38th Meeting - 63rd Session of Human Rights Council Human Rights Council Date: 2 October 2026 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/hrc/63/38 Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- Speaker 1 [13:23]: Important announcement. Message important. Urgent. Anuncio importante. Urgent. From the speakers, please read your data quickly to ensure a fast, thorough, and high-quality translation. Pour aider à transmettre les informations de manière précise et complète, les orateurs sont cordialement invités à ne pas parler trop vite. Speakers are kindly reminded to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace to ensure complete and quality interpretation. Il est rappelé aux orateurs qu'ils doivent présenter leurs déclarations à un rythme raisonnable afin de garantir une interprétation complète et de qualité. Se ruega a los oradores que pronuncien sus declaraciones a un ritmo razonable para garantizar una interpretación íntegra y de calidad. HRC · Vice-President [14:47]: Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, I hereby declare open the 38th meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council. We will now continue the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's oral update on the human rights situation in Ukraine. We continue with the list of speakers. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Croatia. Croatia [15:21]: Mr. Vice President, Croatia aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the High Commissioner for his update. The human rights situation in Ukraine remains alarming. We are deeply concerned by the continued and widespread violations of IHR and IHL, including attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances, and the deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. We are particularly concerned by the continued attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and their severe humanitarian consequences for civilians. We are also deeply alarmed by the findings of the recent OHCHR report on conflict-related sexual violence, documenting a widespread pattern of sexual violence against civilians and prisoners of war, including as a form of torture and ill-treatment. We stress that all such violations must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible held accountable. Croatia reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We reiterate our call on the Russian Federation to immediately cease its aggression, withdraw all its forces from the entire territory of Ukraine, and fully comply with its obligations under international law. We also express our full support for the work of OHCHR and all international accountability mechanisms documenting violations and preserving evidence for future justice. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [16:49]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bulgaria. Bulgaria [16:54]: Mr Vice Chair, Mr High Commissioner, Bulgaria aligns itself with the EU statement. Bulgaria welcomes the oral update of the High Commissioner and highly appreciates the important and tough work done by the Commission of Inquiry for the recent OHCHR thematic report. The findings in the report are profoundly troubling. We condemn the grave violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law caused by the war against Ukraine, including the use of sexual violence as a method of torture and ill treatment against prisoners of war, medical personnel and civilians, as described by the report. All forms of sexual violence must stop immediately, unconditionally and completely. Efforts for documentation and for collecting veritable data, recordings and evidence in order to ensure accountability and justice for the survivors and the victims should continue. Finally, providing survivors of sexual violence with adequate support is crucial. Many continue to face stigma, trauma, and significant barriers to justice, while medical, psychological, and legal services often remain insufficient or inaccessible. On this note, we commend the role of Ukrainian survivor networks and civil society, and encourage continued international support for all services they provide. Bulgaria wishes to reaffirm its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. within internationally recognized borders, and underline that there can be no impunity for conflict-related sexual violence. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [18:24]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Georgia. Georgia [18:30]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Georgia thanks the High Commissioner for the oral update on the situation of human rights in Ukraine. OHCHR's latest thematic report further documents widespread violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including conflict-related sexual violence in the context of Russian Federation's full-scale military aggression against Ukraine. We underscore OHCHR's vital role in documenting violations and advancing accountability. Lasting peace must go hand in hand with justice for victims and ending impunity. Georgia remains deeply concerned by attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, unlawful detention, torture, sexual violence, forcible transfers of children, displacement, and widespread destruction. Georgia reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and for an international order based on the UN Charter and accountability under international law. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [19:41]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [19:49]: Vice President, the report before us today shows but a crisis in the international human rights system. We note with regret that the Human Rights Council is once more hearing obvious fakes in a respectable cover. The so-called database is based on confidential sources that can't be checked. There are barefaced accusations about victims whose existence cannot be verified, and the purpose is to dehumanize Russia. with groundless accusations against the military. It ignores the rapes and shootings of the Pervochenna village in Kursk Oblast by the Ukrainians and in Selyunovo in the Donetsk People's Republic. And yet this has been verified and is being investigated by the Russian Investigative Committee. What we see is that most of the criminal acts by the Ukrainian military were carried out at the early stages. That is what the report says. So what does the United Nations know about the Ukrainian secret prison system? This information is not something that has reflected the content of the report in any way. And sexual integrity is used by Ukraine and the Office of the High Commissioner for these purposes. It's regrettable, thank you. HRC · Vice-President [21:31]: Thank you. I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the Republic of Moldova. Republic of Moldova [21:38]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We thank the High Commissioner for the update and encourage OHCHR to continue investigating all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including sexual violence, committed in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Over four years of armed conflict have had a devastating impact on civilians. The reported sharp escalation in civilian casualties and human rights violations in Ukraine this year is alarming. Leading cause has been the Russians increased use of long range weapons and short range drones. We condemn the attacks targeting the country's energy and civilian infrastructure, which cause increasingly difficult living conditions for the population ahead of winter. Republic of Moldova experiences an increased number of airspace violations by various types of Russian drones. This year we had already 48 incidents. In August alone, we had the same number of drones in our territory as the entire during the entire 2025. On 1st October, yesterday, three drones violated the airspace of Moldova, two crashed and exploded on the ground. In past seven days, the airspace has been violated eight times. The Republic of Moldova condemns in the strongest terms this grave violation of its sovereignty, which directly endangered the lives of its citizens, and reiterates the call on Russia to stop the unprovoked and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, which threatens the security of the entire region. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [23:03]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Montenegro. Montenegro [23:08]: President, Montenegro thanks the High Commissioner for his update and sustained efforts. According to UN reporting, Russian missile and drone attacks have surged, making July and August the deadliest months for Ukrainian civilians since the start of Russia's full-scale aggression. These attacks must stop without delay. The latest UN findings highlight an alarming pattern of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence, predominantly attributed to Russian authorities. Its use as a method of torture against prisoners of war and civilian detainees is utterly unacceptable. Women and girls in occupied areas have also faced rape and other grave forms of sexual violence. This brutality must end. The persistent impunity for these violations exacerbates their gravity, as Russia has not taken meaningful steps to prevent, investigate, or prosecute sexual violence committed by its personnel. This absence of accountability is compounded by legal provisions providing broad impunity for such crimes, alongside Russia's failure to engage with OHCHR on this matter. Accountability for violations of international law is non-negotiable. Those responsible for the most serious crimes must be brought to justice, and victims must have access to effective remedies and reparations. We reaffirm our call on Russia to end its aggression and agree to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire, a necessary step towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [24:37]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia. Slovenia [24:44]: Mr. Vice President, Slovenia aligns with the EU statement and thanks the High Commissioner for his update. Slovenia reiterates its condemnation of the Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and deplores persistent violations of human rights from the onset of the Russia's full-scale invasion. We are deeply concerned over the increased attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, including against retail, food, and logistics companies. Slovenia is appalled that the sexual violence has been used against civilians and prisoners. Of war in Ukraine in a pattern of torture and intimidation, as recently documented by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Once again, Slovenia strongly condemns the forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine by Russia, which may amount to a war crime. We call for their immediate, safe, and unconditional return. Mr. High President. We also reject Russia's false narrative. Aimed at justifying Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and Russia's representation today by individuals under EU sanctions for continuously undermining the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [26:00]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belarus. Belarus [26:08]: Thank you, Vice-President. In discussion of cooperation and support to Ukraine on human rights, we would like an objective assessment of the results of that work, but instead we see the use of a discussion to spread a one-sided narrative to discredit Russia, and we don't see enough about human rights in Ukraine. If we see the pressure on independent journalists, on the opposition and others in Ukraine, and Ukrainian citizens speak of fundamental corruption within the state, it is not possible to continue to abuse the agenda for political ends. and we call on the Office of the High Commissioner to provide realistic reports about the situation in Ukraine and recommendations to the government to improve it. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [27:13]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Italy. Italy [27:19]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. As a party to the EU statement, Italy remains deeply concerned about the grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law committed in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which include the crimes against humanity of torture, enforced disappearances, murder, and forcible transfers of population, including children. Appalled by the devastating impact of Russia's attacks on the civilian population and civilian objects, and by the use of drones and explosive weapons in the urban areas, Italy reaffirms its strong support and solidarity for the Ukrainian and its people. Any just, lasting, and sustainable peace must be grounded in respect for international law, in line with the UN Charter and its principle. Mr. High Commissioner, How could we mitigate this disproportionate impact of prolonged electricity and heating disruption on civilians, particularly on vulnerable groups such as older persons and persons with disabilities? I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [28:26]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovakia. Slovakia [28:33]: Mr. Vice President, Slovakia aligns itself with the EU statement, and we thank the High Commissioner for his update. We are deeply concerned by the findings documenting sexual violence against Ukrainian prisoners of war, detained civilians, and civilians in territories occupied by Russia. Slovakia strongly condemns all acts of sexual violence. We call on the Russian Federation to prevent, investigate, and prosecute sexual violence committed by its personnel, as well as to ensure unhindered access for independent international monitoring bodies. In that regard, we are also concerned by cases attributed to Ukrainian authorities. However, we welcome Ukraine's efforts to prevent and address sexual violence, including through legal reforms, command-level directives, and cooperation with OHCHR and other monitoring mechanisms. Allegations concerning such violations must be investigated and perpetrators held accountable. Survivors must remain at the center of the response with access to justice reparations, as well as medical and psychosocial support. Slovakia reaffirms its strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and for international efforts to document violations and ensure accountability. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [29:53]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain. Spain [29:58]: Thank you, Vice-President. Spain aligns with the statement by the European Union and welcomes the oral update presented by the High Commissioner and the work of the Office for documentation of the alarming human rights situation in Ukraine in the context of the Russian aggression. We are extremely concerned that torture, cruel and inhuman treatment arbitrary detentions, and especially the forced transfers and illegal deportations of Ukrainian children to Russia, are perpetuated with consequences. We condemn the recurrent attacks on essential civilian and energy infrastructure, which deliberately cause harm to the civilian population, as well as the recent attacks on the National Academy of Sciences and journalists in the Donetsk region. We once more call on Russia to end its war of aggression, strictly respect international law and international humanitarian law, put an end to all violations, ensure the safe, immediate and unconditional return of illegally transferred minors and of those unjustly, arbitrarily detained. Only effective accountability will ever adjust and lasting peace. Spain reaffirms its support for international investigative and justice mechanisms and for any effort aimed at ensuring effective reparations for the victims of this aggression. As winter approaches, what measures do you consider to be priorities to strengthen the resilience of critical essential services and mitigate the effects of attacks on the most vulnerable civilian populations? Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [31:27]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Czechia. Czechia [31:32]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Czech Republic rejects. The allegation by Russia's speaker, who is sanctioned by the EU in connection with Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and the attempt to portray the victim of aggression as the perpetrator. We strongly condemn the widespread and systematic pattern of sexual violence committed in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The overwhelming majority of verified cases is attributed to Russia's armed forces and other Russian authorities, who have used sexual violence against prisoners of war, civilian detainees, and civilians under occupation, including children. It is used as a method of torture, coercion, intimidation, and humiliation. The Czech Republic urge the Russian Federation to immediately hold these crimes and release all unlawfully detained civilians, cease its aggression against Ukraine and its occupation of Ukrainian territories, grant unhindered access to OHCHR and other relevant organizations, and ensure compliance with its obligations under international law. We are deeply concerned by the large-scale impunity and call on Russia to ensure accountability and remedies for these victims. High Commissioner, what measures can the international community take to compel the Russian Federation to grant access to occupied territories and detention facilities? I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [33:01]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of UNICEF. UNICEF [33:07]: Vice President, the toll of the war on children in Ukraine is accelerating. In August 2026, the UN has already verified 809 child casualties, more than the 744 verified during all of 2025. If the trend continues through the rest of the year, the number of verified child casualties could approach the level recorded in 2022, the first year of the full-scale war. The impact reaches far beyond those killed and injured. In the first 15 days of this school year, more than 1,000 air raid alerts were recorded across Ukraine, nearly twice as many as during the same period last year. Each alert can mean lessons stop, children move to shelters, and learning is disrupted yet again. Attacks on water and energy infrastructure further disrupt essential services, cutting water to homes, schools, and health facilities. The humanitarian operations themselves are being hit. In recent months, three UNICEF contracted warehouses storing critical humanitarian supplies for children and families have been destroyed. An employee of a UNICEF implementing partner was killed and another seriously injured in an attack in Sloviansk. UNICEF calls urgently for full compliance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and for the prevention and end of all grave violations against children. Children, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian personnel and facilities must be protected. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [34:38]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Poland. Poland [34:42]: Commissioner, Mr. Vice President, Poland aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for its work documenting Russia's grave violations of humanitarian and human rights law committed during its brutal aggression against Ukraine. We deplore the fact that in this debate, the position of Russia has been presented by a representative who publicly and knowingly distorts facts on the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine. Russia employs systemic coercion, suppressing people living under its occupation. It enforces Russification, imposes restrictions on fundamental freedoms, forces deportations, militarizes and indoctrinates Ukrainian children, forces conscription, mistreats detainees and prisoners of war. The symptomatic report on the sexual violence confirms that sexual violence is being used by Russia as a method of torture, degrading treatment or punishment against the POWs. By daily drone and missile attacks against civilian infrastructure, Russia inflicts suffering on civilians across Ukraine. It causes civilian casualties and deprives millions of electricity, heating and other essential services. Russia's neocolonial war needs to stop. Russia must end hostilities and withdraw completely and unconditionally from the occupied territories. Accountability must remain at the centre of our response. Russia's crimes must be investigated and prosecuted, and victims must have access to justice and effective remedies. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [36:05]: Thank you. I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Ireland. Ireland [36:11]: Ireland aligns with the statement of the EU and thanks the High Commissioner for his update. Ireland reiterates our condemnation of Russia's unjustified and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Ireland is gravely concerned by the High Commissioner's recent report documenting over a thousand cases of sexual and gender-based violence committed against both civilians and prisoners of war in Ukraine. We fully support the survivors of these abhorrent crimes in their pursuit of justice and accountability. In over four years of illegal aggression, more than two million Russian and Ukrainian troops have been killed or wounded, and thousands of civilian casualties have been reported. Ireland remains concerned by reports of Russia's recruiting economically vulnerable and incarcerated individuals to fight its unjust war. Today, Russia continues to attack civilians and critical infrastructure, seeking to deny Ukrainians access to basic needs and weaponising another winter. We reject the substance of the statement of the representative of the Russian Federation as a false narrative aimed at justifying Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. We condemn Russia's attempts to normalise its occupation, including by systemic coercion and repression, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture. Ireland calls on Russia to immediately cease its widespread violation of human rights in Ukraine, halt its illegal war of aggression and abide by its international obligations. High Commissioner, how can the international community best support access to justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Ukraine? Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [37:34]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Romania. Romania [37:39]: Thank you, Vice-President. Romania aligns with the EU statement and thanks the High Commissioner for the update. We are concerned that an individual subject to EU restrictive sanctions for actions undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity has been given the opportunity as Russia's representative to address the Council during this dialogue, and we reject the false narrative presented. High Commissioner, more than 1,000 cases of conflict-related sexual violence against Russia's war in Ukraine started, with 89% attributed to Russian authorities, as per your latest report. This points to a deeply disturbing pattern of violations against civilians and prisoners of war. The report also makes clear that sexual violence has been used as a form of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. We underline the importance of continued independent and impartial monitoring and documentation as Ukraine has again faced repeated waves of drone and missile strikes in recent days, targeting civilians and civilian objects, damaging or destroying residential buildings, schools and kindergartens, markets, medical and industrial facilities, and critical infrastructure across the country. We welcome the Survivors Center report of the report. The documentation it provides must, though, be translated into accountability, justice, and reparations for victims as preconditions in laying the foundations for a just and lasting peace. We reiterate that Russia's obligation as an occupying power command full respect of its obligations under international law and full and unimpeded access for independent monitoring. Russia continues to refuse to meet these obligations whilst perpetrating systematic patterns of abuse. HRC · Vice-President [39:16]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Netherlands (Kingdom of the) [39:22]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the EU's statement and thanks to High Commissioner for its update. We are deeply alarmed by the latest report of the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, represented here today. Disturbingly, it confirms what we already know: conflict-related sexual violence is being perpetrated by Russian authorities, including its armed forces, in the context of its war of aggression against Ukraine. It is therefore highly cynical of Russia to be represented today by an individual under sanctions by the EU for actively undermining the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The report also confirms that no one is spared. Both civilians and prisoners of war are the target of their abuse. Conflict-related sexual violence is unacceptable and requires strong and coordinated international action to ensure accountability and support of all survivors. They must be heard and supported. This is why the Kingdom of the Netherlands provides bilateral support to Ukraine to enable it to investigate and prosecute these grave violations with a victim-centred approach through its national judicial system. We call on the international community to provide similar assistance and to continue supporting Ukraine and its survivors in its pursuit of justice. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [40:41]: Thank you. I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Germany. Germany [40:47]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Germany aligns itself with the EU statement and thanks the High Commissioner for his update. We are deeply appalled by the painful accounts of sexual violence in the context of Russia's illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. According to the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, Russian authorities perpetrated acts of sexual violence on a widespread basis, including as a form of torture. Let us remember that the disturbing numbers likely represent only a sliver of the actual cases due to underreporting. And let us honor the courage of the survivors who have been able to speak out, despite their trauma, feelings of shame, or fear of stigma or retaliation. We owe them justice. Perpetrators must be held accountable. Germany condemns in the strongest possible terms all conflict-related sexual violence. And we urge Russia to end impunity, to investigate and prosecute sexual violence, and to implement effective preventive measures. We call on Russia to end this war. High Commissioner, how can survivors of sexual violence be supported in seeking justice? I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [42:01]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein [42:08]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Liechtenstein thanks the High Commissioner for his oral update and on the human rights situation in Ukraine. Recent weeks have seen a new level of intensity of attacks by the Russian armed forces across Ukraine. Ballistic and cruise missiles, drones, and guided aerial bombs have continued to strike cities and communities throughout the country, killing and injuring civilians and damaging homes, hospitals, shops, schools, and workplaces. The continued attacks against civilians and civilian objects demonstrate a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law. Liechtenstein remains deeply concerned by the serious violations committed in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. This must stop immediately. We are particularly appalled by the findings of the most recent OCHR report documenting systematic and widespread conflict-related sexual violence against civilians and prisoners of war. These apparent acts inflict profound and long-lasting harm on victims and survivors, which often continue to face trauma, stigma, and barriers to justice long after the violence has ended. Accountability and justice remain essential. Mr. Vice President, we underscore the importance of renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving sustainable peace on the basis of international law and the UN Charter. Civilians must no longer bear the cost of this aggression. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [43:30]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkey. Türkiye [43:36]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The war in Ukraine and search for a negotiated settlement remain an urgent item of our foreign policy agenda. Turkiye has firmly supported Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. From the very beginning, we have been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts for ending the hostilities. Currently, the stalemate in the diplomatic process persists, and we're witnessing an escalation causing heavy civilian casualties and material damage. As attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea continue, reaching a deal that ensures the safety of navigation in the region is becoming increasingly urgent. These attacks pose a serious risk not only to the freedom and safety of navigation, but also to civilian lives, the environment, and international trade in vital goods such as grain. These attacks increasingly threaten global food security. From the outset of the war, Turkey has worked tirelessly to preserve stability in the Black Sea. We continue our contacts with Russia and Ukraine to implement a comprehensive agreement on the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. As the human losses and damage caused by the war increase each day, it is vital to end the war without further delay. Turkiye will continue its efforts for achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on international law and the UN Charter. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [45:02]: Thank you. I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Malta. Malta [45:09]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Malta aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and we warmly thank the High Commissioner for his oral update. We appreciate OHCHR's continued work in documenting the grave human rights situation in Ukraine resulting from Russia's illegal war of aggression. Malta remains deeply concerned by the continued attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, including energy and water facilities. As winter approaches, Such attacks risk further worsening living conditions for millions of civilians and exacerbating vulnerabilities related to energy security and essential services. We also note with concern the wider repercussions of the war beyond Ukraine's borders, including its impact on food security and the continued risk posed to global trade and maritime routes in the Black Sea. Malta notes the conference room paper based on the findings of OHCHR human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine, covering the period from February 22 to July 2026. And we thank the Monitoring Mission for their important work. We reiterate our call on Russia to immediately cease its war of aggression and withdraw its forces from all Ukrainian territory within Ukraine's internationally recognized borders. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. I thank you, Mr. Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [46:33]: Thank you. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Democratic People's Republic of Korea [46:39]: Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. My delegation has serious doubts about the accuracy and objectivity of the High Commissioner's oral update on Ukraine. Much of its content simply repeats the allegations and narratives put forward by those opposing the Russian Federation. The report does not provide an objective and balanced assessment of the situation. From the very beginning, it appears to have proceeded from the preconceived assumption that the Russian Federation is solely responsible and must be condemned. Such an approach clearly demonstrates the bias of the High Commissioner's assessment. A human rights mechanism must not begin its work by reaching a predetermined conclusion and then selecting information to support that conclusion. The High Commissioner should seriously reflect on his mandate and on the principles that must guide his work. His responsibility is to promote and protect human rights objectively and impartially, not to advance politically motivated narratives against a particular state. We therefore reject this biased approach and call for genuine objective impartiality and non-selectivity in addressing the human rights situation in Ukraine. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [47:55]: Thank you. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland. Switzerland [48:01]: Mr. Vice President, Switzerland thanks the High Commissioner for his update. Switzerland is deeply concerned by the systematic use of sexual violence as a method of torture and other inhuman and degrading treatment against prisoners of war and civilians described in the report. We unequivocally condemn all forms of sexual and gender-based violence in the report, regardless of who the perpetrators are or the context in which they are committed. Switzerland is all the more concerned in that in the report it is stated that the Russian Federation is not taking the necessary measures to prevent and inquire and prosecute such crimes. Switzerland calls on the Russian Federation to repeal any legislation against against accountability. The prevention of such violations requires, first and foremost, the upholding of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as well as concrete measures to prevent their perpetration and their reoccurrence. Independent inquiries and effective prosecution is necessary to break the impunity and ensure that victims have justice. We urge all parties to the conflict to conduct inquiries on all alleged cases of sexual violence. with a victim-centered approach and to ensure that all the perpetrators are held accountable. Mr. High Commissioner, what measures can the international community set in place to guarantee a proper support to survivors of such violence? Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [49:31]: Thank you. I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Japan. Japan [49:36]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Japan would like to thank the High Commissioner and his office for the update on Ukraine. We remain deeply and increasingly concerned about the grave humanitarian and human rights situations in Ukraine. The High Commissioner's update indicates that civilian casualties are on the rise in the country. The growing number of deaths and injuries among civilians who are entitled to protection under international humanitarian law cannot be tolerated. We condemn in the strongest terms the human rights violations committed by Russia against the people of Ukraine, and call on Russia to end such violations immediately, ensure humane treatment for all detainees, and fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. We strongly urge Russia to return all Ukrainians to their homes, including children who were taken away from their families. Ukraine should continue to be supported in a manner that fully respects the Ukrainian people's will regarding the country's future. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting the people and the government of Ukraine. In closing, we'd like to express our appreciation for the continued efforts of the High Commissioner and his office to shed light on the human rights situation in Ukraine. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [50:52]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic. understand they're absent. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of China. China [51:09]: Vice President, China notes the High Commissioner's oral update on Ukraine. The Ukraine crisis has dragged on for over four years, with ongoing conflict, mounting civilian casualties, and expanding spillover effect. China calls on parties concerned to exercise calm and restraint, strictly abide by IHL, refrain from attacking civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian workers. China has always held that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way out of the crisis. China supports all parties in seeking common ground despite differences through dialogue, forging consensus in negotiation, and striving to achieve a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement. China is not the creator of the Ukraine crisis, nor a party to it. China will only act for peace and has been committed to promoting peace talks. We stand ready to work with the international community to constructively contribute to a political settlement of the crisis. Thank you, Vice-President. HRC · Vice-President [52:27]: Thank you. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [52:35]: The High Commissioner's latest report sets out starkly the severity of sexual violence against Ukrainian prisoners of war. 63% of those interviewed reported conflict-related sexual violence at Russian hands. This included rape, genital mutilation, electric shocks and beatings to the genitals, and forced nudity, inflicted to strip prisoners of dignity and humiliate them before fellow captives and guards, sometimes over years. Beyond captivity, the report shows how Russia is using sexual violence as an instrument of control. a weapon to enforce its occupation, terrorise communities and assert dominance over Ukrainian civilians. Chillingly, children have not been spared. The youngest documented rape survivor was four, and some women now bear children born of rape. These harms have profound and lasting consequences, underlining the need for child-sensitive, survivor-centred support and justice. These findings may only offer a glimpse into the true scale of the crimes being committed. Russia continues to refuse monitoring missions, access to occupied territory, prisoners of war and detainees. Russia has passed laws that grant service persons near total immunity for crimes committed during military service. Mr. Vice President, based on the evidence available to the High Commissioner's Office, to what extent can conflict-related sexual violence in Russian detention be understood as a systemic practice rather than a collection of individual crimes? Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [54:12]: Thank you. And 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 organizations. I give the floor to the representative of Ukraine, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, intervention by video. Ukraine · Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights [54:34]: Distinguished High Commissioner, Excellencies, Russian attacks are becoming more frequent and deadlier. July recorded the highest number of civilian deaths since May 2022, with 437 civilians killed and 2,610 injured. In Kyiv alone, alone, more than a dozen air raid alerts can sound in a single day. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, 4,661 educational institutions, 2,671 medical facilities, and 1,990 cultural heritage sites have been damaged or destroyed. Despite rebuilding efforts, many restored facilities are struck again, while the full scale of destruction in the temporarily occupied territories remains unknown. I call on the international community to continue documenting attacks against civilian infrastructure, strengthen support for its protection and reconstruction, and ensure accountability for all violations. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [55:52]: Thank you, and I give the floor to the representative of War Resisters International, intervention by video. WRI [56:00]: WRI, together with Connection EB, expresses its solidarity with the people of Ukraine suffering from the ongoing military aggression of the Russian Federation. We are concerned of the current violation of Article 51 of the Geneva Convention in the Russian-occupied territory. Force mobilization, militarization, education is ongoing. We are also concerned that Ukraine does not allow alternative non-military service in wartime and does not decriminalize conscientious objection despite recommendation to the European Commission. Conscientious objectors in Ukraine are routinely imprisoned for their faith or forcibly held in military units. with Article 18 of ICCPR, Supreme Court opened that for purposes of general mobilization it is necessary to force conscientious objectors to change their religious beliefs. On September 29, the Quaker and pacifist Seribet Mediev has been violently detained in Sviatoshynsky territorial conscription center. As previously reported, Yuriy Shelechenko has suffered illegal arrest in Kiev last March and cruel treatment while arbitrarily detained by the military. Investigation, accountability have not been yet ensured. We urge the Russian Federation to implement international humanitarian law and cease this war of aggression and all related human rights violations in this Council to ensure accountability. We call on Ukraine to cease persecution and criminalization of conscientious objectors to military service, to ensure their immediate release and acquittal, and proper investigation of cases of violent treatment during mobilization and death in custody. On this International Nonviolence Day, we urge once more the Member States to fully support diplomatic avenues to immediately stop this war. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [57:29]: Thank you. And I give the floor to the representative of Legal Action Worldwide. LAW [57:35]: Mr. Vice President, Anatoly Korneev was eight years old when the Kakhovka Dam collapsed and flooded his town in Kherson, Ukraine. When his family managed to get through him by phone, he shouted one word, water, before the line went dead. They never heard from him again. Three years have passed since the dam's destruction. The site remains under Russian occupation, and no one has been held accountable for the death of hundreds of civilians, including Anatoly. During this Council's 62nd session, Anatoly's granddaughter, Anastasia, spoke about her family's quest for justice. To support them and six other families who lost relatives in this attack, Legal Action Worldwide and Truth Hounds filed a complaint to the Human Rights Committee in June arguing that Russia violated their right to life. We urge the Human Rights Committee to address this complaint and to prioritize other outstanding submissions related to Russia's war of aggression, some registered over four years ago. States should also support independent investigations into the dam's destruction and champion accountability for the victims. Mr. Vice President, what can this Council do to ensure that those responsible are held to account And that the families of the victim can receive answers and obtain recognition. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [58:59]: Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Plan International intervention by video. Plan International · Participant, Champions of Change program [59:06]: My name is Sonia and I'm a participant in Plan International's Champions of Change program, which helps young people understand their rights, challenge gender inequality and take an active role in their communities. I'd like to share my experience as a young girl living through the war and raise some of the issues that matter to young people in Ukraine today. I was born in little Kharkiv, but when the war started, I moved to Kyiv. Adapting to a new school was difficult, but having real contact with my peers was very important to me. My friends in Kharkiv still study online and miss face-to-face communication. For young education is not only about lessons. We need socialization and safe spaces where we can feel connected and supported. Accessibility is another issue I notice in everyday life. Because of the war, more people in Ukraine are living with disabilities, yet many public spaces are still not accessible. Through the Champions of Change program, I have started thinking more about gender equality and youth challenges. Young people need early education on health, relationships, consent, and boundaries, information that can be limited during the war. While we teach girls self-protection, we must also teach boys about respect, equality, and responsibility. So, my message to decision-makers is simple: ensure that children affected by the war can not only learn but also socialize and feel safe. Make Ukraine's recovery inclusive and accessible, and give young people, especially girls, a meaningful role in decisions. A decisions about our future should not be made without us. HRC · Vice-President [1:00:29]: Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of ACT Alliance, intervention by video. ACT Alliance [1:00:37]: Excellencies, I speak for the ACT Ukraine Forum and the wider ACT Alliance, a global coalition of over 160 faith-based organizations. Right now in Ukraine, humanitarian missions are under fire. Medical hubs and aid convoys are destroyed, and civilians experience the harsh reality of war. As local faith actors, we are rooted within communities, and we are often on the front line, serving as first responders. We stay because these are our communities, and this is where we live. The deepest wounds of war are often invisible. They shatter the mind and they break the human spirit. That is why our network in Ukraine prioritizes mental health and the protection of civilians, reaching out to those who need it most. We urge the international community. ensure that support for those traumatized by war is fully resourced, so that they can be a part of building a better tomorrow. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:02:06]: Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Human Rights Now. Human Rights Now [1:02:14]: Human Rights Now remains deeply concerned about the human rights and humanitarian crisis caused by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. According to UN reports, civilian casualties from January to August this year have already exceeded the total for all of last year. Furthermore, a September report recorded 1,004 cases of sexual violence from the start of the invasion to the end of July this year, with 89% attributed to Russian authorities. Many occurred in occupied areas of Ukraine and included gang rape, genital mutilation, and electric shocks. The sexual violence must stop immediately, regardless of the perpetrator. However, the Russian Federation bears a particularly heavy responsibility to take concrete actions, given the high number of violations by its officials. Perversely, Russia has instead implemented laws granting broad immunity for crimes, including sexual violence, committed during military service. Reports also show that Russia is conducting large-scale, systematic transnational repression against Ukrainian critics by a variety of means in multiple countries. We call on the Russian government to immediately end the conflict in Ukraine and on the international community to strengthen support for accountability initiatives for all human rights violations and war crimes by the Russian government against Ukrainians. We also urge states to refuse any cooperation with Russia's transnational repression and to enhance efforts to protect victims. HRC · Vice-President [1:03:38]: Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Human Rights Research League. Intervention by video. Human Rights Research League [1:03:47]: Thank you. Behind every statistic about war is a child. Since Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian children have been killed, injured, displaced, separated from their families, and deprived of safety. The latest report documents 1,004 cases of conflict-related sexual violence. Among those attributed to Russian authorities were girls and boys, and the youngest were just 4 years old. But the consequences of war do not end when the violence stops. Our survey of 138 parents and guardians of war-affected children found that 54% reported increased irritability or emotional instability, 43% high anxiety, and 47% signs of premature adulthood. The greatest concerns were their children's future, the direct impact of war, and emotional well-being. These children included those who lost parents, children of missing persons, POWs, and fallen defenders, as well as children who experienced deportation, displacement, or occupation. Territorial concession cannot substitute for human security, as no child is safe living under the Russian occupation, as it exposes children to coercion, indoctrination, militarization, separation, and other grave violations. We must stop Russia's aggression, punish responsible for the war crimes, return Ukraine children to Ukraine, as every child returned is a life restored. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:05:12]: Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Human Rights House Foundation. Human Rights House Foundation [1:05:19]: President, the latest United Nations monitoring of the human rights situation in Crimea continues to show severe restrictions on fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, access to Ukrainian education, and protection from forced conscription. Our partners in Human Rights House Crimea are documenting a further escalation in the use of Russia's criminal justice system against residents. New analysis by Crimean Process shows a dramatic rise in prosecutions for so-called high treason since the full-scale invasion. Such trials are held behind closed doors and can result in extraordinarily severe sentences. In one recent case, a court hearing lasted just 90 minutes, resulted in a 16-year prison sentence. At the same time, the space for documenting these violations is disappearing. Following its designation as a foreign agent, Crimean Solidarity, which for a decade documented political persecution and supported prisoners and their families, was forced to cease its activities. We also remain deeply concerned for Crimean citizen journalist Iryna Danilovych, whose rights and conditions of detention continue to deteriorate, including reports of arbitrary searches and other violations. Vice President, we ask the High Commissioner: How can the United Nations strengthen or assist monitoring of closed and politically motivated trials in the occupied parts of Ukraine? I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:06:45]: Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Juventum, intervention by video. Juventum [1:06:52]: Mr. High Commissioner, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Juventum is honored to participate. In the fifth year of the war in Ukraine, the aggressiveness and the cruelty in attacking civilians are escalating. Unmanned weapons and landmines are being used. The use of nuclear and autonomous weapons is suggested. Civilian infrastructure providing essential services, including energy, is also targeted. International humanitarian law and human rights are violated, and war crimes are committed. We call for an immediate ceasefire through peace negotiations, respecting the UN Charter and other international laws. Please let us not forget that the nuclear facilities in this conflict area are in danger. The Chernobyl plant, which is known for the world's biggest nuclear accident was once occupied. Europe's largest Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is under occupation, and its safety is threatened. IAEA keeps warning about the precarious situation of the nuclear facilities in Ukraine. Even without the war, Nuclear power is not worth risking life, health and the environment. Its low electricity output efficiency means huge additional warming of the planet. The discussion of this war must be globally responsible too. Thank you very much for your attention. HRC · Vice-President [1:08:23]: Thank you. This was the last speaker on my list. And I will give the floor to Mr. Volker Turk for his concluding remarks. OHCHR · High Commissioner [1:08:34]: Well, thank you, Mr. Vice President. And I am fully conscious that year after year, session after session, we report back to you on the horrible human rights situation in Ukraine. And I have to say, if we, and as I just, as we just reported, including through the public reports that we provide, we are confronted with an intensification of hostilities, with an escalation with a terrible plight, a terrible impact on civilians and on civilian infrastructure, and in civilian infrastructure that goes well beyond the energy sector. I cannot even fathom what Ukrainians feel these days with the onset of winter and of the winter season, and what they would expect. And I have to say it is really important when we have these discussions that we just imagine the plight of the victims. When we issue reports to all those who question them, I can only say that we do it on the basis of a very strict methodology that we apply, tried and tested, that we have explained ad nauseam to various delegations. So what we put forward is what we not only can provide in terms of evidence, but also in terms of the testimonies verified by us multiple times, and that's what we can put forward as evidence and as facts. And when it comes to the practice of conflict-related sexual violence, I have to say the evidence that we have collected points to conflict-related sexual violence that is widespread in nature. Across the incidents assessed, we are seeing patterns and commonalities that do suggest practices that beyond an established accumulation of individual cases. I think that's important to remember. And we see the adoption of laws in Russia that exempt service persons from criminal liability for crimes, including from sexual violence, which is obviously very concerning because we need exactly the opposite. When we have such allegations and such reports, we need urgent investigations and we need independent access to those people who are affected by that. It's also clear that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence need to be very much at the center of justice and accountability efforts, which requires safe reporting for them, I mean, trauma-informed investigations, confidential, timely, accessible, survivor-centered medical, psychosocial support, and legal services. We need the preservation of evidence, and we need to make sure that the international community insists with the Russian Federation that they investigate these crimes. And that's extremely important. On the civilian detainees and the prisoners of war, There should be absolute zero tolerance for torture, inhuman, degrading treatment. There is indeed, as part of confidence building, we need exchanges, and I welcome the exchanges that have taken place for prisoners of war, but there should be an all-out effort to exchange an all for all, to have an all for all exchange of prisoners of war, and to release civilian detainees that are arbitrarily detained. We should also call, continue to call on the Russian Federation to provide independent, impartial monitors, including my office, which I have asked several times for access to places of internment, to share information about the whereabouts and the fate of prisoners of war, including third country nationals and civilian detainees, to facilitate communication with their families and to establish mixed medical commissions as required under the Geneva Conventions. You've asked about the attacks on energy infrastructure, some of you. Well, it's not just energy infrastructure, as I mentioned, it goes beyond energy infrastructure as we speak. I mean, this could be one of the first confidence-building measures that one could immediately agree upon to stop attacking civilian infrastructure. It's not only required by international humanitarian law and international human rights law, it's also required by pure empathy for the other, for the human being. And it's also clear that in the process of rebuilding any of this, we need to ensure that there is a particular focus on vulnerable groups and people with special needs. We also need to ensure continued emphasis on access to the occupied territory, especially through public diplomatic engagement with the authorities of the Russian Federation. We should have access, we used to have access, we need access again, and that includes all places where POWs are held and civilians are held. And it is also absolutely critical that any future peace agreement places strong emphasis on the rights of people and the international legal framework that is provided for this purpose for people who are living currently in occupied territory, and that includes those detained by the Russian Federation. I will be I will continue to be open to any engagement with everyone who wants to engage with us and to ensure that we exercise our work in the pursuit of human rights, in the pursuit of peace, in line with the Charter and international law. Thank you, Mr. Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [1:14:43]: Thank you. This brings us to the end of this interactive dialogue, and I wish to thank the High Commissioner for his participation. We will now take a short break before holding the enhanced interactive dialogue on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Excellencies, distinguished participants, we will now begin the enhanced interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, pursuant to Council Resolution 60/35. It is my honor to welcome Ms. Awa Dabo, Deputy High Commissioner, for Human Rights, who will present the High Commissioner's report. I also welcome to the podium His Excellency Mr. Samuel Mdemba Kabuya Tanda, Minister of Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mr. Jean-Claude Katende, National President of the African Association for Defense of Human Rights. The list of speakers will close in 15 minutes. I now give the floor to the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights for her presentation. You have the floor, madam. OHCHR · Deputy High Commissioner [1:23:11]: Mr. Vice President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, good afternoon. I would like to begin by offering my deepest condolences for the tragic helicopter crash that killed 17 people on Friday, 25th September in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Among the victims were the President of the High Military Court, Joseph Mutombo Katelayi, and the Auditor General of the Congolese Armed Forces, Lucien Rene Likulia. Both had worked towards accountability for gross human rights violations, including conflict-related sexual violence. Their loss is deeply felt, and I hope the momentum to advance this important cause can be maintained. Mr. Vice President, the people of the DRC are caught in a painful convergence of crises: the Ebola virus outbreak, decades of violent conflict and mass displacement, and competition over the exploitation of the country's natural resources. The Ebola virus outbreak, the largest and deadliest ever in DRC, continues to take a heavy toll, particularly in Ituri and North Kivu provinces. According to the latest figures, the outbreak has surpassed 8,000 confirmed cases, with more than 3,900 deaths. The outbreak has further strained health systems, weakened by decades of conflict and chronic underinvestment in public services. Funding shortfalls and persistent insecurity are hampering efforts to reach communities, detect cases, and trace contacts. Longstanding grievances about public institutions and international aid groups are also affecting the health response. Those trying to contain the diseases are themselves under attack, often fueled by misinformation about the virus. As of 11 September 2026, Our office documented at least 36 death threats, attacks against healthcare personnel and facilities, and interference with burials. The recent killing of a politician after a radio appearance to raise awareness about Ebola is a sign of how deadly fear and misinformation can become. Sustained engagement with communities grounded in transparency, equity, and respect for everyone's rights is essential to rebuilding trust. Mr. Vice President, The security situation in DRC remains extremely alarming. Between 1 January and 15 September 2026, our government documented approximately 4,400 human rights violations and abuses in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri provinces, affecting some 9,500 victims. Violations include unlawful killings, restrictions on civic freedoms and violations, and abuses of international humanitarian law. The prevalence of conflict-related sexual violence is particularly worrying. Between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026, our office documented at least 1,080 victims of conflict-related sexual violence across the country, primarily women and children. This is nearly three documented victims of sexual violence per day, and the true figures are likely higher. Armed groups are reportedly responsible for 42% of the victims. Women and girls were attacked while going about their daily activities, in their homes, while working in their fields, in the bush, and along the roads. These crimes must end. Survivors need support and protection, and those responsible need to be held accountable. Accountability is possible even in war. With support from our office, judicial authorities have conducted five joint investigative missions and held eight mobile court hearings on allegations of conflict-related sexual violence. This led to the conviction of 161 members of the Congolese armed forces and 30 members of armed groups, amongst others. The authorities protected the identity of 620 women victims and witnesses during the trial. The authorities need to build on these steps, and our Office is ready to assist. In Ituri Province and in parts of North Kivu, attacks against civilians by the Allied Democratic Forces continue, including abductions and sexual violence. Between 1 January and 15 September 2026, our Office attributed 319 human rights abuses to the ADF, affecting more than 1,500 victims. In North Kivu and South Kivu, violent clashes have intensified since mid-September between the M23, supported by the Rwandan Defence Forces, and the Congolese Armed Forces, supported by Wazalendo groups. This escalation comes despite commitments made under the Doha and Washington peace processes and the African Union-led efforts. According to the latest figures available, more than 6.1 million people are internally displaced across the country. Mr. Vice President, the guns must fall silent urgently. People need to see an improvement in their daily lives, to be able to go to school, to work, and to meet their families in safety. All parties to the conflict need to ensure full respect for international human rights law and humanitarian law. We reiterate our call on the Rwandan government to withdraw its troops from the DRC and end its support to the AFC M23. We also continue to urge that ongoing peace processes be anchored in human rights. This means ensuring accountability for grave crimes. It also means integrating the legitimate aspirations of victims for truth, justice, and reparations, and guarantees that the crimes will not happen again. Our office has shared a set of human rights-based confidence building measures with the parties to the conflict and with the mediators under the Doha, Washington, and AU-led peace processes. They are practical, time-bound, and verifiable actions to protect civilians and to create conditions for peace to take root. They need to complement and strengthen existing initiatives, and our office is ready to support. For a chance at peace, people need to be able to speak freely and to participate and hold those in power to account, yet across the country, Journalists, human rights defenders and political opponents continue to face arrests, intimidation and other attacks. We welcome the announcement by the authorities that they intend to organize a national dialogue. This needs to be an inclusive process that addresses the underlying drivers of conflict, protects civic space and helps to build sustainable peace. To that end, the authorities need to ensure the meaningful participation of women, youth, civil society, human rights defenders, journalists, and affected communities. There needs to be a shared national vision for a society and an economy that works for everyone, with revenues channeled into better health care, quality education, and social protection for all. Investing in human rights is essential for both peace and sustainable development. We call on member states to continue to support human rights in the DRC. Mr. Vice President, there is a profound paradox between the DRC's immense mineral wealth and the widespread poverty of its people. Ruthless competition over natural resources and economic interests, both within and outside the country, continue to fuel the conflict in the east. Our office is ready to support mandatory, human rights impact assessments for major natural resource projects and investments. The country's resources should benefit the people of the DRC, not be exploited by self-serving foreign and domestic interests. This requires accountability, governance reforms, tackling corruption, and stronger institutions. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:31:34]: Thank you. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Samuel Mthembu-Kabuya-Tanda for his presentation. Democratic Republic of the Congo · Minister of Human Rights [1:31:52]: Distinguished Vice President, Madam Deputy High Commissioner, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, on behalf of His Excellency, President of the Republic President Tshilungo and Her Excellency the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Ms. Tshiluka, and the people of my country, I thank the Deputy High Commissioner for the oral update. I thank the Human Rights Council for the constant focus on the human rights situation in my country. The resolution 60/35 on technical assistance and capacity building in human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a crucial framework for cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and all of the international human rights mechanisms. Vice President, the human rights situation in my country remains marked by mass violence carried out by Rwanda and its lackeys, the AFC M23, led by Paul Kagame, former president of the DRC, Kabila, and Mr. Kony Nganga, who formed the hierarchy, rapes, torture, enforced disappearances, enforced displacement, exploitation of children for economic and military purposes, and mass killings of entire communities. resultant of genocide are increasingly widespread. The data cited in the report illustrate this clearly. On 2nd August 2026, we commemorated the genocost, and at that time, the occupying forces arrested 37 young people in Menova calling for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops. 17 girls were raped. Amnesty International's report of 21st September 2026 documented the summary executions, acts of torture, ill treatment, arbitrary detentions, forced labor, forced recruitment, pillaging, and trafficking of gold and cotton towards Rwanda in the mining areas of Rubaya in North Kivu and Lemera in South Kivu. The DRC condemns these egregious violations of human rights and IHL and calls on Rwanda to withdraw its troops from our territory in line with the regional resolutions and several United Nations resolutions, in particular the Human Rights Council resolutions. Furthermore, the government is pursuing its efforts to promote and protect human rights on several levels, combating impunity, consolidating the implementation of forensic medicine and its integration in criminal law, transitional justice, the guiding principles and voluntary principles for the protection of human rights in the extraction sector. And an ongoing re-dynamization of the provincial human rights services, the training of public officials and law enforcement in human rights and international humanitarian law. Here, I would wish to emphasize that my government does not have a policy of restricting political liberties or violating human rights. Isolated cases documented are investigated and sentenced. There are 560 sentences handed down, reflected in the report of the High Commissioner. The last complaint for human rights violations at the last political demonstrations are now being investigated by the judiciary. Vice President, and technical assistance, my country wishes to ensure that this is coordinated and oriented towards tangible needs and to its internal institutions, for example, support to the process for implementing transitional justice. capacity building in forensic investigations, identification of victims, exhumations, preservation of evidence, and management of human remains. And I call on our partners to support the training of our new generation of forensic doctors and specialists. This corresponds to one of the precise commitments under the resolution 6035. Vice President, in conclusion, my country calls on states, United Nations agencies, international financial institutions, and bilateral and multilateral partners to mobilize financial humanitarian, technical, logistic resources for the effective implementation of resolution 60/35. My country is determined to continue its unflagging efforts and strengthen the rule of law. I am convinced that cooperation based on capacity building at the national level will make it possible to transform the commitments contained in resolution 60/35 into tangible results for the benefit of the Congolese people. Finally, I call on the High Commissioner to provide the independent commission of inquiry in the DRC under resolution S/37/2019 with the necessary resources in order that it may carry out its mission, which must be completed in March 2027. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:39:50]: Thank you, Your Excellency. I now give the floor to Mr. Jean-Claude Katende for his presentation. ASADHO · National President [1:40:04]: Thank you, Mr. President. President, ladies and gentlemen, the African Association for Human Rights, ADOH-CG, would like to draw your attention to the worrying situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the following terms: the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a country at war. This is an unjust war imposed upon it by Rwanda, a war that we denounce, given the numerous human rights violations which are committed. In this context of war, the human rights situation is experienced in a different fashion, whether people reside in the occupied territories or in those that are not occupied. In the occupied territories, our organization is concerned by the reprisals against civilians, particularly against women and children, committed by all forces involved in the armed conflict. in violation of the civil peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC. In this territory, journalists and human rights defenders are regularly harassed by the M23 and AFC forces. Some have lost their lives, while others were forced to flee into other cities of the countries or even abroad. We also remain concerned by the increasing numbers of victims of sexual violence and the resurgence of human rights violations directly linked to the illegal exploitation of natural resources. In the non-occupied territories, our organization remains concerned by the restriction of civic space, marked by regular violations of the freedom of expression, the right to assembly in Kinshasa. Two demonstrations of the opposition on the 12th of June and the 15th of September 2026 were dispersed with many people injured during the process. In other areas of the country, such demonstrations were outright prohibited. We are also concerned by the arrests and arbitrary detention operated by the National Intelligence Agency and the Council of Cyber Defense. In a country already divided by war, the current law under discussion in the parliament on referendum on changes to the constitution is a source of great concern given the socio-political upheavals that such an initiative could give rise to in the country, Mr. President. In this context, we call on member states to strengthen their support to civil society and to the protection of human rights defenders. We would also ask your council to require of the government of the DRC to open the civic space. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:43:36]: Thank you. The list of speakers is now closed. According to established practice, we will start by hearing the delegation of the country concerned. I understand that the delegation of Rwanda does not wish to take the floor at this stage. I now invite interested delegations to ask questions to the presenters and to make comments on their statements. Please be reminded that the speaking time is one minute and 30 seconds for all speakers. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sweden on behalf of a group of countries. Sweden · Nordic-Baltic countries [1:44:18]: Mr. Vice President, Thank you, Deputy High Commissioner, for the report, which we welcome and support. I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. The human rights situation in eastern DRC remains deeply worrying. We are particularly concerned by reports of unlawful killings, persistent conflict-related sexual violence, recruitment and use of children, shrinking civic space, and continued attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. We strongly condemn all violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties to the conflict. We support ongoing regional and international mediation efforts to secure a sustainable ceasefire and advancing a peaceful resolution to the conflict. All parties must uphold and deliver on their commitments. immediately de-escalate the situation, ensure the protection of civilians, facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and fully comply with international law. We stress that efforts must continue to ensure that all those involved in the murders of UN experts Saida Khattalane and Michael Sharp are held to account. Deputy High Commissioner, How can the root causes of violations and abuses of IHL and human rights law in eastern DRC most effectively be addressed? Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:45:48]: Thank you. I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the European Union. EU [1:45:55]: Thank you, Mr. President. The European Union thanks the Deputy High Commissioner for the presentation of her report. We firmly condemn all human rights violations and abuses committed by armed groups as well as by state actors. We are particularly concerned by summary executions, abductions, recruitment and the use of children, hate speech, as well as conflict-related sexual violence. In this context, we welcome the mandate of the Commission of Independent Inquiry. The EU reiterates its appeal to the M23, supported by Rwanda, to put an end to its offensive and to the forces of defence of Rwanda to withdraw from DRC. We are also preoccupied by the shrinking of civic space, arbitrary detentions aimed at political actors and others, as well as the most serious violations. The European Union welcomes the decision of the prosecutor of the ICC to reactivate inquiries on alleged crimes committed. And we reiterate that those who are responsible for the deaths of the UN representatives must be brought to justice. There must be an immediate moratorium on the death penalty. Madam Deputy, High Commissioner, what priority measures can the international community take to best support and protect civic space and human rights defenders in the current context? Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:47:27]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Rwanda. Rwanda [1:47:34]: Mr. Vice President, the Council needs a comprehensive assessment of the drivers of human rights violations in the DRC. A conflict spanning more than 30 years cannot be reduced to selective allegations against Rwanda. This item should focus on DRC's capacity, institutional weaknesses, and protection challenges. Resolution S/13/35 identifies the FDLR, Codeco, Azarengo, and ADF as groups of concern, but the report before this Council omits the continued activities of the DRC-backed FDLR and the DRC's recruitment of foreign mercenaries. The report acknowledges that FRDC is supported by Wazalendo, but omits the government's responsibility to protect civilians and ensure accountability. Hate speech persists with Tutsi communities among its primary targets. Protecting people from identity-based persecution is a human rights obligation, not preferential treatment. Lastly, Major General Ekenge has been reinstated as spokesperson of the FRDC. despite his discriminatory remarks documented in this report. What message does this send about the DRC government's stated commitment to accountability and ending impunity during this session? Item 10 should assist the DRC in confronting its human rights challenges, not become a politicized item to externalize its responsibility towards its own citizens. I thank you, Mr. Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [1:49:08]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Togo. Togo [1:49:16]: Mr. President, the delegation of Togo thanks the High Commissioner for his report and remains concerned by the persistent armed violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. of which the women and children are the main victims, in particular through sexual violence and forced displacement and other serious violations of their rights. Togo condemns all human rights violations, as well as violations of international humanitarian law, whoever the perpetrators might be. The protection of civilians, fighting impunity, and victims' access to justice must remain at the core of any response to this crisis. We welcome the efforts of the DRC government against impunity and in favor of transitional justice. Mr. President, my delegation remains convinced that dialogue and the upholding of commitments must remain at the core of the peace process. In this context, Togo reiterates its support to the process of peace of Doha and Washington, as well as the mediation efforts of the African Union And we encourage all parties to continue their commitment to fully implement them in order to achieve a lasting peace and strengthen the protection of civilian population. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:50:43]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Gabon. Gabon [1:50:50]: Mr. Vice President, the delegation of Gabon welcomes the holding of this enhanced dialogue and thanks the Deputy High Commissioner for the clarity of her report. We welcome the tangible efforts achieved by the DRC in promoting and protecting human rights. which has taken the form, amongst others, of budget options to earmark funds for access to justice, education, health care and social protection. Moreover, we welcome the RDC's efforts to take positive action in terms of transitional justice, as well as in fighting impunity and restoring peace and the state authority. Mr. President, the DRC remains confronted with security challenges and human rights challenges, in particular in the areas affected by the conflict. We are concerned by all human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law against civilians, attacks against civilians, sexual violence and forced displacement, abductions, as well as Grave violations committed against children are a serious source of concern. We encourage the government to continue its efforts to promote social cohesion, and we call on the international community to support efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the east of the DRC, in particular through technical assistance which is coordinated. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:52:25]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [1:52:33]: Mr. Vice President, the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo leads to serious concern amidst continued armed conflict between the government and rebel groups. As a result, we have seen the further deterioration of the humanitarian situation, accompanied by mass human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law, large-scale displacement of the population, and an increase in the number of forced migrants. The number of refugees has exceeded 1 million, and of IDPs, 10 million. Despite international efforts, there are continued clashes between the government and the March 23 movement. This has led to a serious deterioration of the humanitarian situation, as well as the outbreaks of infectious diseases. We believe there is no military solution. Parties must return to a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2773. We count on the activation of regional peacekeeping efforts through the mediation of the African Union, in line with the principle of African solutions to African problems. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:53:59]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:54:08]: Mr. President. The UK thanks the High Commissioner for his report and remains deeply concerned by the grave human rights situation, particularly in eastern DRC. We are alarmed by continuing reports of unlawful killings, conflict-related sexual violence, the recruitment and use of children, arbitrary detention and attacks against schools, healthcare facilities and civilian infrastructure. The findings of the UN's investigations underline the gravity of the situation facing civilians in eastern DRC. We are particularly concerned by the impact of the conflict on women and children, the continued displacement of millions of people and the obstacles this creates for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. We are also concerned by the continued transmissions of Ebola, which is exacerbating vulnerabilities among conflict-affected populations and placing strain on already overstretched health services. The UK reiterates its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and calls on all parties to comply with international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Those responsible for violations and abuses must be held accountable. What further action is needed from the international community to strengthen civilian protection, support the response to the Ebola outbreak and ensure accountability for human rights abuses and violations? Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:55:33]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belgium. Belgium [1:55:40]: Mr. Vice President, my delegation aligns itself with the statement made by the EU. Belgium welcomes the continued cooperation between the DRC and the OHCHR. We are deeply concerned by the seriousness of human rights violations and abuses. We deplore the continued hostilities in the east and the use of drones and sexual violence committed by all parties. We also firmly condemn the summary executions, abductions, recruitment and use of children, as well as the unlawful exploitation of natural resources by the M23. We call on all parties including the RDF and the FARDC, to immediately put an end to all forms of support to non-state armed groups, as well as for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the DRC. We condemn hate speech, stigmatization, and the incitement of violence, which further lead to intercommunity tensions. Arrests and detention of journalists, political opponents, and human rights defenders, as well as the role of the National Council of Cyber Defense in these issues give rise to serious questions. Measures must ensure an inclusive national dialogue. So we call on the government to fully guarantee the freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. Finally, we call on an effective, credible and coherent implementation of policies and laws in terms of transitional justice through a victim and survivor centered approach. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:57:13]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of UNICEF. UNICEF [1:57:19]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. We are deeply concerned by the scale of grave violations committed against children in the DRC. 2025 marked the deadliest year for children since the establishment of the monitoring and reporting mechanism on grave violations committed against children 20 years earlier. More than 4,000 grave violations against children were verified by the UN last year, including recruitment and use, killing and maiming, abduction, sexual violence, and denial of humanitarian access. These violations have devastating consequences for children and families and undermine efforts to build lasting peace and stability. UNICEF calls on all parties to immediately end grave violations against children and to fully comply with their obligations under international law. Children must be protected from attacks and the effect of hostilities. UNICEF welcomes efforts by the Government of the DRC to prevent child recruitment, including by developing operational standards for age assessments where legal documents are unavailable. UNICEF calls for the continued implementation of the 2012 Government UN Action Plan on preventing and combating the recruitment and use of children by the armed forces and security services. Finally, UNICEF urges stronger action to end impunity. All perpetrators of grave violations, including sexual violence, must be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with international standards, while survivors must have access to justice and reparation. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [1:58:51]: Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France. France [1:59:00]: Thank you, Mr. President. France aligns itself with the EU statement. We call for the immediate end of clashes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and firmly condemn the offensives of the Congo River Alliance and the M23, supported by Rwanda, the Wazalendo militia, as well as the continued reprisals of the Allied Democratic Forces. All foreign support to these groups must end. As the Ebola epidemic extends in the east of the country, France is fully mobilized to respond to this virus, as borne out by the presence today in the region of our Minister of Foreign Affairs. We call for a free humanitarian access which is safe, and welcome the actions undertaken for this purpose by MONUSCO. The increased numbers of sexual violence, forced recruitment of civilians, including children, and acts of torture are crimes that must not remain unpunished. We welcome the reactivation of inquiries by the ICC in North Kivu and support the government in its cooperation with the Independent Commission of Inquiry. France, moreover, calls on the government to restore the moratorium on the implementation of the death penalty. And finally, France emphasizes the importance of fighting against hate speech in the Great Lakes region, and this could take the form of the establishment of a dedicated mechanism. We encourage the Council to address this crucial issue. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:00:28]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkey. Türkiye [2:00:35]: Thank you, Mr Vice-President. We fully support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and stand in solidarity with the friendly people of the DRC. We welcome the Washington and Doha processes. The DRC's commitment to regional and international peace efforts has been an important driver of the positive momentum. We appreciate its determined pursuit of a peaceful solution. Mr. Vice President, we commend the dedicated efforts of the Congolese authorities and healthcare workers to bring the Ebola outbreak under control. Turkey participated in the virtual summit on Ebola, jointly organized by the African Union and its member states on 16 June 2026. Given the potential regional and global implications of the outbreak, we believe that close international coordination remains essential. Turkey stands ready to offer its support within its means to bolster peace, stability, and economic progress in the DRC. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:01:35]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya. I understand they are absent. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Sudan. South Sudan [2:01:49]: Mr Vice-President, South Sudan takes note of the High Commissioner's report and the conclusions and recommendations contained therein. We commend our neighbouring country, the DRC, for its continued efforts to implement the institutional and pragmatic measures to combat conflict-related sexual violence and gender-based violence, advance its continued efforts to implement the National Action Plan relating to Security Council Resolution 1325, and the fight against impunity. Sahsudar recognizes the governments of DRC's efforts to promote dialogue and mediation between communities and armed groups, and for facilitating humanitarian access despite persistent funding constance. We stand in solidarity with the people and government of the DRC, and call upon the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and international partners to continue providing technical assistance and financial resources to assist national, provincial, and local authorities in addressing complex humanitarian and human rights challenges faced by the DRC, as well as to advance peace in the country. Thank you, Mr. Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [2:03:11]: Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt. Egypt [2:03:21]: Thank you, Vice President. Egypt is closely monitoring developments in eastern DRC, and we renew our condemnation of all acts of violence that undermine peace and stability. We maintain our firm commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the DRC. Egypt affirms its support for all regional and international mediation efforts aiming at reaching a comprehensive political settlement that achieves stability in the Great Lakes region. We stress the importance of combining peace-building efforts with reconstruction and sustainable development in such a way as to contribute to improving the humanitarian conditions and promoting and protecting human rights in the eastern part of the country. Egypt takes note of the report of the High Commissioner and its references to the efforts of the Congolese government in providing humanitarian assistance and adopting a national policy on transitional justice. We urge for continued efforts to protect civilians and promote transitional justice mechanisms and combat impunity. We underscore the importance of bringing the efforts of the international community and regional partners in support of the DRC and its national institutions. We also insist on the important role of the HRC in supporting states upon their request and in line with their national priorities and needs, and in such a way as to promote and protect human rights. Thank you, Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [2:04:49]: Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco. Morocco [2:04:56]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. My delegation thanks the Deputy High Commissioner for her oral update on the human rights situation in the DRC. Morocco expresses its full solidarity with the DRC, given the persistent difficulties regarding the security in the east of the country, in particular due to violence perpetrated by the armed group M23. The Kingdom reaffirms its full support to the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC. In this context, Morocco welcomes the decisions of the government aiming to prosecute the perpetrators of serious crimes amongst the members of armed groups and expresses its support to efforts towards transitional justice. Moreover, my delegation welcomes the launching of a series of humanitarian initiatives in cooperation with international partners to face the complex crises facing the countries. My delegation also note fully takes note of the humanitarian intervention plan adopted in February 2025 aiming to mobilize 2.54 billion dollars to assist 11 million persons affected by multiple crises to conclude Morocco calls for the continuation of the mobilization of international partners to provide the necessary resources in order to face the humanitarian challenges and Foster socioeconomic recovery in in line with the priorities at a national level thank you HRC · Vice-President [2:06:22]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Senegal. Senegal [2:06:27]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Senegal thanks the High Commissioner for the report and reiterates its solidarity to the brotherly and friendly country of the DRC in its aspiration to peace, stability, and socioeconomic progress. We that the government has always fostered and prioritized the law and dialogue. In this context, we welcome and congratulate the government of the DRC, who, despite the constraints, has been able to continue with its commitments in terms of human rights protection, in particular by budgets allocated to transitional justice, healthcare, and social affairs. We also welcome the cooperation with the High Commissioner and thank it for its assistance. And finally, with regard to promotion and protection of human rights, we encourage the DRC to persist in its dialogue and cooperation with the High Commissioner and urges the international community to bring all the financial assistance and technical assistance necessary. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:07:41]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burundi. Burundi [2:07:48]: Mr. Vice-President, my delegation takes note of the report presented under agenda item 10 by the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in the DRC. My country remains deeply concerned by the persisting armed conflict in the east of the DRC, which can be attributed to the offensive launched by the AFC M23 coalition with the support of Rwanda, all the more so since these hostilities are conducted in densely populated areas, which repeatedly has led to the loss of numerous human lives and affected innocent victims and has created an exacerbated humanitarian situation and massive displacement. We welcome initiatives of the government in cooperation with international partners to mobilize technical and financial resources in order to face the scope of the crises and facilitate humanitarian access and the supply of assistance to suffering populations. A mobilization which should be supported by the international community at a time when we see Ebola returning. My delegation recalls that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must suffer no exception. And in this context, the international community must demand the imperative and immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from its territory and that commitments within the peace processes of the African Union of Doha and Washington be fully complied with. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:09:18]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania. United Republic of Tanzania [2:09:25]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. The United Republic of Tanzania thanks the High Commissioner on his report on the DRC and congratulates the government of the DRC for the efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in their country. We commend the Inter-Congolese Political Dialogue Initiative under the mediation of the President of Burundi and encourage it to continue engaging the broader range of stakeholders to attain a political consensus. Despite the international efforts in enforcing peace and security in the DRC, Tanzania has noted with concern the volatile security situation between government forces and armed groups in the eastern DRC. Tanzania continues to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and calls for all parties to engage in a constructive dialogue and support regional peace initiative under the EAC SADC framework. Tanzania remain committed to working with the regional international partners to achieve sustainable peace, security and development with the people of DRC and the Great Lakes region. I thank you, Mr. Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [2:10:33]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chad. Chad [2:10:41]: Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. The delegation of Chad thanks the High Commissioner for his report on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. CHAD takes note of the human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law, which are reported, and remains concerned by the persistence of these violence and their impact on civilian populations, in particular women and children. We reiterate our commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, as well as to African solutions to the crises of the continent. In this context, we welcome the efforts made by the government of the DRC to strengthen national institutions, fight impunity, and promote the protection of human rights. National capacity building and technical assistance remain essential to consolidate these efforts and to allow the competent institutions to better prevent violations and ensure the access to justice by victims. Chad also encourages the continued dialogue and regional initiatives towards peace and stability in the east of the DRC, while respecting the principles of the UN Charter and African mechanisms. And finally, we welcome the efforts of the High Commissioner to strengthen technical assistance to the national Congolese institutions, in particular in fighting impunity, protecting civilians, and access of victims to justice. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:12:18]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malawi. Malawi [2:12:26]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Malawi thanks the High Commissioner for his oral report on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We remain deeply concerned by the continuing human rights and humanitarian situation in the eastern DRC, particularly the impact of the conflict on civilians, including women and children. We condemn violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law by all parties, including conflict-related sexual violence, attacks against civilians, and the continued displacement of communities. We believe the sustainable improvement of the human rights situation in the country cannot be separated from the restoration of peace, security, and stability. This is why we call upon all parties to fully respect international human rights and humanitarian law, to protect civilians, and to pursue a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and existing regional and international peace initiatives. Malawi further underscores the importance of accountability and combating impunity while ensuring that national institutions have the capacity to deliver justice and effective remedies for victims. Finally, we encourage the international community of the OHSR to strengthen technical capacity building to the government of the DRC. I thank you, Mr. Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [2:14:05]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany. Germany [2:14:15]: Thank you, Vice-President. Germany aligns with the statement by the European Union. We welcome the implementation of the Independent Commission of Inquiry and its first missions on the ground, including its recent mission to the capital. This is essential to gather evidence and stop impunity for serious human rights violations. This is particularly urgent since The human rights situation in the DRC is catastrophic, particularly but not only in the zones in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri, in the conflict areas, with sexual violence and gender-based violence largely carried out against girls. This is deeply alarming, Vice-President. The scale of these violations is certainly greater than the figures that we have before us. Access remains difficult, specifically in conflict areas where the violations are the worst. We call on all parties, including M23, supported by Rwanda, to allow the commission of inquiry a safe, unhindered access and respect IHL and international human rights law. Madam Deputy High Commissioner, how can we better guarantee that the evidence gathered now leads to the perpetrators effectively being charged? Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:15:47]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon. Cameroon [2:15:55]: Thank you, Vice-President. Cameroon takes note of the report on the situation of human rights in the DRC. My delegation remains deeply concerned about the persistence of violence in the east of the country and its serious impact on civilians, especially women, children and IDPs. The report emphasises that the intensification of hostilities continues to have a serious impact on the protection of civilians and the humanitarian situation. In this context, Cameroon reaffirms its solidarity with the Congolese people and government, as well as its commitment to respect sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the DRC. We encourage all parties fully to implement the commitments made. in the peace processes led by the African Union, Doha and Washington, and to give priority to the path of dialogue. These processes remain essential to create the conditions for lasting peace in the eastern DRC. Cameron also takes note of the progress made in transitional justice and welcomes the action of the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office in supporting national institutions. Finally, we call on the international community to strengthen its technical, humanitarian and financial assistance to the DRC in support of national priorities and peace efforts. Cameroon will continue to support the brotherly country of the DRC in its quest for peace, security, justice and development, with full respect for its sovereignty. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:17:21]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland. Switzerland [2:17:29]: Thank you, Vice-President. Switzerland remains deeply concerned about the continuing hostilities in the eastern DRC, particularly in North and South Kivu. The use of armed drones, heavy artillery and other explosive weapons in populated areas is causing a high number of civilian deaths and injuries and destroying civilian infrastructure and livelihoods. We call on all parties to the conflict to cease violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, and respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The protection of the civilian population must be the priority. We welcome the progress made during the discussions in Switzerland last August in the framework of the Doha process. The parties agreed on a roadmap for the continuation of negotiations and to strengthen the monitoring of the ceasefire. These commitments must now be translated into an effective de-escalation of violence and better protection of civilians. In the face of the Ebola outbreak and humanitarian crisis, we call all parties to ensure safe, timely and unhindered humanitarian access to all people in need. Distinguished panelists, in a context marked by conflict, the health crisis and recent demonstrations, what measures are prioritized to ensure respect for the right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly? Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:18:55]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic. Dominican Republic [2:19:00]: Muchas gracias. Thank you, Vice-President. The Dominican Republic thanks the OHCHR for the report on the human rights situation in the DRC and recognises the efforts made through technical cooperation and capacity building. We are concerned in particular at the ongoing sexual violence related to the conflict. The report documents over 1,000 cases during the period, especially affecting women and girls. We're also gravely concerned at the impact of the conflict on the right to education. Over 6,500 schools have been attacked or occupied during the review period, affecting over 3,000 children. The Dominican Republic welcomes the progress and the results of the judicial cooperation, including the sentences against members of the armed forces, police and armed groups. This progress is crucial to combat impunity and strengthen access to justice. Finally, we support the recommendation in the report for an official moratorium on executions and fully to guarantee protection of due process, we ask the OHCHR how can we strengthen technical cooperation to strengthen forensic and police capacities and ensure that this translates into effective sustainable protection for victims. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:20:38]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia. Ethiopia [2:20:44]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Ethiopia remains concerned about the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly its impact on civilians and communities affected by the conflict. We reiterate our support for efforts aimed at protecting civilians, promoting respect for human rights, and addressing the humanitarian consequences of the situation. We support a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the situation through inclusive dialogue, national ownership, and political process involving relevant stakeholders. We welcome and support ongoing regional and international efforts towards peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including African-led initiatives and the engagement of regional mechanisms. We believe such efforts should be strengthened and complemented through constructive international support. Ethiopia also supports appropriate technical assistance and capacity building at the request of the government of Democratic Republic of the Congo to strengthen national institutions, promote the rule of law, and advance the protection and promotion of human rights. In conclusion, it would be a support, continued constructive and coordinated engagement with a focus on civilian protection, dialogue, national ownership, and regional and African-led peace efforts. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:22:02]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of China. China [2:22:08]: Vice President, today the conflict in eastern part of DRC continues, and Ebola rages again, making the country's security and humanitarian situation more serious. The international community must work together and play a positive role in restoring the peace and stability in this region. China always firmly supports the DRC's efforts to safeguard its national security, territorial integrity, and security and development interests. We always advocate that technical assistance and capacity building must be provided with the consent of the country concerned and in accordance with the will and actual needs of the government and people. Human rights should never be used as a pretext to intervene into the internal affairs of the country concerned. China commends DRC for its efforts and achievements in the promotion and protection of human rights, and encourages the UN human rights mechanisms and the countries in the region to play a constructive role in the DRC's peace and stability. As always, China will continue to support DRC's economic development and livelihood recovery within its capacity and contribute to its lasting peace and sustainable development. I thank you, Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [2:23:39]: Thank you. We shall now turn to the list of speakers for national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations. And I give the floor to the representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the National Human Rights Commission. National Human Rights Commission [2:24:00]: Thank you, Vice-President. The security situation remains the main factor of human rights vulnerability in my country. In the east, civilians continue to pay a heavy price for armed conflict. Violations of the right to life, physical integrity, forced displacement, and sexual violence, and violations of the rights of women and children remain of particular concern. The United Nations Special Procedures have still continued this year to document allegations of executions, torture, arbitrary detention, violence against human rights defenders, and harassment during public demonstrations, both in conflict-affected and government-controlled areas. Secondly, the fight against impunity is a priority. The Commission encourages the strengthening of independent investigations, prosecution of alleged perpetrators of serious violations, and the effective protection of victims, witnesses, and human rights defenders. Finally, civic space and fundamental freedoms must be constantly preserved. The DRC must not be viewed only through the prism of its crises. It must also be supported in its efforts to build the rule of law and consolidate peace. The Commission reaffirms its availability to work with the institutions of the Republic, civil society. HRC · Vice-President [2:25:47]: Thank you. I now give the floor to the representative of International Federation of ACAT. FIACAT [2:25:55]: Vice President, ACAT and FIACAT thank the High Commissioner for his report, which helps to keep the Council's attention on the seriousness of the violations in the DRC, particularly in the east. The findings echo the trends documented by our organizations. Our information highlights the use of arbitrary arrests and detentions, enforced disappearances and torture in North and South Kivu provinces, especially in informal places of detention. It also reveals extortion and ransoms, as well as gender-based violence, such as rape and forced recruitment of children. These violations are part of the modus operandi that contribute to the control of populations and the restriction of their freedoms. In this context, the Commission of Inquiry mandated by the Human Rights Council is an essential mechanism for establishing facts, preserving evidence and contributing to fighting impunity. However, we are concerned about the limited resources at its disposal. Madam Deputy High Commissioner, while the Commission has begun its preliminary consultations in Kinshasa, yet its access to the east has been hampered by security, health and financial constraints. What measures does your office envisage to support the operational capacities of the Secretariat and facilitate the deployment of the Commission in the field? Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:27:23]: Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Centre for International Commerce and Development. CACED [2:27:32]: Vice-President, CESE thanks the High Commissioner for his report and takes into account the concerns. Despite all the negotiations and political solutions, fighting continues in the east, where the Rwandan-backed M23 occupy vast territories and where civilian populations are being held hostage. In addition to this, there is depopulation, the forced transfer of populations, insulation, parallel administrations and the control of finances. The illicit integration of coltan and gold, extracted under duress to burn traceability trails, will not give any perspective of conflict ending. CACED is also concerned about the outbreak of Ebola, which has caused over 3,905 deaths. Insecurity further complicates the work of health and humanitarian personnel. Faced with the complexity of the crisis in the east and the impasse in which the region finds itself, Save calls on all parties to open the humanitarian corridor and airports and protect health personnel against violence. Finally, Save calls for the implementation of resolution 2773 and for it to be ensured that no illegal structure replaces the institutions of the DRC. In conclusion, our organization reaffirms its commitment to stopping Ebola. We would like to know, in view of the surge and the spread, what measures are recommended by the OHCHR to mitigate the worsening human rights situation. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:29:01]: Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Ensemble contre la peine de mort. Intervention by video. ECPM [2:29:09]: President, we welcome the lack of as effective for the suspension of executions in the DRC, despite the lifting of the moratorium in 2024. However, we deplore the alarming number of death sentences recorded since this decision. ECPM, Culture for Peace and Justice, and the Coalition Against the Death Penalty conducted in 2025 a new fact-finding mission on the situation of persons sentenced to death, during which it was found that access to places of detention had become more restricted than before, thus hindering the regular monitoring of conditions of detention in prisons in general, and those sentenced to death in particular. We call on the President of the Republic to continue to prioritize the restoration of the rule of law by respecting the Constitution, which sanctifies the right to life, as well as the international conventions ratified by the DRC. Finally, we welcome the international recognition of the Congolese abolitionist movement with the award on July 20 2nd 2026 and ninth World conflict Congress against death penalty in Paris of the Robert Balen Grand Prize rewarding this year levin gongi congolese lawyer in conclusion the co-signatories recommend that the authorities support the UN resolution for moratorium on the use of death penalty ensure unhindered access to places of detention for civil society and oversight mechanisms complete the project to establish an independent national mechanism for the prevention of torture and abolish the death penalty. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:30:40]: Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of RADO, intervention by video. RADO [2:30:48]: President, RADO thanks the High Commissioner for his report. We remain deeply concerned about the continuing violence against civilians in eastern DRC since the capture of Goma a year ago, but also at the enforced displacement, summary and extrajudicial executions, sexual violence, remedial punishment of killings, and restrictions on access to UN personnel and humanitarian assistance. Our organization notes the progress made in the various diplomatic processes, which have unfortunately not borne fruit in terms of the cessation of hostilities on the ground. To date, the conflict has taken on a chronic dimension, given the many factors related to the illegal exploitation of natural resources, the installation of parallel administrations, the forced transfer of populations, and the resurgence of the Ebola virus. In view of the complexity of the humanitarian, health, climate, human rights, and security situation, and the high number of internally displaced persons, Rada would like to know how the High Commissioner will coordinate efforts with other institutions involved in the field to resolve the human rights crisis in the eastern DRC. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:32:16]: Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Minority Rights Group, intervention by video. Minority Rights Group [2:32:24]: Vice President, Minority Rights Group. ERMD and the Forest Peoples Programme thank the High Commissioner for his report on the situation of the human rights in the DRC. We point to the situation of the Batwa indigenous peoples in North and South Kivu. The report documents ethnically motivated violence against the Banyamulenge. The Batwa, however, according to information on the ground, are subject to targeted violence, burned villages, evictions, forced displacement, killing of at least 40 Batwa civilians, 102 cases of sexual violence against indigenous women, 78 cases of torture and ill treatment at the hands of the M23, and 208 arrests. There are consistent reports that the Batwa are being pushed out of their land to exploit their resources. While some 200,000 civilians have reported to have fled to Burundi, the Batwa had nowhere to go. The situation in the eastern DRC has not improved, and the Batwa remain on the sideline of responses. Armed groups need to stop all attacks on civilians. The government must investigate. The international community must ensure the Batwa's rights to their ancestral lands are not sacrificed. We call on the High Commissioner and the Joint Office specifically to document the situation of indigenous peoples, including the Batwa, in their future reports. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:33:51]: Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Catholic International Education Office. Intervention by video. OIEC [2:33:59]: The International Council of. Catholic Education welcomes the report of the High Commissioner and the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office in the DRC. The persistent violence and conflict in eastern DRC remain a matter of deep concern. Children are among the first victims with forced displacement, abductions, recruitment and use by armed groups, sexual violence and interruption of their schooling, which compromise their human rights and their future. The OIEC, present in 110 countries and serving over 68 million students, reaffirms that the right to education, health, and an adequate standard of living must be guaranteed, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Education remains an essential lever for conflict prevention, social cohesion and a culture of peace. We call on the government, the parties to the conflict and the international partners to make child protection a priority in peace and security efforts with zero recruitment of children, protection of schools and essential services, care for victims of sexual violence, justice for perpetrators and reparations for victims. We also encourage sustainable support to education and child protection in affected communities. There can be no lasting peace in the DRC without effective protection for children. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:35:29]: Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Interfaith International. Interfaith International [2:35:38]: Mr. President, Interfaith International thanks the High Commissioner for its comprehensive report on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We support his continued engagement in the country, particularly efforts aimed at ending impunity and ensuring accountability for serious human rights violations and abuses. The situation in North and South Kivu remains deeply concerning. The report documents thousands of human rights violations and abuses, including killings, torture and ill-treatment, abductions, sexual violence, forced recruitment, and attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure. Interfaith International therefore calls on the members of state to provide strong and financial and political support to the Independent Commission of Inquiry of the Human Rights Situation in North and South Kivu so that it can carry out the mandate independently and effectively, investigate serious violations and abuses and contribute to accountability and justice for victims. We also call on the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to fully respect freedom of expressions and the right to peaceful protest. The report highlights increased restrictions on civic space, including interference with peaceful assembly and restrictions affecting journalists, human rights defenders, civil society actors, and political actors. We therefore urge the government to create a better and safer atmosphere for political and inclusive dialogue with different actors and communities, with the aim of promoting peace and stability. Such dialogue, together with accountability, respect for human rights, and the fight against impunity, is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Thank Mr. President. HRC · Vice-President [2:37:09]: Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of Association Pan-Africa. Association Pan-Africa [2:37:16]: Monsieur le Vice-President. Pan-Africa notes with deep concern the High Commissioner's report on the extent of the human disaster in the DRC, where in one year over 6,000 human rights violations have been recorded. The offensive by the M23 AFC, supported by the Rwandan armed forces, has plunged the east of the country into generalized chaos, leaving thousands of victims of sexual violence, including hundreds of women and girls gang-raped. Gang rape is still used as a weapon of war in the region. Our organization is concerned about the underfunding of the humanitarian plan, while The convergence of crises leaves little room for the population's needs. Over 26 million Congolese are facing acute food insecurity and over 6 million are internally displaced. Panafrica calls on all parties to the conflict to observe the immediate ceasefire and to respect the implementation of the Doha and Washington agreements. The war will not stop until the community takes measures to control and trace the minerals looted from Congo. In view of the worsening Ebola epidemic crisis, our organization calls for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces from Congolese soil to ensure safe and sustained unhindered humanitarian access to help people in need. In conclusion, The Pan-African Association would like to know what the High Commissioner's priorities are to date to strengthen the protection of human rights in the areas where MONUSCO has withdrawn. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:39:01]: Thank you. I give the floor to the representative of World Organisation Against Torture. World Organisation Against Torture [2:39:09]: Vice-President, the World Organisation Against Torture, AfriMema, and Members of the SOS Torture Network and DRC remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in the DRC. In the east of the country, civilians continue to pay the price of the conflict. Human rights defenders are particularly exposed to threats, abductions, arbitrary detentions, and torture. Their protection and victims' access to justice, reparations, and effective assistance must remain at the heart of any response to the crisis. But the violations are not limited to conflict zones. We're also concerned about shrinking civic space, with excessive use of force during protests, arbitrary arrests, and incommunicado detentions, including those attributed to the National Cyber Defense Council. We call on the Congolese authorities to end these practices. guarantee public freedoms and to accelerate the reforms needed to prevent torture. Finally, the national preventive mechanism has still not been created. Just as Article 27 of the 2023 law on the prison regime remains insufficiently implemented since people without a legal detention permit are still not released by prison officials. It is urgent to change the culture and adopt a law creating the NPT and appoint its members in accordance with the OPCAT in order to truly change the culture of torture in the DRC. HRC · Vice-President [2:40:50]: Before moving to the concluding remarks, I'll give the floor to Mr. James Swan, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the DRC and head of MONUSCO. MONUSCO · SRSG [2:41:05]: Mr. President, Human Rights Minister, Deputy High Commissioner, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you for making it possible for me to give an update on the human rights situation in the DRC. The situation remains very worrying. In the east, Civilians continue to suffer the consequences of a lengthy conflict. Violations of the right to life, physical integrity, sexual violence related to the conflict, abductions, recruitment of children, forced displacement, these continue deeply to affect communities. We must never allow this situation to be considered normal or inevitable. We welcome the progress in the country's efforts The deployment of the first mission to verify the ceasefire is encouraging. Progress remains fragile, but it shows that dialogue remains possible and must be maintained. We also encourage the efforts underway for inter-Congolese inclusive dialogue. Peace is built through participation and trust that requires an open, respectful civic space of fundamental freedoms, we also note progress in combating impunity. With the support of the United Nations and technical and financial partners, the DRC authorities are continuing their efforts to strengthen justice and support victims. Survivors of sexual violence have benefited from legal and psychosocial assistance. Victims have been supported in seeking truth, justice, and reparations. Judges, journalists, human rights defenders have benefited from protection measures which are important to consolidate and maintain. This progress must continue. Impunity remains one of the main factors allowing the cycle of violence to continue. The implementation of the joint communication between the government and the United Nations to combat sexual violence related to the conflict has made it possible to adopt by the national police a plan of action for five years, to 2029, to strengthen prevention and accountability. This trend must continue, particularly through credible investigations, which are impartial, and strengthening of national institutions for the protection of human rights and for justice. In parallel, transitional justice initiatives are making progress in a number of provinces. There have been consultations allowing victims to be heard and to contribute to the national reflections on justice, truth, reparations, and guarantees of non-recurrence. Finally, responsible governance of natural resources remains strategic for the country's future. The mineral wealth of the DRC must contribute to peace, sustainable development, respect for human rights. Impact assessments on human rights carried out by the joint office are an essential tool in prevention and in building trust between businesses, communities and the authorities. This progress illustrates the essential conviction that investing in human rights is investing in peace. Vice-President. The progress is real, but it remains fragile. The violence continues. Humanitarian needs remain enormous. The Ebola outbreak accentuates the need of conflict-affected populations. Cholera in certain areas is an additional pressure on communities and essential services, which are severely stretched. We must maintain our collective efforts, and I call on the authorities to continue and step up their efforts to protect civilians and civic space and to strengthen the rule of law. It is also essential for the perpetrators of violations to be brought to account. We must maintain our political, technical and financial support. a sustainable commitment to peace in the DRC. Human rights must remain at the heart of all peace initiatives and those for security and development. In conclusion, a simple message: human rights are not a consequence of peace, they are one of the preconditions for peace. Peace that does not protect civilians cannot last. Peace that that leaves victims without justice will remain fragile. Peace, which does not respect dignity and the rights of all, will remain incomplete. In the DRC, despite the breadth of the challenges, progress is possible. Our collective responsibility now is to transform that into a measurable change in the lives of people. More security, more justice, more protection. more hope. Victims and communities must not be alone in bearing the weight of this crisis. They must know that national institutions, the United Nations, and the international community are mobilized to support them. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:46:59]: Thank you. This was the last speaker on the list. I now give the floor to the presenters for their concluding remarks. Ms. Jean-Claude Katende, you have the floor. ASADHO · National President [2:47:20]: Thank you, President, for giving me the floor. I am particularly pleased to see that all the speakers in this dialogue have expressed their concern regarding the human rights situation in my country, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Personally, I believe that despite the difficult situation, both in the east of the country as well as in the country as a whole, as regards human rights, there are some slivers of hope which do exist. But it is important for these slivers to become windows that are broadly opened so that we can achieve this hope. The contribution of the international community in its support of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I believe, is crucial. We would also like to emphasize that the work that the UN Joint Office has carried out in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is equally important as where our local organizations cannot reach, are not able to monitor human rights violations and provide assistance to the victims, this joint office can and does, and I think it should be further supported. At the same time, we also have our national players, the human rights defenders and journalists who also need support. And I believe that this support and the protection of these stakeholders means that we will be able to continue to monitor human rights violations and bring assistance to those in need. I will conclude by thanking the United Nations Joint Office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for having allowed us to participate in this dialogue and made that possible. And we hope that the member states will respond to the recommendations we made earlier, of which the first is a request that the activities of civil society, journalists, and human rights defenders be supported, and that the Congolese government can open the civic space, which is of utmost importance to ensure that all citizens can contribute to the development of our country in all areas. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:50:19]: Thank you. I now give the floor to Excellency Mr. Samuel Mbemba Kabuya Tanda. You have the floor. Democratic Republic of the Congo · Minister of Human Rights [2:50:33]: Thank you, Mr. President. I would ask that it be clearly reflected that the overwhelming majority of states and NGOs which have taken the floor within the framework of this interactive dialogue have focused their statements on the situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the Rwandan troops and their proxies, the M23, are active. If Rwanda were not in the DRC, the human rights situation, therefore, would not be as it is currently presented. The speakers stated that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC should suffer no exception. They have condemned the grave human rights violations in the east of the DRC, in particular the reprisals carried out against women and children. They ask that Rwanda withdraw its troops from the DRC. They have welcomed and encouraged the efforts of the DRC, as well as the cooperation with the High Commissioner's Office in the area of technical assistance. and capacity building. Similarly, they have called for the High Commissioner to provide the Independent Commission of Inquiry with sufficient resources to achieve its mission in the DRC. And this is what Rwanda calls the politicization of agenda item 10, as it is its custom. There is therefore a case for the Council to remind Rwanda of its obligations to withdraw its troops from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moreover, as to those who have made comments to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the government would reiterate to them its determination to strengthen the rule of law and the protection of human rights, of course, with the support of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:53:21]: Thank you, Excellency. I now give the floor to the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights for her concluding remarks. OHCHR · Deputy High Commissioner [2:53:28]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, thank you for these very rich and constructive contributions. They reflect the continued attention you devote to the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to the work of OHCHR in the country. In response to the questions asked, on civic space and human rights defenders, The OHCHR stresses the importance of prevention through stronger legal and institutional frameworks, capacity building for law enforcement officials, inclusive dialogue amongst authorities, opposition actors and civil society, and accountability to prevent violations and combat impunity. On the root causes of violations in the eastern DRC, we would like to emphasize the need to place human rights at the center of peace and governance efforts. including tackling impunity, strengthening the rule of law, addressing the illegal exploitation of natural resources, protecting civic space, and promoting inclusive governance, accountability, community participation, and victims' access to justice remain essential for sustainable peace. With regard to the Commission of Inquiry, the Commission has conducted missions to several areas in eastern DRC, including Yuvira and Beni, and has held meetings with civil society, local authorities, internally displaced persons, victims and witnesses. While access to some areas, particularly those under M23 control, remains limited, the Commission continues to gather and verify information through alternative sources, guided by the do-no-harm principle. On coordination. OHCHR will continue to work through UN coordination mechanisms and with national authorities, MONUSCO, civil society and affected communities. Its focus will remain on human rights monitoring, protection, accountability and the integration of human rights into humanitarian and peacebuilding responses, particularly for internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups. On the question on protection in areas where MONUSCO has withdrawn, OHCHR's priority is to ensure that it does not create a protection vacuum. This requires strengthening our cooperation to maintain monitoring, documentation, and early warning capacities. To that end, OHCHR maintains a presence in Kasai, Kisangani, Lubumbashi, and has established a mobile team based in Kinshasa to cover the western provinces. On Ebola, We underscore the need for an urgent human rights-based response that ensures equitable access to prevention, health care, and essential services, with particular attention to vulnerable groups, while preventing stigma and strengthening trust between communities and public authorities. Mr. Vice-President, allow me to conclude with these three brief observations. Firstly, Any sustainable solution to the conflict in the eastern DRC must address its economic dimensions, including competition among state, private actors, and other actors over the country's vast natural resources, many of which are critical to the global energy transition. Ignoring these structural drivers of conflict risks undermining long-term peace and human rights progress. Secondly, Human rights remain central to addressing the root causes of the conflict and building lasting peace. This is the rationale behind OHCHR. We encourage all stakeholders engaged in the peace process to take ownership of these measures, and we stand ready to support their implementation. Thirdly, increased support for OHCHR's work in the DRC remains essential. particularly in the areas of human rights monitoring and early warning, accountability, transitional justice, and support to human rights defenders, victims, and witnesses. And finally, I would like to pay tribute to the victims of the conflict in the eastern DRC, and to the human rights defenders, who continue, often at great personal risk, to promote peace, justice, and human dignity. To them we say, you are not alone. We stand with you and remain committed to supporting your efforts. Thank you. HRC · Vice-President [2:58:07]: Thank you. And this brings us to the end of this enhanced interactive dialogue. I wish to thank all the presenters for their participation today. Thank you. OHCHR · OHCHR representative [2:59:00]: Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I have the honour to present the country reports of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Secretary-General on Cambodia and Yemen. I begin with the Secretary-General's report on the role and achievement of the Office of the High Commissioner in assisting the Government and the people of Cambodia in the promotion and protection of human rights. in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 60/33. OHCHR welcomes the continued cooperation with the Royal Government of Cambodia. The report highlights the practical support and technical assistance provided by OHCHR country office in Cambodia to government institutions, including the Cambodian Human Rights Committee, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labour and the Disability Action Council, as well as civil society from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2026. OIISHA provided legal advice and analysis, technical assistance, training and support for implementation of recommendations from UN human rights mechanism, It also promoted consultations and dialogue between government institutions and civil society on the implementation of human rights standards through law, policies and practices. Technical assistance by OHCHR led to key achievements, including support to Cambodia's first State report, which was submitted to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in January 2026. Increased knowledge and capacity of justice actors through training on disability inclusive access to justice, strengthened social protection policies, strengthened capacity for civil society on human rights mechanism and mainstreaming human rights in national development and climate policies. The report before the Council also identifies several ongoing human rights challenges that merit continued attention and engagement. Concerns relating to the enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association persisted during the reporting period. The report highlights arrests, detention or legal proceedings against journalists, human rights defenders, environmental activists, trade unionists, and political actors for the exercise of fundamental rights, as well as fair trial concerns, overcrowding in prison, and legislation that is not fully aligned with Cambodia's international human rights obligation. Ensuring an open and inclusive civic and democratic space remain critical. The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict resulted in large-scale displacement on both sides of the border. more than 8,000 Cambodian civilians reportedly remain displaced as of September 2026. OCHA supported the government in addressing challenges relating to housing, livelihoods, access to health services, food security, and protection risk, particularly for women, children, and persons with disabilities. Distinguished delegates, I encourage the Government of Cambodia to promote and protect civic space by addressing concerns relating to detention for the peaceful exercise of human rights, to reduce prison overcrowding through alternatives to detention, and to continue legislative and policy reforms to strengthen alignment with international human rights law. Our office will continue to work with the Government to support progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights through increased gender-sensitive investment in social protection, health care and education, transparency and public participation in budget processes, and the inclusion of workers in the informal economy. In closing, our office appreciates the government's positive engagement with our country office. and as a United Nations human rights mechanism in advancing the enjoyment of human rights for all. Mr. President, I now present the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the implementation of technical assistance provided to the National Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of violations and abuses committed by all parties to the conflict in Yemen. report to the Human Rights Council resolution 60/31 covering the period from July 2025 to June 2026. Despite constraints arising from the continued liquidity crisis affecting the United Nations regular budget, OHCHR continued to strengthen the capacity of the National Commission of Inquiry to conduct independent and impartial investigation as well as monitoring and reporting across Yemen. Through targeted technical assistance, OCHA supported a broad range of institutional and operational capacity strengthening activities, including specialized training, facilitation of coordination meetings, and the provision of essential resources to commissioners investigators, field monitors, and the Commission's secretariat. These efforts enhance the Commission's ability to discharge its mandate and contribute to accountability, access to justice, and the foundations for sustainable peace. In parallel, OHCHR supports civil society organizations in documenting human rights violations, strengthens national capacity, national capacities on transnational justice and provides technical and financial assistance to sustain Yemeni-led human rights action and engagement with international mechanism. In this regard, the report includes recommendation to the Commission to further enhance its institutional independence, operational transparency and field presence to effectively fulfill its mandate across all region. Excellencies, since 1 August, our office has verified 166 civilians killed or injured. Women and children accounted for most casualties verified in September. Despite access restrictions, insecurity and suffering shortages, We continue documenting civilian harm to inform protection efforts and support accountability and justice for victims. Humanitarian colleagues report that more than 152,856 people internally displaced between 1 August and 26 September, many fled towards government-controlled areas. UNHCR reported that over 3,700 arrivals in Dujati and over 200 in Somalia, placing further demand on community and services. The High Commissioner's 17 August appeal for immediate de-escalation is increasingly urgent. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and applicable international human rights law, and facilitate rapid and independent humanitarian relief. Excellencies, our office is documenting reports of arbitrary arrest and detention during this escalation. Ansar Allah continues to arbitrarily detain 73 UN personnel, alongside staff of national and international NGOs and civil society actors. These detentions are unacceptable. They severely restrict humanitarian space and obstruct assistance to millions. Many detained colleagues require urgent medical care. Their lives and health must be protected. I reiterate the call for their immediate and unconditional release. Mr. President, we urge this Council and Member States to pursue four priorities. First, press all parties to de-escalate immediately, protect civilian and civilian infrastructure, uphold their international obligations, and facilitate humanitarian access. Second, secure the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained UN and NGO personnel and civil society actors. and protect civic space throughout Yemen. Third, support rule of law institutions and credible and accountability and transitional justice processes that uphold victims' rights and contribute to inclusive and lasting peace. Fourth, provide sustained, predictable funding for OSCE presence and Yemeni human rights organizations. enabling continued monitoring, protection, technical assistance and support to victims. The people of Yemen have endured years of violence, displacement and deprivation. Their rights, dignity and aspiration must remain central to our collective response. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [3:09:24]: Thank you. And according to our practice, we shall start by hearing the delegation of the country concerned. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cambodia. You have five minutes. Cambodia [3:09:42]: Vice-President, distinguished delegates, Cambodia thanks the Secretary-General for the report. At the outset, we wish to emphasize that Cambodia's approach to UNHCR is rooted in our own national experience. Having emerged from decades of war and division, we know the value of peace and stability, and what their absence means for ordinary people. For Cambodia, peace and development are closely linked to human dignity and to employment enjoyment of human rights. That experience still shapes our priorities today: preserving peace, promoting development, strengthening the rule of law, and improving the well-being of our people. Progress should therefore be seen alongside the challenges that remain. Cambodia is a party to eight of the nine core international human rights treaties. We have participated in all four cycles of the universal periodic review and accepted around 84% of recommendations. in the latest cycle. Legal and judicial reform continue, including review of the Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure, strengthening of legal aid and complaint mechanisms, and wider efforts to improve access to justice. Our cooperation with the United Nations human rights system is equally longstanding. Cambodia was the first country in Asia to host an OHCHR country office, and continue to host its long-standing field presence. For more than three decades, we have maintained dialogue with the Office and welcome its technical assistance and capacity building. We appreciate this support and wish to see this partnership continue. In this spirit, Cambodia takes note of the concerns raised in the report. We encourage a fair, balanced, objective assessment based on verified information and taking into account national circumstances. On civic space, the broader picture should also be reflected. Freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly are protected by the constitution and relevant law, while large numbers of media, civil society, organization, and government CSO consultative mechanism continue to operate freely in the country. Again, the broader context, individual arrests or prosecution should not be assessed, should be assessed case by case on specific fact, applicable law, and due process. They should not be regarded as arbitrary simply because the person concerned are political actors, activists, or journalists. Cambodia legal system provide for the presumption of innocence. defend right, judicial procedure, and avenue of appeal. We implementation can be further strengthened. Cambodia remain ready to work with OHCHR. Cambodia also note that some recommendation appear to place responsibility on the government for outcome that cannot be achieved by Cambodia alone. We support the safe, voluntary, dignified return of more than 20,000 person displaced by Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. However, their return depends on conditions on the ground and on cooperation of all parties concerned. In this connection, we call upon the United Nations to play a more proactive and constructive role and engage with all parties concerned in addressing the displacement issue in accordance with international law. Likewise, trafficking in persons and online scams As transnational in nature, Cambodia has strengthened its legal framework, enforcement, victim protection, and international cooperation, but addressing the root cause necessarily require coordinated regional and international action. As the discussion falls under agenda item 10, Cambodia welcomes greater emphasis on practical assistance. This includes support for judicial and institutional reform, capacity building, and immediate humanitarian needs of affected communities, including shelter, livelihood, health, and education. Cambodia remains committed to constructive cooperation with OHCHR. We look forward to continued partnership grounded in mutual respect, verified information, recognition of progress, and a proper understanding of national circumstances and priority. I thank you, Mr. Vice President. HRC · Vice-President [3:14:29]: Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Yemen, His Excellency Mr. Majd al-Mohammed Omar al-Majdali, Minister of Human Rights. Yemen · Minister of Human Rights [3:14:45]: Vice-President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I take the floor on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Yemen. We welcome the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights before you today under item 10. I speak as the continued deterioration of the humanitarian and human rights situation in Yemen continues as a result of the ongoing escalation of the terrorist Houthi militia and the violations against civilians. The recruitment of youths and children in armed conflict is one of the most serious abuses by the militia. The Houthis have turned schools, summer camps, and other civilian facilities into tools for mobilization, indoctrination, and recruitment, pushing children into a military environment that denies them their right to education and protection and puts their lives and futures at risk. The United Nations has documented cases of the Houthi recruiting and using children in military and field roles. Second, the threat to international navigation and the targeting of commercial vehicles in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab is no longer just a Yemeni or regional affair. It has become a direct threat to freedom of navigation, international trade, and the Security Council has continued to treat Houthi attacks on commercial vehicles as an issue with implications for international security and navigation. Turning international sea lanes into rays of military threat and blackmail exacerbates the suffering of the people of Yemen. It increases, of course, transportation and insurance costs and affects the flow of goods and humanitarian aid, threatening stability. Third, the Yemeni government is deeply concerned that the Houthi militias exploitation of African migrants, especially the most vulnerable, recruiting them exploiting their humanitarian conditions and pushing them into combat under pressure and threat. UN reports have indicated the Houthi's recruiting irregular migrants and Ethiopians as part of their military activities. The exploitation of migrants in this way is a serious violation of their rights and dignity and turns irregular migration into an additional source of insecurity and destabilization. According to the latest figures, the latest wave of escalation to September 19th resulted in the death of over 250 civilians and injuries to 360, including 50 dead and wounded. And the ministry was able to access information from those bombed in the convoys of displaced people fleeing. Some were burned and charred as a result of the shelling. In September 2016, three children were martyred by a Houthi attack targeting Tawira on the south-western front of Taiz. Noor Adin Ya'qub, of seven years, Aswa Fadh Muhammad, 14 years old, and Tala Muhammad Ahmad, an infant of one and a half years. The Houthi terrorists have caused displacements of civilians from their villages and homes. The number of civilians displaced as a result of the escalation has reached 250,000, in addition to 3,000 arrived in Djibouti as a result of the ongoing escalation and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation. The Houthi have also targeted health facilities and medical services in multiple areas on the west coast. where health facilities have been disrupted in 26 places supported by UNICEF. Warehouses, clinics, and medical facilities funded by the Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center have been targeted and looted. In addition, other facilities have been targeted. The Houthis have caused significant damage to the education sector, with 243 schools suspending classes, affecting over 140,000 students. And there's also the situation of UN and humanitarian workers, of whom 73 are in arbitrary detention and one died in custody. The Government of Yemen expresses appreciation to the Human Rights Council and Member States for the technical assistance and capacity building for Yemen in the field of human rights. We look forward to the adoption of the draft resolution and technical support to the National Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of Human Rights Violations. This is an important contribution to national capacity, developing documentation, investigation mechanisms. Yemen renews its commitment to cooperating with the Human Rights Council and the OHCHR and continuing to work for the protection of civilians. I thank you. HRC · Vice-President [3:19:52]: Thank you, Your Excellency. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, we will now begin the general debate under agenda item 10. Due to time constraints, we'll take only one speaker. And I thank the interpreters for their flexibility. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sao Tome and Principe on behalf of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. Sao Tome and Principe · CPLP [3:20:22]: Thank you very much, Vice President. I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the Member States of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, CPLP. Last July, the Council adopted by consensus resolution 62/24 on technical assistance and capacity building for these states. The CPLP is much more than a linguistic community. It is an intergovernmental organisation that brings together nine countries on four continents, promoting co-operation in a wide range of sectors. Resolution 62/24 therefore represents a truly interregional initiative. In the field of human rights, the CPLP has developed a growing framework of cooperation, notably through its network of dedicated focal points. Cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2006. On the 20th anniversary of the Memorandum, resolution 62/24 reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation for the protection of human rights and encouraged the continued assistance of the Office of the High Commissioner to the CPLP countries. Our countries look forward to the High Commissioner's oral update next year on the implementation of this resolution and reaffirm their commitment to human rights and constructive cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner and human rights mechanisms. Thank you, Vice-President. HRC · Vice-President [3:21:55]: Thank you. Excellencies, distinguished participants, this brings us to the end of this meeting. We will reconvene next Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. to continue the general debate on item 10. I hereby close the 38th meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council.