on NMIRF and human rights reporting organized by Commonwealth and OHCHR last year. At a time when the UN faces liquidity constraints, it is important that support for those with the greatest capacity challenges is sustained. We also welcome ongoing reform and rationalization efforts, including UNAT initiative, and emphasize that these should further enhance rather than limit the delivery of technical cooperation. The Maldives remains committed to working with all partners to ensure technical cooperation remains inclusive and practical in its impact. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:47:35]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Algeria. Algeria [1:47:41]: Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. We would like to express our appreciation to the efforts of the OHCHR in the field of technical cooperation and building capacities despite financial constraints. Item 10 of our agenda represents the cornerstone of our work, which is to promote human rights based on dialogue, cooperation, and building of national capacities. Such assistance should be based on the request of the concerned country exclusively respecting its sovereignty, its national priorities, its national needs without politicization or selectivity in an atmosphere of transparency and through partnership. On the other hand, we are concerned that the efficiency of such programs is threatened nowadays because of the financial and liquidity crisis. The absence of financial stability should not be an excuse to limit assistance. That's why we call upon member states to fulfill their financial contributions and technical support and coordination should not be the victim of what's happening at the United Nations. We should also distance ourselves from the culture of denunciation to a culture of support. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:49:05]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Malaysia. Malaysia [1:49:10]: Madam Vice President, Malaysia aligns itself with the statements of groups to which it belongs to. Milicia reaffirms its strong support for technical assistance and capacity building as a practical tool that helps states translate human rights commitments into meaningful improvements on the ground. Such cooperation should, one, remain responsive to national priorities, two, be developed together through dialogue, and three, be grounded in partnership, trust, and mutual respect. Malaysia's experience has shown us that technical cooperation is most effective when it has national ownership, provides knowledge sharing, and supports inclusive engagement. South-South and triangular cooperation have also proven important avenues for the sharing of expertise and the strengthening of collective capacity. At the same time, Malaysia remains concerned that financial crisis within the United Nations system may affect the delivery of technical cooperation programmes. We hope that OHCHR will continue to prioritise technical assistance and capacity building and ensure that these efforts are not diminished. This is particularly important for developing countries that rely on such support to advance national implementation. Malaysia remains committed to working constructively with all partners to advance sustained cooperation for the promotion and protection of human rights. I thank you, Madam Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [1:50:37]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Armenia. Armenia [1:50:41]: Madam Vice President, technical cooperation and capacity building remain indispensable for effectively translating human rights commitments into tangible progress. When grounded in national ownership and responsive to country-specific priorities, such cooperation can help bridge the gap between commitments and delivery, strengthen institutional capacities, and support sustainable context-specific implementation. Strengthening the link between international human rights obligations and their implementation at the local level is therefore essential. This requires more integrated and locally anchored approaches that bring together human rights development and humanitarian actors in a mutually reinforcing manner. We believe that fostering more coherent field-based engagement closer to communities and responsive to local needs can contribute to more inclusive outcomes and to delivering on the collective pledge of leaving no one behind. Madam Vice President, essentially the credibility of the human rights system rests on the implementation and the ability to translate commitments into results. In this context, Armenia stands ready to engage with partners to exchange practical and adaptable solutions in support of human rights implementation, including through the promotion of national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow up. These mechanisms are not merely technical tools, but reflect sustained political commitment to implementation and multilateral cooperation. Armenia remains committed to advancing practical, cooperative and context-specific approaches that reinforce implementation on the ground, strengthen prevention and contribute to more effective, responsive and credible human rights system. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:52:13]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Philippe. Philippines [1:52:17]: Madam Vice President, amidst the financial and credibility challenges facing the UN human rights system, there is a need to reassess how capacity building is designed and delivered. Two principles should guide our approach, national ownership and empowerment. Capacity building must be nationally driven. The goal should be enhancing domestic frameworks and institutions in a manner that aligns and supports the broader national development agenda. Capacity building must be genuinely empowering. It must enable states to mobilize domestic resources, foster dynamism in domestic institutions, and leverage external partnerships where necessary. It should neither create relations of dependencies nor serve to justify open-ended mandates or prolong external presences beyond demonstrated need. In this regard, it may be timely to review the Human Rights Advisory Program, Particularly given its reliance on voluntary funding, deployment of HRAs should be needs-based and undertaken only with the explicit consent of the host state. Where deployed, HRAs must operate strictly within their advisory mandate under the UN Resident Coordinator. Ultimately, capacity building must remain a vehicle for tangible positive change for rights holders on the ground and must not inadvertently contribute to the politicization of human rights. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:53:43]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Bahrain. Bahrain [1:53:51]: Thank you very much, Madam. We align ourselves with the statement made by the regional groups that we belong to. We take note of the oral update under this agenda item. This agenda item has been facing difficulties related to the liquidity crisis. And this is why we need an approach that ensures the long-term nature of programs related to capacity building. Technical assistance is very important, building national capacities and sharing best practices. The mandate of this agenda should be fully respected. If we do not do that, we will undermine national efforts to promote human rights. We have always seen that technical assistance and technical cooperation offers opportunities to improve human rights situations, and we have benefited from many programs and projects over the last years. And we are looking forward to our future cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:54:58]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Sierra Leone. They are absent, so next I give the floor to Ireland. Ireland is also absent, so next I give the floor to Russian Federation. Russian Federation [1:55:33]: Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. The Russian Federation considers questions related to technical assistance and assistance to countries as a priority area of the human rights dimension of the United Nations. At the same time, we're against the politicization of providing technical assistance to interested countries and also biased discussions under this agenda item of the Council. We believe that in this area of work, we should not raise issues that go beyond providing assistance to countries, building human rights potentials and ensuring this resistance or resilience to challenges. The assistance should be provided to interested countries on the basis of their request without any preconditions. Unfortunately, we know that some countries are continuing to abuse the question of technical assistance and are using it as a pretext to discuss here in the Council of issues that have nothing to do with this mandate. And we believe that using this agenda item as a pretext for interfering internal affairs of countries discredits the Council and is unacceptable. We believe that technical assistance is something that brings countries together and needs consolidation of efforts in order to achieve true results. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:56:51]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Uganda. Uganda [1:56:55]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. Uganda aligns with the African Group and the NAM statement. Technical assistance and capacity building at the request of states concerned is a real opportunity by this Council to foster national resilience in the promotion and protection of human rights, specifically the LDC SEEDS Trust Fund for delegates, of which Uganda is pleased to have benefited from, myself in mind, video capacity. is a cornerstone of international cooperation and solidarity. It is more than just financial support. It embodies our collective commitment to inclusivity, equity, and reaffirms the importance of in-person participation of all states, respective of their financial capacity in the matter of human rights. We underline that technical assistance is indeed a demonstration of international cooperation and afford states with capacity gaps and opportunity to actively engage and participate in the human rights cancer sessions. We commend the donors that remain committed to support this important initiative. Finally, Madam Vice President, recognizing that human rights are universal, inalienable, indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated. Capacity building should be extended free from politicization in a transparent and fair manner. We call on everyone present, especially to give due attention to agenda item 10 of the Council and support it towards its most meaningful success. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:58:23]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Tunisia. Tunisia [1:58:27]: Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. We would like to reiterate the importance of technical cooperation and capacity building because they can support national institutions efforts to promote human rights in the concerned countries. In this context, we reiterate the fact that efficiency of such cooperation is conditioned by the dialogue with the concerned country according to its own national priorities and specificities when it comes to technical support and assistance away from any imposition that is away from the scope of item 10. Based on the above, we reiterate our attachment to the country's sovereignty, independence, and observance of principles of impartiality away from politicization. Our ultimate objective is to promote and protect rights and freedoms. Finally, we call upon continuing to work on rationalizing the work of the UN system based on objective criteria, supporting the resources and the capacities to fulfill the relevant mandates. Thank you very much. HRC · Vice-President [1:59:42]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Lao People's Democratic Republic. Lao People's Democratic Republic [1:59:47]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. My delegation aligns itself with the statements of the groups to which it belongs and thanks the report. My delegation reaffirms that technical assistance and capacity building are essential tools in supporting states, particularly those with limited resources, in strengthening their capacity to effectively promote and protect human rights. The Lapidia emphasized that the technical assistance and capacity building should be provided in line with the needs, national priorities, and concerns of the country concerned, based on the genius dialogue and cooperation. In conclusion, we encourage those states in a position to make contribution to the UN voluntary fund in order to support states in need to fulfill the human rights commitments. We also stand ready to work closely with UN, OHCHR, and all development partners to advance human rights for all. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:00:49]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to South Sudan. South Sudan [2:00:53]: Madam Vice President, South Sudan aligns itself with the statement made by the African Group and the NAM. We would like to once again reiterate our position, which is unchanged. Institutions and human rights bodies in countries in need, including my country, South Sudan, should be prioritised in the work of the Human Rights Council. South Sudan emphasizes that technical assistance and capacity-building initiative must remain guided by the principles of national ownership, impartiality, transparency, non-politicization, non-selectivity, respect for sovereignty, and tailored based on the needs of the country concerned. We also highlight the importance of provision of adequate, predictable and sustainable funding for technical assistance and capacity building programmes amid the current global landscape and financial constraints, including availing adequate funds to the LDCs seats trust fund to enable it to continue supporting participation of eligible personnel from the LDCs seats in the sessions of the Human Rights Council to achieve inclusivity and no one is left behind. In conclusion, South Sudan underscore the fact that investing in prevention today through robust technical assistance and capacity building improves promotion and protection of human rights in the future. Thank you, Madam Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [2:02:32]: And next, I give the floor to Cambodia. Cambodia [2:02:37]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. Cambodia aligns itself with the statement delivered by ASEAN. We thank the OACHR, the EU, Japan, and other all stakeholders for technical cooperation and capacity building in Cambodia. We take note of the EU's concerns and remain committed to addressing them through open dialogue, evidence-based engagement, and respect for our sovereignty. Cambodia stresses the importance of state-led, demand-driven, and streamlined support that directly benefit affected communities, grounded in genuine dialogue, the full consent of the state, and alignment with national priorities, amid growing UN resource constraints. In 2025, we renewed the mandate of the OHCHR country office for another two years and extended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia. This reflects our commitment to fostering constructive engagement for the promotion and protection of human rights. Kamuri calls for human rights reporting that reflects the real situation on the ground, particularly the impact of violations and pressure from external actors, and supports the affected community to ensure appropriate accountability and remedy. Kamuri remains ready to continue to work with all partners to advance practical, constructive, and mutually respectful cooperation under item 10. HRC · Vice-President [2:04:08]: I thank you. Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Venezuela. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) [2:04:15]: Thank you very much, Vice-President. Genuine dialogue and constructive cooperation, which is unpoliticized and unconditional, should be the basis for the promotion and protection of all human rights to strengthen states' capacity in this area, always with the agreement of concerned states. The items dealt with under item 10 of this Council should not be rooted in selectivity or political interests. They should be agreed in line with principles enshrined in the UN Charter, particularly the respect of sovereignty and non-interference, and in line with the genuine requirements of interested states. Mutually agreed cooperation is the most effective path to tackling challenges in human rights. We appreciate that despite financial challenges, the Office of the High Commissioner has supported those states that have requested technical cooperation. Nonetheless, we urge this Council to have a root and branch overhaul of actions undertaken under this agenda item in order to ensure its application fully in line with the stated goals. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:05:32]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Samoa. Samoa [2:05:37]: Thank you, Vice President. Samoa aligns with the statement delivered by the Maldives on behalf of the informal group of SIDS. As one of the 55 recipients of voluntary fund resources in 2025, Samoa appreciates contributions by the donors, board, and OHCHR to uphold the VFTC's crucial role in strengthening human rights. The universality of these rights requires the effective and responsive implementation of the Council's work, driven by the active and collective participation of all members. For small island developing states like Samoa, whose limited resources are further strained by its climate vulnerability, technical cooperation and capacity building are inextricable from the delivery of human rights. In this context, Samoa welcomes the Board's review of its previous recommendation to increase the focus on SIDS. We also support its updated recommendation for the Office to protect technical cooperation in all areas, including the right to a clean and healthy environment, and express concern that liquidity crisis and funding gaps may affect these aims. To conclude, we reiterate our warm thanks to donor states and encourage all members who are in a position to do so to consider supporting further technical cooperation through the Voluntary Fund. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:06:50]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Hungary. Hungary [2:06:56]: Thank you, Mrs. Vice President. We would like to thank the Deputy High Commissioner for the oral updates. Genuine dialogue is the core of the Council's work, especially under agenda item 10. Hungary welcomes the constructive cooperation of the Government of Georgia with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, including its office in Tbilisi, as well as with other relevant international and regional human rights mechanisms and actors. We also value the continued technical assistance provided by the Office of the High Commissioner through its presence in Tbilisi. We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia. Georgia demonstrates a strong and consistent commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, engaging constructively in good faith in international formats, including the Geneva international discussions. In this regard, we welcome Georgia's peace-oriented approach. Hungary recognizes commitments expressed by Georgia to uphold the rule of law, safeguard judicial independence and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. We encourage continued engagement and underscore the importance of technical assistance and capacity building for strengthening human rights implementation. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:08:18]: I thank you and I give the floor to Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone [2:08:27]: Thank you, Vice President. Vice President, my delegation acknowledges the profound role and impact of the Deputy High Commissioner's services during her tenure and wishes her a productive retirement. We align with the African Group statement and acknowledge the significant contribution of technical assistance and capacity building to the promotion and protection of human rights. We thank the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the thorough report and commend the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for its ongoing efforts even amidst challenging global conditions. As a beneficiary of the UN Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in the field of human rights, Sierra Leone expresses deep appreciation to all donor states and partners for the vital financial and technical support. This support has strengthened our national institutions. We value the fund's role in supporting the implementation of recommendations from human rights mechanisms, especially as we prepare for our fourth universal periodic review in May this year. We are concerned about the current liquidity crisis, reduced predictability, and unmet funding poses serious challenges for countries like ours. Therefore, we call for increased flexible multi-year contributions to the fund. which would enable continued engagement with human rights mechanisms and effective implementation of our commitment. And I thank you, Vice Presidents, and thank you for your flexibility. HRC · Vice-President [2:10:08]: Thank you. We shall now turn to the list of speakers for national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations. And first, I give the floor to Human Rights House Foundation. [2:10:22]: Thank you, Vice President. We take this opportunity to thank the Deputy High Commissioner for her work and wish her all the best for the future. Vice President, the update of the High Commissioner's Office on Georgia comes at a time of deepening repression and rising authoritarianism, not just in the occupied regions, but in government-controlled territory as well. The recently published and independent OSCE Moscow Mechanism report on Georgia described a pattern of violence against protesters, journalists and political opponents, in some cases reaching the threshold of torture, together with near total impunity for those responsible. Repressive laws that criminalise solidarity and civic work, as well as draconian restrictions on the right to protest, are being used alongside prosecutions, detentions, financial pressure and intimidation to crush dissent. Human Rights House Tbilisi has effectively been shut down. Its bank accounts were frozen last year, forcing it to suspend activities as it faces criminal investigation. In addition, high-ranking authorities in Georgia continue to disparage the work of human rights defenders, including Baya Petriya, the head of Union Sapari. Finally, we remain concerned by credible allegations that chemical agents have been used against peaceful protesters. In this regard, states parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention should consider referring Georgia through the OPCW. HRC · Vice-President [2:11:46]: I thank you. Thank you. Next, I give the floor to. They are absent, so the floor goes to Development and Cultural Union. They are equally absent. So I call next, Association Pays pour la Lutte contre la Contrainte et l'Injustice. They are also absent. So next, I give the floor to East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project by video. [2:12:28]: Item 10 is a fantastic tool to help states fulfill their obligations. But to be effective, technical assistance must be complimented by scrutiny. As illustrated in our report, item 10 resolutions contain monetary and public reporting elements. We are concerned about a dangerous narrative that mechanisms not enjoying the consent of the country concerned are a waste of resources. In this view, the Council should be a decontextualized service provider only able to act within a scope defined by the recipient countries. This narrative is grounded in a selective reading of the UNGA resolution 60/251 and undermines the Council's carefully balanced mandate, which includes addressing human rights violations, including the gross and systematic violations. Mr. President, instead of criticizing the cost of investigative mechanisms, let's reaffirm that the cause of the serious violations is often political rather than merely due to a lack of capacity or resources. The provision of advisory services to governments that lack political will to improve their record is the real waste of resources. For example, is it effective to support the judiciary where judges are appointed at the president's discretion? We urge states to prioritize efficiency in the use of item 10. Advisory services should go to states that demonstrate the political will to make good use of them. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:13:52]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Geneva, Formation International. JHR [2:13:59]: Thank you. We take the floor to address technical assistance and capacity building in the implementation, follow up, and reporting on human rights obligations. TACB is indispensable. It translates international norms, international institutions, sustained reporting cycles, and builds domestic capacity upon which the entire human rights architecture ultimately depends. JHR fully supports as well resourced demand-driven and rights-holder centered TACB framework. However, its limits must be addressed candidly. TACB is a tool of cooperation. It presupposes good faith. Where states accept technical assistance instrumentally as a shield against scrutiny rather than a genuine commitment to change, its deployment risks legitimizing impunity. TACB cannot substitute for accountability. Institution of grave, systematic, and ongoing violations, cooperation with a conditionality is not solidarity, it is aversion. JSHRS call on the to adopt explicit criteria-based conditionality frameworks for the ICB deployment. To resist technical cooperation as an alternative to accountability mechanism and to apply consistent non-selective standards regardless of the political weight of the state concerned. Financing must match rhetoric. With proposed UN aid cuts of 50% falling disproportionately on the human rights pillar, the premise of TACB is undermined before it begins. Finally, TACB must protect those who make it possible, human rights defenders whose monitor, document and reports are the foundation of the system. Their protection is not peripheral to TACB. It is its precondition. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:15:31]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to World Organization Against Torture for a joint statement. [2:15:38]: Thank you, Madam President, Vice President. We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for the oral update on Georgia and wish to add our recent findings on the dismantling of civil society by Georgian authorities based on a field mission conducted in 2025 together by the World Organization Against Torture and the International Federation for Human Rights. Since 2022, civic space in Georgia has sharply deteriorated. New laws, including the so-called foreign agent framework and the amendments on the law on grants, have severely restricted access to funding and even exposed organizations to criminal liability. At the same time, human rights defenders and journalists face arbitrary prosecution, detention, and intimidation, including smear campaigns, which are often linked to their work monitoring protests or supporting victims. This environment has had a chilling effect across civil society, where organizations are forced to suspend activities, reduce staff, or in some cases, shut down entirely. As a result, vulnerable groups, including survivors of torture, are losing access to essential services and protection. Our report also highlights growing risks for exile defenders in Georgia, once considered a safe hub, who now face increasing insecurity and legal uncertainty. We call on states to respond decisively, to ensure accountability, support civil society in Georgia, and uphold the fundamental freedoms that remain under serious threat in the country. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:17:04]: Thank you. I next give the floor to Asian Center for Human Rights. They are absent, so next I give the floor to Tamil Ushagam. [2:17:17]: Thank you, Chair. Despite repeated commitments by Sri Lankan state, accountability, justice and reconciliation remain absent. Structural discrimination, militarization of North and East, land appropriation and surveillance continue to be severely impacted. The Tamil population families of the disappeared still seek truth while victims of past atrocities remain without remedy. We are deeply concerned that these persistent patterns combined with impunity create conditions that risk further violation and may continue destruction of people's identity, dignity and security. And over 20 special prosecutors mandate holders and treaty bodies UPR process and made over 500 recommendations to Sri Lankan state. Unfortunately, the Sinhalese chauvinist regime will never implement anything that would help Tamils to get justice. In this contest, we stressed the urgent need for strengthened international engagement under item 10 technical assistance must go beyond institutional capacity building include robust monitoring evidence preservation and support for victim centered Justice process Madam President we further call for enhanced resources and a stronger mandate for the OS lab we urge this Council to prioritize the protection of ulam Tamils and ensure that technical assistance meaningfully contribute contribute to Justice accountability refer Sri Lanka to the CC and set up an interim judicial mechanism and name a country special special reporter HRC · Vice-President [2:18:54]: for next to give the floor to Association for Justice Equality professional and the peace in Africa. [2:19:04]: Madam President, AGIP observes with deep consigned how escalating global conflicts have intensified a hardship of most vulnerable. Soaring commodity prices and energy insecurity are driving millions deeper into poverty. We must recognize these economic shocks not merely as market fluctuations, but as urgent human rights crisis. In Africa, the link between natural resource conflicts and environmental degradation is undeniable. Resource-driven instability directly contributes to climate change, undermining the fundamental rights to life, health, and a sustainable environment. To break this cycle, we must prioritize green governance and innovation. We call for the fair and equitable transfer of green technology to African nations who remain unduly affected by greenhouse gas emissions they did not create. Achieving climate justice requires a global commitment to supporting those on the front lines of this crisis. Protecting human rights today demands a transition that is both green and jobs. I thank you, Madam Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [2:20:21]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Eliska Relief Foundation by video. [2:20:27]: Chairperson, the Eliska Relief Foundation would like to convey its profound concern in the face of the serious human rights violations in Somaliland. Since the end of 2025, restrictions on freedom of movement, as well as intimidation campaigns and the detention of civilians, have been reported. On the 6th of December 2025, they opened fire on demonstrators opposing the government decision in Somaliland to organize a celebration pursuant to the publication of a law in the town of Zayla, which caused the death of ten people. In January 26, A religious preacher was arrested because they had criticized the agreement between the government of Somaliland and Israel. Furthermore, the Somaliland security forces arrested a young man in Burmo after he brandished a Palestinian flag. Furthermore, combating FGM and the right to education remain serious challenges in Somaliland. As a result, ELCAT calls on member states and observers to encourage the authorities in Somaliland to end detention practices which are arbitrary and reprisals. We also would like to invite them to urge the adoption of a legislation criminalizing FGM. We call on member states which have recognized Somaliland as an independent state to withdraw that recognition because that's strengthening the ability of the authorities to violate human rights. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Vice President. Technical assistance and capacity building are essential to turning human rights commitments into reality. Laws alone are not enough. Institutions, frontline workers, and communities need skills, knowledge, and resources. India has undertaken large-scale efforts benefiting millions through Digital India. Over 700 million people now have access to internet and digital services. The Aspirational Districts Program covering 112 districts has improved governance and service delivery in some of the country's most underserved regions. At Sambhali Trust in Jodhpur, India, we see this impact at the grassroots. When women gain skills, girls access education, and community leaders are empowered, real and lasting change becomes possible. The United Nations plays an important role in supporting such efforts. Strengthening partnerships with local institutions and civil society will ensure that capacity building leads to inclusive and sustainable progress. Thank you, Madam Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [2:23:10]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to MADD for Peace, Development and Human Rights Association by video. MADD [2:23:17]: Thank you Mr. President. The military developments in southern Yemen have revealed a number of secret prisons used by regional forces involved in the conflict under the supervision of the Southern Transitional Movement, amounting to 30 prisons in addition to other prisons outside judicial oversight, where the worst forms of ill-treatment and practices amount to torture are rampant. Mr. President, on February 1, 2026, armed elements affiliated with the Transitional Council stormed the offices of the Aden Al-Ghad newspaper by force, completely destroying its contents. The violations included smashing the newspaper's offices and computers and stealing journalistic equipment, following criticisms directed at the Transitional Council by journalists from this newspaper. Finally, Mait recommends that member states intensify efforts to monitor the illegal transfer of arms to separatist movements in southern Yemen. It's also essential to enable the National Commission to investigate allegations of human rights violations to access all regions of southern Yemen and investigate serious human rights violations. We recommend calling upon all with influence over the separatist movement in the south to immediately release all detainees and to forcibly disappeared in the prisons of the Southern Transitional Council after December 2025. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:24:45]: Thank you next I give the floor to Rajasthan samra Kalyan sanan also by video. [2:24:52]: Thank you Mr. President the enhancement of technical cooperation is not merely an administrative task it is the Bedrock of realizing human rights for all in this digital age this mandate must urgently evolve to address the Frontier challenges of artificial intelligence AI systems now evaluate job applications allocate social benefits and even predict policing without deliberate capacity building tools risk automating and amplifying discrimination on a global scale. Studies demonstrate how algorithmic bias can deepen inequalities for marginalized communities. Therefore, our technical cooperation must be proactive, not reactive. We call on this Council to champion a new generation of capacity-building programs with three pillars. For policymakers, developing robust regulatory frameworks grounded in human rights law to govern AI design and deployment. For judiciary and NHRI's, providing technical training to audit algorithms, investigate rights violations, and ensure accountability. For developers, integrating mandatory human rights impact assessments and ethically designed principles into computer science curricula worldwide. Mr. President, the right to equality, privacy, and non-discrimination cannot be left to chance in the algorithmic society. Let us build the expertise today to ensure that the technologies of tomorrow are engines of justice, not inequality. We thank you. May all live happily. HRC · Vice-President [2:26:17]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Organisation Internationale pour les Pays les Moins Avancés. OIPMA [2:26:24]: Madam Vice President, OIPMA expresses its deep concern at the rising levels of hate speech, violent extremism, and religious and ethnic intolerance worldwide. Experience shows that security responses alone are not enough. Sustainable prevention requires investment in education, inclusivity, and community resilience, particularly in contexts where institutional capacities remain limited and must be grounded in respect for human rights and dignity. While important initiatives exist, there remains a gap in coordinated efforts to address the root causes of intolerance. In this regard, we encourage consideration of establishing an international decade for tolerance, aimed at promoting respect for human rights and preventing the conditions in which hatred can take hold. We highlight three priorities. First, supporting education systems to foster critical thinking, respect and coexistence. Second, strengthening capacity among teachers, youth actors and institutions to prevent radicalization. And third, integrating tolerance into sustainable development efforts, particularly under SDG 4 and 16. At a time when intolerance is increasingly normalized, prevention is not optional. It's a necessity. We urge this Council and Member States to take this discussion forward. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:27:45]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Mary Azarka. [2:27:52]: Madam Vice President, we emphasise that technical assistance and capacity building must be directed towards addressing institutional dysfunctions that give rise to violations and must not serve as a substitute for reform. The findings of the fact-finding mission on Iran demonstrate that serious human rights violations are linked to a systematic institutional pattern whereby security agencies, the judicial system, and legislation are used as instruments of repression. This pattern is not confined to the domestic sphere. Its impact extends beyond national borders and undermines regional stability, including through armed attacks targeting Gulf states. The United Arab Emirates has been the most affected in the region, having been subjected to more than 2,213 attacks, the highest in the region, resulting in civilian casualties and injuries affecting multiple nationalities. Madam Vice President, we urge the Government of Iran, in cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to direct technical assistance towards genuine reforms. We further call for the immediate suspension of Iran's membership in the Human Rights Council until substantive and tangible reforms are implemented, ensuring accountability and ending impunity. Thank you, Madam Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [2:29:13]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Xiang Xi, Patriotic Volunteer Association, for a joint statement. International Patriotic Pact Organization [2:29:22]: Thank you. Good day. I'm speaking on behalf of International Patriotic Pact Organization. I thank the council for the floor. Today we focus on human rights protection and sustainable development in conflict areas. We have seen in Mali and Sudan, there are civilians, especially women and children, face human rights challenges such as displacement and disrupted livelihood. External interferences often accessibility regional instability. Genuine patriotism safeguard one's own country while respecting other countries. Patriotism must never come at the expense of other countries. We advocate dialogue and consultation on resolving issues. We oppose unilateral sanctions and military intervention. We call for equal cooperation to address humanitarian crisis. We call on the. International community to respect the sovereign view of conflict affected countries, increase resources for humanitarian areas such as livelihood, security, education, healthcare. The council should strengthen monitoring and protection in conflict zones, promote synergy between peace processes and human rights cause. In closing, I invite all delegates to our spring forum in room five on April 1st to discuss international cooperation in support of a more just and inclusive international order. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:30:43]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Agence Suisse pour le Developpement et les Droits de l'Homme. They are absent, so I give the floor to Association Culturelle des Tamouls en France. Also absent, so we move to Forum Mediterranien pour la Promotion des Droits du Citoyen by video. [2:31:17]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Mediterranean Forum for the Advancement of Citizen Rights expresses its appreciation for international efforts aimed at enhancing technical assistance and capacity building in the field of human rights in collaboration with UNESCO and OHCHR. In this context, we emphasize the importance of supporting initiatives that promote historical justice, recognizing victims and ensuring remedies for victims of serious HR violations. Among these issues, the case of so-called comfort women as an example that calls for strengthened technical cooperation to ensure proper documentation and memory preservation, as well as needed support for the victims. We call on the international community to provide technical assistance aimed at strengthening mechanisms for historical documentation and archiving, supporting approaches that place victims at the centre, as well as promoting education and awareness to prevent recurrence of such violations. We also stress the importance of partnerships with Member States and the international community in order to support constructive initiatives under the umbrella of UN system. Mr. Chair, enhancing cooperation with the UN mechanisms represents a fundamental pillar for addressing such issues within a framework of dialogue, mutual respect and capacity building. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:32:44]: Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Imam Ali's Popular Student Relief Society. And I'm told they are absent. So this was the last speaker on my list, and with this, we have concluded the general debate under agenda item 10. excellencies I understand that Rwanda has requested to exercise the right of reply in relation to statements made under agenda item 10 and before giving the floor to Rwanda I wish to clarify against which statement would you like to exercise the right of reply. Rwanda [2:33:28]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. I cannot that it's the first time I see a delegation being requested specifically which statements they want to address. But anyway, I want to say that we want to respond to the statements made by a number of countries, notably Burundi, DRC, France, Switzerland, the UK, and Ireland, which referenced Rwanda in their national statements. during one of the discussions under this item. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:34:00]: Okay. So, I see this. Thank you, Rwanda, for this clarification. I understand that you intend to exercise a right of reply against statements that were made during a dialogue in which you were a concerned country. As per established practice in this Council, a country cannot exercise a right of reply against a statement or statements made in a debate in which it was a concerned country. So your right of reply cannot be accommodated. Rwanda, you are requesting a point of order. Rwanda [2:35:01]: President. HRC · Vice-President [2:35:08]: Rwanda, you have the floor. Rwanda [2:35:12]: Thank you, Madam Vice President. We had requested to exercise our right of reply in respect with the statements made by some Member States during the EID on DRC. We had requested this In a spirit of fostering constructive engagements, we call that Rwanda does not consider itself a country concerned under the resolution on technical assistance and capacity building in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The position of Rwanda was officially communicated to the presidents of the Human Rights Council. We recall that the relevant resolution was initiated and tabled by the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its national capacity in October last year, referencing Rwanda in that resolution. HRC · Vice-President [2:36:02]: Thank you, thank you, Rwanda. I still understand that you intend to exercise the right of reply against the statement that were made during the dialogue in which you were a concerned country. So I repeat, as established practice in this council, a country cannot exercise a right of reply against a statement in a debate in which it was a concerned country. So your right of reply cannot be accommodated. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we have now concluded the conservation of agenda item 10. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, this brings us to the end of this meeting. We will reconvene in the afternoon at 3 p.m. to continue acting on the draft proposals. I hereby close the 50th meeting of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council.