40th Meeting - 63rd Session of Human Rights Council Human Rights Council Date: 5 October 2026 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/hrc/63/40 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 [12:40]: Important announcement. Message important. Important announcement. Important announcement. Important announcement. Important announcement. Important announcement. Important. Important. Important. Important. Important. Important. Important. Important. Pour aider à transmettre les messages 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 · President [17:53]: Excellencies, distinguished representatives, colleagues, I hereby declare open the 40th meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council. We shall now continue taking action on draft resolutions. I have been informed that a number of resolutions are ready for adoption during this meeting, as shown on the screen. Are we going to show it on screen? Our secretariat colleagues who are going to show it on the screen, are they ready? Well, doesn't seem like it. I hope we'll have it on the HRC portal. Yes. Yes. We do? Okay. Yes, yes. So, we do have it on the HRC portal. I do invite you to refer to the HRC portal. All the PBIs received have been posted also on the HRC portal. The Council will now consider draft proposal L.26, entitled Responding to the Human Rights and Humanitarian Crisis Caused by the Ongoing Armed Conflict in the Sudan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom to introduce the draft text. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · core group of Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom [19:25]: Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of a core group of Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom, I present draft resolution L26, which responds to the human rights and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Mr. President, the fact-finding mission's report paints a devastating picture. Communities shattered, millions displaced, and civilians trapped in a cycle of violence. Drone warfare conducted by both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces has extended the geographical reach of hostilities. Attacks on hospitals, markets, even a kindergarten, have left civilians with nowhere safe to go. Illegal flows of weapons and external support are enabling these atrocities, wreaking havoc across the region and undermining prospects for peace. It is imperative that states and other external actors cease arming, financing, and otherwise sustaining this devastating conflict. The Core Group calls for accountability across the full chain of responsibility and via every avenue available. In this context, we commend the critical work of the International Criminal Court to ensure accountability and justice for victims of atrocities in Sudan, and call for full Sudanese cooperation with the Court. Faced with unconscionable horrors across Sudan, this Council cannot look away. We must stand united. The UN Fact-Finding Mission is the only independent investigative body documenting and reporting on these violations and abuses across Sudan. We welcome its commitment to work in step with other independent accountability efforts, in particular the joint fact-finding mission of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. The Banjul Joint Declaration in May of this year is testimony to the collaboration and complementarity between the UN mechanism and the African Union, whose leadership remains crucial to ending the conflict. Renewing the fact-finding mission's mandate is essential to enable justice in Sudan and lay the groundwork for future accountability. Throughout the session, we have held consultations and discussed this draft extensively with all delegations, starting with Sudan. We took on board many of the proposals made, including a number from Sudan itself. Yet, despite our best efforts, it is regretful that these changes were not enough for the Sudanese authorities, as this is a resolution very much for the people of Sudan. We reiterate the Banjul joint declaration's recognition of the courage and resilience of victims, survivors and human rights defenders across Sudan who remain committed to peace and documentation efforts, often at great personal risk. These brave actors deserve more than this Council's attention. They deserve our solidarity. We urge all members to stand with the people of Sudan and vote in favour of this resolution. Thank you. HRC · President [22:23]: Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are six additional co-sponsors. I now give the floor to members of the Council who wish to make general comments. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of North Macedonia. North Macedonia [22:47]: Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the Core Group for presenting draft resolution L.26 in response to the human rights and humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan. More than three years since the start of the armed conflict, the situation in Sudan remains deeply alarming. Over 33 million people need humanitarian assistance. Tens of millions have been displaced. Approximately 20 million people are experiencing severe levels of food insecurity. The Council has repeatedly raised its concern about the serious human rights violations in Sudan. We have an important preventive role to play in addressing the emerging risks, preventing further deterioration, and contributing to the environment conducive to the protection of civilians in respect for human rights in the country. First and foremost, an immediate ceasefire is needed towards a lasting solution to the conflict, followed by inclusive, transparent, and credible political process. Accountability for human rights violation, in particular sexual and gender-based violence, must be at the core of any sustainable peace process. Mr. President, the resolution before us reflects the devastating humanitarian situation and the grave human rights violations and abuses committed by all parties to the conflict. The fact-finding mission has documented cases of killings, enforced disappearances, sexual and gender-based violence, violence against children, arbitrary arrest and detention, and the mass displacement of civilians. Its findings also raise serious concerns about the use of drones, causing devastating and disproportionate harm to civilian population, including women and children. We support the extension of the mandate of the fact-finding mission for a period of one year. Its work is indispensable to support further national accountability efforts and investigations. Its mandate should continue with the full cooperation with all parties to the conflict. We also welcome all efforts aimed in this escalating facilities protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian access. Civilians must be able to move freely and have safe and unhindered access to the basic services and humanitarian assistance they need. Thank you. HRC · President [25:00]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland, followed by Slovenia. Switzerland [25:11]: Mr. President, There's A deplorable situation in Sudan. Despite calls for a ceasefire, people face violence on a daily basis, as well as countless violations of human rights law. Switzerland is worried about the constant attacks on civilians, destruction of basic infrastructure by the parties to conflict. The latest report from the fact-finding mission shows that these attacks may not just be war crimes, but also crimes against humanity, and that the atrocities in Al-Fashir bear the hallmarks of a genocide. Accountability must be ensured throughout the chain of command. For the victims of the conflict, the need to break the cycle of impunity more important than ever, they must be given justice and reparation. Furthermore, with regard to foreign support for the parties to conflict, we would like to call upon all States to stop the transfer of arms and to ensure that the Security Council's arms embargo is extended throughout the territory. International humanitarian legal obligations must be respected at all times, as well as international human rights law. We have seen how serious the situation is in Sudan, and we call upon all parties to conflict to respect international humanitarian law and to silence their weapons. We have taken note of the initial findings of the International Criminal Court whereby war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in El Fasher. This is a balanced text before us, which is the result of transparent and constructive negotiations. I'd also like to recall that just one year ago, the Human Rights Council held an extraordinary session on Sudan, and in the meantime, there's been a fundraising meeting as well. Switzerland, like other members of the Council, believes that the renewal of the fact-finding mission's mandate is absolutely vital, as is its work for documenting the violations and for combatting impunity. We would like to thank the sponsors for their work, and we fully support this initiative. Thank you very much. HRC · President [27:31]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia, followed by Japan. Slovenia [27:38]: Mr. President, Slovenia remains deeply alarmed by the deteriorating human rights situation in Sudan. We strongly condemn the ongoing violence, including ethnically motivated killings targeting on women and children, and increased use of sophisticated weapons. The independent international fact-finding mission has recently concluded that both parties to the conflict have carried out drone attacks striking civilians and civilian infrastructure. a gross violation of international law. The mission has also extensively elaborated on external support networks, which continue to fuel the conflict through the transfer of weapons, drones, personnel, and military assistance. Further, the mission also found hallmarks of genocide in El-Fasher. No lasting peace is possible without justice. The mission plays a critical role in documenting gross violations and abuses, preserving evidence, and laying the ground for future accountability. Renewal of its mandate and its access to Sudan remain vital. The findings of the fact-finding mission leave no doubt about the devastating human cost of this conflict. They highlight the urgent need to bring the fighting to an end and pave the way for a transition towards civilian-led government and sustainable peace. Mr. President, for all these reasons, Slovenia strongly supports the extension of the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission by resolution L26. I thank you. HRC · President [29:22]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan, followed by Kenya. Japan [29:27]: Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, Japan appreciates the efforts of the core group in pre- preparing this draft re- resolution, and we are grateful for the constructive discussions held during the informal consultations and bilateral meetings. Japan remains deeply concerned by the reports about the human rights situation in Sudan, according to which 14 million people remain displaced, with women and children facing heightened risks of violence and food insecurity, while the widespread, brutal use of sexual violence and famines are being exacerbated by restrictions on humanitarian access. Japan urges all parties to the conflict to abide by the obligations under the rule of international humanitarian law and international human rights law as applicable. Civilians must be protected. We call upon all external actors to cease providing directly or indirectly armed, logistical, or financial support to the parties to the conflict and to refrain from any action that could exacerbate tensions and fuel the conflict. Japan supports a renewal of the FFM's mandate and recognizes the significant contribution of its activities to uncovering the underlying mechanisms behind the conflict. We also value the important role that this draft resolution plays in facilitating further corrective efforts by the international community. The Human Rights Council must continue to reaffirm its commitment to addressing this crisis, including through this draft resolution. In closing, we would like to reiterate Japan's support for African-led conflict resolution efforts. Japan hopes that this draft resolution will be adopted and that the FFM will be able to fully implement its mandate. I thank you. HRC · President [31:17]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya, followed by the Netherlands. Kenya [31:25]: Thank you, Mr. President. Kenya remains concerned by the continuing suffering of the Sudanese people and reiterate our call on all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire without preconditions. All parties must fully respect their obligation under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The protection of civilians, including women, children, humanitarian personnel, and other vulnerable groups must remain paramount, and attacks against civilian objects and critical infrastructure must cease. We further underscore the urgent need for a full, safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout the Sudan. Humanitarian actors must be able to reach civilians in need without obstruction, and essential assistance must be allowed to reach all affected populations. Kenya reiterates that there can be no military solution to the conflict. A durable political resolution remains urgent and must be anchored on a Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned process. that is inclusive, credible, and responsive to the aspiration of the Sudanese people. Such a process should ensure the full, equal, and meaningful participation of all relevant stakeholders, including civilian, women, youth, and civil society. We also stress the importance of coherent, coordinated, and complementary international engagement aligned with and supportive of the leadership of the African Union and IGAD, including their respective initiatives to advance peace, dialogue, and a sustainable political transition in the Sudan. International efforts should reinforce rather than duplicate or fragment African-led mediation and facilitation processes. Finally, Kenya emphasizes the importance of accountability for violations and abuses, pursued in a manner that upholds international law, support victims and survivors, and contributes to dialogue, reconciliation, and long-term stability. Kenya will continue to engage constructively with all partners in support of peace, civilian protection, and a sustainable Sudanese-owned political solution. I thank you. HRC · President [33:17]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Netherlands, followed by South Africa. Netherlands (Kingdom of the) [33:23]: Thank you, Mr. President. Three and a half years of conflict have turned the crisis in Sudan into a genuine human rights and humanitarian catastrophe. The growing use of drones has enabled both parties to strike far beyond the front lines, with devastating consequences for innocent civilians. The deliberate targeting of civilians, humanitarian workers, schools, hospitals and markets constitutes a grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. The Netherlands is particularly appalled by the disproportionate and differentiated harm inflicted on women and girls, including through the continued use of conflict-related sexual violence as a weapon of war. Mr. President, as my Minister Schurzma emphasized in his statement to this Council last week, we must ensure that these crimes do not go unpunished. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the fact-finding mission, evidence is being gathered that can help ensure that those responsible are ultimately held accountable. The Netherlands remains steadfast in its support for international courts and tribunals, including the International Criminal Court. We therefore welcome the Fact-Finding Mission's recommendations that the ICC's jurisdiction be extended beyond Darfur to the entire territory of Sudan. Mr. President, there can be no lasting peace or reconciliation for the people of Sudan without accountability across the full chain of responsibility, including those who commit, order, finance, supply, or otherwise facilitate international crimes. To achieve this, it's essential that the FFM can continue its important work in documenting the horrors of this war. We welcome the FFM's statement to work closely with regional accountability efforts, in particular the joint fact-finding mission of the African Commission of Peoples on Human and People's Rights, and we call on Sudan to demonstrate its commitment to peace and justice by fully cooperating with all accountability efforts. The people of Sudan deserve our time, our attention, and our sustained efforts, Above all, they deserve our commitment to ending this war and ensuring justice for survivors and victims. We therefore call on all members to support this important mandate renewal. Thank you. HRC · President [35:30]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa, followed by Estonia. South Africa [35:37]: Thank you, Mr. President. South Africa takes the floor to deliver general comments on resolution L/26. We recall the recent statement by the UN expert appointed by the High Commissioner, urging the international community not to allow Sudan to become a forgotten crisis, which we are duty-bound to ensure. The conflict in Sudan has generated one of the gravest contemporary humanitarian and human rights crises in the world. This is reflected in the litany of violations and abuses, constituting war crimes and potentially amounting to crimes against humanity and other atrocity crimes. Of concern is the use of drones, resulting in attacks now reaching far beyond traditional frontlines. Similarly of concern is the use of a systemic pattern of ethnically targeted killings and sexual violence committed by the RSF in Al-Fashir, which the Fact-Finding Mission found bore all the hallmarks of genocide, together with their warnings about the risk of repetition in Al-Obeid. We therefore thank the core group led by the United Kingdom for taking on board South Africa's comments on the need to better reflect these recent developments, as well as the centrality of the African Union's leadership in coordinating the various mediation initiatives. We similarly appreciate that our proposals to end foreign interference, which aids and abets the conflict, undermines Sudan's sovereignty, and seeks to fragment the country, have also been included. While we must ensure that all parties to the conflict uphold international law and lay down their weapons, this is insufficient on its own. We must similarly address the wider transnational networks spanning multiple countries, supplying weapons, logistics, training, and foreign personnel, including the guns for hire, which the FFM found participated in the RSF's operations in Al-Fashir. In doing so, we echo their findings that the full chain of responsibility must be investigated, including those who order, finance, supply, or otherwise facilitate international crimes. Indeed, there can be no military solution to the conflict. Our efforts must focus on dialogue and securing a sustainable peace, including supporting the AU's roadmap to encourage all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, reach a ceasefire, secure humanitarian access, and create conditions for a genuine Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led political settlement. In this way, we can ensure that the guns are silenced once and for all. I thank you. HRC · President [38:09]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Estonia, followed by France. Estonia · EU [38:16]: Mr. President, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union member states that are members of the Human Rights Council. This general comment has been agreed by the European Union as a whole. The findings of the fact-finding mission point to serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, as well as conduct displaying hallmarks of genocide in the siege of El-Fasher. This includes attacks against civilians, summary executions, arbitrary detention, torture, starvation as a method of warfare, and other grave abuses, including grave violations against children. We are particularly appalled by the widespread and systematic conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. Accountability and justice are the only route to a sustainable and lasting peace for the people of Sudan. This is why the EU strongly supports the extension of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission as mandated by the resolution L26. This worsening crisis merits our continued attention. We believe that this resolution offers hope to the victims of violations in Sudan, that perpetrators will be brought to justice, and that the scourge of impunity in Sudan will end. Mr. President, The EU Member States that are members of this Council will vote yes to on resolution L26 if a vote is called and calls upon all others to do the same. I thank you. HRC · President [39:52]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of France. France [39:59]: Thank you, President. France would like to thank the sponsors of this resolution L26 concerning the response to the human rights and humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan: Norway, Netherlands, UK, Ireland and Germany. France has been supporting Sudan since the revolution in 2019 and for a peaceful solution to the crisis. Notably, we have supported UNICEF's child nutrition fund, which feeds 100,000 people in Darfur and North Kordofan. Arms transfers continue to fuel the conflict. We call upon foreign parties to stop them. call upon the parties to conflict to go back to negotiating table in order to achieve a ceasefire. The international independent fact finding mission for the Sudan is absolutely vital because the serious human rights violations and IHL violations committed for over three years by the Sudanese armed forces, the rapid support forces and their associated armed outfits have been documented and have still gone unpunished. Extending the mandate is absolutely vital. It must be properly funded as well. so it can discharge its mandate. France reiterates its solidarity with the Sudanese people who are the main victims of the conflict. We must stop the war. This is why France supports resolution L26 and we call upon all Council members to support it as well. Thank you very much. HRC · President [41:31]: Thank you. I see no further request for general comments. And I'll give the floor to the concerned country. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sudan. Sudan [41:55]: President, first of all, I would like to begin my comments on the draft resolution by saying once again that the Sudanese Government fully co-operates with human rights mechanisms in the country. That reflects the fact that human rights are a priority for our Government, even before they were included in the draft resolution. The current situation is as follows. The Sudanese Government has excellent relations with the country office in our country. This shows that we stand ready to cooperate. Furthermore, resolution 1591 obliged Sudan to submit a series of reports, and we have done so, this once again reflects that we stand ready to work side by side with you. President, since the war broke out in Sudan and since the rebel militia started launching their attacks on the government and the people of Sudan, committing the worst human rights atrocities, the Sudanese government strove immediately to set up a national committee for investigating all human rights violations. This was pursuant to a presidential decree from 2023. This national commission, since its establishment, has investigated abuses and presented approximately five periodic reports to date. Over the past three years, we have constantly reiterated to you that we stand absolutely ready to work with all the mechanisms that could complement the work of our national commission, but not replace it. This is why any text which backs this principle of complementarity will be supported by our government and our judicial system. President, this draft resolution has not taken into consideration the reservations that we raised, notably the fact that it encroaches on our national sovereignty and also our reservation concerning the fact that militia operations and the rapid support forces committing violations has not been mentioned here. You haven't mentioned the role of the national judicial system either. So that's why we call upon all states supporting the UN Charter and principles to vote against draft resolution L26. Thank you. HRC · President [45:03]: Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are BBIs for this draft proposal. The required resources have already been included in the proposed programme budget. I now give the floor to members of the Council who wish to make explanations of vote before the vote on the draft proposal L26. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of China. China [45:35]: Mr. President, the conflict in Sudan has dragged on for over three years. The immediate priority is to secure a ceasefire and end violence and carry out dialogue and consultation to settle disputes so as to promote the restoration of stability. The Sudanese government has made efforts to promote and protect human rights, including by establishing a national commission of inquiry to investigate and prosecute human rights violations. and conducting constructive dialogue and cooperation with the international human rights mechanisms. China believes that the ultimate solution to the Sudan issue lies in the hands of the Sudanese people themselves. The government has repeatedly expressed its opposition to the establishment of an international fact-finding mission. Imposing a human rights mechanism against the will of the country concerned will only create divisions and further complicate the situation. All parties should respect Sudan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, promote a political solution to the Sudan issue, and truly contribute to improving the human rights situation in the country, rather than the opposite. In view of all these, China requests to put the draft resolution L26 to a vote and will vote against it, and we call upon other member states to vote against it. as well. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [47:02]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan, followed by Egypt. Pakistan [47:11]: Mr. President, Pakistan thanks the United Kingdom for introducing resolution L.26 on behalf of the core group. We remain deeply concerned by the grave humanitarian situation in the Sudan, including in and around El Obeid, where the situation remains precarious as a result of the Rapid Support Forces' continued siege. Pakistan strongly condemns attacks against civilians and civilian objects, including hospitals, markets, schools, places of worship, humanitarian facilities, and aid convoys. Safe, rapid, sustained, and unimpeded humanitarian access must be ensured, and the commitments made under the Jeddah Declaration must be upheld. We appreciate the Government of Sudan's facilitation of humanitarian operations, including keeping the Adreid crossing available, but humanitarian action alone cannot resolve this crisis. The conflict in the Sudan has brought immense suffering to the Sudanese people and their enjoyment of all human rights. The conflict spillover effects have exacerbated an already volatile regional situation. The solution lies in a Sudan-owned and led political process while upholding Sudanese sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Strengthening national institutions and maintaining the Sudanese government's constructive engagement with the OHCHR remain essential for the protection of human rights and effective accountability. Mr. President, Pakistan notes the draft resolution's emphasis on Sudan's unity and territorial integrity and its rejection of parallel governance structures. At the same time, the Council must preserve the distinction between the national armed forces of a sovereign state and a militia accused of atrocities. The Sudanese armed forces remain the principal defense against further RSF advances and the concomitant risk of atrocities. Equivalence between the Sudanese armed forces and the RSF is amongst the factors prolonging this conflict and its catastrophic human rights and humanitarian consequences. Moreover, given Sudan's consistent cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms, this Council's approach should emphasize dialogue and cooperation instead of the imposition of a mandate that does not enjoy the country's support, namely the fact-finding mission. My delegation will therefore vote no on the draft resolution in document L.26. Thank you. HRC · President [49:17]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt, followed by Qatar. Egypt [49:25]: Mr. President, the Sudanese people cannot tolerate more displacement and more war and conflict. They need more peace, more access to truth, justice, and safeguarding of rights and dignity. But can that be achieved by weakening the institutions of the state or by equating between the SAF, which is a national state apparatus with an armed militia that has perpetrated grave violations against civilians and fought against the government and its institutions. Egypt has warned ever since the beginning of the crisis against this kind of approach, because equating between the SAF and RSF will steer us away from responsibility as to the violations and sends the wrong political message at a time when Sudan needs safeguarding its unity, its sovereignty, and its state institutions. Egypt has engaged constructively in the negotiations, but the draft resolution still clings to renewing the mandate of the FFM despite the non-consent of the concerned country and the inability of the FFM to get access to Sudan. The draft resolution in various parts insists on placing SAF and RSF on the same scale without giving further weight to the existing national institutions and mechanisms. This should bring attention to the positive cooperation between the government of Sudan and the various UN mechanisms, including investigative apparatuses. And the government of Sudan has always been present here before the HRC, reviewing the outcomes of various processes. Our Council should have built on this kind of cooperation, working with the investigative processes at the national level to ensure complementarity instead of trying to consolidate a mandate that does not enjoy the consent of the concerned state. We renew our condemnation of the grave violations perpetrated against the Sudanese people, and we insist upon the principle of accountability. But in light of the foregoing and our firm rejection of the renewal of the mandate of the FFM and the unacceptable equation between SAF and RSF, Egypt will join the request to subject this draft resolution to a vote, and we will vote against it. Thank you, President. HRC · President [52:08]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Qatar, and I followed by Iceland. Qatar [52:24]: Thank you, President. I am taking the floor to explain our vote before the vote on draft L26. I would like to thank the penholders. Firstly, we renew our position of support for the Sudan, for its independence and its territorial integrity, and we assert that the Sudanese people have the right to independence, to peace and to development. We condemn all violations of human rights and all crimes committed in the context of the current crisis in Sudan. We condemn the foreign interference which is fueling the war and is increasing the suffering of the people of Sudan. President, the Council, in its decisions on countries, has always affirmed the sovereignty of each country. Many documents adopted internationally, such as the Vienna Declaration and its Programme of Action, have reaffirmed that the protection of human rights is a duty for states first and foremost. That is why we believe it is up to the Sudanese government to protect and promote human rights for their people. We would have liked the core team drafting this resolution to have cooperated with the government of Sudan. We would have liked them to have negotiated in order to come to a solution which would allow this Council to remedy the situation in the country. The draft resolution equates an illegal militia with a legitimate, recognised government, and that could lead to further violations of human rights. We would have liked the draft resolution to be adopted so that Sudan could receive assistance with the consent of the Government. In that way, we would have been able to streamline the resources of the Council. These are the reasons why we are voting against this draft resolution. Thank you. HRC · President [54:46]: Thank you. I would like to inform the Council that Iceland has withdrawn its co-sponsorship of this draft resolution, as reflected in the delegate, and can therefore intervene on this resolution. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iceland. Iceland [55:05]: Mr. President, Iceland thanks the Core Group for presenting draft resolution L26. The findings before this Council on the human rights and humanitarian crisis in Sudan are deeply alarming. This includes the fact-finding mission's reports on mass executions, arbitrary detention, ethnic targeting, torture, and abductions as methods of warfare in the context of the conflict. Further, civic space in the country is shrinking rapidly, as seen by growing harassment and intimidation of survivors and witnesses, and increased threats against journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders. Iceland remains particularly alarmed by the scale of widespread and systematic conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence, where women and girls are being raped and killed in their homes, or as they flee or seek food, water or medical care. In this regard, we appreciate the strong emphasis in the draft resolution on survivor-centered responses, accountability, and the participation of women in ceasefire and peace processes. President, independent investigation and documentation of violations, including the preservation of evidence, are essential to combat impunity. Urgent protection and accountability is vital. The unprecedented levels of violence in Sudan, repeatedly documented before this Council, show us why renewing the fact-finding mission's mandate is urgent. As the only independent investigative body documenting and reporting on atrocities in the country, the FFM's mandate must be renewed. The people of Sudan cannot afford further inaction. Iceland will continue to support all efforts to ensure justice for victims and survivors in Sudan. Iceland therefore supports resolution L26, will vote yes, and encourages all other members of the Council to do the same. I thank you. HRC · President [57:02]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil, followed by Indonesia. Brazil [57:09]: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, Brazil remains deeply concerned about the escalating human rights violations and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. as well as a lack of progress in the negotiations with a view to ending this conflict. We strongly condemn indiscriminate attacks on civilians, widespread sexual violence, arbitrary detentions, and forced displacement. We reiterate that hunger must never be used as a weapon of war. While Brazil appreciates the resolution's reaffirmation of Sudan's unity and territorial integrity, We express concern over reference touching upon peace and security matters outside the Human Rights Council's mandate. Brazil will vote in favor of the resolution to preserve the crucial mandate of the fact-finding mission in monitoring violations by all parties and promoting accountability. Our vote reflects our commitment to keeping this crisis under the Council's review and supporting a lasting solution. reinforce the need for a Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led peace process. Finally, we call on all parties to cease hostilities, stop targeting civilians, and resume dialogue toward a sustainable ceasefire, and strictly comply with international human rights and human international law. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [58:38]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia, followed by Gambia. Indonesia [58:45]: Thank you, Mr. President. Indonesia stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan, who continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. We condemn the continuing violence by the RSF and any external interference to the conflict, which prolongs and aggravates the difficulties faced by the people of Sudan. No economic or political motive can justify it. In considering draft resolution L26, Indonesia's position remains guided by the following considerations. First, with limited resources, the extension of FFM mandate sits uneasily with the complementarity principle, where the Council should reinforce national efforts rather than compete with them. In addition to Sudan's cooperation with three UN mechanisms, L26 itself has acknowledged the establishment of National Investigative Commission. Second, the Sudanese armed forces, as an instrument of the state, has responsibilities to protect the civilians in Sudan and cannot be placed on par with the militia. And third, we must also advance an enabling environment for peace, such as building trust among conflicting parties and addressing ways to an external support that sustain the conflict. A narrow focus on accountability alone would not end the civilian suffering. Mr. President, for these reasons, Indonesia will continue to vote against the resolution. We remain supportive of the ongoing political processes, including the African Union's efforts, and encourage greater coordination among peace initiatives toward a genuine Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led dialogue for the Sudanese people. I thank you. HRC · President [1:00:30]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Gambia. Gambia [1:00:35]: Thank you, Mr. President. The Gambia's vote on draft resolution L26 today is guided by our overriding consideration for the millions of victims of the war in Sudan, who continue to bear the devastating consequences of this conflict, and the need for complementary pathways for justice and accountability. Behind the reports of killings, displacement, sexual violence, attacks on civilian infrastructure, lie real people, women and men, girls and boys, older persons, persons with disabilities, and entire communities whose rights and freedoms have been profoundly violated with impunity. These victims and survivors have a right to truth and justice. They have a right to know what happened, to have serious violations properly documented and investigated, and ultimately to hold all perpetrators to account. Our own national experience of confronting the painful legacy of authoritarianism through truth-seeking, accountability, and reparations has reinforced our conviction that sustainable peace cannot be built in Sudan if any of the serious violations and abuses of human rights go unaddressed. In our view, truth, justice, and accountability are the foundation on which sustainable peace and reconciliation must be constructed. Different areas of Sudan remain in the hands of either the government of Sudan or the RSF. External forces continue to fuel the war with supply of arms, ammunition, and drones, with little regard for international law. Therefore, there is a need for complementary and independent documentation of the crimes being committed in Sudan, the preservation of evidence, and the establishment of facts for future accountability. This work is important to ensure that victims of the conflict are not denied justice and accountability. The Gambia continues to attach great importance to national and African-led accountability processes. We have previously abstained from the vote on this resolution. However, the Banjul Joint Declaration signed between the African Commission and the fact-finding mission adds an important layer of complementarity of international and regional efforts to address the human rights situation in Sudan in a balanced manner. Our support for the renewal of the mandate should neither be interpreted as diminishing Sudan's sovereignty or territorial integrity, nor a slight on its National Investigation Commission. Rather, it reflects our conviction that circumstances on the ground require a combination of national, regional, and international efforts to create credible pathways towards justice and sustainable peace. The protection of civilians and the establishment of the truth and meaningful accountability must remain an integral part of that path. On this basis, the President that the Gambia will vote in favor of draft resolution L26 for the renewal of the mandate of the fact-finding mission. Thank you. HRC · President [1:03:42]: Thank you. I see no further request for explanation of vote before the vote. At the request of the delegation of China and Egypt, the Council will now proceed to a recorded vote on draft resolution L26. I now ask the Secretariat to open the voting machine. And I request all delegations to register their vote. Please check that your vote is correctly reflected. All right. The voting is now closed. The result of the recorded vote are as follow. In favour 28, against 10, and 9 abstention. Draft proposal L26 is therefore adopted. A copy of the results of the vote will shortly be uploaded to the HRC portal. We will now move on to explanations of vote and general comments after the vote on all resolutions adopted under agenda item 2. Any delegation wishing to take the floor? Any request? UK? UK, you have the floor, please. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:05:54]: Thank you, Mr. President. We would like to make a statement after the vote on adopted resolution L8. Since the Taliban's return to power, women and girls have faced systematic restrictions on their rights in Afghanistan, denying them agency over almost every aspect of their lives. For decades, Afghan women have played a central role in Afghanistan's public life. They have been members of parliament and served in the cabinet. After 2001, Afghan women served across society as judges, teachers, journalists, civil servants, health workers, and community leaders. These gains were built by Afghan women. They represented years of courage, determination, and public service, yet they have been dismantled by force. The Afghan woman who once sat in a parliament, stood in a courtroom, taught in a classroom, healed the sick in a hospital or served her community is now being told to disappear from the society she sustained. For Afghan girls, the denial of their rights today, including the barring of their education, is the theft of opportunity, independence and a future of their own. In the face of this deterioration, sustained international scrutiny is essential. So too is accountability. Impunity for violations and abuses of human rights and for violations of international humanitarian law cannot continue. We welcome the resolution's strong focus on the rights of women and girls and its renewal of the special rapporteur's mandate. We thank the EU for their leadership on this critical initiative. The UK did not co-sponsor last year's resolution due to reservations with certain modalities of the new mechanism established. Those reservations remain, but our co-sponsorship this year reflects the profoundly disturbing and deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan. We stand with the women and girls of Afghanistan until they can again exercise their rights and participate fully in society. We will continue to work with partners to defend the human rights of all Afghans, including LGBT+ persons and members of ethnic and religious minorities. and hold those responsible for violations and abuses to account. Thank you. HRC · President [1:08:10]: Thank you. I don't see any further requests for explanation of vote after the vote under agenda item 2. We now move to agenda item 3. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.1, entitled "The right to development". And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uganda, on behalf of the NAM, to introduce the draft resolution. Uganda · NAM [1:08:46]: Thank you, Mr. President. Uganda has the honour to table resolution A/HRC/63/20. stroke L1 on behalf of the Nana Land Movement. We thank all states and civil society that constructively participated in the informal consultations to inform the outcome of the draft resolution tabled today. This draft resolution is largely composed of texts from the previously adopted resolution with some new language that is informed by the real-time development in the human rights field and the needs in the respective states. The new language was introduced in the resolution, amongst others, to acknowledge that States have the responsibility to protect and promote the enjoyment of the right to development. Additionally, the resolution emphasizes the importance of cooperation, especially amongst all States, while stressing that South-South cooperation should not affect the existing North-South cooperation to enable the continuation of the existing official development assistance commitments. Mr. President, this resolution also recognizes the biennial panel discussion that was held in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development last September. The discussion, chaired by yourself, Mr. President, afforded a significant opportunity for the international community to demonstrate and reiterate its unequivocal commitment to the right of development, including taking stock of the achievements, obstacles and challenges encountered over the past four decades in the implementation of the Declaration of the Right to Development at the national, regional and international levels. Finally, the resolution requests all public meetings of the Working Group on the Right to Development be webcast on the UN Web TV. This is in accordance with Council Decision 56/115 of 10 July 2024. The PBIs of webcasting the work of the working group is no different from the cost of all other working groups, and the minimal cost should not be reason to lose the enormous opportunity that it provides people around the world with direct, unfiltered access to global governance, human rights monitoring, and international policy making. We believe that human rights are universal, indivisible, interrelated, and mutually reinforcing, that under no circumstances should people be deprived of their basic means of survival or access to critical infrastructure, services, and goods that are enshrined in the right to development. We therefore invite all members of the Council to support and adopt the resolution by consensus, and if put to a vote, we implore all members to vote in favor of the resolution. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [1:11:36]: Thank you. I now give the floor to members of the Council who wish to make general comments. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt, followed by Cuba. Egypt [1:11:53]: Mr. President, the delegation of Egypt supports draft resolution L.1, tabled by the NAM Group, regarding the right to development. The adoption of this draft resolution coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, which requires us to renew our commitment to the principles embedded therein, foremost of which the entrenchment of the recognition of the right to development as an intrinsic and inalienable human right. The draft resolution acquires special importance in light of what development efforts are facing in terms of global and overlapping challenges that limit the ability of states to achieve development goals and invest in basic services that are tightly linked to the full enjoyment of human rights. We regret the persistent recourse to voting on a right that has been adopted and recognized by the international community for 40 years now. The failure to adopt this draft resolution by consensus begs a legitimate question about the message that the Human Rights Council is sending regarding the status of development within the human rights architecture. Can we even talk about the full enjoyment of human rights in the absence of development? Egypt affirms that development is an ongoing process that all peoples require, irrespective of the level of development, and promoting the right to development requires international cooperation that is based on partnership and the mutual respect for national priorities in such a way as to ensure that no one is left behind. In conclusion, we'd like to address the membership of this Council and say that adopting this draft resolution by consensus will send a unified message saying that we are fully committed to promoting the right to development and to translating that right into a lived reality that reflects positively on the livelihoods of peoples around the world. Thank you, President. HRC · President [1:14:00]: Thank you. I give the distinguished representative of Cuba, followed by Indonesia. Cuba [1:14:09]: President, I would like to thank Uganda for presenting the draft resolution L.1 on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. The Council of the General Assembly acknowledged the right to development 40 years ago as an inalienable and universal human right. Nevertheless, for the vast majority of countries of the Global South, this right continues to be aspirational a chimera. This is very worrying because the right to development is an umbrella right. That means to say that achieving this right is absolutely vital for enjoying other human rights. Cuba supports the swift adoption by the General Assembly of an International Covenant on the Right to Development based on the text recommended by the Council in 2023. The Covenant would place that right on the same level as other human rights as tangible and enforceable obligations at international level. Unilateral coercive measures, such as the criminal blockade that the United States is imposing on Cuba, are incompatible with human rights, and such measures must be halted, as is the case of draft resolution L.1, The Council must integrate the right to development in its work transparently and systematically. Special procedures, mandate holders and all other Council mechanisms must integrate the perspective of the right to development in their discharge of their mandates. Cuba calls upon other Member States to support this draft resolution L1 and vote in favour of it. Thank you very much, President. HRC · President [1:16:08]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia, followed by Ethiopia. Indonesia [1:16:14]: Thank you, Mr. President. We thank Uganda for its continued leadership in presenting this important draft resolution on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. This regular initiative reaffirms the importance of the right to development as an integrating framework for the comprehensive realization and indivisibility of all human rights, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Today, countries in both the global South and the global North confront developmental and human rights challenges of their own. Even in advanced economies, millions of people remain at risk of poverty and social exclusion. The right to development is therefore universally relevant, and its realization is a shared responsibility of all States without exception. Mr. President, Indonesia reiterates a strong commitment to the operationalization of the right to development at the international level, including through an early adoption of the draft International Covenant on the Right to Development now before the General Assembly. To support the ongoing process in New York, we stand ready to work more closely with other delegations to bridge divergent views and enhance coordination between Geneva and New York. This deliberation requires openness, flexibility, and constructive engagement from all sides. Divergence of views must not prevent us from moving this process forward aimed at strengthening the realization of the right to development. Having said that, the adoption of the text before us is one concrete way to sustain the momentum and advance us towards that objective. For these reasons, Indonesia urges all members of the Council to support draft resolution L.1 And should a vote be called, to vote in favor. I thank you. HRC · President [1:18:05]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia, followed by Pakistan. Ethiopia [1:18:11]: Thank you, Mr. President. Ethiopia commends Uganda for its leadership and constructive efforts in advancing this important resolution. The realization of the right to development is central to advancing the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It calls for an enabling environment in which all individuals and peoples can participate meaningfully in, continue to, and benefit from development with equality, dignity, and justice. We therefore welcome the resolution's emphasis on international cooperation on the full enjoyment and effective implementation of the SDGs. We believe that advancing the right to development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are mutually reinforcing objectives, particularly in addressing poverty, inequality, and the persistent structural barriers that continue to constrain the development prospects of many developing countries. Ethiopia also welcomes the continued engagement of the Working Group and the Expert Mechanism and the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development. Their respective contributions are important in strengthening dialogue, sharing expertise and translating the principles of the right to development into meaningful and tangible outcomes for people and communities. We also attach particular importance to the ongoing process towards a legally binding instrument on the right to development. Ethiopia remains fully committed to the realization of the right to development for all. We believe that development, peace, human rights, and international cooperation are mutually reinforcing the pillars of a more just, equitable, and inclusive international order. In this spirit, Ethiopia calls upon all esteemed members of this Council to support the adoption of this resolution by consensus. Should the resolution be put to a vote, Ethiopia urges all esteemed members of the Human Rights Council to vote in favour of the resolution. Thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [1:20:27]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan. Pakistan [1:20:32]: Thank you, Mr. President. Pakistan welcomes the draft resolution contained in document L.1, titled "The Right to Development," and thanks the delegation of Uganda in its capacity as the chair of the Non-Aligned Movement for introducing it for this Council's consideration. Mr. President, 40 years ago, the Declaration on the Right to Development placed human beings at the center of development, affirming that the right to development was an inalienable human right of individuals and peoples. Its message was profound. Progress must not merely create wealth, it must advance social development and uphold human dignity. Regrettably, that promise confronts a stark reality across much of the developing world. Debt servicing consumes scarce resources that should be directed towards development. Natural disasters are erasing hard-won gains. Technological inequalities threaten to carry old divides into a new digital age. Accelerating reform of the international financial architecture, meeting the pledges made towards official development assistance, Operationalizing the climate loss and damage fund and bridging digital divides therefore remain key. A right cannot be realized where the means to realize it are denied. We therefore appreciate the work of this Council's mechanisms on the right to development in fostering greater appreciation and understanding. In that same spirit, my delegation supports the early adoption of the International Covenant on the Right to Development. Mr. President, the measure of development is not only how far one individual or group advances, but whether humanity advances together. We extend our support to draft resolution L.1 and join other delegations in calling on the Council to adopt it by consensus. If it were put to a vote, Pakistan would vote in favor and urges all others to do the same. I thank you. HRC · President [1:22:21]: Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution. The corresponding PBI oral statement has been made available on the HRC portal. I now give the floor to members of the Council who wish to make explanations or vote before the vote on draft resolution L.1. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the UK. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:22:55]: Mr. President, The United Kingdom thanks the delegation of Uganda on behalf of the NAM for their engagement on this resolution. The UK remains firmly committed to sustainable development, poverty reduction and the promotion and protection of all human rights. We recognize that sustainable development plays an important role in enabling individuals to enjoy their human rights and fulfill their potential. It is the UK's long-standing position that the right to development is best realized through the implementation of existing international human rights obligations. We are therefore concerned that this resolution seeks to advance the development of a new legally binding instrument on the right to development. We do not consider such an instrument necessary given the extensive existing international human rights framework. Further, we are clear that it is individuals who are rights holders and states who are duty bearers. We are concerned that this resolution places increasing emphasis on obligations and processes between States, rather than on the individual as the holder of the right to development. While we appreciate the engagement of the NAM throughout informals, these concerns unfortunately remain unresolved. For these reasons, the United Kingdom will call a vote on this resolution and will vote against. Thank you. HRC · President [1:24:09]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Estonia, followed by Japan. Estonia · EU [1:24:17]: Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to speak again on behalf of the European Union member states that are members of the Human Rights Council. This explanation of vote has been agreed by the EU as a whole. For the European Union, development is an inalienable universal right, indivisible from human dignity. The Declaration on the Right to Development puts individuals as the central actors, drivers and beneficiaries of development. States, as duty bearers, carry the primary responsibility for realising all human rights, including the right to development. The EU promotes a human rights-based approach to inclusive and sustainable development. We work towards achieving sustainable development the non-discriminatory realization of all human rights, eradicating poverty in all its dimensions, tackling discrimination and inequalities, and leaving no one behind. We also act on our commitment. The European Union and its Member States remain the world's largest official development assistance donors. Mr. President, the EU therefore thanks Uganda for leading on behalf of NAM open and inclusive informal consultations on resolution L.1. We participated constructively to ensure that the text aligns with the principle of universality of human rights, with individuals as rights holders and states as duty bearers. Despite diverging views on the right to development, particularly on a draft legally binding instrument, The European Union has and will continue to engage constructively. We appreciate the efforts made to address some of our concerns and are encouraged by the constructive developments. We are still concerned by the approach that ignores the international human rights law that defines human rights as rights of individuals, including with regard to the right to development. Although the EU cannot support resolution L1, it thanks the pen holder for constructive dialogue during negotiations and remains ready to be actively engaged in a meaningful discussion with the NAM and the wider UN membership on this important issue. I thank you. HRC · President [1:26:41]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan, followed by Iceland. Japan [1:26:47]: Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, we thank the NAM for presenting this resolution. Japan has been providing official development assistance, ODA, for more than 70 years. Over the decades, we have supported 190 countries and regions, contributing to healthcare, high-quality infrastructure development, education, and capacity building. We firmly recognize the importance of development as one of the three pillars of the United Nations. However, while states have the primary responsibility for the full realization of all human rights, every individual person must always be recognized as a rights holder, regardless of where they live. Unfortunately, this draft resolution appears to place greater emphasis on the interests of states rather than individuals in the context of the right to development. We cannot support an approach that prioritizes the development processes over the protection and promotion of human rights. We recognize that there are differing views regarding the right to development. In particular, with respect to the legally binding instrument referenced in this draft resolution, further substantive discussions are necessary, and their conclusions should not be prejudged. For these reasons, we call for a vote and will vote against draft resolution L1. We encourage other members to do the same. I thank you. HRC · President [1:28:16]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iceland, followed by Spain. Iceland [1:28:23]: Mr. President, Iceland reaffirms its support for development as an integral part of the human rights framework. and its commitment to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda. In addition to the important premise of the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind, the Vienna Declaration affirms that democracy, development, and respect for human rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing, and it remains the foundation of our approach. It is on the same basis that we continue to seek a common understanding among states on development. Our concerns regarding specific references, including references to a legally binding instrument, have not yet been addressed in the text. We raise them now, not to detract from the purpose of the resolution, but to clarify the basis for our abstention. Iceland's abstention is an expression of continued engagement, not of disengagement. We are grateful for the openness with which the Core Group and Uganda, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, received our views. We hope that in future iterations of the draft resolution, the text may develop in a way that allows a broader group of delegations to join in. For these reasons, Iceland will abstain on the vote on the draft resolution L.1. I thank you. HRC · President [1:29:49]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain, followed by China. Spain [1:29:55]: Thank you very much, President. Spain subscribes to the EU statement and would like to add a certain number of comments in our national capacity to explain our vote on draft resolution L1. Spain would like to thank the work of the Non-Aligned Movement and Uganda in particular for promoting this initiative. The right to development is an integral part of the universal framework of human rights and must be achieved in full consistency with the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights. Now, our position is based on a premise which I've also heard echoed by other speakers. Unless you have appropriate funding, human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, will not be fully achieved. The Seville Commitment set that out quite clearly and put development at the heart of its aims and provided a solid framework for the policies to achieve the right to development. International law, individuals as right holders and recognition of existing frameworks such as the Seville Commitment must be put at the heart of the text of the resolution before us. So Spain is unable to support the resolution in its current form, but we will continue to work constructively in order to support the right to development, the work of the Council on the subject, including in future negotiations, and also to support the approach of the human rights economy, which is endorsed by the Office of the High Commissioner. Thank you. HRC · President [1:31:40]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of China. China [1:31:47]: Mr. President, I would like to commend Uganda for once again tabling L1 on behalf of NAM. Forty years ago, the Declaration on the Right to Development clearly stated that the right to development is an inalienable human right. Regrettably, however, mounting challenges such as geopolitical conflicts, North-South divide, and governance deficit are adding hurdles to its realization. All countries should seize the occasion of this 40th anniversary to take effective measures to create an environment for equitable development and jointly meet development challenges. The right to development is reflected in all other human rights. It is both an individual right and a collective right for all countries and peoples. We must abide by a correct human rights approach, give full recognition and equal weight to the right to development, and eliminate poverty and inequality so as to enhance the basis for human rights governance. The Chinese people have undertaken tremendous efforts and achieved huge success in pursuit of development and the right to development. will be guided by the Global Development Initiative and work steadily to make this right enjoyable and accessible to all. Mr. President, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development, the Human Rights Council is now deciding to put a vote to this resolution on the right to development. We are deeply saddened by this. This also shows the double standards and hypocrisy of some countries on the issues with human rights. We will vote in favor and would like to call on other members to do likewise. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [1:33:45]: Thank you. I see no further request for explanation of vote before the vote. At the request of the delegations of UK and Japan, the Council will now proceed to a recorded vote on draft resolution L.1. I now ask the Secretariat to open the voting machine. And I request all delegations to register their votes. Please ensure that your votes are correctly reflected. And I now ask the Secretariat to close the voting machine and the voting is now closed. The results of the recorded votes are as follows. 28 in favour, 14 against and 5 abstention. Draft proposal L1 is therefore adopted. A copy of the results of the vote will shortly be uploaded to the portal. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.2, entitled "Mandate of Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights". I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uganda, on behalf of the NAM, to introduce the draft text. You have the floor. Uganda · NAM [1:35:49]: Uganda has the honor to table this resolution, A/HRC/63/L.2, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, NAM. We welcome the constructive engagement we had with all member states during the informal consultations. Despite the varying views on United Nations coercive measures, the NAM remains committed to dialogue with all partners towards possible consensus. This draft resolution is composed of streamlined text that requests the Council to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights. Whereas there may be differing views regarding the thematic resolution on the negative impact of UCMs, we believe that the mandate holder will play an important role in enlightening us further on this important issue. We further believe that the Special Rapporteur will play an important role in examining the wide range of the impact of unilateral coercive measures on international humanitarian and human rights law, and on the economy, peace, security, and social fabric of States. Furthermore, the mandate holder will continue the work of developing a methodology to account for and continue to make visible the impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights. The resolution calls on governments to cooperate with and assist the Special Rapporteur in her tasks, to supply all necessary information requested by the mandate holder, and to respond favourably to requests for visits to enable her to fulfil her mandate effectively. Mr. President, UNATO coercive measures in the form of economic sanctions and the secondary sanctions have far-reaching implications on the enjoyment of human rights by the general population of targeted states. They disproportionately affect the poor and persons in the most vulnerable situations, and this only enhances the need for the extension of the mandate holder to continue shedding light and attention to this. It's against this background and our renewed commitment to champion the enjoyment of human rights by all that we invite all Council members to support and adopt this resolution. I thank you. HRC · President [1:38:15]: I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are no additional co-sponsors and I now give the floor to members of the council who wish to make general comments I give the floor to distinguished representative of Egypt followed by Cuba. Egypt [1:38:35]: President first of all We'd like to thank the Ugandan delegation for having chaired the Non-Aligned Movement over the past three years, and we'd like to wish Uzbekistan every success as the incoming chair. We are the largest political grouping in the world with 120 member states. The Non-Aligned Movement continues to support a number of different international initiatives, notably the mandate of the special rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures. Our position is as follows. When sanctions or other unilateral measures are taken outside the framework of international law, they have long term impacts which are extremely serious. Unilateral coercive measures should not be used as mechanisms for exerting economic or political pressure on states. We oppose any unilateral coercive measures because they undermine the principles of the UN Charter and are in opposition to peaceful coexistence and non-interference. We applaud the efforts deployed to achieve a neutral text which would bring together different currents of opinion. This is the case of this text here. We appreciate the cooperative spirit of the negotiations on this draft resolution and we support Member States to support it. Egypt certainly will vote in favour if a vote is called. Thank you. HRC · President [1:40:30]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba, followed by Ethiopia. Cuba [1:40:40]: President, we'd like to thank Uganda for introducing draft resolution L2 on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. As the draft underscores, unilateral coercive measures are in opposition to the UN Charter, international law, international humanitarian law, and the rules and principles regulating peaceful coexistence among states. So this is why this mandate is more necessary than ever. This is because multilateralism and international law are under specific threat. The latest report from the Special Rapporteur, which is mentioned in the draft resolution, refers to her visit to Cuba. The visit report objectively documents the huge damage caused to the Cuban people by the criminal economic blockade and energy siege imposed by the United States. The report shows clear evidence as to how these measures violate Cubans human rights. Her report actually coincides with those of many other special procedures mandate holders. They've all called for this ineffective assault on Cuban rights. The United States must comply with the special rapporteur's recommendations, including the following: one, lift or suspend all unilateral coercive measures applied against Cuba; two, lift all restrictions on the supply of essential goods to Cuba, including food, medicines, and medical equipment, and restrictions on maintaining and developing critical infrastructure, such as electrical energy networks and water supply networks. Three, remove Cuba from the list of states allegedly supporting or sponsoring terrorism. and 4. Put an end to the national emergency which declares Cuba as a threat to the United States national security and 5. Choose the path of dialogue for resolving conflicts with Cuba. Cuba supports the request made in draft resolution L2 for providing the Special Rapporteur with all the necessary assistance, including sufficient human, technical and financial assistance necessary for the effective fulfilment of her mandate. Cuba calls on Member States to vote in favour of draft resolution L2. Thank you very much, President. HRC · President [1:43:39]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia. Ethiopia [1:43:45]: Thank you, Mr. President. Ethiopia would like to express its appreciation to Uganda for its leadership and continued efforts on behalf of the non-aligned movement in advancing this important mandate, which remains highly relevant to strengthening the protection and promotion of human rights and addresses the adverse impact of unilateral coercive measures on their enjoyment. Ethiopia recognizes the importance of continued attention to the human rights implications of unilateral coercive measures, particularly where their effects may impair development and the full enjoyment of human rights. The protection and promotion of human rights must remain at the center of our collective efforts. At the same time, we must recognize that the realization of human rights, including the right to development, is closely connected to an enabling international environment based on cooperation, solidarity, sovereign equality, and respect for international law. Ethiopia is particularly concerned by the potential humanitarian and developmental consequences of measures that may adversely affect access to essential goods, services, finance, technology and international cooperation. Such impacts can place additional burdens on vulnerable populations and may constrain the ability of developing countries to advance their national development priorities. In this regard, Ethiopia welcomes the continued work of the Special Rapporteur in documenting and assessing the human rights implications of unilateral coercive measures and in promoting greater awareness, dialogue and accountability within the international human rights system. Mr. President, Ethiopia firmly believes that differences among states should be addressed through dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful means, consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Multilateral cooperation remains essential to addressing global challenges and to ensuring that efforts to advance human rights and sustainable development are mutually reinforcing. In this spirit, Ethiopia calls upon all esteemed members of the Council to support the adoption of the draft resolution L2 by consensus. Should the draft resolution be put to a vote, Ethiopia urges all esteemed members of the Council to vote in favour. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [1:46:23]: Thank you. I see no further requests for general comments. I have been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution, and the required resources have already been included in the proposed programme budget. I now give the floor to members of the Council who wish to make explanations of vote before the vote on the draft resolution. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Estonia. Estonia · EU [1:47:00]: Mr. President, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union member states that are members of the Human Rights Council. This explanation of vote has been agreed by the EU as a whole. The European Union thanks Uganda for leading the informal consultations on behalf of the NAM on this resolution. We especially appreciate the efforts by the Benelux to streamline and shorten the text, focusing on the mandate renewal itself and reflecting the focus already in the title of this resolution. Nevertheless, the European Union continues to oppose the fundamental premise of this resolution that all autonomous sanctions negatively impact the enjoyment of human rights. Mr. President, while we agree that states should refrain from illegal unilateral measures and their negative effects, we disagree with a narrative that treats temporary, targeted, and proportionate restrictive measures adopted in accordance with international law the same as illegal measures and arbitrary economic coercion. There is no general prohibition under international law of unilateral restrictive measures. Autonomous measures provide a peaceful and lawful tool to act, including when the UN's response to flagrant violations of international law is obstructed by the use of the veto. We remain ready to engage on this issue with the NAM, the wider UN membership, as well as the Special Rapporteur. Mr. President, European Union restrictive measures are designed to avoid as much as possible any unintended consequences. They can be challenged in court and have no extraterritorial application. The humanitarian carve-outs support the commitment to protecting people, including countries on the UN or autonomous sanctions. In this context, I would like to remind that the EU and its Member States remain the biggest donor of development and humanitarian assistance in the world. Taking this into account, the European Union cannot support the draft resolution L2 and calls for a vote on this resolution. The EU Member States that are members of the Human Rights Council will be voting against the resolution. I thank you. HRC · President [1:49:22]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan. Japan [1:49:27]: Thank you, Mr. President. Japan thanks NAM for its efforts to prepare the draft resolution L2. Japan certainly shares the view that the theme of the draft resolution is important as a free and open international order based on the rule of law that we have fostered is facing profound challenges on multiple fronts. However, Japan cannot support assertions that all so-called UCMs are contrary to international law or constitute human rights violations in and of themselves. All sovereign nations have a legitimate right to take autonomous measures to address threats to international peace and security in full compliance with international law, including the UN Charter. Japan also reiterates that sanctions should not affect humanitarian activities. When applying sanctions, Japan and its partners include clear humanitarian exemptions to avoid negatively impacting humanitarian assistance. As the draft resolution does not differentiate between legitimate and illegitimate sanctions, Japan is unable to support the resolution. For these reasons, Japan will vote against draft resolution L2. Thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [1:50:45]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iceland, followed by the UK. Iceland [1:50:53]: Mr. President, Iceland thanks the Core Group and you count on behalf of the non-aligned movement in particular for the openness and courtesy with which our views were received during the informal consultations on draft resolution L2. Iceland has engaged in good faith, and it is in that spirit that we explain our vote. Our position does not reflect indifference to the concerns that motivate this draft resolution. Iceland shares the concern over the negative impact that sanctions regimes can have on civilian populations, in particular through overcompliance and de-risking by financial and commercial actors. Security Council Resolution 2664 from 2022, as well as the humanitarian exemptions that have since been incorporated into many restrictive measures frameworks, including those that Iceland applies, demonstrate that this concern is shared across regions. In this regard, Iceland would welcome the opportunity to engage constructively on a text that reflects this. The term "unilateral coercive measures" has no agreed definition in international law, and that is primarily where our difficulty lies. Restrictive measures adopted in accordance with international law in response to serious violations are a legitimate instrument of foreign policy intended to respond to violations of international law and human rights, and demand that should not proceed from the presumption to the contrary. In this light, we note with interest the Special Rapporteur's acknowledgement in her latest report presented to this Council that a differentiated analysis of measures should underpin her work. We encourage the core group to consider how that approach might be reflected in future texts. For these reasons, Iceland will vote no on draft resolution L2. Thank you. HRC · President [1:52:55]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative. of the UK, followed by Chile. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:53:03]: Mr. President, the United Kingdom thanks Uganda in their role as chair of the NAM for their engagement on this resolution. The UK cannot support the renewal of this mandate while it continues to rest on a misleading and inaccurate characterization of the UK's autonomous sanctions. The mandate has too often treated fundamentally different measures as though they were the same, and has failed to adequately distinguish between broad economic coercion and lawful, targeted sanctions with robust safeguards. UK sanctions are lawful, targeted, and transparent. They are used to deter and disrupt egregious conduct and to uphold international norms. They are transparent, include due process protections, the ability to seek review, humanitarian exemptions, and licensing provisions. They do not target essential food, medicines, or civilian populations. Sanctions can have unintended effects, and those effects should be examined carefully. But credible human rights analysis must distinguish those effects from the consequences of conflict, governance failures, or economic mismanagement. it must accurately reflect the purpose, design and safeguards of the measures concerned. It should also recognise that lawful and proportionate sanctions can themselves promote accountability for serious human rights violations. We therefore cannot support a mandate that perpetuates the erroneous suggestion that UK autonomous sanctions are inherently unlawful or characterises them as so-called unilateral coercive measures. We encourage a more balanced, legally precise and evidence-led approach that can both differentiate between contrasting state practices and apply consistent standards to all. For these reasons, the United Kingdom will vote against this resolution. Thank you. HRC · President [1:54:50]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile. Chile [1:54:56]: Thank you very much, President. Chile will vote in favour of this resolution. Nevertheless, we believe it is important to express our views on the subject. We believe that unilateral coercive measures are mechanisms which fall outside international law. the spirit of the UN Charter, international humanitarian law and the rules and principles governing peaceful coexistence between states. We are worried about their possible impact, particularly on economic, social and cultural rights, as well as free trade and cooperation among states. In addition, Chile categorically rejects any politicization of resolutions because we should be focusing exclusively on human rights. Our vote in favor should not be interpreted as support for governments responsible for serious human rights violations through unilateral coercive measures that they impose. Thank you very much. HRC · President [1:56:03]: Thank you. I see no further request for explanation of vote before the vote. At the request of the delegation of Estonia, the Council will now proceed to recorded vote on draft resolution L.2. I now ask the Secretariat to open the voting machine and request all delegations to register their vote. I request delegations to check whether their vote have been correctly reflected on screen. If so, I ask the Secretariat to close the voting machine, and the voting machine is now closed. The results of the recorded votes are as follows: 27 in favour, 16 against, and 4 abstention. And draft resolution L.2, is therefore adopted. A copy of the results of the vote will shortly be uploaded to the portal. The Council will now consider draft resolution L3 entitled Use of Mercenaries as a Means of Violating Human Rights and Impeding the Exercise of the Right of Peoples to Self-Determination. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba to introduce the draft text. Cuba · 20 co-sponsors [1:57:55]: Thank you, President. Cuba has the honour of presenting this draft resolution on behalf of the 20 co-sponsors. It is entitled "Use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination". Mercenaries have a huge impact on human rights. That's why the Council must pay attention to this phenomenon. The recruitment, financing, provision of weapons and use of mercenaries are violations of the UN Charter. The draft makes an appeal to member states that haven't yet done so to accede to the International Convention against the recruitment, use and financing and training of mercenaries. A request is made to the working group to study the forms and trends of mercenarism, such as technological progress and the use of digital infrastructures. There's also a request in the draft for the working group to receive from the Secretary General and the High Commissioner all the support that they need in order to fulfill their mandate. President, the Cuban delegation would like to thank Member States, civil society organizations and other stakeholders that took an active and constructive part in the consultations that we held on draft resolution L3. We regret that some delegations still question the relevance of the Council addressing the implications of mercenarism on human rights. We would like to make a respectful appeal for Member States to reconsider those positions in the future. On behalf of the co-sponsors, Cuba calls upon Member States to vote in favour of draft resolution L.3. Thank you very much, President. HRC · President [2:00:09]: Thank you. I have been informed by the Secretariat that there are nine additional co-sponsors. And I'll give the floor to members of the council who wish to make general comments. I see no such requests. I've been informed by the secretariat that there are no PBIs for this draft proposal. And I'll give the floor to members of the council who wish to make explanations of vote before the vote on draft resolution L3. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Estonia. Estonia · EU [2:01:00]: Mr. President, I have the honour to speak again on behalf of the European Union Member States that are members of the Human Rights Council. This explanation of vote has been agreed by the EU as a whole. The European Union engaged during the informal consultations with the admission of Cuba. Unfortunately, this resolution leaves our long-standing concern unresolved. For example, the draft continues to confuse the roles and actions of mercenaries, which are clearly defined under international humanitarian law, with illegal activities of private military and security companies, while confusing remains from the business and human rights angle. In the context of the liquidity crisis, the inefficient allocation of resources remains a concern. Finally, the draft still associates mercenaries with a right to self-determination, which falls beyond the mandate of the Human Rights Council. For the reasons mentioned above, the EU cannot support resolution L3. The European Union calls for a vote, and the EU member states that are members of the Human Rights Council will be voting against this initiative. I thank you. HRC · President [2:02:15]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan. Japan [2:02:23]: Thank you, Mr. President. Japan appreciates Cuba's efforts to prepare the draft resolution L3. Taking this opportunity, we would like to state our longstanding concern about the resolution. Japan recognizes that there remain diverse views and considerable ongoing discussions on the definition of the term "mercenaries" used in this draft resolution. Furthermore, we think that linking the use of mercenaries with human rights violations and extending the scope to the right of the peoples to self-determination is not appropriate. Taking these points into account, we regrettably maintain our established position on this draft resolution. Japan will therefore vote against draft resolution L3. I thank you. HRC · President [2:03:10]: Thank you. I see no further request for the floor. At the request of the delegation of Estonia, the Council will now proceed to a recorded vote on draft resolution L.3. I now ask the Secretariat to open the voting machine and request all delegations to register their votes. Have all delegations registered their votes? I request delegations to check that their votes are correctly reflected on screen. And I ask the Secretariat to close the voting machine. The voting is now closed. The results of the recorded vote are as follows: 26 in favour, 17 against, and 3 abstentions. Draft proposal L.3 is therefore adopted. A copy of the results of the vote will shortly be uploaded to the portal. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.4, entitled "Mandate of independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order." And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba to introduce the draft resolution. Cuba · 35 co-sponsors [2:05:19]: President. On behalf of the 35 co-sponsors, Cuba has the honour of introducing draft resolution L4, bearing the title "Mandate of the Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order". The draft proposes that the Independent Expert's mandate be renewed. This will allow them to support the materialization of rights based on human equity, dignity, solidarity, respect for diversity and human rights. The transformation of the current international order is absolutely urgent. Countries of the global South are disproportionately affected by structural inequalities, which are both persistent and growing. They thwart efforts at national level to promote and protect all human rights. Renewing this important mandate will also demonstrate our commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter and international law. This is particularly relevant in current times. President, Cuba would like to thank Member States, civil society organizations, other stakeholders that took an active and constructive part in the negotiations on draft resolution L4. The text that we're presenting today is the result of transparent, respectful, and inclusive exchanges. On behalf of the co-sponsors, Cuba calls upon member states to vote in favor of draft resolution L4. Thank you very much, President. HRC · President [2:07:21]: Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 21 additional co-sponsors. And I'll give the floor to members of the Council who may wish to make general comments. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt, followed by Kenya. Egypt [2:07:44]: The President, I want to thank the delegation of Cuba for presenting this draft resolution. The mandate of the independent expert remains both timely and indispensable at a moment of heightened global polarization, disregard for international law, and growing pressure on multilateral institutions. We believe that cooperation, equality, non-discrimination, and respect for sovereignty form the foundation of a stable and just international order. The principles of the UN Charter are not abstract aspirations. They are prerequisites for peace, for development, and for the universality of human rights. Today, however. These principles face unprecedented pushback. Selective adherence to international obligations, unilateral actions, and the erosion of multilateral dialogue weaken trust and undermine the very system designed to safeguard human dignity. The experts' analysis has helped in highlighting how these trends fragment the international. Landscape, deepen inequalities, and create environments where human rights protection becomes inconsistent. We value the mandate's role in promoting constructive engagement among states, encouraging dialogue over. Confrontation, and reaffirming that international cooperation is essential. Equality among states, respect for international law, and solidarity are the only viable pathways to restoring coherence and strengthening the global human rights architecture. We support the renewal of the mandate and encourage members of the Human Rights Council to support it, to send a clear message that this Council remains committed to upholding. A democratic and equitable international order in which human rights are indeed universal. Thank you, President. HRC · President [2:09:54]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya, followed by Ghana. Kenya [2:10:01]: Mr. President, Kenya thanks the delegation of Cuba for tabling this draft resolution and for the constructive consultation that has brought us to this moment. We welcome the text before us and the renewal of the mandate of the independent expert on the promotion of democratic and equitable international order. This mandate speaks directly to the promise of the Charter, an international order in which the rights and freedoms of the Universal Declaration can be fully realized for all people everywhere. In a world marked by overlapping crises, debt distress, climate losses, persistent inequality, and uneven access to finance, The call for a democratic and equitable international order is not abstract. It is a practical necessity for the protection of all human rights, including the right to development. Kenya has consistently called for reforms that advance an equitable international order and a fairer international financial architecture. As His Excellency President William Ruto underscored at the 81st session of the General Assembly, sovereign equality cannot end at the doors of the Security Council, nor can it stop at the gates of a financial institution. An order that proclaims equality while preserving structures of unequal power undermines trust in multilateralism and impedes the full realization of human rights. The Independent Expert's recent work on the necessary reforms to the international financial architecture and on embedded multipolarity in a polarized world is therefore timely and directly relevant to this Council's work. High debt servicing costs, punitive risk pricing, and limited access to long-term and local currency financing constraints the policy space of developing countries and erode their capacity to deliver on economic, social, and cultural rights. To this end, capital must price risk. It must not price prejudice. That principle is at the heart of the democratic and equitable international order. We call upon all governments to cooperate fully with the independent expert and to provide the necessary information for the discharge of the mandate. Kenya supports the renewal of the independent expert mandate for three years and calls for adequate human and financial resources to enable its effective implementation. We also welcome all delegations to adopt this resolution by consensus. as a clear sign of our shared solidarity and of collective importance we attach to this mandate in advancing a democratic and equitable international order for the realization of all human rights. I thank you. HRC · President [2:12:30]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ghana, followed by Ethiopia. Ghana [2:12:34]: Mr. President, Ghana thanks the delegation of Cuba for once again tabling this important draft resolution to the Council, which resonates with my delegation's constitutional obligations, longstanding foreign policy principles, and commitment to effective multilateralism. Our support for a democratic and equitable international order is firmly anchored in Article 40 of Ghana's 1992 Constitution. It directs the government in its dealings with other nations to seek the establishment of a just and equitable international economic and social order, promote respect for international law and treaty obligations, and adhere to the principles and aims of the United Nations and other international organizations. Ghana's position is consistent with the constitutive act of the African Union, particularly its commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law, good governance, popular participation, and sovereign equality. The African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Good Governance reinforces these commitments through its emphasis on constitutional rule, human rights, political participation, transparency, accountability, and equitable governance. Ghana emphasizes that a democratic and equitable international system requires the meaningful representation and participation of developing countries in global decision-making, alongside reforms to global governance, international financial institutions, and development cooperation mechanisms. These reforms are essential to advancing sustainable development and the realization of human rights. Mr. President Africa must have a meaningful role in shaping the emerging global order Ghana advocates for an international system founded on dialogue cooperation respect for international law and shared progress we call for a fairer Global Financial architecture and greater African representation in decisions that shape our Collective future Ghana therefore supports the renewal of the independent expert mandate to strengthen multilateralism address structural inequalities and advance an international order that is more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the legitimate interests of all states and peoples. I thank you. HRC · President [2:14:45]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia. Ethiopia [2:14:51]: Thank you, Mr. President. Ethiopia thanks Cuba for its leadership and continued commitment to advancing the mandate of the independent experts on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order. Ethiopia believes that strengthening a democratic and equitable international order is not only a shared responsibility, but also an essential investment in the realization of human rights, sustainable development, peace, and prosperity for present and future generations. Mr. President, the international community is confronted with complex and interconnected challenges. including persistent inequalities, widening development gaps, economic and financial vulnerabilities, and challenges affecting the ability of developing countries to advance their sustainable development priorities. In this context, Ethiopia attaches particular importance to the principles of sovereign equality, equity, international cooperation, and solidarity, which remains essential foundations for a fairer and more representative international order. Welcome the attention given by the independent experts to the international financial architecture. For developing countries, reform of international financial system is closely connected to the realization of human rights and sustainable development. Greater access to predictable and adequate development financing, strengthened international cooperation, and more inclusive decision-making can contribute significantly to creating an enabling environment for development. A truly democratic and equitable international order must be inclusive, representative, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of all states, regardless of their size or level of development. In closing, Mr. President, Ethiopia considers multilateralism and international cooperation to be indispensable to advancing a more peaceful, just, and equitable international order. We therefore support the renewal of the mandate and encourage all relevant stakeholders to continue engaging constructively with the independent expert. In this spirit, Ethiopia supports the adoption of this resolution by consensus. Should the resolution be put to a vote, Ethiopia will vote in favour and urge all esteemed members of the Council to do the same. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [2:17:28]: Thank you. I see no further request for general comments. I have been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution and that the required resources already been included in the proposed program budget and I'll give the floor to members of the council who may wish to make explanations or vote before the vote on draft resolution L4 and I give the floor to a distinct representative of Japan. Japan [2:18:07]: Thank you Mr. thank you Mr. President we thank Cuba for its efforts to prepare the draft resolution L4 we We certainly share the views that the theme of democratic and equitable international order is timely and important, and we do not intend to dismiss all discussions and initiatives on this theme. However, we find that the concept of a democratic and equitable international order referred to in the draft resolution remains unclear and cannot be considered as a part of internationally recognized human rights. Furthermore, Japan considers that much of the language used regarding the international order in this resolution goes beyond the scope of what should be tabled at the Human Rights Council. In light of these considerations, we can only conclude that this resolution falls outside the mandate of the Council, and we therefore cannot support it. For these reasons, we call for a vote and will vote against resolution L4. Thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [2:19:08]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Estonia. Estonia · EU [2:19:17]: Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to speak again on behalf of the European Union member states that are members of the Human Rights Council. This statement has been agreed by the European Union as a whole. The EU and its Member States are committed to continuing to work towards a democratic and equitable international order. However, in relation to resolution L4, our concerns expressed in previous years at the Human Rights Council remain valid. Namely, the topic has not been dealt with in a comprehensive way, and we consider that some of the elements of the mandate were selected arbitrarily, out of their appropriate context, and go beyond the scope of the Human Rights Council. The European Union sees that the mandate has exhausted its potential and that there is no need to retain it. For the above-mentioned reasons, the European Union cannot support resolution L4. This resolution has just been called to a vote. European Union member states that are members of the Human Rights Council will be voting against. I thank you. HRC · President [2:20:28]: Thank you. I see no further request for explanation of vote before the vote. At the request of the delegation of Japan, The Council will now proceed to a recorded vote on draft resolution L.4. I now ask the Secretariat to open the voting machine and request all delegations to register their vote. I request all delegations to check whether their vote is accurately reflected on the screen. And if so, I close the -- I ask the secretariat to close the voting machine, and the voting is now closed. The results of the recorded votes are as follows: 26 in favor, 16 against, and 5 abstention. Draft resolution L4 is therefore adopted. A copy of the results of the vote will shortly be uploaded to the portal. The Council will now consider draft resolution L6, entitled Special Rapporteur on the Promotion of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Guarantees of Non-Reoccurrence. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland. to introduce the draft text. Switzerland · Argentina, Morocco and Switzerland [2:22:23]: President, I am honored to introduce draft resolution L.6, bearing the title "Special Rapporteur for promoting truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition", on behalf of Argentina, Morocco and my own country, Switzerland. By considering adopting L.6, the Council will: renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-repetition for a further three years on the basis of resolution 54/8 of October 2023. President, against a backdrop of serious human rights and international humanitarian law violations, Re-establishing truth, justice, repetition and guarantees of non-repetition is vital. Transitional justice processes allow us to combat impunity, provide justice to victims and work so that such violations are not reproduced. And that's why the mandate of this Special Rapporteur can play a decisive role through reports, country visits, and recommendations. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank the current holder of the mandate, Mr. Berna Jaim, for his tireless commitment since he took up the post in May 2024. Through his reports, he's underscored the importance of collecting information on egregious human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law, taking into account violations of economic, social and cultural rights in the process of transitional justice, the challenges of denialism, negationism and revisionism of serious human rights violations and those of IHL. On this last subject, the Special Rapporteur underscores that education, access to knowledge and memorialization are amongst the most effective tools in A few weeks, he will present his report on the potential of new technologies for transitional justice to the General Assembly. Lastly, we appreciate the work of the special procedure mandate holder, and we hope that it is acknowledged in other draft resolutions during the session. I'd like to thank the co-sponsors, Argentina, Morocco, and all other member states for their support during the negotiations. We have the support of 59 States, and we'd like to thank all the sponsors and hope that other States will support us in our endeavors. Thank you very much. HRC · President [2:25:03]: Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 11 additional co-sponsors. I now give the floor to members of the Council who wish to make general comments. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution. The required resources have already been included in the proposed program budget. I now give the floor to members of the Council who wish to make explanations of vote before the vote on draft resolution L.6. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Gambia. Gambia [2:26:01]: Thank you, Mr. President. The Gambia thanks the core group comprising Switzerland, Argentina, and Morocco for their leadership and constructive engagement in presenting this resolution. We attach particular importance to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-recurrence, and support its renewal for a further three years. Our own transitional justice experience has demonstrated the importance of truth-seeking, accountability, reparations, institutional reform, and reconciliation in helping societies address the legacy of serious human rights violations. We therefore welcome the comprehensive approach reflected in this resolution, including its recognition of both judicial and non-judicial measures, and the need to reform state institutions to restore public trust as well as provide remedies to victims and prevent recurrence. We also consider it particularly important that the mandate continues to recognize that there is no single model for addressing past violations. The specific circumstances of each country, national and local ownership, and meaningful participation of victims and affected communities must remain central to these processes. The emphasis on victim-centered approach is also particularly important for us. victims and survivors should not merely be consulted during the process of setting up these processes. Rather, their experiences, needs, and expectations should meaningfully inform the design and implementation of processes relating to truth, justice, reparations, and guarantees of non-recurrence. We further welcome the mandate's role in providing technical assistance, sharing good practices and lessons learned, as well as engaging constructively with states and relevant stakeholders. This support can be especially valuable for countries facing institutional and resource constraints. For all these reasons, the Gambia supports the renewal of the mandate and encourages its adoption by consensus. Thank you. HRC · President [2:28:13]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba. Cuba [2:28:23]: President, Cuba supports draft resolution L.6 and the renewal of the Special Rapporteur's mandate. Transitional justice requires a holistic and balanced approach. In order to achieve the fundamental values of truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-repetition, the specificities of each case must be taken into consideration. There is no one-size-fits-all. In all circumstances, the state sovereignty must be respected and there must not be any politicized or selective approaches. The ultimate goal should always be to contribute to achieving reconciliation and peace, ensuring at the same time the rights and dignity of all victims. Cuba supports the adoption of this draft resolution L6 and we do hope it will be adopted by consensus. Thank you very much, President. HRC · President [2:29:31]: Thank you. I see no further request for explanation or vote. Before the vote, is there a request for a vote? I see none. May I therefore take it that draft resolution L6 may be adopted without a vote. It is so decided. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.9, entitled Youth and Human Rights, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of El Salvador to introduce the draft resolution. El Salvador · Core Group on Youth and Human Rights [2:30:30]: Thank you very much, President. It's my honour to present this draft resolution on behalf of the Core Group on Youth and Human Rights, composed by Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Philippines, Portugal, Moldova, Tunisia, Uzbekistan and El Salvador, my own country. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this initiative, and the core group is proud to present a text which reflects a broad consultation and negotiation process. The text before you today is the outcome of intense work amongst delegations from different regions. They have different perspectives at times, but it reflects the common ground which we have managed to build together. Looking to the future, the draft resolution includes a bi-annual panel and also pays attention to the right to a decent standard of living, such as affordable housing and economic resilience and independence. will allow us to better understand the technical barriers faced by youth as they move into adulthood, and at the same time, we'll be able to identify practical responses and correctly identify youth's views on the work of the Council. President, we're quite aware of the challenges posed by the current liquidity crisis affecting the United Nations. Nevertheless, these difficulties should not hold up our collective efforts towards recognising, promoting and protecting the rights of young people. The Core Group would particularly like to thank all Member States, youth organisations and other stakeholders for taking part constructively in the negotiations. We believe that this balanced text reflects a shared commitment from different regions and perspectives, and we respectfully encourage the Council to adopt this draft resolution by consensus. Thank you very much. HRC · President [2:32:50]: Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 21 additional co-sponsors, and I now give the floor to members of the Council who wish to make general comments. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt, followed by Cuba. Egypt [2:33:17]: We are glad to participate in this resolution and wish to thank Salvador, Philippines, and our partners in the group for the cooperation, which allowed the development of this initiative. Our interest in this initiative emanates from our belief that the rights of youth allow them to build their societies and shape their future. Youth have an ambition to have education that open doors in the future and a work that guarantees dignity and a voice to ensure their participation. We should pave the way for them to translate their aspiration to the realities for a better future. This year's edition is very interesting because it focuses on the psychological health of children, which is affected by their social and economic status and the burdens and opportunities for them. Poverty, lack of decent housing are burdens on the youth and affect their future and their confidence in the future and their ability to shape it. Countering the challenges requires policy that take into account social, psychological support, and all the burdens affecting youth and affecting their aspirations. This is more so for the youth living in armed conflicts and under foreign occupation because impacts of violence affects their prospects of enjoying services, which compromise their rights and their psychological health. This case exacerbates in the context of developing countries because of lack of resources to meet these challenges. This resolution stresses international cooperation, capacity building, and galvanizing resources to support national efforts so that interest in the youth be reflected in services and programs in their favor and open doors for them and give them confidence in the future. In closing, we wish that this resolution be adopted by consensus and more countries will join us in sponsoring it. Thank you, President. HRC · President [2:35:36]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba, followed by Iceland. Cuba [2:35:44]: President, I would like to thank the authors of this draft resolution L9 for presenting it. We agree with the approach of the resolution towards new technologies and digital platforms and social media. They offer as many opportunities as risks for youth. So we support the call in the resolution to strengthen digital literacy of young people and their ability to use new digital technologies in a safe, critical and creative fashion. For the Cuban state, one of the top priorities is to promote and protect children and young people. We see that under 30s, the population under 30s is not expanding. So that's a huge challenge for us. A new. Childhood, Youth and Adolescence Code came into force recently, which strengthens and widens the protection of rights of young people. They're recognized as strategic players for society and development. Regrettably, Cuban youth lives in difficult conditions because of the economic blockade, which punishes us. The economic blockade imposed by the United States affects the whole Cuban population, but particularly young people. This inhuman policy must be halted. Cuba supports draft resolution L19, and we call for it to be adopted by consensus. Thank you very much, President. HRC · President [2:37:28]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iceland, followed by France. Iceland [2:37:36]: Mr. President, We thank the Core Group for presenting draft resolution L.9 on youth and human rights. Iceland supports the resolution's focus on addressing barriers that can affect the full and equal enjoyment of human rights by young people. The resolution recognizes the important role young people can play in promoting peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. It also highlights the importance of their full, effective, and meaningful participation in decision-making processes. Iceland also appreciates the attention given in the text to the mental health and well-being of young people, including access to mental health and psychosocial support, as well as the recognition that socio-economic conditions, including the cost of living, housing and food insecurity, can affect young people's well-being. With that, Iceland is happy to join consensus on draft resolution L9. Thank you. HRC · President [2:38:37]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative for France, followed by Slovenia. France [2:38:44]: Thank you, President. France is delighted to present this draft resolution on youth and human rights together with El Salvador and a group of countries. On the 3rd of September in UNESCO, 145 young people from 135 countries submitted a call by young people for a new culture of peace in the minds of women and men for the 21st century to the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the DG of UNESCO. This call underscores the need to fully include young people in the conflict prevention mechanisms and mediation mechanisms. It makes universal guidelines on how to combat hate speech and encourages the adoption of educational policies to protect young people better faced with violent content online and manipulators online. Young people advocate an international framework to protect young people in the age of AI and strengthening pedagogical tools to teach history and reconciliation, a global mechanism to check the reliability of information, support for independent journalism, as well as the creation of a global fund dedicated to open science. As young people themselves underscore, the protection of the child in the age of AI must be a priority. This is why, together with Kenya, Spain, Australia, and with the support of some 26 countries and 10 UN bodies, the Coalition for Children's Rights and Protection in the Age of Artificial Intelligence to guarantee AI systems which are safe, reliable, and respect the rights of the child. The Paris Forum for Peace on the 10th and 11th of November, will bring together all governments, organizations, public, private, stakeholders, companies, and researchers to accelerate this agenda to protect our children. We very much hope that this will be adopted by consensus. Thank you. HRC · President [2:40:36]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia, followed by Japan. Slovenia [2:40:42]: Thank you, Mr. President. Slovenia warmly welcomes the adoption of resolution 11 on youth and human rights and thanks the cross-regional group for its leadership and continued commitment to advancing the human rights of young people. We welcome this year's focus on the mental health and well-being of young people. Mental health is closely linked to the enjoyment of human rights and to young people's ability to learn, work, participate in society, and live with dignity. This year's resolution emphasizes on accessible, affordable, non-discriminatory, and high-quality mental health and psychosocial support, alongside the need to address stigma and discrimination, and the broader social economic factors that shape young people's mental health and well-being is something we should all aspire to. We also welcome the strength and attention to digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, recognizing both their potential to advance education, empowerment, and participation, as well as the need to address the risks through a human rights-based approach, including their impact on young people's mental health and well-being. Slovenia particularly values the strong emphasis throughout the resolution on youth participation. Young people should not be recognized as merely the beneficiaries of policies that affect them, but as right holders, partners and agents of change. Their full, effective, safe and meaningful participation is essential to ensuring that decisions and policies respond to their realities, needs and aspirations. In this regard, we also welcome the reference to the World Programme for Human Rights Education and the recognition of young people as key partners in its implementation. Human rights education equips young people to understand and exercise their rights, stand up for the rights of others, and help build the more inclusive societies grounded in respect for human rights. As a co-sponsor of the text, Slovenia is pleased to support its adoption and will continue working to ensure that policies affecting young people are shaped not only for them, but together with them. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [2:43:16]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan, followed by Mauritius. Japan [2:43:22]: Thank you, Mr. President. My delegation expresses its appreciation to the core group for the efforts to present the draft resolution L9. Japan recognizes the importance of promoting and protecting the human rights of youth, including by ensuring their full, effective, and meaningful participation in decision-making processes. We welcome the draft resolution's focus on the importance of mental health and psychological support for youth while addressing both the opportunities and risks that digital technologies, including AI, present for them. We also consider it important to examine the impact of socioeconomic factors, including poverty, employment, and housing, on the well-being of young people and to further deepen discussions on the right to an adequate standard of living in accordance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. At the domestic level, our relevant ministries and agencies are working across government to protect and promote the human rights of young people, including through human rights education, the promotion of youth participation, and efforts to improve young people's mental health. In advancing these efforts, it's vital to ensure complementarity with existing mandates and processes and to achieve concrete and positive outcomes while avoiding unnecessary duplication. From this perspective, Japan welcomes the rationalization measures set forth in this resolution. With these considerations, Japan joins the consensus on this resolution. I thank you. HRC · President [2:44:56]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mauritius, followed by Pakistan. Mauritius [2:45:02]: Mr. President, Mauritius thanks the Core Group for presenting this resolution. Young people are essential partners in addressing the challenges of today and shaping the societies of tomorrow. The perspective, experiences and innovative ideas must be meaningfully reflected. In the decisions that affect their rights and opportunities in future. We express our support for the call to strengthen international cooperation. Capacity building, technical assistance, and the mobilization of adequate resources can complement national efforts and assist developing countries in strengthening policies and services for the mental health and well-being of young people. What is more, digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, are increasingly shaping how young people learn, communicate, and participate in society. Young people should not be viewed only as the one requiring protection from digital harms. They must also be empowered to understand these technologies, question how they affect their rights, and participate in the decision governing their development and use. Mr. President, the meaningful participation of young people depends upon the conditions that enable them to exercise their rights and contribute fully to society. In this regard, the revised emphasis on economic resilience is welcome. Supporting young people's transition to adulthood requires not only access to economic opportunities, but also the condition necessary to build stability and achieve greater independence over time. Mauritius supports this resolution and joins the call for its adoption by consensus. Thank you. HRC · President [2:46:43]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan. Pakistan [2:46:49]: Thank you, Mr. President. Pakistan supports the objectives of draft resolution and thanks the core group for its constructive engagement throughout the negotiations. Young people are not merely beneficiaries of development, but essential partners in shaping peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable societies. We therefore welcome the resolution's emphasis on the full, effective, meaningful, safe and inclusive participation of youth in decision-making, as well as on equal opportunities in education, employment and addressing barriers to their social, economic and political participation. For developing countries, youth empowerment must also be situated within the broader development context. Large and growing youth populations present enormous potential, but also require sustained investment in education, skills development, decent employment, and opportunities for meaningful participation. It is therefore important that youth policies take into account different national realities, priorities, and level of development. while strengthening international cooperation and support for developing countries. We also welcome the resolution's emphasis on integrated, holistic and inclusive youth policies grounded in the 2030 Agenda, as well as its attention to the particular barriers faced by the youth, particularly girls and those with disabilities. Pakistan supports the adoption of the resolution by consensus. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [2:48:36]: I see no further request for to make a general comments. I've been informed by the secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution and the corresponding PBIRO statement has been made available on the HRC portal. and I'll give the floor to members of the council who wish to make explanations or vote before the vote on the draft resolution I see no no request for the floor for an explanation of both before the vote is their request for a vote I see none mad therefore take it that draft resolution L 9 may be adopted without a vote it is so decided The Council will now consider draft resolution L.11, entitled "Countering cyberbullying". And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Argentina to introduce the draft resolution. Argentina [2:49:57]: Good afternoon, President. I'd like to begin by thanking all delegations that took part constructively in the consultations on this draft resolution. Well, we see that two major transformations are taking place at the same time. Our people are growing older and our lives are being placed online. Both processes provide new opportunities but also challenges for promoting and protecting human rights. The expansion of digital space have transformed the way in which we communicate, work, access services and take part in public life, but also they've created new forms of abuse. Cyber bullying is one of them, particularly when there are gaps in digital literacy. Older persons can not be excluded from the digital world. If our lives are going more and more online, then older persons must be able to fully participate in this realm. They must be able to exercise their rights and be protected from risks as well as enjoy the opportunities of life online. So this draft resolution isn't starting from scratch. In 2024, the Council called for the drafting of a report on this subject. but it was not compiled because of the serious liquidity crisis facing the United Nations. We believe that it is time to complete that work, but we have to do so by recognising that times have changed. The council adopted resolution 58/13, which established the intergovernmental open-ended working group tasked with drafting an internationally legally binding instrument on the rights of older persons. The first session of the group was held in July of this year. The text incorporates this change, but it doesn't obviously predict the outcome of future negotiations because it's member states that will determine the contents of that instrument through their sovereign rights. But at the same time, the issues linked to older persons' digital lives will be part of the process. We have to look at how they use digital tools and face new challenges in the digital world. That's part of today's life. In times of short resources, we need tangible mandates and this draft tries to fulfill a request made to the Council already and provide States with the appropriate basis for continuing our discussions. We don't want the report to decide for ourselves, we're hoping that the report will provide us with better information when the time comes for us to decide. That's why we call upon Member States to support this draft and consider adopting it by consensus. Thank you very much, President. HRC · President [2:53:03]: Thank you. I have been informed by the Secretariat that there are eight additional co-sponsors. I now give the floor to members of the Council who may wish to make general comments. I see no request for the floor for general comments. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba. Cuba [2:53:32]: President, Cuba supports draft resolution L.11. Digital technologies and social media provide as many opportunities as they do risks. They can facilitate access to information and services, but at the same time, excessive use and exposure to cyberbullying, harmful content, and fake news as well as the risks of addiction all have serious consequences that can cause major damage, major harm to victims and so they must be tackled. Whilst cyber bullying is a form of bullying as well it does pose new challenges and must be combated in new ways. So this draft calls for the Council to take up again the report on preventing and counteracting cyberbullying against older persons. So this is why Cuba is supporting adoption of draft resolution L.11 by consensus. Thank you very much, President. HRC · President [2:54:49]: Thank you. I see no further requests for general comments. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution, and the corresponding PBI oral statement has been made available on the HRC portal. I now give the floor to members of the Council who may wish to make explanation of vote before the vote. I see no request for the floor. Is there a request for a vote? And I see none. May I therefore take it that draft resolution L11 may be adopted without a vote? It is so decided. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.21, entitled "Promoting accessibility for the full enjoyment of all human rights by all." I give the floor to the distinguished representative of China to introduce the draft resolution. China · cross-regional core group consisting of Burundi, Cameroon, Pakistan, Turkey and China [2:56:22]: Mr. President. It's my honor to present draft resolution L21, promoting accessibility for the full enjoyment of all human rights by all, on behalf of a cross-regional core group consisting of Burundi, Cameroon, Pakistan, Turkey, and China. The draft resolution currently has 44 countries as co-sponsors. Accessibility is a symbol of progress of human civilization and provides important safeguards for all groups to participate in social life equally and conveniently. and to fully realize their human rights. Building an accessible environment originated from the care for persons with disabilities. However, as demand for accessibility grows among groups such as older persons, expectant and new mothers, children, and people who are injured or ill, the importance of accessibility for all is increasingly worthy of our attention. Accessibility for all means leaving no one behind. not only further strengthen the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, but also ensures that the fruits of accessibility development benefit all people, achieving inclusive development that serves everyone. This is precisely the intention of this draft resolution and should also be the future direction of accessibility efforts. The draft resolution recognizes the growing need to develop accessible and age-friendly environments in the context of population aging. It notes with concern that artificial intelligence and other digital divide between and within countries continue to widen, as well as the challenges that these divide pose for many countries, in particular developing countries. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing innovation, inclusiveness, openness, sustainability, fairness, and non-discrimin- discrimination, safety, and security in the development, deployment, and use of digital technologies. With a view to enhancing the accessibility of information and communication for all, it invites the HRC Advisory Committee to prepare a study on promoting accessibility, thereby offering a platform for relevant stakeholders to step up exchanges and international cooperation. It also provides policy guidance for countries in terms of promoting universal design, ensuring access to justice and effective legal remedies and social protection in the development of accessible environment. In the spirit of transparency, openness, and constructiveness, the core group incorporated reasonable inputs through multiple rounds of consultations and bilateral engagements and formed the current text, which is concise, balanced, and impartial. We'd like to thank the valuable contribution from all parties. It is our hope that this draft resolution could be adopted by consensus in order to move forward the cause of accessibility worldwide. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [2:59:17]: Thank you. I have been informed by the Secretariat that there are 28 additional co-sponsors. I now give the floor to members of the Council who may wish to make general comments. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan, followed by Japan. Pakistan [2:59:40]: Thank you, Mr. President. Pakistan is pleased to deliver these general comments. as a member of the core group for draft resolution L.21. And we thank the delegation of China for introducing the text. The draft resolution before us is grounded in existing international human rights instruments and offers a comprehensive perspective on the positive significance of accessibility and ensuring the full enjoyment of all human rights by all. Accessibility benefits persons with disabilities, older persons and others with accessibility needs. The concept of accessibility for all reflects both current needs and the future direction of our efforts. The text recognizes the role of assistive technology and enabling participation across health, education, employment, and social protection. This connects directly to the work this council's membership has undertaken elsewhere in the UN system. Pakistan was privileged to lead the General Assembly's recent resolution on access to assistive technology. And we see the present text as complimentary. One establishing the framework, the other ensuring that accessible environments and services are available for those who rely on these devices. The draft also recognizes the potential of new and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence to improve accessibility, while noting with concern that AI and other digital divides between and within countries continue to widen. It emphasizes innovation, inclusiveness, openness, sustainability, fairness, non-discrimination, safety and security in the development, deployment and use of these technologies. The resolution provides practical policy guidance to states, promoting universal design, ensuring access to justice and effective remedies, strengthening social protection and poverty reduction programs, and integrating accessibility into humanitarian preparedness and response. It provides for technical assistance and capacity building support to developing countries and requests the Advisory Committee to prepare a thematic report. We welcome the constructive engagement of States and stakeholders across multiple rounds of consultation on the draft text. The core group has worked transparently to arrive at a balance. The draft establishes no new mechanisms and entails no additional program budget implications, and we look forward to the Council adopting it by consensus. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [3:01:55]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan, followed by Burundi and Gambia. Japan [3:02:02]: Thank you, Mr. President. Japan welcomes the constructive engagement of the core group during the informal consultation, and we join the consensus on this resolution. In joining the consensus, Japan would like to clarify its understanding of the resolution as follows. First, the term "accessibility" as used in this resolution should be interpreted in accordance with existing international human rights instruments. Second, nothing in this resolution establishes new rights or obligations. Third, remaining implementation gaps referred to in OP5 concern gaps in the implementation of existing international human rights treaties. Fourth, the resolution does not call for measures that go beyond the scope of the rights and obligations set forth in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in particular Article 9. In conclusion, let me add that we have made this statement with a view to contributing to a common understanding of the resolution. I thank you. HRC · President [3:03:09]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burundi, followed by Gambia. Burundi [3:03:16]: Thank you, President. I wish to thank China for presenting L21. This is based on the pertinent international instruments on human rights, which offer a global perspective as to the positive impact of accessibility to ensure full enjoyment of all human rights for everyone, including persons with disabilities. older persons and other vulnerable groups. We recognise that digital technology and AI do have the potential to facilitate our efforts to improve accessibility. We are all the same concerned as to the digital divide, which is growing, in particular to the detriment of countries which are currently developing countries. And We really believe that inclusivity and safety and development are vital. The use of digital technologies is important to meet the evolving accessibility needs for all. The draft resolution commits itself to providing technical assistance for capacity building for developing countries and to promote international cooperation in the areas concerned. in line with the needs identified by developing countries. So we very much hope that draft resolution L21 on promoting accessibility for the full enjoyment of all human rights by all will be adopted by consensus. Thank you. HRC · President [3:04:49]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Gambia. Gambia [3:04:54]: Thank you, Mr. President. The Gambia thanks the delegation of China for introducing the text. And we applaud the core group for their leadership and constructive manner in which the consultations for these resolutions were conducted. It goes without saying that accessibility is an essential ingredient for the full and effective enjoyment of human rights by all, including persons with disabilities and other persons in vulnerable situations. In this regard, we particularly welcome the resolution's attention to the rights of older persons and the importance of developing accessible and age-friendly environments and ensuring access to social protection and poverty reduction programs. In our view, the draft resolution represents an attempt at fulfilling the Sustainable Development Agenda's pledge to leave no one behind. In this light, we welcome the opportunities presented by new and emerging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and assistive technologies, to improve accessibility. However, we remain concerned that without adequate safeguards, the uncontrolled spread of artificial intelligence and new technologies entail serious risk to the fundamental principle of comprehensive and inclusive access to services and information for all. We particularly welcome the resolution's emphasis on the role of international cooperation, technical assistance, capacity building, and technology transfer in facilitating the implementation of accessibility measures in developing countries. Therefore, the Gambia supports draft resolution L21 and calls on all members of the Council to adopt it by consensus. Thank you. HRC · President [3:06:40]: I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba, followed by Egypt. Cuba [3:06:48]: President, would like to thank China, Burundi, Cameroon, Turkey and others for presenting draft resolution L21. We support the draft because it has a balanced approach. It recognises that all States have responsibilities to ensure accessibility, although not all States have the same capacity. or the same national circumstances. We support the emphasis in the draft on the importance of international cooperation for building capacity and for transferring technology in the area of accessibility, paying special attention to the needs of developing countries. We also commend the draft for referring to ensuring transfer of technology, open software, and exchange of good practices in new and emerging technologies, among other aspects. Cuba will continue to support international efforts to ensure accessibility for all, including persons with disabilities and older persons. Draft L21 will make a positive contribution to these efforts. Accessibility contributes to the enjoyment of human rights by all in effective fashion. In light of the foregoing, Cuba reiterates its support for this draft and call for it to be adopted by consensus. Thank you. HRC · President [3:08:26]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt. Egypt [3:08:31]: We'd like to thank the core group for presenting the draft resolution and its calls for practical measures to ensure better accessibility within laws and development plans and the delivery of public services. We applaud the interest in new and emerging technologies, including AI and assistive technologies, while insisting on the importance of inclusiveness, sustainability, equity, and non-discrimination. We Also applaud the insistence on, uh, capacity building, technological transfer, and, uh, technical assistance, uh, paying attention to the special needs of developing countries, we also appreciate the reference, uh, to the importance of ensuring access for persons with disabilities to transport, information systems, communication systems, as well as public facilities and services on an equal footing with others. This draft resolution is in line with the CRPD, given that it is a qualitative leap in international human rights, because Article 9 of the CRPD insists on accessibility in an explicit fashion as part of full participation and safeguarding of dignity for persons with disabilities and all. In this context, we welcome the request for a thematic study by the Advisory Committee to define the gaps in implementation or the measures to be undertaken to ensure that best practices are followed in ensuring better accessibility in the lives of persons with disabilities and other groups that have limitation in terms of access. In conclusion, we encourage the Council to adopt the draft resolution by consensus. HRC · President [3:10:19]: Thank you. I see no further request for general comments. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are no PBIs for this draft resolution. I now give the floor to members of the Council who may wish to make explanations of vote before the vote. I see no such request. Is there a request for a vote? I also see no request. May I therefore take it that draft resolution L21 may be adopted without a vote. It is so decided. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, colleagues, we have a bit more time. The interpreters have been kind in extending us another 15 minutes. And according to the advice by the Secretariat, who have thus far been very accurate in their calculation of timing, we should be able to finish by 6:15 with a decision on draft resolution L22. So unless there is any objection, we shall proceed in that way. Thank you very much. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.22, entitled Working Group on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bolivia to introduce the draft resolution. Bolivia (Plurinational State of) · core group comprising Cuba, Gambia, Indonesia, Luxembourg and South Africa [3:12:22]: Thank you, President. It's my honour to present draft resolution L22, called Working Group on the Rights of Peasants and Other Persons Working in Rural Areas. I'm doing so on behalf of the core group comprising Cuba, Gambia, Indonesia, Luxembourg and South Africa. Currently, millions of men, women and children and young people in all regions of the world have already started their working day. From dawn they went to their fields or they've been feeding their livestock in their barns. These people play a vital role in producing food and they make a decisive contribution to the realization of the right to food. In addition to producing food, they preserve and hand down culture, language, customs, traditions, and collective forms of organizations, as well as the specific practices of their communities. The Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other Persons Working in Rural Areas was a landmark for driving forward the progressive realization of international law. The next step was the decision to establish the working group, thereby strengthening the institutional architecture of special procedures in order to ensure that there was consistent and multidimensional promotion of human rights. The experts who currently serve on the working group have taken up active roles in international fora. They've worked with peasant organizations and have drafted and presented a number of reports and undertaken an official visit. This pathway, particularly against the current backdrop, shows the true value of their work and the need to preserve this mechanism. President Bolivia would like to express its most sincere thanks and recognition to the various civil society organizations academia and, in particular, peasant organisations, which have driven forward the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Bolivia would also like to thank the members of the core group for their valuable commitment. Esteemed colleagues, thank you very much for your support. We do trust that the constructive nature of this draft will harness the support of all Member States. If a vote is called, we respectfully call for everybody to vote in favour. Thank you very much. HRC · President [3:15:12]: Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are six additional co-sponsors, and I now give the floor to members of the Council who may wish to make general comments. I recognize the distinguished representative of Cuba, followed by Brazil and Egypt. Cuba [3:15:34]: President. We'd like to thank Bolivia for presenting draft resolution L22 on behalf of a group of countries which includes Cuba. We support draft resolution L22 and the renewal of the mandate of the Working Group on the Rights of Peasants and other people working in rural areas. Over the past three years, the Working Group has undertaken Very significant work has identified good practices and lessons learned. It's also supported states efforts through tangible cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity building. Cuba will continue to support the legitimate rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas. Their contribution to feeding the world is absolutely vital. We will continue to advocate better working conditions, better living conditions, social and labour protection for them, as well as their full enjoyment of all human rights. The working group is absolutely vital for achieving these aims, so Cuba calls for all Member States to support this draft and vote in favour if a vote is called. Thank you very much, President. HRC · President [3:16:52]: I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil, followed by Egypt. Brazil [3:16:58]: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, Brazil strongly supports the renewal of the mandate of the Working Group on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas. We express our appreciation to the independent experts. Their dedicated work is essential to translating the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas, UNDROP, from normative commitments into tangible impact on the ground. UNDROP provides an indispensable human rights framework to tackle structural inequalities in rural areas. Recognizing the central role of peasant communities, rural workers, and traditional peoples is an essential condition for eradicating hunger, preserving and sustainably using agro-biodiversity, and achieving a just ecological transition. while protecting the rights, livelihoods, and dignity of rural populations. Brazil reaffirms firmly committed to advancing public policies that address a right to food and food sovereignty, as stated by UNDROP, including the right to land and territory and the effective and meaningful participation of these groups in policy design and decision making. Renewing this mandate sends a clear message This Council stands ready to keep supporting and advancing the rights of those who feed the world. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [3:18:31]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt, followed by Pakistan and Gambia. Egypt [3:18:43]: Thank you, President. We wish to thank the delegation of Bolivia and the core group for presenting this resolution. as a traditional co-sponsor, reasserts the need to renew the mandate of the Working Group on the Rights of Peasants and other people working in rural areas. Indeed, those who cultivate the land, who contribute to feeding the planet, must be able to benefit from development processes to preserve their dignity and to have their means of subsistence guaranteed. They help us to combat famine, to ensure food security and to preserve biodiversity. This is why we should improve their living conditions and to maintain their rights. We welcome the fact that the draft resolution pays attention to rural development, the importance of family smallholdings and the role of female farmers. That is why I wish to commend the fact that emphasis has been placed on the future of young people in farming. President, the economic crisis we are undergoing, the climate crisis and desertification are all challenges facing rural populations, and they cannot address these on their own. International cooperation is vital, as indicated in the draft resolution. This cooperation should be seen through an exchange of knowledge, expertise and technology to meet the needs of all developing countries. We hope that the recommendations of the working group will be implemented and will indeed lead to a better living for peasants and other rural workers. Egypt supports this draft resolution and hopes that it will be adopted by consensus. If there's a vote, we will vote in favour. Thank you. HRC · President [3:20:54]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan, followed by Gambia. Pakistan [3:21:01]: Thank you, Mr. President. Pakistan thanks the Core Group for presenting L22 and supports the renewal of the mandate of the Working Group on the Rights of Peasants and other people working in rural areas. We welcome the resolution's recognition of the indispensable contribution of peasants to food security, nutrition, biodiversity, and sustainable development. From the perspective of developing countries, it is important that the text recognizes the disproportionate impact on rural communities of poverty, climate change, drought, desertification, and economic shocks. We also value its emphasis on international cooperation, capacity building, and technology transfer in support of national efforts and rural development. We further welcome the attention accorded to smallholders, family farmers and women farmers whose contribution remains central to resilient food systems and rural livelihoods. We also note their centrality to the realization of the right to food, not only in their localities, but across the globe. Importantly, the resolution recognizes the adverse impact on rural livelihoods of inadequate access to water for peasants and rural communities, Predictable and uninterrupted access to water is essential for livelihoods, agricultural production and food security. Protecting such access, Mr. President, including where water resources are shared across borders and governed by applicable international legal obligations, is therefore paramount. Pakistan supports the adoption of L22 by consensus, and if it were to put to a vote, we will be voting in favor. I thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [3:22:44]: Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Gambia. Gambia [3:22:49]: Thank you, Mr. President. The Gambia is pleased to have worked together with Bolivia, Cuba, Luxembourg, and South Africa as members of the core group presenting this draft resolution. We thank all delegations for their constructive engagement throughout the consultation and for the flexibility shown during the process. With a large agricultural population dominated by smallholder peasants, The Gambia attaches great importance to the continuation of this mandate. Peasants and other people working in rural areas continue to make vital contributions to food security, sustainable development and the preservation of biodiversity. in the face of disproportionate environmental pressures and limited access to economic and social opportunities. We welcome the improvements made to the draft resolution, including stronger recognition of the meaningful participation of peasants and rural workers in decision-making processes, policies and programmes affecting their rights. We further welcome the express recognition of women farmers and their contribution to food security and the preservation of biodiversity and traditional knowledge. The renewal of the mandate will also allow the working group to continue its vital work of promoting the implementation of the United Nations declaration, as well as supporting international cooperation efforts. Therefore, we encourage all members of the Council to support L22 and look forward to its adoption by consensus. Thank you. HRC · President [3:24:18]: Thank you. I see no further requests for general comments. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution, and the corresponding PBI oral statement has been made available on the HRC portal. I now give the floor to members of the Council who may wish to make explanation of vote before the vote. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the UK. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [3:24:51]: Thank you, Mr. President. The United Kingdom remains firmly committed to the promotion and protection of the human rights of all individuals, including peasants and other people working in rural areas. We recognise the important contribution that rural communities make to food security, sustainable development and poverty reduction, and we support efforts to address the particular challenges they may face. The United Kingdom recognises in particular the vital role of smallholder, family and subsistence farmers. Through the UK's international development partnerships, the UK has supported agricultural productivity, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods for rural communities across the world, helping farmers, particularly women and small-scale producers, to improve incomes and adapt to changing environmental and economic conditions. The UK has engaged constructively in discussions on this draft resolution and we would like to express our sincere appreciation to the delegation of Bolivia for the open and collaborative way in which they led the negotiation process. However, We have long-standing concerns regarding the framework underpinning this resolution, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and other people working in rural areas. Provisions of the Declaration of the Rights of Peasants seek to create new categories of rights for one specific group. This runs counter to one of the key principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the principle of universality. Article 1 of the UDHR, which underpins all international human rights law, states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. We all have the same rights because we are all human. We break from that foundational principle to the detriment of us all. We therefore continue to be unable to support the mandate of a mechanism focused on the implementation of an instrument that we cannot support. The UK therefore requests a vote on this resolution and will abstain. The UK nevertheless values continued dialogue on the human rights challenges faced by rural populations, and we remain ready to work with all partners in support of efforts to promote equal access to rights, opportunities and services for all. without discrimination. Thank you, Mr. President. HRC · President [3:27:48]: Thank you. I see no further request for explanation of vote before the vote. Is there a request for a -- no, there is a request for a vote. At the request of the delegation of the UK, the Council will now proceed to a recorded vote on draft resolution L.22. And I now ask the Secretariat to open the voting machine. And to all delegations to please register their votes. I request all delegations to check whether their vote has been accurately reflected on screen. And if so, I ask the Secretariat to close the voting machine. And the voting is now closed. The result of the recorded vote are as follows. 33 in favor and 14 abstention. Draft resolution L22 is therefore adopted. A copy of the results of the vote will shortly be uploaded to the HRC portal. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, colleagues, We have come to the end of this meeting. We will reconvene tomorrow at 10am to continue with the consideration of the draft proposals. I would like to express appreciation to all Excellencies and colleagues for their patience, and to our interpreters for the service they have extended to us for this extended time, and also to our security officers. I hereby close the 40th meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council. See you all tomorrow.