26th Meeting - 63rd Session of Human Rights Council

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, I hereby declare open the 26th meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council. We shall continue the interactive dialogue with the Advisory Committee. We continue with the list of speakers for national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations. So I give the floor to International representative of International Planned Parenthood Federation for a joint statement intervention by video.

We thank the Advisory Committee for its study on technology-facilitated gender-based violence and its impacts on women and girls. We are deeply concerned by the findings that adolescent girls are consistently the most targeted by TFGVB, and that women of African descent and LGBTQ persons face significantly higher levels of targeting. Digital violence is not neutral. It mirrors and amplifies intersectional discrimination that these groups are faced offline. We are particularly concerned about the implications for sexual and reproductive health and rights. As a report notes, digital violence is used to constrict civic space and obstruct progress on women's rights.

Including through spyware targeting human rights defenders.

In our experience, organizations and individuals working in SRHR are often targeted while simultaneously being forced out of digital spaces through online attacks, including censorship, disinformation campaigns, surveillance, threats of violence, and et cetera. This also affects many young people for whom digital spaces are the safest route to access SRHR information. We welcome the committee's recognition of comprehensive sexuality education as an asset in addressing online sexual violence. We agree with the Committee that a legal framework largely based on technology's industry self-regulation has failed to make online space safer. We call Member States and the private sector to enact enforceable, gender-responsive accountability frameworks developed in consultation with women-led and girls-led organizations and in line with international human rights law and standards.

Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the representative of National Council for Human Rights and Citizens intervention by video. Thank.

You, Chair, distinguished members of the Advisory Committee. I speak on behalf of Eelam Tamil diaspora organizations worldwide to highlight Mullivaikal, where tens of thousands of Tamil civilians were killed during the final phase of Sri Lanka's genocidal war in May 2009. 17 years on, survivors and victims' families are still denied truth, justice, and reparations. Domestic mechanisms have repeatedly failed, and newly uncovered evidence, including mass graves found at Chemny in 1999 and 2025, underscores the critical need for an independent international investigation. We urge the Advisory Committee to adopt the following recommendations. Conduct a thematic study on identifying, protecting, and forensically investigating mass graves under the Manisoto Protocol 2.0 standards. Appoint a special rapporteur on Sri Lanka to monitor accountability and reconciliation. Support referring Sri Lanka to the ICC, given persistent domestic failures. Recognize the Northern Provincial Council 10th 10th of February 2015 genocide resolution as a legitimate expression of ulam Tamil demands for justice we thank the committee and urge decisive action to end impunity and deliver Justice for the ulam Tamil genocide thank you.

Thank you I give the floor to the representative of Association for Progressive Communications intervention by video.

ICRC welcomes the recognition that tech-facilitated gender-based violence is rooted in structural inequalities and exists along a continuum with offline violence. We welcome its call to shift the burden of safety away from individuals and towards states, tech companies and broader systems of support. Its recommendation on human rights and safety by design, platform accountability, content moderation across languages and regions, and protection of women human rights defenders are important steps forward. We encourage the Committee and Member States, however, to take its analysis of justice further. Systems designed to protect can become distinct tools of morality, social order and control. Having laws does not always mean protection, accountability or justice, especially where institutions are discriminatory, patriarchal or authoritarian.

TfGVB responses must center.

Survivors agency and dignity, be context focused and intersectional, and include prevention, collective care, repair, and civil and corporate accountability. Current legal frameworks have little room for a nuance acknowledgment of consent, particularly for specific groups whose consent is disregarded. TFGVB requires collective accountability, not only for individual harm, but also for the systems, technologies and structures that enable and amplify that harm.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Students for Sustainable Development of Paris.

Thank you, Chair. We take the floor on behalf of Ilum Tamils, 17 years after the massacre of tens and thousands of Tamil civilians at Mullivaikal in May 2009. For the past 15 years, this Council has adopted successive resolutions on Sri Lanka calling for accountability, reconciliation, and respect for human rights. Yet these resolutions have consistently failed to deliver justice for the Tamil genocide, to end impunity for enforced disappearances and sexual violence, or to realize the right of Ilham Pamos to self-determination guaranteed under common article 1 of the ICCPR and the ICESCR. Question here is, what concrete measures can this council take to move from repeated resolutions toward an independent international accountability mechanism with a clear mandate and timeline? We recommend that the Council, first, establish an international independent investigation and accountability mechanisms for the crimes committed against Eelam Tamils, including in Mullivaikoil. Second, appoint a country-specific Special Rapporteur in Sri Lanka. Third, ensure victim and survivor participation, including the Tamil diaspora, in any transitional justice process. And fourth, uphold the right of Ilom Tomos to self-determination under international law. Justice delayed for 17 years is justice denied to the families of the disappeared and the survivors of Muldivaiko.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of China Ethnic Minorities Association for External Exchanges, intervention by video.

Good day, everyone. My hometown, Wufeng Tujia Autonomous County, lies deep in Wuling Mountains in southwest China. It used to be a typical remote and impoverished mountainous area. In recent years, with the support of Chinese ethnic policies and the rural revitalization strategy, life has changed dramatically. Expressways now reach out of the mountains, and internet access covers the whole area. Local people have combined Tuja culture with Wufeng's tea industry to develop eco-cultural tourism. Today, tea farmers can sell products across the country and even around the world without leaving home. With 157 billion yuan in special funds for ethnic minority development, the country has boosted industrial efficiency and raised tea farmers' incomes. This means not only economic independence, but also the restoration of social dignity. My hometown is just a microcosm of countless ethnic minority communities across China. When remote areas are no longer forgotten corners, when traditional cultures are infused with new vitality, when every individual can embrace equal development opportunities, This is the most vivid practice of economic, social, and cultural rights. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Association Tendral, intervention by video.

Distinguished members of the Advisory Committee, I speak on behalf of Elam Tamil Diaspora organizations across the world. 17 years ago in May 2009, tens of thousands of Tamil civilians were killed at Mullivaikal in the final stages of Sri Lanka's genocidal war against the Eelam Tamils. Since then, this Council has adopted resolution after resolution on Sri Lanka's accountability, reconciliation, and human rights situation. Yet, 15 years on, not a single perpetrator has been prosecuted. Mass graves, including at Chembilly, continue to be exhumed. Most recently, in 2025, uncovering hundreds of sets of remains belonging to children without independent oversight. This record confirms what Tamil organizations worldwide have long and consistently argued before this Council: domestic processes cannot deliver justice and voluntary state cooperation has failed. 15 years of resolutions without a single prosecution is 15 years of justice denied. We therefore ask this advisory committee, will you undertake a thematic study on the protection and independent investigation of mass graves applying Minnesota Protocol 2.0 standards with specific reference to Chemani and Mullivaypo. We recommend first, the appointment of a country-specific special rapporteur on Sri Lanka. Second, referral of the situation to the International Criminal Court rather by the Security Council or through universal jurisdiction. And third, an independent, victim-centered, international investigation mechanism for all mass grave sites. Justice delayed for 15 years must not become justice denied forever. We urge the committee to act.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of International Organizations for Least Developed Countries.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. OIPM would like to refer to paragraph 4D of the Advisory Committee's report before the Council concerning the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights. In this context, OIPM draws the Council's attention to the serious human rights impact of unilateral coercive measures taken by Saudi Arabia in southern Yemen. beginning with the airstrike that caused civilian casualties and inflicted suffering on children, women, and families. These measures have also reshaped the political landscape through coercive measures against Mr. Aida Al Subaidi, former vice president of the internationally recognized PLC and president of the STC and STC institutions, restricting political representation and participation in decisions concerning the lives and political future of southern people. They have also contributed to conditions enabling Houthi expansion towards Bab al-Mandeb, with serious implications for regional security and international navigation. OIPMA therefore urges the Council to take urgent action to end unilateral coercive measures in southern Yemen and prevent any measures that unlawfully restrict fundamental rights and adversely affect the civilian population. Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the representative of RSKS intervention by video.

Thank you, Mr. President. No woman should ever have to choose between using technology and protecting her dignity, safety, and life. I welcome the Advisory Committee's work on technology-facilitated gender-based violence against women and girls. Digital abuse is not virtual. A fabricated image can end a girl's education. Doxing can force a woman from public life. Cyberstalking can escalate into violence. Yet survivors still face fragmented laws, delayed platform responses, and reporting systems that can deepen trauma. The Council must move from documenting digital harm to designing digital safety. We urge a survivor-centered global framework requiring safety by design for platforms and AI developers, rapid multilingual reporting with trained human review, safeguards against abusive deepfakes and non-consensual intimate images, and independent gender impact audits of algorithms. States should establish specialized cyber violence units, strengthen cross-border evidence preservation, and guarantee legal, psychological, and emergency support. A global innovation fund should also support women-led organizations developing accessible safety tools for rural women, women with disabilities, and women in public life. Mr. President, technology must expand women's freedom, not multiply the reach of perpetrators. Will the committee propose measurable standards, timelines, and accountability indicators?

I thank you. May all live happily.

Thank you. This was the last speaker we could accommodate for this dialogue. I now give the floor to Mr. Boomsuk Baek for his concluding remarks. You have five minutes.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Let me first thank all delegations and other stakeholders for their comments and for their support for the work of the Committee. Regarding the question on how international cooperation can be strengthened to support their technical and legal capacities, The report called on states to move beyond fragmented responses by enhancing cross-border and regional cooperation, and to improve transnational cooperation mechanisms among states to end impunity for perpetrators. It also called on technology companies to address disparities in content moderations and ensure a standardized level of protection globally. International cooperation can strengthen developing countries' technical legal capacity in areas such as digital forensics, evidence preservation, cross-border requests and regulations, while remaining grounded in international human rights standards. Regarding the question on what priority steps states and technology companies should take, The AI and Good Governance Report recommends human rights impact assessment, transparency and explainability, independent oversight and effective remedies, while companies should conduct human rights due diligence throughout the AI life cycle. The Technology Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Report similarly calls for states to adopt and enforce mandatory safety by design, privacy by design and rights by design principles. What should we highlight is that states are the main duty bearers. It is clear that their obligations remain fully applicable regardless of the technological means. This holds also when the service or the algorithm comes from a private company. Regarding the question from Republic of Korea, AI-enabled surveillance should comply with the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality. and be subject to effective independent judicial oversight. The TFGB report complements this through privacy by design, confidentiality, and data privacy safeguard, and repeal of vague surveillance laws. Finally, my six years on the committee come to an end by this month, and at this session, the council will elect seven new members. Members change, but the Council's need for independent and collective advice continues. I leave with confidence that the Committee will continue to serve it well. Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you. This brings us to the end of this interactive dialogue. I wish to thank Mr. Beck for his participation. Mr. Boomsuk Baek, as your mandate as member and chair of the Advisory Committee comes to an end, I wish to take this opportunity to express, on behalf of the Council, our deep gratitude for the valuable contributions you have made to the work of the Committee and to wish you every success in your future endeavors. We will now begin the general debate under agenda Item 5. Let me remind you that requests for right of reply will be accommodated exclusively at the end of the general debate. I would also remind all speakers to comply to the allocated speaking time, which is one minute and a half for all. As is the practice, full statements can be uploaded on the extranet. The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes. We will start with the list of members of the Council. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia, His Excellency Mr. Mugiarto, Vice Minister of Human Rights of Indonesia.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Indonesia values the vital contribution of the UN human rights bodies and mechanism to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. Yet, at a time of significant financial constraint across the UN, this mechanism cannot work alone. Stronger cooperation with regional organization is therefore essential to ensure human rights still deliver for the people on the ground. In the region, Indonesia continues to demonstrate its leadership in advancing human rights cooperation, including through the ASEAN Human Rights Dialogue. It provides a regular platform for ASEAN member states to share human rights progress and challenges, including through engagement with civil society organizations. Our regional approach is guided by respect for the diversity of national contexts. For us, human rights progress is most sustainable when it is nationally owned and takes into account national and regional particularities. It is our firm belief that regional efforts will complement the work of the Council and contribute to a more effective international human rights system. We therefore call for a more sustained cooperation between UN human right mechanisms and regional organizations to ensure greater coherence in our collective effort to advance human rights globally. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you, Excellency. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of Friends of National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up. NMIRFs contribute to States' efforts to implement their human rights obligations, promote better internal coordination and dialogue, including with national human rights institutions, local governments and civil society. UN agencies and programs remain key partners. The Group of Friends invites States to establish or to further strengthen their mechanisms, including by making use of digital tracking tools, and to take into consideration the Marrakesh Guidance Framework. As the fifth cycle of the UPR approaches, we underline the usefulness of these mechanisms. The International Network of National Mechanisms is a platform aimed at encouraging the creation of such mechanisms, strengthening capacities and promoting cooperation in line with its plan of action adopted at the Lisbon seminar. We encourage all states to consider joining and contributing to the network. We look forward to the upcoming seminar of the network to be held in Morocco in 2027. Finally, we invite states to engage with OHCHR's NMRF hub. We encourage OHCHR to continue providing technical cooperation and capacity building to NMRFs, including through this hub. Thank you.

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

Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. The OIC group values the contribution of the HRC bodies and mechanisms to the international human rights agenda and remains of the view that their effectiveness and credibility depends on adherence to their respective mandates. The Council mechanisms and bodies carry an important responsibility in advancing universal respect for human rights. In discharging their responsibilities, mandate holders must uphold the principle enshrined in the institution building package and the code of conduct, including independence, impartiality, objectivity, non-selectivity, and professionalism. Constructive dialogue and cooperation with state must remain central to functioning of these mechanisms. Mr. Vice President, expert bodies and mechanisms have an important role in supporting states in implementing agreed human rights obligation, norms, and standards. Expert instrument can complement, but cannot substitute government efforts or priorities. We, therefore, caution against attempts to introduce though the work of human rights mechanism, concepts and standards that remain contentious or do not enjoy national support. We equally understand the need to guard against...

Thank you. Give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of a group of countries.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of 15 countries of the Group of Friends of Special Procedures. At a time of significant political and financial pressures on the human rights system, the Group reaffirms its unwavering support for a strong and effective SP system and for the ability of mandate holders to discharge their mandate fully and independently. Their contribution extends for far beyond reporting. Through country visit, communications, technical advice, and engagement with state and other stakeholders, they identify good practices and play an important preventive role. We are concerned that financial constraints are already impacting the fulfillment of their mission. Adequate, predictable, and sustainable resourcing, including support from the Office of the High Commissioner, is indispensable. We also remain deeply concerned by personal attacks, intimidation, threats, disinformation, and other forms of pressure against mandate holders, which may affect their security, well-being, and in some cases, the safety of their families. Building on the adaptability already demonstrated by SP, we encourage states when considering further efficiency measures to adopt a transparent and holistic approach in consultation with mandate holders, the coordination committee, and taking into account the impact of the broader SP system and the risk of protection gaps. Thank you.

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

Mr. Vice President, I speak on behalf of the European Union.

Albania, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine align themselves. The EU reaffirms its rigid commitment to the international human rights architecture with the UN and its mechanisms at the core. We encourage all UN member states to cooperate with the international human rights mechanism, Treaty bodies, special procedures and HRC-mandated investigative bodies contribute to the mainstreaming of human rights and ensuring accountability around the world.

We underscore the essential role, independence and integrity of special procedure mandate holders and call for all States to fully respect their mandates, emphasizing that a robust and effective UN human rights system would be able to operate independently.

We call upon all States to fulfill their financial commitments in full and on time.

and to restate our call to the UN Secretary General to ensure sufficient funding from the regular budget

for the human rights pillar.

The EU reaffirms its unwavering support for the international criminal justice system, particularly to the International Criminal Court, and its commitment to upholding the Rome Statute and preserving the ICC's independence and integrity. At a time of continuing global challenges, this Council must

remain a forum for constructive and meaningful dialogue and cooperation for the protection and promotion of human rights everywhere. I thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Venezuela on behalf of a group of countries. Gracias.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We make this statement on behalf of the Group of the Friends, in defence of the UN Charter, Member States of our group attach primary importance to the promotion and protection of all human rights, including the right to development. We underscore the need to strengthen and improve the functioning of the human rights mechanisms, in particular Human Rights Council special procedures, as well as treaty bodies where appropriate. In group of Friends, highlight the fact that the mandate holders and special procedures must act fully respecting and adhering closely to their mandate, the code of conduct enshrined in the relevant Human Rights Council resolution, especially those on the financing of special procedures. We recognize the independent nature of the mandate holders. We therefore say that they should adhere strictly to the UN Charter in official documents, including the Security Council and the UN General Assembly, when they fulfil their mandate. It is expected that they base their work on reliable sources when they draft their reports and when they draft their correspondences according to the principles of impartiality and cooperation with member states the group of friends express their concern about the reiterated advisory to the code of conduct by mandate holders through Publications in their social personal or institutional social media to flag human rights situations in countries and rather than asking for information to the state concerned beforehand thank you very much

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

Thank you, Vice-President. The Movement reiterates the need to enhance and improve the work of the mechanisms while ensuring non-politicization and end to double standards to enhance the effectiveness of the human rights system. The NAM underlines the importance for the mechanisms to exercise their functions in full respect for and with strict observance of their mandates and the code of conduct for the special procedure mandate holders contained in the relevant resolutions of the Human Rights Council. Vice President, the movement remains concerned over the non-representation or rather under-representation of her member states in the staff of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and in other special procedures of this HRC. We therefore call upon the High Commissioner to intentionally ensure that adequate representation of NAM member states based on the principle of equitable geographical distribution. Finally, Vice President, the NAM reiterates the importance of the Office of the High Commissioner in promoting and protecting the enjoyment and full realization of the rights established in the Charter and the United Nations and to strictly in line with the mandate upon which all the mechanisms would have been created. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines on behalf of ASEAN.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. ASEAN calls for reforms to address systemic gaps and inefficiencies in human rights bodies and mechanisms. Respect for state sovereignty and international law must firmly guide our collective action while upholding the universality of human rights. States require the policy space to fulfill international obligations. National ownership must therefore be respected and supported. Lasting progress is sustainable when nationally owned, not imposed from the outside. ASEAN believes that the human rights system can be most effective through constructive engagement with duty bearers. Capacity building will deliver the intended outcomes only when they are based on the request, needs, and priorities of the states concerned, cost efficient, time bound, and conducted in a transparent and accountable manner. Mandate holders must exercise due diligence, objectivity, and fairness. Communications and press statements should be based on verified facts. Mandate overreach must be avoided. And the independence and impartiality of special procedures must be protected. Funding must be primarily sourced from the UN regular budget, and transparency in the organization must be maintained. Finally, ASEAN expresses concern over the persistent underrepresentation of Asia-Pacific nationals within OHCHR and among mandate holders. Equitable geographic representation and greater inclusivity are vital to effective and well-grounded human rights action. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya on behalf of the African Group. I understand the delegation of Kenya is absent. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq on behalf of the Arab Group.

Thank you, Vice-President. I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Arab Group. The Arab Group is deeply committed to the work of the Council's mechanisms, which make a valuable contribution to the promotion of human rights. We regret the impact of the liquidity crisis on their functioning. It is necessary to make cooperation and constructive partnerships between States and mechanisms a priority while upholding the principles of mutual respect and sovereignty of States and their independence. It is also essential to ensure that country visits and communications strengthen States' capacities and have a tangible impact on the ground. Equally important is abiding by the code of conduct by the special mandate holders and respecting the historic and cultural and national specificities of the host countries. Special mandate holders ought to base their work on sound sources. Greater efficiency is needed and we should avoid overlap within the UN. We reject all attempts at intimidation and reprisal against mandate holders. They must be able to perform their duties without undue pressure. Thank you.

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

Thank you very much, Vice-President. Spain aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. Spain would like to reiterate its firm support for this Council's bodies and mechanisms. In a global context with increasing uncertainty and an alarming increase in assaults on multilateralism and attempts to undermine international law, strengthening the global human rights architecture should remain a shared priority. This Council must be able to do its work to prevent warn of atrocities and to ensure accountability for serious human rights violations and to consider in advance the new frontiers of humanity and the impacts on human rights thereof. And it must have the necessary resources for this purpose. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights seeks to defend human dignity. The situation in Gaza, Ukraine, Pakistan, Myanmar, and other places, and Sudan are placing the most basic principles at risk and undermining them. We must cooperate with the mechanisms agreed at the international level in the field of human rights. It is completely unacceptable that these mandates are used to level aggressive messages against them. Spain is unwavering in its support for the Office of the High Commissioner's work on the mandates.

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

Thank you, Vice-President. We would like to reiterate the importance of the human rights mechanisms' role, and we stand ready to pursue our cooperation with these mechanisms so as to facilitate the fulfilment of the mandates. It is essential to streamline some of the mandates without depriving them of their meaning and essence. They must be unbiased and neutral and ensure respect for the sovereignty of states and national specificities so as to enable us to achieve our common goal of promoting and protecting all persons' human rights. To conclude, we must ensure that States support these mandates so as to uphold international human rights standards in accordance with national and international frameworks in this field in order to achieve a mutual understanding. It would be wise to steer clear of controversial issues that do not enjoy clear international consensus. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. India acknowledges the important role of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms in assisting Member States in advancing human rights. Special procedures can make a valuable contribution through genuine dialogue and constructive engagement with States. Trust and cooperation are essential to their effectiveness. Mandate holders must therefore discharge their functions in strict conformity with their mandates and with the code of conduct in resolution 5/2. guided by objectivity, neutrality, independence and impartiality. We remain concerned by premature conclusions drawn from isolated instances, particularly in press releases and joint statements. Such practices weaken confidence in the Mechanism and reduce the space for meaningful cooperation. Articles 6 and 8 of the Code of Conduct require Mandate Holders to consider the information provided by States and to rely on verified facts. Observance of these requirements is indispensable to fairness, accuracy, and constructive outcomes. India also values the important work of the Advisory Committee. Its implementation-oriented expertise, informed by equitable geographical representation, strengthens the Council's consideration of emerging issues. India reaffirms its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with the Council and all its mechanisms. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Vice-President. We would like to commend the role played by the Human Rights Council's mechanisms and According to the institutional building package, it is essential to preserve the independence of the mandate holders and to maintain parity and equal geographic representation and respect for the diversity of legal systems existing in different states. It is equally important to consolidate states' capacities so that they can better live up to their human rights obligations and the special mandates holders must abide by the code of conduct and be objective in their work and ensure that the information they receive is genuine and verifiable. The work done by Special Rapporteur on clean drinking water and sanitation is essential. It is essential to strengthen human rights mechanisms and to shed light on the violations of human rights suffered by the Palestinian people so that the International Community can shoulder its responsibilities thank you

thank you the list of speakers is now closed I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Ethiopia attaches great importance to the Human Rights Council, and its mechanisms are essential platforms for advancing human rights through dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility. We reaffirm our commitment to constructive engagement with the United Nations human rights system and to continued cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and relevant mechanisms. We believe that such engagement is most effective when grounded in objectivity, impartiality, transparency, and respect for national ownership and diverse national contexts. Technical assistance and capacity building remain particularly important. When provided in response to nationally identified priorities in a spirit of partnership, they can strengthen institutions and translate international commitments into tangible progresses. Ethiopia further underscores the importance of respecting the relevant code of conduct and working method applicable to human rights mechanisms and bodies, which contribute to professionalism, credibility, impartiality and constructive engagement. In closing, as a member of the Council and its Bureau, Ethiopia will continue to contribute constructively to strengthening the Council's effectiveness, credibility and cooperative character.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. Thank you.

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

Vice President, China takes note of the reports submitted by the special procedure mandate holders and commends the vast majority of the contents. China is always committed to transparent and constructive dialogue and cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures. Meanwhile, we hope the special procedures will observe the principles of impartiality, objectivity, non-politicization, and non-selectivity when fulfilling the mandates. China firmly opposes the malicious smears by certain NGOs regarding China's normal cooperation with the special procedures. Such allegations are entirely groundless and will by no means help maintain the constructive atmosphere in the Council. Meanwhile, we note with concern that certain special procedure abuses the authority or even act behind, beyond the mandate, such as relying on unverified or false information and interfering into the internal affairs of a country. Such acts will undermine the credibility of the UN human rights mechanism. We hope that relevant mandate holder will discharge the responsibilities impartially objectively and in strict accordance with the mandates and avoid negative impact of the long-term sound development of the global human rights cause.

I thank you.

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

Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. Pakistan remains constructively engaged with the OHCHR, treaty bodies, and special procedure in a spirit of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect. We value the role in advancing the human rights agenda. Pakistan has consistently maintained that the council work must remain anchored in universality, dialogue, consensus building, and respect for diversity. These principles are essential to maintain trust and strengthen cooperation between state and the human right machinery. We maintain that human right obligation emanate from universally agreed instruments and intergovernmentally negotiated norms and standards. Expert mechanism play an important role in supporting their implementation, but should become avenues for advancing contentious concept or interpretation lacking intergovernmental consensus. Such approaches risk polarization rather than constructive engagements. We also underscore equitable and geographical representation and diversity of legal system across the human rights machinery. Finally, the human rights situation must address objectively and consistently without selectivity or double standards. with due attention to grave breaches and violations in situations of foreign occupation. Pakistan will continue its constructive engagement towards a credible, effective, universally respected human rights system. Thank you, Vice-President.

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

Senor Bisup, Vice-President. Cuba reiterates its commitment to the protection and promotion of all human rights for all. We will continue to support the human rights procedures and mandates that are of universal application and non-discriminatory. In the recent past, Cuba has hosted a number of visits from special procedures and human rights treaty bodies. The special procedures should carry out their functions in full compliance with the code of conduct. Our country is the author of seven Council resolutions that create seven mandate holders and one thematic working group. We welcome the valuable support lent by delegations to these resolutions and their contributions to their implementation. Cuba will continue to defend within the Council the principles of universality, indivisibility, objectivity and non-selectivity in violating human rights. We will continue to oppose the imposition of unilateral coercive measures. We welcome those statements made by multiple special rapporteurs and independent experts and working groups of the Council calling for the end of the criminal embargo against Cuba, including the energy blockade and the threats of military aggression. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Albania aligns itself with the EU statement.

Albania reaffirms its strong commitment to international human rights system and the central role of United Nations in promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. We believe that effective cooperation with UN Human rights mechanisms both a responsibility and an opportunity for states to strengthen the protection of human rights at the national level. Albania remain fully commitment to engage constructively with this mechanism and values the expertise, independence, and the integrity of the mandate holders. We are particularly concerned by the act of intimidation and reprisal against individual and organization that seek to cooperate with the United Nation. Civil society, human rights defenders and national human rights institutions play an indispensable role in advancing human rights and should be able to operate freely and safely. We also share concern regarding the financial challenges facing the UN human rights pillar. Adequate, predictable and sustainable funding is essential to ensure that human rights mechanisms can effectively fulfil their mandate. I thank you, Mr President, Vice-President.

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

Thank you, Vice President. The State of Kuwait reaffirms the importance of promoting the efficiency of human rights mechanisms and continuing positive engagement with those mechanisms, particularly special procedures, because they play a central role in promoting national efforts in protecting and promoting human rights. through objective dialogue, exchange of expertise and best practice, as well as conducting follow-up and reporting. Based on this approach, we always seek constructive engagement with mandate holders on the basis of impartiality and mutual respect. The State of Kuwait has received in 2025 the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, as well as the independent expert on the impact of foreign debt and international financial obligations. This is part of our approach towards opening up and communicating directly with the mechanisms of the Council. The State of Kuwait reiterates its firm commitment to constructively engage with the UN human rights mechanisms in such a way as to increase the credibility and the effectiveness of the work of the Council and working towards achieving the collective goals of this OAS assembly. Thank you.

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

Vice President, Kenya recognizes the important contribution of the Human Rights Council mechanisms to the promotion and protection of human rights and remains committed to constructive engagement with these mechanisms. We attach particular importance to ensure that the work of the Council and its mechanisms support the effective implementation of human rights obligations at the national level. In this regard, international cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity building remain important in strengthening national institutions and supporting states in addressing identified needs and priorities. Kenya further emphasizes the close relationship between the promotion and protection of human rights and sustainable development. Progress in addressing inequalities, strengthening institutions, and expanding access to essential services contributes to the effective enjoyment of human rights. We therefore encourage continued cooperation between States and human rights mechanisms in a manner that supports national implementation and complements ongoing national efforts. Kenya remains committed to working constructively with multilateral human rights systems towards the effective promotion and protection of all human rights. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Japan thanks the Secretary-General for his report on intimidation and reprisal against those who cooperate with the United Nations, including human rights defenders and other civil society actors. We remain deeply concerned by the persistent and widespread nature of such acts, which threaten the integrity and effectiveness of the UN human rights system. In particular, we remain concerned by the reported increase in transnational repression, as the Secretary-General's report illustrates. The report documents cases of surveillance, intimidation, and digital harassment, and other forms of repression targeting individuals and organizations across the border. We are also concerned that fear of reprisal continue to lead individual and civil society actors to self-censor, seek anonymity, or refrain altogether from cooperating with the UN. We believe contribution and engagement by civil society are crucial to promote and protect human rights, both in national and international contexts. Meaningful participation by civil society at this Council and as a UN human rights mechanism is indispensable to their effective function. Japan recalls that, in accordance with international human rights standards, all states must respect and protect human rights and refrain from committing acts of transnational repression. We reiterate our firm commitment to protecting civic space so that civil society actors can cooperate freely with the United Nations.

I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group. The group reaffirms its strong commitment to the human rights bodies and the Human Rights Council mechanisms as an important component of the international human rights system. We recognize their contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights and regret that the ongoing financial crisis affecting the UN systems in hindering their work. We attach particular importance to constructive engagement and cooperation between states and human right mechanisms. Such cooperation should be based on mutual respect, transparency, and dialogue, while fully respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of states. Countries' visits, communication, and other forms of engagement should serve to strengthen national capacities and contribute to sustainable improvements on the ground. The group emphasizes that full adherence to the code of conduct for special procedures mandate holders is the very foundation of constructive relationship between states and mandate holders. This requires strict respect for the scope of each mandate, objectivity, impartiality, non-selectivity, and due regard for historical, cultural, and national specificities. Mandate holders must ensure that their findings and recommendations are grounded in reliable, objective, and duly verified information. In light of the serious challenges confronting the UN systems, the group calls for a more coherent and efficient use of human rights mechanisms, one that avoids unnecessary duplication of efforts and channels resources towards areas of greatest impact. At the same time, the group categorically rejects...

Thank you. This was the last speaker on my list. We will now proceed with the list of observers. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Armenia.

Vice President, at a time of escalating conflicts and deepening crisis, the role and visibility of the UN human rights system is critical. For Armenia, implementation is part of our broader commitment to democracy, human rights, and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Armenia remains actively engaged with international human rights monitoring processes at both the UN and regional levels. Over the last few years, we have participated in an unprecedented number of treaty body dialogues, submitted periodic reports under regional conventions, and hosted monitoring visits while maintaining timely cooperation with special procedures and other Human Rights Council mechanisms. Last year, Armenia successfully underwent its fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. As part of our commitment in 2024, Armenia established a standing mandate for its national mechanism for implementation, reporting, and follow-up by decree of the prime minister. This marked a deliberate transition from fragmented ad hoc reporting toward a structured and continuous implementation of human rights obligations, strengthening institutional memory, improving interagency coordination, and reinforcing good faith engagement with international mechanisms. At the same time, in December 2025, Armenia operationalized a dedicated digital platform to support the work of the National Mechanism, Armenia's institutional network for monitoring and reporting. Mr. Vice President, Armenia reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the work of the Human Rights Council and its subsidiary bodies and stands ready to continue engaging constructively with all stakeholders to uphold the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity of the work of the Human Rights Council. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone.

Mr. Vice President, Sierra Leone aligns with the statement delivered by the African Group.

We acknowledge the central role of United Nations human rights bodies and mechanisms in supporting States in advancing

the promotion and protection of human rights. Whether they are treaty bodies, special procedures, the universal periodic review, or other expert mechanisms, These mechanisms are essential components of the international human rights architecture. They provide guidance, expertise and constructive engagement that states require to fulfill their human rights obligations.

They also offer practical

avenues for dialogue, cooperation and capacity building, enabling states to strengthen their national systems and ensure that rights are realized for all. Syrian values, impartiality, independence, and professionalism of these mechanisms, their work promotes transparency, accountability, and the progressive development of human rights.

norms. We encourage all Member States to continue to support their mandates, provide adequate resources and engage respectfully.

We also emphasize the importance of ensuring that individuals, civil society actors

and communities who cooperate with these mechanisms can participate safely and without hindrance.

Their contributions enrich the system and strengthen its effectiveness.

Switzerland recognises the fundamental importance of all human rights bodies and mechanisms and of collaborating with partners to ensure that these bodies continue to serve as vital instruments for advancing human rights. I thank you, Mr Vice-President.

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

Thank you, Vice-President.

Ireland aligns with the statement of the EU.

Ireland reaffirms its strong commitment to the crucial work of the

UN's human rights bodies and mechanisms, including the treaty bodies, special procedures and investigative mechanisms.

Ireland greatly values the contributions of special procedures mandate holders in shedding light on and raising public awareness about human rights

issues, promoting best practices and supporting States in fulfilling our human rights obligations.

Their work also contributes to the development of international human rights standards.

Ireland fully supports the independence and integrity of special procedures mandates and is concerned by increasing instances of threats, intimidation, attacks and sanctions against mandate holders in relation to their human rights work. Ireland calls on all States and stakeholders to refrain from any acts that unduly impede mandate holders from discharging their mandates. Ireland has issued a standing invitation to special procedures mandate holders and encourages all States to do the same. Ireland was pleased to welcome the Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment to Ireland earlier this year, and we look forward to the presentation of her country report next March. We also take this opportunity to reiterate our support to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and its indispensable work in supporting and facilitating the work of the UN's human rights bodies and mechanisms. I thank you.

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

Mr. Vice President, the Moldystry affirms its strong support for the human rights mechanisms established under this Council and viewed them as essential tools for advancing accountability and strengthening the protection of human rights at all levels. Our commitment to the meaningful engagement with UN human rights mechanisms is demonstrated by the visits of mandate holders and our active participation in the fourth cycle of the MOLDIS Universal Periodic Review, as well as our engagement with treaty bodies in 2025. At the national level, the Maldives continues to systematically track and implement recommendations received through the UPR Treaty Bodies and special procedures through the National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up. We take this opportunity to reaffirm our standing invitation to all special procedures mandate holders to visit the Maldives. Mr. Vice President, the Moldus welcomes the work of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory and reaffirms strong support for her mandate to document violations committed against the Palestinian people by the occupying power, Israel, and extremist settlers. We call on Israel to grant humanitarian personnel and the Special Rapporteur safe, unrestricted, and unhindered access to the occupied Palestinian territory, enabling them to carry out their that independently and without obstruction I thank you

thank you I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia

Mr vice president Malaysia associates itself with the statements of the ASEAN and the oic group Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to constructive engagement with UN human rights bodies and mechanisms through dialogue, implementation, and continuous improvement. This year, Malaysia participated at the ministerial level in the review of its reports before the Committee on the Rights of the Child in January of 2026 and has continued to follow up on recommendations of treaty bodies, including through the submissions of its report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women in July of 2026. Malaysia also remains committed to contributing constructively to the international human rights system. Malaysia is humbled by the election of its candidate to the Committee on the Rights of the Child for the term of 2027 to 2031, and takes this recognition as a responsibility to contribute constructively to the advancement of children's rights. Regionally, Malaysia continues to support ASEAN's efforts to strengthen human rights cooperation through the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, including its five-year work plan for 2026 to 2030. Malaysia believes that constructive engagement grounded in dialogue and mutual respect is essential to strengthening the human rights system. Such engagement should take into account national and regional context while ensuring that human rights bodies and mechanisms discharge their respective mandates objectively and impartially. I thank you.

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

Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, Bangladesh recognizes the contribution of human rights bodies and mechanisms to the enjoyment of human rights. We remain constructively engaged with these bodies and mechanisms In 2025, we facilitated a country visit by a special rapporteur and a technical visit by a working group. We value such engagement as an opportunity for constructive exchange. Mr. Vice President, the establishment of mandates should be guided by cooperation and genuine dialogue with the aim of strengthening states' capacity to fulfill their human rights obligations. High standards of objectivity, transparency, impartiality, and professionalism should guide the works of mandate holders. Their reports and communications should be based on objective and variable facts, with due consideration given to the views of the state concerned. For developing countries, technical assistance and capacity building can make a meaningful difference when provided in consultation with the respective state. We encourage the Council's mechanisms to take account of national circumstances and give due attention to economic, social, and cultural rights. Such approach can help translate recommendations into practical progress. Finally, we underscore the need for equitable geographical representation at all levels across these bodies and mechanisms and within OHCHR. I thank you.

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

Mr. Vice President. Algeria reaffirms its commitment to the human rights bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. We express concern over the impact that the financial crisis facing the United Nations may have on the mandate holders' ability to effectively discharge their mandates. We also reject any attempts aimed at undermining their independence or at attacking or intimidating them. We stress that effective cooperation between states and human rights mechanisms must be grounded in dialogue, mutual respect, and genuine understanding of national contexts, including the historical, cultural, social, and religious specificities of each country. In this regard, we caution against attempts by human rights mechanisms to reinterpret existing rights or to create new rights without a clear basis in internationally agreed instruments. We call for strict adherence to the code of conduct for special procedures, as well as to the scope of each mandate, and for the principles of objectivity and impartiality to be upheld. The work of mandate holders should be based on credible, reliable, and duly verified information, and should avoid selective approaches or conclusions that go beyond the mandate entrusted to them. Algeria remains committed to constructive engagement with the Human Rights Council and its mechanism in the conviction that dialogue and cooperation are essential to strengthening the international human rights system. I thank you.

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

Vice President, Iran attaches great importance importance to cooperation with human rights bodies and mechanisms, provided that such cooperation is based on universal, impartial, objective, and non-discriminatory principles. Iran has a clear position regarding mechanisms that are established without the consent of the concerned country. At the same time, strongly expect that the OHCHR and the coordination committees exercise effective oversight of such mechanisms to ensure that their activities remain in full compliance with their respective mandates. Regarding the HRC Advisory Committee, we welcome the inclusion of UCMs in the work of the Committee and hope that each one challenges of particular relevance to developing country will receive greater attention. With regard To the forum established by the Council, we strongly believe that such forums should not be used to single out or target any particular country or region. Unfortunately, concerns in this regard have arisen in the context of the forum of minority issue, including with respect to the insufficiently regulated participation of NGOs and use of inappropriate languages by some participation. during its meeting. In conclusion, Iran believes that human rights mechanisms should promote greater state cooperation. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. International human rights bodies and mechanisms must act in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in order to effectively contribute to the promotion and protection of all human rights, including the right to development. For that to happen, The international human rights system must absolutely be governed by the principles of impartiality, objectivity, non-selectivity, avoiding double standards and always resorting to constructive dialogue. Venezuela notes with concern that, despite the complaints There remain instances where the code of conduct for Human Rights Council mandate holders is systematically flouted with conduct which is at odds with the Human Rights Council's principles and selective statements that compromise the credibility of the rights system. We would like to express our rejection of any measure to intimidate, organise reprisals against or coercion against any mandate holders of special procedures and reaffirms the uncircumventable need to preserve their independence and autonomy against any external pressure. Thank you.

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

Mr. Vice President, Azerbaijan reaffirms its commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation with the UN human rights bodies and mechanisms. We are proud to be among the few countries fully up to date with our treaty reporting obligations, which reflects our strong commitment to transparency and accountability. We attach importance to the work of the special procedures mandate holders. We believe that their work is most effective when carried out in accordance with their respective mandates, international law, the UN Charter, the relevant HRC resolutions, and the code of conduct. At the same time, constructive and open engagement with Member States is essential to ensuring that their assessment benefit from a comprehensive understanding of the situation on the ground. Azerbaijan remains ready to engage with mandate holders in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. We believe that dialogue, including through the exchange of information and perspectives, can contribute to an informed understanding of human rights

situations and enhance the effectiveness of the UN human rights system.

We will continue to engage actively with the UN human rights machinery as part of our broader efforts to promote and protect human rights. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban have dismantled

the rule of law, replacing judges with religious clerics and ablating the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission.

and other bodies protecting women, children and minorities, leaving citizens with no avenue for accountability or redress.

This culture of impunity entrenched by the Taliban cannot go unaddressed. It is precisely in this context that the UN human rights bodies and mechanisms remain indispensable

and why the treaty bodies and special procedures must continue to play a more proactive role in documenting violations, engaging with victims, and advancing accountability.

With a view to justice and accountability

for the people of Afghanistan, we stress the urgency of fully operationalizing the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan. Its effectiveness and impact will depend on sustained

resources, state cooperation, and the meaningful participation of civil society, and the readiness of courts

to use its evidence in future prosecutions.

To this end, we request the Council be regularly updated on progress in operationalizing the mechanism.

Mr. Vice President.

How can the Council mechanisms, the treaty bodies, and the ICC investigation be better coordinated to complement one another?

I thank you. Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Eritrea, video intervention.

Thank you, Mr. President. Participation in the work of the Council carries responsibilities for all concerned. including respect for the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter and the applicable rules governing participation. In this context, we wish to express our appreciation to the Secretariat for its attention to the case previously brought to its attention and for the steps ultimately taken to address it. We acknowledge the action taken by the Secretariat in this regard. At the same time, this experience underscores that protection against intimidation and reprisals should apply to all participants, including representatives of Member States. Appropriate procedures should be available to address misconduct irrespective of the actor concerned. It further highlights the importance of having clear, transparent and accessible mechanisms through which concerns of this nature can be reported, assessed and addressed in a timely and consistent manner. We therefore encourage the Secretariat to continue strengthening existing mechanisms to ensure that such concerns can be addressed effectively, consistently, and without undue delay. I thank you, Mr. President.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President, my delegation. welcomes the role played by the human rights mechanisms and bodies in the promotion and protection of rights, not to mention the technical support to member states. Tunisia has committed itself to promoting and protecting human rights in cooperation with human rights bodies and mechanisms in order to create true democracy and the rule of law and a a justice state in which fundamental rights and freedoms are treated on an equal basis. We do our best to submit our reports to all our treaty bodies. Recently, for example, we have submitted our report to the CRPD, the CEDAW, as well as CERD. Tunisia is about to be reviewed by the Committee on the Right to Economic, Social, Cultural Rights. We underscore the importance for the human rights mechanisms and mandates to respect the principles of neutrality, independence, and of objectivity, and the respect of the sovereignty of states. Finally, Tunisia voices full support to the mandate of Francesca Albanese, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. in the face of the hostile campaign she is the victim of by the occupying force, the President

of Costa Rica.

Hi, sorry, we would like to be removed from the list of speakers, please.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. Uganda aligns with the statements of NAM and the African group.

My government remains committed to cooperate with human rights mechanisms that prioritize constructive engagement and dialogue to

the promotion and protection of human rights for all.

In doing so, we have noted that over time, some mechanisms, especially the agenda of the Human Rights Council

and special mandates have been duplicated, and this risks watering down the important role they play. We call for an objective reflection on the efficacy of Human Rights Council, especially the bloated and duplicated agenda items.

We firmly believe that when human rights

mechanisms maintain objectivity and impartiality, they can effectively play an important complementary and additional

role in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Our earnest appeal is therefore to streamline the duplicated mechanisms,

depoliticize their work and focus on offering relevant technical advice informed by admissible evidence from the ground.

I thank you. Thank you. This was the last speaker on my list. We will now proceed with the list of speakers for national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations. So I give the floor to the representative of Frontline AIDS Limited.

Frontline AIDS thanks the Council for this debate. Human rights mechanisms only work if the people most affected can safely reach them, and for key and vulnerable populations, that is becoming harder. UNAIDS' July report shows the impact of a tightening legal environment on the HIV response. In 2025, Burkina Faso and Niger introduced new legislation against same-sex conduct, and Senegal followed suit in March of this year. Worldwide, 168 countries criminalise sex work, 152 criminalise drug possession, 66 criminalise same-sex relations, and 14 specifically criminalise transgender people. When faced with arrest, people will stay away from lifesaving healthcare services. And sadly, these risks are compounding. International HIV financing fell 18% in 2025, and 28 African countries are now spending more on debt than on public health. Our own 2026 survey found community-led services are down 85% for men who have sex with men, and 82% for sex workers. And yet, community advocates who bring this evidence to the UPR, special procedures, and other UN mechanisms often do so at great personal risk. We urge the Council to take proactive steps to include community voices in these debates and dialogues, and second, to introduce far more robust procedures and safety policies for the advocates courageous enough to walk in these halls and participate in these debates. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Japan Society for History Textbook, intervention by video.

I am Yasuaki Ibo, a member of the Tomigusuku City Council in Okinawa, Japan. I address this Council to highlight a critical issue regarding democratic representation and the integrity of UN procedures. Three in Okinawa, a council member submitted a document to MREP falsely claiming to act on behalf of the Ginowan City Council. In response, the Ginowan City Council formally passed an official resolution directly stating this submission completely, also realized MREP has stated that individual members have no legal authority to replace the collective voice of an elected body. Furthermore, local councils in Okinawa, including Ginowan, have officially resolved to reject UN recommendation recognizing the people of Okinawa as indigenous people. Democracy relies on formal, collective, and free elections. We strongly urge the Council and all UN mechanisms to establish strict verification procedures regarding the authenticity of the submitters and to protect the official resolutions of the democratically elected local councils as genuine democratic evolution. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Geneva for Human Rights.

Thank you. While the year 2030 is overly ambitious, we welcome the high-level side event from legacy to lasting change, ending obstetric fistula by 2030, held at UN headquarters on July 2026, 9. The call made there to transform fistula elimination from a siloed medical target into a non-negotiable human rights priority is long overdue. It must now reach the human rights system itself, where the treaty bodies, special procedures, the UPR, and this Council resolution 60/18 on preventable maternal mortality and morbidity still rarely act together. The call to ensure high quality care in surgical training centers and to place these centers in isolated rural communities is necessary. Increased budget allocation for long-term health rehabilitation, stigma reduction campaigns, and vocational life skills training for survivors would be helpful but insufficient. Treatment repairs the injury. Only prevention ends it. support for midwives, emergency obstetric care, the end of child marriage, and full sexual and reproductive health and rights are required. We therefore call on this Council under its preventive mandate to ensure that its mechanism jointly monitor state action on obstetric fistula so that commitments made are fully implemented.

Thank you. Thank you. I now give the floor to the representative of Center for Gender Justice and Women Empowerment.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Under item 5, we draw the Council's attention to the need for effective engagement by United Nations human rights parties and mechanism on escalating concern in Sint. Renewed proposal to create additional provinces or administrative units could fragment Sint's historical recognized territory. Although no formal constitutional decision to divide Sint has yet been enacted, the risk demand preventive international attention before irreversible harm occurs. Sindh history provides a grave warning. Karachi was removed from provisional authority soon after Pakistan's creation and under one unit scheme. Sindh was arrested as a province for 15 years. Today, territorial concerns are compounded by the rampant human rights violation of Sindhi people, for a historical people territory, identity, political representation, and control over national resources are inseparable, while all sections of Sindhi people have rejected it. Fragmenting Sindh would determine undermine their rights to self-determination, political participation, and cultural survival. We further urge the Council, the Office of the High Commissioner, and relevant mechanism to monitor development affecting Sindh's territorial status and their impact on political participation, cultural rights, development and self-determination. I thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the representative of Conectas Direitos Humanos.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President, Conectas Direitos Humanos. and the articulation of the Indigenous Peoples of Brazil to call the attention of this Council about two rather the threats to the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Brazil. The Supreme Court for the second time rejected the temporal framework thesis. Nevertheless, the law remains in place. Now it is possible for the demarcation be replaced by the buying of lands and compensation that rewards the invaders. Also, the openness of the indigenous peoples to mining as continuing because of the energy transition, but there is no other, there can be no fair transition unless our rights are respected. We ask the Council to urge Brazil, the state of Brazil, to definitively reject the temporal framework law, ensuring that demarcation is not replaced by the buying of land in order to put an end to the criminal activities against our indigenous peoples. First and foremost, the initiatives designed to regulate mining indigenous lands should stop unless it is with the consult, the free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous peoples of Brazil. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Sambali Trust.

Mr. Vice President, a report may be written in Geneva, but its test comes later. Can a woman in a village understand what it means for her? At Sambali in western Rajasthan, we have learned that communities need clear information, a place to ask questions.

And someone who follows up.

India offers a useful example of bringing support closer to people. Government figures show 14,658 women help desks in police stations. with 13,743 headed by women officers. Their value lies in being approachable.

We ask the Council and its mechanism to keep that some closeness in mind, consult grassroots organizations before.

Reports are finalized. Share recommendations in short, accessible forms and local languages.

Then return to communities and ask what changed.

Civil society should not appear only in a footnote. It can carry international guidance from this room to the people.

It is meant to serve and bring their experience back.

That is how a mechanism earns trust. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Advocates for Human Rights.

Vice President, the Advocates for Human Rights is an NGO based in Minneapolis, United States, that provides legal representation to asylum seekers and other non-citizens. Since the beginning of the current administration, the U.S. government has increasingly weaponized immigration enforcement, which has seriously undermined the human rights of all people in the U.S., citizen and non-citizen alike. Numerous individuals and civil society organizations have submitted communications to the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants. These communications allege a variety of human rights violations, including the U.S. executive branch restricting immigration judge independence and taking steps to erode public trust in the fairness of the justice system by attempting to punish immigration lawyers whose views or the views of their clients do not align with the executive branch's stated position on immigration and deportation. Despite these communications, the US government has not responded to any special procedure communications since 17 December 2024. Since then, the US government has not responded to 62 communications, including 11 originally sent to the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants. We therefore urge all member states to encourage the US government to re-engage with UN human rights mechanisms, including responding to special procedure communications. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the representative of Network for Development in Mauritania, intervention by video.

We thank the Human Rights Council for the constant focus on the right to development. This being said, for the Sahrawi people in the Tindouf camps, this is not, not only not realized, it is denied in a For over five decades, the camps there are under uncontrolled fundamental rights, labor, property, freedom of movement, and administrative recognition are denied. Food security insecurity is generalized to humanitarian is diverted. Children are recruited and families are trapped in an open air prison. The right to development cannot be exercised in the absence of security, of freedom and responsibility, accountability. This Council has the duty to ensure that no people is left behind and the The denial to development takes place behind militarized camps. We ask you to create an independent mechanism to oversee human rights in the camps, to ask the host country for accountability, and ask that the right to development is a reality and not a simple theoretical promise for the Sahrawi people. The people have waited for long enough. The time to act has come. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the representative of Centre for Global Non-Killing.

Dear human beings, Mr. Vice President, everyone everywhere, greetings of prosperous human rights.

Humanity is immensely rich, knowledge, ethics, human rights, feelings of joy and peace, infrastructures, and tremendously rich in assets. The fortune of humanity is around 800,000 billion. To compare, the budget of the organization meant to supervise the well-being of all humanity, our United Nations, is 8 billion.

This is one for the UN, 100,000 elsewhere.

One thing humanity and every actor of the economic system could be richer of is generosity. To deliver on purpose, well-being for every human being, we could devise a human rights tax. Who should pay for it? If states, we would not want it to be levied on treaty participation or guilt for violations. Though not universal, these are possibilities. If it is us, we the people, we need to be able to decide where the money goes. In another field of UN's work, if we the people, we had to pay for war, if wise enough, we would not. If we are to pay for our mutual good, our common future, solidarity and generosity may join. This is life-saving, peacemaking, earth-wide and human rights-based economy. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Amnesty International, intervention by video.

Mr. President, as the Human Rights Council marks its 20th anniversary, we must recognize one of its greatest strengths, the special procedure system.

Special procedures are independent experts who serve pro bono, dedicating their expertise and commitment to advancing human rights worldwide.

They are among the council's most agile and effective tools, providing early warning, responding rapidly to crisis, amplifying victims' voices, and helping states meet their human rights obligations. Yet today, mandate holders face an increasingly hostile environment. The Coordination Committee has warned of escalating personal attacks, smear campaigns, misinformation, false allegations of corruption and political bias, and even calls for sanctions against individual experts. It rightly noted that these attacks are not only directed at mandate holders themselves, but constitute an assault on the international human rights system and the people it's designed to protect. This situation must not continue. If special procedures are a pillar of this Council, then attacks on them demand a stronger institutional response. Silence risks normalising intimidation and undermining the independence upon which the system depends. What concrete measures will this Council take to defend mandate holders against coordinated attacks? How will it respond when experts are targeted for carrying out the mandates entrusted to them by this body? And how will it ensure that independence, integrity and accountability are protected in practice, not only on paper? Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of RSKS, intervention by video.

President. As a community development professional and a woman from Jammu and Kashmir, India, I do not speak about women's empowerment as a theory. I speak about it as a reality that women in my region are building every single day. For decades, women in Jammu and Kashmir have carried the weight of conflict, uncertainty and loss. Yet they continue to educate their children, sustain their families, build livelihoods and lead their communities. But women of Jammu and Kashmir must not be defined only by what they have suffered. We must also recognize what they are building. Today, women are becoming entrepreneurs, professionals educators and community leaders. And to me, true empowerment is not simply giving women a voice, it is creating a society that is willing to listen when women speak. Kashmir deserves to be understood through facts, through the realities on ground, and not through misinformation or disinformation created by Pakistan's information warfare. I respectfully request the United Nations Human Rights Council and global platforms working for peace to look at Jammu and Kashmir through fresh lenses. Look at its women building, look at its youth dreaming, look at its community rebuilding. Do not just reduce to a geopolitical narrative. Jammu and Kashmir is a living society with people, dreams and aspirations. Its story should not be written for us, it should be written by us, with dignity, with development and with peace.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations.

President, the.

Participation by civil society in the United Nations is essential for both its work and its success, and it rests robustly on Article 71 of the Charter and Resolution 199631 of ECOSOC, which compels states to ensure the right to participate of NGOs. However, these rights are not fully respected when their representatives see themselves denied visas when trying to attend meetings and consultations at the United Nations, including the Human Rights Council. We are deeply concerned by the rising practice which consists of denying visas for attending the Human Rights Council on the basis of arbitrary grounds, according to which there would be an alleged risk that the visa applicant might try to stay on in the Schengen zone after the expiry of their visa, and also because of the non-refundable visa fees. In many countries, including African countries, visa applicants often have to wait several months before they can actually file their application with a Swiss embassy. The Headquarters Agreement of 1947 between the United States and the United Nations is perfectly clear as to the U.S.'s obligation to ensure unhindered access to the U.N.'s headquarters and to deliver in a timely way and free of charge visas to those NGOs that have ECOSOC status. We believe it is high time that the 1946 headquarters agreement between Switzerland and the United Nations be updated so as to include the same clear provisions. Thank you.

I give the floor to the representative of International Pro Bono Legal Services Association Limited.

Excellencies, we call the Council's attention to UNGA resolution 1514. It affirms that all peoples have the right to self-determination and that inadequate political, economic, social, or educational preparedness has never been an excuse to delay this right. It calls for a speedy and unconditional end to colonialism in all its forms. Adopted by an overwhelming majority, with major colonial powers abstaining, the resolution helped crystallize self-determination as an obligation erga omnes and a peremptory norm. Yet, its scope remains contested. A procedural gap persists between the human rights mechanisms in Geneva and the decolonization committees in New York. What the human rights bodies observe and report in Geneva, bodies in New York, such as the C4 and C24, may not hear, let alone act on. This gap is structurally and politically convenient. The United Nations should therefore bridge this divide, enabling systematic communication, shared reporting, and greater synergies, while respecting existing mandates and the diversity of self-determination outcomes. This institution must summon the political will to reduce bureaucratic hurdles between peoples and the freedom they deserve. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the representative of KIAM Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture. I understand they're absent. I then give the floor to the representative of Public Advocacy, intervention by video.

Distinguished participants, I am a bishop of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and along with many other bishops and priests of our church, I am in Ukraine and being unlawfully persecuted for my religious beliefs. In recent years in Ukraine, hundreds of criminal cases have been opened against the clergy for their sermons and other pronouncements. The UN special procedures have been informed about this in detail on repeated occasions, and this can be confirmed by the UN's press releases on this topic. But the publication of UN press releases has not been sufficient for the Ukrainian authorities. The Ukrainian authorities just didn't take them into account, as though there had been no reaction from the UN. Even now, serious crimes against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church are ongoing. The UN special procedures, including the Human Rights Council, continue to receive on a regular basis dozens of complaints. The complaints are about crimes such as the beating up and killing of parishioners, as well as the deprivation of our clergymen of the right to benefit from deferment from the army. They are sent to the front as regular soldiers. And our churches are seized. I call on the UN to find an effective means to respond to these crimes, which are serious and systematic in nature, and they have every sign of religious genocide. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of JESOR, a youth organization.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I wish to draw urgent attention of the Human Rights Council to frequent illegal incarceration of Advocate Ahsan Ali and other members of the Awami Action Committee in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistan has criminalized genuine protesters in PoGB. A 70-year-old advocate, Ahsan Ali, chairman of the Awami Action Committee of PoGB, and other members were put under illegal incarceration for over three months. Advocate Ahsan Ali and his fellow activists, including Nusrat Hussain, Mehbub Wali, Nafees Advocate and Meher Ali, were put under the Fourth Schedule of Pakistan's anti-terror laws and falsely accused of inciting violence, charges that have been condemned by civil society of the POGB as politically motivated. The deplorable conditions in which Advocate Ahsan Ali and other members of AACGB were kept clearly shows the pathetic state of democratic rights in POGB, where even organizing simple and democratic protests is deemed to be a criminal act. The Pakistani establishment is determined to silence the voice of any dissent that tries to seek legitimate basic rights. The world must take a serious note of Pakistan's illegal incarceration of activists from POGB. I therefore urge the United Nations Human Rights Council to take immediate cognizance of this matter, demand Pakistan to immediately put an end to misuse of anti-terror laws, and ensure...

Thank you. I now give the floor to the representative of International Service for Human Rights.

Mr. Vice President.

Special procedures have borne the brunt of liquidity crisis and budget cuts. Fewer staff, fewer country visits, and fewer opportunities to engage states and civil society, jeopardizing the system's ability to respond to increasingly pressing human rights needs. A robust, responsive system needs sustainable funding, adequate human resources to fully discharge mandates, and political backing for the independence and safety of mandate holders. Campaigns of intimidation, harassment and disinformation directed against mandate holders must be condemned by all actors. Any review of mandates must strengthen, not weaken, the system's effectiveness, transparency and accessibility, taking into account the mandate's specificities and the needs.

For the rights holders it serves.

Current efficiency efforts amid the UN financial crisis have already reduced special procedures, reporting, and resources, with 17 fewer reports for the next three GA sessions. Without meaningful consultation and case-by-case assessment, these changes risk diminishing the visibility of key human rights issues in New York and widening the gap between the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council. Mr. Vice President, How can we address the system challenges, including the need for cost and time saving measures, while genuinely safeguarding its ability to serve right holders? Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of International Network for Human Rights.

Thank you, Vice President. We are gravely concerned by restrictions of freedom of expression and Tamil political speech in

Sri Lanka in violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Tamil journalists, activists, and academics have faced killings, abductions, surveillance, intimidation, arbitrary detention, and other serious violations. The continuing use of counterterrorism measures has also raised concerns about the impact on freedom of expression. We therefore call on the Council and United Nations systems to strengthen international scrutiny and accountability concerning Sri Lanka. We call for consideration of a country-specific Special Rapporteur and independent international mechanism to collect and preserve evidence, and stronger engagement by relevant treaty and special procedures on restrictions affecting Tamil freedom of expression. Sri Lanka is not a state

party to the Rome Statute and any pathway to ICC jurisdiction must therefore satisfy the requirements of the state statute.

Tamil journalists and civil society must be able to speak, remember and report without fear. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the representative of Al-Hakim Foundation. I understand they are absent. I give the floor to the representative of Lawyers Rights Watch Canada, intervention by video.

Lawyers Rights Watch Canada and the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute, with endorsement by Judges for Judges, stress the urgent need to protect human rights as one of the UN's three core pillars recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world to be protected by the rule of law. Yet the UN human rights bodies set up to protect rights and the rule of law are being systematically obstructed by powerful states. China misuses membership in the Human Rights Council and other UN bodies to undermine the universality of human rights while systematically persecuting dissenters and minorities and arbitrarily detaining and torturing lawyers and rights defenders. Russia systematically violates the UN Charter and international human rights law, attacking dissenters, lawyers, and defenders, and unlawfully criminalizing International Criminal Court judges. The United States has violated the UN Charter, withdrawn funding and cooperation from UN bodies, including the Council, and has unlawfully sanctioned ICC officials and judges and those cooperating with the Court. Sanctions against a Special Rapporteur violate the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. We urge all Council members and observer States to take the urgent steps needed to ensure funding and protection of UN human rights bodies, the ICC, and the jurists, defenders, and victims who cooperate with them. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Disabled Women's Association.

Distinguished Vice-President, when discussing human rights bodies and mechanisms, we would like to draw attention once again restrictions on the rights of ethnic minorities and indigenous people around the world. In this regard, we are particularly concerned about the situation of the peoples of the North Caucasus, including the Circassian or Adygi people, as well as

other non-Russian communities in Russia.

Circassian activists working to protect their people's cultural rights, mother tongue, and historical heritage should be able to do so without fear of arbitrary detention or persecution.

We are concerned about the treatment of these communities.

They should be protected from forced assimilation and restriction on their cultural and public expression. We are also concerned about people who report this problem to the United Nations. They should be able to speak without fear.

If speaking to the UN puts them at risk, its human rights mechanism cannot function as intended.

We all call United Nations and its special rapporteurs to report on the rights of these peoples and communities.

We also call for better protection of activists and community members who face pressure or persecution.

Thank you. Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of ADYAJ, intervention by video.

Thank you, President.

Mass graves are a powerful evidence of enforced disappearance and mass killings.

In Sri Lanka, the discovery of human remains at Thimmani in Jaffna has renewed the demands of Tamil families who have waited decades for truth and justice. Every unidentified remain is a family denied the right to know the fate of their loved ones. Yet excavations are marked by weak forensic capacity and limited participation of victims and their families. Without standards-compliant excavation, evidence will be lost, remains contaminated, and identification made impossible. This is not only a technical failure, it is a pattern of impunity.

Time is running out.

Chenmayi is not an isolated site, it belongs to a wider landscape of mass graves across the north and east, where Ulema Tamils were killed and disappeared in large numbers. We therefore call this Council to act. First, we ask the Office of the High Commissioner to offer technical assistance so that every excavation meets international standards, including the Minnesota Protocol. Second, we demand the immediate and effective protection of Chimney and all suspected burial sites against tampering and destruction. Finally, we call on Member States to recognize what happened to Uylam Tamils as an act of genocide.

Mass killings, enforced disappearances, and the destruction of the people cannot be treated as ordinary violations.

Naming this crime is the first step towards accountability and non-repetition. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Center for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy.

Vice-President, the Centre for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy would like to draw the Council's attention to the importance of ensuring effective monitoring of cases submitted to the human rights procedures of the United Nations, in particular regarding attempts against healthcare and the dignity of persons who are at risk. In this regard, our organisation would like to record the case of Ms De La Haye, who is in Algeria and whose situation has already been referred to the relevant mechanisms of the United Nations. According to the information received, this person is suffering from a medical condition which requires specialized care and her prompt transfer to a specialized medical establishment. Over and beyond this individual case, we'd like to underscore the need to ensure follow-up for information submitted by civil society, especially as regards the right to health, to physical and human dignity. We therefore urge the relevant mechanisms to continue examining this case, and we encourage Algeria, as the host state, to facilitate access to specialized medical care and the medical transfer which is necessary in accordance with the country's international obligations applicable in on human rights, the efficacy and the...

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

Mr.

Vice President, CIVICUS remains concerned about enduring instances of intimidation, harassment, and reprisals against human rights defenders, journalists, and media workers cooperating with UN human rights mechanisms. Compounding these acts are the recent attacks, sanctions, and reprisals against UN special rapporteurs, which play a pivotal role in preventing violations, mainstreaming human rights across global challenges, and giving voice to human rights defenders and victims of human rights violations. We call on states to pursue accountability for all individual victims of acts of intimidation or reprisals as a safeguard to ensure meaningful civil society engagement with human rights mechanisms. The UN liquidity crisis has had a disproportionate impact on the work, reporting, and activities of special procedures. We reiterate the need for transparent and consistent civil society consultation on proposals relating to the review, termination, and merger of mandates. We urge the OHCHR to prevent and address acts of intimidation or reprisal within the UN system, including by UN staff, to preserve the integrity and the independence of the UN human rights system, and to champion system-wide reporting on the UN guidance note on civic space, particularly on the protection pillar and on recommended actions on preventing and addressing reprisals. The UN Human Rights Group, led by the High Commissioner, provides a unique opportunity to further mainstream human rights. The group should further promote the independence of special procedures, introduce corrective measures for those committing reprisals against civic actors or independent mandate holders, and embed civil society consultation mechanisms and accountability safeguards for civil society without sidelining established standards. Thank you. Thank you.

I give the floor to the representative of Les Caribous Libres.

Mr. Vice-President, if the human rights bodies and mechanisms are to be credible, they must confront a simple reality. Most of the world's human rights crises are rooted in unresolved questions of self-determination and liberation, for which transnational repression has now become a tool for some states to use to silence the legitimate dissent of a people. The Sikh experience in pursuing self-determination in the form of Khalistan mirrors what we see in Kashmir, Manipur, and other regions of India, where demands for dignity and freedom are met with violence and repression. In her 2025 statement to the Human Rights Council, special rapporteur Francesca Albanese explicitly affirmed that self-determination is a core human right and a necessary foundation for all other protections. "The council has chosen not to ground its response in the very body of law. It is obliged to uphold international human rights law and the right to self-determination." We reject the Indian representative's unsubstantiated statements that mandate holders of this council rely on non-verified information in their work and see it as an attempt to further silence the legitimate dialogue on India's ongoing repression of minorities within and outside of its borders. On June 3, 2026, five special mandate holders of this council issued communication reference ALCAN-3-2026, warning that threats from India against Sikh activists, including myself, appear to be part of a quote, "a broader pattern of transnational repression by Indian authorities against Sikh activists in different countries, including Canada," end quote. This Council must use mechanisms at its avail to shut any type of transnational repression down. Thank you.

I give the floor to the representative of ARC, intervention by video. Mr.

President, we align ourselves with the United Nations' vital mission to promote and protect fundamental freedoms worldwide.

However, we draw the Council's attention to a deeply concerning trend in Iran, the growing structural, logistical and political obstacles

facing civil society organisations, particularly those representing Azerbaijanis and other minority nations in Iran, as they seek to engage and cooperate with human rights United Nations mechanisms.

Reports from Azerbaijani and other ethnic minority in Iran increasingly point to reprisals, intimidation, and other forms of pressure against

human rights defenders who provide information.

The ArcDH Association itself is currently facing such pressures.

Such actions undermine the safety and independence of civil society activists and the integrity of the entire multilateral human rights system.

These pressures are intensifying under the cover of legal measures that further restrict or criminalize legitimate human rights activities. We call on the Human Rights Council to explicitly commit to a policy of zero

tolerance regarding all forms of pressure against civil society activists who

cooperate with UN human rights mechanisms and provide resources to ensure the independence of human rights

mechanisms and civil society participation. The missions assigned to this Council can only be

fulfilled if they are backed by sincere cooperation, the protection of participants and sufficient resources. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of AESD, intervention by video.

This week, Eelam Tamils remember Thiyaththiyan Thiluban, who gave his life on 26 September 1987 in Jaffna, refusing food and water in a non-violent protest. His five demands were the release of Tamils detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, an end to Sinhala colonisation, stop rehabilitation until an interim administration is formed, stop new police stations or army camps in the North and East, and the withdrawal of security forces from schools and disarmed home guards. Nearly four decades later, grievances remain unresolved, prolonged detention under counter-terrorism law, land appropriation, heavy militarization and restrictions even on commemorating Thilaben. Tamil political demands rest on the right to self-determination affirmed in Article 1 of both the ICSCR and the ICSCR. We raise this as a rights question within the Council's remit because the mechanism it created cannot succeed if their work is detached from the political roots of the violations. We call on the Council and its its member states to recognize what happens to Eelam Tamils as an act of genocide. Naming the crime is a prerequisite to preventing its repetition and honoring the victims' dignity. We further urge the Council to strengthen the OHCHR accountability project, name a country-specific special rapporteur for Sri Lanka, and support independent international investigations and prosecutions, including referral to the ICC. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of United Villages. Intervention by video.

The ability of civil society to cooperate with United Nations mechanisms is essential to the work of this Council.

It is through the courage of human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists that the Council receives independent and timely information about the situation on the ground. In Jammu and Kashmir, we are seriously concerned with the reports of the shrinking space for such cooperation. The Declaration on Human Rights Defenders affirms that those who promote and protect human rights must be able to do so without intimidation, harassment and reprisal. My organization has observed with concern

that in Jammu and Kashmir, individuals and organizations who have documented alleged violations, provided legal assistance to the detainees, or

reported on the human rights situation have faced threats, legal proceedings, and an environment that has led many to reduce or suspend their activities. When those who engage with the UN bodies are unable to continue their work, it limits the Council's capacity to assess the situation and respond.

This also affects the credibility of the multilateral system.

If cooperation with the UN mechanism carries risk, then victims are left with no voice, and this House is deprived of information needed to fulfill its mandate. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Juventum. Intervention by video.

Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Juventum is honored to participate. Wars and conflicts do not stop, they only grow more complex. Innocent civilians suffer. The earth is boiling. Our environment is becoming dirtier. Unregulated AI could bring misery to both humans and the environment. Selfish leaders are emerging through democratic elections. The essential functions such as the HRC, WHO, ICC, and the Paris Agreement are under attack, both politically and financially. We must stand strong to protect these essential functions. The importance of multilateral discussions and collaborations is more than ever. The human rights-based approach is the foundation of all the goodwill actions of the UN, and it has brought a significant improvement. The human rights mechanism of the UN must be reinforced and updated. We urge the Council to take concrete actions to ensure that the decisions of the HRC are reflected more in the other parts of the UN. To stay in touch with the reality, consultation and collaboration with civil society are essential. Mandating the implementation of the UDHR in school education will guide us in the right direction. Thank you very much for your attention.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Tamil Students Association in France.

On the 15th of September, 2026, the Buddhist and heres monk, Ampiti Sumanarantana, was released. on bail after his arrest for having hampered the work of a government agency in Batticaloa. This man has been threatened with death, aggression and public calls to massacre the Tamils without ever suffering any significant consequence, and after having said publicly in 2023 that every Tamil would be chopped up into little pieces. At the same time, the Tamils of the northeast, who are commemorating their disappeared, are systematically repressed in violations of Article 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Since 15 September, the Sri Lankan police has taken to using loudspeakers and filming participants and stepped up surveillance. thus prolonging a well-documented pattern of intimidation and military harassment in violation of Article 27 of the Covenant. We call on this Council to appoint a special rapporteur for a country mandate on Sri Lanka, to ask the Security Council to seize the International Criminal Court, and to invite the Special Committee on Decolonization to recognize the right of the Tamils of Eelam to self-determination and to declare the Eelam Tamil territory as a non-autonomous one. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of United for Human Rights.

Mr. Vice President, sanitation workers in Pakistan continue to face life-threatening working conditions due to the widespread practice of manual sewer cleaning without adequate safety measures. Pakistan, being a state party to UDHR, ICCR, and ICCPR, is legally bound to guarantee the right to work, just and favorable conditions of work, equality before the law, and freedom from cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or discrimination of any kind. Since April 2026, 16 deaths have been reported among sanitation workers due to the severe suffocation and toxic gas exposure. Pakistan municipal sector and private contractors routinely subject sanitation workers, overwhelmingly non-Muslim minorities, to hazardous manual severe cleaning without personal protective equipment. This violates ICCPR article 6 and article 7 on the right to work and just, safe conditions. State institutions and public sector bodies perpetrate discriminatory municipal job advertisements, explicitly targeting non-Muslim or specific lower-caste backgrounds. This violates ICCPR article 2 and ICCPR article 26. Institutional neglect and fatal occupational hazards in Pakistan's sanitation represent an egregious systemic breach of international human rights law. We urge the Council, alongside the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty, to conduct an official country visit and investigate the caste- and religious-based labor exploitation in Pakistan. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of International Committee for Humanitarian Coordination. I understand they are absent. No. You have the floor. Okay.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The human rights crisis in Sindh is rooted in the systematic denial of the Sindhi people's right to self-determination. Sindhis are distinct people with distinct homeland, language, culture, collective identity, common article one of ICCPR, ICCESR. affirms that all people have a right to determine their political status, pursue their economic, social, cultural development, and freely use their natural resources and wealth. Yet the people of Sindh are increasingly excluded from decision affecting their land, water, resources, and future. Despite Sindh's contribution of sports, agriculture, industry, and energy resources, millions endure poverty, unsafe drinking water, inadequate health, culture, and limited educational opportunities. The diversion of Indus waters, land grabbing, and destruction of Indus Delta, enforced disappearances, and forced conversion of Sindhi Hindu girls further undermine their dignity, identity, and fundamental and further freedoms. Self-determination is not a privilege granted by the state. It is a fundamental right guaranteed by the international law. We urge Council to call upon Pakistan to end repression and respect the people's right to determine their own political, economic, social, and cultural future. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I understand that the speaker was representative of Africa Culture International and the Committee for Humanitarian Coordination was absent. So the next speaker is the National Council for Human Rights and Citizens. Intervention by video.

Thank you, Chair.

For Eelam Tamils, the historical record is undeniable. Mass killings and forced disappearances, systematic sexual violence, and the targeted destruction of our civil, cultural, and political existence. We call on this council to formally recognize these atrocities as genocide. Recognition is vital because it exposes the intent behind these crimes, and intent dictates the proper remedy. While individual accountability is essential, it alone cannot prevent future violations. 17 years after the armed conflict ended, the oppressive structures remain active, leaving Tamils without a voice in their own future. Self-determination is a fundamental human right set out in Article 1 of both international covenants, falling directly within this Council mandate. Tamil political demands are anchored in this principle. Without a durable political settlement, promises of non-recurrence remain empty words on paper. We urge this Council to recognize the genocide of Eelam Tamils, mandate rights-based political settlement with guarantees of non-recurrence, call on the Fourth Committee to recognize Tamil Eelam as non-self-governing territories and support a UN-facilitated process with full Tamil representation. Justice for our past and a political future for our livings are inseparable demands. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of ETI. I understand they're absent. The next speaker is World Muslim Congress, intervention by video.

Mr. Vice President, we draw the Council's attention to the continued denial of justice to Kashmiri detainees facing prolonged legal proceedings under the UAPA and PSA, including cases involving the National Investigation Agency. Among those detained are APHC Chairman Masarat Alam Bhat, Mohammad Yaseen Malik, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Asia Andrabi, Naeem Ahmad Khan, human rights defender Mohammad Ahsan Untu, and APHC leader Bilal Ahmad Siddiqui and others. Many are held in prisons far from their homes, creating hardships for families, limiting access to legal assistance and medical care. Senior Advocate Nia Gul Kayum remains detained despite serious health complications and the dismissal of a recent plea seeking urgent medical intervention.

The NIA has also.

Rejected the bail pleas of Shafiq Ahmad Sheif, Bilal Ahmad Waqai and Muhammad Ishaq, who faces UAPA charges in a case registered in 2022. Their continued incarceration raises concerns about prolonged detention and access to fair judicial processes. We urge UN human rights mechanisms to monitor these cases, examine the application of PSA, UAPA, and NIA procedures, and seek information on prolonged detention, medical care, and access to legal remedies. Fair trial guarantees and timely justice must be protected. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of African Development Association.

Mr. President, the African Development Association, ADA, welcomes the vital contribution to the United Nations human rights bodies and mechanisms to protecting children affected by armed conflict. We remain deeply concerned by the continued recruitment and use of children by non-state armed actors and militias. Preventing this grave war crime requires stronger monitoring, accountability, and international cooperation, but also effective rehabilitation and sustainable reintegration. In this regard, ADA wishes to highlight the Rabat Declaration on Child-Centered Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration, adopted November 2025 by more than 40 African states. Importantly, the Rabat Declaration has subsequently entered the United Nations institutional framework as a joint General Assembly and Security Council document under the General Assembly agenda item 67, promotion and protection of the rights of the children. And just yesterday, a ceremony launching the signing phase of the African Convention on Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration of Child Soldiers was held at the Moroccan permanent mission at the UN on the margins. of the 81st Council Assembly. ADA encourages the Human Rights Council and its mechanism to build on this contribution, strengthen cooperation.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the representative of Imam Ali's Popular Students Relief Society, intervention by video.

Thank you.

Mr. Mohammad Nikbakht is one of the victims mentioned in Communication 7, issued jointly by 12 Special Procedures mandate holders concerning Iran. He was brutally arrested at his home on 15 March, and his court proceedings were conducted by telephone, without him even seeing the judge who will determine his fate. Like many other prisoners of conscience, he faces vague charges, including disturbing public opinion propaganda against the regime, insulting the Supreme Leader, and giving interviews to hostile media outlets outside Iran. His two brothers, Hadi and Fasloullah Nikbakht, have already been sentenced to death. They were arrested at their home in Golepayegan in October 25th last year after attempting to prevent the confiscation of their agricultural lands. They were accused of corruption on earth, as mentioned in Communication 11, they were held incommunicado for two months before being transferred to Esfahan Central Prison. The Special Procedures express serious concerns regarding their fair trial guarantees. Fazlollah Nikbakht, previous arrest for participating in the campaign calling for a referendum on the continuation of the Islamic Republic in Iran, was also brought to the attention of this esteemed Council during its 38th session. Thank you.

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

Vice President, OIPMA stresses the urgent need to strengthen human rights bodies and mechanisms to prevent emerging threats from escalating into serious human rights violations. In this context, OIPMA draw the Council's attention to the serious human right impact of unilateral coercive measures taken by Saudi Arabia in Southern Yemen, beginning with airstrikes that caused civilian casualties and inflicted suffering on children, women, and families. These measures have also reshaped the political landscape through cohesive measures against Mr. Aidarus Al Zubaidi, former vice president of the internationally recognized PLC and president of the STC and STC institution, restricting political representation and participation in decision concerning the lives and political future of the southern people. They have also contributed to condition enabling Houthi expansion to Bab al-Mandab, with serious implications for regional security and international navigation. OIPMA therefore urges the human rights bodies and mechanisms to take urgent action to end unilateral coercive measures in southern Yemen and prevent any measures that unlawfully restrict fundamental rights or adversely affect the civilian population. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Women Association Against Poverty for a joint statement. They're absent. Next speaker is PDES. you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Cooperation with the UN and UN mechanisms in the area of human rights is not a mere institutional commitment. It is an essential instrument to guarantee effective protection of people's human rights. Therefore, this should give rise to effective access to international mechanisms through transparency of information, through guaranteeing that persons concerned to be heard and their needs met. The situation of Sahrawi refugees in the Tindouf camp attests concretely to the importance of this principle. The UNHCR uses figures for humanitarian planning, but these are not a comprehensive and updated demographic census. Therefore, there should be strengthened cooperation for there to be reliable, available data. This is transparent to enable the international community to better respond in this respect. We recommend that the UNHCR be given access to the camps in a lawful, independent, safe manner in order to create a registration system which is transparent and to update demographic data. It also needs to protect all persons who cooperate with the United States against reprisals or intimidation in order to guarantee a safe environment for this cooperation to take place. The humanitarian answer must be consistent with human rights, whilst finding solutions that are lasting to guarantee rights and strengthen accountability and preserve the dignity of people. I thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you. I give the floor to Turn the Page. You have the floor.

Thank you, President. Soon after the Mulei massacre, the victims are still waiting for justice. UN investigation and treaty bodies have repeatedly raised serious concern yet Sri Lanka has not fully engaged with accountability mechanism.

While victims continued to report surveillance and intimidation. Tamil communities called this crime genocide.

Under the genocide convenience state have a duty to prevent and punish such crime. We therefore as council to please.

Sri Lanka to confirm UN visit dates, protect and fund the accountability project and share.

Its evidence with competent and authorities, consider an independent international investigative mechanism, support the Tamil people's right self-determination and genuine political settlement, ask the decolonization committee to recognize the right of Eelam Tamils to self-determination. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of International Council for Human Rights. They're absent, I understand. And then I give the floor to the representative of Association for Human Rights and Sustainable Development, intervention by video.

Mr. President, since September 2026, Jaffna journalist Prabhakaran Deluxan has faced retaliation from a state media organization for covering families of the disappeared, the Chamaney mass grave excavation, and protests for murdered journalists. He was barred from a broadcast and ordered to surrender his press credentials without written reason. This case is not isolated. Tamil journalists documenting enforced disappearances, mass graves, and militarization continue to face intimidation, including threats by security forces, as previously documented by international press freedom monitors. Nearly two decades after the end of Sri Lanka's genocidal war against Eelam Tamils, tens of thousands of families still await the truth about their disappeared relatives. Journalists reporting their search and excavations such as Chamani perform an essential public function that the state must protect, not suppress. We call on this Council and core group states to appoint a country-specific Special Rapporteur on Sri Lanka. urge the Security Council to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court and urge UN mechanisms to press Sri Lanka to guarantee the safety and independence of Tamil journalists. Impunity for attacks on press freedom compounds to impunity for underlying crimes.

Thank you. Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Action Ecologique Francaise, intervention by video.

Thank you.

Mr. President, We speak today in memory of Krishanthi Kumaraswamy, a Tamil schoolgirl raped and murdered by Sri Lankan security forces at Chemani, Jaffna in September 1996. Her mother, brother and family friend were also killed while searching for her. 11 soldiers were convicted and testimony subsequently pointed to hundreds of further bodies buried at Chemani. Since excavations began in May 2025, almost 600 sets of skeletal remains have been recovered, making Chermeni one of the largest mass graves uncovered in Sri Lanka. Yet, no independent international mechanism has been mandated to ensure that the investigation meets international forensic standards or leads to accountability. 30 years after Krishanti's murder, families of victims of enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killing continue to seek truth and justice. We therefore call on this Council and the Core Group on Sri Lanka to appoint a country-specific Special Rapporteur, urge referral of the situation in Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court, ensure the Minnesota Protocol is applied to the Chamanee excavations, and request to the Special Committee on Decolonization to recognize the rights of Tamil Eelams to self-determination and to declare Tamil Eelam a non-self-governing territory. The dead of Chamanee deserve truth, the living deserve justice. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representatives of Students for Durable Society in Paris.

It's a pleasure. Thank you, Chair.

On September 20th, Sri Lanka's Counterterrorism Investigation Department summoned Tamil actor Padamissivam Anton Newton to its Jaffna office over his role in the 2022 film, "Vente Thannithathu Kaadu." Directed by Madhi Suda and shot entirely on the iPhone, the film follows an elderly mother and her three children trapped in a bunker during the war. Acting in a film is not a threat to national security. Summoning an artist for portraying the war is intimidation, sending a chilling message to every Tamil who documents, remembers, or speaks about what happened. This is not an isolated case. Tamils in the Northeast face a continuing pattern of surveillance, questioning, and threats against those who document the conflict, organize or join commemorations, or assert their rights. President Dissanayake promised a new era, yet repression against Tamils continues. We call on the Special Rapporteurs on Freedom of Expression, Cultural Rights, Human Rights Defenders, and Counter-Terrorism to examine the use of counter-terrorism structures against Tamil artists, journalists, and civil society, and seek an invitation to visit Sri Lanka. We urge the Council to state that counter-terrorism powers must never be used to criminalize memory, art, or peaceful expression. We ask the government of Sri Lanka to end the summoning for Tamils for cultural and commemorative activities, to dismantle the surveillance apparatus in the northeast, and to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to representative of AJIS, intervention by video.

We draw the Council's attention to the Long International Conference held on 30th of August 2026 in JNA under presidency of President of Association of relatives of enforced disappearances in the Tamil Homeland marking the International Day for Disappearances. The conference attended by a member of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, Miss Anna Lorena Delgadillo Perez. brought together thousands of Tamil families still searching for relatives forcibly disappeared during the decades of conflict, abducted, arrested, or surrendered to the Sri Lankan military and never seen again. Sri Lanka continues to hold the second highest number of registered cases before the Working Group after Iraq. Domestic mechanisms have repeatedly failed to establish the fate of victims or prosecute those who are responsible, while families face continued harassment, surveillance, and intimidation for seeking answers, and some mothers have died without ever learning the the conference makes an appeal to international independent investigation mechanism and refer Sri Lanka to ICC and name a country specific special rapporteur for Sri Lanka. We share the concern of the families that justice cannot rest solely with the state that has failed to investigate its own security forces and political leaders. We recommend that this council appoint a country specific special rapporteur on Sri Lanka to monitor forced disappearances, call on CHR to provide independent technical and forensic assistance to strengthen these investigations. And we urge Sri Lanka to cooperate fully with the working group and guarantee protection for families providing testimonies. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Al-Bashir Foundation for Development.

Mr. President, We are deeply concerned regarding the violations against the Sahrawi people and their right to self-determination as a fundamental, inalienable right that guarantees the dignity and the specificity of the Sahrawi people, opening up for them a pathway for a dignified and stable life. We feel great concern regarding the continued cases of enforced disappearance and the repercussions of them, as well as reprisals, intimidation, unfair trials, and long, unjustified sentences that target Sahrawi activists and human rights defenders in the province. We also are concerned regarding infringements upon the right to assembly and expression for any Sahrawi who expresses an opinion that is in contravention to the opinions of the Moroccan establishment. Zainab Obabi and Hajit Nababi in Boujdour have been mistreated after a peaceful protest that they've conducted. The house of one of them was attacked overnight as well. Mr. President, you must preserve the human rights of the Sahrawi people and ensuring that impunity is not tolerated. We reaffirm the importance of making sure that there are independent human rights mechanisms that can face these challenges and work towards establishing the rights. And the President interrupts.

Community Human Rights and Advocacy Center, intervention by video.

Vice President, we draw the Council's attention to continuing the militarization of the civilian life in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and its impact on the fundamental human rights. Since August 2019, report indicates that 5,071 and search operations, 400 encounters and attacks on 1,371 properties have taken place. These operations reportedly resulted in the complete destruction of 197 houses and partial damage to 76 others. These figures require independent verification and urgent human rights scrutiny.

Military operations on this scale directly affect civilian rights.

To life, housing, safety, freedom of movement. Families whose house are damaged or destroyed face displacement, financial hardship and lasting insecurity, limited independent access to affected areas also make it difficult to establish facts and ensure accountability. We urge UN human right mechanism and relevant special procedures to strengthen monitoring, seek access to affect communities and engage directly with victim and their families. Reported violation must be examined through impartial and transparent investigation. We call on the Council to strengthen human rights monitoring, ensure civilian protection and damage accountability for violation affecting Kashmiri families.

Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Peace Association. understand they're absent the next speaker would be charity Association for young students you have the floor.

Mr. Vice President on the 30th of August the International Day of the victims and forced disappearances the association of the relatives of enforced disappearance of the north and east of Sri Lanka convened the international conference the long road to Justice in the J mothers and families from across the north and east came together with the members of the Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances, civil society representatives, diplomats and international human rights actors. after 17 years, they are still waiting for the truth, justice and accountability. Successive domestic mechanisms have failed to provide families with credible answers. Effective investigations or accountability: OHCHR has itself documented that, despite successive commissions and institutions, significant structural weaknesses remain and impunity continues to obstruct the realisation of victims' rights. For families who came to live without knowing the fate or whereabouts of their loved ones, This is not merely a historical matter. Enforced disappearance is a continuing violation until the fate and whereabouts of the disappeared are established. We therefore respectfully urge the Council to take concrete and meaningful action. First, appoint a country-specific Special Rapporteur on Sri Lanka to monitor, report publicly and engage directly with families. Second, strengthen international accountability by establishing an adequate resources.

Thank you.

Mechanisms to collect.

Thank you. This was the last speaker we could accommodate at this debate. With this last intervention, we have concluded the general debate under item five. Distinguished colleagues, I understand that a number of delegations have requested to exercise the right of reply in relation to statements made under item 5. Accordingly, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba. You have three minutes.

Mr.

Vice-President, once again the delegations of Benelux have become a sad example of what should not happen in this Council. They've intervened in this dialogue, self-proclaiming themselves as judges and as alleged superiority. They rise themselves as judges of other nations. They play a role. Nobody asks them to play and nobody recognizes their role. They play respectfully. We appeal to the delegations of the Benelux. If you really want to contribute to the cause of human rights, start by clearing up your own home. Show humility before assessing others. Start by self-assessing your own human rights difficulties. No country, including those who are in the Benelux, are free of challenges in the promotion and protection of human rights. No one has authority to consider oneself a paragon of virtue, much less to use human rights for political reasons to stigmatize other states. Many cases of reprisals have been documented in these countries against people who speak out against serious human rights violations against migrants. Also, we have more than enough evidence of racial discrimination, ill treatment, and misuse of force by members of the law enforcement in the Benelux. The Committee for Civil and Political Rights has reiterated its concerns about arbitrary detentions of migrants and asylum seekers in those countries. whilst Benelux is if Benelux is really concerned about human rights in Cuba speak out against the criminal economic blockade by the US against the Cuban families which has reached unprecedented levels in in recent months with a brutal blockade against fuel support the appeals of the High Commissioner and special mandate holders who have spoken out against this collective punishment, which is costing lives and has huge humanitarian consequences, demands that the US Government put an end to the blatant and widespread and systematic violations of human rights of the Cuban people. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China. You have three minutes.

Mr. Vice President, the United Kingdom, Germany, and a few other countries and NGOs have sought to malign Hong Kong and its legal system and interfere in China's judicial authority and internal affairs over a few judicial cases. We reject this in strongest possible terms. China is a country with written laws which only sanctions acts, not thoughts. person can be detained, persecuted, or tried not because of his status or his thoughts, but because his actions have violated the law. Everyone is equal before the law. Any country in the world which has the rule of law will never allow any exceptions. The label of a human rights defender cannot grant one immunity. What is going on in Hong Kong is entirely China's internal affairs and brooks no outside interference. The implementation of the National Security Law and the National Security Ordinance in Hong Kong has brought back security and stability to the society and better protection of the citizens' rights. Hong Kong has now entered a new era of prosperity precisely because some people have lost the freedom of looting and smashing and to assaulting legislative assembly or to colluding with foreign forces to disrupt law and order. I would like to call on those countries to abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter, respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong by stopping taking up the cause of rioters or advocating immunity. Mr. Vice President, a few NGOs have fabricated more lies to verify China's legal system. We strongly condemn this. China is a country with the rule of law. Chinese law guarantees lawyers exercising their professions and prohibit any arbitrary detention. China joined the UN Convention Against Torture in 1988 and has been fulfilling its obligations faithfully. Torture is a serious crime in China, and the perpetrators are subject to severe punishment. We like to call on those NGOs with basic facts on the ground, stop spreading fabrications or try to interfere in others' internal affairs over human rights issues. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mali. You have three minutes.

Thank you, Vice President. I'd like to tell the representative of the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples that no NGO or civil society organization will impose on the Malian people, a so-called indigenous people within its territory. I would like to say that military operations undertaken against by the Malian Armed Forces target the terrorist groups and other violent armed groups they do not target an ethnic group a religion or a race because Mali is a multi-ethnic nation our bedrock is solidarity mutual respect and social cohesion and living together I would therefore like to ask the representative of the African Alliance of indigenous peoples to align themselves with a constructive dialogue and to please contact our authorities so as to be educated about my government's actions and stance on Indigenous Peoples. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso. You have three minutes.

Thank you, Vice-President. My delegation is exercising its right to reply following a statement delivered by one speaker, supposedly speaking on behalf of the Fulbe and Tuaregs, and his statement was based on unfounded allegations. Our country does not recognize the status of indigenous peoples, nor do we recognize the Burkina Faso in terms of the statement delivered and the falsehoods that were peddled. We therefore believe that this speaker's only goal is to undermine social cohesion and peaceful coexistence of the people of Burkina Faso. The fight against terrorism in Burkina Faso is aimed against terrorists, and it does not have any ethnic dimension. It does not target any community. The forces engaged in this struggle comprise members from all ethnicities, and they act professionally and in strict compliance with human rights. All allegations of violations and human rights violations are documented so as to allow for any necessary prosecutions by the relevant authorities where appropriate. I would like to conclude that I myself am from the Fulway community. Thank you.

Thank you. This was the last speaker on my list. I would like to check if there are any other delegations requesting to exercise the right of reply in relation to statements made under item 5. I see no one. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, we have now concluded the consideration of agenda item 5. We take a short technical break before opening the agenda item 6 and proceeding with the adoption of the UPR outcomes. Excellencies, distinguished guests, I declare open agenda item 6, entitled Universal Periodic Review. We will now proceed with the adoption of the UPR outcomes of the 14 States. which were examined during the 52nd session of the UPR Working Group held in May 2026: Namibia, the Niger, Mozambique, Estonia, Paraguay, Belgium, Denmark, Palau, Somalia, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Latvia, Sierra Leone, Singapore. Additionally, Nicaragua, which was examined during the 47th session of the UPR Working Group held in November 2024. The UPR outcome adoption process will take place in accordance with established modalities. The process will last up to one hour for each State under review. The hour will be divided into three equal segments of up to 20 minutes each. First, for the State under review. Second, for Member and Observer States of the Council, as well as for United Nations entities and intergovernmental organizations. And third, for other stakeholders. In line with resolution 5/1, the State concerned and the Member and Observer States of the Council, as well as relevant stakeholders, will have the opportunity to express their views and make general comments on the outcome of the review. If the adoption of the outcome for any State under review lasts less than one hour, the next adoption will be advanced. I kindly request delegates to be available for the entire duration of the UPR segment and to follow the announcements made in order to be in the room on time. I would also like to recall that, in line with Council resolutions 5/1 and 16/21, All recommendations are an integral part of the outcome document. The State under review needs to clearly communicate its position on all recommendations, either by supporting or by noting the recommendation concerned. In addition, all interventions made during the UPR segment shall focus on the outcome documents. The interventions should not aim at reopening debates that already took place during the working group session. I would also like to recall that the Council rejects any act of intimidation or reprisal against individuals and groups who cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations and its representatives and mechanisms. I urge States to prevent and ensure adequate protection against such acts. Finally, let me kindly remind all speakers to respect the speaking time. The full statements will be uploaded on the HRC portal. I thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We will now proceed with the consideration of the outcome of Namibia. The outcome is based on the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Namibia and its addendum. These documents, together with the additional information that will now be provided by Namibia, will constitute the outcome of the review and shall be adopted by the Council through a standardized decision. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to Dr. Audreyne Mathe, Executive Director, Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, to present additional information on the review. You have the floor.

Vice-President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. Namibia affirms its unwavering commitment to the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. The UPR is one of the Human Rights Council's most effective mechanisms because it is universal in scope, equal in application and cooperative in character. It is a process through which every United Nations Member State is reviewed on the basis of objective and reliable information, with due regard to the principles of universality, impartiality, non-selectivity and equal treatment. UPR is not a mechanism of accusation, it's a mechanism of cooperation. It's not an end in itself, it's a means of strengthening national implementation and advancing the protection and promotion of human rights. In this respect, UPR provides the international community with an inclusive and comprehensive picture of the human rights situation across the globe, while preserving the essential principle of national ownership. On 4 May 2026, the delegation of the Republic of Namibia appeared before the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review for its fourth cycle review. We express our sincere appreciation to the Troika, the Secretariat, and all delegations for their constructive, open, and substantive engagement during the interactive dialogue. Mr. Vice President, during the interactive dialogue, 111 delegations participated and offered 290 recommendations. Following thorough government-wide consultations, I am pleased to inform this Council that Namibia has supported 255 recommendations and noted 35 recommendations. This level of support demonstrates Namibia's commitment to continuous improvement, constructive international cooperation, and the implementation of human rights obligations. It also reflects the spirit of dialogue that defines UPR, a spirit in which progress is encouraged, challenges are acknowledged, and solutions are pieced together. The supported recommendations will be integrated into Namibia's national implementation plan and aligned with the sixth national development plan and vision 2030. Our objective is clear, to translate recommendations into implementation, implementation into measurable progress, and measurable progress into tangible improvements in the lives of our people. I would like to take this opportunity to inform the Council the Republic of Namibia recently held its first ever State of Justice Summit. The summit was officially opened by Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi Naitua, President of the Republic of Namibia, and convened by the Minister of Justice and Labour under the theme, "Strengthening Justice in Namibia: Building an Efficient, Accessible, and Trusted Justice Sector." The summit underscores Namibia's commitment under the Sixth National Development Plan to ensure equitable access to justice for all and uphold the rule of law. Mr. President, allow me to highlight several key developments. On gender equality and women's empowerment, Namibia is a leading country in Africa and globally in advancing women's participation in politics and other decision-making roles. We recognize this progress, but we do not regard it as a destination. We remain steadfast in our efforts to advance equality, empowerment, and the full and effective participation of women in public life. Namibia is a strong advocate for implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security. We continue to implement our national action plan alongside the national gender equality and equity policy for 2025-2035. Our commitment is therefore both principled and practical. That is to protect women's rights, to expand women's opportunities, and to ensure women's voices are heard wherever decisions are made. On the prevention of discrimination and protection, the government has adopted legislative policy and institutional measures to prevent human rights violations and combat discrimination, particularly against women and children. We are strengthening prevention, improving protection, and advancing accountability. WAC is underway to finalize legislation to domesticate the provisions of the Convention against Torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. Therefore, the National Action Plan on Trafficking in Persons 2023-2027 is being actively implemented through targeted awareness raising and capacity building initiatives. These efforts reflect a fundamental principle, prevention is stronger than reaction, protection is stronger than silence, and accountability is essential to the effective enjoyment of human rights. On economic, social, and cultural rights, Namibia's social protection system comprises social assistance, social insurance, and occupational and private pension schemes. Through these measures, the government continues to strengthen social protection and support the well-being and the dignity of its people. The government continues to promote and provide free education at all levels, as contemplated in Article 20 of the Constitution. The implementation of our education policy on access to education has enabled Namibia to achieve an enrollment of 95% among learners aged 6 and 16 years in recent years. Namibia has also made significant improvements in education, gender equality, economic participation and opportunity, political empowerment, and health. These advances reaffirm our conviction that human rights are indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated. Progress in one area must reinforce progress in others, because development is meaningful only when it expands opportunity, strengthening dignity, and leaves no one behind. Notwithstanding these achievements, Namibia remains cognizant of persistent challenges, including gender-based violence, violence against children, unemployment, income inequality, and poverty. these challenges remain a national priority for the government of the Republic of Namibia. We recognize the progress achieved. We acknowledge the challenges that remain. We recommit ourselves to the work that lies ahead. We do not view the UPR as an endpoint. We view it as a catalyst for further action and a roadmap for implementation. Accordingly, Namibia commits to strengthening inter-agency coordination, enhancing data collection for human rights monitoring, and maintaining inclusive and meaningful dialogue with the civil society, traditional authorities, and development partners in the implementation of the supported recommendations. Progress must be measured not only by the laws we adopt, but by the lives we improve, not only by the policies we formulate, but by the rights people are able to enjoy in practice. With regards to the 35 noted recommendations, Namibia wishes to provide the following clarification in the spirit of transparency, constructive dialogue, and continued engagement. Noting a recommendation does not simply signify disagreement with its underlying human rights principles. Rather, it reflects legal, constitutional, or policy considerations that require further national consultation or circumstances in which Namibia's current approach to implementation differs while pursuing the same human rights objective. In this regard, noting is not rejecting, it's not closing the door to dialogue. It is recognizing the need for further consideration within Namibia's constitutional, legal, institutional framework. The noted recommendations fall into the following categories. Ratification of additional international instruments. Formal ratification processes require comprehensive legal review and cabinet approval. This process is ongoing. Namibia will continue to review the possibility of ratifying additional international instruments in accordance with the national priorities, constitutional requirements, and institutional capacity. Our approach is deliberate. not dismissive, careful, not complacent. We remain committed to assessing each instrument on its merits and to strengthening our engagement with the international human rights system. A number of noted recommendations concerned decriminalization and recognition of same-sex relations and marriage. Namibia's Constitution under Article 10 guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination. Matters relating to marriage and family law, however, are governed by existing legislation and recent judgments of our courts. These are sensitive matters that require broad national dialogue, respect for cultural and religious values, and guidance from the judiciary. At the same time, the government continues to ensure that all persons in Namibia are protected from violence and discrimination, and that their dignity, privacy and security are respected in line with Article 8 of the Constitution. Namibia's position is clear. No person should be subjected to violence, abuse or discrimination. Ongoing national dialogue must therefore remain grounded in equal dignity of every person and in the constitutional framework of the Republic of Namibia. A small number of recommendations called for the establishment of the new mechanism or adoption of specific legislative timelines that intersect with ongoing reforms. These include proposals relating to the timeframe for finalization of the Torture Bill in the National Plan on Business and Human Rights. Namibia has noted these recommendations, where implementation would require additional resources, inter-ministerial coordination, or alignment with current legislative framework. Work is already underway, and we remain committed to progressing these areas through national processes with due regard for effectiveness, sustainability, and meaningful implementation. Namibia's engagement with the UAP is guided by a simple conviction: human rights progress is strongest when it is grounded in dialogue, strengthened by cooperation, and measured through implementation. Mr. Vice President, I thank you so very much, and you reserve the balance of our time.

I thank you for this presentation. In accordance with paragraph 13 of the annex of Human Rights Council resolution 16/21, I will now give the floor to the Office of the Ombudsman. You have the floor, sir. It's a video presentation.

The Ombudsman of Namibia, I welcome the adoption of the outcome of Namibia's Universal Periodic Review. Universal Periodic Review remains an important mechanism for promoting accountability, dialogue, and continuous improvement in the promotion, protection, and fulfillment of human rights. Ombudsman of Namibia value the constructive process and appreciate the recommendations received from Member States. As the National Human Rights Institution of Namibia, we are committed in supporting the implementation of the accepted recommendations through monitoring, public engagement, human rights education and cooperation with relevant stakeholders. The Ombudsman encourages the Government of Namibia to continue use the human rights UPR recommendations to advance national development efforts, legislative and institutional reform, including social economic public policies. We acknowledge the progress made by Namibia in strengthening governance and advancing gender equality among others.

At the same time.

We recognize that many challenges remain, including addressing the extreme socioeconomic inequality and poverty, the adoption of Ombudsman's Bill, and a comprehensive anti-torture legislation. I urge the government of Namibia to take concrete steps to implement recommendations from the UPR to make a difference in the lives of the rights holders. The Ombudsman stands ready to work closely with the government, civil society, United Nations agencies, and development partners to support effective implementation of the UPR recommendations to foster a culture of human rights in the country. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I will now open the floor to member and observer states for their comments on the outcome of the review. The speaking time has been set at one minute and 30 seconds for all states. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahrain.

Mr. Vice-President, the delegation of Bahrain welcomes the efforts made by Namibia in the preparation of and discussion of the fourth UPR report of the country, which interacted constructively with this mechanism. We welcome the recommendations, especially those we made about trafficking people, in persons, protection of children, and the strengthening of women's rights and the empowerment of women. The interaction with the UPR was positive. The delegation of my country recommends that the adopt of the working group be adopted. whilst wishing every success to Namibia in the promotion and protection of human rights and the implementation of recommendations. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Belgium welcomes the positive engagement of Namibia during its UPR.

My delegation is pleased to see that Namibia supports her recommendation to remove all legal and de facto barriers to the prosecution and punishment of perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence, including domestic violence, and ensure that survivors receive appropriate support and are protected from stigmatization and reprisals. Belgium would like to inquire on which measures are being envisaged or have already been taken to implement those recommendations. We regret, however, that our recommendation to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance has been noted, as well as our recommendation to adopt a comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that explicitly prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. We respectfully invite the authorities of Namibia to reconsider their position. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Botswana. I understand the delegation of Botswana is absent. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Cameroon welcomes the delegation of Namibia and I thank them for the presentation of their final report. My country notes with satisfaction the accession of Namibia to 255 recommendations of the 294 it received, including those made by my country subsequent to the 49th session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review. My delegation calls for the adoption of the outcome document of the UPR of the Republic of Namibia. in order to support the efforts of this State in the promotion and protection of human rights. To conclude, Cameroon wishes Namibia every success in the implementation of the accepted recommendations. Thank you.

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

Mr. Vice President. China commends Namibia for its constructive participation in the UPR and welcomes its efforts for and achievements in the promotion and protection of human rights. Since the previous cycle, Namibia has introduced and implemented a series of new measures to safeguard human rights, promote social economic development, improved living standards, and make notable progress in gender equality, labor rights, healthcare coverage, children's education, and social justice. China hopes that Namibia will continue to increase investment in poverty reduction so as to achieve sustainable social development. China supports the Council in adopting the UPR outcome of Namibia. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

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

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Congo extends a warm welcome to the delegation of Namibia and thanks the delegation for the presentation of the additional information to the Council. The acceptance of a total of 255 recommendations out of 290 by Namibia attests to its commitment to promote and protect human rights. In this respect, we welcome the taking into account by Namibia of the three recommendations made to it by my country, Congo, on the referring of cases of trafficking of women and girls in rural areas. efforts to improve detention conditions in penitentiary establishments, and the encouragement of entrepreneurship of young people in rural areas. To conclude, Congo wishes Namibia every success in the implementation of the various recommendations accepted, and we invite the members of the Council to adopt by consensus its outcome document. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cote d'Ivoire.

Mr. Vice President, Cote d'Ivoire extends a warm welcome to the delegation of the Republic of Namibia and amidst at this the adoption of its final report of the UPR. My country commend the Namibian authorities for significant progress made in the area of human rights. in particular through the implementation of the National Plan to Combat the Trafficking in Persons, as well as the launching of the social protection policy covering 2021-2030. My delegation encourages the Government of Namibia to continue its efforts to defend gender equality, whilst also welcoming the enactment of the National Plan to Combat Gender-Based Violence 2019-2023. To conclude, Cote d'Ivoire recommends that the Council adopt the outcome document of the Republic of Namibia's UPR. Thank you.

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

Mr.

Vice President. We extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Namibia. We acknowledge the proven commitment of this country to the Universal Periodic Review. We highlight that Namibia has accepted 255 of the recommendations received during its review, which attests to the determination of its government to continue to make progress and towards defending human rights and its commitment to human rights. The two recommendations that Cuba constructively put to Namibia were accepted by Namibia. We wish Namibia every success in the implementation of the recommendations accepted, and we support the adoption of the report. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Vice-President.

My delegation welcomes the adoption of the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Namibia and commends Namibia for its constructive engagement with the UPR process. We welcome the progress made by Namibia in promoting and protecting human rights, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, social protection, gender equality and the rights of women and children. We also appreciate Namibia's efforts to strengthen its legal and institutional framework and to address challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and gender-based violence. We believe that Namibia's remaining challenges should be addressed through constructive dialogue, technical assistance, and capacity building, while fully respecting its national priorities and circumstances. My delegation supports Namibia's continued efforts to promote and protect human rights and wishes its government and people further success. I thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Djibouti. I understand they are absent. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. We welcome Namibia to the Council and praise Namibia for national efforts to promote and protect human rights. Thanks to a number of national plans and policies, the promotion of gender equality, the empowerment of women and laws to protect families and adults against trafficking in persons, and constructive cooperation with international human rights mechanisms and respect for commitments, international commitments on its shoulders. As to the report, we thank Namibia for having accepted the two Egyptian recommendations, and we wish Namibia every success and recommend the adoption of its outcome document. Thank you.

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

Gracias.

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. The delegation of Equatorial Guinea has the honour of taking the floor in this respectable, distinguished forum for the adoption of the report of the Working Group of the 52nd session that took place in May this year for the review of Namibia, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the Government of Namibia for its constructive participation in this exercise, as well as for the notable efforts made and progress posted in the promotion and protection of human rights nationally, and also for having cooperated consistently with the UN international mechanisms. Our delegation welcomes very positively the open and transparent spirit of dialogue that characterise the whole of this process. For all of these reasons, with due respect, we urge this Council to adopt this report. Thank you very much indeed, Mr. Vice-President.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Eswatini. I understand they're absent. I believe this was the last speaker we could accommodate at this time. Excellencies, distinguished participants, this brings us to the end of this meeting. We will reconvene tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. to continue with the consideration and adoption of the outcome of documents. Namibia and other States examined during the 52nd session of the UPR Working Group. I hereby close the 26th meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council.