19th Meeting - 62nd Session of Human Rights Council

Excellencies, distinguished participants, good morning. I declare open the 19th meeting of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council. We shall now continue the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur, on the human rights of internally displaced persons. We shall now return to the list of speakers, and I just— and I recognize the distinguished representative of Mali. It appears that they are not in the room. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sudan.

Thank you, Mr. President. We have taken notes of the contents of the report on IDPs, forced displacement, and the IHL, and the relevant reports and recommendations. The nature of the rapid support militias, especially the direct targeting of civilians in areas that have increased number of IDPs, has increased rapidly. The vast majority of IDPs have moved to areas that are controlled by the Sudanese government and its national army, while a minority has moved to neighboring countries. This has has a direct link with the systematic violations of the IHL and the international human rights law, including looting, killing, and targeting on the basis of race, as well as the blockade of the access of humanitarian assistance. Hence, we call upon the international community to support Sudan in order to pave the way and improve its infrastructure in order to reconstruct the especially within the increased tendencies of moving towards areas controlled by the government.

Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I recognize the distinguished representative of the Philippines.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Philippines thanks the Special Rapporteur for the timely report and shares the view that preventing displacement, protecting displaced displaced persons, and securing durable solutions requires strong national ownership, government leadership, respect for international law, and the meaningful participation of affected communities. As climate change and disasters increasingly drive internal displacement, we underscore the importance of integrating disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and sustainable development into national policies to reduce displacement risk before they materialize. Guided by the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, our whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach places equal emphasis on prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience. This is complemented by community-based disaster risk reduction, preemptive evacuations, social protection measures, and programs supporting durable housing and sustainable livelihoods for displaced families. In 2024, the Bangsamoro Region of the Philippines enacted the first IDP specific law in Southeast Asia, expanding prevention, protection, and durable solutions for both conflict and disaster-driven displacement. Mr. Vice President, we thank the Special Rapporteur for her valuable work and reaffirm our commitment to supporting efforts that uphold the rights, dignity, and resilience of internally displaced persons. I thank you. Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I recognize the distinguished representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the Sovereign Order of Malta commends the Special Rapporteur's report and fully shares her conclusions, upholding the international humanitarian law principle that civilians affected by conflict must be treated with dignity, without any discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation must constitute a basic rule for every civilized society. In our global outreach, we are committed to implementing IHL in concrete action. The respect for IHL induces the facilitation of humanitarian access and strengthens the necessary dialogue and confidence-building measures with local communities and authorities. In this respect, our national associations and our worldwide relief agency, Malteser International, supports IDPs through integrated relief, targeted outreach, and comprehensive services by delivering shelter, food assistance, hygiene supplies, medical and psychological care, ensuring hence rapid, tailored assistance. Such aid to IDPs ensures effectiveness from emergency response through recovery to resilience building. Madam Special Rapporteur, How can IHL be mainstreamed across humanitarian action to enhance protection and accountability? I thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I recognize the distinguished representative of Cyprus.

Mr.

Vice President, Cyprus aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the Special Rapporteur, Ms. Paula Gaviria Betancourt, for her comprehensive report on internally displaced persons. And international humanitarian law. We share the concern over protracted internal displacement and the impact of contemporary armed conflict and evolving urban warfare, leading to increased IHL violations affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure. Cyprus reiterates that full respect for international humanitarian law by all parties to armed conflict, in complementarity with international human rights law, is essential to prevent displacement and safeguard the rights of internally displaced displaced persons. Durable solutions must be voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable. In this regard, the right of internally displaced persons to return voluntarily in safety and in dignity remains fundamental and must be fully respected. For Cyprus, the issue of internal displacement remains pertinent. More than 5 decades after 200,000 Cypriots were forced to flee their ancestral homes following invasion and military occupation, they continue to be deprived of the full enjoyment of their rights, including the right to return and to peacefully enjoy their property. This situation starkly illustrates the enduring and intergenerational impact of displacement on civilians and highlights the importance of prevention and durable solutions. Madam Rapporteur, what best practices can States adopt to effectively integrate IHL obligations into domestic legislation and national policies, also via the transitional justice processes?

I thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I recognize the distinguished representative of Malaysia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Malaysia thanks the Special Rapporteur for her insightful report. The growing number of internally displaced persons worldwide highlights the urgent need to strengthen compliance with IHL. While IHL prohibits the forced displacement of civilians, contemporary conflicts continue to expose significant protection gaps. Among the key challenges are preventing prolonged or repeated displacement. Safeguarding displaced populations, maintaining humanitarian access, and protecting civilian infrastructure indispensable for their survival. The destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and essential services further complicates efforts to secure durable solutions and the safe return of displaced persons. The situation in Gaza illustrates many of these challenges. The overwhelming majority of Gaza's population has been displaced, many of them multiple times, often under conditions of insecurity and severe humanitarian deprivation. Today, approximately 1.9 million Palestinians have been internally displaced. The repeated displacement of civilians, coupled with restrictions on humanitarian assistance and extensive damage to its civilian infrastructure, has highlighted the challenges of translating IHL obligations into meaningful protection on the ground. As discussions advance on the global initiative to galvanize political commitment to IHL, Malaysia looks forward to further engaging with the Special Rapporteur on ways to to operationalize her recommendations and strengthen protection for internally displaced persons in armed conflict. Thank you. Muchas gracias.

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

Thank you, Vice President. Colombia thanks the Special Rapporteur for the reports and for her commitment to protecting human rights. We're grateful to Paula Gaviria for her visit to Colombia February, along with the UNDP, IOM, and the UNHCR, which strengthened dialogue on challenges and opportunities to move towards lasting solutions. We appreciate the appeal against erosion of respect for IHL and its consequences for millions of IDPs, and as well the concern she expressed for repeated and prolonged displacement attacks against civilian population and its key infrastructure and restrictions to humanitarian access. We recognize the challenges in our country to protect communities affected by displacement, in particular threats against teachers, recruitment of children and adolescents, and the impact on the educational environment. Lasting solutions require a comprehensive approach that combines protection, peace, and development. We are grateful for the recognition as a good practice of the recent document on Durable Solutions for IDPs adopted by our National Council on Economic and Social Policy to bolster institutional coordination and promote solutions. Madame la rapporteure, with the challenges identified in your report and your warning towards the future, what recommendations could you give to prevent repeated displacements and to strengthen integration of lasting solutions in national policies for development and peacebuilding? Thank you.

Thank you very much. I recognize the distinguished representative of Cameroon.

Mr. Vice President, my delegation aligns itself with the statement given by the African Group and thanks the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of her report. Cameroon shares the concerns expressed on the continued increase of the number of IDPs across the world. We must recall the importance of respect for IHL and protection of civilians in conflict situations. By respecting international instruments,— and through implementing National Strategy for Development 2020-2030, Cameroon is committed to protect and respect the fundamental rights of IDPs. Protecting this population group is a priority for my government. To this end, the Humanitarian Response Plan 2026 highlights the care provided for protracted emergency situations, notably around the Lake Chad Basin, and the security challenges that certain regions are facing. It promotes an integrated approach involving humanitarian actors, development, and peace, as well as promoting resilience for the population groups affected. Furthermore, a program to support community resilience and socioeconomic inclusion of vulnerable populations will be implemented over 2026 to 2029. My country takes note of the recommendations issued by the Special Rapporteur and reaffirms its commitment to protecting IDPs as well as its respect for IHL. I thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I now recognize the distinguished representative of Ghana.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Ghana aligns itself with the statement by the African Group and thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report. We are deeply concerned by the continued rise in internal displacement worldwide. The report rightly underscores that attacks on civilians, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and impediments to humanitarian access remain key drivers of displacement and human suffering. Ghana therefore calls on all parties to end conflicts, to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, protect civilians, facilitate unhindered humanitarian access, and ensure accountability for violations that displace people. We welcome the report's emphasis on secure housing, land, and property rights, as well as the need for durable solutions that are voluntary, safe, and dignified. In Ghana, Article 20 of our Constitution provides safeguards for displaced persons, including protection of their welfare and support for their resettlement. We are equally guided by the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement and the African Union's Kampala Convention, which remains the cornerstone of Africa's response to internal displacement. We agree with the Special Rapporteur that durable solutions require meaningful engagement with affected communities, strengthening national institutions, and sustained international support. Mr. Vice President, as displacement reaches unprecedented levels globally, the international community must move beyond emergency responses and invest in prevention, protection, accountability, and lasting solutions that restore the dignity and rights of IDPs. I thank you. Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I recognize the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

Vice President, Switzerland thanks the Special Rapporteur for the report. It's alarming to see that in the space of 7 years, the number of IDPs has doubled. In 2025, the number sat at 82.2 million. It's important to ensure— this reveals the great disparity between the protections that are guaranteed by international law and reality. Switzerland would Switzerland firmly recalls that IHL, International Human Rights Law, prohibits forced displacement. International law, IHL, prohibits indiscriminate attacks, collective punishments, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure and any obstacle to humanitarian aid. Switzerland notes the erosion of respect of these obligations and impunity for violations that are affecting civilian populations. In conflicts that are often happening within an urban environment, not respecting the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution, as well as attacks on residential areas, on health systems and water, are making certain areas uninhabitable. Madam Special Rapporteur, what measures must states take to prevent forced displacement, bolster IHL, and ensure durable solutions. I thank you.

Thank you very much. I recognize the distinguished representative of India.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. India takes note of the report presented by the Special Rapporteur and appreciates her comprehensive analysis. We reaffirm the fundamental principle that protection and assistance for internally displaced persons primarily rest with their own states. International engagement must be complementary, undertaken at the request of and with the full consent of the affected state in a manner that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Indian Constitution under Article 21 underpins the protection and dignity of all persons, including those displaced. Indian experience in managing large-scale displacement shows our emphasis on state-led preventive and durable solutions through disaster risk reduction, early warning, and evacuation systems, and also through domestic statutory safeguards. Mr. Vice President, while the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement offer useful guidance, they are non-binding and must be applied in accordance with national law and context. We urge a balanced approach that addresses conflict-related, disaster-induced, and development-related displacement, prioritizing capacity building, resilience, and sustainable development.

I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I recognize the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Zimbabwe appreciates the report of the Special Rapporteur. We take note of the call for strengthened respect for international law, greater accountability, and coordinated inclusive efforts to ensure protection and durable solutions for IDPs. The increase in internal displacement, which is compounded by severe climate-induced disasters and external economic shocks, is concerning. Our region is facing devastating impacts of recurring El Niño droughts and tropical cyclones, which trigger internal displacements. Zimbabwe has ratified the African Union Kampala Convention, and we have overhauled our National Disaster Risk Management Policy to transition from reactive emergency response to proactive planned relocations. Efforts to secure durable solutions and rebuild resilient infrastructure are hindered by unilateral coercive measures. We echo the Special Rapporteur's call that the international community must move beyond short-term humanitarian assistance towards rights-based sustainable solutions. True solidarity requires removing artificial economic barriers that impede states from fulfilling their protection obligations. Special Rapporteur, how can developing nations best leverage regional mechanisms to address the distinct meet challenge of climate-induced internal displacement amid severe international funding constraints. I thank you. Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. This was the last speaker that we could include in the dialogue. We'll now turn to the list of speakers for national human rights. Institutions and NGOs. I give the floor to Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Vyvitu.

Dear special reporter, ladies and gentlemen. Today, internal displacement in Ukraine is the daily reality of millions affected by Russia's aggression. As of today, 4.6 million people are officially registered as internally displaced persons in Ukraine. Every 9th Ukrainian has experienced displacement. More than half of all IDPs belong to vulnerable groups or persons with special needs. This includes nearly 840,000 children, 1.3 million elderly persons, and more than 230,000 persons with disabilities. These figures demonstrate that internal displacement is not a temporary humanitarian issue. It is one of the key challenges for Ukraine's human rights protection system and state policy. At the same time, the situation in the Donbas remains extremely alarming. Human rights monitoring there is limited., but civilians continue to face systematic violations of their rights. Ukraine urgently needs long-term international support to address the humanitarian and social consequences of displacement. Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I give the floor to Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.

President, members of the Human Rights Council, and the Special Rapporteur on IDPs. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission welcomes the government's commitment to taking greater responsibility for addressing internal displacement, including through local resource mobilization. HRC appreciates the effort of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia to establish special polling stations for IDP voters to participate in the 2026 national election. The Commission also welcomes adoption of the rebel solution strategy in several regional states and the expansion of Digital ID service for IDPs. However, HRS is concerned that ongoing and new conflicts continue to cause displacement, hinder durable solutions for IDPs, and restrict HRS monitoring and investigation efforts. HRS is also concerned that many IDPs continue to face shortage of basic supplies. HRS is also concerned that Ethiopia has not adopted a law to implement the Kampala Convention and still lacks a dedicated government body responsible for the protection and resolution of IDPs. The Commission knows that limited accountability for human rights violations continues to hinder durable solutions for IDPs. HRC calls on all stakeholders to strengthen coordination and collaboration to advance durable solutions for IDPs, including through meaningful participation of IDPs, accountability for human rights violations, adoption of the draft IDPs Law, effective response to conflict and climate-induced displacement. I thank you. Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I recognize the Defensoría del Pueblo by Colombia via video.

The report Challenges of IHL for IDPs reveals an alarming reality: forced displacement in Colombia, not just figures, but direct and systematic offenses to IHL, with over 9.1 million victims of forced displacement registered and a significant increase in the number of events and the number of people affected the past few years. This reflects an open ignorance of the standards that protect the civilian population. In this context, there are three main challenges First, there's the violation of the principle of distinction, where civilians are being instrumentalized. Secondly, the principle of humanity, where we're seeing deliberate restrictions to access to food, healthcare, and humanitarian health. And thirdly, a breakdown in guarantees for safe and dignified returns in territories where there's still risks such as anti-personnel mines and the presence of armed actors. In conclusion, this situation requires a decisive response from the state. We need to see a sustained institutional commitment which can be translated into firm coordinated response with real capacity in remote areas. Strengthening prevention and guaranteeing protection and moving forward towards lasting solutions is not an option, it's an obligation. Now the major challenge is not normative, it's implementation. Ensuring that IHL is respected in the center of state action is fundamental to protect communities and avoid new violations. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I recognize Franciscans International for a joint statement.

Franciscans International and the World Council of Churches welcome the report and the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur. In West Papua, Indonesia, more than 122,000 civilians are internally displaced due to the ongoing armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army. They lack access to adequate shelter, clean water, medical care, education, and livelihood opportunities. Opportunities. Indonesian security forces have occupied school and medical facilities, hindering the return of displaced persons, and have targeted IDP settlements. Drones have increasingly been used in attacks against civilians, including at religious sites. Human rights violations by both sides go largely unpunished, compounded by restricted access for independent reporting and humanitarian aid. In Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, the ongoing armed conflict since 2017 between state forces and non-state armed groups continues to drive internal displacement of civilians due to attacks and the destruction of villages. As of May 2026, more than 600,000 people were internally displaced, lacking sufficient access to food and clean water and facing gender-based violence and child recruitment by non-state armed groups. Widespread impunity and restriction of independent reporting hinder investigations of violations faced by IDP. We remain trapped in cycles of vulnerability, compounded by diminishing prospects for for returns. These two situations exemplify the urgent need for state and non-state actors to address protracted displacement, protect civilians, ensure independent human rights monitoring and humanitarian access, while strengthening accountability under international humanitarian law.

Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to Lutheran World Federation.

Mr. Vice President, the Lutheran World Federation, LWF, thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report and affirms that international humanitarian and human rights laws complement and mutually reinforce each other.

LWF is supporting IDPs in over 10 countries worldwide through humanitarian aid, livelihood support, and advocacy for their human rights and access to justice. We reaffirm the importance of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement and other legal frameworks for the protection of IDPs. We are concerned that their support is decreasing.

We join the Special Rapporteur in expressing concerns about the high rate of sexual and gender-based violence in camps and urge states to take concrete action to protect women, girls, and children from all forms of violence. IDPs with disabilities need particular support, and their protection should be prioritized at all levels.

In addition to civil wars and violent conflicts, climate change is increasing internal displacement and worsening the situation—

of IDPs.

We welcome the Special Rapporteur's written submission to the African Court to the request for an advisory opinion on the obligations of states with respect to the climate crisis. We recognize the Kampala Convention as a key normative and operational framework and urge African states that have not yet ratified it to do so.

We further urge the states that have ratified to proceed with legislative processes and implementation.

Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

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

3.5 million people remain internally displaced by the conflict in Myanmar in overcrowded and unsanitary shelters, one-third of them children. Almost half have been displaced 2 to 5 times and a quarter more than 5 times. IDPs lack sufficient access to food, healthcare, social services, and employment due to the government blockades, ceasefire violations, attacks on infrastructure, mines, and unexploded ordnance, aid seizures, and economic mismanagement leading to exorbitantly high prices of food, medicine, fuel, and fertilizer, exacerbated by last year's earthquake and the current Middle East crisis. Some of the worst affected areas have the highest IDP levels, including Segang, Magway, Rakhine. 12.4 million people face food insecurity, with 1 million people at emergency levels, and 400,000 mothers and children suffer acute malnutrition disproportionately IDPs. Those in shelters also face high risk of infectious diseases including malaria, cholera, tuberculosis, and dengue. IDP women's health, including maternal health, is particularly at risk, and IDP children lack education and vaccinations. The continuous suffering of Myanmar's IDPs has been labeled as an invisible crisis, as the world's attention has drifted away since the military's 2021 coup and sham election last year. Only about 50% of Myanmar's humanitarian financial demand was met by donors, in 2025. We call on States to drastically increase humanitarian aid to Myanmar, including to World Food Programme, UNHCR, and local civil society, prioritizing IDPs.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I now call on Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies.

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report that insists that forced displacement is not a byproduct of war. It is too often its purpose. In the MENA region, three situations deserve this Council's sustained attention. In Lebanon, we have condemned Israel's systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure and residential areas and found these attacks to be indiscriminate and blatant violations of IHL. Since September 2024, more than 1 million people have been displaced. The right to return, recognized under the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement remain largely illusory, where villages have been razed and access to affected areas is denied. Despite the scale of displacement and destruction, Lebanon has yet to be seriously discussed on this Council's agenda. In Gaza, the scale of displacement requires accountability. The right to return cannot be realized where homes and civilian infrastructure have been systematically destroyed. In North Sinai, Egyptian military forces have been pressuring residents and communities who have returned and rebuilt after years of prior displacement to abandon their land again.

Shelters are demolished and no declared legal basis and no alternatives are offered.

UN special procedures raised concerns as recently as June 2026. This is a third wave of displacement for the same population. The special rapporteur's findings confirm a clear pattern: impunity perpetuates displacement, States must ensure accountability.

Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to Plan International.

Thank you, Vice President. My name is Rima. I am a young woman from Ukraine, an internally displaced person, and an official delegate of the Global Girls Foundation, a platform created by Plan International to support girls' leadership, advocacy, and meaningful participation in decision-making. I've represented young people from Luhansk region, one of the most affected by occupation, displacement, and Russia's war against Ukraine. Like millions of Ukrainians, I know on my own how it is to lose not only home but also stability, opportunities, and sense of belonging. Through my work with Youth Councils and Youth Lead Initiatives, I've seen that displacements affect far more than physical location. It impacts access to education, mental health, employment, and participation in social life. For girls, such challenges are even greater. Yet displaced youth are not only recipients of assistance. We are already contributing to our communities and help shaping solutions. Youth participation is not about being invited to events. It is about being involved before decisions are made. War has also transformed what education means. For many young people in Ukraine, studying means navigating displacement, air alerts, stress, and uncertainty. Therefore, I call member states to support youth-led organizations and youth councils with real mandates and resources, invest in safe spaces and accessible education for girls who are affected by conflict, and provide long-term mental health support and leadership opportunities for girls and young women. Young women from Ukraine are not only victims of war. We are already advising, organizing, representing, and rebuilding. We do not ask others to speak for us. We ask for the space, resources, and trust to lead. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the Palestinian Return Center.

Mr.

President, the Palestinian Return Center expresses deep concern over the repeated and successive displacement of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon resulting from recent Israeli attacks. According to UNRWA, at least 3 Palestinian refugee camps were directly affected while more than 5,000 Palestinian refugee families were forced to flee their homes. Other Palestinian gatherings in southern Lebanon also witnessed large-scale displacement, uprooting thousands of refugees once again from places that they had lived for decades.

This crisis is not merely another humanitarian emergency.

It represents a new chapter of displacement for communities originally uprooted from Palestine in 1948. Palestinian refugees in Lebanon are not only fleeing their homes. They are fleeing camps that have long preserved their identity identity, collective memory, and connection to the right of return. The targeting or depopulation of refugee camps threatens not only civilian lives but also the continuity of refugee communities that have endured decades of displacement and deprivation. We therefore call for the protection of Palestinian refugee camps as civilian communities protected under international humanitarian law and urge the Special Rapporteur to assess the the impact of repeated displacement on the rights and collective identity of Palestinian refugees affected by the war in Lebanon. We further reiterate that no new displacement, whether internal or across borders, can diminish the inalienable right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes in Palestine. Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to Al-Haq, Law and the Service of Man.

Mr. President, the devastating consequences of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza cannot be overstated. Instead of achieving peace, it has merely internationalized and entrenched Israel's settler-colonial apartheid regime and unlawful occupation, denying the Palestinian people their inalienable right to self-determination and return. Its implementation has normalized Israel's ongoing genocide, which is being fueled by the mass forcible displacement of Palestinians.

Today, nearly the entire population—around 1.9 million people—has been condensed into less than 35% of Gaza as Israel expands its so-called security perimeters and military control, rendering the land inaccessible to Palestinians and paving the way for its annexation and resettlement—all acts carried out with impunity.

Beyond directly contravening the ICJ's July 2024 advisory opinion by further fragmenting and consolidating Israel's illegal presence in Palestine, —Resolution 2803 and the 20-point plan accelerate Israel's genocide in Gaza by worsening the conditions of life for Palestinians, which had already been determined by various UN bodies as unfit for human survival.

Rather than upholding their duty to prevent and punish genocide and ensure respect for the Geneva Conventions, states have treated Gaza and the displacement and destruction of the Palestinian people as an investment opportunity and site for foreign profit. And yet, in the place of outright condemnation, the response of the international community has been one of either deafening silence or explicit support. Thank you. Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I call on the European Centre for Law and Justice.

Mr.

President, millions of people in Nigeria remain in urgent need of protection and assistance as horrific violence continues to devastate Christian communities across the country. Attacks by jihadist groups have resulted in widespread killings, the destruction of entire villages, and the mass displacement of civilians who are targeted because of their faith. Nigeria has a clear responsibility to safeguard and prevent targeted violence against its citizens. Yet many Christian communities continue to face daily threats, with individuals slaughtered, villages demolished, families forced to flee their homes, and survivors left without access to shelter, education, or basic services. Many of these attacks happen while security forces are nearby, and yet they do not intervene. Therefore, we urge Nigeria to take immediate and effective action to halt these attacks, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure that displaced individuals can safely return home. This includes providing security in affected areas, protecting places of worship, and supporting reconstruction efforts. The international community must not overlook the scale of this crisis. We call on this Council and relevant UN mechanisms to intensify monitoring, reporting, and engagement with Nigeria to ensure that the rights of vulnerable religious communities are fully protected. Thank you. Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the Colombian Commission of Jurists.

Vice President, in Colombia, the persistence of the conflict and territorial expansion by armed groups have led to more than 6,000 people being displaced and more than 14,000 being confined within their territories, and this is just between January and April of this year. Threats, homicides, the recruitment of children, and anti-personnel mines are problems. 15 years on from the adoption of the Law on Victims and Land Restitution, New displacements show that lasting solutions must be coupled with effective prevention measures, and we believe that there are challenges that still prevent us from addressing the structural causes of the phenomenon. We agree with the rapporteur that impunity in the face of forced displacement is a central obstacle which must be addressed in order to ensure the non-repetition of such violations. Although there is a robust framework There are still obstacles in terms of the dismantling of criminal organizations and measures for ensuring effective reparation and justice for the victims. This council must prevail upon the Colombian government so that as a new government is about to take up office, we ensure continuity of policies and institutions for the displaced populations and that accountability be ensured as well. Thank you.

Ovriand. Thank you very much. I give the floor to Ovriand.

Thank you, Vice President. Special Rapporteur, I am addressing this message to you from Lebanon. Lebanon has for several months now been going through a terrible crisis and a war that has killed more than 4,000 people, displaced over a million civilians. That's one Lebanese person in five who is today uprooted. In this conflict, we have seen an We have seen your report, which was recently published, and there has been villages that have been razed to the ground in indiscriminate way, attacks against civilians, and the destruction of civil infrastructure. I'd like to address 3 requests. First of all, to allow through the United Nations for aid and access to humanitarian law for civilians in Lebanon. Secondly, to maintain the presence of the United Nations Mission Lebanon, without which humanitarian convoys cannot supply isolated villages and the civilians cannot remain on their land. Finally, I'd like to draw your attention to the fate of Christian villages in the south region of Lebanon. This is a religious minority, and these villages are isolated, and they are threatened with with disappearance. They are not armed and the conflict is not theirs. We call on you to help us protect these minorities. The institutions, of course, serve all populations. Thank you. Such as schools, for instance.

Muchas gracias. Thank you. I now give the floor— or rather, this was the last speaker we could accommodate, and I would now like to give the floor to Madame Bettencourt for her concluding remarks. You have 8 minutes, Madam.

Buenos días.

Good afternoon, a good morning, and thank you very much, Vice President. Before I begin, allow me to express my solidarity to the Venezuelan people following the devastating earthquakes this week.

The UN entities, national human rights institutions, civil society, mostly for their valuable contributions to this interactive dialogue, and obviously the core group for its continued support. And some key messages emerged clearly from our discussion, permit me to group them. So first, I think we agree that prevention must be priority, it must be our priority, that conflict-related displacement is not inevitable, many of you mentioned it, prevention saves lives and reduces the immense human, social, and economic costs of displacement. So suffering can be prevented if parties to armed conflict fully respect their obligations under international law. And preventing means preserving pathways for peace, adopting laws on internal displacement, integrating IHL in peace processes, securing humanitarian commitments before the conflict erupts. And within this framework, the question on evacuations that we received, this must be last resort for compelling reasons, only to protect civilians, or for truly imperative military reasons, never for convenience or strategic gain. They should be temporary and evacuees should be protected in transit and to their destination. Safe routes, humane transport, family unit, and full access to essential services should be ensured. Housing, land, and property left behind should be protected and ensured restitution or compensation. Evacuation should not It should never be a tool for forced displacement, punishment, or demographic change. Second, today's displacement crises are increasingly complex. Armed conflict, organized crime, disasters, environmental degradation interact and reinforce one another, so our responses must therefore integrate and bridge humanitarian development, peacebuilding, and climate action. Several states shared their challenges on this, including South Sudan, and I thank Mozambique as well for their intervention, acknowledging the complexity and the different driving factors, and I remain fully available to continue the recommendations of my country visit. Third, no state can address displacement alone. So we see this every day. The internally displaced people of today could be refugees of tomorrow, and returnees could also later be displaced. So we need stronger cooperation, including at regional at the regional level, shared responsibility and meaningful participation of the displaced communities and of civil society, and support for civil society. I call on donor states to commit to increase funding to advance this work. I commend Germany's support to Geneva Call and others, including China, which offers support to complementary initiatives to ensure compliance to all parties of conflict. Fourth, there is no a single pathway to durable solutions. So I thank the different countries, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Colombia, and many others that shared their experiences. Durable solutions have to begin long before return. Respect for IHL reduces displacement, protects those affected, and creates the conditions for safe, voluntary, and dignified return, local integration, or settlement elsewhere. Durable solutions require restoring rights, as illustrated by Syria, by Honduras, by Colombia and others. Protecting housing, land and property, preserving documentation, ensuring legal identity are essential to whatever solutions IDPs choose. In response to Cameroon, I commend the approach that benefits both internally displaced persons and host communities. Such inclusive approaches are essential to achieving solutions.. And also solutions require long-term investment and partnerships, so in response to the Marshall Islands, reconstruction also has to include environmental recovery. In response to Nigeria, stronger cooperation between the humanitarian, the development, the peace actors is key, so I welcome the progress highlighted by UNDP and others in name of the Solutions Champion, but much more is needed to align national solutions strategies with public investment. My next report to the General Assembly will examine how reconstruction can better advance durable solutions and the rights of internally displaced persons. I invite all of you to contribute to that report. And fifth, we need greater accountability for violations, including sexual and gender-based violence, as Norway reminded us. Impunity fuels recurring cycles of abuse and displacement, so accountability starts at national level. States should strengthen domestic legal frameworks, investigate and prosecute displacement-related violations effectively, and ensure systematic IHL training for relevant actors. Accountability for sexual and gender-based violence must be survivor-centered, combining prevention, protection, and credible investigations, and this requires sustained support. And as Malaysia highlighted, I encourage encourage states to engage with the ICRC's Global IHL Initiative to strengthen that political commitment. And where national action is insufficient, international accountability matters. So in response to Indonesia, where displacement is used for territorial control, states should fully support international accountability mechanisms and adopt lawful measures. So finally, above all our efforts must remain firmly grounded in international humanitarian law and international human rights law. It is not necessarily about creating new laws, as Ombudsperson from Colombia said, but about truly implementing the ones we have— Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, Ukraine, and elsewhere. And as we pursue durable solutions, let us not lose sight, lose sight of the need to prevent displacement and protect to protect those who are displaced. As the Special Rapporteur, I remain available to provide technical assistance on legislation, on policy, on development, on capacity building and implementation of the recommendations contained in this report. And finally, I urge the international community to speak with one voice against violations of international humanitarian law. Accountability It begins by calling violations what they are. Only then we can advance protection, justice, and durable solutions. Thank you, Vice President.

Muchas gracias. Thank you.

This brings us to the end of this interactive dialogue. I thank the Special Rapporteur, Ms. Bettencourt, for her participation today. We will now take a short technical break before proceeding with the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on the impact of anti-personnel mines on the enjoyment of all human rights. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, we will now begin the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on the impact of anti-personnel mines on the enjoyment of all human rights. I would like to welcome Ms. Peggy Hicks, Director of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures, and Right to Development Division of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, who, who will present the report on behalf of the High Commissioner. I now give the floor to Ms. Piggy Hecks for her presentation.

Gracias, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. I'm pleased to introduce the report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, on the human rights impact of anti-personnel mines. For over a century, states have worked to ban weapons that are indiscriminate in nature and cause unnecessary suffering. Yet it was only in 1997 that a global alliance of states and civil society secured the Anti-Personnel Mine Convention, a step that was recognized by the Nobel Peace Prize that year. The adoption of the Ottawa Convention marked a decisive rejection of the indiscriminate violence caused by anti-personnel mines, violence that begins the moment a mine is planted and ends only when it is removed. This report comes at a time when international law is under strain, with persistent violations and dangerous precedents threatening to roll back norms designed to protect civilians. This is regretfully very apparent with regard to anti-personnel mines. For the first time, we have witnessed withdrawals from the Ottawa Convention and a state party notifying suspension of its obligations under the treaty. These developments are accompanied by growing allegations of recent use of anti-personnel mines by both states and non-state armed groups, and by reports of the production, stockpiling, and transfer of such mines by states. These developments are deeply concerning. Security is not strengthened by abandoning international rules. It is strengthened by upholding them. Weakening norms designed to reduce human suffering puts all civilians at greater risk. In this regard, the High Commissioner has hailed Lebanon's recent decision to join the Ottawa Convention, even when faced with grave security threats. The present report affirms the urgent humanitarian, human rights, and development imperative to end the suffering caused by anti-personnel mines. It finds that such mines, like other explosive remnants of war, have serious, continuous, and long-lasting impacts. Explosive ordnance contamination persists from the two World Wars and armed conflicts since, often alongside anti-personnel mine contamination, compounding harm. The report identifies four interrelated types of negative human rights impacts. The first category is the direct harm to persons affecting the right to life and related rights. By 2004, an estimated 1 million casualties had occurred since 1975. Between 1999 and 2024, more than 160,000 casualties were recorded. Where the status of the person is known, around 90% of those casualties are civilian, and children constitute around 40% of all casualties recorded since 1999. Children constitute 40% of that 160,000 casualties recorded, and they are the majority of casualties from explosive remnants of war overall. Those affected suffer traumatic amputations and life-changing injuries, including fragment wounds, blindness, and hearing loss. Children are disproportionately affected, often suffering more severe and complex injuries requiring specialized care. Survivors' long-term outcomes depend directly on whether states meet their obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill their rights. Survivors often require not only emergency care but also long-term care and rehabilitation. They face barriers to work, education, and participation in public life. In some contexts, families are pushed into hardship when breadwinners are killed or injured. Injured. Women and girls are more likely to assume caregiving responsibilities for those injured, and women survivors can face stigma and prejudice. Persons with disabilities also face heightened barriers during armed conflict and other emergencies, including in fleeing hostilities or accessing aid. The second impact is that anti-personnel mines render areas dangerous or impassable, creating complex and far-reaching human rights consequences. Contamination along routes mines can restrict access to essential services and humanitarian aid. Mines placed in border areas can prevent people from leaving a state directly and therefore restrict their freedom of movement. Mine contamination also drives displacement and prevents the safe return of those displaced, their right to housing and other related rights. Displaced persons also face additional risks when crossing mine-contaminated areas. Mine contamination may also impede Indigenous peoples' access to their traditional lands and affect minorities, including nomadic and pastoralist communities whose access to pastures is restricted. Contamination of land used for agriculture, grazing, gathering firewood, and other livelihood activities undermines the right to an adequate standard of living, especially for rural communities. Communities face an impossible choice: abandon essential land despite unmet subsistence needs or risk their lives to use it. Children's rights, including to education, are affected when mine contamination surrounds schools. Cultural and religious rights are jeopardized when contamination restricts access to or destroys places of worship and cultural objects. The third and fourth types of impact identified concern the environment and development. Mine contamination and explosions damage ecosystems, destroy productive soil, spark wildfires, kill wildlife, prevent forest conservation, and contaminate water sources. It also undermines development, undercutting post-conflict reconstruction and stalling economic recovery, including by depopulating contaminated regions. Studies have shown delayed deployment in regions contaminated by explosive ordnance while demining transportation networks and agricultural lands had had positive impact— effects on land use and economic development. The report, fortunately, also sets out what should be done to address these human rights impacts. First, states should comply with international law restricting the use, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. And all states that have not ratified the Ottawa Convention should do so without delay. Second, states have a clear duty under international law to protect individuals from harm. This applies to all persons, including humanitarian deminers, who also suffer mine injuries and in some contexts have been targeted for their work. Under the Ottawa Convention, States Parties must destroy or ensure the destruction of all anti-personnel mines under their jurisdiction and control. Mine action, including clearance, is also required under national human rights law. Priority should be given to areas where clearance will have the greatest positive impact on human rights, using methods that minimize adverse impacts. States exercising jurisdiction over contaminated areas have an obligation to conduct clearance. States not exercising such jurisdiction but responsible for placing mines may also have obligations under international law, including to provide reparations for violations. International cooperation and assistance remain critical in mine action, and the report raises concerns over the decline in funding for for mine action. The report recommends, among other actions, protecting individuals from harm, including through international cooperation, integrating mine action into broader human rights policies, providing reparations for violations in accordance with international law, investigating and prosecuting where appropriate the use of mines, and preventing transfer, diversion, and illicit manufacture of anti-personnel mines. Third, the report underscores states' obligations to guarantee the rights of survivors and other affected individuals and communities, and notes that a human rights-based approach to victim assistance requires placing rights holders at the center of all responses. Serious gaps persist in access to healthcare and rehabilitation, as in several contexts there is disruption caused by armed conflict and a lack of infrastructure, medicine, and other resources. The report also emphasizes the rights to work, social security, adequate standards of living, and education. While noting that limited disaggregated information makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of measures taken. Victim assistance must be fully integrated into broader national systems and policies on health, disability, education, employment, and development. States must take these steps, including through cooperation and assistance, to guarantee these rights and reduce barriers to the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities on an equal basis. With others. Meaningful stakeholder participation in decision-making and stronger data collection on survivors and affected individuals and communities are also much needed. Finally, the report calls on states to engage with United Nations human rights mechanisms and to support international cooperation through sustained and predictable funding for mine action. To conclude, the impacts described in the report arise irrespective of whether a state has ratified the— treaty, and so do the corresponding human rights obligations requiring that these harms be addressed in accordance with established standards. In line with its mandate, the Human Rights Council is called upon to consider how to follow up on the present report and advance the implementation of its recommendations. In doing so, the Council has an opportunity not only to respond to these findings but to reaffirm its collective commitment to safeguarding civil civilians, upholding human dignity, and building a more secure future for all. Thank you.

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I now invite interested delegations to make comments and ask questions on the reports. You'll have a speaking time of 1 minute 30. Interactive dialogues last 1 hour 30 minutes. However, if time allows, additional delegations may be allowed to speak. I now give the floor to Belgium on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Vice President.

This statement is on behalf of 25 members of the Group of Friends on Children in Armed Conflict, co-chaired by Uruguay and Belgium. We thank the High Commissioner for his report, which clearly underscores the devastating and disproportionate impact of anti-personnel mines and explosive remnants of war on children, who not only represent a significant share of victims but also suffer more severe injuries and higher mortality. Anti-personnel mines and explosive remnants of war continue to kill and maim children long after conflicts have ended. —turning everyday activities into life-threatening risks. Beyond immediate harm, these weapons inflict lifelong disabilities, trauma, stigma, and can hamper children's education, development, and future. Once again, the 2026 Secretary-General's report on CAC documents a record number of verified grave violations against children in 2025. With a sharp increase in killing and maiming, including because of the growing use of explosive weapons in populated areas. For the first time, government forces are identified as the primary perpetrators. While calling on all parties to conflict to uphold IHL, we urge all states to ratify and fully implement the Mine Ban Treaty and to endorse and implement the AEWIPA Declaration. Placing children at the center of protection efforts is a matter of urgency. I thank you. Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I recognize the distinguished representative of Algeria on behalf of a group of countries.

Mr. President, this statement is on behalf of Algeria, Croatia, Mozambique, Peru, South Africa, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, and 60 other countries. Antipersonnel mines, including as remnants of conflict, continue to pose a grave threat to the enjoyment of human rights. Their impact is felt most acutely in developing countries, including the LDCs, which often bear the enduring legacy of mine contamination while lacking sufficient financial and technical capacities. These challenges are further aggravated by the significant decrease in the international support. We therefore underline the importance of ensuring that the rights and needs of victims and affected communities remain at the center of international efforts in keeping with the maxim "Nothing about us without us." We also call for renewed political commitment, including by joining the relevant international instruments such as the APMBC, and strengthened global cooperation to address the impact of anti-personnel mines on human rights in line with the CRPD. Finally, Mr. President, We firmly believe that the legacy of interpersonal mines should not continue to define the future of humanity. History will judge us not only by the statements we make, but most importantly by the concrete measures we take to save lives and to prevent human suffering. I thank you. Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I recognize the distinguished representative of the European Union.

Mr. President, the European Union thanks the Deputy High Commissioner and welcomes the report. The report correctly frames anti-personnel mine contamination as a profound and enduring human rights concern. We share the report's deep concern that anti-personnel mine contamination continues to kill and maim civilians, disproportionately children, long after conflicts end, obstructing humanitarian access, delaying recovery and holding back development. Sustained international engagement remains indispensable. The EU is one of the world's largest donors, contributing over €200 million annually to mine action worldwide. The EU and its member states have mobilized over €360 million since 2022 for Ukraine, the most mine-contaminated country in the world. This year, the EU adopted a decision in support of aiming at strengthening African countries' mine action programs. The EU also reaffirms its support to the Ottawa Convention's Implementation Support Unit, which it has continuously funded since 2008. We stress that to achieve sustainable impact, international assistance must be aligned with national ownership of affected states. The European Union remains fully committed to the implementation of the Convention CMRIP Anchor Action Plan, which further supports the advancement of human rights, dignity, and inclusion of anti-personnel mine survivors, affected families, and communities, and to supporting the effective implementation of victim assistance. We support an integrated, rights-based, age, gender-responsive, and disability-inclusive approach to victim assistance consistent with international human rights law, including the CRPD.

What measures—

Thank you very much. I recognize the distinguished representative of Slovenia on behalf of group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I am delivering this statement on behalf of Austria, Croatia, and my own country, Slovenia. We thank the High Commissioner for his comprehensive report, which reminds us that anti-personnel mines are a profound security, humanitarian, human rights, and development challenge and pose long-term risks for human security. We are particularly concerned that civilians around account for the overwhelming majority of casualties, with children disproportionately affected. Survivors often face lifelong physical injuries, trauma, economic hardship, and barriers to their full and meaningful participation in society. Women and girls experience various forms of direct and indirect discrimination. We also note the report's important recognition that mine contamination undermines environmental protection. Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia support the call for strengthened mine action, predictable and sustainable funding, victim-centered and disability-inclusive assistance in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and full respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law. We call on all states non-parties to join the Mine Ban Convention and the Cluster Munitions Convention. Office of the High Commissioner, in your view, what additional steps should what steps will the United States and the Human Rights Council take to better integrate mine action into broader human rights, disability inclusion, and development policies, while safeguarding the international norm established by the Ottawa Convention?

I thank you.

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much.

I recognize the distinguished representative of Kenya on behalf of the Group of African States.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group. The report of the High Commissioner reflects the inhuman fact that the consequences of anti-personnel mines extends far beyond the immediate effects of conflict. In many affected communities, land contamination continues to restrict access to productive land, impede livelihoods, delay the return of displaced populations, and hinder socio-economic development.

For Africa, the challenge of anti-personnel mines is thus closely linked to broader aspirations for peace, recovery, and sustainable development. Communities emerging from conflict should be able to rebuild their lives, restore their livelihoods, and contribute fully to national development without the enduring threat posed by the mines. The African Group welcomes the report's recognition of the interrelationship between mine action, human rights, and sustainable development. We stress the importance of supporting nationally-owned efforts in mine clearance, risk education, and victim assistance while ensuring that survivors are fully included in socioeconomic life. We further underscored the need for predictable and sustainable international cooperation and assistance to help affected states address long-term humanitarian, developmental, and human rights consequences of mine contamination. The African Group remains committed to a future in which communities can live, work, and prosper free from the legacy of anti-personnel mines. I thank you. Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to UNIDIR. On behalf of a group of UN organizations and specialized agencies.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to thank the High Commissioner and his staff for an informative and comprehensive report. It is my privilege to speak on behalf of the 12 UN entities of the UN Interagency Coordination Group for Mine Action, as well as a significant a significant number of mine action NGOs collectively operating in over 50 countries, employing over 15,000 staff, and that have assisted over 40 million people at risk from mines and explosive ordnance. We work side by side around the world and we are here today speaking as one. Mr. President, Excellencies, the results of the report are is stark and unequivocal. Landmines and other explosive hazards have a profound and complex impact on the full range of human rights, not only on the right to life, but across the full scope of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. The report makes clear that mine action is not a simple technical matter, not one exclusively in the realms of peace and security. Instead, it is an activity that saves lives and livelihoods, serves as a crucial humanitarian enabler, is a necessity for development, and is a clear human rights obligation. This is a collective responsibility and we must all work together.

Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Zambia.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Zambia aligns itself with the statement on behalf of the African Group and the joint statement delivered by Algeria. Long after conflicts have ended, anti-personnel mines continue to claim lives, cause injuries, and impede the enjoyment of a wide range of human rights. Victims frequently bear the consequences of decisions in which they had no voice. We recognize the development challenge posed by anti-personnel mines in restricting access to agricultural land, limiting livelihoods, and delaying recovery efforts, entrenching poverty and exclusion long after the conflict has ended. As current president of the convention and a former mine-affected country, Zambia remains committed to advancing efforts aimed at protecting civilians, supporting victims, and strengthening international cooperation in mine action. The convention's commitment to address the devastating humanitarian consequences of anti-personnel mines must remain paramount. Zambia welcomes Lebanon as the latest state to accede to the convention, signaling the importance of upholding humanitarian norms, especially in times of conflict. We encourage all states that have not yet done so to join this Humanitarian Treaty and call for renewed commitment to its full implementation, including mine clearance, victim assistance, and international cooperation, so that affected communities may live in dignity, safety, and hope. I thank you, Mr.

President. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Thailand welcomes the High Commissioner's report, which highlights the negative impacts of anti-personnel mines on human rights and calls for compliance in all circumstances with the Ottawa Convention and relevant international law. As a state party to the convention, Thailand is fully committed to the obligations and finds it both regrettable and profoundly disappointing that such devastating weapons are still being used in blatant violation of the convention and its underpinning human rights and humanitarian principles. Thailand prioritizes humanitarian demining to safeguard individuals and communities and promote mine risk education to raise awareness of population in high-risk areas. Recent border incidents which caused disabilities for 13 Thai military personnel underscored the urgent need for our survival-centered approach and care in addressing adverse human rights impacts. Thailand also addresses the socioeconomic impacts of anti-personnel mines through 4 nationwide pillars, namely medical care and public health, education, employment, and social welfare. Our efforts reinforce our firm commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. To ensure that no survivor is left behind on the path toward a my free world.

I thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much.

I recognize the distinguished representative of Angola.

Mr. President, Angola aligns itself with the statement delivered by the African Group. We thank the High Commissioner for this timely report and welcome its focus on economic, social, and cultural rights, access to land and essential services, environmental protection, and the right to development. As a country that endured decades of armed conflict, Angola remains acutely aware of the devastating consequences of mine contamination. We are particularly concerned by the report's findings regarding restricted access to physical space.. In Angola, mine contamination has affected access to productive lands, productive lands, water source, school, school and health facilities. With the studies highlighting links between contaminated areas and child malnutrition, this demonstrates that anti-personnel mines continue to undermine the right to food, health, to food, health, education, and adequate standards of living. Angola's experience shows that demining is a direct investment in the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights and a prerequisite for sustainable development. The clearance of contaminated land supports agricultural production, infrastructure development, freedom of movement, and economic opportunities. Through the national mine action authorities and with the With the support of national and international partners, Angola remains committed to strengthening the mining efforts— supporting survivors. Thank you very much.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We would like to thank the OHCHR for the report and we would like to submit 3 observations. First of all, we fully concur with the report's conclusions, impact of APM on human beings is not limited to human losses, but also a violation of many human rights. Second, we strongly regret that the report did not address the long-term impact of landmines from the colonial era, and they have an impact on the present and the future of entire generations. Second— third, our approach is based on our heritage because after independence, we found ourselves facing more than 1 million landmines left by France on our borders. With the efforts of our sons and daughters, we were able to get rid of all these landmines, but the impacts of this colonial heritage is still impactful and still creating suffering on our citizens. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I recognize—

Mr. Vice President, we thank the High Commissioner for the presentation of the report. Armenia fully shares the view that anti-Persian Anti-personnel mines pose a grave and enduring threat to the enjoyment of fundamental human rights. The humanitarian nature of this issue must remain at the center of our collective efforts. Armenia approaches mine action not as a political instrument but as a human rights imperative. As highlighted in the report, mine contamination continues to deprive communities of safety, mobility, and dignity. This reality is is well known to Armenia. Four regions of our country remain affected by mines and unexploded ordnance, endangering nearly 200,000 people. Official figures show 805 mine-related casualties in Armenia, with civilians comprising the majority. Armenia has consistently aligned itself with the humanitarian objectives of the Ottawa Convention and has contributed to humanitarian demining and medical assistance efforts abroad. As a country that has witnessed firsthand the tragic toll of landmines, Armenia remains deeply concerned about the innocent human losses. We underscore the need for genuine, depoliticized collaboration to prevent further suffering and to ensure the safety of communities living in contaminated areas. Thank you.

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much.

I recognize the distinguished delegation of Azerbaijan.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. My delegation would like to thank the High Commissioner for his report. As one of the countries most severely affected by landmine contamination, Azerbaijan is acutely aware of the devastating and long-term human rights consequences of mines and explosive remnants of war. Over the past 30 years, more than 3,400 people have fallen victim to landmines. Since 2020, during the peacetime, 428 civilians, including women and children, have been affected by mine explosions. While we welcome the growing attention devoted by the Council to the rights of mine victims, existing international efforts remain insufficient to address their long-term needs. Significant funding is allocated to mine clearance activities, yet far fewer resources are available for medical care, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, education, and economic reintegration of survivors. Azerbaijan believes that the international community should begin exploring the establishment of a dedicated international assistance mechanism within the UN system for mine victims. Such a mechanism could help mobilize predictable and sustainable financial resources to address the existing gap in victim assistance. We further emphasize that international efforts to promote and protect human rights of mine victims should be inclusive and universal in nature. Azerbaijan stands ready to work with all partners to advance this important agenda. Thank you.

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much.

The list of speakers is now closed. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Cameroon thanks the Commissioner for the presentation of the report and aligns itself with statements given by Kenya on behalf of the African Group and Algeria on behalf of the Group of States. My country shares the finding whereby anti-personnel mines continue to jeopardize the enjoyment of human rights, in particular the rights to life, health, education, work, and development. The impact extends far beyond the end of a conflict, hampering the recovery of communities that are impacted and preventing them from achieving SDGs. We're a state party to— we've been a state party to the Ottawa Convention since 2003, and we fully are committed to implementing its obligations and continuing efforts in terms of prevention, outreach, as to the risks of explosive devices and protecting civilian populations and assisting victims. Cameroon aligns itself with the human rights-based approach outlined in the report. Combating anti-personnel mines is not just about disarmament. It also is a humanitarian necessity for development and protection of fundamental rights. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Lebanon thanks the High Commissioner for his report and welcomes the integration of anti-personnel mines into human rights dialogues. On June 1st, Lebanon deposited its instrument of ratification of the Ottawa Convention, reaffirming its commitment to humanitarian disarmament, protection of civilians, and promotion of human rights. This commitment builds on longstanding national action in parallel with our engagement under Convention on Cluster Munitions. It also follows Lebanon's ratification last year of the CRPD, reflecting a broader engagement with the human rights framework. Lebanon's decades-long experience with mines is shared by all contaminated states. Mines and explosive remnants of war are still claiming lives, causing life-altering injuries, restricting access to home, agricultural land, schools, and essential services, and hindering sustainable development. For many years, the Lebanese Mine Action Center and the Lebanese Armed Forces has led efforts in clearance, risk education, victim assistance, and land release in cooperation with civil society organizations and international partners. These efforts have enabled the release of more than 73% of contaminated lands. Nevertheless, challenges remain. In 2025 alone, 48 people, including 8 children were victims of mine-related incidents. Lebanon supports the report's emphasis on victim assistance and international cooperation. Sustained technical and financial support remains essential to complete clearance, support survivors, and ensure—

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I recognize the distinguished representative of Senegal.

Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. Senegal thanks the High Commissioner for the high-quality information and the recommendations set out in the report and aligns itself with the statement given by the African Group. Anti-personnel mines are indiscriminate and thus hamper the enjoyment of a number of human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as the right to a healthy and sustainable environment, the right to health, right to development, and freedom of circulation. To combat this scourge, Destroying stocks of mines and demining is not enough. These measures must go hand in hand with victim assistance programs in terms of medical healthcare and also economic and social reintegration. In Senegal, we have 874 mine victims in total and we have actively committed to embracing this challenge. Amongst the 188 victims that we judge as priority cases, 3 have benefited from medical care and a number of services in 2025 and 2026. These commendable efforts have, however, been compromised by a lack of funding, both the gap in mobilized resources and the scope of the size of the challenges that we have to face, which is only growing year on year. As a consequence, my delegation invites the international community to support the proposal to create a voluntary fund and to review— and review this under the Ottawa Convention. One of the goals is to provide targeted support to countries that are struggling to mobilize international assistance in order to complete their demining efforts. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I recognize the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The State of Palestine welcomes the report but is deeply concerned that it does not adequately reflect the catastrophic situation in the OPT. The report does not acknowledge the crimes and responsibility of the occupying power that continues to lay mines and explosive ordnance on Palestinian land, nor the resulting severe injuries, long-term disabilities, and traumas while systematically destroying the health system meant to treat them. In 2026, more than 6 incidents have been documented in the West Bank, including Palestinian killed and severe injuries to children, and access to over 80% of the West Bank remains restricted for survey and clearance by the Palestinian Mine Action Center. UN Mine Action experts report that over 1,000 civilians have been killed in Gaza by explosive remnants of war, with an average of 475 children each month suffering lifelong disabilities, including amputations, making it the largest cohort of child amputees in the world. Amid an ongoing genocidal campaign, UN has identified more than 1,000 items of explosive ordnance in Gaza, meaning roughly one item every 600 meters, while millions of tons of rubble remain contaminated and millions of displaced people fear moving. In addition to clearance and humanitarian mine action remain obstructed by Israel. We therefore call for the clear documentation of the occupying power's responsibilities under international law, including clearance of contaminated areas, prevention of further contamination, and full reparation, as well as safe, sustained humanitarian humanitarian access and strengthened support for mine action and victim assistance. I thank you.

Muchas gracias.

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

Thank you, Mr.

Vice President. The Republic of the Marshall Islands thanks the High Commissioner for his report. As the site of some of the fiercest battles of World War II, Pacific Island countries, including the Marshall Islands, remain acutely aware of the enduring legacy of mine-based warfare. Long after conflict has ended, anti-personnel mines continue to endanger civilian lives, restrict access to land and resources, and impede sustainable development. They also render land uninhabitable and non-arable by causing lasting environmental damage through soil degradation, water contamination, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. This has a negative impact on the ability of current and future generations to enjoy their right to to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Unexploded ordnances continue to pose risk across parts of our region, threatening communities, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. Despite extensive demilitarization efforts across the Marshall Islands in the 1950s, dense vegetation and harsh weather likely resulted in certain areas being overlooked. As a party to the Ottawa Convention, the Marshall Islands strongly condemns the use of anti-personnel mines under humanitarian and environmental consequences. We call on all states to strengthen their commitment to disarmament, the promotion of human rights, and environmental stewardship by ratifying and ensuring compliance with the Ottawa Convention. Kumultada, and I thank you. Muchas gracias.

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

Monsieur le vice-président, Belgium would like to thank the High Commissioner for his I support and we align ourselves with the statement delivered by the European Union. My country was the first to enact national legislation banning anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions. We played a pioneering role in the creation of the Ottawa and the Oslo Conventions. It is therefore not surprising that we agree with the High Commissioner's warning about the persistent use of anti-personnel landmines which have a dire impact on civilians. It impedes their enjoyment of a wide range of human rights, such as the right to life, education, work, food, and the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. We call on Member States to uphold international law limiting use of anti-personnel landmines. And we are proud to be taking up the presidency of the 24th Meeting of the States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. As of December. Our commitment further consists of financial contribution to mine action programs and to in-kind support to authorities in the shape of capacity building, training, and demining equipment. In its action, Belgium pays particular attention to the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and to the need to adapt activities in order to leave no one behind. I thank you.

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

Vice President, my country's delegation has looked at the report of the High Commissioner on the impact of anti-personnel mines on human rights with great interest, and we welcome the information it contains. My country is a party to the Ottawa Convention. We have suffered from the consequences of mines. 90% of our land was affected by contamination following the Gulf War from 1990 to 1991. More than 1 million mines were placed in Kuwait. Since then, we have been striving to remove the danger they represent because They have had a significant impact on human lives. More than 1,700 people were victims and more than 658 of those victims died. My country provides medical assistance and psychological care as well as rehabilitation centers for victims as well as necessary financial and social support. We also work with civil society organizations in order to bring assistance and aid to mine victims. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Vice President. Cuba is opposed to the indiscriminate and irresponsible use of anti-personnel mines, and we fully share the very legitimate humanitarian concerns linked to the consequences of their use on civilians and the economies of many countries. Cuba does not share the possession of landmines, which is incompatible in all circumstances due to the incompatibility of APLs and human rights. The focus on total prevention of anti-personnel mines has not got consensus at the global level. Cuba knows that there have been mines that are placed in fully defensive purposes and in keeping with the Article 2 of the relevant convention around the Guantanamo base, which is a Cuban territory unlawfully occupied by the United States, and we will maintain those mines there as long as is necessary. As long as the military and other forms of aggression of the United States remain, our country cannot renounce the use of anti-personnel mines in order to protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity in keeping with the United Nations Charter. The exercise of the right to self-defense through a responsible use of mines is fully compatible with full respect and protection of human rights. Thank you.

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

Mr. Vice President, Mozambique aligns itself with statement delivered by the African Group and by Algeria on behalf of group of countries. My delegation welcomes these important reports on the impact of antipersonnel mines on the full enjoyment of all human rights. Antipersonnel mines continue to cause death and injury, restrict access to land and livelihoods, undermine food security, limit access to essential services, and pose significant challenges to sustainable development. For Mozambique, This issue carries particular significance. Although our country was declared free of anti-personnel mines in 2015, thanks to a collective national and international effort, their legacy continues to affect the lives of many individuals and communities. This reality reminds us of the urgent need to strengthen international efforts and to promote the universalization and full implementation of the Ottawa Convention. In conclusion, Mozambique wishes to underscore the importance of mobilizing adequate and predictable resources to support national demining programs, victim assistance, mine risk education, and strengthening of institutional capacities in affected countries. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Cambodia takes note of the High Commissioner's report. Cambodia wishes to set the record straight regarding its longstanding commitment to mine clearance and victim assistance, which has delivered tangible results and earned broad international recognition. Since 1992, Cambodia has released 3,598 square kilometers of land contaminated by explosive ordnance, including 2,586 square kilometers affected by anti-personnel mines. This effort has benefited millions of people through improved safety, livelihood, resettlement, and sustainable development. Cambodia has also contributed to Global Mine Action by sharing expertise and deploying demining experts to United Nations peacekeeping missions through the CMBF Angkor Summit and Action Plan, and as a champion state supporting the Secretary-General's 2025 Campaign, Cambodia continues to advance international cooperation toward a mine-free world. Cambodia's record is clear. Our legacy is one of clearing landmines and saving lives., not planting new landmines. We therefore categorically reject allegations that lack credible evidence and have not been verified through joint, independent, and impartial investigations. I thank you. Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. I now give the floor to University for Peace.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The University for Peace also thanks the High Commissioner for highlighting this important issue. The use of anti-personnel mines is incompatible with a peaceful world. As noted in the High Commissioner's report, human rights are highly impacted by anti-personnel mines. In particular, the hidden nature of these weapons makes unjust, indiscriminate civilian casualties more common, sometimes long after conflicts have ended.

This long-lasting risk makes it difficult to develop the sustainable infrastructure and institutions necessary for the the full realization of all human rights, including the right to peace.

UPEACE commends the progress that has been made in eradicating these weapons.

Still, the continued production and use of anti-personnel mines is alarming, as is the deterioration of relevant norms.

Armed conflict and global uncertainty make it even more important to uphold international treaties like the Ottawa Convention to ensure safety of current civilians and future generations. Such safety is a prerequisite to peace, both the absence of violence and the presence of justice. We highly encourage all states to begin, continue, or rejoin collaborative efforts to eradicate all anti-personnel mines and protect individuals from harm. Thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Luxembourg.

Luxembourg aligns itself with the statement by the European Union. We thank the High Commissioner for this report which highlights the impact of anti-personnel mines on human rights, including economic, social, and cultural rights. The report recalls that around 90% of victims are civilians, and children represent 40% of them. Their very small size leads to more serious injuries and a higher death rate, which demonstrates their particular vulnerability. In addition to immediate impacts, anti-personnel mines can provoke long-term effects. Amputations, psychological trauma, and lifelong readaptation needs significantly hamper access to fundamental rights including the right to health, education, the right to work, and the right to a decent standard of living. The report lays bare the various obstacles which are different when it's women and girls, in particular when it comes to access to healthcare and their heightened vulnerability, as Afghanistan's example shows. Luxembourg is a state party to the Convention on the Prohibition of Antipersonnel Mines, and we stand fully committed to funding, mine action, and assistance for victims. Luxembourg would like to call for stronger international cooperation and for the implementation of a human rights-based approach. I thank you.

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

Mr.

Vice President, Vietnam thanks the High Commissioner for the report. As a country rebuilding from decades of war, Vietnam fully understands the impact of explosive remnants of war, including landmines, on civilian lives and long-term development. Over the past decades, Vietnam has been addressing this matter with a strong focus on protecting civilian lives, supporting recovery, and addressing the socioeconomic impact of contamination. In this regard, we have achieved sustained efforts in mine clearance, risk education, and victim assistance in close cooperation with with international partners and relevant UN agencies. Vietnam reaffirms our commitment to humanitarian mine action, contributing to a safer environment for communities and to broader efforts to reduce the negative impact of explosive remnants of war. We therefore emphasize the importance of enhanced international cooperation, adequate resources, and technology transfer to support affected countries in their clearance and rehabilitation efforts. To this end, we wish to ask the following question: What are the concrete measures to mobilize more sustained financing, especially for the most heavily affected countries? I thank you, Mr. Vice President. Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Shukran said, Nabir Reis. Thank you, Vice President. We are seeing mines hamper the return of families and national reconstruction. It also deprives farmers of their land and is hampering the recovery of hospitals, schools, and roads. The eradication of mines is a sine qua non condition in order to ensure the right to life and to ensure safe and dignified returns and to ensure that livelihoods can be maintained. In light of this priority, the Syrian government, through the Ministry for Emergencies and the Handling of Disasters and the National Mine Action Center, and in cooperation with other— with international organizations and partners, our government is strengthening its national framework in order to raise awareness and support victims and remove mines. This should not be politicized. It should be in harmony with our national priorities and the specific needs on the ground through financing, expertise, and capacity building at the local level. Syria this week organized under the aegis of the Ministry for Emergencies and Natural Disasters a conference on demining thanks to the sponsorship by the National our demining centre and support from the EU, Germany, and Switzerland in order to present a national vision for our national centre in order to strengthen partnerships and protect civilians in Syria.

I give the floor to the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Antipersonnel mines injure and kill long after conflicts have ended and continue to pose a threat to the full enjoyment of all human rights. The Antipersonnel Mine Ban Convention provides is a key framework for addressing this issue.

It bans the use, stockpiling, destruction, and transfer of landmines and obligates their destruction.

The convention is one of the world's most widely accepted treaties. Strong national ownership and a whole-of-government approach are critical to implementing the convention's obligations.

Mine action should be integrated into national development plans due to its potential to drive humanitarian and development outcomes.

It saves lives, prevents injuries, and is a vital enabler of SDGs in multiple contexts. Through the UK's Global Mine Action Programme, we expect to spend over £50 million from April 2026 to March 2029. This will continue to fund demining and risk education through partnerships and technical support to mine-affected states. Through this work, we remain committed to innovative financing and support to women and girls. The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention's CEMIC Anchor Action Plan provides a clear roadmap to face the threat of anti-personnel mines. The UK remains unwaveringly committed to the convention.

Our support, its humanitarian purpose, and its norms remain firm. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Vice President. We agree with the findings of the High Commissioner's report about the dire consequences of the use of anti-personnel mines on all human rights, including as regards post-conflict recovery and development. Belarus has experience in addressing these consequences due to the Second World War. On the basis of this experience, we joined the Ottawa Convention in 2003, and in the context of fulfilling our obligations, we had destroyed by 2017 3.4 million anti-personnel mines, including through cooperation with EU and NATO states. We are deeply concerned both by falling international support for mine action and by the fact that a whole range of states have withdrawn from the relevant convention, including our neighbors Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Ukraine's attempts to suspend its participation in the convention. Our neighbors to the south and the west are mining the border areas, creating a threat for civilians. We call on those who have denounced the Ottawa Convention to listen to the evidence and testimonies of participants today about the lasting suffering of specific people and communities and states stemming from the use of anti-personnel mines and to stop militarizing this. Thank you.

Thank you very much. I give the floor to South Africa.

President, South Africa thanks the High Commissioner for the report which clearly demonstrates that the catastrophic impact of AP mines constitutes a far-reaching assault on the full range of human rights and as such is a matter that this Council is duty-bound to embrace. Indeed, it's precisely It is precisely for this reason that South Africa is a proud member and played a critical role in the negotiations of the Mine Ban Convention as the then chair of the 1997 Oslo Diplomatic Conference. We know firsthand the importance of the convention in ensuring an end to the suffering of victims, their families, and communities, given our shameful apartheid past where AP mines were used to terrorize our neighbors. Accordingly, South Africa's commitment to the Mine Ban Convention remains unshakable. We are therefore concerned about the recent withdrawals from the convention, as we remain convinced that given the indiscriminate and disproportionate effects, AP mines are completely contrary to international law and should never be considered as legitimate under any circumstances. This universal truth is clearly reflected in the wise words of President Nelson Mandela, who championed South Africa's efforts to create a mine-free world when he stated that AP mines cannot distinguish between the footfall of a soldier and that of an old woman gathering firewood. They recognize no ceasefire, and long after the fighting has stopped, they can maim or kill the children and the grandchildren of the soldiers who laid them.

I thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much, Aina. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sudan.

Thank you, Vice President. We have read the report on the impact of anti-personnel mines on human rights. We are a party to the Ottawa Convention and we support the review and consideration of legal aspects and the negative multidimensional impact of the use of such weapons. Medical consequences and medical staff and medical technical teams in my country are working to demine our territory in cooperation with the United Nations. Our Center for Demining was able to undertake commendable efforts in terms of demining and removing the mines placed there by the rebels in our capital, Khartoum, and in the center of the country. Millions of individuals were therefore able to return home. I thank you, Vice President. Muchas gracias.

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

Thank you, Vice President. We welcome the report by the High Commissioner. Colombia has experienced firsthand the impact of anti-personnel mines and the terrible suffering that these terrible weapons have caused on thousands of our citizens. And Colombia categorically rejects its— the production, transfer, and stockpiling or use of these mines. There are no situations in which the use of these weapons can be justified. They are a serious obstacle to the enjoyment of human rights, including economic, social, and cultural human rights. These weapons not only limit sustainable development, they also pollute the environment and perpetuate cycles of poverty and violence in our states. Furthermore, they mutilate bodies and hamper global efforts to achieve lasting peace. Their indiscriminate nature undermines human life and distorts the link between legitimate military action and the need to preserve human dignity. Their use is at all times and in all circumstances incompatible with international humanitarian law. Colombia calls on those states who have not yet done so to ratify the Ottawa Convention. The struggle against these mines is a global effort that requires joint and sustained efforts and decided coordinated action. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Zimbabwe welcomes the Special Rapporteur's report highlighting the negative impact of anti-personnel mines on the enjoyment of human rights. We can attest to the impact of landmines on the enjoyment of human rights. 40 years after the liberation struggle, Zimbabwe still grapples with tracts of land that are still contaminated, mostly Along our borders, landmines inflict severe and long-lasting humanitarian, economic, and ecological damage on impoverished communities, restricting agricultural access, killing and injuring civilians and livestock, and threatening wildlife. Government embarked on a Mine Action Program encompassing mine clearance, mine risk education, victim assistance, advocacy, and stockpile destruction The mine removal program is supported by various cooperating partners converting mine-cleared land into farmland, resulting in improved livelihoods of smaller-holder farmers. Zimbabwe has cleared 95% of the contaminated land. The Zimbabwe Mine Action Center coordinates all mine action activities, managing clearance operations, risk education, and victim assistance. In accordance with other ministries of government, we remain committed to improving the human rights of our people through mine clearance. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

Vice President, Switzerland thanks the High Commissioner for the report on the impacts of anti-personnel mines on human rights Anti-personnel mines cause physical and psychological suffering without distinguishing between civilians and combatants. They continue to do so even decades after the end of an armed conflict. Their presence hampers humanitarian access, the promotion of peace and sustainable development. They also impede the full enjoyment of human rights. Humanitarian demining can contribute to sustainable peace, for instance, as a confidence measure between the parties to a conflict. It is important in such cases that demining be carried out with the necessary awareness of the conflict so as to not exacerbate underlying tensions. Switzerland maintains its strong support for the Convention on Antipersonnel Mines, which is a unique and remarkable tool in terms of mine action and the protection of civilians. We call on all states who have not yet done so to accede to that convention. Q: Hi, Commissioner. You say that provisions of international law other than the Ottawa Convention prohibit the use and transfer of anti-personnel mines and compel us all to fight against mines, such as, for instance, the General Rules of International Humanitarian Law regarding the conduct of hostilities. What can we do to promote compliance with these obligations and to strengthen implementation in practice and in that specific context. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to UNICEF.

Mr. Vice President, UNICEF welcomes the report by the High Commissioner. The report clearly demonstrates that anti-personnel mines and explosive remnants of war remain among the gravest threats to children in conflict-affected settings. It highlights how children are uniquely affected, underscores the explosive ordnance risk. Education is essential to protect the The Right to Life and Other Rights calls for age-sensitive victim assistance and urges greater collection of age, gender, and disability disaggregated data on survivors. No landmine can distinguish between a soldier and a child or between a military vehicle and a school bus. Once laid, these weapons continue to threaten children in their homes, schools, and communities for years and decades after they have been deployed. Beyond death and injury, they impede the full enjoyment of the rights enshrined in the Convention on Rights of the Child, including the rights to health, education, protection, and development. Importantly, this report reminds us that anti-personnel mines are not only a humanitarian concern but also a human rights issue. Protecting children from explosive ordnance, ensuring access to quality risk education, and supporting survivors are integral to fulfilling states' human rights obligations. UNICEF believes this report can strengthen collective advocacy and accelerate efforts towards the universalization and full implementation of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. Children must be protected from landmines and explosive remnants of war everywhere, by everyone, and at all times. Thank you. Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I give the floor to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. As one of the countries that continues to suffer from the extensive consequences of landmines left behind by war, the Islamic Republic of Iran understands the importance of this issue not merely from a theoretical perspective that through decades of direct experience. This reality demonstrates that anti-personnel mines affect not only the rights to life and security, but also a range of other rights. Mr. Vice President, the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the international community should devote greater attention to supporting affected countries.—

in clearing contaminated lands, facilitating the transfer of relevant technologies, and providing adequate financial resources.

We also underscored the importance of ensuring the rights of survivors of mine land incidents and other explosive remnants of war— access to healthcare, rehabilitation, Access to rehabilitation services, education, employment opportunities, and social participation should be recognized as an integral part of a human rights-based approach to addressing this issue. Muchas gracias, Mr.

Vice President. Muchas gracias. Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Peru.

Thank you, Vice President.

Peru thanks the High Commissioner for the presentation of the report and values the assessment of the anti-personnel mines as a humanitarian issue as well as an economic, social, and cultural issue. The extension of Peru until December 2019 2013 allows us to combine eradication with a comprehensive plan to clear 46 dangerous areas and destroy around 3,900 anti-personnel mines. We agree that mine action needs to focus on individuals. We have 348 victims that have been registered, many of them living with injuries. We have undertaken 12 campaigns on anti-personnel mines to ensure that no community affected falls behind. We call on international cooperation, and Peru believes that a voluntary fund could serve to complement the existing measures and mobilize additional resources. Peru firmly believes that international solidarity is crucial to preserve the dignity of victims and to achieve a world free of anti-personnel mines. I thank you.

Thank you very much. I recognize the distinguished representative of Iraq.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. My delegation would like to thank OHCHR for its valuable report. And agrees with the description of the destructive effect of anti-personnel mines on human rights, especially the right to life, education, health, and decent living. Mr. Vice President, Iraq is among the countries that are affected the most by the contamination of lands as well as the explosive remnants of war as a result of successive conflicts that has, um, that the country has witnessed. It has affected all Iraqi citizens, especially rural citizens. In this respect, the Iraqi government, in cooperation with the UN Mine Action Program and other local and international organizations and civil society organizations, to carry out land clearance operations and to provide awareness-raising training to thousands of citizens in the areas affected, as well as providing psychosocial support and training. In conclusion, we stress the importance of enhancing ongoing and predictable international cooperation in order for these efforts to be sustainable and for them to achieve their developmental and humanitarian results. Thank you.

I recognize the distinguished representative of Malaysia.

Mr. Vice President, Malaysia thanks the High Commissioner for the report. We note with concern the report's findings on the wide-ranging human rights impact of anti-personnel mines, These weapons continue to kill, maim, and restrict access to land, education, healthcare, livelihoods, and humanitarian assistance, often long after conflicts have ended. Their impact is not only a security concern but also a humanitarian, human rights, and development challenge. Survivors may require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and social protection, while affected communities may be prevented from rebuilding lives and pursuing development. Malaysia reiterates its firm commitment to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, which we signed in 1997 and later ratified in 1999. We also enacted the Anti-Personnel Mines Implementation Act in 2000 and completed destruction of our national stockpile of anti-personnel mines in January 2001. We deplore the use of anti-personnel mines and call on all states that have not yet done so to become parties to the Convention without delay. Malaysia underscores the importance of sustained international cooperation, including financial, technical, and humanitarian assistance for mine clearance, victim assistance, rehabilitation, and socioeconomic reintegration. We would appreciate the High Commissioner's views on how States can strengthen predictable support for mine action while ensuring that survivors and affected communities remain at the center of all responses. Thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much.

I recognize the distinguished representative of India.

Mr. Vice President, my delegation takes note of the report and shares its humanitarian concern for victims and communities affected by anti-personnel mines and improvised explosive devices— improvised explosive devices. India remains committed to the eventual elimination of anti-personnel landmines and a world free of their threat. Addressing civilian casualties through rehabilitation and support for survivors is a priority. We also remain committed to obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. As a leading UN peacekeeping contributor, India has contributed— supported international demining and rehabilitation, including through its India for Humanity initiative initiative, under which we have organized more than 30 limb fitment camps and have fitted more than 15,000 artificial limbs abroad. At the same time, my delegation is of the view that anti-personnel mines serve a legitimate defensive role for states with long borders. India considers that amended Protocol II to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons balances humanitarian concerns with these defense needs. India prosecutes no non-detectable mines, has rendered its mines detectable and observes a complete moratorium on their export and transfer. As a point of legal clarity, we wish to reiterate that the Ottawa Convention binds only its state parties. India is not a party to this convention and does not support a blanket immediate ban given its national security imperatives. Thank you.

Muchas gracias. Thank you.

I recognize the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso.

Vice President, my delegation thanks the High Commissioner for the report and believes that anti-personnel mines are a serious threat to humanity and undermine all human rights. Over the past decade, we've been grappling with terrorism and we understand how harmful these mines are on human rights. Terrorists use explosive devices that cause the loss of human lives and lifelong mutilations. They also hampers humanitarian aid access and compels people to leave particular areas. My country is firmly committed to respecting international international law and it ratified the Ottawa Convention in 1998 and also the Semipenangok Convention. The National Strategy 2023-2027 to Combat Improvised Explosive Devices aims to improve controls on manufacturing of such devices and to improve the expertise of experts who are trying to combat the use of such devices as well as helping to ensure resilience of communities. My country calls for international assistance to combat mine action and to improve the lives of people who've been impacted by the use of such devices. I thank you.

I now give the floor to Kenya.

Mr. President, Kenya aligns itself with the statement delivered by the African Group and thanks the High Commissioner for the comprehensive report. Kenya welcomes the report's recognition that the impact of anti-personnel mines extends well beyond the immediate consequences of armed conflict. Their continued presence undermines the enjoyment of a broad range of human rights, restricts socio-economic recovery, and leaves affected communities exposed danger long after hostilities have ceased. We are particularly concerned that anti-personnel mines continue to impede access to agriculture, rural land, education, healthcare, and other essential services while placing civilians, especially women and children, at heightened risk. This demonstrates the importance of addressing the mine contamination not only as a humanitarian challenge but also a human rights and development priority. As a State Party to the Ottawa Convention, Kenya remains committed to advancing its objectives and to supporting international efforts aimed at protecting civilians from enduring human rights impacts of anti-personnel mines. Kenya further emphasizes that survivors and affected communities should remain at the center of mine action efforts through inclusive policies that uphold their dignity, participation, and equal enjoyment of all human rights. Human rights. I thank you.

Muchas gracias. Thank you. I recognize the distinguished representative of Ecuador.

Vice President, my delegation thanks the High Commissioner for the presentation of the report and agrees that anti-personnel mines are devastating weapons and barriers to the systematic achievement of human rights. Ecuador sees humanitarian demining not just as a merely technical task, but as an ethical imperative. With this in mind, Ecuador and Peru have undertaken demining activities through a binational unit that has transformed former areas of conflict into areas for peace and cooperation. However, the final stretch is more complicated. Ecuador has joined the call to create a voluntary fund to support states affected in order to tackle difficulties in obtaining international cooperation to comply with their obligations in terms of demining. To this end, we would urge the international community to maintain cooperation to combat the structural gaps and to democratize access to new satellite technology and drones, reducing the risk for technical teams on the ground. We call for future guidelines that would deepen mechanisms for comprehensive, long-term comprehensive reparations with a differentiated approach. Finally, Ecuador reiterates its commitment to a world free of mines for the protection of life, innovation, and adaptation of realities to humanitarian challenges. Thank you very much.

Thank you. This was the final speaker that we could include in our dialogue. We will now move to the list of speakers from NHRI and NGOs. I give the floor to Association Paix pour la lutte contre la crainte et l'injustice.

Mr. Vice President, as we discuss The impact of anti-personnel mines on human beings— Yemen has been witnessing the death and maiming of civilians and children, including 5 children early this week, which is a stark reminder that the effect of anti-personnel mines extend way after wars and conflict. It disrupts the provision of services and human suffering.

Mr.

President, the effect of these landmines on civilians, especially as a result of the latest Military interventions by neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia, and operations that are outside the supervision of law in grave violation of human rights and the militarization of residential areas exacerbate the absence of rule of law. We call upon this council to take urgent steps to protect civilians in Yemen from the dangers of anti-personnel mines that are used as collective punishment. Thank you.

I give the floor to Friends World Committee for Consultation.

We and 4 partner NGOs welcome this report and its articulation of the negative impacts of anti-personnel mines as a humanitarian, human rights, environmental, and development concern. It is especially relevant as progress achieved since the adoption of the Ottawa Convention is under strain. Recent withdrawals from and violations of the treaty, renewed production and use of anti-personnel mines, and disruptions to mine action funding threaten decades of humanitarian progress. The report clearly demonstrates that anti-personnel mines adversely affect the enjoyment of the full spectrum of human rights, Their negative consequences are profound, complex, and long-lasting. Individuals, families, and entire communities are affected, with distinct adverse impacts on specific groups. The report also highlights that mine contamination can undermine development for decades. We welcome the report's focus on states' duties under international human rights law to protect against the adverse impacts of mines. We further welcome its recommendations and would like to ask ask OHCHR for its views on how states and other stakeholders may engage with the UN human rights mechanisms to address the negative impacts of anti-personnel mines. Finally, we urge all states to uphold international law on anti-personnel mines and specifically call on all states to join the Ottawa Treaty. Thank you.

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I recognize Society for Development and Community Empowerment.

Thank you, Vice President.

Anti-personnel mines remain one of the most indiscriminate and destructive instruments of civil harm. Their prolonged presence in post-conflict environments continues to impair the full realization of economic, social, and cultural rights, including the rights to health, livelihood, and physical integrity and safe movement. We draw the urgent attention to this council Mr. Amsang, the former Tamil Nadu State President of the Bhagavan Samaj Party, who was brutally murdered in Chennai on July 5th, 2024. Mr. Amson was a leader of equality and a committed advocate for the marginalized communities. I request the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. Vijay, through this council, that his murder has been adequately investigated without further any delay and justice should be delivered. Mr. President, I bring this statement to the attention of this council, the AVM, Electronic Voting Machine. In this regard, Madam Maya Vadagi, the National President of the third largest Party of India, Bahujan Samaj Party, has for the first time drawn the attention of the country to the issues of strong suspect hacking being done by the EVM and is working hard to establish democracy in India. Even technologically advanced countries are banning the EVMs and conducting elections on ballot paper. The lack of transparency, accountability, and verifiable paper trials in India electoral process is highlighted by the persistence and credible allegations from the opposition parties, independent analysts, and social society organizations.

Just a moment, please.

There's a request for a point of order from India. Please go ahead.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I believe that we are having a discussion on anti-personnel landmines, and we would like the speakers to stick to that as per the rules and procedures of this assembly. Thank you. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much.

You can continue, you've got 11 seconds.

The right to free and fair election is fundamental to all human rights and civil, political, economic, and social. India must urgently ensure the electoral accountability. I thank you. Gracias. Thank you.

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

Mr. High Commissioner, despite more than 38 years having passed Since the end of the Iran-Iraq War, 136 kilometers of the 230-kilometer Iran-Iraq border have not yet been cleared of anti-personnel mines. Mines continue to kill rural workers, shepherds, and kulbars across vast areas of approximately 42,000 square kilometers, extending up to 15 kilometers inside the country across 5 southwestern provinces of Iran. One of the fatalities reported in the news just a month ago was Shirghur Ahmampour, who was 21 years old, a shepherd, and was due to graduate from high school this June. He stepped on a landmine in an unmarked area in Kurdistan Province, Iran. The fact that civilians account for almost 90% of recorded mine casualties of whom 40% are children, as stated in the report, is very alarming. In Iran as well, the majority of fatalities and injuries are civilians and children. The Islamic Republic of Iran has defended the planting of new mines in east borders and around military sites over the past 5 years in the country in UN meetings. Mr. High Commissioner, what recommendations would you make to motivate countries such as the Islamic Republic of Iran to join the Ottawa Convention. Thank you.

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. I give the floor to Radu— no, to Réseau Africain pour le Développement, la Gouvernance et la Coopération.

Thank you, Mr.

Vice President.

We would like to thank the High Commissioner for this important effort, as well as the Moroccan Red Crescent. We organize training courses on how to deal with the anti-personnel landmines while carrying out rural and grazing activities despite the Polisario activities since 2001 regarding the disruption of water supplies and other essential services in the Moroccan Sahara, which has disrupted a number of services We attempt to improve the quality of life for the inhabitants and enhance grazing activities and to support infrastructure projects and developmental investments in the Moroccan Sahara. Such landmines have severe effects on civilians. Hence, we have to find mechanisms that—

I recognize Rado.

Vice President Rado thanks the High Commissioner for the report and notes the recommendations. We reaffirm our support to efforts to better support people affected by anti-personnel mines. 29 years ago, our organization received at Ottawa the prize for the International Campaign for Combating Anti-Personnel Mines. This prize honors victims and survivors of the demining program in Casamance in Senegal. For RADSO, mines do not honor peace or ceasefires. However, despite 162 member states to the Convention of Ottawa, there's no armed forces that are unaware of the devastating consequences of the use of mines and non-respect for IHL and human rights. Our organization is deeply concerned at the ecological and socioeconomic and cultural disasters caused by the use of mines in conflicts in Africa. In these contaminated areas, mines lead to food insecurity, lack of access to drinking water, and problems for health and basic education. RADDO invites states to fully prohibit the production, transfer, stockpiling of anti-personnel mines, and we encourage states who have not adhered to the convention to do so. And in conclusion, the RADDO renews its unwavering commitment against the use of anti-personnel mines and stands in solidarity with victims and members of their family. Thank you very much.

I recognize International Federation for the Protection of the Rights of Ethnic, Religious, Linguistic, and Other Minorities.

Monsieur le vice-président. Vice-president, we thank the High Commissioner for this important report and would call the attention of this council to Western Sahara. The Moroccan military has been stretching over 2,700 kilometers, surrounded by one of the world's largest continuous mine-contaminated areas, when 7 million anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines, cluster munition remnants, and other unexploded ordnance remain scattered across the territory. We are seeing access to water being compromised, as well as grazing lands hampered. We're seeing displacement of people groups and we call for strengthened international support for the humanitarian mine action programs for risk education and victim assistance. Environmental recovery. We also call for sustained international attention to the serious human rights consequences of mine contamination in Western Sahara. Thank you.

Thank you. I recognize Association pour la défense des droits de l'homme et des revendications démocratiques.

Mr. President, the Association for the Defense of Human Rights of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijanis Abirhan, thanks the High Commissioner for the The report: While often seen as remnants of past conflicts, landmines continue to have serious human rights consequences for Azerbaijanis in Iran, particularly in regions affected by the Iran-Iraq War and ongoing border militarization. For Azerbaijanis in Iran, landmines pose persistent risks to life and personal security, causing death, injury, and long-term disability. Beyond this, they significantly undermine the enjoyment of economic social and cultural rights. The right to education is also directly affected. Mines located near villages and roads to schools create constant fear, leading families to keep children, especially girls, at home. In some cases, access to schools becomes permanently limited. Livelihoods are also directly impacted. For Azerbaijani communities in Iran, contaminated agricultural land restricts farming and livestock activities. Activities limits local trade and increases poverty. Survivors often face long-term exclusion from employment. We call for comprehensive demining efforts and end to continued use of anti-personnel mines for border control and border militarization and strengthened international support for affected communities and victims. Thank you.

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much.

I give the floor to Aliska Relief Foundation.

Vice President, Aliska deplores that 40% of anti-personnel mine victims are children, as we've seen in the report. We underscore that the impact of mines goes far beyond direct human losses and physical injury. It impacts the right to work, education, and health, as well as the right to development. Reports from Sudan reveal an increase in the risks connected to mines and unexploded ordnance in the context of a persistent conflict, particularly in Darfur. Dozens of victims have been reported in the first quarter of 2026, as well as the expansion of new minefields in areas where displaced people are returning to. And this has hampered the recovery of essential services such as schools and hospitals. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, around 357 contaminated zones, zones affected by remnants of war, have been listed in 2026, particularly in the east of the country. Aliska calls on the High Commissioner to encourage member states, Council observers, and donors from international organizations and the private sector to support en masse with a view to bolstering demining efforts and increasing awareness-raising as to the risks of mines. Thank you very much.

I recognize Association Culturelle des Tamouls en France. They're not present. Next, Matt for Peace, Development and Human Rights Association.

Mr. President, each year anti-personnel mines claim the lives of hundreds of civilians in various countries, including Yemen, Sudan, and Iraq. This is happening amid a decline in international funding for anti-personnel mine clearance. It's also occurring in the context of non-ratification by major states such as the United States of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, commonly referred to as Ottawa Convention. Mr. President, in Yemen, mine clearance teams in April cleared more than 1.5 million square meters of land and removed 6,827 explosive items, including anti-personnel mines, anti-vehicle mines, and unexploded ordnance. Matt also notes that while most estimates focus on the use of anti-personnel mines by the Houthis, it has documented testimonies indicating the use of anti-personnel mines by the Southern Transnational Council, to target civilians. Therefore, MAD calls on the donor partners to continue supporting the recognized Government of Yemen in efforts to disclose minefield maps and information on explosive remnants of war. MAD also calls on the High Commissioner for Human Rights to urge the United States of America to ratify the Ottawa Convention. I thank you.

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. This was the last speaker that we could accommodate. In this dialogue, I'll give the floor now to Ms. Hicks for her concluding observations.

Please go ahead. Gracias, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, representatives of civil society. Thank you for your interventions. We've listened carefully and taken due note of the experiences, concerns, and recommendations shared during this dialogue. Today's discussion has reaffirmed that anti-personnel mines are not only a legacy of past conflicts— there remain a present and evolving human rights challenge, one that affects individuals, families, communities, and societies long after mines were placed. A clear message from our report and from this dialogue is the need to place survivors and affected communities at the center. To do so, survivors and affected communities should be meaningfully involved in the decisions that concern them, including in the design, implementation, and evaluation of mine action, as well as in measures to to ensure the realization of their civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. It also requires supporting those who work closest to affected populations, including humanitarian operators, organizations, and representatives of persons with disabilities, survivors networks, and local civil society organizations and representatives. Their knowledge and meaningful participation are crucial to ensuring that responses are effective, inclusive, and adapted to local realities. Today's dialogue has also underlined the scale of the challenges faced by affected states. As pointed out by Algeria, for many states, anti-personnel mine contamination is a colonial legacy, placing an additional undue burden on those states with enduring consequences. Mine action and the safeguarding of rights of survivors and other affected individuals and communities requires significant financial, technical, and institutional capacity. For many states, particularly those affected by conflict, insecurity and limited resources— international— because of those problems, international cooperation and assistance is therefore indispensable. Cooperation and assistance by those states responsible for placing mines is often critical to ensure clearance, including for those states that struggled for independence. And we also recognize the obligation to provide reparations for breaches of international law, in accordance with international law. Cooperation and funding should be sustained, predictable, and responsive to the priorities of affected communities. To the question posed by Vietnam on rallying funding for mine action, we reiterate that human rights, humanitarian, economic development, and peace and security imperatives all demand mine action, accentuating the critical need to restore funding levels to the Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action by but also to restore funding for local community initiatives, human rights and humanitarian actors actively involved in helping individuals survive and states recover and rebuild. In this regard, we note the point made by several states on a voluntary fund for victims. It should support not only mine action but also measures to access healthcare, rehabilitation, education, employment, social security, and an adequate standard of living for those affected. In addition, I would note that the mandate of the report was related to describing the human rights impacts of anti-personnel mines rather than of explosive ordnance more generally. While the report does not explicitly deal with explosive ordnance contamination in that regard, we are concerned that there are many contexts, including in Gaza, as the delegation of Palestine emphasized, with significant explosive ordnance contamination— resulting from the use of explosive weapons that continue to pose very grave risk to persons. The report highlights that these impacts can be similar to those of anti-personnel mines and that contamination of both often has a compounding effect. There was also a question from civil society on how to encourage states to join the Ottawa Convention. I hope that both the report and this dialogue serve as incentives, as so many states present here today and NGOs as well have eloquently described the devastating and long-lasting consequences of anti-personnel mines. The dialogue has further underscored the importance of integrating these issues more systematically into the work of human rights mechanisms, a point made by the Friends World Committee for Consultations, among others. UN treaty bodies, state parties, reporting procedures, special procedures, communications, and country visit procedures, and where relevant, investigative mechanisms mandated by this Council all play an important role in helping identify protection gaps, supporting accountability, and providing recommendations on how to implement human rights obligations. I understand further work on this front is already underway, so this avenue should continue to expand as well, and contributions to that work by states and civil society are welcome. Finally, today's discussion reminds us of the intergenerational nature of the harm caused by anti-personal anti-personnel mines. In many affected areas, communities continue to live with the consequences of mines that were placed decades ago. Without clearance and sustained support to survivors, these harms will be passed on to future generations. For that reason, renewed political commitment is essential to prevent any further use of anti-personnel mines, to halt their production, transfer, and stockpiling, to destroy existing stockpiles in accordance with international law. To the question posed by Switzerland, this means reaffirming the fundamental importance of the obligations not only to respect but also to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, and that states actively should use their leverage to induce good-faith compliance with international humanitarian law by all states. We must also address the threat posed by improvised anti-personnel mines, including those used by organized non-state armed groups and other armed actors. The report before the Council makes it clear that international human rights law offers both a framework and an imperative for action. Our task is to ensure that this framework translates into concrete action to safeguard the rights and dignity of those affected and those yet to be affected, and to prevent future harm in the years and decades to come. Thank you.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. This marks the end of our interactive dialogue, and I would like to thank Ms. Hicks for her participation. We will now take a short technical break before proceeding with presentation of the reports under item 3. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we will now listen to the presentation of the report of the first session. Of the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group on an Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the rights to early childhood education, free pre-primary education, and free secondary education. I now give the floor to Secretary Mr. Samuel Housman Buggy Saffa, Chair of the Working Group, to present the report. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. But permit me, before I present the report, to acknowledge the exceptional performance of Ecuador at last night's World Cup match. That was truly exceptional and I want to I want to say congratulations to you.

Thank you.

Now to the report. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues, it is my honor to present a summary of the work undertaken during the first session of the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group established by the UNITE Council Resolution 565. 2025, as well as the outcomes of the intercessional consultation held on the 12th of December 2025. I assume this role with a clear mandate to explore the possibility of elaborate and submit to the Council an optional protocol.— a mandate that is both sequential and concurrent. I approach this responsibility guided by the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency. My priorities include full adherence to the mandates set out in Operation Paragraph 1 of Resolution 5065. Ensuring the meaningful participation of children, strengthening international cooperation for financing education, and maintaining an open, constructive process that reflects the views of all stakeholders. As mandated by the resolution, the Working Group convened in September 2025. Over the course of 3 working days, one message emerged with unmistakable clarity: the promise of international law has yet to be realized for millions of children worldwide. And this, esteemed colleagues, is the crux of the matter. Despite longstanding global commitments, far too many children are still excluded from early childhood care and education and free public pre-primary and secondary education. Our discussions confirmed that these gaps are real and immediate. And they have direct consequences for the futures of our children. Participation and scope of the Working Group. The session brought together 94 member states, regional organizations, UN agencies, national human rights institutions, civil society, and critically, the children themselves. Their participation was not just symbolic, it was substantive. Child representatives from Liberia, Croatia, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom and others shared powerful testimonies on the barriers they face: school fees, hidden costs, long distances, discrimination, disability, early pregnancy, conflict, and poverty. Their voices echoed the findings of consultations with over 8,100 children across 40 countries who consistently called for free inclusive quality education, and meaningful participation in decisions affecting them. The panel discussions themselves— across 5 thematic panels, several themes emerged. On Panel 1, we examined the gaps in international legal framework. Experts highlighted that while primary education is guaranteed As free under existing treaties, free pre-primary and secondary education lack binding obligations. Many states rely on progressive realization as a justification for slow action. Concerns were raised about over-reliance on private providers and the need for stronger accountability mechanisms. On Panel 2, we reviewed the impact of existing optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Speakers emphasized that optional protocols have historically strengthened protections of children's rights, catalyzed national reforms in response to evolving challenges, and clarified legal obligations. They stressed that any new instrument must close the real gaps, avoid duplication, and ensure enforceability. Panel 3. Panel 3 focused on early childhood care and education. UNESCO underscored that only 28% of countries legally guaranteed one year of free pre-primary education. They emphasized the need for stronger legal frameworks, equitable financing, and quality standards. Early childhood education was repeatedly described as a cornerstone for lifelong learning and a powerful tool for reducing inequality. On panel 4, Panel 4 addressed girls' access to secondary education. Panelists highlighted the disparity impact of early marriage, early motherhood, and social norms on girls' schooling. They stressed that free, equitable education supported by gender-sensitive curricula, trained teachers, and safe environments is essential. For empowerment, and for breaking cycles of poverty and discrimination. Panel 5. Panel 5 examined innovative and sustainable funding and financing for education. Experts emphasized that education must be seen as an investment, not a cost. Proposals included rethinking global economic priorities, improving tax justice, addressing debt burdens, and exploring mechanisms such as debts-for-education swaps, solidarity levies, and global funds for early childhood education. Participants stress that financing must remain predictable equitable and aligned with national priorities. Member States' positions: from those who took the floor during the General Debate, 28 States expressed clear support for elaborating an optional protocol, while 19 States engaged constructively in exploring the possibility. Among these, few raised important questions regarding: 1, added value; 2, feasibility; and the risk of fragmentation. 6 states stressed reservations, citing concerns about: 1, duplication; 2, resource constraints; and the potential for uneven ratification. In essence, these states signaled their preference to continue examining the possibility of a protocol rather than committing at this stage. Chair's recommendations. Based on the discussions, I presented 4 recommendations which were adopted by the Working Group. One, the progress report to the Council should accurately reflect member states' positions on step— on next steps regarding the possible elaboration of an optional protocol. Two, the Secretariat should publish all statements from the first session on the Working Group's website. Three, interessional consultations should be held with the support of the Core Group to explore modalities for advancing the work, including identifying key principles that could guide a future optional protocol. And 4, draft key principles, not draft protocol, should be prepared for consideration at the second session in August-September of this year. Point 4 super was amended to clarify that the Working Group is not yet drafting an optional protocol, but rather developing principles that could guide future negotiations. Outcome of the consultation. An informal global consultation was held on December 12th, 2025. It brought together over 50 member states, civil society representatives, and a child delegate. Professor Klaus Bitter, an academic and international legal expert on the right to education, prepared an analytical paper clarifying gaps in the international legal framework and outlining full range of legal pathways to strengthen the right to education, from soft law options to a new optional protocol, and assessing their respective advantages and limitations. 13 states expressed support for pursuing an optional protocol, while 6 reiterated reservations. However, a key point of convergence was a shared recognition that free pre-primary and secondary education must be treated as a minimum core obligation requiring immediate implementation. Conclusion. In closing, the first session and subsequent global consultation drew significant participation from member states and demonstrated widespread interest in the initiative. Participants emphasized both the urgency of the issue and shared understanding that education is foundational There is a consensus that education is indeed foundational, that children's voices must guide our work, and that international cooperation is important. As Chair Rapporteur, I remain committed to an inclusive, transparent, and member-state-driven process conducted in meaningful consultation with children whose rights are directly affected. The second intersessional meeting of the Working Group is scheduled for the 31st of August to the 2nd of September, 2026. This session will enable us to examine draft principles and continue building on broad support needed to translate commitment into concrete enforceable protections for every child.. I strongly encourage Member States to participate in this meeting and to engage constructively during the course of those three days. This is my report, Mr. Vice President, and I thank you. Muchas gracias, señor.

I thank the rapporteur. Excellencies, colleagues, we will now proceed with the presentation of the thematic reports submitted to the Council under Agenda Item 3. And I give the floor to Ms. Peggy Hicks, Director of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures, and Right to Development Division of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to present the thematic reports.

You have the floor, Madam. Muchas gracias. I am going to present 7 reports of the Secretary-General and High Commissioner for Human Rights on a range of thematic issues under Item 3 as quickly as possible to make sure we get out of the room on time. The first report concerns the activities of the United Nations Trust Fund on support of actions to eliminate violence against women. This report illustrates that justice for survivors of violence against women and girls does not begin at the courthouse door. It begins much earlier, in the moment a survivor is believed, in the shelter that opens its doors, in the community in the social worker who knows how to listen, and in the women's rights organization that they turn to for their safety. Access to justice should be understood as a survivor-centered process that begins with safety, trust, support, and community-based responses in which women's organizations and civil society play a critical role. The report's findings are grounded in the practice-based experiences of 103 civil society and women's rights organizations supported by the Trust Fund. In 2025, 65% of initiatives supported by the fund integrated access to justice strategies, representing $50 million in investments. The report also delivers a sobering message: Justice is increasingly under strain. For survivors, the path to safety and accountability is already difficult, but in many places that path is being made even harder by conflict, displacement, shrinking civic space, digital repression, and a growing backlash against gender equality. And when community organizations that survivors trust are restricted, underfunded, or silenced, the impact is immediate and deeply felt. Fewer safer doors to knock on, fewer people able to listen, and fewer bridges between survivors and justice. The report identifies three pathways to justice: anchoring justice in communities, connecting legal accountability with safety, health services, psychosocial support and protection, and supporting women's rights organizations. Durable justice depends on sustained investment in civil society and those organizations, and the report calls on member states to recognize women's rights organizations not only as service providers but as essential justice actors. When these organizations are underfunded, justice is weakened, but when they are protected, resourced, and able to lead, justice can be delivered, an outcome that is hugely important not just for survivors but for us all. Going on to the second report, which relates to conscientious objection to military service, At the heart of this report is a simple but profound principle: even in times of war, mobilization, or national crisis, the right to refuse military service on grounds of conscience is a human right grounded in freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and it must be respected at all times. In response to its public call, OHCHR received contributions relating to— for the report, and the inputs informed the analysis of trends and added to the identification The report points to real progress: new laws and jurisprudence, broader recognition of the right, and better provision of alternative civil service in some countries. These are important gains. But the report also raises significant alarms. Protection remains uneven and in some places absent altogether. Too many conscientious objectors still face punitive treatment, discriminatory procedures, or systems that make recognition difficult. This is especially troubling in times of armed conflict and mobilization when pressure on conscience is greatest. The report stresses that no one should face discrimination, restrictions on freedom of expression, be criminalized, punished, or detained because they cannot in conscience take up arms. Those already affected should have access to release, remedy, and reparation. The report also notes that lawyers and human rights defenders supporting conscientious objectors have faced threats and emphasized stresses that such attacks must end. Conscientious objection must be protected in law and implemented in practice for all forms of military service and at all times. I'm going on to the third report, which relates to the digital tools for stakeholder engagement and their alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This report comes at an important moment. Digital technologies are increasingly being used by companies to engage with workers, communities, and other affected stakeholders. Used well, they can expand reach and responsiveness. Used poorly, they deepen exclusion. The report therefore asked how digital engagement can be made genuinely meaningful, rights-based, and accountable. The company— consultations for this report provided direct evidence of these points. They illustrated that digital tools can help when they're done— used correctly, but they also showed that technology alone does not make engagement more meaningful, and that poorly designed tools can undermine privacy and trust, as well as exclude those who lack sufficient access, literacy, and connectivity. So companies need to ask whether a digital— not only if a digital tool is efficient, but whether it's appropriate, rights-based, and safe for the people affected. These— the report emphasizes such tools should not replace other direct engagement with workers, trade unions, communities, and other groups., and regulators need to look at these issues as well. The report provides guidance for developers and providers of stakeholder engagement tools to align corporate practice with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, um, and it addresses whether the tools are suitable, safe, and to what extent they make a meaningful contribution to stakeholder engagement. It's intended to be useful to companies for decision maker about investment in a stakeholder engagement tool, to tool providers to support clearer and more robust engagement with their clients, and to regulators for assessing the extent to which companies comply with regulatory requirements when relying on these tools. And of course, to other actors, including civil society and workers, so that they can be involved effectively in these issues as well. The report reminds us that digital tools are not only rights respecting— are only as rights respecting as the choices behind them. They can widen participation improve responsiveness, and support better human rights due diligence, but only if they're designed and used with care, transparency, and accountability. Going on to the fourth report, which is a set of guidelines for states to prevent and eliminate child early enforced marriage. Child early enforced marriage remains a serious and widespread human rights violation, and around the world, 12 million girls are married currently before the age of 18. An estimated 650,000 50 million women and girls alive today were married as children, and behind those figures are childhoods that are cut short, choices taken away, and futures narrowed before they have had a chance to unfold. The urgency is clear. At the current pace of change, it could take up to 300 years to eliminate child marriage. That is not a timeline we can accept. This report calls for accelerated action through laws, policies, and programs that are coordinated, well-resourced, and grounded in human rights. The guidelines are clear that child early enforced marriage is a form of gender-based violence rooted in discrimination and unequal power. It violates the right to intermarriage only with free and full consent. It affects the rights to health, education, development, autonomy, dignity, and equality, and is used to control women's and girls' bodies, sexuality, and life choices. For girls and women, the consequences are lifelong. Schooling interrupted, exposure to violence, early pregnancy, health risks, and decisions about their lives taken out of their hands. The report reminds us that crisis makes these risks worse. In situations of conflict, displacement, and climate-related emergencies, families may face poverty, food insecurity, school closures, and fear of sexual violence. In such circumstances, marriage is too often wrongfully perceived as a form of protection, but child marriage in fact only exposes girls to further harm. At the heart of the guidelines is a simple but essential shift. Child early enforced marriage must be addressed not as an issue of charity, tradition, or social welfare, but as a matter of human rights obligations and accountability. This means placing women and girls at the center and recognizing states' obligations to prevent violations, protect those at risk, ensure access to services and remedies, and dismantle the structures that allow this practice practice to continue. It also requires laws, policies, and programs to be shaped with the meaningful participation of women and girls themselves, and that support for survivors be centered on their safety, dignity, choices, and recovery. The guidelines call for states to act across a full chain of prevention and response, to prohibit child early enforced marriage in law, including informal unions, to adopt coordinated policies across justice, education, health, and protection systems, to address root causes such as gender inequality, harmful norms, and poverty, and to ensure survivor-centered services, remedies, and long-term support for those affected. They also call for better data monitoring and accountability so that commitments translate into real change for women and girls. In short, the response must be comprehensive, rights-based, and centered on prevention, protection, participation, and accountability. The report is a stark reminder to to all of us that child early enforced marriage is preventable and that this council can help ensure that the guidelines do not remain on paper but are translated into real protection, real choices, and real change for girls. The fifth report I'm presenting today is the High Commissioner's Report on the Enhancement of International Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights. The report comes at a moment when international cooperation is both necessary and more tested. Rising inequalities, conflict, humanitarian emergencies, economic pressures, environmental risks, and geopolitical tensions are placing profound strain on people, institutions, and the international legal order. Against this backdrop, the report recalls that universality, indivisibility, and interdependence of all human rights, including the right to development, must remain the foundation of effective international cooperation. Its central message is clear. Cooperation must be human rights-based, inclusive, adequately resourced, and capable of helping states deliver for people in practice. The report shows how OHCHR's work gives practical effect to international cooperation through its field presences, global advocacy, support to human rights mechanisms, and joint efforts across the United Nations system. Across a wide range of human rights issues, these activities help states strengthen protection, support rights holders to claim their rights, and bring the values of the UN Charter and human rights instruments into practice, even as the office, of course, continues to face serious financial and operational constraints. At a time when multilateralism is under pressure, cooperation should help states deliver on their obligations and help people claim their rights. For that to happen, technical support, capacity building, and adequate resources for our office and for the mechanisms it supports are essential. The report therefore calls for cooperation that addresses inequalities within and among countries, supports more inclusive global governance, including stronger voices for developing countries, and aligns fiscal— fiscal systems, tax policies, and public budgets with human rights obligations. It also underlines the importance of adequate and flexible financing, technical— technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and stronger national and local capacities. And finally, the report reminds us that cooperation must be accountable. States and partners should monitor the human rights impact of cooperation initiatives and support civil society, national institutions, and human rights mechanisms to participate actively. International cooperation should be measured not only by commitments made, but the difference it delivers to people. The sixth report I'd like to present relates to states' obligations and business businesses' responsibilities under international human rights law across the lifecycle of new and emerging digital technologies. This report addresses one of the most consequential questions of our time: how to ensure that technologies such as artificial intelligence are developed, deployed, and governed in ways that advance human rights rather than undermine them. Building on OHCHR's 2024 report, which mapped the Human Rights Council's work in the area of new technologies, this study moves from From stock— stocktaking to guidance on human rights due diligence for AI. Human rights due diligence is essential to anticipate, prevent, mitigate, and remedy harm throughout the digital technology lifecycle. In the context of AI, this duty is triggered not only by actual violations, but also foreseeable risk. The report first sets out the legal foundations of human rights due diligence and examines how due diligence applies to AI-specific risks. And then it finally explains what effective due diligence requires in practice: a continuous lifecycle-based process to identify risks, prevent harm, ensure accountability, and provide remedy. The report provides a thorough examination in particular of states' obligations related to human rights due diligence. Under international human rights law, states bear obligations to both respect and protect human rights. As the report describes, the obligation of states to respect requires that they refrain from directly violating rights through their own deployment, procurement, and/or regulation of AI, and to proactively conduct forward-looking human rights impact assessments examining how AI-enabled decision-making may interfere with rights such as the right to life, privacy, equality, or freedom of expression, and ensure that in any interferences meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality. The report also addresses the obligation of states to protect human rights, which requires them to address the actions of private companies across the AI value chain, including developers, data brokers, deployers, and infrastructure providers, through binding regulatory frameworks and independent oversight. States should, the report notes, prohibit particular AI applications when risks associated with their use are too great and cannot be properly mitigated. The report also reminds us that AI-related harms are often systemic, affecting groups, communities, and societies. That is why due diligence cannot be a one-off check at the end of the process. It must be continuous and built into every stage of the AI lifecycle. The report's recommendations are practical. In addition to ensuring due diligence across the AI lifecycle and on regulating private actors in line with the UNGPs, states should strengthen accountability and access to remedy and invest in capacity building and international cooperation. The report also stresses the importance of meaningful engagement with persons affected by AI to better understand and address its impacts. The report leaves a clear message. The more transformative AI becomes within our societies, the more essential it is that human rights due diligence be integrated integrated into its design, development, and use. Consistent with the report's findings and the commitments made in the UN Global Digital Compact, states should see embedding human rights due diligence as an essential component of their own AI use and in meeting their obligation to ensure that private companies' development of AI delivers for their societies. And finally, I'll turn to the 7th report I'll present today, which addresses the need to to accelerate progress towards preventing adolescent pregnancy. Every year millions of adolescent girls become pregnant and give birth before they are physically, emotionally, or socially ready. This is not only a health concern, it affects virtually all parts of girls' rights: her education, health, autonomy, safety, and future opportunities. And these impacts fall most heavily on girls already facing poverty, exclusion, conflict, displacement, and other forms Inequality. The report makes clear that the true scale of adolescent pregnancy is still underestimated. Too many pregnancies remain hidden because of the stigma, fear, weak reporting systems, and the silence surrounding both consensual sexual activity and sexual violence. When data is incomplete, responses are weakened, resources are poorly targeted, progress is harder to measure, and adolescents remain invisible in the policies meant to protect them. At its core, the report reminds us that adolescent pregnancy is both a cause and a consequence of human rights violations. It is driven by gender inequality, harmful norms, poverty, lack of access to education, and barriers to sexual and reproductive health information and services. And once a girl becomes pregnant, those same inequalities often deepen. She may be pushed out of school, exposed to stigma or violence, denied healthcare, and placed at a higher risk of maternal mortality than adult women. That is why prevention must go beyond individual behavior. It must address the conditions that limit girls' choices in the first place: child marriage, sexual violence, unequal power in relationships, discrimination, poverty, and the denial of confidential adolescent-friendly services. Without confronting these root causes, progress remains fragile and uneven. The barriers are well known: limited disaggregated data, weak institutional capacity, politicization of adolescent sex and reproductive health, persistent underfunding, and the lack of safe and confidential complaint mechanisms. These barriers prevent states from seeing adolescents clearly, listening to them meaningfully, and responding to their needs effectively. But the report offers a message of possibility. Adolescent pregnancy is preventable. Promising practices show that progress is possible when states invest in quality education, including comprehensive sexuality education, accessible and adolescent-friendly health services, community engagement, adolescent empowerment, social protection, and laws and policies that eliminate child marriage and protect children from sexual violence and guarantee confidential access to information and services and ensure them meaningful participation in the decisions that affect them. The report tells us that adolescent pregnancy is It's not a failure of girls. It's a failure of all of us to protect their rights, expand their choices, and remove the barriers around them. Prevention requires states to act early with political commitment, adequate financing, adequate education, health services, protection from violence, and participation by adolescents themselves so every girl can grow up with her health, dignity, and future intact. Thank you.

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much, Ms.

Hicks. Excellencies, distinguished participants, this brings us to the end of this meeting. We'll meet again at 3:00 PM this afternoon to look at— to close Item 3 and to hear the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic Agenda Item 4, to be followed by the closed meeting in relation to the complaint procedure for the Human Rights Council. I hereby close the 19th meeting of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council. Thank you very much.