16th Meeting - 63rd Session of Human Rights Council

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, I call to order the 16th meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council. We will now continue the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's analytical report on best practices and main challenges in the promotion and protection of the human rights of women and children in conflict and post-conflict situations. We return to the list of speakers for national human rights institutions and NGOs. I'd like a bit of silence, please, so we can hear the speaker. I give the floor first of all, video, from Oidako.

Presidency in.

Colombia, women and girls face disproportionate risk, sexual violence, displacement, forced recruitment and attacks on women human rights defenders. Effective protection involves not just security measures, but also prevention, comprehensive support and participation. For OIDA, it's a priority to ensure that women in all their diversity play a leading role in development plans. to guarantee their access to land and productive projects, to provide redress for women victims and to strengthen rural institutions with a gender perspective. It is key to make progress on a national action plan for resolution 1325 to ensure women's participation in peacebuilding and conflict prevention. We call on the international community to encourage the Colombian Government to implement decree 980 of 2026, which establishes the comprehensive programme of safeguards for women leaders and human rights defenders, and to urge the State to fully comply with the peace agreement, particularly the measures with a gender perspective. OIDAC also calls on States to promote the conclusions of the Commission on the Status of Women, which seek to ensure and strengthen access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices, and tackling structural barriers, specifically for women deprived of liberty. Thank you.

Now here another video, International Planned Parenthood Federation.

Thank you.

IPPF welcomes the High Commissioner's report and its recognition of reproductive violence as a distinct form of harm, including in the occupied Palestinian territory. We also welcome that at its 62nd session, this Council named reproductive violence explicitly for the first time. The report highlights the disproportionate impact that conflict and post-conflict situations have on women and girls, including on their sexual and reproductive health and rights. Across Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, IVPF member associations continue to safeguard sexual and reproductive rights and sustain access to life-saving healthcare. Contraception and emergency contraception, post-exposure prophylaxis including HIV and STI prevention and treatment, maternal and newborn care, safe abortion care, and first-line support for survivors of sexual violence.

These examples show the important role played by local organizations in upholding human rights in conflict and post-conflict settings.

We therefore welcome the report's recommendation that states guarantee access to sexual and reproductive health services in conflict settings. High Commissioner, how can your office support states to translate the recognition of reproductive violence into accountability and reparation frameworks? Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to Focus Asia Foundation.

Mr. Vice President, FAF thanks the High Commissioner for the analytical report and welcomes the participation of the Special Rapporteur. The report confirms what we know.

Conflicted sexual violence against women and children remains among the most underreported and underpersecuted of grave violations.

Stigma, displacement of witnesses, destruction of evidence, and the incapacity or unwillingness of justice institution.

To shield perpetrators.

As the report stresses, transitional justice cannot substitute for criminal accountability.

We are particularly alarmed by the finding that.

Children born of conflict-related sexual violence face compounded harm, including stigma and lack of legal identity. We further echo the report's call to remove statutes of limitation that expire before child victims reach adulthood. Women must be represented in peace negotiations, transitional institutions and reconstruction programs as decision-makers, not portrayed only as vulnerable victims. Their full and equal participation is not a concession to be granted after peace is secured. It is a precondition for a peace that endures. We therefore urge all parties to ensure women's meaningful inclusion at every stage of peace and political processes.

We ask the High Commissioner and the Special Rapporteur, how can the Council?

Better support states in distinguishing gender and age responsive reparation programs that are transformative, survivor centered and reach those most.

Invisible? Thank you.

Thank you. Give the floor by video, Afghanistan Democracy Development Organization.

Mr. President, the Afghanistan Democracy and Development Organization welcome the High Commissioner's report on women and children in conflict and post-conflict situation. Afghanistan shows why strong international attention is still needed. Since the Taliban takeover, women and girls have faced serious restriction on education, work, movement, healthcare, and public life. Girls remain banned from secondary and higher education. Children are also paying a very high price through poverty, displacement, food insecurity, and loss of education and health services. We are also deeply concerned by violations affecting ethnic and religious minorities, including Shia, Ismailia, Hazara, Uzbek, and Tajik facing discrimination, forced displacement, land-related abuses, and restrictions on religious and cultural life. The new independent investigative mechanism for Afghanistan offers an important opportunity to document violations, preserve evidence, and support accountability. We call for a strong cooperation between the Special Rapporteur, the OIM, and Afghan civil society. The voices of women, children, survivors, and minorities must be included. Women and children must not only be protected. Their voices must shape Afghanistan's future. Thank you.

I give the floor to for international law and international relations.

Thank you, President. We speak on behalf of Eelam Tamil women in the northeast of Sri Lanka. Seventeen years after the genocidal war ended, survivors of the 2009 mass.

Killings continue to endure militarization, land occupation, and surveillance.

Mothers of disappeared have searched for their loved ones for love.

Over a decade.

Instead of answers, they report being followed, photographed, and summoned by security forces. Some have been arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act simply for protesting peacefully and commemorating the disappeared.

Detention without prompt judicial review or family access leaves children without mothers and deepens community trauma. We respectfully ask the High Commissioner: First, what concrete steps will OHCHR take to prevent the arbitrary detention of Tamil mothers seeking refuge? Second, how will you ensure independent, victim-centered accountability for enforced disappearances and continuing militarization? Third one, what protection will be extended to Tamil women human rights defenders facing surveillance and reprisals? We thank you.

Thank you.

Now we'll.

Hear a video from Imam Ali's Popular Students Relief Society.

Thank you. Mr. High Commissioner, as mentioned in your report, no statutory limitations should be applied to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The reality on the ground in Iran during and after the 12-day war in 2025, as well as the one that began on 28 February 2026, and the conduct of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the Iranian people provide glaring examples of such atrocities. Attacks on civilians, including homes, schools, and even wedding ceremonies in Iran, are these not war crimes? During the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, the world stood with Iranian women. Today, however, Iranian women have been forgotten, and the voices of women struggling for survival and their rights have been lost amid the noise of conflicts. Poverty among the population in Iran, particularly among women, caused by and sanctions has limited their access to food, medicine, and hygiene supplies. Systematic discrimination places a compounding burden on women who are simultaneously resisting tyranny while suffering the consequences of war in Iran. In light of all these crimes taking place in Iran, what concrete plans do you and your office have to particularly support Iranian women and women's civil society? Thank you.

That will.

Be the last statement we can accommodate for this debate. I'll give the floor now to Dimitar Tchalev, Chief of Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch at OHCHR, for concluding remarks. You have three minutes.

Mr. Vice President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I thank all delegations and participants for their contributions to this dialogue. First, I would like to take the opportunity to highlight that the report draws on 50 submissions from States, United Nations entities and other stakeholders, as well as the work of United Nations human rights mechanisms and investigative bodies. The report's terminology is in line with the principle of non-discrimination, which is a core element of international human rights law. Allow me to conclude with four key messages that address the questions raised. First, impunity is not inevitable. International law provides a clear basis for accountability. The persistent gap lies in implementation. States must investigate serious violations promptly, independently, and impartially. Second, Justice must be accessible in practice. A right that cannot be exercised has no impact. Survivors need safe complaint mechanisms, legal aid, protection from reprisals, psychological support and access to health care, including sexual and reproductive health services. These services must be accessible to persons with disabilities and responsive to intersecting forms of discrimination. Third, reparations cannot be postponed indefinitely. Survivors should not have to wait for the end of a conflict or for the completion of lengthy judicial proceedings before receiving support. States should establish adequately funded programs combining restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and guarantees of non-recurrence. Fourth, women and children must participate in the decision that concerns them. Their participation must be safe, sustained, and capable of influencing outcomes. Women-led organizations, survivor-led groups, women human rights defenders, and children representatives should be involved in the design, implementation, and monitoring of peace, accountability, transitional justice, and preparation processes. That participation requires resources. The central call to action is therefore clear. States must translate legal commitments into institution, services and adequately funded programs that survivors can actually reach. The Council can support this effort by consistently integrating gender and child rights expertise across its mandates, maintaining attention to accountability and promoting the exchange of practical approaches that deliver results. I thank you.

Thank you very much, Excellencies. Delegates, we will now proceed to the briefing by the President of ECOSOC. This briefing is held in accordance with resolution 37/25, in which the Council decided to invite the President of ECOSOC to brief the Human Rights Council annually on the discussions of the high-level political forum. I now give the floor to the president of the Economic and Social Council, His Excellency Amar Benjama, who will speak via video statement.

Excellencies, good morning. I am pleased to brief the Human Rights Council on the outcomes of the 2026 High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, a forum held from 7 to 15 July 2026, under the theme Transformative, Equitable, Innovative and Coordinated Actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all. The latest SDG Progress Report showed that only 36% of the SDG targets for which data are available are either on track or advancing at a moderate days, nearly half of the SDG targets have registered only limited progress, while approximately one in seven has regressed below its 2015 baseline. The challenge before us is no longer identifying solutions, but accelerating implementation, accelerating delivery. The ministerial declaration adopted at the forum reaffirms the international community's commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation. This year, 36 countries presented their voluntary national reviews. Many reports highlighted the importance of reducing inequalities, strengthening social protection systems, promoting gender equality, expanding access to essential services, and ensuring that people in vulnerable situations are reached first. The central message was also that achieving the SDGs requires not only all of government, but all of society approaches. Countries emphasized the role of data in identifying those furthest behind and designing appropriate responses. This year's review of SDG 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17 demonstrated that sustainable development and human rights remains closely linked. On SDG 6, many speakers stressed the human right to safe drinking, water and sanitation, and the need to address persistent inequalities in access. On SDG 7, discussion focused on ensuring that the energy transition is just, is equitable and inclusive, with special attention to affordable access, gender equality, and support for those at risk of being left behind. On SDG 11, participants highlighted housing as a foundation for dignity, health, social inclusion, and society resilience. Speakers stressed the need to ensure affordability access to services, and inclusive urban governance. The Forum also devoted significant attention to African countries, to least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, middle-income countries, and small island developing states. Delegations emphasized that poverty, debt burden, climate vulnerability, limited fiscal space, and external shocks continue to undermine development. A recurring concern was that climate-related disasters and environmental degradation are increasingly increasingly threatening development gains and affecting those already in vulnerable situations. Excellencies and dear colleagues, as we move toward the 2027 SDG Summit, the last before the 2030 deadline, strengthening cooperation between ECOSOC and the Human Rights Council is essential. And as President of ECOSOC, I am committed, I am committed to advancing our shared objective, ensuring that no one is left behind and that development, human rights, justice, and peace advance together for the benefit of all. I thank you.

On behalf of the Human Rights Council, I thank the ECOSOC President for his report on the work of the High-level Political Forum. I now proceed with the presentation of the report of the open-ended governmental working group for the elaboration of a legally binding instrument on the promotion and protection of the human rights of older persons. have the honour to give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Carlos Mario Foradori, chair apporter of the working group, to present the report, Ambassador.

Thank you very much, Vice-President. Let me start by thanking you sincerely for the trust placed in me, electing me chair of this open-ended working group for the elaboration of a legally binding instrument on the promotion and protection of the human rights of older persons. I do it with gratitude, but also with a profound feeling of responsibility, because this group does not begin today. Behind us, there are more than 10 years of ideas, debates and, as often occurs in Geneva, debates on how to continue debating. Behind all of this, there has always been a very simple conviction: older persons should be able to enjoy their human rights fully, and the international system should be better prepared to protect them. Today, this conviction is stronger than ever. The adoption of resolution 58/13 opened a new stage. It was not just another resolution to add to our libraries, which are certainly already well supplied. Rather, it was a political decision that gave us a chance to move towards something tangible: strengthening the international protection of the human rights of older persons. Since then, we have made progress. From 18 to 20 February, we held our organisational meeting. We heard from numerous actors and exchanged opinions on the stages that we had ahead. Above all, we sought to maintain and step up the political impetus that made the resolution possible. Subsequently, between 13 and 17 July, we met again. We analysed where we stood, what the challenges were and what we could do collectively to consolidate the gains that have been made. Those gains have been significant, profound and extensive. Ahead, we have a decisive moment, the session from 26 to 30 October. That is why I want to invite all of you to participate actively, not just to attend, listen or watch how the process but rather be there to build it. We need ideas, we need proposals and above all we need political will. In November, moreover, we will have the opportunity to present written contributions on various aspects and elements of the future text. That is an opportunity that must be taken advantage of. Allow me to dwell on an issue that has concerned us all this year. We all know the huge difficulties that are deriving from the liquidity crisis that the UN is experiencing. We understand the budgetary restrictions and the difficulties that the office is facing. What would have helped us, and could still help us, is something less costly than a new budgetary programme. What would help us is clear information clear information on the actual impact of the crisis in the process that was established under resolution 58/13. Greater transparency would have allowed states to better understand the limitations and, perhaps more important still, to seek joint solutions. We must avoid the one thing that a financial crisis ends up converting, almost by inertia, into a crisis of political ambition. The process deserves and has ambition. This year, we have sought to expand the conversation. We have spoken with civil society organisations, national human rights institutions, academia and other stakeholders. That is no accident. The future international framework for the protection of older persons cannot be built exclusively within the meeting chambers here in Geneva. Rather, it needs to bring on board the experience of those who work day in, day out with older persons, of those who know their needs and those who protect their rights. Their participation is not decorative; rather, it is a source of legitimacy, knowledge and tangible proposals. Moreover, another encouraging sign is that support is growing. We see that clearly in this group, in our conversations with various delegations and increasingly throughout the regional groups. That matters, because it shows that this is not just a project of a single region or a single single political group or one particular set of states. Rather, it is a project for us all, and perhaps therein lies its greatest strength. We are going through a moment when multilateralism needs to ask itself a key question: what value are we generating for our states, our societies and, ultimately, our taxpayers? We must demonstrate that multilateralism can yield results. The Human Rights Council dedicates vast amounts of time and resources to issues that often reflect profound ideological divisions. I do not question the importance of those discussions, but perhaps we can set aside part of our diplomatic talent for what should be located at the heart of our goal, which is protecting people, particularly those people in situations of greatest vulnerability. Older persons are precisely one such group. We have an opportunity to demonstrate that we can work together beyond our differences and that this council can produce something that has real consequences outside the chamber and, above all, an opportunity to build something that lasts. Our goal should not just be to conclude yet another intergovernmental process. We have had lots of processes. Our goal should be to leave an institution, a framework, a protection that continues to be useful in 10, 20 or 30 years, something that enables older persons to exercise their rights with greater effectiveness, something that helps states to protect them better, and something that allows us to look back and say that, in difficult times for multilateralism, we were able to recall why multilateralism exists. That is why I want to thank you once more for the trust deposited in me. But more than thank you, I want to ask you to maintain this commitment in October, to maintain during the next stages of resolution 58/13 the full force and energy that we have invested so far and that we should maintain it later, because the project cannot just depend on a chair, a resolution or the composition of the group on a given day. It must be converted into a collective commitment. We have ahead an opportunity that perhaps will not present itself in the same way again. We have a chance to leave for everyone an international system that is a bit more humane, a bit more effective and much better prepared to protect all of us as we get older. Thank you very much, Vice-President.

Thank you, Ambassador. We will now proceed with the presentation of the report of the Working Group on the Right to Development. I have with me the chair rapporteur of the working group, Zamir Akram, who will intervene via a video statement.

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to address you in my capacity as chair rapporteur of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Right to Development. At the outset, I would like to recall that today is the International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South. Achieving sustainable development has become an increasingly difficult task in a world marked by economic, social and environmental crises. Science, technology and innovation play an essential role in tackling development challenges, but they require better cooperation fair access to technology and the responsible use of scientific innovations, in line with the duty to cooperate enshrined in the Declaration on the Right to Development. Mr. President, The Working Group held its 27th annual session from 18 to 21 May this year. This is the oldest working group operating under the council and has undertaken various work streams in the past. It engaged in standard setting, most importantly in the form of a draft international covenant on the right to development. Earlier, it considered criteria and indicators for measuring progress in the realization of the right to development. and it engaged in dialogues on critical, often divisive issues, which hindered progress in the realization of the right to development, bringing in academic expertise, the experiences of member states, the views of relevant human rights mechanisms and mandate holders in international organizations, civil society actors, and development practitioners. Despite the unsustainable budgetary situation and inability to use remote conference services, the Working Group in its last session managed to discuss some critical areas pending on its agenda in a reduced session of four working days. It held an interactive dialogue with Surya Deva, the Special Rapporteur on the right to development, and Joana Maria Ibenez Rivas, the Chair of the Expert Mechanism on the right to development. We dedicated one meeting to the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the right to development, with a focus on regional perspectives on the right to development. and we continue to consider areas that prove difficult for some members while considering the draft International Covenant on the Right to Development, with a view to overcoming these diverging opinions. As such, we considered the duty to cooperate for the right to development, the right to peace or the prohibition of the use of force, and the possible contribution of disarmament to the realization of development. We deepened our discussions on coercive measures, in particular unilateral ones, and on illicit financial flows and the obstacles to their non-repatriation, with a focus on tax-related illicit financial flows. Finally, we also considered the area of climate justice. Mr. President, the working group adopted recommendations by consensus. It recommended, among others, that, one, the High Commissioner take the measures necessary to provide a balanced and visible allocation of resources and pay due attention to the visibility and effective implementation and mainstreaming of the right to development by systematically identifying and undertaking tangible projects dedicated to that right. Two, the working group should continue to convene interactive dialogues with relevant experts aimed at addressing the divergent views expressed in the working group. 3. The Working Group convene interactive dialogues with relevant experts in current trends on official development assistance, financing for development and imbalances in the international financial architecture, including international financial institutions, and assess their impacts on the realization of all human rights, including the right to development. Four, the working group convene interactive dialogues on best practices in international cooperation for the promotion of the right to development in which North-South, South-South, and triangular cooperation initiatives are presented. And five, that the High Commissioner include in his next report on the right to development and analysis of existing practices and the challenges and obstacles to the realization of that right, including unilateral coercive measures, the non-repatriation of funds of illicit origin, and the impact of the debt crisis, on recommendations on how to overcome them. Mr. President, in conclusion, I call on all delegations, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, to recommit to multilateralism, international cooperation and solidarity, and to make the right to development a reality for all, in particular by adopting the draft Covenant on the Right to Development, which is currently before the UN General Assembly. I thank you.

On behalf of the Council, I'd like to thank Mr. Akram for presenting the working group's report. We'll now proceed with the presentation of the report of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group to elaborate the content of an international regulatory framework without prejudging the nature thereof relating to the activities of private military security companies. I have the honor to give the floor to former colleague here in Geneva, His Excellency Mxolisi Sisondkosi, Chair Rapporteur of the Working Group, to present the report.

Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor for me to present the progress report on the seventh session of the open-ended intergovernmental working group to elaborate the content of an international regulatory framework without prejudging the nature thereof to protect human rights and ensure accountability for violations and abuses relating to the activities of private military and security companies. In October 2025, ahead of the seventh session, as chair rapporteur, I released the fifth draft of an international regulatory framework on the regulation, monitoring of, and oversight over the activities of private military and security companies. That fifth draft was at the center of the discussion during two days of informal intersessional consultations on 1 and 2 December 2025. On the basis of the comments and textual suggestions received during these intersessional consultations, as well as previous sessions of the working group and the expert advice from the members of the group, which was established at the third session to provide legal and technical advice on specific issues, a revised fifth draft was released in March 2026. This revised draft served as the basis for discussions at the seventh session held from 27 to 30 April 2026. The overall approach to the revised fifth draft drew on past reports of the working group and a number of existing documents, such as the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers, the Montreal Document on Pertinent International Legal Obligations and Good Practices for States Related to Operations of Private Military and Security Companies During Armed Conflict, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the draft of a possible convention on private military and security companies for consideration and action by the Human Rights Council. The revised fifth draft was carefully articulated to abide by the mandate of this process and to be in a format that could form the basis for either a legally binding or a non-legally binding outcome, with language options to reflect both approaches. The seventh session was opened by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, who underscored that delegations were meeting at a time when the need for an effective international framework to regulate these activities was greater than ever. During the session, delegations reaffirmed the importance of the working group's mandate and displayed a spirit of compromise on several of the more contentious provisions. They also acknowledged that outstanding issues remain while expressing a willingness to engage with one another and to narrow the differences on these issues. For instance, between those advancing for a legally binding instrument and those supporting a non-legally binding one. The progress report on the seventh session takes stock of the work undertaken and the significant progress the working group has achieved since 2017. from the elaboration of elements of a draft regulatory framework to a revised fifth draft instrument. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all state delegations and other stakeholders for their valuable contributions and comments, as well as concrete textual suggestions made during the last session on the revised fifth draft. I would also like to thank the group of legal experts who have continued to provide legal advice on specific issues at the request of the working group and the secretariat for their ongoing support. Such active engagement with the text speaks clearly to the need for this group to continue its work to elaborate the content of an international regulatory framework relating to the activities of private military and security companies. Such a framework should ensure that human rights abuses and violations are curtailed that victims have access to effective remedies, and that states can discharge their regulatory responsibilities based on a strong international regulatory instrument. In view of this, at this session of the Council, and on the basis of the way forward adopted at the seventh session, the African Group will present a resolution requesting the extension of the working group's mandate. An extension of the mandate will allow it to continue working towards elaborating the content of an international regulatory framework, which will ultimately strengthen the protection of human rights, access to remedy, and accountability for violations and abuses relating to the activities of private military and security companies. Effective regulation, monitoring, and oversight of the activities of private military and security companies is especially important given the growing reliance on such companies, both in conflict and non-conflict settings. Let me conclude by assuring you of my commitment as chair rapporteur of the working group to ensure that the work towards the much needed framework to prevent and address the abuses and violations connected to private military and security companies continues. I thank you for your attention and support.

On behalf of the Council, I want to thank Ambassador Nkosi for presenting that report. We will now proceed with the presentation of nine thematic reports submitted by the Secretary General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights and his office. pleasure to give the floor to Mr. Dimitar Tchalev, Chief of the Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch, to present the reports.

Mr. Vice President, Excellencies, Colleagues, it's my pleasure to introduce 14 reports of the Secretary General and the High Commission for Human Rights on a range of thematic issues to be considered under item 3 and item 8. The first report is the Secretary General's report on the question of death penalty. It provides an overview of developments between July 24 and June 26. It documents the adoption of new laws abolishing capital punishment, as well as legal reforms that restricted the scope of capital offenses or further limited the use of death penalty. At the same time, the report highlights persistent and worsening challenges. global executions rose sharply in 24 and 25, largely as a result of increased use of the death penalty in small number of retentionist states. The report notes instances in which states reintroduced, took concrete step to introduce, or expanded the application of capital punishment. It further documents the continued imposition of the death penalty for offenses that do not meet the threshold of the most serious crimes under international law, particularly drug-related offenses. The report notes with particular concern developments in several states where executions increased substantially or where the death penalty was expanded or applied in ways that raise serious concerns about the lack of safeguards. It further notes the growing concentration of executions in a limited number of States. Covering the period June 2025 to May 2026, the next report is the annual report of the High Commission on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It identifies continued gaps between international standards in the implementation of Indigenous Peoples' rights. Key concerns include inequity, recognition and protection of collective lands, inconsistent application of free, prior and informed consent, and the adverse effects of development, extractive and energy transition projects on the territories, livelihoods and cultures of indigenous peoples. The report draws attention to the challenges faced by indigenous women, children and youth, as well as threats, criminalization and reprisals affecting indigenous human rights defenders. It highlights measures taken by OHCHR to address this situation. The report recommends that States, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples, strengthen legal recognition of collective lands, ensure free, prior and informed consent, promote inclusive participation, including that of Indigenous women, protect human rights defenders, preserve traditional knowledge and safeguard Indigenous Peoples living in voluntary isolation or initial contact. The High Commission's report on the right to development outlines all CHR activities to advance the right to development. It examines three key obstacles. Unilateral coercive measures, the non-repatriation of illicit funds, and unsustainable debt. It finds that unilateral trade, economic and financial measures can impede humanitarian action and sustainable human-centered development. States should avoid measures inconsistent with international law, ensure effective humanitarian safeguards, and address overcompliance. Illicit financial flows deprive countries of vital development resources. The report calls for the development of coherent legal frameworks that address anti-corruption, commercial and tax-related illicit financial flows through a right to development lens. Unsustainable debt can divert resources from essential services and development priorities and deepen poverty and inequality. The report stresses the need for debt relief for heavily indebted and climate-vulnerable countries, debt restructuring processes consistent with human rights obligations, increased access to grant-based and concessional financing, and debt sustainability assessment that considered human rights, development, and climate considerations. The next report is the High Commission's report on terrorism and human rights. It examines how digital technologies are reshaping terrorist threats and counterterrorism responses and their impact on the right to privacy and other human rights. Terrorists and violent extremist groups exploit dark web platforms, malware, cybercrime tools, and drones to obtain personal data, coordinate activities, and facilitate attacks. At the same time, states increasingly rely on data-driven and technologically enabled counterterrorism measures, such as fingerprinting, facial recognition, artificial intelligence, and machine learning systems. While these tools can strengthen security responses, the report finds that accountability frameworks and oversight mechanisms have not kept pace. Personal data may therefore be collected, processed, shared or retained in ways that unlawfully interfere with the right to privacy. These practices may lead to persistent surveillance and discriminatory profiling, disproportionately affecting minorities, civil society actors and journalists. Key concerns include automated content moderation systems relying on overly broad definitions of terrorists or extremists. the growing interoperability of public and private databases across institution and borders, and the growing role of private companies in counterterrorism technologies. Cross-border intelligence and data sharing arrangements also create significant privacy risks. The report recommends that states ensure that any interference with privacy is lawful, necessary and proportionate. It calls on states to refrain from using mass or indiscriminate surveillance, strengthen independent oversight and accountability mechanisms, conduct human rights impact assessment for high-risk technologies, and regulate private sector involvement. It calls on the United Nations to integrate human rights due diligence in technical assistance and strengthen independent oversight of counterterrorism measures. The next report focuses on the best practices of states local governments and other stakeholders in overcoming challenges in promoting and protecting human rights. Drawing on diverse contribution, it documents promising approaches in five areas: inclusive and participatory decision-making, public financial management, public procurement, digital governance and coordination across different levels of government. Integrating human rights into planning, budgeting, service delivery and other governance processes can strengthen inclusion and transparency while enabling public authorities to respond more effectively to inequalities and the needs of communities. The report also highlights barriers to sustaining and scaling up these initiatives. The report calls for a shift towards approaches that are institutionalized, sustainable and scalable. It encourages stronger cooperation between national and local authorities, greater involvement of local and regional governments in national human rights planning, reporting and follow-up, and continued investment in capacity building, local data, peer learning and enabling legal and fiscal frameworks. The sixth report is OHCHR's follow-up report on good practices and challenges faced by States when using the guidelines on the effective implementation of the right to participate in public affairs, with a particular focus on participation in elections. It examines good practices and challenges regarding the right to participate in public affairs, with a focus on elections, It highlights legislative and administrative measures supporting electoral and non-electoral participation, including measures aimed in increasing the participation for women and marginalized groups and initiatives promoting participation and access to information, education and awareness and participation in international forum. The report also outlines challenges including barriers to an enabling environment for the right to participation related to media freedom, peaceful process and genuine elections, crisis situation and discrimination and exclusion. OICR has jointly with Privacy International and the Carter Center developed the human rights standards and guidelines on the use of digital technologies in electoral processes. These have been released as a conference room paper. The next report is a study on the impact of mental health challenges on the enjoyment of human rights by young people. Drawing on a wide range of submissions and consultations with many young people from all regions, it highlights the significant mental health challenges and human rights challenges experienced by youth. Young people identified anxiety, depression, burnout, loneliness, trauma, self-harm, and suicidal ideation as key concerns. These are shaped in part by structural and social determinants, including poverty, inequality, discrimination, violence, conflict, displacement, inadequate standards of living, digital harms, and multiple planetary crises, as well as a lack of social connection. These challenges disproportionately affect youth facing multiple or intersecting forms of discrimination. The study identifies significant structural and systemic barriers related to the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of mental health services, including chronic underinvestment, lack of expertise, limited youth-friendly and community-based services. These barriers undermine the enjoyment of a wide range of young people rights, including the right to health, education, decent work and social security. The study calls for a youth-centered, human rights-based approach developed together with young people. It recommends integrated government action, community-based and rights-compliant services, meaningful youth participation, sustainable financing, disaggregated data and stronger accountability. States should address the social determinants of mental health and coercive practices and laws criminalizing suicide or suicide attempts. ensure continuity of care and invest in accessible, high-quality services that respect autonomy, dignity and informed consent. The next report is the High Commission's report on civil society space. It sends a clear message. Safeguarding civic space is not only about preventing restrictions, but ensuring that all people can participate safely and meaningfully in decision making that affects their lives. Protecting and promoting civic space is not optional, but an investment in resilient societies, more effective institutions, and more inclusive, a safer future for all. Based on the inputs received from a wide range of stakeholders, the report identifies several major global trends. First, digital technologies have created new opportunities for participation mobilization, yet this goes hand in hand with increased surveillance, censorship, online attacks, and disinformation. Artificial intelligence is amplifying these risks. Second, Social movements, often led by young people, continue to mobilize around inequality, corruption, economic hardship, environmental concerns and exclusion. However, many of those movements face excessive force during peaceful processes, peaceful protests, criminalization and stigmatization. Third, Restriction on civic space are becoming more sophisticated. Governments increasingly rely on counter-terrorism, cyber crime, public security, foreign influence laws, as well as burdensome administrative requirements on associations to constrain legitimate civic activity. Funding restrictions are major. and major reductions are further weakening civil society organization. The report recommends five priority actions: strengthen solidarity and partnerships, improve monitoring and exposure of emerging restriction, expand protection mechanisms for those at risk, invest in sustainable and flexible funding, and promote positive inclusive narratives. The next report focuses on the human rights challenges in addressing and countering all aspects of the world drug problem. Drawing on 100 contributions, it finds that drug policies affect women and girls in distinct ways that reinforce existing discrimination. The female prison population is growing faster than the male population, although many women commit drug-related offenses amid violence, poverty, or coercion. Sentencing often overlooks these circumstances and caregiving responsibilities. Fear of punishment, prosecution during pregnancy, or loss of child custody deters women from seeking treatment and health care. Only one in 18 women with drug use disorders receives treatment, compared with one in seven men, and services often neglect women's specific needs. The report recommends reducing punitive responses, expanding alternatives to incarceration, considering decriminalization and responsible regulation, ensuring voluntary gender-responsive health and harm reduction services and alternative development, involving women meaningfully in drug policy-making, and aligning prevention measures with human rights. The Secretary-General reports on genocide prevention. focuses on early warning and timely action, reviewing national, regional and international developments. It calls for adequately resourced national prevention mechanisms with clear mandates, regular risk assessment using the framework of analysis for atrocity crimes, and the translation of their findings in practical national strategies. States should also strengthen or establish such mechanisms and to appropriately integrate genocide prevention into bodies with related mandates, including national human rights institutions. The report outlines United Nations support for genocide prevention, including through the Office of the Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, and encourages the Human Rights Council to strengthen access to data on genocide risk indicators, including hate speech and discrimination against groups protected by the Genocide Convention. Next, I introduce the OHCHR study on protection gaps of vulnerable segments of the population regarding access to medicine and vaccines in the context of the right of everyone to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. The report shows complex, interconnected barriers still preventing many people, especially vulnerable and marginalized communities, from accessing medicines, vaccines, and essential medical products. It also notes the need for better regulation, of the private sector and the return to a multilateral trading system that enables the full use of existing TRIPS flexibilities and puts an end to disruptive tariffs, sanctions and other trade measures that unduly restrict or interrupt medical supply and change. The report then analyses how other trends such as increased attacks on health care, environmental degradation, including climate change, the digital transformation of health systems, and regressive narratives are undermining science-based health policy, impede access to medicine, vaccines, and other medical products. The report reaffirms the need for a holistic human rights-based approach underpinned by international cooperation and solidarity that tackles the underlying barriers preventing access to medicines, vaccines, and other medical products. Human rights defenders rely on digital technologies to connect, document abuses, speak out, and protect themselves. Yet, the rapid expansion of state and corporate power online has not been matched by adequate safeguards, accountability or oversight. Drawing on three regional workshops and consultations with human rights defenders, civil society and the private sector, This report on due diligence and improved responses to the risk of digital technology to human rights defenders, indeed identifies three principal concerns. First, restrictive regulation. Vague cybercrime offenses and overboard national security, counterterrorism, and online harms laws can be used to criminalize defenders. censor their work and enable surveillance. Second, pervasive surveillance. Defenders are targeted with intrusive spyware, while advances in AI are making both target and mass surveillance cheaper and more scalable. Third, online censorship and attacks. Internet shutdowns, arbitrary content restrictions, Smear campaigns, manipulated content and cyber attacks increasingly undermine defenders' work and safety. The report also finds that corporate responses remain insufficient and seem to be declining. The report calls on states to align laws and regulations with international human rights standards strengthen safeguards against transnational repression, protect personal data, and regulate surveillance technologies. Companies should respect human rights, increase transparency, and resist abusive state requests. Greater support is also needed for civil society efforts to prevent and respond to digital threats. I now turn to the final two Secretary General reports on OHCHR technical cooperation on national human rights institutions and on the NHRIs compliance with the Paris Principles. These reports fall under item 8. The first report on national human rights institutions summarizes OHCHR and wider United Nations support to establish and strengthen national human rights institutions. The report draws on inputs received from 19 member states, 23 national institutions and UNDP under the tripartite partnership program of OHCHR, UNDP and GANRI. OHCHR together with other United Nations entities, provided technical assistance to over 50 national institutions across regions, advising on enabling legislation and compliance with the Paris Principles, building institutional and staff capacity, strengthening thematic human rights practice, and facilitating engagement with the international human rights system. The report encourages States to establish and strengthen independent NHRIs' compliance with the Paris Principles and use of OHCHR technical support in this regard. It also encourages States to provide NHRIs with a broad human rights mandate by granting them adequate powers of investigation, including the competence to visit places of deprivation of liberty. The report further encourages States to take the measures necessary to protect the staff of NHRIs, human rights defenders and other individuals that cooperate or seek to cooperate with them. The second report concerns the activities of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions in accrediting national institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles. The UN UNCHRD peer review mechanism assesses NHRI compliance with the Paris Principles and measures Sustainable Development Goal indicator 16.8.1. During the reporting period, the subcommittee considered 51 NHRIs. As of June 26, 119 human rights institutions are accredited by the subcommittee, of which 91 are fully compliant with the Paris Principle, A status, and 28 are partially compliant, B status. The reviews conducted during the reporting period revealed systemic compliance issues. Across all regions, the subcommittee identified shortcomings in the procedures for selecting and appointing leadership of national human rights institutions, in the breadth of the mandate of these institutions, including with respect to conduct by private actors and to unannounced visits to places of deprivation. in the adequacy and timeliness of their funding and in the consistency of their engagement with international human rights system, including through human rights mechanisms. These findings warrant sustained legislative, policy and administrative action at the national level. I thank you.

Thank you very.

Much. I thank Mr. Cella on behalf of the Council for his sterling efforts to present such a high number of reports in just one session. I thank him very much for his efforts at summarising. Distinguished participants, excellencies, we will now begin the general debate under agenda item 3. Let me remind you that requests for a right of reply will be accommodated exclusively at the end of the general debate. I also remind all the speakers to comply with the allocated speaking time, which is one minute and a half for all, as is the practice. The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes. We will start with members of the Council. I give the floor to the Republic of Korea on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. I deliver this statement on behalf of the core group of the resolution on new and emerging digital technologies and human rights, comprising Austria, Brazil, Denmark, Morocco, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea. We thank the High Commissioner for his recent open call for urgent and meaningful action to address the unprecedented risks posed by artificial intelligence. and we welcome the Council's growing engagement on new and emerging digital technologies, artificial intelligence and human rights. Since 2019, successive resolutions and OHCHR studies have built up analysis and recommendations in this area. With the accelerating development of AI, Timely responses should go hand in hand with careful consideration of the risks to the enjoyment of human rights it raises. Growing engagement makes coherence and complementarity all the more important. The Council should work collectively to ensure that its efforts build on existing work respond to gaps and provide a comprehensive response to the evolving nature of AI, ensuring coherence across complementary initiatives, making effective use of the Council's limited resources, and advancing rationalization and efficiency.

Give the floor to Ireland on behalf of a group of countries.

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of members of the civil society space.

Core group, namely Chile, Japan, Sierra Leone, and my own country, Ireland.

We welcome the presentation of the High Commissioner's report containing practical recommendations for the creation and maintenance of a safe and enabling environment for civil society.

As the report rightly notes, an open and vibrant civic space is an enabler of all human rights.

We emphasize the important role that civil society actors play at the local, national, regional and international levels.

In the protection and promotion of human rights and in achieving peace, security and sustainable development.

We are deeply concerned about some of the challenges.

Highlighted in the High Commissioner's report, such as undue criminalization and legal restrictions on the work of civil society, and stigmatizing narratives against those undertaking this work. We are further concerned about increasingly routine and systematic instances of transnational repression highlighted in this report. We condemn all instances of threats, intimidation, attacks and reprisals against civil society actors, both online and offline, and encourage all States to adopt the measures outlined in the High Commissioner's report to create a safe and enabling environment for civil society, which benefits the enjoyment of human rights for all.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished Ambassador of Egypt on behalf of a group of countries.

Mr. President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of Egypt and Mexico. co-penholders of the HRC resolution on terrorism and human rights and a cross-regional group of countries. We unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirm our commitment to multilateral efforts to prevent and address its impact on human rights while ensuring measures taken in this regard are in full compliance with international law and respect of the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, as well as equality and non-discrimination due to process and the rule of law. Terrorism constitutes one of the greatest threats to the enjoyment of all human rights. It denies the rights to life and security of persons, targets civilians and critical infrastructures, erodes social cohesion, weakens institutions, deepens polarization and reverse sustainable developments. Victims of terrorism and their families are entitled to justice, redress, rehabilitation and dignity. As we mark the 20th anniversary of the UN Global Terrorism Strategy, We reaffirm that its balance and integrated implementation remain essential. Effective counterterrorism and the promotion and the protection of human rights are complementary and mutually reinforcing objectives. The Human Rights Council has an important role to play in this regard. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Growing global tensions, instability and uncertainties continue to undermine peace, development and the enjoyment of human rights for millions.

The OIC group believes that in these challenging times, the international human rights system must remain anchored in the UN Charter, international law and universally agreed human rights instruments.

Promotion and protection of.

Human rights must be pursued in strict adherence to the principles of impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity, and through genuine dialogue and cooperation. The Group also reaffirms the universality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of all human rights. The continuing humanitarian tragedy in Palestine is a stark reminder of the denial of the inalienable right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, which is vital for the enjoyment of their all other human rights. More international attention must also be accorded to economic, social and cultural rights, in particular the right to development. The OIC group expresses deep concern over growing Islamophobia, racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia which undermine human dignity and peaceful coexistence. We call for strengthened international cooperation to address these challenges. The OIC remains committed to a shared global vision for peace, security, development, and human rights grounded in the universal principles of equity and justice. I thank you.

Thank you. The distinguished representative of the European Union has the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union. Albania, Armenia, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Ukraine align themselves with this statement. We thank the Secretary General and the High Commissioner for their reports and the ECOSOC President for his briefing. We call for the strengthened engagement between this Council and the other pillars of the United Nations. We unequivocally condemn the use of the death penalty and call on all countries applying the death penalty to abolish it. We welcome the growing worldwide trend towards abolition, while expressing concern at the increase in the number of recorded executions in recent years. A strong and vibrant civic space is crucial for the enjoyment of all human rights. The EU is alarmed by increasing restrictions on civil society space and human rights defenders, including through acts of transnational repression. The same rights that people enjoy offline must also be protected online. We champion a human rights-based, human-centric, inclusive and accessible approach to design, development, regulation and governance in the digital sphere. We also defend bridging digital divides. The EU places the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, at the centre of its effort to achieve gender equality. We will continue to strive for the realization of all human rights by all women and girls. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished Ambassador of Vietnam on behalf of a group of countries.

Mr. President, I have the honor to speak on behalf of a group of countries.

Immunization has become a cornerstone of primary health care, universal health coverage, and achievement of SDG 3.8. While we all can progress in vaccine science, significant immunization gaps persist. In 2025, 13.5 million children receive no vaccines. While outbreaks or vaccine preventable disease continue to pose a risk, particularly though in vulnerable situations.

In this regard, we spread the need

strengthen routine immunization systems, address vaccine inequalities, and ensure timely, affordable, and equitable access to vaccines, including through international cooperation, sustainable financing, technology, and knowledge sharing. To this end, we welcome the adoption of the pandemic agreement and continuing negotiation on its annex.

We also look forward to the upcoming 2026

UN High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response as an opportunity to enforce equity, solidarity, and resilience in global health. To conclude, we reaffirm our commitment in advancing immunization so as to promote the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, human dignity, equity, and resilience. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative. of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of a group of

countries.

Thank you, Vice President. We make this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter. The Group of Friends sets great store to promoting and protecting all human rights, both individual and collective, for all, without distinction of levels or categories. In that context, the right to development represents one of the rights of peoples whose realisation and enjoyment is most urgent, especially because sustained historic economic and social inequalities between the countries of the global South and North continue to grow. These inequalities underscore the importance of the right to development as an inalienable human right that should be guaranteed by all States and recognised as such by the international human rights system. We believe that part of the gaps that exist between developed and developing countries is the result of the unequal, unjust exploitation of the vast natural resources of the countries of the South, fundamentally obtained surreptitiously. Moreover, the Group of Friends is concerned that the fact that certain developed countries insist on exercising cultural, economic, social and political domination over those who have decided in free and sovereign fashion to define their own future and their own legal, economic, social and cultural systems. Therefore, the Group of Friends reaffirms that the only way to transcend those asymmetries is to strengthen multilateralism, full respect for the UN Charter and international law. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uganda on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Mr. President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. NAM reiterates the importance of the promotion and protection of all universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. The movement reaffirms that all human rights, including the right to development, are universal, inalienable, indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated. We therefore call upon the Human Rights Council to provide equal treatment to civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as the right to development. The movement reaffirms the urgent need to make the right to development a reality for everyone, and calls upon the OHCHR to prioritize the promotion and protection of the right and development for all people. The NAM further attaches utmost importance to the work and role of the Special Rapporteur on Unilateral Coercive Measures. We call upon all States to refrain from the imposition of unilateral coercive measures and the extraterritorial application of domestic laws that run counter to the principles of free trade and hamper the development of developing countries and impedes the full realization of all human rights. Finally, we call upon all states and human rights mechanisms to ensure that human rights are not used for political purposes and as a pretext for interference in internal affairs and states, but rather promotion of human rights for all. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahrain on behalf of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.

Thank you, Mr. President. I give deliver this statement on behalf of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. While artificial intelligence is now an important tool for the learning and mental health as well as the development of young people, we agree on the challenges as well. However, we need to seize the opportunities given by artificial intelligence to expand access to education, access to healthcare services as well. In this respect, we reaffirm that young people's voices must be heard. They must be engaged in the discussions about the digital future. They have to be part of a responsible digital environment. This comes in line with the given by the Council to expand the participation of young people in all sectors. Conditions must be created for their entrepreneurship as well. While AI comes with challenges, efforts must be integrated, efforts of all parties concerned. The Human Rights Council can make the best use of the expertise of all other actors and parties while focusing on specific topics to better integration and avoid duplication. Priority must be given to the best use of resources.

Thank you. I'm sorry to cut you off there. I can inform you that the list of speakers is now closed. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Georgia on behalf of a group of countries.

Mr. Vice President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of 64 countries. Autistic persons are an integral part of human diversity and are entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with the CRPD. Autism is a lifelong condition, not a disease. We recognize progress worldwide in advancing awareness, acceptance, and inclusion, yet autistic persons continue to face stigma, discrimination, and systemic barriers. Here, we autistic persons must be at the center of decisions affecting their lives. Their experience and expertise, including through representative organizations, should meaningfully inform policies, programs, and research. Families and caregivers also play an important supporting role and should have access to appropriate information, resources, and assistance with while respecting the autonomy of autistic persons. We encourage continued international cooperation to help close the gap between commitments and their implementation. We therefore call for inclusive, accessible and enabling environments, access to appropriate community-based services and support systems, and measures that respect and promote the dignity and autonomy and full participation of autistic persons, ensuring that they are recognized as equal rights holders and active contributors to our societies. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Kenya on behalf of the African Group.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group. The Group reaffirms its commitment to the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development across Africa and beyond. These rights are essential to addressing poverty and structural inequalities and advancing inclusive and sustainable development. However, persistent global inequalities, climate change, growing debt burdens, illicit financial flows and imbalances in the international financial system continue to constrain the ability of developing countries, particularly in Africa, to realize these rights. We therefore reiterate our call for reform of the international financial architecture, greater access to affordable development financing, enhanced climate finance, and strengthened international cooperation. The group also deeply is concerned by conflicts that cause immense human suffering, displacement, and humanitarian crises, and undermining development and the enjoyment of economic, social, and cultural rights. We stress that sustainable progress requires dialogue and cooperation grounded in sovereign equality, non-interference, national ownership, non-selectivity, and non-politicization. Finally, we emphasize that Africa-led and Africa-owned solutions, strengthened regional cooperation, and international solidarity remain essential to building resilient societies.

I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Peru on behalf of a group of countries.

Mr. Vice President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of countries. The full list and statement will be posted in the portal. Climate change adversely affects the enjoyment of human rights across all regions, and climate phenomena such as El Nino are becoming increasingly severe, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities, placing additional pressure on ecosystems and biodiversity, and generating new hazards that threaten the enjoyment of human rights and sustainable development in societies around the world. Indeed, according to the World Meteorological Organization, El Nino can increase the risk of floods, droughts, and extreme heat, with serious consequences for livelihoods, infrastructure, essential public services, food and water security, and the health and resilience of ecosystems. For many developing countries, including SEEDS, limited fiscal space and constraints in accessing adequate, predictable, and accessible climate finance affect their capacity to prepare for and respond to these impacts. And this directly affects the enjoyment of rights, including the right to life, the highest attainable standard of health, food, clean and safe drinking water, adequate housing, education and development. As the Secretary General has warned, we are in a race against time between increasing climate risk and our capacity to act. We therefore stress the importance of ensuring that climate finance is accessible, predictable, transparent and responsible to national circumstances, particularly for developing countries, and that it supports integrated approaches capable of simultaneously strengthening climate resilience, protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.

Thank you. Give the floor to distinguished Delegation of Albania on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of country. The full text of this statement will be published later on. We would like to express our gratitude to Office of High Commissioner for its report. to simply entitle human rights challenges in addressing and countering all aspects of the world drug problem, particularly on impact of drug policy on the rights of human and girls. We are pleased to see that a large number of stakeholders provide inputs for this report, including 26 country of all region. The report show that the drug policy can have impact important implication for the full enjoyment of human rights. This is particularly true for women and girls, as are they often in situation of vulnerability and subject of discrimination and stigma. Criminal justice responses too often neglect the particular circumstances of women and girls, such as caregiving responsibility and the risk of gender-based violence. Condition of detention often fail to adequately address the special need of women in prison for drug-related offenses. Women and girls worldwide have fear to criminalization, stigma, discrimination, loss of child custody, and therefore continue to face the important obstacle in the mental health supports and other services. We call all country to give due consideration, the recommendation of the report, and to take part of the discussion during the session.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished ambassador of Iceland on behalf of a group of countries.

Mr. Vice President, I take the floor on behalf of a group of countries to commemorate this year's International Equal Pay Day tomorrow on 18th of September. On this occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to the full realization of equal pay for work of equal value. It is a part of upholding the foundational principle of non-discrimination in international human rights.

We welcome the wins along the way.

The availability of gender pay gap data expands globally, and the implementation of binding legislation on pay transparency produces measurable progress. Further, emerging technologies can play a positive role in the oversight and compliance with equal pay standards. Yet there is work to do in a world where women still earn on average 20% less than men, the systemic undervaluation of women's work remains a significant driver of gender pay gaps globally. Equal pay equals stronger labor markets, more resilient economies, and greater protection of an adequate standard of living. It contributes to well-being of families, reduced poverty, and recognition of vital knowledge and skills while helping to address the inequalities that underpin discrimination. We call for strengthened collaboration to turn commitments on equal pay into action and to eliminate the gender pay gap once and for all. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished Ambassador of Egypt on behalf of a group of countries.

Mr. President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of 55 countries to date. Full version will be available on extranet. As we approach the UN Water Conference, we reaffirm that the right to safe drinking water and sanitation are inalienable and indispensable to life and the enjoyment of all human rights. Yet, 16 years after these rights were recognized, one in four people still lack safe drinking water and billions lack safely managed sanitation. This persistent gap demands greater urgency. Realizing these rights depends not only on the water sector, but also on addressing water scarcity, climate change, and international cooperation, among others. We urge the conference to look beyond 2030 agenda and advance a holistic approach to water governance, one that puts people and the planet at its heart while upholding human rights, respecting international law, and addressing the root causes undermining water availability and quality, including both natural and man-made factors. Water is a right, a lifeline, and a bridge to peace and cooperation. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the core group on the human rights of older persons, namely Argentina, Brazil, The Gambia, Philippines, and my own country, Slovenia. We thank Ambassador Foradori for presenting the report of the first session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on Older Persons and for his dedication in guiding our work in July. We also express our sincere appreciation to all States, intergovernmental organizations, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, representatives of older persons and other stakeholders for their constructive and substantive participation. The breadth of that participation with more than 90 states from all regions and well over 100 organizations, demonstrate the truly global nature of this undertaking and reflects the shared commitment to the elaboration of a legally binding instrument. The session confirmed an emergence convergence on a number of fundamental issues, including the need for an instrument firmly grounded in human rights. At the same time, a number of significant questions will require further reflection and discussion, and we stand ready to continue exploring them together in an open, inclusive and constructive manner. We look forward to continuing this work in the October session. We invite all delegations and stakeholders to engage with the same constructive spirit. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of a group of countries.

Mr. Vice President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of countries belonging to the Like-Minded group. The 60th anniversary of the International Covenant on Human Rights provides a solemn occasion to reaffirm the universality, indivisibility, interdependence, and interrelatedness of all human rights, as well as the enduring commitment to their full and effective realization through cooperation and dialogue. The group recalls that civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, together with the right to development, are mutually reinforcing and must be advanced on an equal footing with equal emphasis. We also mark the 15th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training, reaffirming the indispensable role of human rights education in fostering dignity, equality, and empowerment, especially for women and girls, international cooperation for Increasing digital literacy and transfer technology is an important requirement for realization of the right to education. Mr. Vice President, amid converging crises, including conflicts, inequality, climate change, and food insecurity, the group stresses that human rights and development are development must advance together. We underscore the urgency of finalization of the International Covenant on the Right to Development, thereby strengthening the international legal framework for recognizing and realizing development as an inalienable human right. We call for solidarity, equality, and mutual respect.

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

Vice President, we thank the Secretary General for this report on death penalty and the progress towards universal abolition, especially in Lebanon. The measures expanding its use and the high, the sharp increase in executions in several countries are still of great concern. Switzerland reiterates its total opposition to the death penalty in any place, in any situation. Switzerland regrets that the ninth review of the global UN anti-terrorism strategy did not maintain the consensus established since 2006. The unprecedented vote, which only allowed a replication of the 2023 text without seeing any substantive progress, the opportunity to strengthen human rights and the rule of law was missed. Switzerland will continue to defend this balance of the four pillars and the strengthening of the fourth pillar. Any anti-terrorism measures should respect international law, including international human rights law. We are concerned by the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation and the misuse of legal systems to limit freedom of the press and silence those who are providing information of public interest. We should remedy these practices and support the victims. The access to water and sanitation is a question of dignity, equality and public health. The water conference in 2026 will be an opportunity to accelerate the implementation of SDG 6 with all stakeholders, including local actors and indigenous peoples. Switzerland defends an approach based on human rights and multi-partite cooperation that would be strengthened and ensure that no one is left behind. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Vice President. We would like to thank our rapporteurs for the reports that they've provided under this agenda item, and we emphasize the importance of shedding light on serious violations of human rights committed in countries under occupation. Monitoring of these violations is a priority for mandate holders in the framework of special procedures, as it represents an early warning mechanism which would enable the international community to intervene should there be any escalation of crises. The world is currently experiencing a critical turning point where we are seeing armed conflict, war, violations of human rights. We call for strengthening of international cooperation in order to address these shared challenges, which have repercussions on the enjoyment of human rights and on human dignity. To conclude, we call on the international community to take on its legal and moral responsibilities and take the necessary measures to put an end to violations of the rights of the Palestinian people who are undergoing a genocide and ensure that they have unhindered access to humanitarian aid. The blockade on the Palestinian people should be lifted to ensure that they have the same protection for civilians. Thank you. The text in its entirety will be on the Extranet. Thank

you. I give the floor to Representative Ecuador.

Vice-President, my delegation is grateful for the reports and stresses the need to move unequivocally towards regulating the activities of private military and security companies, as well as towards a legally binding instrument on the rights of older persons. Ecuador reaffirms its full commitment to promoting and protecting all human rights, including the right to development. and reiterates that progressive development of international human rights law is an essential component for its full realisation. Therefore, we have adopted a rights-based approach in measuring the wellbeing of our population, with a multidimensional poverty indicator that verifies minimum compliance of the rights of all persons to education, healthcare, social security, water, food, housing, among others. This measurement is translated into social protection policies for all persons and families in situations of poverty and vulnerability through remittances and non-contributory pensions. together with care services throughout the life cycle, in particular for early childhood, older persons, persons with disabilities, in addition to job creation programmes, entrepreneurship, the popular solidarity economy and comprehensive protection and specialised care in cases of violence, including gender-based violence. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor

to the distinguished representative of Kuwait. Kuwait, not want to take the floor?

Not, Kuwait doesn't want to take the floor?

Thank you, Vice President. We align ourselves with the statement made on behalf of the group to which we belong. Agenda item three is of paramount importance when it comes to consolidation of human rights. It encompasses civil, political, social and economic rights, and especially the right to development. The State of Kuwait reiterates that the protection and promotion of human rights is an indivisible issue. This protection should take place without discrimination. Access to development and social justice are pillars that ensure the guarantee of human dignity and human rights, and this should encompass all dimensions without any detriment to any right. We are seeing grave violations of these rights which impact and risk and threatens people's lives. My country suggests an international concerted effort based on objective dialogue, far from any sort of politicization. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of the Czech Republic.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. We welcome the report on good practices and challenges faced in using the guidelines for states on the effective implementation of the right to participate in public affairs. The Czech Republic has contributed to the preparation of the report and provided information on the amendment to the Czech electoral law, which enables citizens abroad to vote without having to visit an embassy in person. Mr. Vice President, we are concerned by the civil society respondents' reports of chilling effects on public participation and on the rights to freedom of expression and association. The widespread use of restrictive legal and regulatory tools, criminalization as foreign agents, repression or funding constraints limit participation. Digital technologies are increasingly being used throughout electoral processes. They shape voter registration, voting, counting and results transmission. We welcome the human rights standards and guidelines on the use of digital technologies in electoral processes published by the OHCHR. Lastly, we would like to support the report's recommendation to leverage digital technologies to expand opportunities for participation while ensuring that their use in electoral processes is consistent with international human rights obligations and relevant standards governing digital technologies. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished Deputy Ambassador of Spain.

Thank you, Vice-President. Spain aligns with the statement by the EU and we are grateful for the presentation of the report. As mentioned before in this Council, Spain firmly defends multilateralism, framework for promoting human rights. We reject, therefore, any attacks against them, including sanctions against mandate holders of special procedures in this Council. So our commitment is intact to eliminate all forms of discrimination, including racial discrimination, age, or against persons with disabilities, gender equality, rights of women and girls are central in all our policies to achieve genuine development and just societies. Therefore, Spain has a feminist foreign policy that has highlighted its goals in the declaration of the fifth ministerial meeting held in Madrid this year. The rising use of torture at global level or growing use of death penalty are grave alarm calls to violations of human rights and high levels of impunity. We're troubled also by restrictions on civic space, criminalization of human rights defenders, and suffocating freedom of association or assembly. Due use of artificial AI is only restricting those fundamental freedoms which are crucial to our democracy. Therefore, we need to establish governance mechanisms when it comes to AI. Vice President, we need scrupulous respect firm protection of all human rights to safeguard consensus regarding those rights. Thank you.

Yes, thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Mr. Vice President, as we look beyond 2030, Thailand reaffirms our commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, leaving no one behind, while taking into account the interlinkages among all human rights. We aim to further promote civic space by advancing an anti-SLAPP bill and implementing the Supreme Court's direction to dismiss bad faith litigation aimed at suppressing public participation. Thailand has continued its efforts to protect victims of trafficking in persons for forced criminality. Since February 2025, we have repatriated over 13,000 individuals rescued from scam centers in our region. Through the national referral mechanism in place since 2022, we have strengthened victim screening, identification, protection, and recovery. Protecting vulnerable groups remain a priority. Thailand has recently amended the criminal code, expressively establishing sexual harassment as a specific criminal offense with more stringent penalties and extended maternity leave to 120 days. To better protect the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons, the Marriage Equality Act has been in force since January 2025, while access to gender-affirming care under universal health coverage has further strengthened the right to health. Thailand stands ready to continue sharing our good practices and engaging constructively on these priorities within the Human Rights Council.

I thank you. I give the floor to the Senior Representative of India.

Mr. Vice-President, India reaffirms that all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural, including the right to development, are universal, indivisible and interdependent, and must be advanced through dialogue and constructive cooperation, not politicization or double standards. We have noted the findings and recommendations of the reports presented in the Council. It is our shared responsibility to work together and move on from discourse to delivery. so that there is tangible improvement in the daily lives of the most vulnerable. As this Council marks 40 years since the Declaration on the Right to Development, India reiterates the urgency for early finalization and adoption of the International Covenant on the Right to Development. In a world marred by conflict, polarization, and uncertainty, it is critical that states find ways to find common grounds rising above narrow interest for human-centric development and human rights for all. Terrorism remains amongst the gravest violations of human rights today. Therefore, this Council must speak with one voice for zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, while upholding due process and the rule of law. India remains committed to constructive, consensus-driven engagement within a just and equitable international order in realizing human rights for all. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Chile.

Thank you, Vice-President. Chile is grateful to OHCHR for presenting the report on repercussions of mental health problems on the enjoyment of human rights. youth mental health and especially values the broad consultation process that enabled us to incorporate the perspectives of millions of young people in different parts of the world and contexts. The report highlights that the challenges of mental health cannot be addressed solely through a clinical perspective. Social, economic and environmental factors can also affect the mental health of youngsters and limit the exercise of their rights. We agree, therefore, regarding the need to move towards a comprehensive response focused on youngsters, based on human rights. That requires strengthening prevention and timely access to high-quality services, ensuring continuity of care in the various stages of life. At the same time, we recognise that implementation of those recommendations should consider the various national realities, institutional capacities, availability of resources. International cooperation and technical support can contribute meaningfully to bolstering national systems, especially in those countries that face greatest gaps. Finally, we would highlight that no policy on youth mental health can be fully effective without the meaningful participation, safe participation of youth themselves in their design, implementation and assessment. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the Distinguished Ambassador of North Macedonia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. North Macedonia aligns itself with the EU statement. We would like to add the following. The High Commissioner has repeatedly warned during this session that the tide of systematic pushback against human rights is sweeping across the world. The devastating civilian toll of more than 60 ongoing wars is deeply alarming. Women, girls, children, and older persons are suffering the most. Violence against women and girls remains one of the deepest wounds of our societies. Marginalized ethnic groups and minorities continue to face discrimination, exclusion, and threats. The 60th anniversary of the International Covenant is a powerful reminder that these landmark legally binding instruments are not optional. State parties must fully comply with their obligations and ensure their implementation equally and universally. As members of this council, we have a responsibility to stand firmly against oppression, hatred, discrimination, inequality, and gender stereotypes. We must also protect civic space and safeguard the rights to peaceful protest, freedom of expression and assembly. Human rights are not only an obligation, they are our strongest tool for stability, social cohesion and democracy. Therefore, human rights education must remain priority. North Macedonia supports the goals of the Global Alliance for Human Rights and Trust that its inclusive process will facilitate finding the pathways to protect for human rights for all. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Vice-President. We reiterate our commitment to the universality and indivisibility of human rights. We reiterate that it is necessary to ensure these rights in a global manner, in a comprehensive manner, we should also combat xenophobia, discrimination, Islamophobia, and intolerance. Despite international efforts, acts of racism, discrimination against minorities, and hate speech continue to multiply. With the development of AI, this technology should be used in a respectful manner while respecting human rights and addressing the dangers that accompany such technology. We should enable developing countries to profit from AI. Technology can play a fundamental, the Council can play a fundamental role in this area. In the framework of our discussion today, We will be discussing, we must also discuss the serious crimes committed against the Palestinian people and the violations of their fundamental rights, human rights, their right to life and self-determination. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Ethiopia reaffirms its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights as an integral and indispensable dimension of sustainable development, peace, social justice, and shared prosperity. We attach particular importance the realization of the right to development, recognizing that poverty eradication, inclusive and sustainable economic transformation, equitable access to essential services, and the strength and international cooperation are fundamental to advancing human dignity. In this regard, Ethiopia underscores the profound interlinkages between human rights, sustainable development, and the adverse impact of climate change, which continue to pose significant challenges to development gains, particularly for developing countries and vulnerable populations. Addressing these challenges requires enhanced international solidarity, strengthened climate action, adequate and predictable means of implementation, Ethiopia further emphasizes the importance of a fair, inclusive, and responsive international financial architecture that supports the development aspirations and policy space of developing countries. In closing, Ethiopia remains committed to advancing human rights through inclusive development, accountable institutions, and peaceful dialogue and international cooperation. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Gambia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Gambia aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the groups we belong. The promotion and protection of human rights require equal attention to civil and political rights, as well as economic, social, and cultural rights, and the right to development. For developing countries such as the Gambia, political will and commitment alone is not enough for the effective realization of human rights. High debt burdens and dwindling development assistance continue to constrain fiscal space and the ability of states to invest adequately in health, education, and the basic necessities required for an adequate standard of living. At the national level, The Gambia continues to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening democratic governance, accountability, access to justice, social protection, and the protection of women, children, and persons in vulnerable situations. The Gambia also reiterates that all human rights should be addressed in a balanced, objective and non-selective manner through constructive dialogue and genuine cooperation. We therefore encourage the Council to reinforce our collective commitment to implementation, capacity building and technical assistance. cooperation for the realization of our rights. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Indonesia reaffirms that all human rights, including the right to development, are universal, indivisible, interrelated, interdependent and mutually reinforcing. This Council must uphold all rights equally, for selectivity only erodes its credibility and the system it is meant to uphold. The starkest denial of human rights is evident in wars, illegal occupation, and the imposition of UCMs. They strip the rights of the entire populations at once, with consequences extending far beyond those directly affected. Nowhere in this more glaring than in the OPT, where prolonged occupation continues violating the Palestinians' rights, including the right to self-determination. These adverse global realities also place the heaviest burden on developing countries, jeopardizing our collective efforts to achieve SDGs. The right to development promises that all peoples are entitled to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy development. National efforts alone cannot deliver that promise. The duty to cooperate is a legal obligation and instrumental in creating an international environment that makes it possible. This is the spirit of the UN Charter that we all must uphold, ensuring the people's path to development is not held hostage by political pressures and confrontation. Thank you.

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

Mr. Vice President, as the international landscape grows more turbulent and unstable, the.

Human rights governance faces challenges.

So to protect, promote all human rights is our shared responsibility. China attaches great attention, important to the people-centered approach, grounded in its own national conditions.

China has.

Has enabled millions of people are going out of poverty and we achieved the SDG goal on poverty alleviation 10 years ahead of time. China has built the largest scale health system and the expected life expectancy has reached 79 years. China's human rights is at the record high level. China actively takes part in human rights governance, and we practice genuine multilateralism, and that has made China's contribution to human rights development for the world and contribute China's wisdom. China is ready to work with all parties on the basis of equality to promote a just and fair system of human rights governance of the world.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Colombia.

Thank you, Vice President. One of the biggest challenges for the health system and society in general is youth mental health in a very complex, changing environment characterised by the growing impact of digital platforms in everyday life, we note with concern the impact and prevalence of mental health impairments for millions of youngsters. Suicide continues to be one of the main causes of death among youth, and the stigma associated with mental health issues remains one of the main barriers to its prevention and addressing. Therefore, it is vital that we work to establish an environment that fosters mental health in such a way that sufficient social and individual emotional skills are formed, as well as having positive social interactions, access to high-quality education, decent work, safe neighborhoods and strong community links. Giving effect to the right to health requires, as a must, due prevention, care and the establishment of enabling conditions that address all the factors that impact on the mental health of youth, and to address comprehensively specific vulnerabilities in the face of conduct such as cyberbullying, harassment and sexual violence through the use of digital tools. violation of privacy, or the establishment of unrealistic, unattainable cultural, social, or bodily standards.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Vice President, today in Cuba we are seeing a silent genocide as a result of the extreme intensification of the economic war against us by the United States. Executive orders of 29 January and 1 May 2026 define the policy of maximum pressure. The US declares collective punishment of the Cuban people on the pretext that our little island poses an extraordinary threat to national security of the nuclear superpower. The humanitarian impact has been devastating and incalculable. Cuban families suffer from prolonged power cuts, difficulty in buying food, insufficiency of medication, problems with water supply and paralysis in public transport due to lack of fuel. As much as they try, they will not subject us, we always come up with creative solutions. We protect youngsters and the older people, people in greatest difficulty. We will maintain our social policies despite the difficulties. It's our determination to continue improving our legal institutional framework to protect all human rights is unwavering. We will continue to honour our commitments for cooperation with all human rights mechanisms of universal application. Thank you.

Correspondent.

Thank you I give the floor to South Africa but they're not here in the chamber if if they're not in the chamber I would give the floor to the distinguished delegation and of Malawi.

Mr. Vice President, Malawi aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the African Group and reaffirms that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent, and mutually reinforcing. Their effective enjoyment requires not only normative commitments, but practical implementation that responds to the everyday realities of our people. For least developed countries, the enjoyment of human rights remains closely connected to the eradication of poverty, access to health and education, food security, decent work, and the realization of the right to development. These challenges are increasingly compounded by climate change, natural disasters, unsustainable debt burdens, and constrained fiscal space. Malawi, therefore, underscores the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in enabling states to fulfill their human rights The international human rights system should support national efforts through meaningful capacity building, technical assistance, and adequate resources, taking into account national priorities and circumstances. Malawi further stresses that the right to development must remain central to the work of this Council. As the international community approaches the final years of the 2030 Agenda, we must strengthen the connection between human rights and sustainable development and translate our commitments in Geneva.

Thank you. I give the floor to the senior representative of Kenya.

Mr. Vice President, Kenya aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the African group and takes note of the reports presented. Kenya remains committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights, guided by our constitutional and legal framework and our obligations under international human rights law. We believe that progress in the realization of human rights should be pursued through sustained national action while taking account of national circumstances. Kenya remains committed to progressive human rights reforms and attaches particular importance to strengthening access to health, meaningful participation in public affairs, and ensuring that vulnerable groups are able to enjoy their rights and participate fully in society. Kenya equally reiterates that the right to development remains integral to the realization of all human rights. Developing countries require adequate policy and fiscal space, strengthened international cooperation, and an enabling international economic environment to translate human rights commitments into tangible development outcomes. As the Council considers the reports before it, Kenya underscores that sustainable human rights progress is best advanced through dialogue, national ownership, technical cooperation, and capacity building, while upholding the universality of human rights. I thank you.

Thank.

You. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Netherlands.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Thank the representatives of OHCHR for the presentation of the various reports under item.

3, especially the publication regarding the impact of slaps on freedom of opinion and expression. The Netherlands is deeply concerned by the deliberate targeting and intimidation of journalists, media outlets, and human rights defenders worldwide through abusive legal action, including by state actors and business entities. We have witnessed a significant increase in these types of tactics. A trend that worries us deeply, as laps further narrow the space for free expression and public debate, erode democratic values, and weaponize the law against those.

Who report on issues of public interest.

This is incompatible with states' international human rights obligations. Freedom of expression, both offline and online, is a human rights priority for the Netherlands. That is why we are taking action.

Under our Safety for Voices programme, the Netherlands supports journalists and human rights defenders.

In need, including those who face such abusive legal proceedings, by providing legal protection and assistance for journalists facing SLAPPs. The Netherlands and its partner organisations work to counter legal harassment, strengthen press freedom and improve the safety.

And resilience of journalists worldwide.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you. And now proceed with the list of observers. I give the floor to Sumesham Pasand of Nepal.

Mr. Vice President, Nepal takes note of the reports of Secretary General, the High Commissioner, and the respective mandate holders under this agenda item. As a democratic, plural, and inclusive society with vibrant civic space, Nepal upholds universality of human rights. We are committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights, including the right to development. The constitution of Nepal guarantees 31 fundamental rights covering a wide spectrum of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. As we commemorate 60 years of ICCPR and ICESCR, Nepal reaffirms its commitment to progressively realizing rights. and freedoms enshrined in these covenants, guided by the principle of universality. Human rights today face complex challenges due to armed conflicts, climate change, and digital technologies. For Nepal, climate change has become an existential threat and human rights imperative. The recent devastating flash floods in Nepal's Bhotekoshi River caused severe impacts of life and livelihoods. We urge all stakeholders to strengthen international cooperation and solidarity for climate action, ensure a smooth access to finance and climate funds. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

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

Thank you, Vice President. Armenia would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the prevention of genocide, presented in accordance with Resolution 5513 of the UNSC, dated to 2024, an initiative which has been supported by Armenia for many years. We also commend the other thematic reports presented. The report of the SG invites us to reflect on how to engage in early warnings and make that effective, efficient access. The strengthening of these measures have been at the heart of Armenia's work to prevent genocide for many years now. For many years, Armenia has been working within the United Nations to better promote the Convention against Genocide and strengthen prevention capacities. the International Day of Commemoration of Victims of Crimes of Genocide has been promoted as part of Armenia's initiative within the UN, and that's become an important platform for cooperation. This year, the UNSC adopted by consensus a biennial resolution on the prevention of genocide, Armenia promotes inclusive discussion through the Global Forum Against the Crime of Genocide. After having hosted in 2024 the fifth edition of this event dedicated to early warnings, and this year we will host the sixth edition of this event, bringing together states, international organizations, and experts, and civil society. Vice President, the prevention of genocide and other crimes and atrocities is a shared responsibility. We must ensure that information, analysis, and warning tools are reflected in efficient, effective, preventative action. We are willing to work together with all of our partners in order to strengthen this work within the UN system. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The UAE puts human rights at the heart of its international commitments and within its policies and national strategies to achieve sustainable development. Out of this belief, the UAE believes in the importance of promoting human rights as an important tenet to the universal enjoyment of such rights. And therefore, we promote the enjoyment of youth, of the disabled, and of women and children in these human rights as part of sustainable development and the participation of decision makers in this process through facing future challenges. And we continue providing avenues for the youth to express their opinions through national initiatives and to promote their presence in international fora. We also are keen to promote the promotion, the participation of citizens in all national initiatives through the active senior citizen participation. Mr. Vice President. The promotion of human rights require the renewal of our commitments through tangible policies. And therefore, the UAE reiterates its call for ongoing dialogue, exchange of expertise and national practices, and promoting international cooperation in facing challenges. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished Ambassador of Lithuania.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Lithuania aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the High Commissioner for the reports presented.

Journalists and other media workers, civil society activists are key in countering disinformation and shedding light on gross human rights violations.

We therefore echo the concern raised by the HCHR in its report regarding the globally increasing.

Practice of silencing them through the misuse of overboard or wage laws.

The use of strategic lawsuit against public participation, against those seeking to expose.

Human rights violations, foster a climate of fear and self-censorship, undermines public accountability and weakens democratic institutions.

Similarly to this misuse of SLAPPs, the growing challenge of transnational repressions threatens not only.

Individuals, but also democratic systems itself. It undermines the rule of law and fundamental rights or freedoms.

Authoritarian states, namely Russian Federation, Belarus and others, increasingly use transnational repressions not only to harm silence and intimidate voices of dissent beyond their national borders, but also to sow.

Fear in the democratic societies where these individuals reside. It has become a part of a broader toolkit used by authoritarian states alongside other hybrid operations that fall below the threshold that would provoke a military response seeking to destabilize democratic societies.

Therefore, these challenges lie at the intersection of human rights, foreign interference, and.

Security debate, requiring a coordinated response across pillars.

I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson. The Sultanate of Oman would like to thank the Presidency and the OSCHR for all the efforts, ongoing efforts, in order to promote the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. delegation would like to reiterate that human rights in all their dimensions are interconnected, integral, and indivisible, and the enjoyment of civil and political rights cannot be dissociated from the enjoyment of social, economic, and cultural rights, including the right to development as a basic condition for promoting humanity equality, uh, and justice. The Sultanate of Oman sees that the real challenge lies with, uh, the translation of international commitments into tangible results that can be felt by individuals, especially in developing countries. Also, my country would like to reiterate the importance of dealing with, economic and social inequalities, debt burdens, as well as the effects of crises and conflicts and climate change with regard to fulfilling the commitments in the fields of human rights and sustainable development. Mr. President, the Sultan of Oman reiterates the importance of respecting state sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and refraining from the politicization of human rights causes or selectively using them, while reaffirming that dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect, and the

-- Sierra Leone.

Thank you. Give the floor to Sierra Leone.

Vice President of Sierra Leone aligns with the statement delivered by the African group. A holistic, integrated approach to human rights based on the principle that all rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated lies at the heart of the promotion and protection. The right to development is central to this vision, as it embodies the realization of all human rights, ensuring that everyone can participate in, contribute to and benefit from inclusive and sustainable development. Sierra Leone will continue to strengthen its human rights framework And as part of our ongoing constitutional review process, we are considering a bill of rights that would guarantee economic, social, and cultural rights. This will ensure that all categories of rights are meaningfully protected and accessible to all citizens. We recognize the increasing complexity of human rights ecosystem. Addressing these challenges requires constructive dialogue from all member states. International solidarity and cooperation are particularly vital for developing countries facing significant resource constraints. We encourage balanced attention to all human rights within this Council. Equal focus is required on all human rights, including the right to development, in order to address inequalities, strengthen democratic governance, and ensure inclusive development. And I thank you, Vice-President.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Jordan believes that investment in human being and empowering humans to participate in shaping their future is a main pillar for human dignity and this respect we call for consolidating international cooperation and exchange of expertise to improve our joint ability to protect human rights and providing opportunities to the generations to come. We believe that AI applications open up new vistas to achieve these objectives through improved services and easier access to them. We see value in developing the relevant skills to make the best use of these applications while respecting privacy. We also affirm that digital platform operators must address the abuse of such platforms in human trafficking and exploitation while protecting children from grooming. Mr. Vice President, we are looking forward for GANDRI to improve the partnership supporting national action. We also reaffirm that young people must be engaged in shaping and implementing initiatives in order to improve their role in the service of their societies. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Belarus.

Distinguished Vice-President, Belarus as a socially oriented state strives to maintain high standards in human rights aimed at ensuring social protection, economic stability, and political unity amongst Belarussian citizens. The support of the state's policy is reflected in the high level of trust by the Belarussian people towards the authorities. In accordance with recent social surveys, the vast majority of the population appreciate the peaceful way of life in the country, the development and improvement of settlements. There is a high level of satisfaction with access and quality of medical services, food products, and social protection. Belarus comprehensively approaches the protection of human rights against a backdrop of contemporary challenges. The state is improving information literacy and security, first and foremost, for children and the youth. The right of citizens to a healthy environment is ensured through the reduction of the harmful impact on the environment. In the country, we have an effective system of social support, rehabilitation for the elderly and persons with disabilities. We are improving our measures to support motherhood and childhood. The state promotes joint initiatives and projects with NGOs and businesses to improve charity, inclusivity, volunteering, popularization of green mobility, and an eco-friendly culture. A key condition for social cohesion is a harmonious balance between rights and obligations of citizens based on a high social responsibility of each person for the future of their state. Thank you.

Thank you. Now we will hear a statement by UNICEF online.

Mr. President, UNICEF welcomes OHCHR's timely study. It makes clear that mental health is inseparable from human rights. It shapes whether children and young people can learn, participate, build relationships, and imagine a future. Conflict, displacement, economic insecurity, discrimination, climate shocks, and the lasting effects of COVID-19 continue to place immense pressure on young people's mental health and psychosocial well-being. When mental health needs go unsupported, children's rights to health, education, an adequate standard of living and participation are compromised. UNICEF shares the report's grave concern about self-harm and suicidal ideation across regions, and that suicide remains among the leading causes of death among young people. Behind these findings are children carrying pressures no child should carry alone. UNICEF calls on states to invest across the continuum of mental health promotion, prevention and care, including accessible quality support, address the social determinants of mental health and ensure children and young people meaningfully shape the decisions affecting their lives. A rights-based, child- and youth-centered approach is essential to ensuring every child and young person has the support and opportunity to thrive. UNICEF stands ready to help translate these recommendations into action. Thank you.

Thank you. Now we will hear a statement from the distinguished representative of the Maldives.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Maldives thanks the High Commissioner and the mandate holders for their reports under this agenda item. These reports highlight our collective responsibility to address persistent inequalities, barriers to the full realisation of human rights, the impact of climate change, constraints on the right to development and the protection of persons in vulnerable situations. Mr. Vice-President, Our commitment to upholding civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, remains central to our foreign policy. The Government continues to safeguard human rights, and inclusion with particular attention to persons with disabilities, youth, and women. Reflecting these commitments, we launched our national action plan on disability inclusion earlier this year, alongside a revised inclusive education program. We have also advanced women's economic participation through a new financing scheme for women's entrepreneurs and amendments extending child care support under our Employment Act. Recognizing growing mental health needs among young people, the government has announced a dedicated mental health hospital for Greater Male, and is advancing a mental health bill. In conclusion, we will remain firmly committed to advancing human rights through international solidarity, cooperation, and capacity building, consistent with our national policy of inclusive development and our commitment to leaving no one behind. I thank you.

Thank you. We give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Malaysia.

Mr. Vice President, Malaysia aligns itself to a statement of the groups it belongs to. We remain committed to a holistic approach to human rights, one that respond to evolving challenges while recognizing the different circumstances in which they arise. In an increasingly polarized environment, public discourse on complex social issues can easily become divisive. Questions related to migrations, displacement, and refugees are no exception. While differing views and legitimate concerns must have space to be expressed, they should not give way to rhetoric that dehumanizes communities or incites discrimination, hostility, or violence. Addressing such narratives requires not only responsible discourse, but sustained efforts to promote understanding, tolerance, and social cohesion. Malaysia also underscores the growing importance of the business and human rights agenda. As business activities and global supply chains increasingly affect the enjoyment of human rights, businesses must identify, prevent and address adverse impact through meaningful human rights due diligence. Malaysia National Action Plan reflects our support for advancing this objective in line with the UN Guiding Principles. As this agenda continues to evolve, greater attention should be given to the experiences of those directly affected by business-related human rights impact. Malaysia encouraged the annual forum on business and human rights later this year to provide greater space for the perspective of victims and affected communities. Their experiences can help identify gaps between principle and practice and uniform our effort to strengthen prevention, accountability and access to remedy. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the signature representative of Austria.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We have heard the concern We have concerned a report on protecting human rights defenders in the digital age. Across all regions, a common threat emerges. The expansion of state and corporate power over digital spaces has not been matched by effective safeguards. The concentration of power, coupled with growing authoritarian tendencies, puts defenders at risk. We fully agree that while regulation in this area is complex, not regulation is no alternative. Human rights show us the way forward. Participatory regulatory and risk assessment processes, data protection frameworks, independent oversight bodies and judicial institutions must be the cornerstones of our responses. As the High Commissioner has stressed this week, AI harms are not hypothetical. Given the stakes, broad global coalitions for human rights are required. It is in this vein that Austria has joined the core group of presenting a new resolution on AI during this session. AI also accelerates and intensifies hybrid threats, particularly in the areas of disinformation and information manipulation. In March 2027, together with the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, we will co-host a dedicated conference on these issues, the Vienna Forum on Fundamental Rights and Democracy. in line with our commitment to open societies, the rule of law, and human rights.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you.

Give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh.

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Vice President, Bangladesh firmly believes that both civil and political rights, as well as economic, social, and cultural rights, including the right to development, should be treated in a fair and equal manner on the same footing and with the same emphasis. Mr. Vice President, many of our countries in the global south remain highly vulnerable to external economic and climate shocks. They continue to be grappled with poverty, hunger, inequalities, digital divides, and capacity constraints. For billions of people of these countries, development is not a mere choice, but an urgent human rights imperative.

We therefore urge the.

Council and the wider UN system to address those systemic factors that disproportionately undermine the limited capacity of developing and.

LDCs.

Climate change, which is one of the greatest threats to the enjoyment of human rights, demands urgent and continued attention of this Council. Climate justice must be discussed in a meaningful and constructive manner. We call on all to eliminate all forms of discrimination targeting migrants and to counter negative stereotyping and misleading narratives around migration. Finally, on AI, Bangladesh believes that the Council has an important role to play in a focused manner to ensure that the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence is guided by existing international human rights law while addressing digital and AI diverse.

I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I give the floor to Ambassador of Algeria.

President, the UN Secretary General has been constantly reminding us that our shared humanity should be a source of unity, not division.

Algeria fully subscribes to this vision.

In this spirit, allow me, Mr. President, to make three brief points.

First, the promotion and protection of human rights should be pursued through dialogue and cooperation, not confrontation and instrumentalization. Likewise, we must uphold the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights.

Including the right to development as an essential pillar of the 2030 Agenda.

Second, our human rights framework must remain responsive to the challenges of our time, including artificial intelligence.

The development of this technology and its use must be responsive well-governed and people-centered, with human rights at its core. Third, the Council's work, and most importantly, the resolutions we adopt here, should fully respect the sovereignty of states and their right to develop their own legal systems according to their national priorities and consistent with their international obligations.

Algeria remains committed to advancing the human rights agenda through constructive dialogue and cooperation.

For the sake of promoting the dignity and well-being of all.

Thank you. The floor to the distinguished Ambassador of Malta.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Malta aligns itself with the EU statement. We affirm that equality and non-discrimination are fundamental principles of international human rights law. We remain concerned by discrimination in all its forms, including multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, and call for renewed efforts to ensure dignity and equality for all. We remain firmly committed to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, including by eliminating discrimination and violence and promoting their full, equal and meaningful participation. Malta reiterates its principled and absolute opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances. In this regard, we warmly welcome Lebanon's recent abolition of the death penalty for all crimes, a landmark step which makes it the first country in the region to achieve full abolition. Finally, Malta reiterates its commitment to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and to the promoting of inclusive societies in which diversity is respected. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Human rights, peace, security and development are inseparable. For decades, the Iranian people have endured unilateral coercive measures which have restricted access to essential resources, obstructed development, and imposed a heavy burden on ordinary people. This economic coercion entered a far more dangerous phase this year with the military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran. The attacks launched on 28 February resulted in civilian casualties, damaged civilian infrastructure, development capacities, and seriously endangered regional and international peace and security. Subsequent development in the region cannot be considered in isolation from the origin of this crisis. A narrow look at the consequences while ignoring the aggression that triggered them provides neither a complete nor a fair account of the situation. The principles of the UN Charter must apply equally to all. The security of one state cannot be achieved by creating insecurity for another. Sustainable peace requires an end to aggression and economic coercion, equal respect for the sovereignty of all states. And I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Thank you, Vice-President. Full realisation of economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, continue to face profound challenges in a context marked by conflict, growing inequalities, natural disasters, economic crises and the implementation of UCMs that worsen existing gaps and hinder efforts of states to guarantee decent living conditions for their people and move towards attaining Agenda 2030. Venezuela reaffirms that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and their full implementation requires social and economic conditions enabling all people to live with dignity and participate equitably in the benefits of development. To that end, the right to development is an essential component. Finally, Venezuela urges all States to step up genuine international cooperation based on dialogue, solidarity, mutual respect and sovereign equality of states and rejects all forms of selectivity and political instrumentalisation of human rights. Only through multilateral action, grounded in the UN Charter and aimed towards overcoming structural inequalities, will it be possible to move towards a more just, equitable and inclusive international order for the benefit of all peoples. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan.

Mr. Vice President, the full enjoyment of human rights depend not only on legal guarantees, but also on the conditions that enable people to live in safety and dignity, access essential services, and sustain their livelihoods. Ensuring this condition is also integral to sustainable development and to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. This linkage becomes particularly evident in post-conflict situations where recovery and development are essential to restoring the conditions necessary for the full enjoyment of human rights. Following the restoration of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Azerbaijan has undertaken extensive reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts to restore affected areas and facilitate the safe and dignified return of former IDPs. Landmines, however, continue to impede this process. Beyond threatening life and physical security, they hinder the reconstruction of infrastructure and restrict people's ability to return to work and rebuild their lives. Therefore, the impact of landmines extends across the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions of human rights. Recognizing this reality, Azerbaijan has designated mine action as its national SDG 18, reflecting the essential role of demining in sustainable development. A sustainable post-conflict recovery can't be achieved while such barriers remain. Advancing mine action is therefore an investment not only in safer and more resilient societies, but also in the effective realization of human rights and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. I thank you.

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

Vice President. We'd like to draw your attention, the attention of the Council, to a glaring fact of violations in Central Europe, the right to participate in cultural life, access cultural values and using cultural institutions. Those rights are enshrined in international charter on human rights, were grossly violated on 1st September this year when the German authorities closed the Russia House of Science in Berlin and also unilaterally violated the bilateral agreement on the action of scientific and cultural centres. Those glaring steps by the German authorities make it clear that they will restrict the rights of West German citizens to take part in cultural life. From today, they will not be able to visit concerts, exhibitions or use the Pushkin library or take Russian language courses. They will not be able to take part in developing international cultural contacts. The decision to close the Russia House will restrict the ability of regular Germans to receive and disseminate information. Clearly, by closing the Russian house, Berlin has deliberately chosen to draw down its cultural presence in Russia, which had been maintained up to now, notwithstanding the open struggle by the West with Russia. We call on the human rights mechanisms of the UN to pay attention to these gross violations of basic human rights in the centre of Europe. Thank you.

the floor to Cambodia.

Mr. Vice President, my delegate welcomes the thematic report presented by the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights. We continue to our collective effort to advance human rights for all. Cambodia remains committed to promoting and protecting the rights and socioeconomic development of indigenous communities, including through the recognition and protection of collective land rights. The government continues to issue indigenous communal land titles while enhancing access to education, infrastructure, and public service, and supporting the preservation of indigenous culture and identities. And one universal health coverage under the health strategy plan remain a priority for the government. By the end of 2024, more than 7.5 million people had access to health coverage under the Health Equity Fund and Social Security Scheme. Cambodia attaches great importance to the right to development with continued effort to reduce poverty promote inclusive growth, expand access to education and healthcare, and advance gender equality. In conclusion, Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to constructive cooperation with all relevant stakeholders and UN human rights mechanisms towards achieving the realization of human rights for all and sustainable development. I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the Senior Representative of Lebanon.

Mr. Vice President, The death penalty abolition marks a historic step in Lebanon. Together with other significant reforms and recent ratification of major international instruments, it reflects our determination to advance human rights even in exceptionally difficult national circumstances. This commitment has been forged through successive crises but also sustained by important rays of hope. Yet, in recent years, the Lebanese population has continued to endure Israeli hostilities, particularly in the south, resulting in loss of life, occupation, mass displacement, destruction of homes, civilian infrastructure, and agricultural lands, environmental damage, disruption of essential services, including health care and education, as well as enforced disappearances and detention. These circumstances have only reinforced our conviction that human rights must remain at the center of our response to crisis, as the principles that keep us on course, the compass that guides recovery and reconstruction, and the framework through which violations are denounced and accountability pursued. We, therefore, reiterate that the protection of human rights and international humanitarian law must be universal, consistent, and non-selective. Lebanon will continue to uphold its human rights commitment with resolve through crisis and recovery alike, and to place the dignity and rights of people at the heart of the path forward. I thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished Ambassador of 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, and anyone perceived as critical of the Taliban faces intimidation, arbitrary arrest, torture and ill-treatment, without judicial oversight or effective venue for redress. Women protesting peacefully in Kabul, Herat and Bamyan have been met with violence, beating and arbitrary arrest, many held incommunicado, pressured

into forced confessions, and their families are warned and intimidated.

The scale of this pattern is deeply alarming. Between April and June this year, UNAMA documented at least 29 arbitrary arrests, five instances of torture of former officials, alongside eight killings of former national security forces of Afghanistan. In the same period, propagation of virtual provision of wise 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 entrenched pattern of detention without accountability. We underscore this systemic

practice of arbitrary detention constitutes a clear violation of binding international human rights obligation and must meet with accountability.

We echo the working group's call for adequate resources, genuine cooperation with mandate and urge continued monitoring of Afghanistan and effective remedy and repression for all victims.

And I thank you, Mr. Vice President.

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

Thank you, Vice-President. We take note of the content of the reports presented regarding this agenda item. We appreciate the comprehensive approach taken to human rights, which also incorporates sustainable development, socio-economic rights, political rights, and solutions to conflicts. And of course, we must talk about the respect of the rights of the elderly and the youth, their right to have access to health care. We condemn all practices that include have an impact on human rights including discrimination and discriminatory acts. Crimes that are committed in a number of domains We condemn them as well. In order to respond to humanitarian needs, we have created measures in order to ensure access to humanitarian aid to persons impacted by conflicts. Nevertheless, the humanitarian issue is, of course, being impacted. And we invite donors to support displaced persons as well as refugees in Sudan and neighboring countries. We thank you.

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

Mr. Vice President, Nigeria aligns with the statements delivered on behalf of the African group, the OIC and the NAM, and takes note of the reports presented. Nigeria remains committed to advancing human rights, including the right to development. Our national efforts include expanding access to education and healthcare, strengthening social protection, promoting women's participation, and enhancing the inclusion of youth, older persons, and persons with disabilities. We are also strengthening institutions responsible for accountability, access to justice, and the protection of fundamental freedoms. Nevertheless, national progress is affected by global challenges. Armed conflicts, climate change, food and energy insecurity, unsustainable debt burdens and digital inequalities are eroding development gains in developing countries. These realities demonstrate the indivisibility of civil, political, economic and socio-cultural rights. Nigeria, therefore, calls for stronger international cooperation, equitable access to financing and technology, as well as technical assistance aligned with national priorities. Human rights must be promoted through dialogue, solidarity, and non-selectivity, with respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Finally, Nigeria remains committed to working constructively to foster an equitable international environment where everyone's rights, dignity, and development aspirations can be funded. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of UNFPA.

Thank you, President. UNFPA welcomes OHCHR's report on the impact of mental health challenges on the enjoyment of human rights by young people. The right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health is inextricably linked to freedom from violence and harmful practices, to bodily autonomy, and to the ability of young people to live safe, empowered, and productive lives. Young women face disproportionate mental health challenges due to gender inequality, restrictive gender norms, and gender-based violence, both online and offline. Barriers to sexual and reproductive health information and services can further undermine their autonomy and psychological well-being. Young men also face growing pressures against seeking support due to rigid gender norms and other barriers. Young people from marginalized groups, including youth with disabilities, displaced youth, and LGBTI+, face cumulative challenges compounded by intersectional discrimination. UNFPA works on strengthening youth mental health and psychosocial support through safe spaces that support the transition to adulthood and programs that engage boys in promoting gender equality. UNFPA prevents mental health distress by promoting comprehensive sexuality education to empower adolescents and youth to protect their health, well-being, and dignity. UNFPA remains committed to working with young people, Member States and partners towards achieving better and more equitable mental health outcomes. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Vice-President. Senegal thanks the High Commissioner for his report and reaffirms its unswerving commitment to the human rights ideals, including the right to development. constitution enshrines the promotion and protection of human rights, making it a fundamental commitment. Senegal has undertaken a number of major legal and institutional reforms to bolster democracy, transparency and good public governance, and to guarantee greater effectiveness of social and economic rights. Among its reforms, concerning the event in September 2025, are the opening of a new national anti-corruption office, the law on the declaration of heritage, the law on the status and protection of whistleblowers and, finally, the law on access to information were major milestones. Other efforts that have been undertaken to improve detention conditions include electronic surveillance and tagging. That has helped us to significantly reduce prison overcrowding and to limit systematic The establishment by decree of a national committee on criminal policy on 1 September 2026 was a major development. My country also finalised in September 2025 its national action plan on business and human rights, following an inclusive process involving the State and civil society.

I give the floor to the distinguished ambassador of Georgia.

President, Georgia remains committed to constructive engagement with the UN human rights mechanisms. In January 2026, Georgia participated in the fourth cycle of the UPR. The accepted recommendations will further strengthen Georgia's national human rights protection. Georgia continues to implement the National Human Rights Action Plan for 2024-2026 while developing a new action plan with input from the UN agencies and civil society. Moreover, Georgia remains committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its guiding principles of leaving no one behind. Newly signed UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2026-2030 will further support human rights protection. We continue to prioritize gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. We are strengthening legal and institutional safeguards, boosting women's representation in managerial positions in public administration, and actively combating domestic violence in full alignment with the Istanbul Convention. Regrettably, Russia's occupation of Georgia's Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions deprives my government of the possibility to implement these measures on the ground, where conflict-affected population continues to suffer from grave violations of their rights and fundamental freedoms. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the Senior Representative of Jamaica.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Jamaica expresses its gratitude for the reports and the briefing presented. Regarding the expert mechanism on the right to development's thematic study on artificial intelligence, cultural rights, and the right to development, Jamaica's national AI task force is finalizing a national AI policy grounded in ethics, legal safeguards, and inclusive consultation to strengthen protections for our creators and the wider creative

economy.

Jamaica agrees with the report that AI benefits should be shaped by and equitably shared developing countries, small-scale creators, and communities whose data, languages, and creative labor increasingly sustain these technologies. Developing countries must be supported in acquiring AI tools, strengthening their scientific institutions, and developing local expertise. Regarding the expert mechanisms complementary study on climate finance, vulnerability, and responsibility, consistent with ICJ and ISHR advisory opinions, Jamaica reaffirms that adequate, predictable, accessible climate finance is a matter of legal obligation for states most responsible for global emissions. As a CIS, Jamaica continues to pursue new avenues to mobilize climate finance, including through the development of a national carbon markets framework. These efforts sit within Jamaica's national development plan. As a CIS recovering from Hurricane Melissa, our development gains remain vulnerable to external shocks, reinforcing the need for international cooperation and adequate finance.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tunisia.

Thank you, Mr. President. We have taken due note of the report submitted. Tunisia renews its firm commitment towards the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms and cooperating with the Human Rights Council in line with its national legislation, constitution, and international commitments. We reaffirm that full enjoyment of human rights can never be be achieved in the absence of economic, social, and cultural rights, including eradication of poverty and providing dignified life for the peoples. At the national level, we are working on implementing the National Vision 2030, which has been integrated in the Tunisian Vision 2035, we reaffirm that the right to development must be operationalized to ensure the right to development to all nations and peoples. We also reaffirm that international cooperation and solidarity must be consolidated in order to provide, to transfer technology to developing countries in order to narrow the digital gap. All parties concerned must bolster their cooperation so that developing countries can restore their stolen funds and to channel these funds into development projects and addressing poverty.

Thank you. I give the floor, distinguished delegation of the Philippines.

Mr. President, human rights lie at the core of the Philippines' constitutional order. Our constitution mandates full respect of human rights, and we have built robust institutions to translate this foundational mandate into enduring practice. This is a continuing endeavor, a process of cementing hard-won gains in norms building and implementation, while advancing reforms to address gaps and emerging challenges. Securing accountability with due process respected at all times is a necessary act in this transformative process. It propels our human rights journey forward. Accountability is an imperative as it is vital to the rule of law and the integrity of democratic institutions. The Philippines continues to strengthen its human rights and accountability frameworks. In fulfillment of our pledge made at the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we created the Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination, adopted the Fourth Philippine Human Rights Plan, and established the National Forensics Institute, all within the short span of two years. As we mark this year the 60th anniversary of the ICCPR and ICSCR, we reaffirm our commitment to constructive engagement with international partners. We will pursue this, as we have always done, as an exercise of national sovereignty, firmly guided by domestic laws and broader obligations to the international community. Thank you.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Uganda.

Thank you, Mr. President. Uganda aligns with the statements of the African group and NAM. My delegation reiterates universality and indivisibility of all human rights, and we therefore call for a constructive and non-politicized approach in promotion and protection of human rights. Mr. President, wars, instability, poverty, underdevelopment, marginalization, and instability engender social and economic exclusion and violation of human dignity and human rights, which cannot be divorced from meaningful discussions relating to human rights. We therefore emphasize the importance of the completion of the International Covenant on the Right to Development. My government remains committed to working with all to achieve this. Finally, I reiterate Uganda's commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights through our established democratic structures, with a deserved focus and attention to the right to development. I thank you.

Thank you. That was the last speaker we could accommodate at this session. This brings us to the end of the meeting. We will meet again tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. to continue the general debate under item 3. followed by the interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Group of Independent Experts on Belarus. I hereby close the 16th meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council.