36th Meeting - 63rd Session of Human Rights Council

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, I hereby declare open the 36th meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council. And we will continue the enhanced interactive dialogue on the legacy of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands. And we continue with a list of speakers and first I give the floor to the European Union.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. The European Union thanks the Office for its report focusing on the element of justice. All persons are entitled to equal protection by law and nuclear-affected individuals cannot be discriminated in this regard. All victims should have equal recognition of the impacts on their human rights as well as access to remedies. Recognizing victims, their harm experienced, and ensuring their right to access to remedies is a fundamental precondition for justice. The EU policy framework on support to transitional justice prioritizes context-specific, inclusive, and locally owned approach, putting the rights and participation of victims at its heart. This aligns directly with the Marshall Islands' focus on dealing with the transgenerational violations of past nuclear testing. The EU also provides technical and financial assistance to nuclear-affected states, including Marshall Islands, through the Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation. Madam President, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty has succeeded in limiting nuclear testing in an unprecedented way. Together with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, all states should abide by the existing moratorium on nuclear weapon test explosions while awaiting the formal entry into force of the CTBT. Distinguished panelists, how can OHCHR contribute to the strengthening of traditional local capacities to advance aspects on nuclear justice?

I thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to the Netherlands on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Benelux countries, Belgium, Luxembourg, and my own country, the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We align ourselves with the EU statement. We applaud the Republic of the Marshall Islands for its continued engagement with the Human Rights Council on this issue and for its request for technical assistance and capacity building in the realm of human rights. Madam Vice-President, the report states that Marshallese communities continue to face consequences resulting from nuclear testing, impacting their health, environment, livelihoods, culture and connection to their ancestral lands. It furthermore highlights the importance of addressing these challenges in a way that reflects the needs and perspectives of affected communities. In this regard, we underline and support the importance of inclusive participation, including of women, young people, persons with disabilities and indigenous peoples, in efforts to address the effects of the nuclear legacy. Continued international cooperation can help strengthen national capacities and support environmental and social initiatives. Madam Vice-President, we can...

Sorry.

Where can international cooperation and technical assistance have the greatest practical impact in supporting affected Marshallese communities? Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Vanuatu on behalf of a group of countries.

Madam Vice-President, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Pacific Island developing states. We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for this important report. And for the Pacific, this is not simply history. The consequences of nuclear testing continue to affect communities, health, livelihoods, culture, land, and the environment across generations. Displacement, barriers to healthcare, environmental remediation, and effective remedies demonstrate that this legacy remains present today. We recognize the leadership of the Marshall Islands in pursuing nuclear justice and ensuring that affected communities, including women, children, youth, and Indigenous people, are meaningfully heard. As Pacific SIDS, we underscore that justice must be people-centered and responsive to island realities. It must encompass truth, accountability, effective remedies, rehabilitation, environmental remediation, and guarantees of non-recurrence. We support strengthened international cooperation and sustained technical and financial assistance to the Marshall Islands, including for healthcare, environmental remediation, and capacity building. Under the Rarotonga Treaty, the 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific Continent and the Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration, our region has collective commitment to a safe, peaceful, and nuclear-free Pacific. We stand with the Marshall Islands in its pursuit of justice, dignity, and future, in which no Pacific community bears such a burden again.

I thank you.

I thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Nauru.

Thank you. Nauru aligns itself with the statement from Vanuatu on behalf of Pacific Island SIDS. Madam Vice-President, we welcome the report of the OHCHR on the human rights challenges facing the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands stemming from its nuclear legacy. We commend the Government and people of the Marshall Islands, including the National Nuclear Commission, for their continued leadership and resilience in pursuing truth, justice and accountability. As fellow Pacific Islanders, NATO stands firmly with the Marshall Islands. This solidarity is grounded in our region's long-standing commitment to a nuclear-free Pacific, as enshrined in the Treaty of Rarotonga, which I'm pleased to note was signed last year by the Marshall Islands. In this same spirit, NATO supports the Pacific-sponsored resolution before the Council and calls for continued international cooperation that centres the rights, voices and lived experiences of affected communities. We emphasize the importance of sustained technical assistance and capacity building, particularly for documentation, meaningful community participation, and human rights-based responses to environmental and health impacts. The pursuit of nuclear justice by the Marshall Islands is of concern to our entire Blue Pacific. We therefore urge the Council to remain engaged. No country or people should have to suffer the consequences of nuclear testing ever again. Thank you.

I thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Kiribati.

Madam Vice-President, Kiribati thanks the Office of the High Commissioner for this important report and aligns itself with the statement delivered by Vanuatu on behalf of Pacific Small Island Developing States. As a country with its own nuclear testing legacy, Kiribati speaks from lived experience. Between 1957 and 1962, 33 nuclear tests were conducted in Kiribati, with local communities receiving inadequate warning and protection. The consequences continue to be felt by affected communities and across generations. For Kiribati, the nuclear testing legacy remains an outstanding issue for the Blue Pacific. We welcome the report's focus on justice and accountability and underscore the importance of effective remedies, victim assistance, environmental remediation, access to information, and strengthen national capacity. Our relationship with our land and ocean is fundamental to our identity and our way of life. Addressing this legacy therefore requires sustained international cooperation and a people-centered approach, including for present and future generations. Kiribati stands with the Marshall Islands in its pursuit of nuclear justice, dignity, and accountability. I thank you, Madam Vice-President.

Thank you very much.

Next, I give the floor to Indonesia.

Madam Vice President, Indonesia reaffirms its solidarity with the people of the Marshall Islands and thanks the High Commissioner for this report. Eighty years on, the nuclear legacy is not history. Sixty-seven test lessees, barely 2% of the compensation awarded has been funded. Solidarity must now become action. Indonesia encourages the states responsible for the testing to consider declassifying relevant records, to engage constructively on the changed circumstances request, and to support healthcare and environmental remediation. who can guarantee that the human and environmental costs stop at the borders of the Marshall Islands. We encourage WHO to update its assessment of the health impact of the nuclear testing and the Conference on Disarmament to advance nuclear disarmament, the only guarantee of non-recurrence. Indonesia is proud to co-sponsor the resolution renewing OHCHR's technical assistance. The future of the Marshall Islands must no longer be held hostage to an unresolved nuclear legacy. Our question to the panel, what concrete step can the Council and OHCHR take to improve access to classified records? There can be no closure without full disclosure. Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Micronesia.

Madam Vice President, the Federated States of Micronesia Alliance fully with the statement delivered by Vanuatu on behalf of the Pacific Island states and thanks the High Commissioner for this critical report.

The 67 nuclear tests conducted in the Marshall Islands are an active intergenerational human rights challenge.

For decades, the Marshallese people have endured displacement, public health vulnerabilities, and severe environmental degradation. The environmental strain compounded by the existing threats of climate change directly affects the rights of health, clean water, food, security, and cultural heritage. A sustainable resolution must therefore rest on truth, environmental remediation, and the full restoration of human dignity. In the spirit of Pacific solidarity, We call for transparent, meaningful, and sustained technical cooperation, dialogue guided by affected

Marshallese communities, and translated into concrete actions so that the burdens of the nuclear

legacy are not passed on to future generations. Thank you, Madam Vice-President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to New Zealand.

Madam Vice-President. New Zealand thanks the High Commissioner for its report and the Republic of the Marshall Islands for its continued leadership on this important issue. The legacy of nuclear testing remains a matter of deep significance for the Marshall Islands and the wider Pacific region. Its impacts continue to be felt by Marshallese communities and serve as a reminder of the profound human, environmental and developmental consequences of nuclear weapons. New Zealand welcomes the Republic of Marshall Islands signing of the Treaty of Rarotonga in 2025. This important step reflects our shared commitment to a nuclear-free region and a future free from the harms of nuclear testing. We welcome the report's continued attention to the experiences of Marshallese communities and the enduring consequences of nuclear testing. Addressing these challenges requires sustained international engagement and support in partnership with those most affected. Consistent with the recommendations in the report, New Zealand reiterates its call for the universalization of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. We continue to support progress towards a world free of nuclear weapons. Madam Vice-President, how can the international community better acknowledge the human rights implications of the legacy of nuclear testing in the Republic of the Marshall Islands? Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Cyprus.

Thank you, Vice-President. Cyprus welcomes the High Commissioner's report, which stands as a reminder of the consequences of nuclear testing to human dignity and the enjoyment of human rights across generations. Nuclear tests have had profound consequences on the right to life and health, as well as to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. They have also affected access to safe water and food, while displacements from contaminated areas have disrupted community life, cultural tradition and the connection to ancestral lands. Cyprus stresses the need to address the specific vulnerabilities of women and children and future generations, including through accessible healthcare, long-term health monitoring and appropriate support for affected communities. Transparency and access to information are equally essential. Affected communities should have access to relevant environmental and health data and to effective avenues for participation and accountability. As an island nation, Cyprus recognizes how environmental degradation and climate change can compound existing vulnerabilities. Rising sea levels and risks to contaminated sites underline the urgency of continued environmental monitoring and remediation. We encourage increased cooperation and support for the Marshall Islands, focused on health, environmental safety, cultural preservation, and the full enjoyment of all human rights. I thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Fiji.

Madam Vice-President, Fiji aligns its statement with that delivered by Vanuatu, fellow Pacific Islands, on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States. We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for its report, "The Consequences of Nuclear Legacy in the RMI". The legacy of nuclear testing in the Pacific decades ago continues to have intergenerational and lasting effects on the people of the Marshall Islands to the present day. The rights to health, food, water, housing, culture, and a clean and healthy sustainable environment, amongst others, continue to be deeply affected. These, Madam Vice President, are not transactions. These are matters of life or death. dignity and respect is secondary. Fiji welcomes the report's emphasis on a victim-centered approach, including truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-recurrence. The voices and experiences of affected Muslim communities must remain at the center of these efforts. I borrow from our brothers from Vanuatu in another matter where it is said, The Pacific is not free where one of our members is not. We underscore the need for sustained international cooperation and adequate technical and financial support to address long-term environment, health, and human rights impacts. Fiji remains committed to working with the Marshall Islands, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and this Council, and our partners to advance human rights, justice and remedy for communities that continue to be affected by the legacy of nuclear testing. I thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Australia.

Thank you, Vice President.

We thank the High

Commissioner for his report, which recognizes the ongoing efforts to address the human rights impacts of the nuclear legacy in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Australia, having also experienced nuclear weapons testing, recognizes the devastating human and environmental consequences. We acknowledge the impact it can have on indigenous peoples connecting to culture and traditional lands, and the importance of meaningful indigenous participation in the design and implementation of restorative measures. Australia acknowledges the report's recommendation for the international community to work with regional entities, including the Pacific Islands Forum, to strengthen local capacity in the Marshall Islands and elsewhere in the Pacific for victim assistance and environmental remediation. Australia continues to share its technical and scientific expertise with the Republic of the Marshall Islands and other countries that have experienced nuclear weapons testing, including by supporting the development of sovereign environmental radiation monitoring capabilities in the Pacific. High Commissioner, we welcome further insights on how to more effectively support local capacity to address the nuclear legacy in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Algeria.

The Algerian delegation thanked the Office of High Commissioner of all human rights

of victims and affected communities, including the right to mental and physical health, adequate food and housing, and to clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. For Algeria, these concerns are lived experience. Our country continues to bear the consequences of nuclear tests conducted during the colonial period.

Algeria expressed its support for the government and people of Marshall Islands and commends their continued effort to address the enduring consequences of nuclear testing. We stress that this tragic legacy underscores the need to place victims and affected communities at the center of national and international efforts and to ensure that their specific needs are adequately addressed. We further stress that addressing the legacy of nuclear testing requires a sustained, long-term commitment.

This includes strengthened international cooperation, access to relevant information,

scientific and technical assistance, and concrete measures to protect and support the health, livelihood, and well-being of victims and affected communities.

I thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Malaysia.

Madam Vice-President, Malaysia thanks the High Commissioner for the report and reaffirms its solidarity with the people of the Marshall Islands. 80 years after the nuclear testing began, its consequences remain deeply felt. The report documents continuing harm to health, lands, livelihoods, culture and the environment, alongside displacement and intergenerational trauma. Malaysia welcomes the report's emphasis on truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence. All relevant actors should engage in good faith to address its enduring consequences. We support continued technical assistance and capacity building in close cooperation with the Marshall Islands. Such support should strengthen national institutions while advancing health care, environmental monitoring and remediation, education, and institutional capacity. As a state party to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and a ratifying state of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, Malaysia underscores that victim assistance and environmental remediation are integral to addressing nuclear harm. The only absolute guarantee against recurrence is the total elimination of nuclear weapons and the end of nuclear explosive testing. Thank you, Madam.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Germany.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Germany aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the Office of the High Commissioner for its latest reports on the human rights implications stemming from the Marshall Islands nuclear legacy. As the report vividly describes, the human cost of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands is severe and lasting, not just a chapter in history, but a continuing reality for the Marshallese people. This serves as a stark reminder of how our decisions and actions today can have an enormous impact on the lives of many generations to come. It is through this lens that the initiative is bringing real added value to the work of this Council. Transitional justice is closely linked to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment and to the protection of human rights in general. Displacement and related loss of culture, as well as the access to justice and accountability, are topics regularly addressed by this Council, and we welcome the technical assistance and capacity building provided by OHCHR to the Marshall Islands in this context. Dear panelists, how can technical assistance and capacity building best address the requesting country's needs, as well as contribute to the concept of transitional justice overall? Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Ireland.

Thank you, Vice-President. Ireland aligns with the statement of the EU and thanks OATHR for its report and the speakers for their interventions. Nuclear weapon test explosions, or any other nuclear explosions, not only imperil international peace and security, they also have significant human rights and environmental impacts. OHCHR's report reinforces that the nuclear legacy is a continuing reality for the Marshallese people, with a disproportionate impact on the health of women and girls. Ireland welcomes the work underway to recognise these harms, noting the victim and environmental assistance provisions of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and we appreciate the use of a transitional justice approach. We commend the Marshall Islands for their continued engagement with OHCHR on this matter. Ireland reaffirms its position on the devastating human rights and humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. We echo the report's call for states to take steps to advance nuclear justice and ensure accountability for human rights violations related to the nuclear legacy. We urge all states to acknowledge the global de facto norm against nuclear testing, to maintain the moratorium on explosive nuclear tests, and to refrain from any actions that would undermine the purpose of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty pending its entry into force. Distinguished panelists, what are the best measures you have identified for raising awareness of the enduring impact of nuclear legacy on human rights in the Marshall Islands and elsewhere? Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Dominican Republic.

Thank you very.

Much indeed, Madam Vice-President. The Dominican Republic, as a small island developing state of the Caribbean, expresses its solidarity with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, a kindred SIDS. Our shared condition enables us to understand the vulnerability of the island communities and the importance for their voices to be heard. We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for its report on the challenges stemming from the nuclear legacy. We are concerned that its effects continue to affect the rights to health, to food, to culture and development. We also they compromise the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. These consequences are affecting the future generations and the diaspora. We reaffirm our commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons. This position is consistent with our participation in the treaties that ban nuclear weapons. Madam Vice-President, as a country who receives cooperation in terms of capacity building related to nuclear security and seismic detection, we ask how can international cooperation strengthen the capacity of the Marshall Islands to address the consequences of nuclear protect the communities and future generations also. Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to China.

Vice President, the Marshall Islands nuclear legacy has worrisome negative impact on human rights. China supports the OHCHR in strengthening capacity building and technical assistance. In the 1940s and '50s, Around 70 nuclear tests were conducted in the Marshall Islands, bringing endless suffering to the islands and the people. Many were exposed to radiation, and the environment has also suffered irreversible damage. Even after the end of testing, over 130 tons of nuclear contaminated soil were still dumped there. The relevant country should make appropriate reparation to the Marshall Islands and effectively shoulder its historical responsibility. I thank you, Vice-President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Cuba.

Senora Vice-President, the 67 nuclear tests carried out by the US on the Marshall Islands gave rise to devastating damage which persisted over time. This nuclear legacy has had consequences which are serious on the human rights of the Marshallese. However, the US continues to deny access to justice. Cuba supports the legitimate claims of the Marshall Islands. They have a right to reparation, full reparation and effective reparation. Without truth, there is no justice. The US must declassify all information pertaining to the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands. As recommended by the report, states must ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This instrument is in itself a guarantee of non-reoccurrence, non-repetition. This treaty recognizes the suffering and harms that are unacceptable ones caused to affected persons by people affected by nuclear weapons and establishes the obligation to assist victims, provide means for their economic and social inclusion, and restore the environment of contaminated areas, remediation. The Council should provide technical assistance to the Marshall Islands to face the repercussions of the nuclear legacy. on human rights. Thank you very much, Madam Vice-President.

Thank you.

This was the last speaker on the list. We will now turn to the list of speakers for national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations. And first, I give the floor to Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. Last year, we carried out consultations with diaspora Marshallese churches and young people, particularly in the US. The legacy of nuclear testing includes ongoing health crises. During Covid-19, Marshallese diaspora accounted for about 40% of deaths in northwest Arkansas, despite being only 3% of the population. This is a consequence of radiation-related illness and lack of access to healthcare, and is now further compounded by fear of of deportation under recent US immigration policies. Churches once sanctuaries are now no longer safe from ICE raids. Marshallese students reported facing ignorance and hostility when sharing their history with their peers. As well as an official apology from both the US and the UN for respectively carrying out and allowing nuclear testing, we call for inclusive reparations to include long-term health monitoring and care, livelihood support, and environmental and cultural restoration for all Marshallese who are nuclear-affected, regardless of where they live. We call for protection for deportation for Marshallese migrants. The government of the Marshall Islands is taking remarkable steps to seek victim assistance and environmental remediation. in effect implementing some key provisions of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. We urge the government to now join this treaty, which would further reinforce the country's longstanding moral leadership on nuclear justice. Komal Tata. Thank you, Madam Vice-President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to United Church of Christ.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. We're grateful for this report and its comprehensive approach. Last year, we joined the consultations in Springdale, Arkansas, listening to the critical issues faced by Marshallese in the U.S., as well as those on the islands, all who continue to suffer from the nuclear legacy. We continue to listen as Marshallese women and families speak of gathering, not in celebration of life, but too often to grieve and mourn yet another devastating, fatal diagnosis. The work of justice must continue. To that end, we advocate four critical actions. First, that the council continue this vital mandate, bringing Marshallese justice out of the shadows and into reality.

Second.

For the provision of comprehensive, readily accessible, and available health care for all Marshallese on the islands and the diaspora. Third, the full implementation of the compact with the addition of cultural and environmental impacts. Fourth, expanded rights and protection for Marshallese living in the United States, specifically regarding immigration status and protection from deportation. The vision of the United Church of Christ is a just world for all. All means all people everywhere in a world free of nuclear weapons and their continuing legacy. Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Earth Justice.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. Earthjustice thanks the High Commissioner for its accurate and well-documented report on elements of justice, which follows up on the previous report on the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands. It clearly illustrates the scope and variety of human rights violations that people living in the Marshall Islands continue to suffer following the 67 nuclear tests conducted on their territory by the United States. This legacy includes the Runit Dome in the Enewetak Atoll, which holds more than 3.1 million cubic feet of U.S.-produced radioactive soil and debris and lethal amounts of plutonium-238. It also includes 130 tons of soil from the grounds of two nuclear blasts in Nevada in 1951 and 1955, secretly shipped in 1958. Today, This concrete coffin, which locals call the tomb, is affected by the tides and leaking out radioactive water into the lagoon. Its physical integrity is at risk of collapsing from impact from storm surge and sea level rise due to climate change. Madam Vice-President, why do people in the Marshall Islands have to live under such a threat, including from contaminated soil coming from 5,300 miles away? It must be taken back. This removal is urgently needed, as a massive leak or a collapse of the dome would create a disaster of large proportion in the Pacific. Madam Vice-President, the people of the Marshall Islands and the people in the Pacific, like all of us, have the right to trust, to non-repetition, and to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Thank you.

I thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Uwe Bentum.

Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Juventum is honored to participate. We commend the report 63/76 for good updates. We hope all recommendations will be implemented and the good updates will continue. Nuclear weapons have been used on the people whom the leaders do not care. The world sees more of these leaders now. We call for the immediate ratification of the TPNW. Nuclear weapons are tested on other civilian populations in the world too. Those who suffer at other testing sites should be reviewed equally. The nuclear industry causes the disasters and walks away too. Nuclear contamination is irreversible and permanent. The suffering continues even if the public is persuaded to forget the cases. We must take action to minimize the damage. We must keep in mind the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle. Nuclear legacy is not our past, it is present and future. All nuclear contaminated people should receive the highest attainable medical and scientific support. Marshall Islands must not be isolated. The capacity building should include coalition building with the other cases and the scientific community. Thank you very much for your attention.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Center for Global Non-Killing.

From vicious circles to virtuous cycles. Dear human beings, Madam Vice-President, dear populations, just poor as an authorities of the Marshall Islands, everyone, everywhere. Greetings of everlasting human rights. The recent report focuses on avenues of justice. First, the personal need to heal, to prevent and to supersede trauma, to adapt to one's identity, to reconcile with it, a need to be at peace with the universe, with our human nature, for our universal future. Second, a deep need to care for others as for ourself. and to do better. Third, if wrong is done or perceived, big or small, if someone is at odds or suffers harmful consequences, there is a need to be able or to learn how to spontaneously offer dialogue, if accurate, apology, if possible, reparation, to restore our common living and peaceful forwardness. States need to learn to do that a lot more when wrong is done to spontaneously offer justice, at first and at last policy. acknowledging wrongs and building the way ahead for non-recurrence, but most of all, leaving no one behind through win-win solutions. Human rights-based justice is learned, spontaneous, and inclusive. It helps a more preventive world with lesser reasons to be repressive. May a more humane justice come out of the inhumane treatment of the Marshallese. Thank you very much, Madam Vice-President.

I thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Sheng Xi Patriotic Volunteer Association.

National Patriotic Organization advocating loving one's own country without harming other nations' interests. I speak on behalf of 306 NGOs from 68 countries. The OHCR report on the nuclear legacy of the Marshall Islands reveals the radioactive fallout from the nuclear test continues to devastate health, land, and culture. The report states that the Section 177 of the Company of Reassociation was negotiated under structural power asymmetry. When nuclear hegemony and security narratives compress the policy space of small states, people's development rights are quietly surrendered. The nuclear legacy is not historical; it's an ongoing erosion of development rights. Therefore, the organization proposes that the Council integrate the nation's rights to development into its follow-up framework and institutionalize a civil society-led national rights to development review mechanism, enabling indigenous people, women, youth, people with disabilities to independently access international arrangements, truly advance their human rights. So, loving our own country without harming other nations' interests should bind all states and the Council on mechanisms. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you.

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

Thank you.

Eight years of the catastrophic nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands must end. The United States conducted 67 nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands, equivalent to 7,232 Hiroshima bombs in explosive power. Women and girls face devastating radiogenic vulnerabilities, including tragic surges in miscarriages, stillbirths, and thyroid abnormalities. The original nuclear claims tribunal awarded $2.3 billion for extensive personal injuries and property damages. Yet, less than 2% of the awarded compensation has been paid. This leaves thousands of victims without effective remedies. We cannot support the exclusionary Section 177 agreement as a fair and final settlement. We demand that the United States immediately make accessible all classified radiation exposure data and records. We believe that all relevant international human rights mechanisms, community-led fact-finding missions and people's tribunals should be used to pursue accountability and bring the full truth to light.

We demand complete environmental remediation, full financial compensation and an official long overdue apology.

Justice is not a concession, it is an obligation. Thank you.

Thank you.

This was the last speaker on my list. And I now give the floor to Mr. Alson Kelen for his concluding remarks. You have three minutes, sir.

Thank you. In closing, on behalf of my fellow panelists and the people of the Marshall Islands, I extend my sincere appreciation to you all. I would like to leave you with a traditional chant. that calls upon us to sail together in harmony. It reminds us that although we may encounter challenges along the way, when we move forward together, united in purpose and effort, even the greatest challenges can be overcome with the speed and the force of lightning. Thank you. Thank you.

And now I give the floor to Deputy High Commissioner for her concluding remarks.

Madam Vice President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, today we have heard about the continuing human rights impact of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands and the strength, the resilience, and the determination of the Marshallese people in their efforts to address them. All people have the right to justice. This right must not be denied. Alongside legal mechanisms, reparatory and restorative approaches offer important pathways for addressing human rights impacts of the nuclear legacy in ways that reflect the Marshallese culture, its traditions, and priorities. A transitional justice approach to the nuclear legacy is holistic, and it combines truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-repetition. These are not competing approaches. they are interconnected parts of addressing harms that continue even today. On the question of Indonesia on truth and acknowledgment, the report recommends that the United States provide full and effective remedies for the human rights impact of the nuclear legacy, including by declassifying and making accessible all information related to the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands. Truth is a form of justice, acknowledgment must go hand in hand with action, including environmental remediation, victim assistance for the health impacts of the nuclear legacy, and measures to address and repair the harms that communities continue to experience. Madam Vice President, the Marshallese as rights holders and leaders must be front and center in defining their pathways to justice. We heard today powerful testimonies of efforts by Marshallese people to seek truth and justice and a better future for generations present and to come. The EU, Germany and Australia asked about capacity building approaches to support the Marshallese. Over the past four years, and directly related to the question of Ireland, OHCHR has supported the National Nuclear Commission in implementing its nuclear justice strategy through community engagement and awareness raising in the Marshall Islands, and among the diaspora. We are committed to working with them to support, strengthen traditional and local capacities to advance nuclear justice through transitional justice approaches. As always, we prioritize a victim and people-centered approach. Technical cooperation and capacity building should not only be delivered for affected communities, but shaped with them. The consultations being held with Marshallese people and communities under this mandate are supporting the articulation of their own understanding of justice, including drawing on the traditional Marshallese concepts and values. But strengthening local capacity cannot mean leaving the Marshall Islands to address their nuclear legacy alone. Today's discussion has shown that nuclear impacts extend across borders and generations. So too must all our efforts to address them. and the question raised by the Dominican Republic on international cooperation. The international community, including through this Council, can play a supportive role in empowering and supporting the communities who continue to carry the legacy through this discussion and the resolution and the renewal of mandate on the nuclear legacy currently before it. Thank you.

Thank you very much. This brings us to the end of this enhanced interactive dialogue. I wish to thank all the presenters for their presentations and contributions today. We will take a short break now before we start the interactive dialogue with the independent expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, we will now begin the interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic. Let me welcome the new mandate holder, Mr. Aristide Nononzi. The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes. And without further ado, I now give the floor to Mr. Nononzi to present the report. Please.

Okay, thank you.

Madame.

Vice President, Excellencies, distinguished representatives and delegates, I have the honor to present to this Council my report on the Human Rights Situation in the Central African Republic, which covers the period from October 2025 to June 2026. At the outset, I wish to thank the Central African authorities for their cooperation with my mandate, as well as with MINUSCA, the United Nations Country Team, national institutions, civil society, and all those who have contributed to my work. The key message of my report is both encouraging and a call for vigilance. The Central African Republic has made significant progress. The electoral cycle has been completed. The institutions that arose from that process are now in place, and the state's authority continues gradually to expand in several parts of the territory. Peace, disarmament, and reintegration efforts are also continuing. This progress is important, but it remains fragile. Peace building can be sustainable only if it is accompanied by effective protection of human rights, effective access to justice, a resolute fight against impunity and a tangible improvement in the living conditions of the population. Madam Vice-President, The security situation remains one of my main concerns. In several prefectures, including Umbommu, Vakaga, Waka, Umpende, Uam, and Nanambambere, civilians continue to be exposed to killings, kidnappings, sexual violence, looting, extortion and restrictions on freedom of movement. Transhumance-related violence and inter-community tensions also continue to bring loss of life and displacement. Between October 2025 and June 2026, Menosca's Human Rights Division documented 1,635 cases of human rights violations and abuses involving 2,804 victims. These figures are a reminder of the scale of the challenges that remain. Violations are attributed to different actors. I insist on a fundamental principle. All parties must respect international human rights law and international humanitarian law. And any credible allegations of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law must be promptly, independently and impartially investigated. Women and girls remain particularly vulnerable to conflict-related sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence. Children also continue to face grave violations, including recruitment and use by armed groups, abductions, sexual violence, and attacks on schools and health facilities. I welcome the efforts made to release, care for, and reintegrate children associated with armed groups. These efforts must continue and must be strengthened. Madam Vice-President, developments since the end of the period covered by my report confirm both the progress made and the fragility of the situation. In early July, the situation in Am Dafok in Vakaga, once again demonstrated the risks to which the public in the border areas remains exposed. Over 16,000 people sought refuge with MONUSCO as a result of the violence. MONUSCO's intervention helped to save lives, maintain an administrative presence, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. At the same time, there are encouraging signs. The disarmament and demobilization process is continuing. In August, 69 former UPC and anti-Balaka combatants voluntarily laid down their arms in Maloum in Waka province with the support of MONUSCO and the national authorities. And yet, forced displacement continues. At the beginning of September, over 250 people left the Ababogani area in Nana Mambere for Boua as a preventive measure. Constraints related to road conditions and bad weather continue to limit humanitarian access in certain areas. These developments show that peace in the Central African Republic is an ongoing process, not a definitive achievement. Excellencies, Justice and the fight against impunity must remain at the heart of this consolidation. I welcome the progress made by the Special Criminal Court and the efforts to reform the judicial system. However, difficulties remain. Prolonged pre-trial detention, slow procedures, weak enforcement of court decisions, and conditions of detention that remain in several institutions incompatible with international standards. Transitional justice must also move forward. Truth, justice, reparations, and guarantees of non-repetition are not secondary elements of the peace process. They are essential for the confidence of victims and the prevention of further violence. Madam Vice-President, Peace must also produce tangible results in the daily lives of Central Africans. Access to health, education, clean water, food and livelihoods remains severely inadequate in many regions. Over 2.8 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. Territorial inequalities remain deep. The strengthening of the state's authority must therefore go hand in hand with the deployment of public services and investments in rural areas. Another key issue is the future of the international presence, including MINUSCA. I fully recognize the importance of national ownership, but Any evolution in the mission's presence must be gradual, coordinated, and based on objective criteria in order to preserve the gains made in the areas of protection of civilians, security, humanitarian access, and institution building. This approach is in line with the concerns recently expressed by the African Union's Peace and Security Council, which stressed that any transition of MONUSCO must avoid the creation of a security vacuum. Vice President, I wish to conclude with a simple appeal. The Central African Republic now has an important opportunity to transform the gains of recent years into lasting peace. This requires continuing inclusive political dialogue, strengthening the rule of law, protecting civilians. fighting impunity, strengthening the participation of women and youth, protecting civic space, and investing in economic and social rights. I also call on the armed groups that have not yet done so to renounce violence, respect their peace commitments, and fully join the disarmament and reintegration process. Finally, I encourage international partners to maintain their political, technical and financial commitment to the Central African Republic. The progress made is real, as I have said, but it remains fragile. Lasting peace will only be possible if every Central African, wherever he or she lives, can benefit from security, justice, essential services and the effective protection of his for her rights. I thank you, Vice-President.

I thank you for that presentation.

According to our practice, we will start by hearing the delegation of the country concerned. And I have the honour to give the floor to His Excellency, Mr. Arnaud Djoubaillie Abazen, Minister of Justice of the Central African Republic. Excellency, you have five minutes.

Madame Vice-President, ladies and gentlemen, members of the Council, independent expert. It's with a huge pleasure that I take the floor today at this, the 63rd session of your august Council. Through my voice, the Government of CAR expresses its compliments to the Council for the ongoing interest it has in the human rights situation in CAR and restates its commitment to cooperating with the Human Rights Council and the various UN system mechanisms. It also welcomes the objective cooperation with the Independent Expert, Mr. Aristide Nansitey, and thanks him for the presentation of his annual report, which is what we're discussing today. The government takes note of the findings, the recommendations enshrined in the report, which acknowledge, as it is, the progress made in the consolidation of institutions, the organization of the electoral cycle, the gradual redeployment of the administration, the new lease of life for the peace process, strengthening of justice, and combating impunity. In the context of this dialogue, which we wish to be constructive, the government would make the following comments. As to the political and security position, situation, the guarantee of fundamental freedoms, peace building, and combating impunity first, the organizational presidential legislative and regional elections and local elections are a major step forward in rooting democracy in the country and continuing to decentralize the administration. Of course, there are some votes that still haven't finalized, but they're about to the implementation, the political agreement for peace and reconciliation on the 6th of February 2019, as well as the Luanda process continue and the Germany process continue tirelessly. The results are palpable in this through the effective disarming of combatants, their social economic reintegration, the lasting reestablishment of the authority of the state and the provision of public services in areas concerned. The government calls upon its partners to further support what it does Of course, our success depends on predictable and lasting financing. The situation has significantly increased, improved with the strengthening of armed forces, their deployment in the recently created barracks, as well as the deploying nationwide of our security forces. However, there are pockets of insecurity in certain isolated areas with a result of human rights violations which have been noted. The government firmly condemns these violations, recalls that the criminal responsibility of the authors will come into play. No one can evade justice. However, the statistics in the report would need to be matched against the government statistics which are sufficiently disaggregated, including the nature of the events, their location, the alleged nature of the authors, identity of the authors, and the status of the verification of the allegations. Such clarification will make it easier to launch investigations, to apportion responsibility, and to follow up on measures taken by competent authorities. With regards to allegations of leveled at Central African armed forces and military personnel associated with the government. The authorities continue to consider these documented cases. The government restates its commitment to launch prompt and independent and impartial investigations when events are established to launch appropriate proceedings. With regards to guaranteeing fundamental freedoms, the report notes that civic space remained relatively open whilst at the same time fragile. The government recognized the essential role played by civil society organizations, human rights defenders and other civil actors in the consolidation of democracy, community mediation and conflict prevention. It restates its commitment to guarantee freedoms of expression, association, peaceful assembly, and this was respecting the constitution and the laws of the Republic in that connection. The difficulties listed in the report pertaining to certain slowness of an extended pretrial detention are the consequence of the lack of staff of the judiciary and infrastructures. Also, there are budgetary and structural contexts that have got worse for decades of crisis. The resolution means that we need to have national reforms that are sustained, which we are getting down to resolving. We need international cooperation. The special criminal court, whose contribution to the committee on international benefits receives unshakable support from the Government, has to face budgetary restrictions that compromise the pursuit of its mission. That is why the Government has called upon the partners to guarantee the court lasting and predictable financing. we need to look at how the mission, the MINUSCA, evolves in cooperation with our authorities on the basis of objective criteria, measurable progress, orderly transfer of responsibility. Also, the government wishes strongly to set up a technical cooperation program in the context of promoting human rights for 2026-2030. Thank you very much for your kind attention. Thank you very much.

The list of speakers is now closed and I invite interested delegations to ask questions to the independent expert and to make comments on his report. The speaking time is one minute and 30 seconds for all speakers. And first I give the floor to the European Union.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Independent expert, sir, your work describes the improvement of the electoral process and how the national institutions in Central African Republic have come to operate better. The EU welcomes this progress, as well as progress made in combating impunity. Your report also underscores the ongoing existence of a cause for concern for human rights in the country. The civilian population continues to be targeted in the context of the conflict. women and children continue to be exposed to serious human rights violations, including SGBV. The action of MINUSCA remains crucial to stabilize the situation and to guarantee rights, the respect for people's rights. The EU remains concerned about information attesting to arrests and arbitrary detentions, as well as restrictions to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, and restrictions to freedom of the press. It firmly condemns any form of intimidation and reprisals. The EU reiterates its support to the Special Criminal Court as well as to the International Criminal Court. It encourages the CAR and its partners to follow, implement the recommendations made in your report. Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Norway, on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Vice-President. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. We thank the independent expert for his dedicated efforts, for his update just now and for his report. We also appreciate the presence here today of His Excellency the Minister of Justice of the Central African Republic. We welcome the efforts of the Government of the Central African Republic to improve security, restore state authorities throughout the country, and strengthen local governance, as highlighted in the report. However, we continue to be deeply concerned over persistent violence in several regions and reported extensive and serious human rights violations and abuses. We call on the Government to investigate all the incidents and hold perpetrators to account. We are particularly worried about the grave violations and abuses committed against children. including the recruitment and use of children by armed groups, abduction, maiming, and sexual violence. We urge armed groups to release children from their ranks, and we encourage the CAR government to ensure their reintegration into their families, while bearing in mind the best interests of these children. We further encourage the CAR government to improve access to education for children in conflict-affected areas. Children are entitled to special protection under international humanitarian law. So, and here comes my question. What are the most urgent measures to be undertaken to ensure protection of children and children's rights in the Central African Republic? I thank you.

I thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Belgium on behalf of the group of countries.

Thank you, Madam President. This statement is on behalf of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and my own country, Belgium. We align ourselves with the EU statement. We thank the independent expert for his report and commend the efforts undertaken by the Central African Republic to strengthen democratic governance. We welcome the peaceful conduct of recent elections, the reinforcement of national human rights institutions and the judicial reforms that have been initiated. At the same time, we remain deeply concerned by reports of unlawful killings, arbitrary detention, torture, and other forms of ill-treatment affecting civilians, including human rights defenders, journalists, and humanitarian workers. We call on the authorities to conduct prompt, thorough, impartial, and transparent investigations into all alleged human rights violations and abuses, and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Sustainable peace, justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights are intrinsically linked to linked and mutually reinforcing. We further reiterate our support for the Special Criminal Court, which continues to play a crucial role in combating impunity, as well as for the International Criminal Court. We encourage the authorities to continue cooperating closely with both institutions and to advance efforts to ensure truth, justice and redress for victims. I thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Kenya on behalf of Group of African States.

Madam Vice-President, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group. The Group thanks the Independent Expert for the presentation of his report and welcomes the constructive dialogue he maintains with the authorities. of the Central African Republic. The group takes note of the progress made in consolidating peace, strengthening rule of law, combating impunity, and promoting and protecting human rights. It encourages the Central Africa authorities to continue these efforts while acknowledging the persistent security, humanitarian, and institutional challenges. The group remains convinced that consolidating these achievements requires sustained international support based on dialogue, cooperation, technical assistance, capacity building, and above all, respect for national priorities. It is in this period that the draft resolution on technical assistance and capacity building in the field of human rights in the Central African Republic to be presented under agenda item 10 has been prepared. This draft remains in its continuity with resolution adopted by consensus in 2025, while taking into account the main developments that have occurred since then. It seeks to maintain a balance between recognition of the progress achieved, the challenges that remain, and the need continue supporting the Central African Republic. In this context, the draft also proposes the renewal for one year of the mandate of the independent expert, with particular emphasis on technical assistance and capacity building, in close cooperation with national authorities and the institutions concerned. I thank you.

I thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Chad. Chad is absent, so next I give the floor to Gabon.

Madam Vice-President, the delegation of Gabon supports what was said by the African Group and welcomes the fact that we are having this interactive dialogue. We thank the independent expert for his relevant presentation. My delegation notes with satisfaction the tangible efforts made by the Central African authorities between October 2025 and June 2026 to restore peace and stability in the CAR. We congratulate the CAR for having organized an electoral cycle which began in December 2025, and this in a peaceful and inclusive political environment. And we commend also the country for having re-elected President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, who is now according to constitutional procedure, has taken up his position. However, the report notes the ongoing existence of human rights violations, and particularly the violation of the rights of women and children, as well as attacks targeting civilians and criminal activities of armed groups, which are increasing in certain areas of the country. These events, to which we should add the use of children in conflicts, amount also to a violation of humanitarian law and indicate that the security situation is still precarious. In this respect, we encourage the Central African authorities to continue their efforts to promote social cohesion, and we recommend that the international community continue to provide succour to this kindred country. Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Rwanda. Rwanda is absent. So next I give the floor to Morocco.

Madame Vice-President, my delegation thanks Mr. Lamont for his report. The municipal elections in December 2005 and the election of the first regional councils are an important step forward for the CAR. Their scope their success will depend on the means given to the local authorities and the redeployment of public services nationwide. Morocco welcomes progress in the area of disarmament, especially psychosocial support and family reunification for children who were withdrawn from armed groups. Their lasting reintegration will call for long-term support. In 2013, Morocco was amongst those who sponsored resolution 2127 of the Security Council, guaranteeing the deployment of an African mission to protect civilians. Today, Morocco presides over the Peace Commission. Morocco contributes to the MINUSCA and has hosted in Casablanca a roundtable with partners to mobilise financing for the national development plan. Mr Independent Expert, what support should be given in priority to the new local authorities to help them to fulfil their mandates in the most remote county councils of the country?

Next, I give the floor to South Sudan.

Madame Vice President, South Sudan aligns with the African Group statement and take note of the Independent Experts' report and the conclusions and recommendations contained therein. We commend our neighboring country, the Central African Republic, for its constructive engagement and cooperation with the independent experts, the UN bodies, including the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission, and other international partners to improve the promotion and protection of human rights in the country. South Sudan welcomes the efforts undertaken by the Central African Republic to advance peacebuilding, strengthen national institutions and promote reconciliation, as well as to strengthen the administration of justice and combat impunity. We call upon the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and international partners to step up their political, financial and technical support for implementation of the priorities identified by the Independent Expert in his proposed technical cooperation program for the period 2026-2030. with a view to consolidating progress made in the areas of peace and security, strengthening the rule of law institutions, and promoting equality between women and men. Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Angola. Angola is absent, so next I give the floor to France.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. Independent Expert, France supports what was said by the European Union and welcomes the presentation of your report to my country. We welcome the fact that you held an electoral cycle and made progress in the area of transitional justice. We reiterate our support to the Special Criminal Court and to the International Criminal Court both of which have contributed thereto. We share your concerns about the ongoing existence of systemic violence against civilians in several regions of the country, because of the presence of armed groups in the cross-border areas or because of conflicts linked to agriculture, which gives rise to increasing IDPs. We condemn in particular the new upsurge of sexual violence, of which women and children are the main victims. France restates its support to the MONUSCO to guarantee protection of the people on the ground. In parallel, we thank the Central African authorities for their commitment to combat impunity and to prevent human rights violations, and this to ensure that all national security operations respect strictly international law. Mr. Independent Expert, to build lasting peace, France encourages the CAR to implement your recommendations by strengthening the independence of the human rights institutions and of the Truth, Justice, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission. Combating impunity must happen if you wish to restore the authority of the state and the trust the population has in those institutions.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Cameron.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. Cameroon thanks the Independent Expert for the presentation of his report and supports what was said by the African Group. My delegation welcomes the cooperation between the Central African Republic authorities and the Independent Expert, especially when he visited the country in May 2026. Cameron also notes the end of the electoral cycle and the conclusion of the observation missions, who generally said that the voting went peacefully, welcomed particular progress made in decentralization processes and to strengthen local governance. We further encourage the country to make progress in the peace process and the DDR process, as well as the gradual redeployment of the authority of the state nationwide. The progress made by the Special Criminal Court and the efforts made by the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission also deserve to be supported. As a neighbouring and kindred country, Cameroon is monitoring the ongoing humanitarian security challenges. We call upon the international community to continue to support the country politically, technically, and financially, pursuant to the IE's recommendations. We express our solidarity with the Central African people and its commitment to continue to support CAR in peacebuilding and consolidating security, the rule of law, and development of the country. Thank you very much.

Next, I give the floor to Ethiopia.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Ethiopia commends the continued engagement of the Central African Republic in advancing peace, reconciliation, and the promotion and protection of human rights under challenging circumstances. Ethiopia recognizes the progress achieved, particularly in the area of political stabilization, institutional strengthening, and efforts to restore state authority. We further commend the government's cooperation with international and regional partners, including the United Nations and the African Union, in supporting peacebuilding and human rights initiatives. We underscore that sustained peace and stability requires inclusive national dialogue, strengthened rule of law institutions, and continued efforts toward this reconciliation. Ethiopia emphasized the importance of continued technical assistance and capacity building provided in accordance with the priorities and consent of the country. to further strengthen national institutions and support long-term resilience. Predictable and sustainable international support remains essential in this regard. We also stress the importance of coordinated approach that aligns humanitarian development and peacebuilding efforts, ensuring that progress in human rights contributes to sustainable development and lasting peace. In conclusion, Italy reiterates its full support to the Central African Republic in their pursuit of peace, stability, and development. I thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Madame

Vice President, DRC supports what the African Group said and thanks the independent expert for the presentation of his report. As an African country and kindred country, the DRC welcomes the successful election. We welcome ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and peacebuilding. This progress attests to the determination of the Syrian people and the commitment of the authorities to build a stable future. But we remain attentive to the humanitarian and logistical challenges that continue to exist, especially on the borders. The peace of the country and our sub-region are interlinked, which is why the preservation of security and the protection of all civilian populations are a common essential priority for regional peace. In this spirit of solidarity, my country encourages the government of the CAR to continue to deploy the authority nationwide and to capitalise on the recommendations of the report to consolidate the rule of law. Finally, we suddenly appeal to the international community and the technical and financial partners It's crucial to scale up material financial support of CAR to support its reconstruction, ensure that peace is lasting, and to effectively respond to humanitarian needs.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Egypt.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. My delegation reviewing the efforts of these states in this respect. We also welcome the ongoing cooperation and constructive cooperation with the independent expert, drawing from the expertise of the independent expert.

Interpretation in the beginning, so could you please restart from the beginning?

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. My delegation extends a warm welcome to the independent expert. We take note of his report reviewing the efforts made to realise human rights in the country. We appreciate the fact that the CAR is continuing its cooperation with the independent expert in order to capitalise on his expertise in capacity building and technical assistance, thanks to which the human rights situation has been improved in the country, and thanks to this, there is better interaction with the Human Rights Council's mechanisms. We encourage the CAR to continue in the same vein in order to support its efforts in the area of human rights. Egypt considers that such an approach highlights the importance of international technical cooperation and capacity building as pillars of the mandates of this Council, in particular this helps States better to implement the commitments. We underscore the importance of the HRC in promoting technical building and capacity building by using the openness of dialogue, and this in order to better respond to the needs and to play a complementary role with human rights mechanisms. Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. The United Kingdom thanks the independent expert for his report and welcomes the Central African Republic's continued engagement with this

Council.

We welcome progress in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting stability since the 2025 elections. However, we remain concerned by ongoing human rights violations and abuses, the continued insecurity in parts of the country, and the impact that this has on civilians' access to justice and basic services. The UK supports efforts to strengthen accountability, uphold the rule of law, and promote inclusive political dialogue. We also recognise the important role played by MINUSCA in protecting civilians and supporting long-term peace and stability. We remain concerned by reports of restrictions on civic space and the vulnerability of women, children, and displaced communities. Sustained implementation of the political agreement for peace and reconciliation, alongside progress on disarmament, reconciliation, and accountability, remains essential to securing lasting peace and the protection of human rights. We ask the independent expert what priority measures should the Central African Republic authorities and international partners take to strengthen accountability, protect human rights, and secure lasting peace. Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to the Russian Federation. They seem to be absent. So next, I give the floor to China.

Madam Vice President, China commends Central African Republic for its efforts to advance peace and protect human rights, and notes with satisfaction its key progress in promoting the peace process, strengthening national governance, and advancing development and reconstruction. China always advocates constructive dialogue and cooperation among all parties as a means to settle disputes in the field of human rights, and opposes the politicization of human rights issues and interference into the internal affairs of countries concerned. Discussions in this Council should contribute to the stability and development in Central African Republic, rather than the opposite. China supports the African -- China supports African people independently addressing African issues, and calls upon the international community to provide human rights, technical assistance, and capacity building to Central African Republic on the basis of full consultation with the government and people. Upholding a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, China stands ready to work with the international community to promote and protect human rights. I thank you, Vice President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Cuba.

Madam Vice-President, the technical assistance and capacity building actions by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to support the Central African Republic in the area of human rights should take place always from the request of and in consultation with and with the consent of the authorities of the country concerned. For this technical assistance to be effective, it must meet the needs which have been identified by the CAR, strictly adhering to respect for its sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. Human rights cannot be instrumentalized under any circumstances to interfere in the domestic affairs of any country. We support the appeal to the CAR for the Council to strengthen capacity building and technical assistance to help the Government meet its priorities and to implement recommendations accepted in the context of the universal periodic review and the national human rights policy. Respectful dialogue. Technical assistance without interference and genuine cooperation are the only effective methods to promote and protect human rights in any country of the world. Thank you very much, Madam Vice-President.

Thank you.

This was the last speaker on my list. We shall now turn to the list of speakers for national human rights institutions and non-governmental organisations. And first, I give the floor to Centre d'Etudes Juridiques Africaines.

Madame Vice-President,

the Centre for African Legal Studies, CEJA, and its Central African partners want to thank the independent expert's report, which highlights the human rights situation in recent months in the CAR. They would like to point out that it's going to be precisely three years since the CAR adopted a national human rights policy, the implementation of which would ensure the effectiveness of human rights and which requires the contribution of all state and non-state actors, including Central African women and youth. who are spearheading real change in the country. The CEJA and its Central African partners want to congratulate the government, the national institutions and civil society organizations for their cooperation. Since 2023, it has been possible, therefore, to organize the Human Rights, Social Cohesion and Me Moot Court Competition for some 50,000 students in Bangui. The CEJA and its partnerships have been organizing, have been working within this, and they are convinced the greater cooperation will be necessary for success. There will be parallel side events in Concordia, one tomorrow held by Central African civil society organizations and the independent expert. Thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Ensemble Contre la Peine de Mort.

Thank you. The abolition of the death penalty by the CIR in 2022 was a major step forward for human rights in Africa. Four years on, our organization, ACAT, RCA, and FIAKAT, congratulate the CIR for consolidating its abolition status through the implementation of several reforms to national legislation. During his speech at the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, Mr. Arnold Djoumbi, of his own Minister of State for Justice, Human Rights Promotion and Good Governance of the Central African Republic, said that his government had initiated procedures to ratify OP2 in order to guarantee the irreversibility of abolition and conform with international law. Our organization's call on the CAR to finalize this ratification process. After Sierra Leone, which deposited the instrument of accession in 2026, the CAR would therefore become the 20th state on the African continent to ratify OP2 and the 94th in the world. Furthermore, ahead of the vote on the UNGA resolution for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, our organizations encourage the CAR to renew its vote in favor and to support the resolution with the other states. I thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to the Next Century Foundation.

President, the Next Century Foundation welcomes this year's largely peaceful elections in the Central African Republic as a step towards stability. But that progress cannot hold while armed groups and security actors remain financed by mineral wealth. that escapes effective oversight. The country's mining economy is overwhelmingly artisanal, dominated by gold and diamonds. As diamond trade contracted over the past decade, armed groups turned to gold, a resource with far weaker traceability now smuggled across porous borders with little accountability. Suspension from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative has only widened the gap. Independent experts report ties the same armed groups and security forces profiting from the trade to continuing violations, including conflict-related sexual violence. The Next Century Foundation, therefore, encourages the Central African Republic, with this Council's support, to rebuild its EITI candidacy and to apply due diligence and traceability standards to gold on par with those long required for diamonds. so that accountability for violations extends to the resources that finance them.

I thank you. Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Thank you, Mr. President. CSW welcomes the comprehensive report of the independent expert on the Central African Republic. The December 2025 election returned President Faustin-Archange Touadera for a third term. Opposition parties alleged irregularities and several groups boycotted the vote. Although largely peaceful, the election period saw Azande militia carry out targeted attacks on soldiers and police in Mbomou prefecture, causing displacement and an acute humanitarian crisis. In addition, several election officials and a zondam were kidnapped. The killing of Father Krepim Monga in Zimio in June profoundly affected local community. As a respected religious leader, he led local peace and reconciliation initiatives. His death underscores the need for the state to protect community and religious leaders working for peace. Furthermore, the recent attack in Am Dafuq highlights the threat of cross-border conflict to civilians along the Sudan border and the need for a coordinated, well-resourced security plan prioritizing civilian protection. CSW calls on the Central African Republic's government and international partners to close the accountability gap and to address impunity. The International Criminal Court's conviction of a former Séléka leader on the 23rd of September is welcome, but comprehensive accountability for severe human rights violations against civilian populations by all armed actors operating in the country remains outstanding. Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Human Rights Research League.

Thank you, President.

We remain deeply concerned about the grave humanitarian human rights situation in CAR. According to OCHA, by 2026, 2.3 million people, that's one in three Central Africans, will still need humanitarian assistance to survive, and over a million people are still forcibly displaced. This dire situation is further aggravated by the armed conflict in neighboring Sudan that has repercussions because of porous borders, leading to illicit arms transfers and the movement of armed fighters. In this context, women and girls are still particularly at risk of exploitation, rape, forced marriage, and other forms of sexual violence. There are reports that various armed groups and state actors are among the perpetrators of these acts. While each of these violations is equally heinous, the fact that state actors are also implicated in such crimes sends a particularly harmful signal to the public. We therefore call on the authorities to act appropriately, as well as on the member states of this Council to put pressure on the CAR government to bring all perpetrators of these crimes to justice. I thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Association Panafrica.

Thank you, Vice-President. We thank the rapporteur for his report and take note of his comments and recommendations. We remain concerned at the persistence of insecurity and human rights violations by armed groups that are still active in the various regions. PanAfrica emphasizes the urgent need to consolidate transitional justice. We call on the CAR to accelerate implementation of the recommendations of the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission within a reasonable timeframe. With regard to the fight against impunity, we call on the international community to continue its assistance to the work of the Special Criminal Court. In addition, Panafrica is concerned about the situation of women who are still exposed to conflict-related sexual violence. We urge the strengthening of the fight against all forms of violence and a guarantee of the effective participation of women in the peace process. In conclusion, Panafrica calls on all armed groups immediately to respect the ceasefire, end sporadic attacks on civilians, and end the recruitment of children into the army.

I thank you.

Thank you, Vice-President.

Radeau thanks the independent expert for the presentation of his report. Radeau notes the progress undertaken, in particular, the continuation of the work of the Special Criminal Court, the efforts undertaken in the area of transitional justice, as well as the overall peaceful conduct of the 2025 to 2026 electoral process. However, these advances should not obscure the persistence of violence against civilian populations, particularly in certain peripheral and border areas, as well as conflict-related sexual violence, forced displacement, and violations attributed to various actors in the conflict. The fight against impunity remains essential to any lasting peace in the CAR. The Special Criminal Court, national courts, and the Truth, Justice, Reparation, and Reconciliation Commission are indispensable mechanisms. However, the proliferation of mechanisms should not be confused with their effectiveness. This must be measured by their ability to establish accountability, to guarantee victims' effective access to justice and reparation, and to prevent the recurrence of violations. Civil society, human rights defenders and victims must also be able to participate in these processes in a safe environment and without fear of reprisals. In this context, I would like to ask the independent expert what obstacle he considers to be a priority in ensuring that victims have effective access to justice and reparation.

I thank you. Next, I give the floor to Shaanxi Patriotic Volunteer Association.

I'm a representative of the International Patriotic PAC Organization, advocating that loving one's own country without harming other nations' interests. We call upon the Council to release meeting teams and reports in advance, ensuring that all stakeholders stay informed and participate effectively. Nevertheless, we remain supportive of the UN experts' call to strengthen the MINUSCA mandate and advance peacebuilding. However, any external engagement must respect sovereignty rather than exacerbate geopolitical rivalry. We urge the international community to eliminate information asymmetry, deliver concrete support to the stabilization mission, uphold the principle of loving one's own country without harming other interests, and put an end to all predatory interventions. Thank you.

Thank you.

This was the last speaker on my list. I now give the floor to Mr. Nonozi for his concluding remarks. And you have five minutes.

Sir.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. And I thank the various speakers for their comments and their questions. The report clearly indicates the efforts made by the government As I said at the start, this progress is fragile, and therefore the international community must continue to provide support to the efforts of the government to avoid having a gap in support. And it's important to look at the situation of children and the response. A lot of efforts are being made. And there's also a need to provide psychological support to children and issues of justice are important. As well as Minusca and UNICEF, there are cooperation agreements. Under which they work in, they provide preventive work. to protect children and provide them with psychological support. And as regards demobilization, the child demobilization program is an important one, and there needs to be structures in place for them. Then we heard about social and economic rights. Once support is in place, it's possible to limit the fragility of these children and the larger public. The country needs the support of the international community. The government, as I have said, is making efforts through redeployment of the justice system in the best interests of the country, improved security, training of civilian and military personnel, transitional justice, Transitional justice is underway, and the truth commission is important that it be truly independent. It needs to be allowed to carry out its work in the best interests of the country, and that also requires investment, human, financial, and other. And so once more, I emphasize the importance of us providing support and the importance of the work of the Truth Commission. We heard about the special tribunal, which is carrying out its work. There are cases being examined. But once more, I emphasize that The international community needs to support the efforts of the CAR Government. I cannot say that enough. If that support is not there, there will be a gap created, and that is not something the CAR needs. It needs to be able to build on the progress made with the support of the international community, in particular the countries of the sub-region and the African Union. Thank you very much for your contribution.

This brings us to the end of this interactive dialogue and I wish to thank Mr. Aristide Nononzi for his participation. We will take now a very short break before holding the interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner's implementation report of Council Resolution 60/28 on technical assistance to Somalia in the field of human rights. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, we will now hold the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's implementation report of Council Resolution 60/28 on technical assistance to Somalia in the field of human rights. The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes. And I now give the floor to Mr. Mahmanes Sisigowuro, Director of the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanism Division to present the report.

Madam Vice President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor to present the first report of the UN Human Rights Office on assistance to Somalia. submitted in accordance with the Human Rights Council resolution 60/28. The report covers the period from 9 October 2025 to June 30 this year and draws on engagement with various stakeholders. Madam Vice-President, despite liquidity constraints affecting our operational capacity, the Office's technical cooperation has helped establish initial foundations for nationally led human rights protection in Somalia. The UN Human Rights Office worked closely with the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development and the National Independent Human Rights Commission, including through induction workshops and an experience sharing visit to Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. The office also supported work on governance instruments and identified priorities for investigation manuals and institutional development. The High Commissioner's Office and the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia Human Rights and Protection Group trained at least 150 security personnel on human rights, international humanitarian law, civilian protection, and civil-military cooperation. Furthermore, across six locations, 406 participants took part in civil society capacity building and advocacy initiative, while an additional 165 people were engaged through community outreach. A civil society forum with the National Independent Human Rights Commission also resulted in the establishment of a coordination mechanism for information sharing engagement and joint advocacy. These efforts have supported important progress in strengthening Somalia's national human rights framework. Madam Vice-President, during the reporting period, the Federal Government has advanced the implementation of the Human Rights Transition Plan and the National Transformation Plan. It adopted the Juvenile Justice Law and the Protection of Civilian Policy. Also, the results of Somalia's fourth Universal Periodic Review were adopted recently in September this year at this very Council. And Somalia deposited its instrument of ratification of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child on 4th April this year. We also welcome the establishment and growing operationalization of the National Independent Human Rights Commission, although challenges remain in enabling it to fulfill it to fulfill mandate effectively and independently. Further support is nevertheless required to sustain progress on legal and institutional strengthening. For example, the amended constitution retained the age of legal majority at 18, while referring to an age of maturity of 15, creating uncertainty regarding child marriage and the age of consent. The draft penal code contains provisions that may unduly restrict freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and privacy. Concerns were also raised regarding provisions addressing sexual violence and several proposed punitive measures, including the death penalty. We commend national human rights actors for their decision to provide substantive input on proposed legislation. We encourage inclusive consultations and rigorous review to ensure compliance with Somalia's human rights obligations. Madam Vice-President, it is fundamental that all actors ensure that Somalia's transition does not result in a human rights protection gap. The mandate of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia, including its human rights component, ends on 31 October this year. At the same time, uncertainty regarding the timeline for the full transfer of security responsibility to Somali authorities raises concerns about the sustainability of progress in security and human rights. We believe the host country agreement signed between OHCHR and the Government of Somalia on 6 May this year together with Human Rights Council resolution 60/28, provides a critical framework for sustaining human rights work in Somalia. Its implementation, however, requires formal submission of acceptance of the signed host country agreement, adequate resources, and the continued genuine commitment of the Somali authorities. Madam Vice-President, The human rights protection environment remains deeply fragile. Political and security responses must place civilian protection, accountability, and civic space at the center. Al-Shabaab attacks, counterterrorism operations, political tensions, and armed confrontation continue to cause human rights violations and abuses, including civilian harm and displacement. For instance, Escalation in Baidoa in March 2026 reportedly displaced approximately 8,461 households, predominantly women and children, and disrupted services and livelihood. Armed confrontations in populated area of Mogadishu on 3 and 4 June caused death, injuries, displacement, damage to civilian property. Also, the absence of a clear and agreed political roadmap for the upcoming election continue to heighten protection risk. In addition, reports indicated that 13 journalists and media workers were detained without formal charge between October 2025 and June 2026. The killing of a media worker in March 2026 in Kismayo and the abduction of a journalist in Mogadishu further illustrate the risk facing the media. This incident requires prompt, independent and impartial investigations. Sexual and gender-based violence remain widespread. while reduced funding led to the closure of centers providing survivors with medical care, psychological support, legal assistance, and safe shelter. During the reporting period, at least 19 children were reportedly killed and 28 injured primarily through armed violence, crossfire, and improvised explosive devices. Women's meaningful political participation also remain constrained by financial, security, and social cultural barriers. Similarly, the worsening humanitarian crisis driven by conflict, drought, displacement, forced evictions, funding cuts, attack on humanitarian personnel, and flood risk is undermining the right to food, the right to health, water, and protection. Madam Vice President, to protect the gains achieved, the office call on the federal government to ensure prompt, independent, and impartial investigation and accountability for violations to protect civic space and to end the arbitrary detention of journalists, media workers, and activists. The authorities should also align constitutional, penal and other reforms with international human rights law, strengthen survivor-centered response to sexual and gender-based violence, fully implement the protection of civilian policy, and guarantee the independence, adequate resourcing, and effective functioning of the National Independent Human Rights Commission. We call on the Council and member states to provide for technical and financial support to justice, accountability, and protection institutions, continued humanitarian and development assistance and support for the full operationalization of the National Independent Human Rights Commission and the OHCHR country office. The continued financial, political and operational support of international partners in security and human rights remain essential to strengthen the readiness of the Somali authorities and preventing a protection gap. The conclusion of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia must not create gaps in human rights protection and engagement. Sustained international support remains essential to safeguard fragile progress and build strong, independent, and nationally owned Somali institutions. I thank you for your kind attention.

Thank you very much for this presentation of the report. According to our practice, we shall start by hearing the delegation of the country concerned. And I have the honor to give the floor to Her Excellency, Ms. Khadija Al-Maksoumi, Minister of Family and Human Rights Development of Somalia. Excellency, you have the floor, and you have five minutes.

Madam Vice President, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Somalia acknowledge the Office of the High Commissioner for presenting its report to continue its engagement with the Federal Government of Somalia as the country begins a new phase in its human rights transition. I speak on behalf of the Federal Government of Somalia with a one clear message. Somalia is prepared to lead this new phase of human rights transition by fulfilling its duties to engage openly with this Council. For our people, the transition must mean something in practice. A woman seeking justice must be heard. A child facing violence must be protected. A family displaced by conflict or drought must be able to rebuild its life with dignity. This is our first dialogue on the High Commissioner's report under Resolution 60/28, after more than three decades of the independent expert mandate. We welcome this new framework, and we accept that it asks more of us, not less. Leading means setting our own priorities, addressing the concerns of our people, and remaining accountable to them for results. Somalia is ready to assume that responsibility and appreciation of the Council's support and OHCHR's cooperation. Somalia has carefully reviewed the High Commissioner's report and submitted an addendum with its observations and agreed that the institution we have built must now function effectively, reach our people, and deliver tangible results. Vice President, we are rebuilding our institution while reforming terrorism, displacement, poverty, and climate shocks. These pressures fall off a state whose capacity is still growing. Yet, Somalia is moving forward, and I wanted to be concrete about how. The National Independent Human Rights Commission now has commissioners and leadership in place. These are important steps toward independent national oversight. Our task now is to build up its ability to receive compliance, investigate concern, and reach communities while protection is its independence in line with the Paris Principles. Mrs. Vice President, the adoption of Somalia fourth UPR outcome on the 28th of September gave us a clear agenda. Somalia supported 260 of the recommendation it received. My ministry will coordinate follow-up through our national mechanisms and implementation report and follow-up. We will work with the government institution, the federal member states, parliaments and justice institution, and the Human Rights Commission of Civil Society. We will turn these recommendations into named responsibilities, realistic timeline, and measurable action tied to national plan and budgets. We also recognize our gaps. Institution needs greater capacity and reach. Accountability must improve. Law must change practice, not only paper. Somalia will lead this work, and we ask our partner to support the priority we set with our own institutions and build the capacity that lasts. To that end, we call for our OHCHR country office in Mogadishu to establish and make a full operation without delay. Under the host country agreement I signed with the High Commissioner in May 2026, it must be matched with enough unexpected resources. We seek practical support and human rights commission and our national mechanism for reporting and follow-up. and for our services deliver protection, legal aid and child protection, survivor support and accessible public services. And as the United Nations mandate in Somalia changed, human rights expertise and protection capacity must not be lost. Vice President, Somalia arrives at the phase with the institution taking a shape. It is reform advancing and clear duty to deliver. We will remain open to international oversight, engagement and dialogues and accountable for our progress. Our readiness should not be measured by our words today. It should be measured by our doing the text. by next and by whether the Somali people can count on our institution when they need protection the most. Thank you.

Thank you, Excellency, for your statement. The list of speakers is now closed. And I now invite interested delegations to ask questions and to make comments on the report. The speaking time is one minute and 30 seconds for all. And first, I give the floor to the European Union.

The EU thanks the High Commissioner for the report and welcomes the continued engagement between Somalia and the OHCHR. We welcome certain progress, including the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission. As UNTMIS closes, its independence and effectiveness will be crucial to fully executing its constitutional mandate to protect, promote and monitor human rights across Somalia. At the same time, we remain concerned by restrictions on freedom of expression and intimidation of journalists. We are also deeply concerned by the draft penal code and the constitutional amendment lowering the age of maturity from 18 to 15. Together with other legislative reforms, these measures risk creating legal inconsistencies inconsistencies and weakening protection, particularly for women and children. We urge Somalia to ensure that all legislative reforms are fully aligned with its international human rights obligations. The EU remains committed to supporting Somalia with the implementation of its accepted UPR recommendations. High Commissioner, with UNMIS closing, how can the limited resources best be prioritized to ensure continued monitoring, support and assistance to Somalia with the legislative reforms? I thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Finland on behalf of a group of countries.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States. We thank the High Commissioner for the report and OHCHR's continued engagement with Somalia. We welcome Somalia's efforts to strengthen its human rights framework and cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. Sustaining progress requires legislation anchored in Somalia's international human rights obligations. We are concerned by the constitutional amendment lowering the age of maturity from 18 to 15, leaving 15 and 17 year olds without adequate protection. We also remain concerned by the draft penal code, including provisions affecting women and children, sexual and gender based violence, freedom of expression, the death penalty and corporal punishment. We urge Somalia to ensure that legislative reforms upholds its international human rights obligations. High Commissioner, as Somalia transitions to a new UN configuration, how can OHCHR best support Somalia in ensuring that ongoing legislative reforms strengthen human rights protection and accountability? I thank you.

I thank you.

And next, I give the floor to Kenya on behalf of the Group of African States.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group. The Group takes note of the report of the Office of the High Commissioner and welcomes Somalia's continued constructive cooperation with OHCHR and the Human Rights Council. The group underscores that resolution 60/28 places national ownership, technical assistance, capacity building, and stronger national institutions at the center of the Council's engagement with Somalia. The resolution was adopted without a vote under agenda item 10. We therefore encourage sustained and adequately resourced support for Somalia's national human rights institutions and implementation mechanisms, including follow-up to its universal periodic review recommendations. As the United Nation presence in Somalia evolves, it is important to ensure continuity of essential human rights functions and effective transfer of capacity and national institutions. The Africa Group reaffirms the importance of constructive cooperation respect for national ownership and practical assistance responsive to Somalia's identified priorities. I thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Turkey. Thank

you, Madam Vice President. Turkiye firmly supports the sovereignty, territorial integrity, stability, and the welfare of Somalia. We have developed a multifaceted cooperation with Somalia, ranging from development assistance to health, education, trade, and the fight against terrorism. We are particularly focused on supporting the Somali National Army and the Federal Government in their fight against terrorism. Turkiye has initiated several economic projects with fisheries and hydrocarbons at the forefront. The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, TICA, has realized more than US$1 billion worth of sustainable development since 2011.

We have also provided crucial health services

at the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Research and Training Hospital, where almost 3 million patients have received treatment since 2014. Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent country is unacceptable and undermines the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference.

We will continue to stand in solidarity with the Somalian people.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Qatar.

Thank you, Vice President. Somalia is facing multiple challenges affecting stability, security, and economic development. This requires support by the international community in order to uphold national processes. Legislative political reformers and including partners is key to the rebuilding of state institutions, ensuring the rule of law, and supporting and protecting human rights. In this light, we welcome the signing by the Government and the OHCHR of the host country agreement in order to set up a human rights office in the country to build national capacities in the field of protection of human rights and in line with the priorities and needs of the Government of Somalia. We acknowledge the measures taken by the Government of Somalia in order to implement the human rights plan for the period, for a transitional period from 2026 to 2025, and the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission. We should continue providing technical assistance to build capacity of the country in the field of human rights, and so that it live up to its national and international commitment. In closing, we express our solidarity with Somalia and our support of state institutions and all efforts to achieve stability, security, and ensuring sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia. Thank you, Vice President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President.

The UK welcomes Somalia's support to all three of the UK's

recommendations made during its UPR earlier this year, and we remain committed to supporting Somalia to implement these recommendations.

As Somalia moves from review to implementation, continued engagement remains essential.

the end of the Independent Experts' mandate and the closure of the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia

will not reduce international attention, monitoring or commitment to provide technical support.

We encourage Somalia to maintain close cooperation with OHCHR and the wider UN human rights system.

We welcome the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission and encourage the Federal Government of Somalia

to provide the support needed for the Commission to operate independently and effectively.

We remain concerned about reported differentiation between the age of maturity and the age of responsibility.

Somalia must ensure that the rights of all children, every individual under 18, are fully protected. We are also concerned by aspects of Somalia's draft penal code, including provisions that could weaken protections for children, restrict freedom of expression and media freedom, and fall short of international human rights obligations. We urge Somalia to ensure the penal code and related legislation strengthen rather than weaken rights protections.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Saudi Arabia.

Shukran, Seydi.

Thank you, Vice President. We took note of the report on technical assistance and capacity building of Somalia. It included details about challenges facing the country, chief among which security challenges and the human rights situation, as well as the negative impact on the euro and liquidity crisis, which impact its support to the country. In this light, We acknowledge steps taken by the government of Somalia to live up to its international commitment and to achieve stability in order to protect human rights in spite of the difficulties facing the country. We call upon OHCHR to do further efforts to build capacities of Somalia. Vice President, the report reflects clearly Somalia's commitment to international cooperation for the benefit of human rights, as well as progress in various fields. We underscore that the international community should keep supporting Somalia in order to protect human rights and to enable Somali people to have a better and more stable and more prosperous future. Thank you, Vice-President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Rwanda. Rwanda is absent. Next, I give the floor to Kuwait.

Thank you, Vice President. We took note with great interest of the OHCHR report on technical assistance to Somalia in the field of human rights. We recognize the positive role played by the Government of Somalia, as well as achievements in the improvements of the situation of human rights. We acknowledge as well measures taken by the government in order to improve the situation of human rights, as well as with regards to constructive cooperation with UN mechanisms and the Human Rights Council, particularly regarding legislative reforms and national plans on human rights, including the human rights plan for the transition period and the national transformation plan focusing on governance justice and social redress. These also include the juvenile law, which is an important milestone for reinforcing the institutional framework for the protection of human rights. In closing, we underscore our solidarity and support for Somalia in all its efforts to improve the human rights situation. And in this light, we call for reinforcing development and capacity building programs and providing technical assistance in line with Somalia's needs. And thank you, Vice President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Sierra Leone.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Sierra Leone thanks the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for the presentation of its report and welcomes the continued engagement of the OHCHR with the Federal Government of Somalia. We commend Somalia's efforts to strengthen its human rights framework, including engagement with the Universal Periodic Review, ratification of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, adoption of the Somali Juvenile Justice Law, and steps to operationalize the National Independent Human Rights Commission. welcome the signing of the host country agreement between Somalia and the OHCHR to establish an OHCHR presence in the country, helping to ensure continued human rights monitoring, technical cooperation and capacity building beyond the closure of UNTMIS. Somalia emphasizes the importance of adequately funding national human rights institutions, including national independent human rights commissions, and implementation, reporting and follow-up mechanisms, while encouraging legislative reforms that are fully consistent with international human rights obligations and standards. Acknowledging the interdependence of sustainable peace, development and human rights, we urge the international community to sustain its provision of technical, financial and capacity-building support to Somalia, including for the establishment of a future OHCHR country office. I thank you, Madam Vice-President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to South Sudan.

Madam Vice-President, South Sudan aligns with the African Group statement and takes note of the Office of the High Commissioner's report and the conclusions and recommendations contained therein. We commend our friendly country, Somalia, for signing the host country agreement with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, paving the way for the establishment of a human rights office in the country. We view this as an important step towards strengthening national human rights protection mechanisms and further advancing Somalia's commitment to international human rights standards. South Sudan welcomes the adoption and implementation of the Somalia Human Rights Transition Plan 2025-2026 and the progress made by Somalia in its child protection commitments, including efforts to prevent and end the recruitment and use of children we add the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and international partners to continue providing sustained financial and technical assistance to Somalia to strengthen capacity of federal institutions, rule of law institutions, and the security sector. South Sudan stands ready to support Somalia in all its efforts to promote and protect the situation of human rights in the country. Thank you. Madam Vice President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Morocco.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. My delegation thanks the OHCHR for the presentation of its report on technical assistance to Somalia. Morocco welcomes Somalia's strong engagement with the UN human rights system, as well as its continued efforts to protect and promote human rights, in particular Morocco commends Somalia's constructive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review and its commitment to the implementation of the recommendations accepted during the fourth cycle. We further commend the adoption of the Human Rights Transition Plan 2025-2029, which places strong emphasis on governance, justice and social equity, and we call for its implementation. Additionally, we wish to express our support to ongoing efforts to establish a national independent human rights commission. As the OHCHR has highlighted in its report, these efforts are important steps taken by the government to strengthen the national human rights protection framework. And finally, Morocco expresses its strong support to the ongoing efforts to establish a national mechanism for implementation, reporting and follow-up which it considers to be a critical step towards a coherent and coordinated engagement with the UN human rights system. Thank you, Madam Vice-President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Yemen through video statement.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. We welcome intense efforts made by the Government of Somalia to enshrine the primacy of law, to rebuild the institutions of the state, to safeguard human rights, and this despite the security, economic, and climate challenges it faces. Yemen insists on the fact that point 10 of the agenda must preside over a constructive framework of cooperation, meeting the priorities and national needs as determined by the government of Somalia in order to support the capacity building strategy it has in this respect. We appeal to the OHCHR, the international community, and the international donors to increase their technical support to the government of Somalia in order to enable it to combat terrorism, to face climate shocks, and to reestablish lasting peace and development. Finally, we reiterate our full support to the sovereignty of Somalia its territorial integrity and its political independence. Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Egypt.

Madam

Vice-President, my delegation has taken cognizance of the OHCHR report on technical assistance to Somalia in the area of human rights. We welcome the efforts made by Somalia to promote stability, protect civilians, build state institutions despite the humanitarian and security challenges, in particular the terrorist challenge. We appreciate measures taken by the government of Somalia to promote national human rights frameworks, including the creation of an independent human rights institution, the adoption of a policy to protect civilians, and the Juvenile Justice Act. We insist on the importance of supporting national institutions by providing to them the expertise and the resources they need. This will have positive effects on the promotion and protection of human rights of all Somalians, we insist on the fact that the OHCHR must continue to support Somalia by providing technical assistance and capacity building. It needs, according to the priorities of the country, in cooperation with the government, we must also guarantee necessary resources, all the more so given that we are approaching the end of the UN mission in Somalia, thanks to which we'll be able to ensure that progress made in human rights is there to stay. Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Eritrea through video statement.

Eritrea commends the Government of Somalia for its continued engagement with the Human Rights Council and OHCHR, as well as its efforts to promote and protect human rights and strengthen national institutions. We welcome Somalia's constructive cooperation and support to continue transition under agenda item 10 towards a greater focus on technical assistance, capacity building, and national ownership. We recognize the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission as an important milestone in strengthening Somalia's national human rights architecture. We also welcome the successful completion and adoption of Somalia's fourth universal periodic review and support the implementation of the recommendations accepted by Somalia. Eritrea emphasizes the need for adequate, predictable, sustained technical and capacity building support from OHCHR and other UN entities aligned with Somalia's national priorities and institutional needs. We further reaffirm our respect for Somalia's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. International human rights cooperation should remain grounded in national ownership and support solutions that reflect Somalia's own context and priorities. Eritrea will continue to support Somalia in its effort to strengthen national institutions, foster stability and peace, and promote the well-being of its people. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Chad. Chad is absent. So next, I give the floor to Angola. Angola is also absent. So we move on. And next speaker is United Republic of Tanzania.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. The United Republic of Tanzania aligns itself with the statement delivered by the African Group and welcomes Somalia's continued progress in the promotion and protection of human rights and its constructive cooperation with the OHCHR and the Human Rights Council. Tanzania commend the government and people of Somalia for their continued efforts towards peace, stability, state building, and stronger national institutions, despite persistent security, humanitarian, and development challenges. We particularly welcome the establishment of Somalia's National Independent Human Rights Commission as an important milestone in strengthening its national human rights architecture. We also welcome the completion of Somalia's fourth Universal Periodic Review and encourage support for the implementation of the recommendation accepted by Somalia. Under agenda item 10, international engagement should increasingly focus on adequate, predictable, and sustainable technical assistance and capacity building aligned with Somalia's national priorities and ownership. Tanzania reaffirms its respect for Somalia's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. We reiterate our solidarity with the government and the people of Somalia and support continued cooperation with the United Nations and the African Union toward a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Somalia. I thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Sudan.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

We welcome the delegation of Somalia and AMIS, at the head of which we have Mr. Khadir Mazumey. We have taken note of the OCHA report. We welcome progress made in the legislative, institutional and capacity building areas. We welcome efforts made by the Government of Somalia to establish peace, the rule of law, and to promote human rights. We also welcome the creation of a national independent human rights institution, which has started to work. In fact, we also pay tribute to the country for what it has done to protect the rights of children, this through the enactment of a law on minors, the ratification of the African Charter for the Rights of the Child and the Wellbeing of the Child, the protection of children from forced recruitment and enrollment and protection from FGM. We welcome the cooperation of Sudan with human rights mechanisms and with UPR. We encourage Somalia to continue what it's doing to develop its plans and projects on justice, reconciliation, development, the rights of women, the rights of children, and we appeal to the donors to meet the humanitarian needs of the country, to provide the assistance Somalia needs, and to defend its territorial integrity. We appeal to the OHCHR to meet the needs of Somalia according to what it requests, according to its national priorities, to promote and protect human rights, thanks to which it will be able to make progress in the area of transitional justice, and also enable it to support the justice authorities and law enforcement personnel. Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Switzerland.

Thank you, Vice-President. Switzerland thanks the High Commissioner for his report. We welcome the signing of the host country agreement for the Human Rights Office in Somalia and the establishment of the Independent National Human Rights Commission. These are important steps for the protection of human rights. The human rights situation remains worrying. Conflict and insecurity continue to claim civilian casualties, and sexual and gender-based violence persists. The revision of the draft criminal code is an essential opportunity to ensure its compliance with Somalia's international obligations. The revised text must exclude cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment and guarantee the right of the child, a fair trial, and freedom of expression and the media. It must also ensure that victims of sexual violence have effective access to justice without deterring them from reporting or prosecuting such crimes. We call on the Somali authorities to strengthen the protection of women and girls and fight impunity for violence against them. Everybody under the age of 18 must fully enjoy the rights of the child, regardless of any distinction between responsibility and maturity. A question in a context where freedom of expression remains severely restricted: what measures can be taken better to protect journalists in Somalia and combat impunity for intimidation, arbitrary detention and violence against them? Thank you.

Thank you, Switzerland. To Algeria.

Madam Vice-President, Algeria reiterates its full solidarity with Federal Republic of Somalia, its political leadership, its government and its people. and supports their genuine efforts to advance peace, human rights, and development. We also commend Somalia's continued engagement and cooperation with the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, and welcome the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission. My delegation would like to note that national ownership constitutes the cornerstone of the Council's engagement with Somalia. We therefore encourage sustained support for Somalia's national national human rights institutions, including UPR follow-up,

and stressed the need for continuity of human rights activities and the smooth transfer of capacity.

We reaffirmed the importance of constructive cooperation, respect for national ownership, and concrete assistance that is fully

aligned with Somalia's national priorities.

Finally, We condemn any attempts aimed at undermining Somalia's national unity and its territorial integrity, in violation of the principles of international law, the UN Charter, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union. I thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Ethiopia.

Madam Vice President, I recognize the importance of continued international support to Somalia in strengthening its national institutions and advancing the promotion and protection of human rights. We commend Somalia's engagement with the United Nations human rights mechanisms and its efforts to strengthen national capacities in this regard. Ethiopia supports technical assistance and capacity building that are Somali-owned, needs-driven, and responsive to national priorities, including efforts to strengthen institutions, the rule of law, accountability, and human rights protection. We also underscore the importance of strengthening coordination between Somalia, the United Nations, the African Union, IGAD, and other relevant partners in support of Somalia's efforts to build sustainable national capacity and advance peace, stability, and development. In conclusion, Ethiopia affirms its support for constructive international cooperation with Somalia and for continued technical assistance and capacity building, with full respect for Somalia's sovereignty, national ownership, and priorities. I thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Madam Vice-President, the DRC aligns with the African Group's statement on the report of the High Commissioner. We welcome the recent legislative and political developments and the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government of Somalia to stabilise the country, despite a particularly complex security context. We would like to commend Somalia's constructive cooperation with the various United Nations mechanisms, which demonstrates a strong commitment to the universal values of human rights. With its own experience in managing security and transition challenges, the DRC knows how crucial international support is. That is why we welcome the essential technical assistance provided by the Office of the High Commissioner. However, for the report's recommendations to bear fruit, the International Committee must step up its support. The DRC calls on Member States to strengthen their technical and financial assistance to Somalia in order to entrench the rule of law in the long term and protect the civilian population. In conclusion, my delegation reaffirms its solidarity with the Somali people and encourages the Federal Government to continue to implement courageous reforms for peace and human dignity. I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to the Russian Federation.

Vice-President, we are closely following developments in Somalia and are seriously concerned about civilian casualties as a result of operations carried out by the Somali Armed Forces against terrorist groups, as well as terrorist acts committed by ISIL and al-Shabaab. More than 4.4 million Somalis continue to suffer from hunger. At the same time, extremists are blocking the delivery of aid to many regions of the country, requisitioning goods, and intimidated humanitarian workers. At the same time, the constructive role of the National Advisory Council in building interaction between the central leadership and the federal states deserves a positive assessment. We note the efforts of the authorities to combat numerous violations of human rights, the recruitment and use in armed conflict, sexual violence, and crimes on religious grounds. We believe that the human rights situation in Somalia can only be improved after the domestic political situation normalizes with a cessation of hostilities, the complete elimination of terrorist and extremist groups operating in the country, and the strengthening of the legal framework governing the rights and freedoms of citizens. In this regard, we call on the United Nations Human Rights Council and the international community as a whole to continue to build cooperation with Somalia based on respect for the national interests of this sovereign state, with an emphasis on providing technical assistance in the field of human rights. Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Cuba.

Vice-President. Somalia needs greater international solidarity, assistance and cooperation to overcome national challenges. The country is facing a complex situation with armed conflict that is lengthy. We're concerned at the reduction in humanitarian financing to Somalia in a context of a lengthy drought, food insecurity and displacement. which is a major obstacle to the enjoyment of economic and social rights. Technical assistance in Somalia by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights must be carried out always at the request and in consultation and with the consult of the Somali authorities and in response to national priorities and needs identified by that country. I thank you.

Thank you.

And next, I give the floor to China.

Madam Vice President, China welcomes the OHCHR report on technical assistance to Somalia. China commends the progress made by the Somali government in promoting and protecting human rights. in particular, its constructive cooperation with human rights mechanisms, its participation in the fourth UPR, its adoption and implementation of the Somali Transitional Human Rights Plan, its efforts to promote economic, social, sustainable development, reduce poverty, improve people's living standard, vigorously combat terrorism and extremism, and safeguard people's life and property. China has consistently and actively participated in Somalia's peace process for a long time. To the best of our ability, we have provided assistance in areas such as peace and security, disaster relief and reduction, and personnel training. The international community should recognize the progress made by the Somali government in promoting and protecting human rights. and its efforts in this regard, and on the basis of respect for the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the wish of the government of the people, continue to help Somalia improve its technical and capacity building in the field of human rights. China calls on all parties to uphold the Somali-led and Somali-owned principle. avoid external pressure and interference and imposition of governance models so as to effectively help the country achieve lasting peace and development. Thank you.

Next. This was the last speaker on my list. So we shall now turn to the list of speakers for national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations. And first, I give the floor to a minority rights group through video.

My name is Claire Thomas and I deliver this statement on behalf of Minority Rights Group and a number of minority leaders and NGOs in Somalia. We welcome the inaugural report of OHCHR on assistance to Somalia in the field of human rights. We note that this Council mandated consultation with civil society in this undertaking. As reported by the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Somalia, the Council is aware that there is a documented track record of minority clan exclusion there. In view of this, we consider it to be extremely important that as the OHCHR consults civil society, they include minorities. We remind the Council that as previously reported, Somalia utilizes a 4.5 formula to allocate political opportunities, which is inherently discriminatory. MRG has been in touch with the main minority-led organisations in Somalia, and we understand that they were not consulted about the contents of the report. Mr. Chair, the report makes no mention of language, despite evidence that minority language speakers face barriers in accessing services. Somalia is a linguistically diverse nation where at least 10 languages are spoken, a factor which is deserving of the attention of the Human Rights Council. We call on OHCHR to ensure meaningful and full consultation with all sections of civil society and pay attention to linguistic diversity and other rights of communities.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project by video.

Mr. High Commissioner. Thank you for your report, which provides an overview of human rights in Somalia. We welcome Somalia's cooperation with the Council, including the former IE. The Council moved to a new approach at a difficult time, and the report rightly points to challenges. We stress the need for ongoing scrutiny through monitoring and public reporting. These are essential complements to technical cooperation. As stressed during Somalia's UPR adoption, political will must translate into action. Accepted recommendations, including those on civic space, should be urgently operationalized, given their potential multiplier effect on human rights in the country. We remain concerned about widespread insecurity and grave violations in Somalia. We condemn abuses by non-state actors and terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab, including attacks against human rights defenders and journalists. but also violations by national authorities, including harassment of independent actors. Mr. President, Somalia is at a crossroads. The National Independent Human Rights Commission must be further strengthened with a view to obtaining a status accreditation with CARNI, and it should work closely with civil society. We ask, what are the contingency plans to ensure that meaningful support is provided to Somalia alongside monitoring, as concerns grow over whether the OHCHR country office can be fully operationalized soon.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Legal Action Worldwide. They are absent, so we move on. And next, I give the floor to United Nations Watch.

Thank you, Madam President. Somali women have long fought to end FGM and brought the issue to the United Nations themselves. Yet in Somalia, 99% of women aged between 15 to 49 have been subjected to female genital mutilation. Behind that statistic is a girl whose rights to safety was taken away before she could defend it. Our daughters are loved. but love cannot protect them when an oppressive system tells mothers that cutting a girl is the price that she has to pay for her child to be appreciated. I lead the FIE Foundation and my message is clear: Somali women must be given the power and the resources to lead the change. The United Nations and international donors must move beyond awareness raising. Women already know the pain of female genital mutilation. They need education, economic empowerment and protection under the law. Fund African women's organization directly, give them sustainable core funding rather than short-term project-based programmes that end while the danger still remains. Somalia must enact and enforce a comprehensive ban on FGM, and officials and donors must be held accountable for girls protected, not for meetings held. FGM is not simply harmful; it is wrong. A girl must be valued when she is born, not when she is cut. Somalia's progress must be measured by whether a five-year-old girl is safe and not by whether her mother has to cut her in order for her to be accepted into society.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Human Rights Research League by video.

Thank you, Mr. President. Human Rights Research League is deeply concerned by the humanitarian and human rights situation in Somalia, where drought-driven displacement as well as armed conflict both seriously impact the human rights of the population and remain a critical driver of humanitarian needs. According to UN OCHA, 4.8 million people, about one in four, are in need of humanitarian assistance in 2026, but due to funding shortages, only half of those will be supported. Nearly 1.88 million children are expected to require treatment for acute malnutrition. Women and girls are always disproportionately negatively affected by deteriorating security, and socioeconomic situations where they are more likely to be subjected to sexual violence, rape, forced marriages, and other assaults. Against this backdrop, we have serious concerns about the adopted amendments to the constitution published in March 2026, which retained the age of legal majority, but lowered the age of maturity to 15 years. This, as also OHCHR's report points out, creates significant uncertainty regarding the age of consent and child marriages, and we strongly encourage Somalia to revise that provision and remove any references in the Constitution alluding to lowering the age of consent below 18 years of age. I thank you.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Amnesty International by video.

President, Amnesty International shares concerns highlighted by the OHCHR on shrinking civic space and the use of security measures to deter public scrutiny and dissent, with the implications for the protection of human rights, accountability and public participation in Somalia. Freedom of expression also remains under threat. Journalists, media workers, civil society actors and community members continue to face harassment and arbitrary arrests and detention. The arbitrary arrest detention and conviction of social activist, following her criticism of government policies online, exemplifies these concerns. Her case reflects a broader pattern of using criminal proceedings to silence dissenting voices and restrict civic space. Amnesty International has documented the ongoing forced evictions in Somalia, particularly in Mogadishu. These evictions have left thousands homeless without compensation and with reduced access to essential services. They have also been accompanied by excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, beatings, and killings. We are particularly concerned by reports that four men were killed and eight others were injured when police used force during protests against evictions in Mogadishu in February 2026. Lastly, Amnesty International is concerned that the end of the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia will leave gaps in human rights monitoring and reporting. While preparations are underway for an OHCHR presence in Somalia, we wish to highlight that adequate resources and sustainable support will be essential to ensure the continued monitoring and reporting following the closure of UNTIMES. Thank you, Mr. President.

Interpretation could not be fully provided because of the speed.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Maat for Peace, Development and Human Rights Association by video.

Thank you, Vice-President.

We thank OHCHR for its report on technical assistance to Somalia in the field of human rights. We also welcome the signing of the host country agreement on 3 May 2026 to establish a human rights office in the country. However, we are concerned that the establishment of the office will not be completed because of insufficient funding. Madam Vice-President, we refute the calls for separatism led by Puntland State with outside support, and we warned against this trend because it risks plunging Somalia further into terrorism and make it a breeding ground for Al-Shabaab and Daesh. We recommend that the Council provide further support to ensure the establishment of the human rights office, and we call on the Council to reject any diplomatic recognition of the territory of Somaliland.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Zhang Xi, Patriotic Voluntary Association, by video.

Dear delegates, I'm the founder of IPPO. And I advocate loving one's own country without harming other countries. Somalia is in a critical stage of peacebuilding, and technical assistance should be a tool for empowerment, not a pretext for external interference. We support OHCHR in continuing to provide constructive technical assistance to the country, but this must be grounded in national ownership, sovereignty first, and development orientation first. respect the country's leadership. Technical assistance should respond to the country's needs and reject externally imposed templates. Second, focus on capacity building for the country's rights to development. Direct resources to livelihood, employment, public services rather than politicized agendas. Third, no additional conditions. Assistance must not become a tool for interfering in internal affairs. This is in line with the consensus of our society, which is IPP. We reiterate that The society-led mechanism for reviewing the nation's rights to development should be incorporated into the development rights review framework and applied in the field of technical assistance. This will examine the cross-border impacts of aid policies, ensuring that external support truly benefits the people rather than creating dependency. IPPO calls on all technical assistance must respect national sovereignty and serve national development so that the people truly become the masters of their own peacebuilding. Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Juventum, also by video.

Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Juventum is honored to participate. We commend the report 63/77. The current human rights situation, the efforts and the challenges in capacity building in Somalia are well described. We commend the effort of improvement in Somalia despite the difficulties in the uncertain security situation. We welcome the effort in the direction of cruelty elimination, such as abolishing female genital mutilation and the death penalty. We hope all the recommendations will be implemented, and we wish for the overall improvement of the human rights situation. We would appreciate it if future reports include the environment, including the following case. Since the collapse of the government in 1991, illicit disposal of nuclear and chemical wastes from other parts of the world has been reported. The coastal area is contaminated and some people have health issues. There are regional cases of pollution as well. The environmental destruction has impacts not only on the life, health, and the livelihood of the current generation, but also on future generations. Capacity building should include environmental research and actions to eliminate pollution. Thank you very much for your attention.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to Avery Casualty Worldwide by video.

Casualty worldwide together with casualty recorders network members SASTO, CAHRO and IHRO draws the Council's attention to the continued habitual of violence on civilians. In one recent example on 17 August fighting between federal forces and opposition fighters in and around Baidoa resulted in 94 civilians requiring hospital treatment, 65 males, 29 females of which 20 were children. 31 required admission including non evacuated to Mogadishu. Four additional people, three males and one female, were recorded dead on arrival. Restricted access, fear of reprisals, weak reporting system and limited institutional capacity leaves casualties under recorded, contributing to inadequate investigation and lack of compensation or psychosocial support to survivors. We urge OHCHR to prioritize technical support to national institutions and civil society efforts to record casualties transparently and effectively to ensure accountability and provide victims with assistance and effective remedies. We also urge the Council members to maintain their scrutiny and press all parties to protect civilians.

Thank you.

Next, I give the floor to National Union of Somali Journalists.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President. The National Union of Somali Journalists welcomes the OHCHR report and its account of technical assistance to Somalia during this critical period of human rights transition. The report warns that provisions in the draft penal code could unduly restrict freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and privacy. We urge that this and the other appeals before the Parliament comply with Somalia's international human rights obligation. No such documented 34 cases affecting journalists from 1st January to 9th September 2026. Arrest and detention were by far the most common pattern appearing in 30 of the 34 cases. Two journalists were killed and two cases involving warrantless searches. No such also documented coordinated online attackers that led to media content being and a broadcaster's Facebook page being taken down. I also would like to commend the Government of Somalia for spearheading the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission. Its commissioners took their office in November 2025, and the commissioners elected its first leadership on 4 February 2026. It has become its work with regard to detention monitoring, preliminary monitoring of civilian harm incidents, engagement on journalist safety and freedom of expression, and review of legislation with human rights implications. No such as engaging with the Commission on Media Freedom, Digital Rights and Journalist Protection. As Somalia assumes greater national responsibility for human rights monitoring and accountability, the Commission needs the independence, resource and capacity to fulfill its mandate, continued OHCHR support, protection of civic space and meaningful engagement with civil society will be essential. I thank you, Madam Vice-President.

I thank you.

This was the last speaker on the list. And I now give the floor back to Mr. Mahamane Cisse Gouro for his concluding remarks. You have three minutes, sir.

Okay. Thank you very much, Madam Vice-President. Let me start by thanking, on behalf of OHCHR, all the esteemed delegates and representatives of civil society for their active participation, appreciation, and comments and questions. I also would like to put on record and reiterate here OHCHR's appreciation for the constructive engagement with the Somali Government. As I said, Somalia has made important progress in strengthening its own national human rights framework, but nevertheless, challenges remain and sustained technical cooperation remain essential to address these challenges and consolidate the progress achieved. Here, the office, you know, remain committed to supporting the government, the National Independent Human Rights Commission, and civil society in strengthening human rights monitoring, accountability, legislative reform, civilian protection, and institutional capacity building. Madam Vice President, just to bundle the two questions from EU and Finland. In addition to supporting the implementation of the Human Rights Council resolution 60/28, As I have flagged, OHCHR have signed a host country agreement with the Federal Government of Somalia in May this year. The agreement provides a framework for monitoring, reporting, advocacy, technical assistance and capacity building. And this is an important step toward addressing the potential protection gap resulting from the closure of the UN transition mission in Somalia. I mean, a Noe ChR country office would actually support these national institutions and civil society and other stakeholders. It will complement, but not replace, not replace Somalia's national responsibility. However, establishing the the office will depend on adequate funding. That also and receipt of the government formal approval on the agreement, which is still pending. I'm quite sure that the minister will push for that. So we commend the government for its constructive engagement in this regard, and I hope we can get the go ahead on this in the coming near future. Just to say that OCHR currently has only three staff member in Mogadishu, and supported by our multi-country office in Nairobi, and the head of which is on this table here. So this limited presence is not sufficient to meet Somalia's human rights needs. So again, on the risk of sounding like a broken record, I think our immediate priority is to secure adequate and predictable resources to be able to work together with the government and all actors to move forward on supporting Somalia to live up to their own expectation vis-a-vis the human rights mechanisms, the treaties and the UPR recommendations that they have accepted. On that note, thank you all, and I hand over to you, Madam Vice-President.

Thank you very much for these final remarks. This brings us to the end of this interactive dialogue, and this brings us also to the end of this meeting. We will reconvene tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. to hold the interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral update on Haiti, and the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Georgia, to be followed by the interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral update on Ukraine. I hereby close the 36th meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council.