12th Meeting - 63rd Session of Human Rights Council

Pour aider à transmettre les messages de manière précise et complète, les orateurs sont.

Priés de ne pas parler trop vite.

Speakers are kindly reminded to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace to ensure complete and quality interpretation.

Il.

Est rappelé aux orateurs qu'ils doivent.

Présenter leurs déclarations à un rythme raisonnable afin de garantir une interprétation complète et de qualité.

Se ruega a los oradores que pronuncien sus declaraciones a un ritmo.

Razonable para garantizar una interpretación íntegra y de calidad.

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, I hereby open the 12th meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council. We still need to finish off the interactive dialogue with the working group on enforced or involuntary disappearances. So we'll restart with the speakers list. I give the floor to Peru.

Thank you, Vice President. Peru has taken note of the working group's report, and we're aware of how important this mandate is in order to clarify the fate of disappeared and missing persons, as well as to ensure the rights of victims and their families, truth, justice and reparation. We recognize the importance of having factual and non-ideologized memory as part of the right to truth and reparation. In Peru, there is effective participation in these processes of families and civil society. We have a holistic reparations plan through Act 28592, which incorporates a program of symbolic reparations, which is designed to recognize the rights of victims of the terrorist violence which occurred between 1980 and 2000. We have a participatory, intercultural perspective which involves victims and communities in building memorialization. So there's been public acts of recognition, and we involve local society in building memories. Peru is striving to strengthen the search, truth, justice, reparations, and we put families at the heart of this process. Thank you.

Thank you.

I'd like to thank the working group on enforced involuntary disappearances for their report. Mexico remains committed to preventing, resolving and punishing cases of enforced disappearance through open dialogue with international mechanisms and involving civil society. We do not tolerate nor do we order any disappearances under any circumstances. This will of the state has led to tangible results, notably in the forensic identification with the support of the UN Population Fund. Between 2023 and 2026, we managed to identify over 22,000 persons who had previously been considered as disappeared. Mexico is driving new cooperation projects with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights with a view to combating disappearances and we have a constructive dialogue with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. International cooperation in combating enforced disappearances should be governed by national priorities and take into account the will to cooperate which has been shown by Mexican authorities. The dialogue between state and international mechanisms is absolutely vital for us to continue to achieve results. very much, Vice-President.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. The Gambia thanks the Working Group for its report and for its continued engagement and technical cooperation with our Government. The issue of enforced disappearance has particular significance for The Gambia in light of the violations established through our transitional justice process. We, therefore, welcome the working group's reference to its cooperation with The Gambia on our draft national legislation on enforced disappearances. Since the reporting period, further progress has been made. Of the 14 outstanding cases currently before the working group, the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission has established the fate of 12 individuals. Two cases remain unresolved and are currently under active review. Accountability mechanisms have also been strengthened through the Tax Force on Enforced Disappearances and Missing Persons and the appointment of a special prosecutor who is now seized of all enforced disappearance cases. The Gambia is also advancing the Anti-Enforced Disappearance Bill 2025, which seeks to domesticate the convention and criminalize enforced disappearance as a distinct offense. Chair Rapporteur, what further safeguards would the working group recommend to ensure that the national legislation effectively supports prevention, investigation, and the rights of families? Thank you.

Thank you. I would ask delegates to move their mobile phones away from the microphones so they don't cause interference. I'd now like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We'd like to welcome the working group and thank it for preparation of the report. International humanitarian law imposes specific obligations with regard to the search for missing persons. States are obliged to investigate and prosecute offenses related to missing persons. The need to clarify the fate and whereabouts of close to 4,000 missing Azerbaijan citizens remains a pressing humanitarian issue. In the post-conflict period, Azerbaijan continues to take all possible measures to bring clarity to the fate of the missing persons. Since the end of the war, 32 mass graves have been identified. The available data illustrate both the magnitude of the humanitarian challenge and the continued efforts undertaken to address it. Addressing enforced disappearances encompasses broader legal and humanitarian obligations related to human dignity, the right to truth, and the preservation of memory. The government has implemented a range of measures to this end. Determining the fate of missing persons is also important in terms of reconciliation and normalization of relations between the states. Cooperation in this area can be one of the effective trust-building measures. My country will hold the fourth international conference on missing persons within the Baku Dialogue Initiative on 7 October this year, and this theme will be among the major topics of the event. We call on the working group to pay close attention to the issue and reflect it in its report. I thank you.

Thank you.

I now call on the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Mr. Vice President, we strongly reject the working group's imbalanced account of the October 2025 general election and the sweeping allegations made against the government. Claims of such gravity must be based on precise, verifiable, and independently assessed evidence, not generalized assertions, selective narratives, or political characterizations. The election-related violence was unprecedented and required a lawful and accountable national response. The government accordingly established a Presidential Commission of Inquiry on 18th November 2025, followed by a Criminal Investigation Commission on 18th May 2026, to establish facts and determine criminal responsibility within their mandates. As investigations remain ongoing, the independence of the competent commission must be respected. It should discharge its mandate without political pressure, interference, or prejudgment. Political calls or conclusions at this stage are premature, uncalled for, and risk undermining truth, accountability, due process, and public confidence. The government rejects any characterization of lawful public order measures or security operations. Tanzania reaffirms its commitment to human rights, constitutional governance, the rule of law, public order, and the protection of all persons in this jurisdiction. I thank you.

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

Mr. Vice President, we take note of the report of the Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances, including the thematic study on memorialization. India is a vibrant democracy. anchored in the rule of law. Article 21 of our constitution guarantees the right of life and personal liberty. Our independent judiciary is fully empowered to issue writs of habeas corpus, thus providing a strong and readily accessible safeguard against any alleged disappearance. The law enforcement authorities in India are fully bound to act within the framework of law. The National Human Rights Commission and the State Human Rights Commissions offer effective avenues for complaint and redressal mechanisms. the Right to Information Act has further strengthened transparency and accountability in governance. Further, supplemented by the presence of independent media and dynamic civil society, enforced disappearances are clear violations of human rights and deeply affect the families of victims. We call upon States to eradicate instances of these grave human rights violations through preventive measures, accountability, and the protection of civil society. India remains committed to constructively with the working group. I thank you.

Thank you, Ana Kulum. The distinguished representative of Croatia.

Mr. Vice President, Croatia aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the working group for the presentation of its report and for its continued engagement with member states. The working group's follow-up also demonstrates the importance of sustained engagement by states and of translating recommendations into concrete action.

For more than three decades, Croatia has been.

Working to resolve the issue of missing as a consequence of armed aggression against our country in the 90s, which remains one of our national and international priorities. At the international level, as Croatia concludes its term as co-chair of the Global Alliance for the Missing this month, we are proud to have contributed to the strengthening international cooperation on this issue. At the national level, Croatia continues its efforts to locate and identify missing persons through field investigations, forensic and DNA methods, archival research, and close interdepartmental cooperation. Nevertheless, Croatia is still searching for 1,725 persons missing as a consequence of aggression. We therefore reiterate the importance of access to archives and of sharing relevant information that could contribute to clarifying their fate and whereabouts. We would like to ask the working group what more could be done to facilitate access to relevant archives and information in cases that remain unresolved decades after the conflict has ended.

Thank you.

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

Thank you, Vice President. We have taken careful note of the report issued by the working group. We've also taken note of its recommendations. In this regard, we'd like to mention that rebel militias in Sudan are committing crimes against ordinary citizens, and they have been using enforced disappearance as a policy to humiliate and terrorize our society. The cases of enforced disappearances, according to the Commission of Inquiry, now stands at over 15,000. This is the result of selective targeting of journalists and human rights activists, amongst others, as well as a campaign against women and girls. They have been forcibly disappeared so that they can be subjected to torture, sexual violence, and other forms of inhuman treatment. Thousands of women and girls being held captive by the rebel militias, which do not provide them with any conditions, particularly in Al-Fashir and Darfur, among other places. families receive absolutely no information about their disappeared loved ones. This is why we would like to urge the Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances, as well as the Human Rights Council, to exercise pressure on these rebel militias in order to have them release those being held captive and to respect the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances. They must also be called on to work with the working group.

I now call on the distinguished representative of South Sudan.

Mr. Vice President, South Sudan aligns itself with the African Group statement and thanks the Chair, rapporteur, and members of the working group for their report and for continuing discharging their mandate amid unprecedented liquidity crisis. We recognize that enforced disappearance constitutes a serious violation of human rights and cause profound suffering to victims and their families seeking to know the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones. With regard to the cases submitted to South Sudan, including those deported and transferred to South Sudan from U.S., we see this opportunity and clarify that the Mexican citizen was successfully repatriated on the 7th of September 2025 to his country. One was originally from South Sudan. South Sudan remains open to cooperate and engage in good faith with the working group, including through the exchange of information and appropriate follow-up on outstanding cases brought to its attention. Chair, rapporteur, how could the working group continue to support Member States through technical assistance and capacity building to strengthen mechanisms for tracing and clarifying the fate of disappeared individuals and supporting affected families amid the ongoing financial constraints? I thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you.

I call on the distinguished representative of the University for Peace.

Mr. Vice President, the University for Peace welcomes the report of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and commends that, despite severe operational constraints caused by the ongoing UN liquidity crisis, it continues its vital work. Enforced disappearance remains a tragic global crisis. There are over 50,000 active, unclarified cases across 99 states. We are deeply concerned by the persistent non-cooperation from certain states, as well as alarming patterns of transnational repression, increased militarization, and growing harassment against victims, relatives, and human rights defenders seeking truth. We strongly endorse the Working Group's focus on memorialization as a key way to restore dignity and uphold the right to truth. These initiatives must be led by victims and families, protected from vandalism, state interference, or efforts to rewrite history. But monuments and acts of remembrance can never replace a state's core duty to investigate disappearances, prosecute perpetrators and deliver full justice. We also welcome the upcoming study on enforced disappearances and militarization and urge all member states to engage constructively with special procedures, safeguards of a society and uphold jus cogens prohibitions against enforced disappearance. We would like to ask the working group. How can institutions of higher education collaborate with your mandate to embed victim-centered memorialization into peace education and transitional justice programs worldwide? I thank you.

Thank you. I call the distinguished representative and ambassador of Guatemala.

Thank you very much, Vice-President. Guatemala would like to thank the working group for presenting its reports. We appreciate in particular its analysis on the relationship between enforced disappearances, memory, truth and reparation. My country realises that preserving the memory of victims is a fundamental component of the processes for clarifying the truth, access to justice, and providing reparations and guarantees of non-repetition. So this is why we appreciate the fact that the report highlights the participatory initiatives in Guatemala, notably through consultations with communities and civil society about memory. Nevertheless, memorialization is the state's obligation and should be part of a policy which involves families, communities and victims and recognize their wishes. This is why we'd like to highlight the working group's visit to Guatemala earlier this year. is a reflection of our commitment to dialogue with special procedures. In light of the visit, how can you ensure that memorialisation will complement search, truth, and justice, particularly in cases of disappearances which occurred many decades ago? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Mr. Vice President, Bangladesh takes note of the reports of the working group. Bangladesh remains firmly committed to preventing enforced disappearance, ensuring accountability, and upholding the rights of victims and their families. In this regard, our parliament last week passed the Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Bill 2026, establishing a comprehensive legal framework to criminalize enforced disappearance, facilitate the search for disappeared persons, protect victims and witnesses, and provide remedies, rehabilitation, and compensation. This important step follows Bangladesh's accession to the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance and reflects our determination to strengthen domestic safeguards against recurrence. We also appreciate the Working Group's technical engagement with Bangladesh, including its technical visit in June 2025. Bangladesh remains committed to maintaining constructive engagement with the Working Group. We take note of the working group's thematic report on memorialization and take note that remembrance should be victim-centered and form part of broader efforts towards truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence. Finally, we would welcome the working group's views on how states undergoing institutional transition can best integrate victim-centered memorialization with accountability and effective implementation of new legal frameworks. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Vice-President. Our delegation would like to thank the working group for its report, particularly the attention paid this year to the relationship between enforced disappearances and memorialisation. Morocco has experienced transitional justice. In that regard, we made enforced disappearance a priority, involving families and their victims as well as civil society in the processes. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission helped to clarify the truth. It undertook investigations, collected testimony, and also researched archives and many other sources. We used legal forensic measures in order to identify victims and clarify cases. We also implemented the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission involving families, supporting also loved ones when the death was concluded. We considered that memorialization is an essential component of the right to truth, reparations and guarantees of non-repetition. Nevertheless, we would like to ask the following question: how can States make memorialisation a solid basis for guarantees of non-repetition? Thank you very much.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Afghanistan thanks the Working Group for this report. In Afghanistan, enforced disappearances are an instrument of repression where women, former officials, journalists, human rights defenders and civil society members are targeted and seized. Only last month, Taliban forcibly disappeared six rights workers from a local women's and children's organization in Kabul. Women protesters are also regularly detained incommunicado for weeks. Since 2021, many organizations, including UNAMA, have documented summary execution and the forced disappearance of military personnel, police, intelligence service members, and judicial officers, despite the Taliban's public promises of amnesty. Many individuals subjected to enforced disappearance are either tortured or summarily executed, with bodies occasionally returned to families months later or left undiscovered. They live without recourse and in fear of reprisal, while those who could report live under threat. Mr. Vice President, the absence of official numbers must not be mistaken for the absence of the crime, and on that, we stress the need for close cooperation with the IIIM. We ask, how do you envisage, Chair, Reporter, the working group cooperation with the new mechanism in overcoming the barriers to access and reporting that limit the documentation of enforced disappearance in Afghanistan? I thank you.

Thank you. I call the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. My delegation categorically rejects all allegations concerning the DPRK contained in the report of the working group. The certain forces are fabricating what they present as the reality of my country by piecing together materials of questionable origin and credibility with one-sided allegations. However, no matter how many times a falsehood is repeated and circulated, it can never become the truth. The inclusion of such unfounded allegations in an official report runs counter to the principles of objectivity, impartiality, and non selectivity, thereby raising serious questions about its credibility. The attempt to mislead public opinion and create a commotion by portraying our country as having some so-called human rights problem is a conventional tactic of hostile forces in their campaign against the DPRK. In particular, the international community should clearly discern the true intentions of those forces that oppose the independent development and prosperity of our republic and seek under the pretext of human rights to malign our socialist system and violate our sovereignty. The Human Rights Council is not a stage for political motivated slander and maneuvering against particular countries. My delegation, in the strongest terms, rejects the fabricated allegations concerning the DPRK and will never make the slightest compromise with any attempt to violate our dignity and sovereignty through our founded falsehood and political manipulation. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. We're now going to hear a video statement from the Yemeni delegation.

Mr. Vice President, The delegation of the Republic of Yemen would like to express its appreciation to the efforts of the working group. We reaffirm that enforced disappearance is a grave crime that strikes at the heart of human rights and justice. We have grave concern regarding the use by the Houthi militia of systematic enforced disappearance as a repressive weapon to terrorize society. Reports talk about thousands of politicians, journalists, and activists who have been forcibly detained In addition to the incommunicado disappearance of dozens of UN staff and humanitarian workers in secret jails under no judicial oversight, they have no way of being able to communicate with their families or their legal representatives. The Yemeni government reaffirms its longstanding commitment to the rule of law, to the enforcement of full judicial oversight, and to closing any detention centers. that are outside state jurisdiction. We also commit to collaborating closely with international mechanisms. And we call upon your august Council to exercise meaningful and decisive pressure on the said militia in order to immediately clarify the fate of all the forcibly disappeared, to release them unconditionally and without delay, and to close all secret prisons. Thank you, Vice President.

Next, we're going to hear from the distinguished delegation of Switzerland.

Vice President, Switzerland would like to thank the working group for presenting its report. The alarming number of disappeared persons requires concerted action in order to ensure that human rights, international humanitarian law, and Security Council Resolution 2474 are respected. We are just as worried as the working group about the high number of cases, particularly in the context of armed conflict. Some of these cases could be tantamount to crimes against humanity. Switzerland pays particular attention to those who disappear in the context of armed conflict by supporting the ICRC or by being actively involved in the Global Alliance for the Missing. We strive to conserve archives, protect evidence, and preserve collective memory against any distortion or deletion. The working group presents memorialization as an essential component of dignity, in view of the fact that a number of enforced disappearances is constantly increasing how and through what means can we ensure that there is effective participation of victims protect memorialization initiatives and preserve archives

thank you I call on the distinguished representative of Ecuador

thank you vice president Our delegation would like to thank the working group for its reports, and we agree that memorialisation of enforced disappearances is a vital component of holistic reparation and the rights to truth and justice. Ecuador reiterates its commitment to the rights of victims to truth, full reparation, including memorialisation, and guarantees of non-repetition. These are guaranteed by Ecuador's constitutional and legal framework. On this basis, and in order to comply with sentences, some of these measures to ensure the rights of victims and their families have been monitored by the Constitutional Court. Similarly, Ecuador has a constructive dialogue with the working group. We accept the recommendations on a national search mechanism and access to information based on victims and their families, and we have strengthened measures to ensure urgent investigations, timely access to information, particularly when there is evidence of state involvement, effective search and inter-institutional coordination is vital to ensure any delays or negligence which could affect the investigation protection of witnesses and documents and involving contents of memory in educational spaces is vital. Lastly, please inform the National Assembly has started to reform the organic law on this matter.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of the State of Palestine.

Mr. Vice-President, enforced disappearance is one of the horrors inflicted by Israel, the illegal occupying power, amid its ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. The working group finds that cases, including children, at the hands of Israeli state agents continue to escalate at an alarming rate, with widespread patterns of enforced disappearances among Palestinians in Gaza, and affirms that enforced disappearance targeting starving civilians seeking their basic right to food amounts to torture. Yet, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Thousands of Palestinians from Gaza have been subjected to enforced disappearance, while the true scale remains unknown amid destruction and deliberate concealment. Families are denied names, locations, and information. People witnessed being taken are later denied as detained. Others die in custody while their bodies are withheld. Meanwhile, the occupying power is removing Gaza's rubble, including from sites where human remains may lie, while recovery equipment remains restricted, placing bodies, remains, and evidence at risk. The issue is no longer lack of evidence, but lack of consequences. Palestine calls on all states to demand disclosure, international access, preservation, a return of bodies and evidence, independent investigations, and full accountability. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Malaysia.

Mr. Vice President, Malaysia thanks the working group for its report. The persistence and expansion of enforced disappearance of Palestinians, including vulnerable civilians in Gaza by Israel, is deeply alarming. These violations cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader patterns of impunity, dehumanization, and disregard for international law that enable them. We are especially disturbed by the disappearance of children and their subsequent prolonged administrative detention without criminal charge, with families left without information on their condition or the status of legal proceedings. Children must never be subjected to enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention or the denial of due process. Their fate and whereabouts must be immediately established and their rights and dignity fully protected. Malaysia also notes with grave concern Palestinians disappearing while seeking humanitarian assistance. To subject starving civilians to disappearance as they seek food and other life-saving aid is inhuman and barbaric act that affronts the conscience of humanity. Finally, Gaza is not an isolated concern confined to a single mandate, but one that cuts across work of different thematic special procedures mandates. This demands a more concentrated and coordinated response, including closer cooperation among relevant mandate holders, such as this working group, to advance accountability and justice for all the victims. I thank you.

Thank you, Michael and friends. President, France thanks the Chairperson of the Working Group for her report, which shows that enforced disappearances continue to be used by authoritarian regimes to repress civil society and human rights defenders, as well as by belligerents in conflict. Enforced disappearances are a grave human rights violation and it can, when generalised, be a crime against humanity. The Working Group provides tangible assistance to victims and their relatives. Since its creation in 1980, it has brought 65,000 cases to the attention of States. At this session, France, along with Morocco, Argentina and Japan, is presenting a resolution to renew its mandate for another three years. We call on all States to support this renewal. Madam Chairperson, your report highlights the importance of memorialization, which is an essential part of the right to truth and reparation, crucial to preserve the memory of the disappeared, restore dignity and prevent recurrence. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Convention, France encourages all States that have not yet done so to ratify it and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to fighting these practices. I thank you.

Thank you.

I call on Montenegro, Ambassador.

President, as reported, enforced disappearances persist, including in ongoing armed conflicts and across national borders, often under the pretext of protecting national security or countering terrorism. To address this international crime, states must actively search for disappeared persons, investigate, and ensure accountability. They must uphold victims' rights to truth, justice, and reparation, and protect families from reprisals, including ensuring their safe participation. We welcome the focus on memorialization as both a moral duty and a legal obligation under international law. As a form of reparation and an element of the right to truth, it must involve families, civil society, and other key stakeholders. States must ensure access to archives and information, counter denial and revisionism, and ensure that memorialization reinforces, never substitutes for, truth-seeking, justice, and accountability. This principle resonates with Montenegro and our region. In early July, with the UN in Montenegro, we observed the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the Srebrenica Genocide, underscoring the role of remembrance and education in combating denial and shaping a shared future. Yet historical revisionism, denial, and the instrumentalization of the past remain challenges in our region, including Montenegro, and cannot be overlooked. Montenegro remains committed to clarifying the fate of every missing person, introducing enforced disappearance as a distinct criminal offense, advancing memorialization, and advocating for victims' rights regionally and internationally.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Nigeria.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Nigeria thanks the working group and takes note of its report. Nigeria unequivocally condemns enforced disappearances. Such acts violate human dignity, place individuals outside the protection of the law, and causes continuing and immeasurable suffering to affected families. Nigeria, therefore, agrees the prevention, investigation, and accountability must remain central to all efforts. Mr. President. Nigeria remains committed to fulfilling its international obligations and upholding the constitutional guarantees of human dignity, personal liberty, and fair hearing. Accordingly, the government remains committed to ensuring that any arrest, detention, or transfer is conducted in accordance with the law and subject to appropriate safeguards, including due process, judicial oversight, and proper record record keeping. Nigeria further underscores the importance of prompt and impartial examination of credible allegations. Where violations are established, those responsible should be held accountable in accordance with the law, while victims and their families should have access to information and appropriate remedies. In conclusion, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to constructive engagement with the working group in furtherance of its international human rights obligations and the promotion and protection of human rights of all. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I call on Rwanda.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Rwanda takes note of the working group report, including its thematic report on enforced disappearance and memorialization. Rwanda takes allegations of enforced disappearance seriously and maintains safeguards for investigating missing person cases through its national institution, including a dedicated desk within the Rwanda Investigation Bureau. Rwanda rejects the allegation attributed to it in the Eastern DRC and reaffirms that this serious allegation must be supported by clear, verifiable and case-specific evidence. The report does not provide any information to establish the factual basis for attributing the alleged acts to Rwanda, nor does it clearly explain the nature of the basis of Rwanda's alleged involvement. We therefore request the working group to provide information, case and evidence on which these allegations are based, including the methodology used to establish attribution. This is essential to enable proper verification and the Lord Rana to provide a substantive response. The evidentiary standard is particularly important in eastern DRC, a highly complex conflict environment in which more than 260 armed groups operate, some supported by the government of DRC alongside mercenaries and foreign armed forces. With such a conflict environment, attribution cannot be assumed. It must be backed by evidence group. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Indonesia.

Mr. Vice President, Indonesia takes note of the Working Group's report on the memorialization of cases of enforced disappearance. The same spirit resonates with Indonesia's own efforts to address enforced disappearance in connection with past violations of human rights. Memorialization is one of the five pillars of our own non-judicial resolution policy. And memorialization alone cannot address all the needs of the victims and their families. Nor is the non-judicial resolution process intended to replace the judicial process. The two tracks are mutually reinforcing, each strengthening the credibility of the other. Last year, Indonesia established Rumah Gudong in Pidie as a living memorial to the suffering of victims and affected communities of conflict in Aceh. It seeks to preserve public memory while advancing human rights education for future generations. Indonesia will continue with its unwavering resolve to address the violation of the past, meet the needs of victims and their families, and to prevent their further recurrence. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I call on China.

President, China notes the Working Group's report. It used false information to discredit China's human rights situation, which we reject. We hope that the working group can effectively respect authoritative information by member states on the basis of equality and mutual respect to engage in constructive dialogue. Enforced disappearances are extreme acts violating human rights, which should be combated and strictly punished by all countries. China is a country of rule of law, we firmly oppose enforced disappearances. Our constitution and laws clearly stipulate citizens' personal freedom, which shall not be unlawfully restricted by any entities or individuals. China has always supported the international community's efforts in preventing and eliminating enforced disappearances. We stand ready to engage in friendly exchanges with the UN human rights mechanism, including the working group, and we will remain steadfast in preventing and eliminating such acts to protect and promote human rights. I thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you. I call on Chile.

Thank you, Vice President. Chile welcomes the presentation of this report by the Chair of the Working Party, which sheds light on the ongoing challenges and the need for states to have effective public policies to prevent and address this and ensure the rights of victims and families. We welcome the emphasis on the progress in Chile that is contained in the report. We have a national plan for search, truth and justice, in line with the standards that are set out in the report, on memorialisation, the search for truth, reparation, non-recurrence and technical co-operation. The plan has made it possible to make progress on a state register of victims of enforced disappearance, strengthen cooperation among the various public institutions, and consolidate the National Memory Institute. We recognize that there are challenges to states, but it is important to build on the work done in recent decades and reaffirm the commitment to the fundamental principles. and commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights as a country. We believe that recognition and dialogue are tools in strengthening the shared work of states and make progress on search and on solutions in order effectively to meet the challenges.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Turkey.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We share the working group's alarm at the escalating reports of mass enforced disappearance of Palestinians, including children, by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory. The fate and whereabouts of all those forcibly disappeared must be clarified without any delay. Such cases thoroughly and impartially investigated, and all perpetrators held accountable. Human rights, including the right to liberty and security, must be upheld uniformly everywhere, without double standards. As regards to gatherings referred to in the thematic report, we wish to underline that they have been held regularly and without any interference. This reflects Turkey's commitment to the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association and freedom of expression and to constructive engagement with the families of missing persons.

Turkey.

Reiterates its unwavering commitment to prevention and prosecution of enforced disappearance and the prompt clarification of all missing person reports. All actions by law enforcement are carried out in accordance with the law and remain subject to judicial oversight. We remain constructive. Cooperation with the all UN human rights mechanisms, including working group, those communications are duly responded to. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Chad.

Thank you, Chairperson. Chad aligns with the statement made by the African Group and thanks the working group for presenting the report. Chad reaffirms its commitment to the protection of human dignity and to combating all forms of enforced disappearance and to the rights of victims and their families to truth, justice and reparation. My country remains committed to strengthening its legal and institutional framework and to cooperating with international human rights mechanisms. The competent authorities attach particular importance to handling allegations of violations and procedures initiated in this regard in line with the national legislation and legal guarantees. Chad is aware that the prevention of enforced disappearances requires strong institutions, an independent judiciary, and effective mechanisms for tracing and monitoring disappeared persons. In this regard, we encourage a strengthening of technical cooperation with States, taking into account their national realities and capacities. CHAD reaffirms its readiness to continue constructive dialogue with the working group and all the United Nations mechanisms in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Czechia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Czech Republic aligns itself with the EU statement and expresses its full support to the important work of the working group. We appreciate the focus of the thematic report on memorialization as a crucial form of reparation for enforced disappearances. We agree that memorialization preserves the memory and dignity of disappeared persons and serves as a safeguard against denial, revisionism and recurrence. We would like to draw attention as well to the annual report and the country observation on Russia. For over four years, the largest number of submissions received by the Working Group has related to disappearances in the context of the invasion by Russia of Ukraine. We are concerned that the Working Group continues to register new cases of enforced disappearances of civilians, including children, in temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine. Once again, we urge Russia to stop massive human rights violations in Ukraine and to start cooperating with the Working Group. Dear members of the Working Group, could you please elaborate on how to support memorialization of enforced disappearances in temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine and share with us some best practices? Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Poland.

Thank you, Mr. President, Madam Chair, distinguished members of the working group. Poland aligns itself with the statement delivered by the EU and wishes to add in the national capacity. We thank the working group for its report and for its steadfast work as, in many countries, the only international channel available to families searching for their loved ones. Poland welcomes the thematic study on memorialization. As a country whose own history was marked by two totalitarian regimes in the 20th century, we know that memory is not a substitute for truth and justice, but a condition for both. We share the working group's concern at revisionist and negationist narratives, at attacks on memorial sites, and at the closing of archives. We remain deeply alarmed that for over four years, the largest number of submissions received under the humanitarian mandate concerns Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with a backlog exceeding 7,500 cases. We recall the finding that the disappearance of deported and transferred Ukrainian children is widespread and systematic, amounting to a crime against humanity. We call on the Russian Federation to cooperate with the working group and to return all deported children. We also remain concerned by the persistent use of prolonged isolation in detention in Belarus. Madame Chair, rapporteur, what concrete steps can States take to protect archives and memorial sites in situations of ongoing conflict and occupation?

Thank you.

The floor is now open to Armenia.

Mr. President, Armenia thanks the Working Group for presenting its reports and for its continued efforts to address enforced disappearances and uphold the rights of victims and their families. to take note of the thematic focus on memorialization, which can constitute an important form of remedy and an integral component of the right to truth, preserving the dignity and memory of disappeared persons. At the same time, memorialization should be accompanied by continued efforts to establish the face and whereabouts of disappeared persons, ensure truth and justice, and provide effective remedies. Meaningful participation of victims and their families must remain central to these efforts. Armenia continues to strengthen its institutional efforts in relation to missing persons and to support their families, including through dedicated psychosocial support programs. Clarifying the fate and whereabouts of missing and disappeared persons requires sustained and effective cooperation between states, including the sharing of relevant information that can contribute to providing families with answers. Armenia is fully committed to cooperation in addressing the fate of missing and disappeared persons, both at the interstate level and through constructive engagement with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. Yesterday, Armenia held its dialogue with the Committee on Enforced Disappearances here in Geneva. Open and substantive engagement with human rights mechanisms remains essential to advancing the rights of victims and their families. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Egypt.

Vice-President, we welcome the working group and take note of the report presented to the Council. We stress the importance of the mandate of the working group, as well as our keen interest in engaging with the group. Egypt reaffirms its commitment to constructive and serious cooperation with the Working Group. We regularly provide replies to the Working Group's communications. We highlight on certain parties abusing the Working Group's mechanisms for political reasons by reporting on allegations of cases that do not exist. These are cases related to persons who have not been arrested, or other people who were detained for criminal cases and are under prosecution. The aim of these unfounded allegations is to exaggerate cases related to Egypt. We call upon the Group to verify these complaints and whether they are in line with the mandate. We urge the Group to reconsider the cases which have been which have been existent for a number of times, a long time, without verifiable information. We continue to cooperate and engage with the working group as per its mandate. Thank you, Vice-President.

Thank you. I call on Japan.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Forced disappearance is a universal and grave human rights issue that occurs all around the world. Japan expresses its sincere respect to the Working Group on the Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances for its continued commitment to resolving this issue. The abduction of Japanese nationals by the DPRK is a serious, time-sensitive humanitarian issue that cannot be ignored, as the families of the victims of the abductions are now well advanced in age. When we consider the tremendous suffering that the victims and their families have endured over the years, there is no time to waste. In this connection, the working group has pointed out in its latest report that the abductions and enforced disappearances by the DPRK occurred over decades and that the prolonged uncertainty regarding the fate and whereabouts of the victims has compounded the anguish of their families. Japan strongly urges North Korea to immediately resolve the abduction issue. In order to realize the immediate resolution of the abduction issue, in addition to Japan's own efforts, the understanding and cooperation of the international community are indispensable. We will continue to maintain close communication with the working group. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Jordan.

Thank you, Vice President. We take note of the report of the working group and its observations and recommendations. We underscore the importance of protecting human rights and human dignity, and the need to deal with enforced disappearances and their humanitarian effects in a manner that guarantees the rights and needs of affected families. Vice President, we underscore the importance of dialogue with countries in line with the mandate and to continue exchange of relevant information. Updating information is especially important when dealing with longstanding cases. These measures should clarify cases and identify further information needed. Accurate and objective presentation and evaluation of information is highly important for the work of HRC mechanisms. Information should be verified from all sources. Also, consider States' replies and verify them when preparing recommendations and observations. Thank you, Vice-President.

Thank you. That was the last speaker that we could accommodate in the States segment, and we shall now move to the NGOs and NHRIs. And at the outset, we will hear a video statement from the Armenian Ombudsman's Office.

Distinguished colleagues, Excellencies, Protection of rights of victims of enforced disappearance and their families is among the main priorities of my activities. Enforced disappearance is one of the gravest human rights violations. The uncertainty surrounding the fate and whereabouts of a loved one can leave families suffering for years, affecting their dignity, well-being and ability to move forward. Verifying the fate of disappeared persons is therefore not only a matter of resolving individual cases, but a fundamental human rights obligation. This issue remains particularly significant for our society as well, and families still continue to seek answers on the fate of their missing family members. The Human Rights Defenders institution consistently raises these concerns with competent national authorities and international partners. All the actors must take every necessary and effective measure to establish the fate of disappeared persons, provide available information, and keep families duly informed. As Human Rights Defender, I reaffirm my commitment to continuing these efforts and, within my mandate, contributing to the clarification of all cases of disappearance and the full protection of the rights of affected families.

Thank you. We shall now call the National Independent Human Rights Commission of Burundi.

Thank you, Vice-President.

Over the period under the annual report 2025-2026, our Commission reports that 36 cases of abduction and forced disappearance were documented, with the situation breaking down as follows: 7 cases are closed, the presumed missing persons were found; 13 cases have file numbers opened at the level of the prosecutor's office. 11 cases have been referred to the prosecutor for opening and investigation, and 5 cases remain unidentified. For pending cases, we recommend the opening of independent diligent investigations with complete traceability of acts and results; the systematic registration of complaints and reports and the practical accessibility of redress mechanisms; a strengthening of the effective protection of victims, witnesses and human rights defenders; transparent communication of the conclusions of investigations and reserved judicial follow-up. the prosecution of all those responsible for disappearances and enforced abductions, including agents of the State and non-state actors, and the strengthening of cooperation between the public prosecutor's office, the judicial police and the administrative authorities. The Commission reaffirms that any enforced disappearance or abduction requires an immediate, credible, humane response focused on the right of families to information and on the effectiveness of justice. Thank you.

Thank you. We shall now hear by video message. The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights.

Ladies and gentlemen, enforced disappearances remain one of the gravest human rights violations. In Ukraine, Russia's armed aggression has turned this crime into a systematic practice in the temporarily occupied territories. By concealing a person's fate or whereabouts, Russia deliberately places civilians outside the protection of international law and uses this silence to spread fear among people living under occupation and their families. civilians are abducted from their homes, workplaces, checkpoints, or during so-called "filtration." By the end of 2025, almost 16,000 Ukrainian civilians were considered missing. The whereabouts of only 840 have been confirmed through the ICRC. Too many families are still waiting for answers. I call on the Working Group to continue its urgent actions, to seek answers in every individual case, and to continue documenting the Russian Federation's failed to provide meaningful information. For every family, whereabouts unknown can never be the final answer. Every family has the right to know the truth and to see their loved ones return home.

That was the last NHRI that we could accommodate in this debate, and we will now move to NGOs, starting with a joint statement by Families for Victims of Involuntary Disappearance.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. This is a joint statement. Enforced disappearance remains an urgent human rights issue in the Philippines. As of August 2026, the families of victims of involuntary disappearance recorded 62 cases of enforced disappearances under the current Marcos Jr. administration. More than a year since the writs of amparo and habeas data were granted to Dexter Capuyan, Bazu de Jesus, and Felix Alaveria, there has been no progress in investigating these cases. Almost 14 years since the enactment of the domestic law on enforced disappearance, there have still been zero convictions under the law. Its implementation remains a low priority for the government, with no dedicated budget for it. Families of the disappeared continue to face the consequences of impunity. The state too often dismisses the urgency of enforced disappearance cases and advances counter-narratives that obscure the circumstances of the disappearance, allowing perpetrators to evade accountability and leaving families without truth, justice or meaningful redress. We therefore urge the Council to call on the Philippine government to fully implement the anti-enforced disappearance law, promptly address ongoing cases, prosecute perpetrators, protect families, witnesses and human rights defenders, provide truth, justice and reparation, cooperate with the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance, and ratify the Convention. The disappeared must not be forgotten and their families must not be left to search for justice alone. Thank you.

Thank you. We'll now hear from the International Office for Human Rights Action Colombia by video.

President, the ICRC has documented 2,659 cases of disappeared persons in the context of armed conflict. since the peace agreement in 2016 at least one person goes missing every two days and it doesn't reflect the total number 59% of the cases occur in C Norte de Santander and anio according to the ombudsman's office up until August of this year there were 2,145 disappearances almost as many as the whole of last year civil society organizations have published a report to follow up on the committee's recommendations and ensure that disappearances don't only occur in the armed conflict but in different context defined by more and more actors diversification of illicit economies and social control at local level in Bogota many disappearances are linked to illicit economies in particular human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Most of the cases go unpunished. In our organization, we're calling upon the council to urge Colombia to speed up investigations, clarify the facts, and punish the perpetrators. must urge Colombia to strengthen and not weaken the budget to the search unit for disappeared persons. We'd like to congratulate the UN on declaring 19th of December the International Day for Recognizing Women Searchers. Thank you.

We'll now hear from Cstishti Global Human Rights Defense.

Mr. Vice President, we draw the Council's urgent attention to the human rights crisis in occupied Balochistan, where Baloch human rights defenders, students, and families of the disappeared faced enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and reprisals by Pakistani authorities. UN special procedures have raised concerns over the detention of Marang Baloch, Bibo Baloch, Ghuzaldi Baloch, and others, and reprisals against their families. On the 22nd of June 2026, Marang Baloch and Sigbatullah Saeed were sentenced to life imprisonment after an expedited secret prison trial with no direct evidence presented linking them to violence. Families are also forced to submit declaration disowning relatives accused of militancy. facing anti-terrorism proceedings and property confiscation for non-compliance. Responsibility must be individuals. Family cannot be punished for their relatives' alleged actions. We call on this Council and the High Commissioner to demand Pakistan immediately ends enforced disappearances and collective punishment, disclose the fate of all disappeared persons, guarantee fair trials, and release Baloch human rights defenders detained for peaceful advocacy. Thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights by video.

Mr. President, we thank the Working Group for its report A-HRC/63/28, particularly for its urgent communications also concerning China. The Working Group is clear that concealing a person's fate or whereabouts is enforced disappearance for whatever purpose or duration and in whatever context. The Tibetan Chokro Dorji Ten Rinpoche was detained on 4 December 25 while traveling home from his monastery. A Buddhist teacher, he founded a Tibetan language school, forcibly closed weeks before his arrest. Nine months on, his family has been told nothing. No charge, no location, no legal status. The working group's own figures reveal the scale. Outstanding cases for China have risen from 151 to 213 in one year. Only two were clarified. The working group first asked to visit China in 2013. 13 years and seven reminders later, there has been no answer. When Tibetans disappear into custody, many do not come back alive. A recent report documents 16 Tibetans who died in custody or soon after release between 2014 and 2016. Bodies are withheld or cremated under state control. No autopsy, no investigation, families are warned not to speak. We call on states to press China to disclose Choekyi Dorji Ten's, Rinpoche's fate and whereabouts, and of all those raised by the working group, including Tibet's disappeared Panchen Lama Gedun Choki Nyima.

The

next speaker is the representative of Peace Brigades International.

Thank you, Vice President.

Colombia, the persistence of disappearances shows that guarantees of protection and non-repetition still do not reach the territories. Between January and July 2026, the ICRC documented 99 disappearances linked to the conflict. The murder of two emblematic searchers demonstrates the risks faced by those who search. The law on women searchers and its implemented degree must be fully complied with. Mexico is suffering a disappearance crisis with more than 130,000 disappeared persons. In 2022, a special search commission was created by judicial mandate for the enforced disappearance of Edmundo Reyes and Gabriel Cruz, without any progress to date. We call on the Mexican State to investigate and detain those responsible for this human rights violation, and on the Working Group to attend the meetings of the special commission. We also raise concerns that Kenya has not yet ratified the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, nor enacted specific domestic legislation to criminalize enforced disappearances. According to the Missing Voices Coalition, 196 people have been forcibly disappeared in Kenya between 2019 to date. There are signs that enforced disappearances could continue and have the effect of silencing dissidents and intimidate citizens. Thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is a video from the World Organization Against Torture.

We'd like to thank the working group for its report because this underscores the importance of memory for conserving truth.

The video has been stopped.

It's.

Important for restoring dignity of victims and avoiding future cases. We're pleased with the work in Gambia for search, truth and transitional justice, and we encourage authorities to ensure effective implementation of truth, justice, reparation and memorialization measures involving victims and families. Similarly, we would like to draw attention to the recent decision taken by the Committee on Enforced Disappearances concerning Mexico. Under article 34 of the Convention, they have triggered a procedure whereby Mexico will be referred to the General Assembly. This highlights the serious nature of this crisis, which requires sustained responses from Mexico and the international community. We encourage Mexico to cooperate with the Committee to make the most of this opportunity to strengthen searches, truth, memory and transitional justice, work closely with victims, their families and affected communities. Lastly, we urge States to further strengthen the international mechanisms devoted to combating enforced disappearances. These are absolutely vital for protecting victims' rights and for ensuring that States meet their obligations in terms of prevention. Thank you.

Next, we'll hear another video from the Centre for Legal and Social Studies.

CELS and Open Memory would like to share Argentina's and other South American countries' region in which memorialisation has been vital for individuals and communities to address enforced disappearances. This is because of the very nature of the way in which rights are violated by these acts, which prevent mourning and farewells. In our country, the scars of state terrorism have been managed through different policies, which have facilitated the state's recognition of the existence of disappeared persons and enabled disappearances to be reconstructed and their perpetrators to be identified. Nevertheless, enforced and involuntary disappearance, which occur under democratic governments, are not included in public memorialization policies. For example, in Argentina, state obligation in this area must cover both disappearances in the past and the present, and promote government policies as well as social practices of memorialization. They need an enabling environment for this to be done. All this must be in line with the guiding principles on searching for disappeared persons. That means to say that no initiative can replace the obligation to implement a search plan. It is vital that the working group sets standards for recognising the role that memory has played in the history of combating enforced disappearances, particularly in such an adverse context as we have at the moment. Thank you.

The next feature is Frontline by video.

The disappearance of Palestinians continues to be an integral part of Israel's ongoing three-year genocide in the Gaza Strip. According to official Palestinian figures, more than 11,000 Palestinians remain forcibly disappeared since October 2023, half of them women and children. They include Palestinians arrested by the Israeli occupation forces under the unlawful combatants law, Palestinians whose bodies remain trapped under the rubble, and unrecovered due to Israeli restrictions, others who have disappeared at humanitarian aid distribution sites and IOF checkpoints, and dead bodies of Palestinians withheld hostage by the Israeli authorities. Among those are Nidal Al-Wahidi and Haitham Abdel Wahed, two Palestinian journalists arrested by the IOF three years ago while carrying out their work in northern Gaza. The prolonged uncertainty over the fate and whereabouts of loved ones has left Palestinian families in profound uncertainty and desperation. Such suffering may amount to the intentional infliction of serious mental harm on members of the group, one of the genocidal acts enumerated under the Genocide Convention. We call on the Working Group to use all measures within its mandate, including engagement with the International Committee of the Red Cross and third States, to press Israel to disclose the fate and whereabouts of disappeared Palestinians. I thank you.

The next speaker will be the International Federation of ACHART.

Thank you, Vice-President. ACAT Burundi and FIECAT welcome the working group's report as well as its commitment to transnational events, particularly in Burundi. national intelligence agents in Burundi have been involved in abductions and in forced disappearances, and this is a worrying trend noticed by the working group. They have been repressing human rights defenders as well as members of the Burundian diaspora in neighboring countries, particularly in Tanzania. This is particularly important in view of the upcoming presidential election next year. Enforced disappearance and abductions in Burundi are an instrument to repress real or presumed opponents, their family members, as well as people who document these violations. As noticed by the working group, this repression goes beyond borders with pressure, threats and abductions against Burundian refugees and defenders living abroad. Our organizations are worried about the risk of reprisals against the victims' families and people who strive to discover their whereabouts. We'd like to thank the working group for its engagement with Burundi and we call for particular attention to be paid to preventing further enforced disappearance in the upcoming elections as well as for protection of defenders and others.

The next speaker is Le Caribou Libere.

Mr. Vice.

President, I speak today on the long-standing and unresolved issue of involuntary enforced disappearances of Sikhs and other minorities in India. A matter documented not only by human rights organizations and the United Nations but by India's own judicial system. Amnesty International reported, and I quote, "Scores of people have disappeared in Punjab, many last seen being taken away by Indian law enforcement agents. Yet the authorities have failed in almost all cases to account publicly for the fate of these victims. Hundreds of bodies of Sikhs have been cremated by Indian police as unclaimed, many believed by families to be the victims of extrajudicial killings." End quote. Regardless of what India's representative presents in words, in action, India's name appears repeatedly over decades amongst human rights groups and the UN as a violator of human rights and engaging in enforced disappearances to silence legitimate political dissent. The very law enforcement and judiciary India's representative speaks of are in reality the abductors, executioners, and deniers of justice for Sikhs, Kashmiris, Dalits, and the people of Manipur and more. The United Nations defines transnational repression as acts conducted or directed by a state to silence dissent beyond its borders. The assassination of Sikh leader by Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June 2023 by the Indian government, led by Narendra Modi, and the ongoing transnational repression faced by Sikh activists globally is widely cited as a clear example of this emerging form of repression, as documented by multiple mandate holders of this Council in report reference ALCAN/3/2026. Thank you.

Thank you. This was the last speaker we could accommodate in this segment. I would now like to give the floor back to Ms. Baranowska for concluding remarks. You have 9 minutes and 45 seconds for this, madam.

Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. President, and thank you to all the state, national human rights institutions, and civil society. The valuable voices of civil society today demonstrated, just as the report that we presented to this Human Rights Council, that enforced disappearances are indeed a global phenomenon. I would particularly like to thank for the words of support to our mandate that came from all States, national human rights institutions and civil society, and to the representatives of Uruguay and Guatemala who spoke warmly of the country visit as a helpful experience. So I hope that encourages States to receive country visits and cooperate on them with the working group. I will firstly, shortly start speaking how states, we have been asked that today, can support the working group. Secondly, a bit on technical cooperation, some of the responses to state, and we'll close speaking about the memorialization report and questions that have been asked to it. So how can the working group be supported? We are mandated to establish the fate and whereabouts of disappeared persons. And to do so, we act as a channel of communication between families and a state concerned. So to do so, we actually need to have the involvement of states. So the very first thing I would like to point out four things that states can do. The very first thing is respond to our communications, engage with us, meet with us. Secondly, engage with those states that do not respond to us. It has been proven very fruitful to address those states in various forums, and I would very much appreciate that many states here in this Human Rights Council have already raised those states. Thirdly, support the working group, including through voluntary financial contribution, as we are very much hit by the liquidity crisis. And fourthly, this is a broader problem, so it would be important to address broader the liquidity crisis and its effects on the special procedure system. Moving on to the technical cooperation, a very important issue for us, also raised by Kenya and South Sudan. So, Kenya has raised this assessment, very important also to us, that technical cooperation is tailored to regional needs. And indeed, that's why we do technical cooperation. So, we started technical cooperation a couple of years ago with Kenya and are waiting for a law on enforced disappearances to review, and we remain ready to review that. There are examples of very good practices. For example, with Peru, we had a technical cooperation with Peru and the dialogue we had led to an administrative directive being halted thanks to the dialogue that we had on that. A form of technical cooperation are also trainings, but it is very important that the trainings are aimed at changing something. So we are willing always happy to give the trainings and then we want to have a counterpart who wants to change something in the system to get better. Now responding to some of the questions raised, Gambia very rightly raised what can a state do besides ratifying the Convention and adopting a law that defines and forces appearances. So those are the first two things we would always recommend to a state. Then further steps that are always helpful is make sure that the state has very good detention safeguards, and they are clearly set both in the Declaration and in the Convention, make sure that all of the victims have access to reparations, victims including families of the disappeared, and ensure memorialization measures. Tanzania addressed the election issues from October 2025. We remain extremely concerned that the investigations and the findings of the independent commission of inquiry has still not been made public. This would be extremely helpful to understand and address what actually has happened. And there is clearly a correlation between the increase of reported cases of enforced disappearances during elections and a severe chilling effect it has on voters, instilling fear and silencing dissent. Both Sudan and Yemen raise the huge challenge that they indeed have of the non-state actors that are committing disappearances. And we have, as both states know, addressed them also within our humanitarian mandate. So the working group has, since 2019, a procedure to address acts tantamount to enforced disappearances in both contexts that had happened and will continue to happen. So we are very aware of that and very concerned. Importantly, however, in both contexts, there's also allegation of enforced disappearances concerned by the two states, not only by the non-state actors, that we have also submitted to the state. So it would be important to address both. Afghanistan asked whether we are open for cooperation, and we are, of course, always open to cooperation with every actor. Importantly, we are already recording cases with regard to the current authorities and transmitting them, so we are committed and willing to keep doing so. Finally, before moving on to the questions related to memorializations, some delegations here in the room also raised doubts concerning the sources that we have, as well as the findings. of the working group and I would like to reiterate that we transmit individual cases on the basis of allegations received. We do so always in accordance with our humanitarian mandate and with our mandates of work as well as in good faith. So it's very concerning that when some states, rather than cooperating, accuse the working group of being non-impartial or not taking part in a political agenda against them. We are here, we always to engage, respond to the questions, um, and, uh, uh, um, which, which is, uh, uh, the, the, the proper way to address the, the allegations that we would be raising. Moving on to the memorialization report and questions that have been asked to it, there were questions raised, among others, by the delegations of Bangladesh, Croatia, Guatemala, Morocco, Switzerland, Poland, and Czechia, and we thank them as well. They are concerned at transitional justice, accountability, and victim participation, and as the delegations very rightly pointed out, those are very much parallel actions, so there needs to be There needs to be investigation and there needs to be memorialization. So there could not be focus on one of them. Archiving is an important element, not only decades after the event, but from the very first days when that is possible. Civil society engages with that in that in many contexts, as the report also shows. There are good examples in the thematic study on digitalization of archives.

What is?

Really crucial is to keep the families at the center of the dialogue, to remain in dialogue of them, and to be aware that there are various groups and various wishes of families. So it's not one event bringing in the families and discussing with them, but having a constant channel of exchange with the families, having regular keep-ups. Is it really what the families still want with regard to memorialization? especially since that can mean very different things for different families and in different contexts, and needs also might change for families. They are wonderful examples of civil society and acting themselves, memorializations, and what I would particularly highlight to states, examples when those are conducted by the families, but are supported by the state. So for example, in Nepal, there is a people memorial park in Bardia, which is operated under the guardianship of local municipality, but it's run by the families themselves. So what is really important is to support those victim-led initiatives. When they are not supported, they are firstly endangered of being victims of harassment and other elements, and secondly, they might not be able to have the financial means to conduct memorialization. So that's why it is worth for states to support them. There was a specific question about what can be done for memorialization during occupation and ongoing armed conflicts. And then very important thing is to support the families in their efforts wherever they are. And there are examples in the study of this support happening outside also of the country where the disappearances have happened. So that is also possible. And a second very important thing that many families always raise to us is do raise that at the Human Rights Council. So for those states that already and forced disappearances also occurring in other countries and not being addressed, that's what many families are asking for. So we have been said that by families because we act as a channel of communication, as I said in the beginning, between families and states. So we are in touch with a wife in Ukraine, with a mother in Gaza, with a brother in Pakistan, and they are living every day with the pain and trying to get answers. They're every day trying to find out what has happened to their loved ones. And they need our help. So the Working Group on Enforced Disappearances, we want to give them answers. But to give them answers, we need to get answers from states. So please support us so that we can give the answers back to Ukraine, to Gaza and to Pakistan.

Thank you.

Thank you very much. This brings us to the end of the interactive dialogue. I'd like to thank Ms. Baranowska for her participation. I'd also like to thank all the members of the working group for the work that they undertake to the benefit of all member states. We'll now take a short break before holding the interactive dialogue with the working group on arbitrary detention. It will be a very short break. Thank you. Thank you very much for your patience. We're now going to start the interactive dialogue with the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. As is common practice, the list of speakers will close in 15 minutes. I'd like to begin now by giving the floor to Ms. Ganna Yurkivska, the Vice-Chair, to present the reports from the Working Group. You have the floor, Madam.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, and representatives of the civil society. It's my honor to address the Human Rights Council and present the report on the activities of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for 2025. Arbitrary detention is the quietest of violations. There is no explosion, no headline. A door simply closes and a person disappears from their work, from their family, from public life. Last year, 115 of those doors opened. 115 individuals were released. following the working group's interventions and follow-up. This is the highest figure ever recorded in a single reporting period, an increase of approximately 156% over 2024, and the continuation of a steady climb, 16 releases in 2021, 23 in 2022, 38 in 2023, and 45 in 2024. I would ask you to hear those numbers not as statistics, but as 115 arbitrarily detained people who went home. That is what this mandate is about. It is not procedure, it's people. Mr. Vice President, in 2025, the Working Group adopted 78 opinions concerning 210 individuals among them 28 women and four children in 38 countries. We joined 23 urgent appeals and transmitted 148 allegations letters where time does not allow a full procedure. Those figures, however, is not a scoreboard. A communication is a question, not a conclusion. The reply might dispel our concern, and we are glad when it does. To the States that answered us, gave us information, and corrected where we needed correction, thank you. Your cooperation strengthens not only this mandate, but the credibility of the system we build together. Yet the arithmetic of cooperation remains sobering. States reply in time in 46% of cases in which we adopted the opinion. Follow-up information reached us only in 26%. From sources, it reached us in 85%. Silence is also an answer, but never a defense. Where government does not reply, credible allegations stand unrebutted, and we decide upon them. We therefore renew our call. Answer our communications, report on implementation, and open your doors for our visit. Mr. Vice President, the thematic focus of this year's report is arbitrary detention and transnational repression. Repression has learned to travel. For those who flee it, exile was once an escape. Increasingly, it's just a change of address. We identified three modalities, the physical, abductions, renditions, and forcible returns carried out without a judge ever seeing the file. The legal, today is the fastest growing, trials in absentia, extradition requests, and Interpol red notices turned into instruments of pursuit, deprivation of nationality, and criminalization of peaceful activities abroad. And the digital spyware, hacking, coordinated harassment, now amplified by the artificial intelligence. There is also a practice that must be named plainly. When a state cannot reach the critic, it reaches a family. Relatives are arrested at home for what someone abroad has said. Those relatives are hostages. held for the conduct of another. That is the opposite of individual criminal responsibility and no legal system can accommodate it. Let me be clear. International cooperation in criminal matters is indispensable for the rule of law, and we defend it. Precisely for that reason, it must not be borrowed for other purposes. Extradition is an instrument of justice. The moment it is used to retrieve a critic rather than a suspect, it becomes an instrument of repression, and the state that executes it becomes a partner in arbitrariness. Hence our requirements, genuine judicial oversight, public hearings, full procedural guarantees, an effective remedy allowing the person to challenge the request before it is executed, unconditional respect for non-refoulement, and serious vetting of red notices. No one should lose their liberty for something that is not in truth a crime, at home or 10,000 kilometers away. Mr. Vice President, in December 2025, the working group visited Australia, and I thank the government warmly for an open and constructive dialogue. We found real strengths, clear safeguards in police custody, judicial oversight of extensions of detention, access to counsel, an Aboriginal legal hotline in most jurisdiction, and genuinely innovative community-based justice initiatives and specialist Indigenous sentencing courts, which deserve regulation, sustainable funding, and partnership so they can grow. We also found serious concerns. Australia still has no federal human rights act, no coherent national floor beneath which no one can fall. Pre-trial detention is rising under restrictive bail laws. In too many cases, people are remanded not because they are dangerous, but because they are poor, homeless or unwell. That is erosion of the presumption of innocence. And most gravely, First Nations peoples remain heavily overrepresented and incarceration continues to rise, although Australia has bound itself in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to bringing it down. On this measure, the gap is not closing. The rates for Indigenous women and children are alarming. In child justice, we reiterate our call to raise the minimal age of criminal responsibility to at least 14 years and to make the detention of child genuinely a measure of last resort. No child should be held in an adult facility or in solitary confinement. Finally, mandatory and often prolonged migration detention, including children at sea, on shore and in third countries, cannot meet the requirement of individual assessment, necessity, proportionality and last resort. Australia has the institutions and the capacity to address all of this, and we look forward to continuing our dialogue. Mr. Vice President, the final word. Our caseload grows. Our resources do not. New patterns of detention appear, new technologies, new forms of cross-border pursuit. A mandate that cannot answer in time is a promise that cannot be kept. We renew our call for adequate, necessary resources. Excellencies, liberty is the first freedom. Take it away and every other right becomes theoretical. Repression has crossed borders. Protection must cross them too. Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. In keeping with established practice, we shall first hear the delegation of the concerned country, and I call on the distinguished representative of Australia. You have five minutes.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Australia thanks the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for its report. We appreciate the Working Group's constructive engagement with Australian governments, recognizing the shared responsibilities within Australia's federal system of government. We also appreciate the individuals who shared their lived experiences and thank the civil society stakeholders who engaged with the Working Group during its visit. In doing so, contributing to the advancement of human rights in Australia. Australia is committed to the protection and promotion of human rights and welcomes the working group's report as an opportunity to build on the strengths of Australia's criminal justice system and democratic institutions. These institutions support outcomes that uphold the rule of law, are fair, effective, humane and consistent with Australia's international human rights obligations. Australia notes the Working Group's recognition of the many strengths and developments within our legal and detention systems, including safeguards in police custody, access to legal assistance, specialist Indigenous sentencing courts, justice reinvestment and community-based justice initiatives. Australia acknowledges concerns raised by the Working Group. including observations regarding the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in detention, youth justice, immigration detention, and the rights of people with disability. Australia recognises that overrepresentation is driven by intersecting and systemic factors, including intergenerational trauma, the impacts of colonisation and the forced removal of children, racism, dispossession, and entrenched socioeconomic disadvantage. These complex and systemic issues, together with the tragedy of deaths in custody, remain matters of profound concern. Australian governments are partnering with Indigenous communities and Indigenous organisations through the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to deliver meaningful justice reform. This includes strengthening accountability, investing in prevention and early intervention programs, and supporting community-led approaches to address the underlying drivers of adult and youth incarceration. Across jurisdictions, governments are implementing a range of measures to improve outcomes for children and young people in contact with the justice system. These measures include expanding diversion and rehabilitation programs, community-based alternatives to detention, family and therapeutic supports, and targeted investment in culturally responsive approaches. Governments are also taking action to strengthen protections for people in custody and detention, including measures to prevent sexual violence, improve independent oversight and accountability, and expand access to support. These efforts contribute to safer custodial environments while supporting community safety, effective justice outcomes, and individual well-being. Australia is also advancing protections for people with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities through therapeutic and less restrictive approaches, tighter safeguards on the use of restraint and seclusion, and national reforms to improve access to justice and reduce the risk of indefinite detention for persons unfit to plead or not guilty by reason of cognitive or mental health impairment. Alongside these efforts, Australia continues to safeguard human rights within the immigration detention system. Immigration detention plays an important role in Australia's migration system, supporting status determination, visa outcomes, and where appropriate, the departure of non-citizens from Australia. Wherever possible, non-citizens are accommodated in the community or in less restrictive forms of detention, with the duration and conditions of immigration detention subject to regular review. Australia reinforces immigration safeguards and accountability through a range of mechanisms and policies, including robust oversight and legal, administrative and welfare reforms. While challenges remain, Australian governments continue to advance human rights protections through review and reform to strengthen Australia's legal and policy frameworks in response to community expectations, emerging challenges and constructive international scrutiny. Australia will continue to consider the working group's recommendations and will report through the working group's follow-up procedures on relevant developments and measures taken. I thank you.

Thank you. The list of speakers for this dialogue is now closed, and I will invite interested delegations to ask questions to the working group and make comments on the reports. The speaking time is one minute. 30 seconds for all. And I call on the distinguished ambassador of Lithuania on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. We thank the working group for its report. The growing threat of transnational repression, which includes arbitrary detention abroad, deportations, legal and digital repressive actions is deeply alarming. Targeted surveillance, hacking of devices and accounts, online harassment, digital threats, and other forms of digitally enabled intimidation are combined with physical and legal threats. Together, they create a chilling effect on the ability of human rights defenders and journalists to build their networks in exile, mobilize resources, and engage in international advocacy. These actions are used not only to harm, silence, and intimidate voices of dissent beyond national borders, but also to sow fear in the societies in which these individuals reside. Authoritarian states increasingly use transnational repression as one of the components of hybrid warfare, seeking to destabilize democratic societies. My question to the members of the working group is: The issue of transnational repression is being monitored by the Office of the High Commissioner, different UN special procedure mandate holders, and other stakeholders. How to strengthen the important UN system-wide coordination in monitoring cases, trends, and risk related to this growing challenge?

I thank you.

Thank you. Michael, and distinguished ambassador of Ukraine, on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you. I have the honor to deliver the statement on behalf of Lublin Triangle countries, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine. We thank the Working Group for its continued efforts to address arbitrary detention worldwide. The Lublin Triangle remains deeply concerned about the use of arbitrary detention to silence journalists, human rights defenders, political opponents, and other critical voices. No one should be deprived of liberty for exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms. We are particularly alarmed by Russia's practices in its ongoing aggression against Ukraine. In the temporarily occupied territories, Russian authorities continue to arbitrarily detain civilians, often holding them incommunicado and denying families information about their fate or whereabouts. Such practices expose detainees to heightened risk of torture and ill-treatment. We are equally concerned about Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia. They must be treated humanely and protected from torture and ill treatment in accordance with international humanitarian law. Independent international mechanisms must have access to all places where they are held. We call upon Russia to release all civilians unlawfully deprived of their liberty and fully respect international law. Behind every case is a human being and a family waiting for answers. Those unlawfully detained must be released. Prisoners of war must be returned home. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on the distinguished representative of the European Union.

Thank you. Madam Vice Chair, person of the working group, the European Union thanks you for your presentation and the continued efforts of the working group, which in 2025 contributed to the release of 115 persons for whom it had been notified. That for the fourth consecutive year is an improvement that shows the relevance and effectiveness of the working group to whose mandate The European Union reiterates its support. The 78 opinions and 23 urgent appeals issued by the working group in 2025 once again demonstrate the persistence of the practice of arbitrary detention. The European Union strongly condemns this and expresses its concern at the insufficient response rate to the communications and requests for information sent by the working group. It calls on all States to cooperate closely and sincerely with the Working Group, in particular in the context of the follow-up procedure, by informing the Working Group of the follow-up given to its opinions. Madame Vice Chair. The European Union thanks the working group for having examined the links between arbitrary detention and transnational repression. It recalls that States are obliged to prevent this, including by exercising particular vigilance in their cooperation in criminal matters and extradition, in particular to prevent extraterritorial kidnappings.

Thank you. I call on Iraq on behalf of the Arab States.

The Arab League wished to thank the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for the report. We take note of its findings and highly value Arab countries' engagement with the Working Group and its replies and legal information provided. We stress that the working group should consider this information in a manner that is balanced and in a manner that respect countries' sovereignty and independence of judiciary and reinforce impartial dialogue. Arbitrary detention should not be dealt with while ignoring the situation of Palestinians and the occupation. The working group said that the arrest of Palestinians by the occupying power was arbitrary on various levels. including lack of legal status and guarantees of fair trial, as well as detention that deprives Palestinians of their rights, while the occupying power ignores all these standards. We call upon the working group to continue documenting these practices and follow up on them as an ongoing pattern that requires due interest to ensure accountability for the victims. The complete version of our statement will be uploaded to the extranet. Thank you, Vice-President.

Thank you. I call on the distinguished Ambassador of Luxembourg on behalf of the group of countries.

President, I deliver this statement on behalf of the Benelux countries, Belgium, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Luxembourg. We align ourselves with the statement of the European Union. We affirm our strong support to the mandate of the working group and welcome the sustained upward trend of releases of persons who were the subjects of its opinions. We reiterate our call on all States to cooperate fully with it, respond comprehensively and timely to its communications, implement its opinions, respond positively to its requests for country visits, and ensure it is provided with adequate and sustainable resources. We strongly condemn all cases of transnational repression. We are especially worried about the increasing use of the legal modality of transnational repression, including the improper use of extradition requests and Interpol red notices, as well as trials in absentia of human rights defenders, journalists and others, solely on the basis of the legitimate exercise of their human rights. We are also deeply worried about how new and emerging technologies such as AI amplify and expand the modalities of transnational repression. We will continue to work towards preventing and investigating cases of transnational repressions on our territories. Madame Chair-Rapporteur, what concrete steps can states take to ensure that international judicial cooperation does not turn into a form of transnational repression and results in arbitrary detention?

Thank you.

Thank you, Ercan. China.

Mr. Vice President, China takes note of the report submitted by the working group, which shows that the subjects of the working group's most communications in 2025 were in developing countries. China regrets this fact.

It is

Case in point, highlighting the glaring double standards and imbalance in the international human rights governance, China always maintains that the working group must perform its duties impartially, objectively, in accordance with the mandate given to it by the Council and the Code of Conduct, and rely on accurate, reliable, and authoritative information, avoiding any biased approach. An impartial judiciary is the last line of defense in upholding social fairness and justice. As a country governed by the rule of law, China firmly opposes and strictly prohibits arbitrary detention. Chinese constitution guarantees all citizens personal freedom and equality before law. Criminal sentences are only imposed on criminal acts, and convictions and sentencing are not influenced by the

label of human rights defender.

China values the friendly exchanges and dialogue with the relevant special mechanisms and hopes that relevant mechanisms will respect the sovereignty and judicial independence of all countries and engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation with member states. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I call on China, sir.

Thank you, Vice-President. We take note of the report of the working group. We underscore our commitment to protect human rights for all without discrimination, while providing free trial to all suspects with respect of their rights and dignity. We are keen that all detentions and arrests are conducted according to the law and applicable regulations. and in total cooperation with the prosecution. We also stress that detention of a penalty is depriving of liberty is conducted in Tunisia on the basis of court rulings issued by specialized courts that are impartial and independent and in line with national laws and the constitution and our international commitments, while respecting equality among citizens in front of the law. and while ensuring criminal responsibility for individuals and countering impunity. In this light, we stress our continued cooperation with the working group and providing it with our replies to its communications in a regular manner. We stress also that this cooperation should be conducted within a spirit of impartiality and non-politicization when dealing of legal situations. We call upon the working group to focus on official replies by the state of Tunisia and refrain from intervention in the independence of judiciary. The President interrupts the speaker.

The Chad.

Thank you, Michael.

Chad.

President, the delegation of the Republic of Chad aligns with the statement made by the African Group and thanks the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for presenting its report. Chad reaffirms that any deprivation of liberty must be based on the law. It must respect due process and be subject to control by the competent judicial authorities. We are also concerned about forms of transnational repression that can lead to arrests, detentions or restrictions of rights outside the territory of a state, in particular when these practices circumvent the safeguards provided for in international law. The fight against arbitrary detention must therefore be based on respect for the sovereignty of states, the rule of law the fundamental rights of the persons concerned. Chad stresses the importance of dialogue, international cooperation and the exchange of good practice to prevent arbitrary detentions and strengthen judicial guarantees. My country reaffirms its commitment to the independence of the judiciary, respect for the rights of of the defense and the protection of all persons against unlawful or arbitrary deprivation of liberty. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Peru.

Thank you, Vice-President. Peru takes note of the report of the working group and reaffirms the importance of ensuring that all deprivation of liberty complies with the principle of legality, due process, and the guarantees recognized by international human rights law. Peru appreciates the analysis devoted to arbitrary detention in the context of transnational repression. We agree on the need for international criminal cooperation, including extradition or transfer procedures, to be carried out in full respect for procedural guarantees, through effective judicial control, and in compliance with the principle of non-refoulement. Peru recalls that the Panel's opinions and recommendations do not constitute binding jurisdictional decisions and do not produce direct effects in the domestic legal system or modify decisions taken by the competent national authorities. Peru cooperates with the procedure and has submitted its comments to the Working Group in a timely fashion. My country also reaffirms its respect for the separation of powers and the independence of the courts. These are responsible for resolving proceedings submitted to them in line with the Constitution, national legislation and the international obligations that apply to the Peruvian State. Peru will continue to cooperate in good faith with the United Nations human rights mechanisms within the framework of their respective mandates and in line with applicable international and national law. Thank you.

I call on Armenia.

Mr. Vice President, Armenia thanks the working group for its engagement with the Council. Armenia attaches importance to the mandate of the working group as situations of arbitrary detention may have serious consequences for those affected and for the enjoyment of their fundamental rights and freedoms. The consideration of such situations must therefore be dealt with utmost impartiality and the highest standards of objectivity, while excluding any actual or perceived conflict of interest. We share the view that cooperation in criminal matters should be accompanied by appropriate judicial oversight, respect for fair trial guarantees, and due procedural safeguards. Armenia also considers that particular attention should be given to situations involving prolonged incommunicado detention, limitations on access to legal representation, closed proceedings, or allegations of coerced statements in order to ensure full compliance with international standards safeguards against arbitrary detention. We further recall that 19 Armenians still remain detained in Baku, a situation that requires resolution. We continue engagement with the Azerbaijani side with a view to facilitating their release in line with our broader commitment to building confidence and lasting peace in the region. Armenia will remain engaged in efforts to strengthen safeguards against arbitrary detention and to uphold relevant international standards and guarantees against its occurrence. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the Republic of Korea.

The Republic of Korea commends the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for its tireless efforts to end arbitrary detention. We welcome the report presented by the Working Group and appreciate its attention to the important issue of arbitrary detention and transnational repression. Furthermore, we warmly welcome the Working Group's upcoming country visit to the ROK, scheduled to take place from 23rd November to 4th December this year. The ROK government stands ready to provide all necessary support to ensure the success of the visit. Mr. President, My delegation wishes to take this opportunity to recall the Working Group's prior opinion adopted in November 2024 concerning the arbitrary detention by the DPRK of three ROK missionaries, Kim Guk-hee, Choi Chung-gil, and Kim Jeong-wook. A considerable period of time has already passed since their forced detention.

We once again urge the DPRK to heed the working group's recommendation and immediately

release these three individuals, along with all other ROK nationals detained in the DPRK.

Finally, the ROK calls on the DPRK to demonstrate genuine commitment to resolving all outstanding humanitarian issues, including the cases of detainees, abductees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war.

In this regard, we underscore the need for dialogue and call on the DPRK to promptly engage.

Thank you. I call on Chile.

Thank you, Vice President. Chile thanks the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for the report based on international repression this year, which is a historic phenomenon which unfortunately has been on the increase in recent years in our region and others. Thus, we particularly welcome the report, and we are alarmed at the contents. Transnational persecution of human rights defenders and others violates international law and the UN Charter and harms international cooperation, where there is undue extradition, Interpol notifications, and courts are used as weapons of political repression. Thus, this is a practice that does not affect only those who are persecuted, but the entire international system. Within this Council, we are also concerned that the working group has complaints of reprisals against its own mechanisms. The system must be protected. In this context, we call on all States to act in a determined fashion against this scourge and strengthen the response of the Council. This report is an important step in that direction.

I thank you.

Thank you. I call the distinguished ambassador of Guatemala.

Thank you very much, Vice-President. We'd like to thank the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for presenting its report, and we reiterate Guatemala's steadfast commitment to human rights, justice, and due process. Guatemala has launched a new phase which is epitomised by strengthening democratic institutions, transparency and resolutely tackling impunity. In this new framework of renewed commitment to the rule of law, my delegation would like to highlight the recent appointment of a new attorney general. This is a vital step to ensure an independent, expert prosecution service committed to impartial justice. It's a renewed institution which above all complies with the law and principles of democracy. I would also like to express our satisfaction at the release of Luis Pacheco and Hector Chacal, human rights defenders who are arbitrarily deprived of their liberty, having been instrumentalised by a justice system in hock with the executive. Their release restores human dignity and is living testimony to the present government's political will to correct past abuses. Guatemala reiterates it stands ready to hold a constructive and transparent dialogue with the Working Group in order to strengthen guarantees of non-perpetration and prevent acts against integrity and human rights. Thank you very much.

I now call on Cuba.

Thank you, Vice-President. Cuba supports the important mandate of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Often actors have used this working group in order to bring politically based allegations. Nevertheless, the working group must continue to discharge its mandate professionally, impartially, in strict compliance with the code of conduct for special procedures. This means that The source of information must be checked for credibility at least in order to ensure that the opinions issued do not diverge from reality. Despite the pressures that the working group face because of a lack of resources, there should not be pre-judgment before opinions are issued. Above all, Special procedures should not be taken advantage of and the defense of human rights distorted for other purposes. Cuba will continue to work with the working group and other special procedures on the basis of non-selectivity, impartiality, and non-interference in the national sovereignty of member states. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I call on Afghanistan.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We draw the Council's attention to the continuing systematic practice of arbitrary detention by the Taliban inside Afghanistan. Journalists, activists, former officials and security personnel, anyone perceived as critical face intimidation, arbitrary arrest, torture, and ill treatment without judicial oversight or any effective avenue for redress. Women protesting peacefully in Kabul, Herat, Bamyan have been met with violence, beatings, and arbitrary arrest. Many held incommunicado, pressured into false confessions, and warned never to protest again. The scale of this pattern is deeply alarming. Between April and June 2026, UNAMA documented at least 29 arbitrary arrests and five instances of torture of former officials, alongside eight killings of former ANDF members. In the same period, Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice personnel carried out at least 389 arbitrary arrests and 65 incidents of ill treatment, primarily over women's dress code and music restrictions. These are not isolated cases, but an entrenched pattern of detention without accountability. We call, and we echo the working group's call for adequate resource and genuine cooperation with its mandate, and urge continued monitoring of Afghanistan and effective remedy and reparation for all victims. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Costa Rica. Does Costa Rica not wish to make a statement? Thank you. So we'll move on to the next speaker on the list. So I call on Botswana.

Thank you, Vice-President. Botswana commends the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for its comprehensive report, We reaffirm our strong commitment to the international legal framework prohibiting arbitrary detention, including obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other relevant instruments. The Government of Botswana continues to safeguard freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly, recognising these rights as essential to democratic governance and civil participation. Cooperation with the United Nations human rights treaty bodies and mechanisms is essential for strengthening accountability and ensuring that all persons enjoy the full protection of the law. We therefore encourage all States to engage constructively with the Working Group, to respond to its communications, and to facilitate country visits and follow-up processes. Botswana remains committed to upholding international law, promoting transparency in criminal justice processes, and ensuring that no individual is subjected to arbitrary detention or any form of transnational repression. We will continue working with the United Nations system and member states to advance the protection of human rights for all. I thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you. I call on the Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. The United Republic of Tanzania is governed by the rule of law, whereas arbitrary detention is strictly prohibited under our Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Act. We therefore firmly reject stereotype claims that arbitrary detention is an accepted practice. Allegations of arbitrary detention concerning Mr. Tundu Lissu do not accurately reflect the circumstances of the case, as his arrest and detention are lawful and in compliance with Article 12, paragraph 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Mr. Lissu's case is currently before a competent court at the defense stage. He possesses full access to defense counsel. the right to examine witnesses, and all legal remedies required for a fair, transparent, and impartial trial. In line with judicial independence, court proceedings must be allowed to follow their due course without external influence. We wish to emphasize that equality before the law is applicable to all. Therefore, being a political figure, no matter a party of affiliation or title, should not be construed to mean that one is above the law. The United Republic of Tanzania continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting civil liberties, ensuring judicial oversight of law enforcement actions, and upholding due process in arrests and detention in compliance with its national, regional, and international obligations. I thank you.

Thank you. I now call on the charge d'affaires of Spain.

Thank you, Vice-President. Spain endorses the EU statement and we'd like to thank the working group on arbitrary detention. We worry to see that the higher number of people being deprived of their liberty without certain legal basis as seen in the report. We call on states like Afghanistan, Iran, Israel and Nicaragua to cooperate with the working group by responding to their questions and following their recommendations. We're alarmed to see the increase of transnational repression by using online monitoring mechanisms as well as intimidation, harassment. There must be appropriate regulation of these digital tools so that they're not used against political opponents, journalists, human rights defenders, and ethnic and religious minorities. Spain stands in solidarity with the victims of political persecution and repression in the occupied Palestinian territories, Russia, Iran and other parts of the world in which peaceful activities are criminalised and fundamental freedoms systematically quashed. We call that victims be immediately released and that compensation be paid to them and their families for their suffering. Spain thanks the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for their continuing work to foster justice and legal certainty. We fully support the mandate and call on all States to work with a view to ensuring universal observance of human rights and judicial guarantees, as well as eradicating political and transnational repression. Thank you very much.

I now call on the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The United Kingdom thanks the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for its timely report on transnational repression. The report draws attention to concerns about states seeking to target individuals beyond their borders through a range of coercive measures, with significant implications for human rights, the rule of law, and democratic freedoms. We share the working group's concerns about the use of detention and other coercive measures in response to peaceful activities conducted abroad, and we call on all states to uphold their obligations under international human rights law. Mr. Vice President, we also wish to recall last year's finding by the Working Group of Arbitrary Detention in the case of Jimmy Lai. Mr. Lai has now been in prison for more than 2,000 days. In February, he was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. This is tantamount to a life sentence for this 78-year-old British national.

We reiterate our call for his release.

And for the release of all those imprisoned under the National Security Law. Finally, we thank the working group for its recent correspondence with the UK, and we will respond in due course. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I call on France.

Vice President and Vice President of the working group, France commends your group's activities and we're pleased to see that the number of people who've been released having been the subject of one of your opinions has been on the rise for four years and reached 115 last year. These results show the tangible impact of your work for all victims and their next of kin. The number of opinions and urgent appeals issued by the Working Group last year once again reflect the persistence of this practice of arbitrary detention. Madam Jodkowska, your work on the link between arbitrary detention and transnational repression highlights the need for states to strive to ensure that all cooperation in criminal law must be subject to true judicial oversight, holding public hearings and respecting procedural safeguards. Whilst arbitrary detention has been prohibited in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, less than half of your requests have received a response. last year. So we join the appeal made by your working group to Member States to strengthen cooperation with the working group, notably through follow-up and by accepting your visits. Thank you.

I call on Morocco.

Thank you, Vice-President. My delegation has taken note of the working group's report. We have open cooperation with the working group based on dialogue, objectivity and good faith. Morocco has initiated a major overhaul of its criminal procedural code through Act 323, which strengthens safeguards against all forms of arbitrary detention, particularly in police custody and pretrial detention. We've strengthened the rights of the defense and the presumption of innocence. ensure that they have access to a lawyer and make sure that pretrial detention is the exception rather than the rule, and notably by strengthening the legal framework for pretrial detention and by ensuring that alternative measures can be used. We agree with the working group's conclusions about the need to respect judicial safeguards whenever people are kept in detention, particularly in matters of international judicial cooperation. The safeguards contained in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture, as well as the Convention on Enforced Disappearance, are absolutely vital in this regard. My delegation would like to ask the following question: what loopholes have you seen when it comes to technical cooperation, which would enable procedural guarantees against arbitrary detention to be enhanced? Thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is Yemen by video.

Thank you, Vice President. The Yemeni delegation would like to express its appreciation for the efforts of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. We would like to highlight the flagrant and continuing violations by Houthis Since 2024, they abducted 73 UN and international organization workers arbitrarily. They've been subjected to systematic torture. This has led to the deaths of two humanitarian workers. Also, fabricated accusations of espionage have been made. This means that even the very basic judicial safeguards have been ignored. This is an attack on humanitarian work and UN agencies. So the Yemeni government urges the Human Rights Council, international community to break the cycle of verbal condemnation and take effective measures which would compel the Houthis to stop these campaigns and immediately release all those which are being arbitrarily held and ensure they respect the integrity of humanitarian organizations. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the delegation of Iraq.

Thank you, Vice-President. We have studied the report from the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Iraq reiterates that the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms is a principle which has been enshrined in our Constitution. The right to liberty is also guaranteed by ensuring that appeals can always be made on detention. We ensure that detainees' rights are respected. They always know why they have been detained. They have access to a lawyer and due process. When we combat crime, we do so through an independent judicial system based on evidence and equality before the law. We reiterate our commitment to sustaining a dialogue with UN mechanisms, including the Working Group. The case of Robert Peters is still being considered a case of arbitrary detention, despite the information that we have communicated to the group. His detention is based on Iraqi law. It is not an arbitrary detention. So mandate holders must base their opinions on objective evidence and allow states to present their position and provide pertinent information. Thank you very much, Vice-President.

Thank you. I call on the state of Palestine.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President, and thanks to the Working Group for its report. We express surprise and regret that Israel received zero urgent appeals and zero allegation letters during the reporting period, mechanisms that the Working Group can use on its own initiative. This is difficult to reconcile with the scale of detention imposed by Israel, the illegal occupying power. Over 9,600 Palestinians are currently detained, including 350 children and 84 women, roughly 3,500 held administratively without charge and a further 1,250 held under Israel's so-called unlawful combatants law. At least 104 have died in custody since October 2023. UN experts have documented systematic torture and sexual violence against detainees, including rape, finding these acts may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. In addition, in March 2026, Israel enacted a discriminatory death penalty law that applies effectively only to Palestinians. UN experts have also highlighted the case of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, detained without charge since December 2024, whose health is in grave danger after being subjected to severe torture. Our question to the Working Group, therefore, is: Can you please clarify why no urgent appeal or allegation letter concerning Palestinian detainees held by Israel was transmitted during this period, including for detainees in critical states of health. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Ethiopia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Ethiopia reaffirms that no person should be deprived of liberty arbitrarily. Respect for due process, judicial oversight, access to legal representation, and effective remedies are fundamental to the rule of law and the protection of human dignity. Ethiopia has undertaken significant efforts to strengthen its justice and law enforcement institutions, including ongoing judicial and legal reforms aimed at improving access to justice, strengthening institutional accountability, and ensuring greater protection of fundamental rights. We recognize that effective prevention of arbitrary detention requires strong institutions, clear legal safeguards, and accountability, while also taking into account national circumstances and available capacities. Ethiopia encourages cooperation based on accurate and verified information, dialogue, and technical assistance, with due respect for national ownership and the principle of sovereignty and non-interference. Ethiopia also supports strengthened international cooperation against transnational crime, while emphasizing that such cooperation should be consistent with applicable legal procedures and process guarantees. In closing, Ethiopia remains committed to strengthening the rule of law and ensuring that deprivation of liberty is grounded in law, subject to appropriate judicial safeguards. Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you. I call on Maldives.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. The Maldives remains deeply concerned by persistent patterns of arbitrary detention affecting Palestinian men, women and children. These unlawful detentions are frequently accompanied by torture, sexual violence and inadequate access to food and medical care, raising serious concerns about the arbitrary and punitive nature of these arrests and detentions. As of February 2026, over 9,000 Palestinians were held in detention, the majority under administrative detention without charge or trial. Healthcare workers and humanitarian personnel in Gaza and the West Bank have also been specifically targeted, reflecting a broader pattern of attacks on the Palestinian healthcare system and humanitarian operations. This constitutes a clear violation of Security Council Resolutions 2286 and 2730. We call for the immediate release of all Palestinians arbitrarily detained and for Israeli authorities to fully uphold their obligations under international law. We further invite all states to consider imposing sanctions, including the suspension of arms transfers to Israel and a ban on trade with illegal settlements and the suspension of preferential trade agreements with Israel. Mr. Vice President, in conclusion, we seek the working group's views on how member states can address Israel's continued use of administrative detention against Palestinians in violation.

Thank you. I call on Switzerland.

Vice President, Switzerland would like to thank the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for its report and its analysis of transnational repression. Transnational repression is a growing concern for Switzerland. It allows states to intimidate and control individuals beyond their borders, violates human rights as well as the sovereign equality of states concerned. It's an attack on the rule of law and democracy. Switzerland underscores the importance of a concerted international response. Any cooperation in extradition or mutual legal assistance must be subject to true judicial oversight, must respect all procedural safeguards, and strictly comply with the principle of non-refoulement. Thus, we welcome the working group's recommendations, particularly regarding the abusive use of Interpol red notices and alerts. As the home of the Human Rights Council, Switzerland reiterates its attachment to free and safe participation by civil society in the work of the human rights mechanisms and the protection of civic space. It's vital that human rights defenders voices be heard to inform the work of these mechanisms, including in the Council. Members of the working group, what measures can states take to better prevent and detect the use of judicial cooperation as an instrument of transnational repression? Thank you.

I call on Egypt.

Thank you, Vice President. We welcome the interactive dialogue with the working group, and we've taken note of the report that has been presented at the Council. We renew the importance of this mandate and the commitment of Egypt to continue to interact positively with all the communications that it receives. We'd like to indicate that some parties misuse this special procedure as a political targeting tool. through deliberate attempts to describe certain legal investigative processes, misdescribing them as arbitrary detention, and not paying attention to the procedural and legal frames of reference for arrest and the warrants against those who are accused. We call upon the working group to continue to verify the data and the information that it receives before turning those into official notices and to refrain from relying on negative opinions regarding those communications. We have enough legal and constitutional guarantees in Egypt to prevent cases of arbitrary detention, and we remain ready to work constructively with the working group to deal with every communication. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Jordan.

Thank you, Vice-President. We take note of the report of the working group. We reaffirm the importance of the rule of law and the independence of justice in the field of protecting human rights, as well as guarantees for fair trial and respect for all legal safeguards in arrest and detention. We also attach great importance to our cooperation with the human rights mechanism to the United Nations as a part of our positive engagement without selectivity. And for us, it's important to maintain constructive engagement. For us, we keep committing to all international agreements that are related to this topic, as well as safeguards, uh, related to extradition in our judicial cooperation in such a way as to combat crime while maintaining the protections for individuals. Mr. Vice President, we call for respecting the rights of prisoners and detainees who are Palestinians in Israeli prisons, and we call for ensuring their safety and for the occupying power to respect its international obligations. before international law. We ask the working group a question: what are some of the practical cooperation tools that you propose to states to support legal guarantees in extraditions, as well as benefiting from national experiences in this regard? Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Italy.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

As part of today's statement, Italy thanks the working group for its report and reiterates its strong support for due process guarantees and fair trial rights in the context of arrest and prosecution, under the belief that.

Detention should never be employed in response to the legitimate exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Concerned.

By the number of cases examined in the report, often associated with torture and other cruel, inhuman or degraded treatment, we encourage States to enhance cooperation with the Working Group, also addressing the criminalization of peaceful activities carried out abroad as a form of transnational repression. Madame Vice-Chair.

What would the working group recommend to strengthen international efforts to prevent arbitrary detention and safeguard the procedural rights?

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I call on India.

Mr. Vice President, India thanks the chair rapporteur of the working group on arbitrary detention for presenting its annual report. India reaffirms that protection of life, personal liberty and due process is fundamental to the rule of law. These guarantees are embedded in our constitution and upheld through an independent judiciary and effective legal remedies. Human rights mechanisms must be guided by universality, impartiality, objectivity, non-selectivity and constructive dialogue. Their work is strengthened when assessments are evidence-based, transparent and respectful of due process, when States receive a meaningful opportunity to present facts, legal submissions and information on domestic remedies. Determinations concerning Arbitrary detention should be case-specific and consider the legal basis and purpose of detention, procedural safeguards, prompt judicial review, and proportionality. Allegations involving national security, terrorism, or public order cannot displace due process. Equally, such allegations do not by themselves establish arbitrariness. India encourages the working group to distinguish clearly between verified facts, source allegations, government submissions, and legal assessments while recognizing corrective action taken by the states. Country visits should proceed with consent, cooperation and respect for national institutions. India remains committed to preventing arbitrary detention through strong institutions, access to counsel, humane treatment.

Thank you. I call on Cambodia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Cambodia takes note of the Working Group's report and its reference to cases concerning Cambodia. We wish to reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and the proper administration of justice. Regarding the cross-border case mentioned in the report, Cambodia recalls its position denying involvement in the arrests concerned. We further note that the subsequent prosecution, trial and sentencing did not take place in Cambodia and were not a decision of Cambodian judicial authorities. We therefore encourage greater clarity in the report on this matter. More broadly, in Cambodia, the exercise of right and freedom must be in accordance with the rule of law. Arrest, detention, and prosecution are governed by the constitution and procedural law. The presumption of innocence is guaranteed. Persons accused of criminal offense are dealt with through established judicial procedure and have access to legal remedies, including the right to appeal. The judiciary exercise a function independently in accordance with the constitution. Cambodia also stressed that its cooperation with other states in criminal matters is conducted through established legal frameworks consistent with domestic law, applicable international agreements, and due process guarantee. We remain committed to strengthening fair trial guarantees, judicial accountability, and access to justice, and to constructive cooperation with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. Ikhulom, Malawi.

Mr. Vice-President, Malawi thanks the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for its report of work and valuable insights on the thematic issue of transnational repression and arbitrary detention. Malawi commends the Working Group for its work and recognizes the importance of cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms. Malawi welcomes the recommendation for States to continue increasing their cooperation regarding their responses to regular communications by reporting through the follow-up procedure and by positively responding to requests for country visits. On the thematic issue of transnational repression and arbitrary detention, Malawi echoes the working group's call on all states when acting as host states to ensure that any cooperation in criminal matters is subject to genuine oversight, public hearings, and full procedural guarantees. Malawi remains committed to comply with international human rights standards and will continue to strengthen its justice system to prevent all cases of arbitrary detention. I thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you, Vice-President. Ecuador thanks the working group for its report and reiterates its commitment to maintaining open, timely dialogue. This helps to clarify allegations, strengthen national guarantees and ensure cooperation based on verifiable information. Ecuador believes that judicial actions and international criminal cooperation, including in national security contexts, must be subject to international human rights standards and control in order to protect the freedom, integrity and dignity of individuals. Likewise, requests for extradition, expulsion or police cooperation must be made in a way that is compatible with human rights and guarantee principles such as due process and non-refoulement. In this sense, The Constitutional Court of Ecuador has been reinforcing since 2025 the obligation of judges comprehensively to analyse the legality and proportionality of measures ordering the deprivation of liberty, since the mere formal existence of an arrest warrant does not guarantee the absence of arbitrariness and illegitimacy without prior judicial review. Finally, I am pleased to report the National Assembly is debating reforms to the organic law on jurisdictional guarantees and figure the figure of habeas corpus and effective judicial protections, effective remedies against possible arbitrary detention. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the DRC.

Thank you, Vice President. The Democratic Republic of Congo aligns with the statement by the African Group and thanks the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for its report and commends its continued commitment. My country shares the group's concern about the rise of transnational repression. The DRC reaffirms its commitment to respect for state sovereignty and the obligation to respect protect citizens and human rights defenders across borders. We support the call for rigorous and transparent judicial oversight of international criminal cooperation. In this context, we are implementing legislative reforms to harmonise national law with international standards. Our legislation formally prohibits any deprivation of liberty related to the peaceful exercise of public freedoms, and we are strengthening our domestic mechanisms to guarantee the rights of the defence. At the national level, we are continuing to modernise our judicial system and consolidate the rule of law. We reiterate our commitment to maintaining constructive co-operation with the working group, particularly in the follow-up to communications, and finally, we support the call to provide the the sufficient predictable human resources to carry out its crucial mandate. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Vice-President. Venezuela notes the report submitted by the working group, including its references to persons who have been released in our country. In that regard, we reaffirm that the actions of Venezuelan institutions are based on the rule of law. respect for due process and the guarantees enshrined in our legal system. Venezuela rejects any attempt to present the legitimate exercise of the powers of state institutions as a practice of arbitrary detention, as well as the use of politically motivated allegations to question the functioning of our judicial system. Venezuela is advancing a national agenda aimed at peace, dialogue and reconciliation through mechanisms of the legal system and in the full exercise of our sovereignty, such as the program for democratic coexistence and peace and the application of the amnesty law, together with a broad process of review of legal system, situations and release measures. Venezuela calls on the working group to exercise its mandate with objectivity, impartiality and strict compliance with the code of conduct, giving priority to dialogue and constructive cooperation with States and avoiding the politicisation of human rights. Thank you, Vice-President.

Thank you. I call on Uganda.

Thank you, Vice-President. Ireland aligns with the statement of the EU and thanks the working group for their report. Ireland is deeply concerned by the use of arbitrary detention in cases of transnational repression as highlighted in the working group's report. We condemn in the strongest terms the use of detention as a tool to intimidate and silence civil society actors.

Human rights defenders, journalists and media workers, political opponents, dissidents, including beyond borders.

We call for an end to this practice and for the immediate and unconditional release of all persons arbitrarily detained. Ireland notes with concern that the working group continues to receive information about reprisals and intimidation suffered by individuals.

Who have been the subject of an urgent appeal, a letter or an opinion?

Or whose cases have been given effect to a recommendation of the working group. We join the working group in emphasising that any such reprisals are entirely unacceptable, and we call upon States to cease such actions immediately. Civil society actors and human rights defenders play a crucial role in our society and must.

Be free to carry out their activities without fear of harassment, reprisal, detention or violence.

Members of the working group, we ask what further measures can be undertaken by States.

To protect individuals on their territory from arbitrary detention in the context of transnational repression.

Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Pakistan.

Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. We take note of the Working Group's report. Arbitrary detention constitutes a grave violation of the fundamental right to liberty and security of person. Accordingly, any deprivation of liberty must be grounded in law and accompanied by effective safeguards. Pakistan has established a robust framework of constitutional guarantees, legal protections, and institutional mechanisms. It aims at protecting personal liberty and preventing and addressing instances of arbitrary arrest and detention. Mr. Vice President, arbitrary detention is continuously used by the occupying powers as a tool to silence dissent and suppress the legitimate exercise of fundamental freedoms and right to self-determination of the people living under occupation. Addressing this requires enhanced international cooperation and this Council's attention. We also encourage The Working Group II accord more attention as part of its mandate to the heightened vulnerability of persons living under UN-recognized situations of foreign occupation, where arbitrary deprivation of liberty continues to be reported at an alarming scale. Mr. Vice President, we unequivocally reject transnational repression in all its manifestations, including extrajudicial killings, intimidation, surveillance, and other unlawful acts. Lastly, Pakistan appreciates the importance of the, this working group and looks forward to remain constructively engaged with it. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on the Russian Federation.

Vice-President, we call the attention of the working group to the Moldovan authorities' actions, an anti-Russian campaign by the collective West with impunity, a discriminatory policy against Russian citizens and the population. After a bit of a break, Moldova has renewed its practice of arbitrary detention in Cuseni of passengers, including citizens of Moldova coming from Russia, inventing pretexts, using force without reasons, and without allowing consular assistance. This can last for a number of hours or days. Of course, this is arbitrary detention and persecution without any lawful proof. For example, the leader of the Russian community, Oleg Kamenko, the chair of the Council of Russian Compatriots, and church figures, and then they were charged for political motives. And a number of ordinary citizens of Russia suffered the same fate. We call on the experts of the working group to be attentive to this situation and address it. I thank you.

Thank you. I call on Germany.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Germany aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the Working Group for its engagements for victims of arbitrary detentions and their families, which is of crucial importance. We also thank the Working Group for its report, which clarifies the relationship between arbitrary detention and transnational repression and respective state responsibilities. Germany condemns transnational repression in the strongest terms, including extraterritorial abductions and the use of extradition requests for transnational repression. We also condemn arbitrary detentions of family members as a means to silence human rights defenders, journalists, and other political opponents abroad. We call on perpetrator countries to refrain from any practice of transnational repression in line with the obligations under international human rights law. The international community must scale up its response, especially in protection. Germany has made combating transnational repression a priority. In April, new criminal legislation entered into force to deter perpetrators and ensure accountability. We also have published new guidance for victims of transnational repression. Dear members of the working group, what role and next steps do you envisage for the Human Rights Council in combating transnational repression? Thank you.

Thank you. That was the last speaker that we could accommodate from the list of States. We shall now move to the National Human Rights Institutions and NGOs. At the outset, I call on the representative of the National Human Rights Institution of Burundi.

Vice-President, Since June 2026, we have documented 223 cases of arrest or arbitrary or illegal detention, 124 still being processed. These are persons who have been acquitted, who have served their sentences and have received pardons. We are also concerned about the detention of persons suffering from psychiatric difficulties who require to be treated in specialised structures under article 44 of the CPP. In police stations, there are also persons detained under contractual obligations and custody timeframes have been exceeded. We have seen a large number of detentions. We call on the Ministry for Justice and the Public Prosecutor's Office to free the persons who have been detained arbitrarily or illegally. pursue the policy of reducing prison overcrowding and respect the law in terms of taking into custody persons with psychiatric difficulties, as well as ensuring procedural guarantees and ensuring that legal timeframes are adhered to. as well as det- discouraging persons being detained for, uh, contractual obligations. I thank you.

Thank you. We shall now hear video of the Independent Commission of Human Rights of the State of Palestine.

Working Group for its report and its examination of arbitrary detention as a tool of repression. For Palestinians, arbitrary detention has long been a systematic tool of repression. As of July 2026, around 9,400 Palestinians were held in Israeli prisons, including more than 3,200 administrative detainees without charge or trial. The Working Group's Opinions No. 15/2026 and 24/2025 further demonstrate the use of arbitrary detention against Palestinian human rights defenders as retaliation and political silencing, in violation of Articles 9 and 14 of the ICCPR. Since October 7, 2023, at least 91 Palestinian prisoners and detainees have died in Israeli custody, amid allegations of torture, starvation, and medical neglect. We call for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained Palestinians, implementation of the working group's opinions, independent investigations into deaths in custody, and international accountability for authorities and officials responsible for these systematic violations to end impunity.

There appears to be a technical difficulty. We will then distribute the text. And we shall now hear the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights by video statement.

Chair of the working group, ladies and gentlemen, Russia continues to systematically violate international law through the widespread arbitrary detention of Ukrainian civilians. The aggressor state detains Ukrainian civilians without legal grounds, denies them access to medical and legal aid, subjects them to torture. Currently, almost 1,900 Ukrainian civilians are confirmed to be unlawfully detained. Among them are journalists, representatives of national minorities, three OSCE staff members, representatives of religious communities, and other vulnerable individuals. They are all accused of fabricated crimes. The fate of tens of thousands of missing persons remains unknown. Russia does not provide any information regarding their whereabouts and condition. I call on the international community to deliver a clear legal and political assessment of Russia's violations, demand immediate access for international monitoring bodies to all places of detention, put on strong pressure on the Russian Federation to ensure the immediate, safe and unconditional return of all unlawfully held Ukrainian civilians. Thank you.

We shall now.

Move to the NGOs and we first have a video statement by the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights.

Mr. President, we thank the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention for its report. We remain concerned about the systematic use of arbitrary and incommunicado detention in Tibet, including against those peacefully defending Tibetan language, culture, religion and the environment. The case of the Tibetan monk Palden Yeshe is particularly alarming. He was detained in May 2021 after reportedly sharing information about protests in Tibet on social media. He was subjected to nearly five years of enforced disappearance before his family learned in February 2026 that he is serving a six-year prison sentence. The charges and judicial proceedings remain opaque. We also wish to draw attention to Gampo Tsering, detained following the February 2024 protests in Dege against the Kamtok hydropower dam, which threatens monasteries, villages, and sacred sites. He was reportedly tortured in custody and remains in critical condition, unable to stand or speak. Finally, we highlight the case of Zhang Yadi, a 23-year-old human rights defender who advocated for and defended the rights of Tibetans. Detained since July 2025 and charged with inciting separatism, she is reportedly being held incommunicado. We call on China to immediately release those arbitrarily detained, disclose the fate and whereabouts of disappeared Tibetans, guarantee access to lawyers and families, and investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment.

Thank you.

Thank you. We shall now hear the Xianghe Patriotic Volunteer Association by video.

The interpreter, yeah. I am the founder of IPPO and advocating loving one's own country without harming other nations' interests. The working group's report confines transnational repression to dissidents While the powerful country use domestic criminal charges to abduct foreign leaders, for example, the US removed Panama's leader, Noriega, used NATO to limit Gaddafi, and there are other cases. against a Chinese citizen or now against President Maduro of Venezuela using domestic warrants as a pretext is precisely the interstate form of transnational repression. We propose redefining transnational repression, a state without the consent of another territorial state and Security Council's authorization to use cross-border abduction, extraordinary rendition, physical elimination, resulting in deprivation of liberty without fair trial remedies. And targeting foreign leader is deemed the highest form of arbitrary detention. We urge the working group to establish a separate topic on cross-border abduction of foreign leaders at its 66th session, and also deem this as arbitrary detention. Also, the civil society should have an independent oversight right. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on the World Organization Against Torture, a video statement.

Criminalization and arbitrary detention remain amongst the gravest risks facing human rights defenders worldwide. In 2025, the SOS Defenders Initiative, coordinated by OMCT and its partners, documented 60 new detentions across 14 countries. Those detained often face torture and prolonged incommunicado detention. Defenders are also targeted because of the issues that they defend: women's rights in Afghanistan, migrants' and minorities' rights in Tunisia, as illustrated by Sadia Mosbah's continued detention, and democratic reform in Thailand, where lese-majeste charges, as against Arnon Nampa, can lead to decades in prison. Persecution often continues after release. In Nicaragua, for example, detention has been followed by forced exile, revocation of nationality, and confiscation of property. We welcome the working group's report and remain concerned about systematic breaches of the principle of non-refoulement, including the case of Vietnamese defender, Hieu Ky Nguyen Buh-Dap, extradited from Thailand to Vietnam despite a real risk of torture and enforced disappearance. Cross-border abductions also continue with impunity, as in the case of Thai pro-democracy activist, Vanchalarn Satsakdee, forcibly disappeared after seeking refuge in Cambodia. We urge the Working Group to continue shedding light on these violations and all States to immediately release all arbitrarily detained defenders. Thank you.

Thank you. I call on Article 19 video statement.

Thanks to Working Group for their important work and for deepening our understanding of the impacts of transnational repression. Transnational repression is a growing, increasingly complex threat with profound consequences for the right to freedom of expression. We have documented killings, physical violence, abductions, legal harassment, forcible returns, and many other forms of transnational repression. It also has digital elements from surveillance to online censorship and harassment. This has severe silencing impacts on journalists, human rights defenders, and other civil society actors, particularly those operating in exile. These cases of transnational repression are often dealt with in isolation, rather than being seen as an attack on a wider human rights ecosystem, with intersecting and cumulative impacts both on individuals and communities' rights to freedom of expression. Any gaps in coordination and response only embolden repressive actors to deepen structural vulnerabilities for exiled targets. We call on all states to implement the recommendations of the working group and to refrain from all acts of transnational repression, including any participation in or facilitation of extraterritorial abductions or any other form of informal or illegal transfer. We also call on states within those borders that acts of transnational repression are being committed to ensure accountability and ensure coordination across various national and international agencies to ensure that responses do not happen in silos. Finally, we call on technology companies to conduct human rights due diligence to ensure that they are not enabling transnational repression. This includes refraining from exporting surveillance technology if there is a significant risk it will be used to commit human rights violations and abuses. Thank you.

Thank you.

I call on Freedom Now by video.

The progress documented in the working group's annual report. However, we share the concern about retaliation against individuals who are subjects of filings and their family members, as in the case of Dalu Murat Tadjimuradov in Uzbekistan.

We are also dismayed by member states' failures to fully cooperate or implement working group opinions.

For example, the request for a country visit to Rwanda is pending, while Victoire Ingabire remains in prison there.

Despite an opinion finding her detention unlawful.

We welcome the working group's focus on states' increasing use of transnational repression to silence human rights defenders and their relatives and associates. Abdulaziz Goma, who's detained in Togo, the working group deemed unlawful, has resided in Europe since his release, but recently learned of new charges brought against him in absentia and against his co-defendants who remain in jail. In June 2026, authorities in Kazakhstan detained the sister of Serjion Filag.

I will ask the secretariat to pause this video because it's not being interpreted. We will have to find out the technical reasons, because there was interpretation in some languages and not others, and the Council would require interpretation, so we will interrupt that video. And at that point, we shall now give the floor to the Institute for Human Rights.

Vice President, the practice of arbitrary detention in Azerbaijan has become systematic. Today, hundreds of political prisoners remain behind bars, including journalists, human rights defenders, opposition figures, and civil society activists. As a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Azerbaijan is bound by its obligation under the Covenant. Yet, the authorities continue to persecute government critics, restrict detainees' access to independent legal assistance, and use lengthy prison sentences against dissenting voices. Against this backdrop, the government is preparing to host a summit of the European Political Community, bringing together leaders from across Europe. We believe that it is unacceptable for a country holding over 400 political prisoners to use a gathering of European leaders to strengthen its international legitimacy. Therefore, As today we mark an International Day of Democracy, we call on the member state to set a clear condition. Azerbaijan should end the practice of arbitrary detention and release all political prisoners before hosting international events. Politically motivated arbitrary detention should not be legitimized. I thank you.

Thank you. Another video statement, Lawyers Rights Watch Canada, please.

Lawyers Rights Watch Canada, the Law Society of England and Wales, Lawyers for Lawyers, and the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute, with endorsement by the Asian Lawyers Network, welcome the Working Group's communications on China, including Hong Kong SAR. Despite Universal Periodic Review commitments in 2024, China persists in subjecting lawyers to threats, disbarment, arbitrary detention and prosecution, unfair trial, forced exile, transnational repression, incommunicado detention, enforced disappearances, torture, and ill-treatment. The Working Group observed that China's violations might indicate a widespread or systemic practice of arbitrary detention, noting that states have the obligation not to engage in acts that could constitute crimes against humanity, to prevent such acts, and if such acts are committed, to punish those responsible. We urge China to accept the Working Group's request for a country visit, guarantee fair trials and access to lawyers of choice, release all lawyers arbitrarily detained in China and Hong Kong, SAR, and repeal or amend Hong Kong SAR's National Security Law and Article 23 legislation, and ensure that laws fulfill international standards. We call for an update on the OHCHR's 2022 report on Xinjiang, including assessment of access to fair trial and the ability of lawyers to perform their professional duties freely and independently.

Thank you.

Excellencies, We've still got four NGOs and then the vice chair of the working group is going to make her concluding remarks. We've asked the interpreters for a little flexibility so that we can conclude today's work. I'd like to thank the interpreters for the generosity. What we won't have time for today are the rights of reply requested by a number of different states. Those rights of reply will be heard tomorrow. So that's how we will proceed if there are no objections. I'd now like to give the floor to the International Commission of Jurists.

The ICJ calls attention to the opinions of the Working Group in the cases of Abdel Farouk and Ahmed Hijka in Egypt. Those and numerous other opinions of the Working Group reveal that the practice of arbitrary detention is often used in response to the victims' legitimate exercise of their human rights. The National Security Agency frequently arrests victims without the provision of warrants or providing reasons for arrest and hold them incommunicado at NSA headquarters. In many cases, NSA officers subject victims to enforced disappearance and/or torture during their detention. Furthermore, while detained, victims are systematically denied their fair trial rights. Typically, public prosecutors summarily extend pretrial detention while spuriously charging them with unsubstantiated terrorism-related offenses. As noted in the working group's opinions, a key feature of arbitrary detention in Egypt is the resort to the practice of so-called case rotation, whereby release is ordered but never affected, and new identical charges are brought against victims to indefinitely extend their pretrial detention. Given the Working Group's concern that a high volume of cases received regarding these practices might indicate that arbitrary detention in Egypt is widespread and systematic, the ICJ considers that an investigation for the possible commission of crimes against humanity is warranted. The ICJ calls on Egypt to urgently implement the Working Group's opinions and immediately release all persons currently arbitrarily detained. Thank you.

Thank you. I now call on the United Nations Association of China.

I'm Dr. Kevin Lau from Hong Kong and a father of five children, among them a daughter. Arbitrary detention is a scourge. A doctor does not examine one patient and ignore the ward. So we speak truth and love, and we hold ourselves to the same light. I would like to emphasize, 80 years after the Tokyo trials, Japan has still never provided statistical data on the comfort women subjected to arbitrary detention, nor investigated, prosecuted, or convicted the perpetrators of those crimes. Worse, the Japanese government still denies, alters, and downplays this history, and obstructs efforts to raise memorial statues for the victims. As the father of a daughter, I think of the other fathers whose daughters never came home, whose questions were never answered. Every one of those girls was somebody's daughter. What was done to them disgusts me. The denial disgusts me more. Denial is the second detention. Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law. Hong Kong's courts decide cases only on the law and the evidence proved beyond reasonable doubt, free from interference. Our residents' rights are protected under the Basic Law and both covenants. An opinion is not a verdict. Mr. Jimmy was tried 156 sitting days in open court, 2,220 exhibits, 80,000 pages, 855 published pages of reasons. The National Security Law also clearly stipulates that human rights shall be respected, protected, and safeguarding national security in the HK SAR. So let this council work with selectivity to prevent, to investigate, to remember. Let us be peacemakers in this work of memory, and let the healing of the nations begin together.

Thank you, President.

Thank you. I now call on International PEN.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. International PEN continues to document a disturbing global trend in the abuse of national security laws to suppress the voices of writers, journalists and publishers. No clearer is this abuse of the law than in Hong Kong SAR, where national security laws are being used to close independent bookstores, imprison writers and publishers, and to silence critical voices. The imprisonment of publisher and pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai is emblematic of this trend and of the profound transformation of Hong Kong from a once vibrant, open society to one in which writers, publishers and booksellers are outlawed. Jimmy Lai, now 78 years old, has been imprisoned in Hong Kong since 2020. In 2024, the working group ruled that he is arbitrarily detained, unlawfully targeted for practising journalism and for his political opinions, and should be immediately released, yet Jimmy Lai remains in prison. An elderly man in fast declining health, now sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. He will likely die in prison for standing by his principles and his beliefs, and for standing with others who call for democratic reforms in Hong Kong they have been solemnly promised. Today, International PEN calls on the working group to reiterate its call for Jimmy Lai's release, and to continue to call out the abusive use of national security laws to suppress free speech in Hong Kong. We call on all states to join the call for Jimmy Lai's immediate and unconditional release, And we call on the People's Republic of China to release all those wrongly imprisoned in Hong Kong for exercising their right to freedom of expression and to end its persecution of Jimmy Lai before it's too late. Thank you.

Thank you. This was the last NGO speaker that we could accommodate this afternoon. So I'd now like to give the floor to Ms. Yudkivska for concluding remarks.

Vice President, I thank every delegation and civil society organization that has taken floor. In remaining minutes, let me highlight what matters the most, and let me group that into three: how we work, what we found, and what we ask of you. Before that, to Australia, thank you for receiving us, the state that invites scrutiny, is not a state with more to answer for, it's a state more confident in its capacity to improve. First, how we work. Several delegations asked us to verify more rigorously, to weigh their replies more fully, and not to sit in judgments over the courts. Now, our procedure is adversarial by design. 60 days to contest, to explain, to produce evidence, extended by one month upon request. A communication is always a question, but a question needs an answer. Where no one comes, the account before us stands unrefuted, and where it is credible, we act upon it. That is not a presumption against the state, that's an ordinary consequence of an empty chair. And let me dispel one misunderstanding. A late reply is never discarded. It might not appear in the summary of the opinion, but it is read, weighted, and reflected in our deliberations. We are not a further instance over your courts. We never ask if a person is guilty. What we ask is whether detention has a legal basis, whether the proceedings met the guarantees you accepted upon ratification of the Covenant. So guilt is a matter for your courts, arbitrariness is a matter for us. Second, what we found, now Switzerland, Benelux and others asked what keeps judicial cooperation from becoming an instrument for repression. Judicial cooperation must be conditional. And we established four safeguards or four conditions. First, a judge always. A transfer carried out without judicial oversight is not extradition, it's rendition. Second, a genuine test of motive. Whether a prosecution is driven by any hidden agenda, political opinion, journalism, human rights work, minority status, this request must be refused. Third, effective remedy before the removal, not afterwards from a cell abroad. And finally, serious weighting of red notices against Article 3 of the Interpol Constitution with, of course, unconditional respect for non-refoulement principle. And for those already on your territory, treat transitional repression as what it is, a crime committed on your soil. Now, the question about detention of humanitarian and UN personnel, well, this issue has risen more than fivefold in this single year. And of course, this must not become normal. Detention of those who bring relief is always arbitrary. Many of you spoke of detention in conflict and occupation, detainees held without charge, civilians held far from home, deaths in custody. Of course, war cannot create a space where a person is held outside law, and we look carefully into those cases. Third, what we ask, an opinion is not an end of a case. So we ask for release, but also for investigation, reparation, guarantees of non-repetition. We request follow up and we keep asking. To those states who have extended invitations, thank you. We look forward to our visit to the Republic of Korea in November. To others, A country visit is not a verdict. It's also the format in which we can see what works in your system and say so. And on resources, allow me to leave the diplomatic register for a moment. This year, we could not finance two country visits. A state that had invited us was told that there are no money to come. Our caseload rises and our backlog rises with it. Backlog is a person in cell waiting longer. One word on reprisals, anyone who speak to this working group must be able to do so without fear and states must guarantee their protections. One word, we were asked what explains this year rise in releases. In my experience, and it was also confirmed by France, three things, persistence, publicity, and partnership. Opinions that are followed up, delegations that engage seriously, and the civil societies that keeps a name alive when everyone else has moved on. So it's not a mystery, it's work, and it is states that choose to act. Mr. Vice President, we do not ask the states to agree with every line we write. We ask three things. Answer our letters, implement our opinions, and let us in. Your reply or your silence is sometimes the whole difference between a person walking out and a person remaining behind the bars. And finally, while the clock does not allow me to answer every question as deeply as it deserves, and I would not wish a single one go unanswered, any delegation whose questions I could not address today is invited to send your question to us through the Secretariat, and you will receive a reply in writing. This dialogue does not end when the microphones are switched off. It continues beyond. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. This brings us to the end of this debate. I'd like to thank Ms. Jutkivska for her participation. I'd like to thank the interpreters for working overtime. This brings us to the end of this meeting. Excellencies will reconvene tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. to hold the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, followed by the interactive dialogue with the Working Group on the rights of peasants. There will also be an opportunity for States to exercise their right of reply if they were not able to do so today. This brings us to the end of the 12th meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council. Adjourned. it.