41st Meeting - 63rd Session of Human Rights Council

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Good morning, colleagues. I think we can start now. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, colleagues, I hereby declare open the 41st 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 in the screen. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.10, as orally revised, entitled "The role of good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights". And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Poland to introduce the draft text.

Thank you, Mr. President. The biennial resolution on the role of good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights has traditionally been presented by a cross-regional core group comprising of Australia, Chile, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, and Poland as a penholder. From 2008, it has been adopted by consensus, most recently as Resolution 57/5 of 9 October 2024. Resolution 57/5 placed artificial intelligence on the good governance agenda for the first time and requested the Advisory Committee of the Human Rights Council to prepare a study on the impact of AI systems on good governance. The Advisory Committee presented its study at the 62nd session. It examined both the potential of AI to enhance public service delivery, transparency and inclusive participation, as well as the risks arising from the deployment of AI by public authorities. The resolution addresses recommendations of the study. It complements already existing initiatives and approaches the issue strictly through the lens of good governance. It also stresses the importance of inclusive and equitable participation of all states, in particular developing countries, in the formulation of applicable AI norms and standards, as well.

As their participation in capacity building in this new domain.

Now I'm pleased to pass the floor to the Permanent Representative of Chile, who will continue this presentation.

I thank you.

President, in order to garner the largest amount of support possible, the Core Group held transparent, inclusive consultations with all interested stakeholders. We listened carefully to different views in order to promote a spirit of cooperation. In this context and following constructive conversations with a large number of member states, the core group decided to submit a revised version. We think that this better reflects the global challenges of AI governance. We'd like to thank all the delegations that contributed to this debate and those who have shown commitment by co-sponsoring the text. It's absolutely vital that the Council speaks with one voice, so we encourage all Member States to support the Core Group and also that we adopt this by consensus. Thank you very much, President.

Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 17 additional co-sponsors. And 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 Brazil.

Mr. President, Brazil thanks the core group for bringing forward this timely and relevant resolution with the focus on artificial intelligence. technology that has significant potential to strengthen public administration, improve efficiency, enhance transparency, and support evidence-based policymaking. At the same time, we must remain attentive to the risks associated with its acquisition, deployment, and use. It is essential to ensure that AI systems do not reinforce discrimination, deepen existing inequalities, or negatively affect the rights and freedoms of individuals and communities, including the right to privacy. Brazil considers a proposal to request a report from the High Commissioner on the acquisition, deployment, and use of AI in public administration to be valuable in these efforts. Such a report can contribute to a better understanding of both opportunities and risks while helping to ensure adequate safeguards, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups. Brazil also underscores the importance of international cooperation, capacity building, technical cooperation, and transfer of technology to allow all countries, including developing countries, to harness the benefits of AI in a safe, inclusive, and rights-based manner. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia, followed by Cuba.

Thank you, President. Colombia welcomes draft resolution L.10 on the role of good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights, presented by Colombia, Chile, South Africa, Poland and others. Transparency and accountability, as well as participation in combating corruption, are prerequisites for the full realization of human rights today, when public authorities increasingly incorporate AI systems in providing services and taking administrative decisions and administering justice, these issues become particularly relevant. We hope that AI will build a nimbler and more citizen-centered public administration in order to ensure that programs meet those who need them and also to help our youth access the opportunities provided by the digital economy but we need trust and trust can be built when AI is developed transparently under human supervision and is held accountable and has a human rights-based approach so we welcome this resolution which focuses on the use of AI in the public sector with transparency and a human rights-based approach nevertheless it recognized the persisting gaps between countries and within countries and calls for inclusive and equitable participation of all states, particularly developing states in building rules and standards on the use of AI in capacity building, transfer of technology and training. We'd like to thank the core group for the constructive and open informal consultations, which enabled them to gather the concerns of various delegations and reach a balanced text. This is why Colombia fully supports this draft and calls on all members to rally to adoption by consensus. Thank you.

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

Thank you, President. We'd like to thank the Core Group for presenting the draft resolution L10, good governance in the area of human rights. means that the results should be achieved in access to fundamental rights and high levels of public participation in taking public decisions. Cuba is part of the Group of Friends of Good Governance, and we call for more fair and more inclusive governance based on genuine dialogue. respect for sovereignty and non interference. We defend global governance in which human rights are not used as a pretext for imposing hegemony and for the big and strong to trample on the rights of the smaller and weaker. Nobody is free from challenges of good governance, including in the area of human rights. No country is a model and can claim superiority. We call for a model in which international cooperation is strengthened in order to close all digital gaps and to tackle the challenges posed by such gaps, particularly for developing countries. It's everybody's responsibility to ensure that new technology, including artificial intelligence, are used for the benefit of all people and not to widen inequalities. We welcome L10 because many people and countries need support in capacity building and deploying technology. As is set out in the resolution, we must guarantee that there is more inclusive and equitable participation of developing countries in formulating applicable rules to AI systems. Cuba reiterates its support for draft resolution L10, and we call for adoption by consensus. Thank you very much, President.

Thank you. I see no further request 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 explanations or vote before the vote. I see no request. Is there any council member requesting a vote? And I see no such request. May I take it, therefore, draft resolution L10 as orally revised may be adopted without a vote. It is so decided. The Council shall now consider draft resolution L.17, as orally revised, entitled "Strengthening international cooperation for promoting and protecting the rights of women and girls in the context of digital technologies." I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Armenia to introduce the draft text.

Thank you, President. It is my honor to present on behalf of the transregional group consisting of Albania, Armenia, Cameroon, Estonia, Kazakhstan, and others, the draft resolution L.17 entitled Strengthening International Cooperation for Promoting and Protecting the Rights of Women and Girls in the Context of Digital Technologies. We are living through a swift and unprecedented technological transformation. Technologies such as AI facilitate access to opportunities for life and society, and they influence our daily lives. For women and girls, these transformations open up vast opportunities, but also risks, and these are not evenly spread out. Existing inequalities could also be exacerbated through non-representative data, various discrimination and data bias. This could amplify discrimination and gender stereotypes. In this context, the draft resolution seeks to ensure full taking into account of experience and the specific needs of women in the technological transformation. It is based on three closely linked pillars. access and participation being two of them, with international cooperation being important. Girls and women cannot fully benefit from the technological transformation if current obstacles persist. Education and skills development will be obstructed and the Women need to be able to play a meaningful role, not only in the use of digital technologies, but also in their development and governance. The resolution promotes full, equal, and genuine participation throughout the life cycle of digital technologies, as well as debates on digital technology governance. Finally, protection, because these technologies must respect human rights. This must go hand in hand with effective measures to prevent and combat the prejudice that women and girls may be exposed to in the digital environment. The draft resolution deals with algorithm and data bias, as well as gaps in data representation, while calling for responsibility, which is incumbent upon businesses to respect human rights in keeping with the principles on business and human rights. It is with pleasure that I now give the floor to my colleague, the Ambassador of Uruguay, who will continue this presentation on behalf of our group. Thank you.

Good morning, President. The text before us is the result of broad and constructive negotiations and reflects a balanced framework based on cooperation and respect for different national circumstances. So we encourage all members of the Council to support draft resolution L17, and we trust that it will be adopted by consensus. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 29 additional co-sponsors. I now give the floor to members of the Council who may wish to make general comments. I recognize the distinguished representative of Estonia, followed by Mauritius.

Mr. President, I have the honor to deliver this general comment 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. Gender equality, the full enjoyment of all human rights by all women and girls and their empowerment are among the key priorities of the European Union. We reaffirm that the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online. At a time of rapid technological development, we cannot ignore the impact of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, on the human rights of all women and girls. The resolution adopted today rightly highlights the potential of digital technologies, recognizing at the same time also the differentiated impacts that they may have on all women and girls by reinforcing existing gender inequalities and discrimination. The European Union reaffirms the principles of the Global Digital Compact and the importance of full, equal, and meaningful participation of all women and girls in the digital space. The EU calls on states to take gender-responsive measures to bridge the gender digital divide and ensure affordable, meaningful, and equitable access to connectivity, education, and digital literacy. The European Union also calls on effective measures to prevent and address technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Particular attention should be paid to the use of unrepresentative data and biased systems that may reproduce or amplify existing gender inequalities, discrimination, including multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and gender stereotypes. We welcome the important contributions of relevant UN entities, the independent international scientific panel on AI, civil society, the private sector, academia, and all other actors working in this field. We sincerely hope that this initiative will help to break down silos and lead to tangible results. And finally, we look forward to the panel discussion at HRC 68 on the human rights of all women and girls in the context of digital technologies, which will bring all the relevant actors together and will strengthen international cooperation in this field. The European Union supports the adoption of this resolution and encourages all delegations to do the same. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mauritius, followed by Cuba.

Mr. President, Mauritius is pleased to support the adoption of this resolution and expresses its appreciation to the Core Group for the constructive consultations. The digital transformation is reshaping our societies at extraordinary speed, yet it promised to remain incomplete if women and girls are not equally able to access its opportunities, influence its development, and participate in the decision that shape their digital future. We attach particular importance to the attention given to the risk that digital technologies can pose to women and girls. from discriminatory design, algorithmic bias and unrepresentative data to technology facilitated violence. These harms are not separated from the inequalities women and girls already face offline. Digital technologies can reproduce and intensify them in new ways. We welcome the emphasis placed on international cooperation. Women and girls do not experience a digital transformation from the same starting point and neither do states. If these inequalities are not addressed, technological progress risks widening both the digital divide between countries and inequalities faced by women and girls within them. Mauritius is pleased to support the adoption of this resolution and its ambition for a digital future in which women and girls can fully participate, contribute, and thrive. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba, followed by Egypt.

President, we would like to thank the sponsors for presenting draft resolution L.17. The swift development of digital technology, including artificial intelligence, is a global trend which cannot be reversed. The benefits linked to technological progress are numerous, just as the challenges linked to it are. We want to ensure that the digital environment doesn't become a new space for discriminating against women and girls, so we support the appeal in the draft to close the digital gap and ensure that there is meaningful and equal and full participation of women and girls in the life cycle of digital technologies. We particularly appreciate the emphasis given to promoting international cooperation, capacity building and the transfer of technology in order to ensure that developing countries and not a disadvantage in protecting women's and girls' rights in the context of digital technologies. We appreciate the fact that the annual round table in the 68th meeting of the Human Rights Council will be devoted to this subject. This will be an opportunity for us to continue our reflections about the opportunities and challenges regarding women and girls participation in the digital environment. Cuba supports draft resolution L.17 and we support that it be adopted by consensus. Thank you very much, President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt, followed by Spain.

We thank the delegation.

Of Armenia and the core group for having submitted this new initiative. Digital technologies are changing opportunities to enjoy human rights. We welcome a consideration of these changes, allowing us to boost opportunities for women and girls, for them to benefit from these opportunities, while taking into account the challenges that States must tackle. All of the doors opened by technology for education, work and services must be opened to women and girls as well, ensuring that they have the opportunity to benefit through connectivity, ease of access to infrastructure, supporting digital development. However, this will depend on resources and capacities which are impacted by the digital divide between countries. This is why this resolution is important. It recognizes the diverging capacities among countries, allowing for international cooperation to be boosted, transforming technologies into a true opportunity for women and girls. We welcome this draft, which focuses on collaboration and technical assistance, while taking into account national circumstances. This allows women to use technology in full safety. International collaboration gives digital capacities a meaning by transforming them into opportunities in the daily lives of women and girls. And we welcome the fact that challenges have been taken into account in terms of war and occupation, conflicts and occupation, while affirming the responsibility of businesses to respect human rights and to address the harmful impacts. The value of technological progress grows when opportunities for safety are increased. Given the importance of this draft, we align with the consensus to adopt it. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain, followed by Pakistan.

Thank you, President. Spain subscribes to the general comment made by the European Union. We'd like to congratulate Armenia, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Rwanda, Senegal, Sweden, and Uruguay for presenting draft resolution L17. Despite its potential for promoting and protecting human rights, digital technologies can also open up new avenues for abusing the fundamental rights of women and girls and is already doing so. In view of these new challenges, this new resolution strives to ensure that digital technologies will not lead to a loss of rights for women and girls or any backsliding on the path towards gender equality. As gender equality is one of the pillars of our human rights policy, we defend that women and girls must have rights which are not conditioned by technological development and that the ambition of some does not undermine the welfare of all. Spain agrees with the core group on their view that there is a need for regulation based on human rights and guided by the principles of prevention, transparency and accountability. We've adopted national policies around the EU to combat the threats posed by digital technology against women and girls, such as sexual violence facilitated by AI or discrimination through automated decisions, which reproduces sexist patterns. This is recently reflected in the launch of the Coalition Protecting Young people in the digital environment. We're aware that no national measure will be enough unless there's solid international cooperation in the governance of this technology. That's why we defend the role of the UN, including the Human Rights Council and Office of the High Commissioner. This is a challenge which requires cooperation, but also expert knowledge. And that's why we appreciate the references made to the International Independent Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. Spain supports resolution L17. We encourage the members of the Council to join consensus. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan, followed by the Netherlands.

Thank you, Mr. President. Pakistan thanks the Core Group for presenting this new initiative, L17, and for their constructive engagement. Digital technologies can widen horizons for women and girls in education, work, and access to services. Yet these gains remain out of reach for many, particularly in developing countries where connectivity, skills, infrastructure are still limited. Unequal access carries human rights implications, but looking ahead, we must also dig deeper into its drivers, which are developmental, limited resources, infrastructure gaps, and constrained fiscal space. In resource constrained settings, access is as much a question of investment as of rights. We therefore welcome the resolution's recognition of the digital divide and differing national capacities and its emphasis on international cooperation, including capacity building, technical assistance, and technology transfer. We also appreciate the attention paid to women and girls in armed conflict and under foreign occupation, and to the responsibility of business enterprises to respect human rights. Mr. President, Pakistan wishes to place On record, a few understandings, first, the participation of girls as children should be understood within the framework of the convention on the rights of child with due regard to age, maturity, evolving capacities, and the guiding role of parents and legal guardians, second. We note that terms such as multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and technology-facilitated gender-based violence lack internationally agreed definitions. We place our reservations on record and hope for greater clarity in future discussions. Third, we understand human rights-based standards as standards grounded in international human rights law. We urge the core group to strive for the broadest possible consensus in future iterations. However, given the critical importance of this topic, Pakistan joins consensus on this I thank you very much, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Netherlands, followed by Thailand.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Kingdom of the Netherlands thanks the Core Group for its efforts to bring the Council together around an issue of growing urgency. And while digital technologies offer opportunities to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, these opportunities can only be realized when digital technologies are developed and used in line with international human rights law. We therefore welcome the clear reaffirmation in this resolution that the same rights that people enjoy offline must also be protected online. This matters because women and girls in all their diversity face specific and disproportionate risk in the digital spaces. The Council's Advisory Committee study estimates that almost two in three women globally have experienced technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Two in three women. These harms can take many forms, cyberstalking, doxing, the non-consensual sharing or creation of intimate images, and gender disinformation and hate speech. And these are not merely online harms, though. They can drive women out of the public debate and restrict their freedom of expression and participation. We therefore strongly welcome the resolution's call to prevent and address technology-facilitated gender-based violence, ensure accountability and effective remedies, and fully engage men and boys as strategic partners and allies in achieving gender equality. We also welcome its attention to algorithmic bias and unrepresentative data. unrepresentative data. When women and girls are absent or misrepresented in data sets, existing inequalities and stereotypes can be produced at scale. This closely reflects the Netherlands' own approach to artificial intelligence. Our international artificial intelligence strategy places responsible and safe AI firmly within a framework of human rights and democratic principles, and stresses accountability and addressing discrimination through AI governance. Finally, we welcome the clear recognition of the responsibility of business enterprises to respect human rights, including through human rights due diligence and where they have caused or contributed to adverse impacts through remediation. This responsibility is indispensable throughout the technology lifecycle. And Mr. President, a digital future that works for everyone must be one in which women and girls in all their diversity can participate fully equally and meaningfully. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is pleased to have co-sponsored this resolution and looks forward to its adoption by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand, followed by Japan.

Mr. President, Thailand wishes to thank the core group for presenting this resolution. We support its objective of ensuring that digital transformation and artificial intelligence contribute to advancing gender equality rather than reinforcing existing inequalities. We particularly welcome the emphasis on bridging digital divides, including the gender digital divide. This is also relevant to Thailand's national AI strategy and action plan, which places importance on the ethical and responsible development and application of AI, while harnessing its potential to improve people's quality of life. Thailand also attaches particular importance to international cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, especially in supporting developing countries to harness the opportunities of digital technologies while addressing existing gaps and challenges. Thailand looks forward to joining consensus on the adoption of this resolution. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan, followed by China.

Thank you, Mr. President. My delegation appreciates the Core Group's efforts to present draft resolution L.17. Japan shares a recognition that while digital technologies, including AI, offer significant opportunities for the empowerment of women and girls, they may also pose challenges, including the digital divide, technology-facilitated gender-based violence, and bias and discrimination in AI systems. From this perspective, Japan generally supports the theme of this draft resolution, it is important to promote safe, secure and trustworthy AI while advancing the full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership of women and girls in this design, development and governance of digital technologies, including AI. It is also important to strengthen international cooperation to bridge the digital divide and promote capacity building, and Japan has been working with the UN Women and other partners to this end. At the same time, we believe that the continuous review and improvement are important to ensure that this Council can carry out its mandate effectively and efficiently, and to provide positive human rights outcomes. particularly in the context of the current financial crisis. From this perspective, whether draft resolution may overlap with existing relevant resolutions or initiatives undertaken by other international organizations, unnecessary duplication should be avoided, including by making use of existing frameworks and initiatives. Japan will continue to work with international community, including civil society organizations, to contribute to the realization of an inclusive and gender-equal society in which all women and girls can fully enjoy their human rights and realize their potential in all aspects of life. With these considerations, we express our hope that this resolution will be adopted by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of China, followed by Ethiopia.

President, the Chinese government attaches great importance to empowerment of women and children through digital technologies and has adopted a series of measures in fields such as education, health, economy, S&T, improvement of environment and social protection in order to promote gender equality in the digital field, and all-round development of women and girls. At present, in China, women make up over half of all entrepreneurs in the internet sector. China actively participated in consultations of draft L17 as orally revised. We believe it's necessary to deepen international cooperation in the digital field and provide more skills training and market access financial support to women in developing countries. We appreciate sponsors' broad ranging engagement with all parties and active response to questions by China. China emphasize, emphasizes that paragraph 12 should be implemented in accordance with the institutional building resolution 6251. and the provisions on NGO participation in resolution 5/1. It is based on this understanding that China will join consensus on this draft L17. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to distinguished representative of Ethiopia, followed by Gambia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Ethiopia would like to thank the core group for presenting this important draft resolution. welcome the focus of this resolution on strengthening international cooperation to promote and protect the rights of women and girls in the context of digital technologies. We recognize that digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, offer significant opportunities to advance gender equality, expand access to information and education, and enhance the meaningful participation of women and girls in economic, social, cultural, and political life. At the same time, we acknowledge the challenges arising from the rapid development and deployment of digital technologies, including the digital gender divide, unequal access to connectivity and digital skills, technology-facilitated violence and discrimination. These challenges require a balanced and human rights-based approach that takes into account the different national circumstances, capacities and levels of development of States. Ethiopia particularly appreciated the resolution's emphasis on international cooperation, capacity building, technical assistance, knowledge sharing, and the transfer of technology on mutually agreed terms. These elements are essential to ensuring that developing countries, including least developed countries, are able to harness the benefits of digital transformation while addressing its associated challenges. Ethiopia further values the recognition of national needs, policies, and priorities in strengthening cooperation on digital technologies and artificial intelligence. We believe that international efforts in this area should remain inclusive, balanced, and responsive to the realities and capacities of developing countries. In closing, Mr. President, Ethiopia considers this resolution a constructive contribution to advancing the rights and empowerment of women and girls in the digital age. We therefore support the draft resolution and look forward to its consensual adoption by this Council. I thank you, Mr. President.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. The Gambia thanks the core group of states, Armenia, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Rwanda, Senegal, Sweden and Uruguay, for their leadership on the draft resolution L.17 and for the constructive manner in which the consultations were conducted. It goes without saying that in spite of the huge potential of new and emerging technologies for the empowerment of women and girls, they can also exacerbate existing patterns of gender inequality and discrimination against women and girls without the necessary guardrails. Therefore, The Gambia welcomes the focus of the resolution on the empowerment of women and girls in the digital age, including true greater access to education, skills development, and meaningful participation in the design, development, and governance of digital technologies. We further welcome the draft resolution's call on states and business enterprises to take appropriate measures to prevent and address gender-based violence against women and girls that occurs through or is amplified by digital technologies, and to ensure accountability and access to effective remedies. We also applaud the importance attached to strengthened international cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity building that enables developing countries reap the full benefits of technological progress and enhance their meaningful participation in discussions on digital and artificial intelligence governance. In this regard, we look forward to the collaboration of UN bodies, the private sector, and all relevant stakeholders in the field of digital technologies to close the digital divide and ensure that no woman or girl is left behind in these discussions. With this understanding, the Gambia is pleased to join the consensus on draft resolution L17 to adopt it by consensus. Thank you.

Thank you. I see no further request for general comments. I've been informed by the secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution and that the corresponding PBI oral statement has been made available on the HRC portal. And I'll give the floor to members of the Council who may wish to make explanations of votes before the vote. I see no such request. Is there a request for a vote? I also see no such request. May I therefore take it that the draft resolution L17 as already revised may be adopted without a vote. It is so decided. Excellencies, colleagues. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.20/Rev.1 entitled Human Rights and Indigenous People. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico to introduce the draft resolution.

Thank you, President. have the honor to present draft resolution L20 Rev 1 on behalf of Guatemala and Mexico bearing the title human rights and indigenous peoples the draft strives to reiterate the importance of promoting and protecting the human rights of indigenous peoples and to address the challenges they face around the world. It underscores the central role of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and its positive impact on legal reform and national policies. It also deals with preparations for commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Declaration next year. It underscores as well the work of the expert mechanism and the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples in promoting their rights. On this occasion, Guatemala and Mexico have made an effort to streamline and rationalize the draft. When it comes to streamlining, we've managed to retain all the substantive issues in the draft, but at the same time, we've significantly abridged the text by editing out 11 paragraphs. When it comes to rationalization, we've decided to make this a biennial resolution, which means to say that it'll be considered only once every two years, but at the same time, the roundtables, interactive dialogues, and corresponding reports will continue to be annual. The draft resolution all focuses on the participation of indigenous peoples in the Council's work. It's absolutely vital to continue debates on this subject on the basis of the discussions held in 2024 and the report of the co-facilitators published last year, and also bearing in mind General Assembly resolution 80/303 adopted last August. The draft resolution retains the request to the Council President to continue organizing the participation of representatives of Indigenous Peoples in the annual roundtable and in the interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur and expert mechanism, thus ensuring this practice is continuous. We're proud to see that representatives of Indigenous Peoples have spoken up with their own voices during this session in the important affecting them we'd like to thank the states and representatives of indigenous peoples which took an active and constructive part in the negotiations the enriching dialogue between them during the consultations reflects the usefulness of multilateralism and this council for creating agreements and promoting even further human rights as well as the importance of continuing to encourage the participation of indigenous peoples in all United Nations organs. In light of all the foregoing, we call for this draft to be adopted by consensus. Thank you very much, President.

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 may wish to make general comments. I recognize the distinguished representative of Brazil, followed by India.

Thank you, Mr. President. Brazil commends Mexico and Guatemala for their efforts to preserve and advance this long-standing resolution on the rights of indigenous peoples. Brazil attaches great importance to the ongoing process aimed at enhancing the participation of indigenous peoples in the work of the United Nations. We believe that indigenous peoples' representatives and representative institutions duly established by themselves should be able to participate effectively in discussions and decisions on the issues that affect them. In this regard, Brazil welcomes the continued recognition of the need for actable representation across the seven indigenous sociocultural regions and their subregions. We also particularly value the reference to interpretation service for representatives who do not speak any of the official languages of the United Nations. Linguistic barriers should not determine who is able to participate effectively in the work of this organization. Mr. President, indigenous peoples must have an effective voice in United Nations process concerning their rights and interests. Their knowledge, perspectives, and institutions are indispensable to informed and legitimate decision making on matters that affect them. Brazil supports this resolution and remains ready to contribute constructively to efforts aimed at ensuring meaningful, actable, and effective participation of indigenous peoples throughout United Nations systems. I thank you, sister.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of India, followed by Ireland.

Thank you, Mr. President.

India appreciates the constructive efforts of the core group in strengthening and streamlining the draft text and for accommodating several of our proposals. I would like to take this opportunity to express our strong support for the rights of indigenous peoples. We would also like to state that indigenous peoples refers to those descended from populations inhabiting in a country or geographical region at the time of conquest, colonization, or the establishment of present state boundaries, and which retain some or all of their own social, economic, cultural, or political institutions. Consequently, India regards its entire population at the time of independence, alongside their successors.

To be indigenous.

It is unfortunate that the draft text contains reference to an expert mechanism study whose reference to India, as we had highlighted during the interactive dialogue, are based on inaccurate and unsubstantiated facts. We would like to reiterate our concerns for record. We also have concerns regarding the language of operative paragraph 15, which refers to phraseology as well as documents that have not been intergovernmentally agreed to. Therefore, while joining the consensus on this resolution, we disassociate from operative paragraph 15.

I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iceland, followed by Estonia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Island thanks Mexico and Guatemala for their important work on this draft resolution. We welcome this year's emphasis on enhancing participation of Indigenous Peoples, including through accessibility across the United Nations system. The knowledge, perspectives and leadership of Indigenous Peoples are indispensable to addressing some of the defining global challenges of our time. It is vital that Indigenous Peoples, who actively foster peacebuilding and protect much of the world's biodiversity, have the right to participation fully realized. Iceland particularly welcomes the continued attention of the resolution to indigenous women and girls, and the recognition of the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination they may face throughout their lives. Iceland is a steadfast advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights, whose violations represent the ultimate denial of one's self-determination. Redressing sexual and reproductive health and rights violations against Indigenous peoples as historic and contemporary systematic injustices is one example of a matter that would only be successful if participation of Indigenous peoples is prioritized, including those of Indigenous women and girls. Lastly, we welcome efforts by the core group on rationalization and efficiency, including the biannualization of the resolution. Iceland is pleased to support resolution L20/Rev.1 and encourages all members of the Council to do the same. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Estonia, followed by Japan and Cuba.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honour once more to speak on behalf of the European Union member states. that are members of the Human Rights Council, and this General Comment has been agreed by the European Union as a whole. We thank Mexico and Guatemala for presenting the resolution on human rights and indigenous peoples. The EU appreciates the constructive negotiations with the core group, other delegations and indigenous peoples that have led to the presented draft. We attach great importance to strengthening and facilitating the full, equal, meaningful and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in the work of the Human Rights Council on all issues affecting them, including through the ongoing discussions on concrete modalities for enhanced participation. The resolution appropriately recognizes that such participation contributes to more inclusive and informed decisions on matters affecting Indigenous Peoples. We also commend the efforts of the Core Group to streamline and consolidate the text while preserving previously agreed language and ensuring continuity with earlier resolutions. We further appreciate the efforts to move towards a biennial cycle, which contribute to the Council's ongoing efforts to rationalize its work and enhance efficiency while ensuring its continued effectiveness. The European Union member states that are members of the Council will support this resolution and call on full membership to do the same. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan, followed by Cuba.

Thank you, Mr. President. My delegation appreciates the Core Group's efforts to present the draft resolution L20/Rev.1. Japan is committed to promoting and protecting the human rights of all persons, including those who are indigenous peoples, both domestically and internationally. The Ainu people is the only indigenous people our government recognizes, and we have been promoting comprehensive and effective policies for the Ainu. We do so with a view to realizing a society in which the Ainu people can live with pride in their identity and where such pride is respected, and ultimately a society in which all people coexist while respecting one another's dignity and individuality. We welcome the efforts made by the Co-Chair Group in this draft resolution to move to a biennial cycle as part of measures to rationalize the work of this Council. In order to further advance the human rights of indigenous people, Japan strongly hopes that discussions in the Council will be based on accurate information and evidence. We will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the UN human rights systems, including the expert mechanism on the rights of indigenous peoples, EMRIP, and the special rapporteur on this matter. With these considerations, Japan hopes that this draft resolution will be adopted by consensus. I thank you.

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

Thank you, President. would like to thank Mexico and Guatemala for presenting draft resolution L20 Rev 1 the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in which Cuba took a major role in drafting is one way of reflecting the claims of indigenous peoples to their rights. Discrimination, eviction and removal of resources by central authorities reflect how relevant the declaration continues to be. Cuba supports the adoption of an international convention on the linguistic rights of indigenous peoples. We commend progress achieved in the participation of indigenous peoples in UN discussions on matters affecting them. At the same time, we reiterate that this participation is just the fair recognition of the unique character of indigenous peoples, but it is unique in nature and is not a precedent that can be applied to other groups of people. We continue to support the legitimate rights of indigenous peoples. We support this draft and call for it to be adopted by consensus. Thank you very much, President.

Thank you. I see no further requests for general comments. I've been informed by the secretariat that there are BBI's for this draft resolution. and that the corresponding PBRO statement has been made available on the HRC portal. And I'll give the floor to members of the Council who may wish to make explanation of vote before the vote on draft resolution L20/Rev.1. I see no request. Is there a request for a vote? and there is no such request may I take it therefore the draft resolution L20/1 may be adopted without a vote it is so decided Excellencies, the Council will now consider draft resolution L.25, entitled "Implications of artificial intelligence for the promotion and protection of human rights." And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh to introduce the draft resolution.

Mr. President, on behalf of the core group consisting of Algeria, Austria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Greece, Guyana, Kuwait, and Nepal, I have the honor to introduce draft resolution L25, titled "Implications of Artificial Intelligence for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights." Mr. President, artificial intelligence is reshaping societies, economies, and the way institutions serve people. It holds considerable promise for sustainable development, innovation, and the enjoyment of human rights, while raising complex and evolving human rights considerations. Against this backdrop, this draft represents the Human Rights Council's first resolution dedicated specifically to artificial intelligence and its implications for human rights. The text reaffirms that AI development and use must remain consistent with international human rights law, with human dignity and human agency central throughout its life cycle. In particular, the draft addresses concerns relating to discrimination, privacy, arbitrary or unlawful surveillance, information integrity, manipulation, participation in public affairs and electoral processes, and different forms of violence and harm. It offers a balanced, forward-looking framework for realizing AI's opportunities while ensuring appropriate human rights safeguards. I now invite Egypt to continue the introduction.

President, this is the first text of its kind, and therefore we believe that the use of artificial intelligence must maintain dignity and the role of the human being. We must also ensure that the benefits of AI are not limited to a small handful of people. The text stresses the right to development and dignified use, respect for cultural and linguistic diversity. We must be able to use AI, but through capacity building, technical assistance and knowledge transfer. This text calls for the convening of a roundtable at the 65th session one that would put AI at the heart of the development system. The text takes into account the consultations that have been held with stakeholders. This is the product of expanded consultations held before the session, with a view to taking into account the impact of AI on human rights. And on behalf of our group, we thank these stakeholders for having participated in consultations. And we also commend the work of the co-sponsors and we call on all to support the text by consensus. Thank you.

Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 24 additional co-sponsors. And 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.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to deliver these general comments on behalf of the OIC group. We welcome the draft resolution entitled Implications of Artificial Intelligence for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, as contained in the document L.25. Artificial intelligence offers significant opportunities to advance sustainable development, innovation, and access to services. while also presenting complex and evolving implications for the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The group therefore considers it timely for the Council to contribute to ensuring that human rights remain firmly anchored in the evolving global discussion on artificial intelligence. The OIC group has consistently emphasized the importance of an equitable, safe, inclusive, and people-centered approach to artificial intelligence. as well as the need to bridge digital and technological divides and strengthening cooperation among states. In this regard, we welcome the draft's emphasis on the right to development, international cooperation, capacity building, technical assistance, access to technology, and the meaningful participation of developing countries in relevant discussions and processes. The OIC group also attaches importance to ensuring that artificial intelligence does not reproduce or amplify discrimination, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, religious intolerance, or other forms of intolerance or exclusion, particularly Islamophobia. This is relevant given that new technologies, including AI-generated content and digital disinformation, can be misused to spread hatred and negative stereotyping on the basis of religion or belief. AI governance must therefore promote human dignity, equality, and non-discrimination as required by international human rights law. International cooperation on artificial intelligence should remain inclusive, balanced, and responsive to different national context, capacities, and levels of development. Global discussion should not widen existing inequalities or further concentrate technological capabilities in a limited number of actors. Developing countries must be able not only to benefit from artificial intelligence, but also to access and develop the infrastructure, skills, institutional capacity, and technological capabilities necessary to participate meaningfully in shaping its future. Mr. President, the OIC Group appreciates the Co Group for conducting inclusive consultations and accommodating a broad range of views. We hope that the Council's consideration of this initiative will contribute to a balanced and development-oriented approach to artificial intelligence, supported by continued engagement and cooperation among Member States and relevant stakeholders, and consistent with international human rights law. We hope that the Human Rights Council Member States will support this initiative and join in consensus. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of India, followed by the Republic of Korea and South Africa.

Mr. President, India thanks the Core Group for their constructive engagement during the consultations. India's approach to artificial intelligence is human-centric, inclusive, and development-oriented. At the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February, our Prime Minister set out the Manav's vision. moral and ethical systems, accountable governance, national sovereignty, accessible and inclusive AI, and valid and legitimate use. The New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, adopted at the summit, places the equitable sharing of AI's benefits at the center of international cooperation. AI must be democratized and become a medium of inclusion and empowerment, especially across the Global South. For developing countries, the promise of AI lies above all in its developmental applications in agriculture, health, education, and public services at scale. We note with appreciation the resolution's attention to bridging the AI divide through digital public infrastructure, capacity building, affordable access, technology transfer on mutually agreed terms, and support for linguistic and cultural diversity. human dignity and human agency must guide the development and use of AI, with safeguards for privacy and non-discrimination, human oversight and access to effective remedies. The approach adopted by governments should take into account national contexts, capacities and levels of development, with measures appropriate to the nature and level of risk. We look forward to practical outcomes from the panel and the report proposed in the resolution, building on existing United Nations work and avoiding duplication. We hope the resolution will be adopted by consensus. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea, followed by South Africa and Ethiopia.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Republic of Korea appreciates the Core Group's efforts in bringing forward this resolution 85 and its engagement throughout the negotiations. New and emerging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, are developing at an unprecedented pace. They offer significant opportunities for socioeconomic development and can help accelerate the realization and enjoyment of human rights, while also posing evolving risks and potentially deepening existing inequality and digital divide. Against this backdrop, we welcome the growing attention within the Human Rights Council to the impact of emerging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, on the enjoyment of human rights. We also recognize the importance of the issues addressed in the present resolution 25, including international cooperation, capacity building, and the needs and circumstances of developing countries. As the Council's engagement in this area continues to expand, it will become increasingly important to ensure that its various efforts are coherent, complementary and mutually reinforcing, particularly in right of the Council's limited time and resources. Relevant initiatives can benefit from building on existing work, drawing on their respective strengths, and creating greater synergy across the Council's work in this field. The Republic of Korea will continue to engage actively and constructively with all delegations in advancing the Council's work in this important area. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa, followed by Ethiopia and Estonia.

Thank you, Mr. President. South Africa takes the floor in support of resolution L25 and thanks the core group for presenting a text that is responsive to the concerns of developing countries. Artificial intelligence offers extraordinary potential to advance all human rights, including the right to development. At the same time, AI carries corresponding risks. It can reproduce and exacerbate discrimination, structural inequality, stereotyping, and exclusion. It can similarly undermine the right to privacy through arbitrary and unlawful surveillance, distort the information environment, and erode trust in public institutions. As such, we need to heed the warnings of those developing the most powerful AI systems, whose capabilities they maintain may become difficult for human beings to control. Accordingly, South Africa supports the international call for enhanced control of AI development endorsed by several world leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa. We also acknowledge the importance of the High Commissioner's call for frontier technology companies to shoulder their responsibility to respect human rights across the life cycle of these systems, conduct human rights due diligence, and help prevent and remedy the harms that these technologies may cause. While AI has advanced significantly, it has done so unevenly, both within and among countries, especially developing countries. The reality is underscored by a recent report of the UN Secretary General, which maintains that developing countries face structural barriers to benefiting from AI, including fragmented financing, unequal access to computing power and expertise, and persistent gaps in connectivity, data, skills, and institutional capacity. Without targeted action, AI risks widening these inequalities. This matter was discussed during South Africa's G20 presidency, where, as reflected in the Johannesburg Declaration, participants committed to scale up capacity building and technology transfer, considering the needs and priorities of developing countries. Indeed, where billions remain offline and where AI capabilities and the wealth they generate are concentrated in a small number of countries, technology transfer should not be viewed as an act of charity, but as a prerequisite for the equal enjoyment of human rights in the digital era. South Africa, therefore, welcomes the resolution's call for strengthened international cooperation, capacity building, and technical assistance for developing countries. And we stress that such cooperation must be accompanied by meaningful technology transfer. Above all, developing countries must enjoy full and equal participation in the governance of AI, not merely as recipients of technology, but as co-designers and co-governors of the systems that will shape our common future, ensuring that no one is left behind. South Africa, therefore, calls on the Council to adopt the resolution by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia, followed by Estonia and Kenya.

Thank you, Mr. President. As you all said, Ethiopia thanks the core group members for tabling this important draft resolution and for the constructive and inclusive consultation conducted with member states. Ethiopia welcomes the draft resolution and recognizes the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in advancing human development and contributing to the promotion and protection of human rights. AI technologies can provide important opportunities to expand access to education, healthcare, information, scientific research, innovation and public services, and can contribute to inclusive and sustainable development, particularly when developed and deployed with appropriate safeguards. At the same time, Ethiopia recognizes the need to address the potential risks associated with AI, including discrimination, privacy concerns, inequalities, information manipulation, and other impacts that may undermine human rights. We therefore welcome the draft's emphasis on human dignity, human agency, equality and non-discrimination, transparency, accountability, human oversight, and effective safeguards. My delegation particularly appreciated the attention given to the different national contexts, capacities and levels of development of states. For developing countries, including countries with limited digital infrastructure and access to computing resources, data, skills and financing, bridging the digital and AI divide is essential to ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared more equitably. In this regard, Ethiopia welcomes the strong emphasis on international cooperation, capacity building, technical assistance, knowledge sharing, skills development, and technology transfer on mutually agreed terms. Meaningful participation of developing countries in international AI governance discussion is equally important to ensure that global approaches are inclusive and responsive to diverse national circumstances. Finally, Ethiopia supports the adoption of this resolution by consensus. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Estonia, followed by Kenya and Japan.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union member states that are members of the Human Rights Council, and this statement has been agreed by the European Union as a whole. The EU welcomes resolution L25 on the implications of artificial intelligence for the promotion and protection of human rights. It is important and very timely that the Human Rights Council raises its voice on the need to ensure that meaningful human rights-based AI governance keeps pace with the accelerated development and unprecedented risks to human rights. The EU has adopted the approach of, uh, responsible and trustworthy AI innovation. We support AI that is safe, secure, and sustainable so that everyone can trust it. We want to unlock the potential of the AI that reap its benefits while implementing safeguards and mitigating the associated risks. Therefore, our approach is based on human rights, placing individuals, their dignity, agency, rights, freedoms and well-being at the centre of the whole AI life cycle. We reiterate in this regard that the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online. The European Union thanks the Core Group for their constructive and inclusive approach in the informals and the balanced text. We especially welcome the references to the need for human rights due diligence and meaningful human oversight and human control for multi-stakeholder participation in developing governance frameworks and the principles of transparency, explainability, and accountability. We also welcome the request for the OHCHR to hold consultations at the sidelines of the second global dialogue on AI governance next year. The EU encourages the core group to continue to strive for coherence, complementarity, and alternation with other Human Rights Council resolutions touching upon new and emerging technologies. We hope this resolution will be adopted by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya, followed by Japan and Kuwait.

Thank you, Mr. President. Kenya welcomes the presentation of this resolution and commend the pen holder and the core group for their leadership, commitment, and constructive engagement throughout the negotiations. The rapidly evolving nature of artificial intelligence and its growing impact across societies and economies makes this an important and timely issue for this Council. We consider the Council's engagement particularly valuable in ensuring that the development and use of AI remain grounded in human rights, human dignity, equality, accountability, and sustainable development. AI presents. We also welcome the resolution's recognition of the opportunities that AI presents while addressing its potential to deepen discrimination, inequality, exclusion, privacy violations, and existing digital divide. Kenya is grateful to the core group for its careful consideration and incorporation of several of our proposals. We welcome reference to decent work. Indeed, it is important. that AI should create opportunities and advance development without generating new forms of exploitation or rendering invisible the workers whose labor supports AI systems. We also welcome recognition of the environmental impacts of AI throughout its life cycle. This is particularly important for developing countries and climate vulnerable regions where communities may already face resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and the effects of climate change. We also welcome the efforts to reinforce the language on full, equal, and meaningful participation throughout the text. For Kenya, participation must extend beyond attendance. We welcome the convening of a roundtable. We believe discussions on AI governance should not be reserved for a limited number of countries or actors with the greatest technological and financial capacity. International cooperation should help ensure that the perspectives, needs, and lived realities of all regions, including and other developing regions are reflected in relevant processes. In the same vein, we emphasize that technology transfer is central to ensuring that no one is left behind. Meaningful participation in AI governance and the ability to benefit from AI require more than formal inclusion. We need access to relevant technologies, infrastructure, computing capacity, skills, research cooperation, and innovative ecosystems. Once again, we thank the pen holder and the core group for their openness, We thank all member states, and we support the resolution and look forward to its consensual outcome. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan, followed by Kuwait and Brazil.

Thank you, Mr. President. Japan thanks the core group, namely Bangladesh, Algeria, Austria, Egypt, Greece, Guyana, Kuwait, and Nepal, for preparing the draft resolution L25. Japan certainly shares the view that the theme of the draft resolution is timely and important as the development of AI presents both opportunities as well as challenges for the promotion and protection of human rights. Beyond the Council, we are promoting safe, secure, and trustworthy AI through the Hiroshima AI process, which was launched in 2023, and more than 60 countries and regions have joined this initiative. The code of conduct for organizations developing advanced AI systems emphasizes that such organizations should respect human rights and other elements throughout the development and deployment of advanced AI systems. At the same time, Japan highlights the importance of rationalizing the activities of the Human Rights Council are given the urgency of the liquidity crisis. In this context, Japan wishes to point out that further efforts could have been made to streamline and avoid duplication with existing relevant resolutions, in particular, the resolution on new and emerging digital technologies and human rights. Taking this opportunity, Japan requests the core group behind the draft resolution to consider the possibility of converging the outcome documents with existing relevant resolutions in the process ahead. With the above understanding, Japan expresses its support for the adoption of this resolution by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait, followed by Brazil.

Thank you, President. The.

State of Kuwait affirms that this resolution is important in light of the accelerated development of AI at all levels, with an impact on sustainable development affecting innovation and improving living conditions. This should be beneficial for human rights. My country would like to insist on the need for adapting AI technologies to serve human rights, taking into account promotion and protection in keeping with the relevant regulatory frameworks, taking into account equality, non-discrimination, justice, and all of the other principles recognized in this area. President, technological development and its transnational nature require us to step up international cooperation, exchange of expertise, and capacity building, allowing all states to benefit from the opportunities being opened up to us by AI allowing us to reduce the digital divide. We believe that the draft resolution before us fully contributes to a constructive dialogue within the Council to regulate the use of AI and human rights. In closing, Kuwait would like to thank all States for their efforts and for the constructive observations, the productive consultations, the positive cooperation, and we would be pleased to see the consensus adoption of the resolution.

Qatar.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, Brazil joins the consensus on draft resolution L.25 in recognition of the text's merits, which adequately address the right to development, the reduction of inequalities, the fight against discrimination, and the impacts of AI on the environment, among others. We positively highlight the inclusion of guiding principles such as equality and non-discrimination, privacy, transparency, human oversight and accountability, as well as the prevention of harm and risks to human rights. However, the text presents important gaps. regarding the language consolidating this Council. The draft fails to mention a UN center in international AI governance, as outlined in the Global Digital Compact, limiting itself to providing for mere cooperation. In the current context, where existential risks to humanity posed by AI are becoming increasingly clear, advancing the discussion on governance is a crucial task. Furthermore, the resolution does not address the need for regulation to domestic legislation and omits the reaffirmation of the fundamental principle that the same rights apply offline and online. Finally, the resolution remains silent on the risks posed by AI to democratic institutions and its benefits for civil and political rights. We thank the core group for presenting the draft resolution and hope that in the future versions, the text will advance on these important issues. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Qatar, followed by the Netherlands.

Thank you, President. I have the pleasure of making this statement On behalf of the GCC, we welcome the draft resolution L25, and we thank the core group for their efforts during the consultations, forming a balanced text which takes into account the various priorities and positions. AI systems offer opportunities in many areas, including education, health, sustainable development, and therefore we should take advantage of these while recognizing risks to human rights, especially for equality, discrimination, xenophobia, and religious-based discrimination. We need to respect cultural diversity and address harmful content. In this regard, We believe it is important to take into account artificial intelligence governance in light of the specific circumstances of states, allowing states to enact their own laws and necessary measures in keeping with their international commitments. We also stress the importance of human oversight, strengthening accountability, impact assessment, and ensuring just remedies. AI companies must also shoulder their responsibilities in terms of human rights. Our member states believe that to narrow the digital divide, we need to step up our efforts for capacity building, international cooperation, and technology transfer, ensuring technical assistance for states on request in keeping with their national needs. allowing developing countries to be fairly involved in discussions. In conclusion, our States believe that the panel and the report of the OHCHR will lead us to stepping up our work, and we would like to see a consensus adoption of the resolution. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Netherlands, followed by Cuba.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes draft resolution L25 and thanks the cross-regional core group for its constructive engagement throughout the negotiating process. Artificial intelligence offers significant opportunities for societies and for the realization of human rights. But those opportunities cannot be considered separately from the risk artificial intelligence poses to those same rights. And we therefore welcome that this resolution recognizes that risk to human rights can arise through AI systems lifecycle. For the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this is particularly important when it comes to freedom of opinion and expression. AI systems increasingly influence how information is created, distributed, prioritized, and accessed. They can facilitate access to information and enable people to communicate across borders. But they can also amplify disinformation, enable manipulation at unprecedented scale, to start public debate and undermine information integrity. The resolution rightly recognized that such developments may affect the free formation of opinion, access to information, and participation in public affairs. Mr. President, we reaffirm in this regard the fundamental principle. The same rights that people enjoy offline must also be protected online. This is a key tenet of our international artificial intelligence strategy, which seeks to ensure that the development and use of AI remains grounded in human rights. This is why we support a human rights-based approach to artificial intelligence. We also welcome the resolution's emphasis on human rights, due diligence, transparency, accountability, meaningful human oversight, and access to effective remedies. These safeguards are essential if AI governance is to remain consistent with international human rights law. Mr. President, with regard to reference to the transfer of technology on mutually agreed terms, the Kingdom of the Netherlands understands this language in the context of the agreed language of the Global Digital Compact and the Visions+20 outcome document. And finally, we welcome the continued engagement of OHHR in international discussions on AI governance. Human rights expertise must have a meaningful place in shaping the rules that will govern these technologies and our future. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is pleased to support this resolution. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba, followed by Indonesia.

Thank you very much, President. We'd like to thank Bangladesh, Egypt, Algeria, Austria, Greece and Nepal for presenting draft resolution L25. This is a timely and relevant initiative against a backdrop of swift development of artificial intelligence and its growing use in a number of sectors. AI offers huge opportunities for productivity, inclusion, and social development. The transformative power of this technology, if well regulated, can speed up development. Nevertheless, the growth of AI occurs against a backdrop of deep inequalities. It's being developed by a small number of businesses, and there is no clear and transparent regulatory framework. Cuba advocates Good governance of new technology, including artificial intelligence, in order to avoid the repetition of existing inequalities in the international order, which particularly affect developing countries. Artificial intelligence should contribute to inclusive and diverse development instead of fostering cultural homogeny and the concentration of creative and technological power. We appreciate the fact that the resolution recognizes the unequal access to these technologies and their benefits, notably to the detriment of developing countries. AI is generally trained on data which doesn't reflect the social, economic, cultural and environmental realities of our countries. We also support the call made in the text to strengthen international cooperation, build capacity and provide technical assistance to developing countries in line with their national needs and priorities inter alia, notably through Exchange of good practices, transfer of technology and funding. As indicated in the draft, artificial intelligence must be compatible with the UN Charter, international law, including international human rights law. Cuba is committed to the development of ethical artificial intelligence which is human-centered. We support adoption by consensus of draft resolution L25. Thank you very much, President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia, followed by Iraq.

Thank you, Mr. President. Indonesia thanks the core group for introducing this timely resolution on a subject that rightly deserves the Council's attention. AI is transforming our lives in unprecedented ways. Its rapid development and expanding use have compelled us to ensure that this technology benefits us, not harms us. Upholding human rights throughout AI lifecycle is therefore essential, for instance, to safeguard workers from losing their jobs, to protect children from online abuse, and to guarantee everyone's privacy. We welcome the text's emphasis on AI governance that should be consistent with both international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Human oversights of AI must always be at the center, and it must serve humanity, not fuel wars. Mr. President, we value the contribution of member states in bringing forward initiatives that strengthen the Council's work, including on AI and digital technology-related issues. In doing so, the Council's continued effort towards rationalization and greater efficiency should remain key consideration for all sponsors. Close coordination among relevant Ben holders is critical to maintain different initiatives remain coherent rather than competing with one another. A spirit of cooperation and constructive engagement should continue to guide our efforts in achieving the Council's objective of promoting and protecting all human rights. We hope that this same spirit will be reflected in the future deliberations of this draft resolution. On this basis, Indonesia supports the adoption of L25 by consensus. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq, followed by North Macedonia.

Thank you, President. It's my honor to deliver this statement Before this general comment, I should said on behalf of the Arab group of members of the Council, we welcome this draft resolution on the implications of artificial intelligence for the promotion and protection of human rights. We'd like to thank the core group for having presented this draft and take into consideration in all views. The rapid development of AI requires the Council to ensure that rights are taken into consideration in governance of AI, and this includes all rights such as the right to development. These technologies provide an opportunity for improvements to education, health, public services and sustainable development. But in order to take advantage of these opportunities, we must be aware of the threats to human rights by ensuring that there is no discrimination or inequalities. At any stage in the life cycle of these technologies. We pay particular attention to the fight against racism, intolerance, xenophobia and faith-based discrimination, as well as combating religious or national hatred, because these are all spikes for violence and as well linguistic diversity must be taken into consideration. We would like to see an effort to combat discrimination against people who are under occupation, amongst other things. We must take into consideration national circumstances, different levels of development and national authorities role in developing practices in line with their international obligations. There must be proper oversight and evaluation of the consequences of AI. There must be appropriate remedies available as well. We would like to congratulate the approach which emphasizes capacity building and the need to narrow the digital gap and also providing technical assistance to states in line with their national needs and priorities and ensuring equal and fair participation of developing states in debates. We hope that the panel and report from the Office of the High Commissioner will contribute to the implementation of this resolution, and we call for adoption by consensus.

Thank you, Mr. President. North Macedonia thanks the Core Group for presenting this draft resolution L25. We underscore and recognize the importance of keeping the human rights implication of artificial intelligence on the Council agenda. In our statements, where applicable, we always highlight the importance of human rights-centered approach in addressing the challenges, risks, and benefits of use of the new technology and AI. We appreciate the efforts of the Core Group to develop forward-looking text. At the same time, we know that some of the principles reflected in the L25 build on and in certain areas overlap with existing Council resolutions, in particular Resolution 59/11, on the new and emerging digital technologies. It seems obviously inevitable to include important elements such as human rights, due diligence and impact assessment, human oversight, accountability, remedies, business responsibility and capacity building. We consider that this should be an opportunity to strengthen coherence in the Council's work to this rapidly evolving issue. We welcome that the present resolution is bringing attention to the implication of AI for vulnerable and resource-constrained communities and the need to bridge the AI divide. We also value its emphasis on capacity building, digital literacy, inclusive participation, and cultural diversity, as well as on ensuring meaningful participation of all countries in shaping the future of AI. For North Macedonia, these elements are important. At the same time, at the stage of adoption of resolution on this session, including of L25, we encourage continued efforts that ensure that this and other related resolutions complements existing Council work, avoiding unnecessary duplication and provides practical added value where new technologies require further attention. With this understanding, North Macedonia is pleased to support the adoption of this draft resolution L25. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile, followed by China.

Thank you, President. Chile would like to thank the Core Group for its leadership. and for holding open and transparent consultations. You've taken into consideration the views of a wide number of delegations. This is a hallmark resolution. It's the first one in the Council which is specifically devoted to AI and is devoted to considering the architecture set up by the Global Compact. There is a paradigm shift caused by this technology for human rights. So we must. Reactor nimbly to new stakeholders and new threats. This text reaffirms the applicability of international law throughout the life cycle, and this must be translated into safeguards such as human oversight, access to information, effective resources, effective remedies for affected people. So The Council can play an important role in this. We appreciate the reference to the accountability of companies in line with the guiding principles, mostly when it comes to children and the environment. We also believe that it is vital that the resolution uses agreed language by the General Assembly. And it also refers to the fact that people offline must be protected in the online environment. And there's references to the life cycle, which we believe relevant as well. In light of the foregoing, we support this resolution. We think that technology should be put at the service of people and not the other way around. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of China, followed by Gambia.

Mr. President, China commends the core group for tabling this resolution. AI is a major driver for a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation. It has brought a lot of amenities and opportunities for life, as well as new challenges for the international community. Because of this, all countries should join hands in pushing for AI for good and for the benefit of mankind. We took part constructively in the consultations of the draft resolution. We'd like to thank the core group for adopting China's views to improve the text. We'd like to emphasize three points. Firstly, one needs to respect digital sovereignty while searching for inclusive and winning outcomes through enhanced international cooperation. Secondly, we should adopt a people-centered approach to ensure that the development and use of AI are compatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter and applicable international law. Thirdly, we should emphasize equity and general benefits, enhancing the support for Global South, increasing the representation and voice of developing countries, and preventing further widening of digital divide. In view of above, we'd like to join the consensus on this draft resolution. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. The Gambia thanks the penholder, Bangladesh, and all members of the core group for their leadership and constructive approach in the negotiation of this important resolution. The Gambia firmly supports this draft resolution because for countries such as ours, discussions around artificial intelligence is not only about identifying and mitigating the risks associated with the rapid advancement of the technology. We are equally keen to ensure that we take an active part in shaping the rules governing artificial intelligence and not be mere rule takers. For the Gambia and the wider developing world, safeguarding the human rights dimension of artificial intelligence is largely a question of access and capacity. AI has the potential to contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights by expanding access to education, healthcare, information and public services. However, these benefits cannot be realized for countries lacking adequate connectivity, infrastructure, skills, and technological capacity. But AI and digital technologies will not wait. Therefore, the true test of success lies in the effectiveness of the support needed for the delivery of affordable access for all. Implementation support is an obligation of partnership and not a gesture of goodwill. Accordingly, we welcome the resolution strong emphasis on international cooperation that enables capacity building, technical assistance and access to open AI models and systems to enable the full, equal and meaningful participation of developing countries in relevant discussions on the impact of AI on human rights. We also welcome the recognition of different national contexts, capacities and levels of development in discussions on AI governance. We believe This is essential to ensure global standards are inclusive, realistic and responsive to the lived realities of all countries. We therefore support the adoption of L25 and encourage its adoption by consensus. Thank you.

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. Is there a request for a vote? I also see no such request. May I therefore take it that draft resolution L25 may be adopted without a vote. It is so decided. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.27, entitled "The mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the implications of human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes." I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya on behalf of the African Group to introduce the draft resolution.

Mr. President, I have the honor to introduce, on behalf of the African Group, the draft resolution entitled Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Implications for Human Rights of Environmentally Sound Management and Disposal of Hazardous Substances and Wastes. At the outset, the African Group extends its sincere appreciation to all delegations that participated actively and constructively in the informal consultations. We are grateful for the constructive spirit demonstrated throughout the negotiations and for the many thoughtful proposals put forth. A number of these proposals have been reflected in the text, where they have contributed to strengthening its clarity, balance and substance. This mandate is of particular importance to the African region, as across our continent, communities continue to face a disproportionate burden arising from the unlawful dumping of hazardous wastes, unsafe management of chemicals, legacy pollution, associated with extractive activities and emerging risks linked to electronic wastes, pesticides and industrial contaminants. These challenges have direct implications for the enjoyment of a wide range of human rights, including rights to life, health, water, food, a safe and healthy working environment and a clean and healthy sustainable environment. The work of the Special Rapporteur has made an important contribution in this regard. Through thematic reports, country visits, communications and technical engagement, the mandate has supported efforts to strengthen legal and policy frameworks, protect workers and affected communities, and to protect access to information, participation, justice and effective remedies. For the African Group, this mandate continues to represent a practical and valuable tool to support the protection of people, communities and ecosystems. The draft resolution before the Council renews the mandate for a further period of three years. It also introduces carefully considered updates that reflect developments since the mandate's previous renewal. In particular, the text strengthens references to the science policy interface, transparency concerning hazardous and risks throughout the life of cycle of hazardous substance and wastes, and the need to identify and address gaps and shortcomings in relevant international regulatory mechanisms. especially with regard to emerging chemicals, waste management challenges. It further recognizes the relevance of ongoing international work on plastic pollution, including negotiation of an internationally legally binding instrument. Mr. President, the African group believes that the text before us is balanced, forward-looking, and implementable. We therefore commend the draft resolution to the Council and invite all delegations to support its adoption by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are nine 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 Cuba, followed by Egypt and Mexico.

President, We would like to thank Grouper and the African Group for presenting draft resolution L27. Cuba supports this draft and the mandate of the rapporteur. As is recognized in the text, the 2.4 target in Agenda 2030 wasn't achieved. It was supposed to ensure that there was ecological management of toxic waste and hazardous toxic substances and hazardous waste by 2020. This failure is of no surprise to anyone. Most of these toxic substances are manufactured and used in industrialized countries, but the waste habitually ends up in developing countries. Major international corporations privatize the benefits of their growing production of electronic products, chemicals, and other dangerous substances, but The dangers are borne by everybody. The lands and rivers of the whole world being polluted, but particularly those of developing countries. The draft resolution calls for information to be provided on pollution caused by companies. We're facing scarce resources, but pollution is increasing. the world population will reach 900, I beg your pardon, 9 billion people by 2050, we'd need three planets to keep up current living patterns. Maintaining current production and consumption patterns is just not possible. We must change this urgently. This is why we support draft resolution L27 and call for adoption by consensus. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt, followed by Mexico.

Mr. President, the delegation of Egypt supports the resolution L27 to renew the mandate that was established in the first place in response to the concerns of developing countries when it comes to the dumping of hazardous toxic substances on its territories. Until now, these communities, they suffer from the repercussions of hazardous substances that are produced in other countries, but that are transferred across the boundaries and the burdens of managing them are borne by developing countries, as well as the repercussions, environmentally and in terms of health. Such substances constitute a direct threat to the implementation of human rights, especially the right to life, health, and safe drinking water and nutrition. Hence, we call that due attention be given to the technical, financial, and human gaps that exist and hinder the ability of developing countries to face the sources of pollution and to shed light on the importance of enabling developing countries and providing them with the means of implementation in terms of technology, financing, and capacity building. In conclusion, we call the Council members to adopt the draft resolution by consensus to implement the efforts in order to preserve a safe environment for everyone. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico, followed by Ethiopia.

Thank you, President. Mexico would like to thank Kenya for presenting draft resolution L27 on behalf of the African Group. It seeks to renew one of the longest-standing mandates of the Human Rights Council. We'd like to thank the core group for their openness during informal consultations to listen to suggestions and comments from delegations, as well as their flexibility to make adjustments to the draft, which will allow it to be adopted by consensus. For over 20 years, this mandate has supported states, companies and other stakeholders interested in finding solutions to the impact on human rights caused by exposure to toxic substances and hazardous waste for various types, including the impacts on the right to life, health and a free, clean and sustainable environment. In this regard, the outgoing Special Rapporteur, Marcos Orellana, carried out an official visit to our country during the first half of this year. His report and recommendations are a contribution to dialogue and collective reflection as to how to further strengthen the protection of human rights in view of the risks arising from toxic substances and hazardous waste. we'd like to take this opportunity to reiterate our welcome to the incoming Special Rapporteur, Bethany Carney Almroth. President, the management of toxic substances and hazardous waste is one of the most pressing human rights and environmental challenges of our time. That's why we think it's vital that the Human Rights Council once again renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. Thank you very much, President.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. We wish to acknowledge and appreciate Kenya for facilitating the work of the group on this draft resolution. Hazardous substances and wastes pose significant risks to human health, livelihoods, and the enjoyment of human rights, particularly for communities and persons in vulnerable situations. Their environmentally sound management throughout their life cycle is therefore essential to advancing the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Ethiopia attaches particular importance to the emphasis in the text on international cooperation, technical assistance and capacity building. For developing countries, strengthening national capacities, access to scientific knowledge and appropriate technologies and the availability of technical assistance remain essential to addressing the challenges associated with hazardous substances and wastes in an effective and sustainable manner. We also recognize the importance of cooperation between the Special Rapporteur, relevant United Nations entities, and environmental conventions. Such cooperation can contribute to practical and nationally appropriate solutions while avoiding duplication and strengthening existing international frameworks. The text also gives due attention to the circumstances of women and girls, children, persons with disabilities, and communities in vulnerable situations. Ethiopia considers such an inclusive approach important in addressing the human rights impacts associated with hazardous substances and wastes. Mr. President, Ethiopia considers the continued mandate of the Special Rapporteurs an important contribution to strengthening international efforts towards the environmentally sound management of hazardous substances and wastes and the protection of human rights. Ethiopia therefore calls upon the esteemed members of the Council to join the African Group in ensuring the consensual adoption of this resolution. I thank you, Mr. President.

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 that 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 requests. May I therefore ask if there is any request for a vote? There is no such request. May I therefore take it that draft resolution L.27 may be adopted without a vote? It is so decided. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.28, entitled "Mandate of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group to Elaborate the Content of an International Regulatory Framework under regulation, monitoring, and oversight of the activities of private military and security companies. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya on behalf of the African group to introduce the draft resolution.

Mr. President, on behalf of the African group, I have the honor to introduce the draft resolution on the mandate of the open-ended intergovernmental working group to elaborate the content of an international regulatory framework on the regulation, monitoring and oversight of the activities of private military and security companies. This draft resolution renews for a further three years the mandate of the working group to continue elaborating an international regulatory framework, without prejudging its nature, in order to protect human rights and ensure accountability for violations and abuses linked to the activities of private military and security companies. The text builds on the progress achieved under the previous mandates, takes into account the revised fifth draft instrument prepared by the Chair Rapporteur, and incorporates further inputs from Member States and other stakeholders. The Council will recall, since its establishment, the working group has held seven sessions together with a number of intercessional and informal engagements. The latest session held from 27th to 30th April 2026 made significant progress on the basis of text-based negotiations. This trajectory demonstrates the value of our sustained, step-by-step approach and the importance of maintaining the momentum we have built. Mr. President, the African Group stresses that the reason why the Working Group was created remains relevant today, as it was at its inception. It remains critically important for this Council to continue providing the Working Group with necessary support to fulfill its mandate. The African Group approaches this text in the spirit of cooperation. We are grateful to all delegations that engaged constructively during the informal consultations. Our shared objective is to preserve the momentum of this intergovernmental process and to advance a framework that strengthens accountability, protects victims, and supports States in regulating the activities of private military and security companies. Mr. President, in that spirit, the African Group welcomes the consideration of all delegations towards adoption of this resolution by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you. I've been informed by the secretariat that there are three 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 Cuba.

President, we would like to thank Kenya for presenting draft resolution L.28 on behalf of the African Group. Cuba supports this draft and the renewal of the mandate of the Working Group. we'd like to underscore the need to regulate private military and security companies activities. There's growing number of them and they're becoming increasingly involved in conflicts, blighting human rights and respect for international humanitarian law. They're often involved in human rights abuses. Many of them are undertaking new kinds of mercenarism. Cuba has been the victim of such actions on a number of occasions. We must go beyond good practices. Cuba supports the adoption of an internationally legally binding instrument which is strong for the regulation, monitoring and supervision of the activities of private military and security companies. The lack of such an instrument creates a dangerous gap in international law. Private military and security companies cannot continue to operate in impunity and without being held accountable. So this is why Cuba is calling for adoption by consensus of draft resolution L28. Thank you very much, President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.

Thank you, Mr. President. South Africa takes the floor to deliver general comments in support of resolution L28. The resolution is especially critical today as violent conflicts are proliferating around the world, and private military and security companies, PMSCs, are increasingly at the center of this landscape, both on the African continent and elsewhere. Their role, however, extends well beyond the battlefield. Today, PMSCs are involved in border management, law enforcement, humanitarian operations, and the protection of critical infrastructure. Many of these companies are contracted by governments to carry out functions that can and indeed have a profound effect on people's rights and freedoms. Yet, the activities are not always accompanied by the transparency, accountability, and effective oversight that such responsibilities require. At the same time, the rapid adoption of new technologies creates additional challenges. Surveillance systems, artificial intelligence, biometric technologies, and other emerging tools can fundamentally change how PMSCs operate. While access to justice for victims in conflict situations is already complex, it becomes even more difficult when PMSCs are involved, particularly companies that operate across borders, in jurisdictions where institutions are weak, or where the rule of law has broken down. Without appropriate safeguards, new avenues for human rights violations will be created, while making responsibility harder to establish. Yet, for those whose rights have been negatively affected by PMSCs, access to justice is not an abstract principle. It is essential to rebuilding their lives, restoring their dignity, and ensuring that violations are not repeated. Wherever people's rights are at stake, victims and survivors must have a genuine path to accountability and justice. It is within this context that the work and indeed the renewal of the mandate of the open-ended intergovernmental working group to elaborate the content of an international regulatory framework on the regulation, monitoring and oversight of the activities of PMSCs without prejudging the nature thereof, therefore becomes especially critical. While we appreciate that some states would have preferred a clear indication of the nature of the instrument, ultimately significant progress has already been made without such a decision. This is reflected, among others, in the valuable discussions held during the seventh session, elaborating elements for a draft regulatory framework on the fifth revised draft instrument. We therefore wish to acknowledge the role of the chair rapporteur, Ambassador Mkhulisi Nkosi, and the contributions of delegations in facilitating this progress, which will no doubt advance under the forthcoming mandate. Indeed, we owe it to the victims to continue these discussions, ensuring their voices are heard and amplified at the Council, and in so to address any gaps and bring a decisive end to the current permissive environment of impunity. South Africa therefore calls on the Council to adopt L28 by consensus. I thank you.

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 required resources have already been included in the proposed program budget. I now give the floor to members of the council who may wish to make explanations of vote before the vote. I see no request. Are there any requests for a vote? I see none. May I therefore take it that draft resolution L28 may be adopted without a vote. They so decided. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.32, entitled "Enhancing equal access of children to adequate nutritious food". And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia to introduce the draft text.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the core group consisting of Bangladesh, Brazil, Cuba, Finland, France, Rwanda, and my own country, Indonesia, I have the honor to present to the Council draft resolution L32, entitled Enhancing Equal Access of Children to Adequate Nutritious Food. This new initiative is aimed to respond to the persistent global challenge of child malnutrition, which continues to affect hundreds of millions of children worldwide. while the world remains off track to end malnutrition by 2030. We are convinced that child malnutrition is not only a development and health concern, but also a human rights issue. It undermines children's enjoyment of their human rights, including the right to food, health, life and education, and may have irreversible and intergenerational consequences. Child malnutrition must therefore also be addressed from a human rights perspective, and this draft resolution seeks to contribute to that objective. The text mainly calls upon States and other relevant stakeholders to combat all forms of child malnutrition by enhancing equal access of children to adequate nutritious food, including through school meal programs, and strengthen international cooperation. We believe that this initiative will complement and reinforce the Council's existing work and discussions, particularly on the rights of the child and the right to food. We also underline that in support of the Council continued efforts toward rationalization and efficiency, the draft resolution does not request any mandated activities that entail program budget implications. Mr. President, before concluding, let me express our sincere appreciation to all delegations and representatives of civil society for their constructive engagement during the informal consultations. Throughout the process, we have sought to bridge different views among delegations towards achieving a balanced and consensual text. The co-sponsorship received thus far from across regional groups underscores our efforts to build broad-based support for this initiative. Finally, we call on the Council to adopt the draft resolution by consensus, emphasizing our shared commitment to eliminating child malnutrition globally. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 32 additional co-sponsors for the draft resolution. I now give the floor to members of the Council who may wish to make general comments. I recognize the distinguished representative of France.

Thank you, President. France thanks Indonesia for presenting this resolution. We are proud to be one of the co-sponsors and to have participated in negotiations on this important resolution. The fight against poverty and the imperative of improving nutrition is a long-standing one. And now this is complicated by multiple conflicts, humanitarian crises, and other factors such as the impacts of climate change. Research shows that children and adolescents are among the most affected by malnutrition. This is why France took the initiative in 2021 alongside Brazil, Finland, and the World Food Programme of launching a school food program, which now brings together 113 states, including Indonesia, and several other partners. The clear objective is, by 2030, to ensure that each child has a nutritious, healthy meal per day, one per day. This has allowed for unprecedented mobilization to put an end to malnutrition in all its forms, with more than 30 million, $30 billion pledged. We welcome similar initiatives such as the one launched by the Brazilian presidency of the G20. This commitment is bearing fruit. International organizations such as the World Food Program and UNICEF have allowed for significant progress. Dozens of millions more children now have access to school meals. Several countries, often in difficult contexts, have undertaken remarkable initiatives. President, our fight for school nutrition is an essential political one and one seeking to respect human rights. Behind each school meal distributed, there is a political decision. I welcome the submission of this resolution by a cross-regional group and the inclusive nature of the negotiations. I call, therefore, on all States to support its consensus adoption. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil, followed by Mauritius.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, Brazil welcomes the consideration by the Human Rights Council of this new resolution on enhancing equal access of children to adequate nutritious food and commends Indonesia for its leadership and constructive engagement throughout the negotiations. For Brazil, adequate nutrition is inseparable from the realization of the human right to adequate food and from the broader protection of the rights of the child. Ending child malnutrition requires not only effective national policies, but also action on its structural causes, including poverty, inequality, and unequal access to resources. We particularly welcome the recognition of social protection policies and the role of school meal programs. Brazil attaches great importance to approaches that connect school feeding with public food procurement and local production, including smallholder and family farmers. Such policies can simultaneously improve children's nutrition, strengthen local food systems, and support rural livelihoods. These elements are reflected in the tabulated text. Mr. President, Brazil also welcomes a reference to the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. The alliance seeks to promote collective action and cooperation to accelerate progress in eliminating hunger and poverty and improving food security and nutrition. We further underscore the importance of international cooperation, adequate financing, technical assistance, and capacity building and technology transfer, particularly in support of developing countries. National efforts to end child malnutrition must be accompanied by an enabling international environment and by access to the means of implementation necessary to translate commitments into effective public policies. Brazil supports this resolution and stands ready to continue working with all partners to advance the right of every child to adequate, safe, and nutritious food without discrimination. I thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mauritius, followed by Estonia.

Mr. President, Mauritius welcomes the presentation of this resolution and thanks the core group for its efforts and constructive engagement throughout the informals. For every child, access to adequate nutritious food is fundamental for their ability to grow, learn and develop their full potential. Poor nutrition can affect a child even before birth, with consequences for health, development, learning, and future opportunities that may last throughout life and extend across generations. It is therefore a rights issue. We value the broad approach taken by this resolution, which recognizes that child nutrition cannot be addressed in isolation. Child malnutrition is rarely a result of a single factor. It reflects wider inequalities and vulnerabilities that can make access to adequate nutritious food far more difficult for some children than for others. It is particularly important for developing countries and especially net food importing countries where limited resources and capacity can compound these challenges. Mauritius therefore stresses the need for responses that are inclusive, targeted and capable of reaching those children who face the greatest barriers. We also attach particular importance to the role of school meal programs. Their value lies not only in responding to hunger, but in the wider effect they can have on a child's ability to learn, remain in school, and develop in good health. When designed well, they can also strengthen the link between nutrition policy and local food systems. This is why child nutrition cannot be viewed in isolation, but as a fundamental part of creating the conditions in which children can grow, learn and thrive. The resolution also rightly recognises that children themselves have a role in shaping the policies that affect them. Meaningful participation can help ensure that measures intended to improve nutrition respond to children's actual experiences and needs, rather than treating them solely as recipients of policy. Finally, strong international cooperation will be essential to implementation. For many developing countries, ambition alone is not enough if the means to act remains limited. Cooperation should therefore help ensure that commitments on child nutrition can be translated into practical and lasting improvements for children. Mauritius is pleased to support the adoption of this resolution and its commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of every child. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Estonia, followed by Ethiopia.

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 General Comment has been agreed by the European Union as a whole. We express our appreciation to Indonesia and the core group for presenting the resolution on, uh, enhancing equal access of children to adequate nutritious food. The EU appreciates the core group's constructive and balanced approach to nego- negotiations. Child malnutrition undermines children's enjoyment of human rights, including the rights to food, health, life and education. The draft resolution addresses the persistent global challenge of child malnutrition from a human rights perspective by calling for stronger efforts by states and the international community to enhance equal access of all children without discrimination of any kind to adequate nutritious food. We welcome the intention to reinforce the work of the Council and its mechanisms within their existing mandates and available resources to further advance the rights of the child. The European Union has launched major policy frameworks, financial investments and localised programmes specifically aimed at enhancing equal access of children to adequate nutritious food, targeting both domestic child poverty and global food insecurity. Malnutrition in its different forms indeed affects countries at all levels of development. The European Child Guarantee aims to secure free access to at least one healthy school meal per school day for vulnerable children in need, helping bridge social inequalities and combat nutritional poverty. The European Commission is a member of the School Meals Coalition. Beyond its borders, the EU plays an active role in expanding nutrition access for the world's most vulnerable children. Through international platforms like the Nutrition for Growth Summit, the EU pledged over 3 billion euro through 2027 to combat severe acute malnutrition globally, heavily targeting children under five and lactating mothers in fragile regions. The EU also collaborates closely with UNICEF, integrating humanitarian funding into local education and social protection systems to treat children wasting and build resilient, sustainable food environments during crisis. The EU member states that are members of the Council will support this resolution and call on the full membership to do the same. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia, followed by Pakistan.

Thank you, Mr. President. Ethiopia thanks Indonesia and the entire core group for their leadership and constructive efforts in advancing this important resolution on enhancing equal access of children to adequate nutritious food. Ethiopia aligns itself with the objectives of this resolution and recognizes that ensuring children's access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious food is fundamental to the realization of their rights and to their healthy growth, development, and well-being. We particularly welcome the resolution's recognition that child malnutrition is closely linked to broader challenges. including poverty, food insecurity, climate-related shocks, economic vulnerabilities, and limited access to resources. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive and integrated approaches that strengthen food systems, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable and resilient agricultural production. In this regard, Ethiopia attaches particular importance to the recognition of the essential contribution of smallholder and family farmers pastoralists, and local food producers. Strengthening local food systems, supporting rural communities, and improving access to sustainable agricultural production are critical to enhancing food security and nutrition, particularly in developing countries. Ethiopia also welcomes the emphasis on school meal programs. nutrition, education, and social protection measures. Such initiatives can make an important contribution to improving children's health and educational outcomes while strengthening community resilience and supporting local food production. We believe that addressing the structural drivers of hunger and malnutrition requires a strengthened international enabling environment and genuine solidarity, partnership and cooperation. We also appreciate the recognition that national efforts should be implemented in accordance with national contexts, priorities and capacities. This is essential to ensuring that measures to advance child nutrition are sustainable, effective, and comprehensive to national realities. In this spirit, Ethiopia supports the adoption of this resolution by consensus and calls upon all esteemed members of the Council to join in its consensus adoption. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan, followed by Cuba.

Thank you, Mr. President. Pakistan thanks the Core Group for presenting this new initiative, L.32, and supports its objectives. Adequate nutrition is indispensable to the dignity, development, and well-being of every child, and is closely connected with the effective enjoyment of a range of human rights. The text rightly recognizes that malnutrition can have profound and often irreversible consequences for children, including for the enjoyment of children's right to adequate food, life, health, education and an adequate standard of living. The resolution also appropriately reflects interconnectedness, interconnected nature of human rights. Nutrition is integral to the realization of the rights to food and health as well as other economic, social and cultural rights. Addressing these interconnections is not duplication. It gives practical expression to the fundamental principle that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. Mr. President, Economic, social and cultural rights are not secondary rights, nor should their consideration be subjected to a higher threshold of justification. They must be accorded the same attention, priority and emphasis as all other human rights. We also welcome the comprehensive approach taken by the resolution in recognizing the multiple and interconnected drivers of food insecurity and malnutrition, including poverty, climate change, water stress and scarcity, armed conflict and foreign occupation as well as the particular constraints faced by developing countries in this context. The text also recognizes the importance of safe drinking water and of coherent actions across the SDGs including on water and sanitation. In this context, ensuring uninterrupted, barrier-free and equitable access to water remains an important component of efforts to address malnutrition and advance the right and well-being of every child. Pakistan supports the adoption of this resolution by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba, followed by Egypt.

President, Cuba is a member of the core group presenting draft resolution L.32. When we adopted Agenda 2030, we made a commitment to end hunger and ensure that everybody around the world, including children, had access to healthy and nutritious food. But this commitment will not be respected We won't be able to end hunger by 2030. We won't ensure access by all children to nutritious food. Quite the opposite. 181 million children face severe nutritious deficits, and there are many millions under fives who are stunted because of poor food and many are also wasting. It's not because there's not enough food around the world. There's plenty to feed everybody. The basic cause of hunger and malnutrition amongst children is unequal access to available food and the erection of artificial barriers to food. L30 emphasizes the need to strengthen international cooperation, capacity building and technology transfer. The draft calls for an end to measures which are incompatible with international law and affect children's equal access to nutritious food. Cuban children face the devastating impact of such measures. By imposing a criminal economic blockade on Cuba, the United States insists on depriving our children nutritious and healthy food. We have already purchased 7,000 containers of food and medicine, but they're not being allowed to enter our country. No other government faces such restrictions. Cuba calls for adoption by consensus of draft L.32. Thank you very much, President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt, followed by Japan.

Thank you, President.

We'd like to thank the Indonesian delegation as well as the core group for presenting this initiative, which addresses the issue of children's ability to grow. We'd like to thank the approach adopted by the core group Having access to nutritious food allows children to live with dignity. If children do not have a nutritious diet during early childhood, they'll be affected for the rest of their lives. So the right to nutritious food is a shared responsibility which requires constant attention. We commend this initiative focusing on education, health and sanitation. In order to address these issues, we must bear in mind the technological and capacity constraints of developing countries. We must ensure that there is enabling environment through cooperation for development, sustainable funding and technical assistance. We appreciate the fact that the draft takes into consideration the situation of children in conflict areas and under occupation, as these situations affect their access to nutrition. They cannot wait for the end of a conflict. Humanitarian aid should always be provided without any barriers. Social protection programs for families also help provide answers to the needs of children. Now, we appreciate the fact that the work core group launched this initiative without it implying a burden on the budget of the United Nations in view of the liquidity crisis. We support this draft and hope that it will provide a better future for children. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan, followed by Slovenia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Japan expresses its appreciation to the core group for their efforts in presenting this draft resolution. The objective of this draft resolution is fully consistent with areas in which Japan has been actively engaged, including school meals and food assistance. Japan has also traditionally joined as a co-sponsor of the resolutions on the right to food and has consistently supported such efforts. Japan has maintained a school meal program for nearly half a century And such programs are currently provided to almost 100% of elementary school students and approximately 90% of junior high school students. Japan also works closely with the World Food Program, WFP, and other partners to provide food and nutrition assistance in conflict and disaster affected areas, among others. including Gaza, Ukraine, and Venezuela, as well as to provide support for school meal programs in developing countries. Through these efforts, Japan contributes to the protection and promotion of human rights, including the rights of children. We appreciate that this resolution sets out to do the same. Given the ongoing liquidity and financial crisis, however, Japan considers it essential that the Human Rights Council continue its efforts to more effectively and efficiently implement its mandates, including through the continuous review and improvement of its working methods. From this perspective, with regard to elements that may overlap with existing resolutions or initiatives undertaken by other international organizations, unnecessary duplication should be avoided, including by making use of existing initiatives and mechanisms. Japan also understands that this draft resolution does not alter the existing framework of international law. Based on this understanding, the human rights referred to in this draft resolution should be implemented in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of Child and the International Convention on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Japan will further strengthen its efforts to ensure that children have the access to adequate nutrition food, and we'll continue to engage constructively in the future discussions in this council. Japan hopes that this draft resolution will be adopted by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia, followed by Thailand.

Mr. President, Slovenia aligns itself with the EU general comment and would like to add a few additional points in the national capacity. Firstly, the importance of safe drinking water for healthy child nutrition. Without clean water, a child's body cannot effectively process vitamins and minerals, leading to malnutrition even if they consume enough food. Additionally, contaminated water can cause chronic diarrhea illnesses that flush out critical nutrients and severely impair long-term physical and cognitive growth. Ensuring access to safe water is therefore the single most critical step in protecting a child's overall dietary health and development. Secondly, The importance of adequate nutrition standards and meal programs in early childhood education and care settings, including kindergartens and preschools, ensuring equal access of all young children to safe, healthy, adequate, and nutritious food is vital, as early childhood represents a critical period for physical growth, cognitive development, and establishment of lifelong healthy eating habits. Thirdly, the importance of school meals programs and meaningful participation of children. Slovenia has developed numerous national programs and is a member of the School Meals Coalition. For more than 30 years, schools are connected in Healthy Schools Network. One special project also connects children with older generations when researching Slovenia's culinary heritage, while another one, Green School Meals Project, is developing innovative tools such as multi-criteria model based on sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and nutritional value, accompanied by a toolbox for schools. Local production, supply, reducing food waste and scaling up school gardens, as well as diet with less sugar are in the spotlight of this multi-stakeholders process. Mr. President, adequate nutrition and experience during childhood have a significant impact on children's well-being, as well as on various aspects of health later in life. Slovenia thanks Indonesia and the core group for the initiative and for inclusive and constructive negotiations. Resolution establishes a solid framework for future work in the Human Rights Council and beyond. For all these reasons, Slovenia co-sponsors the resolution and invites others to do the same. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand, followed by China.

Mr. President, Thailand wishes to thank the core group for presenting this resolution. We support its objective of enhancing equal access of children to adequate and nutritious food, which is closely aligned with Thailand's priorities. In Thailand, ensuring access to free and nutritious school meals is an important priority of our education policy. We also value our cooperation with UNICEF in promoting the health and well-being of children, including through improved nutrition in schools. We therefore particularly welcome the resolution's recognition of school meal programs as an important means of supporting children's health and well-being and learning while taking into account national context and priorities. We also appreciate that the resolution brings greater attention of the Human Rights Council to this important issue. without creating new mechanisms or additional resource requirements, making effective use of existing mandates and available resources. Thailand is proud to co-sponsor this resolution and looks forward to joining consensus on the adoption of this resolution. Thank you.

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

China thanks the core group member for tabling this draft resolution on child nutrition and appreciate the open, transparent, and constructive approach of the core group during the consultation and welcome the inclusion of China's suggestions. The overall text is well balanced. China recognize the importance of eliminating child malnutrition and ensure equal access to adequate nutrition for all children. The malnutrition has a greater impact on vulnerable groups, especially women and children. China supports the Traveler Solutions call for sustainable and resilient food systems and the establishment and expansion of national school meal programs, taking into account national conditions and the level of development. China is a member of WFP's School Meal Coalition. Together with WFP, China promotes international cooperation on child nutrition. We support countries in advancing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals on ending hunger and malnutrition in line with their national conditions. In view of the above, China supports the adoption of draft resolution L.32 by consensus. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I see no further requests 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 explanation of vote before the vote. I see no such request. Is there a request for a vote? And I see none. might therefore take it that draft resolution L32 may be adopted without a vote. It is so decided. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.34 entitled "The human right to safe drinking water and sanitation." I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain, followed by Germany, to introduce draft resolution L.34.

Thank you, President. On behalf of Germany, my own country, Spain, it's my honor to present draft resolution L34 bearing the title "Human Rights to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation". Millions of people still don't have access to drinking water and sanitation. This has a profound impact on public health, education, gender equality and development, disproportionately affecting those who are vulnerable and marginalised. Sustainable Development Goal 6 has shown the value of having a comprehensive global goal in the area of water and sanitation, both the International Decade for Action, Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028, as well as Agenda 2030 are nearing their close. Before they end, we must transform ambition into significant results. This initiative strives to further integrate these rights into UN processes, particularly with a view to the upcoming UN conferences on water in 2026 and 2028. We appeal for those conferences to re-affirm that access to safe drinking water and sanitation is not just a question of development or infrastructure, but an issue affecting human dignity, equality and rights, as well as systems which can provide services for all. In this background, the active participation and engagement of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to drinking water and sanitation, as well as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, are vital in order to ensure that rights holders' voices are heard loud and clear. I now have the honour of giving the floor to my colleague, the Permanent Representative of Germany. Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. President, we remain concerned about the disproportionate impact that persistent inequalities in access to safe drinking water and sanitation continue to have on women and girls, who often bear the burden of collecting water. The lack of adequate sanitation services directly affects menstrual health and hygiene and undermines sexual and reproductive health and rights. These challenges are often exacerbated in situations of poverty, humanitarian crises, conflict and displacement, where barriers to sanitation services become even more acute. This iteration of the resolution seeks, therefore, to reflect these interlinkages and reinforce the recognition that equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation is, above all, a matter of dignity and equality and a human rights imperative. Moreover, mindful of the increasing need to implement streamlining and efficiency measures to further strengthen the work of this Council, and in line with recent efforts in this mandate, this year's draft includes additional rationalization measures aimed at reinforcing this agenda while contributing to address the ongoing liquidity crisis. Mr. President and dear colleagues, we are thankful to all the delegations who have actively engaged with our core group in the informal discussions. We are grateful that 48 delegations have already expressed their support as co-sponsors. And we call on all members of this Council to once again affirm the universal support for these human rights by adopting resolution L.34 by consensus. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan to introduce written amendments. L39 and L40 on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, except Albania. I would kindly request the representative to introduce the two amendments together and on the understanding that each amendment will be acted upon separately. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President. Pakistan has the honor to introduce. on behalf of the member of the member states of the organization of Islamic cooperation amendments L39 and L40 to draft resolution L34 the amendment seek to delete the two references to sexual and reproductive health and rights in preambular para 34 and operative para 2f respectively these references have not appeared in previous iterations of this resolution the introduction brings avoidable controversy into an otherwise non-contentious text on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation. The terminology of sexual and reproductive rights remains non-consensual and has been consistently rejected by many states across international fora. It has been invoked to advance concepts and practices that are neither universally agreed nor grounded in international law and which may be incompatible with national laws, cultural and religious values and international obligations. Throughout the negotiations, many delegations repeatedly expressed concerns regarding the introduction of these terminologies and sought an approach that could preserve consensus. We regret that these concerns could not be accommodated in the final text. Our amendments therefore seek to preserve the established and consensual framework of this resolution and maintain its focus on universally agreed human rights issues directly relevant to access to safe drinking water and sanitation, particularly in situations of conflict, foreign occupation and humanitarian emergencies. For these reasons, the OIC calls upon all members of the Council to support amendments L.39 and L.40. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I will now turn to the representative of Spain to seek the views of the sponsors on these amendments.

Thank you, President. Spain opposes amendments L39 and L40 to the draft resolution L34 on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation. It's critical that we retain language on sexual and reproductive health and rights. References to maternal and newborn health, menstrual health, and sexual and reproductive health services, while important, do not capture the full range of rights encompassed by sexual reproductive health rights. The human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation cannot be considered in isolation from other human rights whose effective enjoyment depends in practice on the availability, accessibility and affordability of these essential services. The lack of adequate access to safe drinking water and sanitation has disproportionate impacts on women and girls, particularly those facing multiple and interrelated forms of discrimination. These consequences not only affect health also education, employment, dignity, intimacy or privacy, security, bodily autonomy, and the enjoyment of sexual and reproductive rights. This explicit recognition of sexual and reproductive health and rights is therefore essential for adequately addressing gender dimension of the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation and affects all societies and all countries. Furthermore, the language included in draft L34 is drawn from previously agreed Human Rights Council resolutions across different subject areas. It reflects established international commitments recognizing the links between water and sanitation, health, gender equality, and the need to address barriers that continue to disproportionately affect women and girls. Spain remains committed to supporting a resolution based on human rights, the aim of which is to ensure the full enjoyment of the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation for all without any discrimination. In light of foregoing, Spain calls for a vote on amendments L39 and 40, will vote against and we urge other members to do likewise. Thank you.

Thank you. I understand therefore that the sponsors do not agree with the proposed amendments and call for a vote on them. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 26 additional co-sponsors to the draft proposal L.34 as reflected in e-delegate. I now give the floor to members of the Council who wish to make general comments on draft resolution L.34 and on written amendments L.39 and L.40. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

President, we'd like to thank Spain and Germany for presenting draft resolution L34. The agreed goal of ensuring safe drinking water and sanitation to everyone around the world in 2030 will not be met. The discouraging figures 200 million Sorry, 2 billion people do not have safe drinking water and over 3 billion don't have access to risk-free sanitation. And there are millions who do not have access to basic hygiene in their homes. We have to stop looking water as a commodity. We have to consider water as a human right under the auspices of the United Nations. The draft resolution suggests that the upcoming UN conferences on water to be held in December 2026 and in 2028 will provide new opportunities for making practical agreements on how to ensure that these basic human rights are fulfilled. Cuba remains committed to public and sustainable management of water based on science and innovation, despite the huge difficulties placed on us by the economic blockade from the United States. We're suffering an energy siege with no oil being supplied to us. As a result, 2.7 million Cubans, including women, children, older persons, face problems in accessing water supply networks. These criminal, unilateral, coercive measures against the Cuban people must be halted. I would like to end, President, by expressing Cuba's support for draft resolution L.34. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand, followed by Slovenia.

Mr. President, Thailand thanks Spain and Germany for presenting this important resolution once again. As a longstanding co-sponsor, Thailand is pleased to support the resolution again this year. We particularly welcome the draft resolution's emphasis on transboundary water management. As water does not stop at national borders, the sustainable management of shared water resources requires cooperation among states, guided by principles including equitable and reasonable utilization and the prevention of significant transboundary harm. This is particularly relevant to Thailand as a country sharing major transboundary water resources with our neighbors and currently giving increased attention to strengthening transboundary water cooperation. We also welcome the resolution's attention to water quality and contamination, which directly affect human health and the enjoyment of human rights. Equally important is its continued focus on ensuring women and girls access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, including for menstrual health and hygiene and sexual and reproductive health. Thailand hopes that the Council will adopt it by consensus as presented by the Core Group. I thank you.

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

Mr. President, Slovenia welcomes the adoption of resolution L.34 and thanks Germany and Spain for their leadership and tireless efforts throughout the demanding negotiation process. We welcome the resolution's strong linkage with SDG 6 implementation and the forward-looking connection to upcoming 2026 and 2028 United Nations water conferences. These conferences provide an important opportunity to accelerate the realization of the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation and firmly anchor them in global water governance, including through the meaningful participation of rights holders and civil society. Slovenia also attaches particular importance to transboundary water cooperation. Water does not stop at national borders, and neither do the challenges of water scarcity, pollution, floods, and droughts. Cooperation over shared waters is therefore essential for the effective realization of human rights, sustainable and equitable water management, and resilience to climate change. We equally welcome the resolution's continued strong focus on women and girls. their full, equal and meaningful participation in water governance is essential. Access to water, sanitation and hygiene is also inseparable from menstrual health and hygiene and from sexual and reproductive health and rights. Finally, as conflicts, climate change and environmental degradation place increasing pressure On water resources, we must move from treating water merely as a potential source of scarcity and tension towards recognizing its potential as an instrument of cooperation, resilience and peace. Mr. President, Slovenia will continue working across the human rights, development, environmental, and peace and security pillars to advance this approach. And Slovenia is pleased to support this resolution as originally presented by co-sponsors, and we vote against both amendments. Thank you.

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. We will now take action on each of the amendments one by one in order of submission, and we will then take action on the text as a whole as amended or not amended. We will now proceed to take action on amendment L.39. I give the floor to Council members for explanation of vote before the vote on draft amendment L.39. I give the floor to the distinguished representative for Swiss, followed by Iceland and Estonia.

President, we regret that in spite of lengthy discussions and transparent negotiations, the draft resolution L.34 was subject to amendments. What I say now for L.39 applies to L.40 as well. These amendments seek to remove references to sexual and reproductive health and the exercise of related rights. Yet, in the context of the right of access to safe drinking water, we believe this is necessary and justified. We would like to recall that, according to the WHO, a person needs between 50 and 100 liters of water a day to avoid any health problems. Insufficient access to water and sanitation has disproportionate impacts on women and girls, and these go beyond sanitary issues and relate to education, jobs, dignity, security and the exercise of sexual and reproductive rights. Insufficient hygiene conditions in healthcare establishments, inadequate hygiene and water resources and the risk of infections have a detrimental impact on mothers and newborns and dissuade persons from turning to the establishments for sexual and reproductive health care. These rights are therefore essential to ensure that the specific dimension of the right to access to water and sanitation is taken into account. This is also an issue of equality of access to public health. This is why Switzerland supports the inclusion of these references and will vote against amendments L.39 and 40 and calls on all Council members to do the same.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iceland, followed by Estonia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Iceland opposes amendment L39, which proposes to delete references to sexual and reproductive health and rights from the text of the draft resolution on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation. Iceland cannot support an approach that removes a rights-based framework where it clearly is relevant. Draft resolution L.34 rightfully recognizes the links between inadequate access to water and sanitation and its impact on menstrual health and hygiene and sexual and reproductive health and rights. When we refer to sexual and reproductive health and rights in the context of the resolution, we are not introducing an unrelated concept to the topic of water and sanitation. As an example, the ability to manage menstruation safely and with dignity depends on adequate access to water and sanitation. The same goes for the provision of maternal health and reproductive health services, where this access remains vital. The human rights to water and sanitation and sexual and reproductive health and rights are closely interrelated. AICD is concerned by attempts to separate such well-established and factual connections. We believe it would remove an important recognition of how the human rights to water and sanitation is realized, particularly for women and girls across the world. Iceland will therefore vote against amendment L39 and L40 for the same reasons, and we urge all members of this Council to do the same. I thank you.

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

Mr. President, Amendment L.39 seeks to delete sexual and reproductive health and rights from the resolution. This amendment goes below internationally agreed standards and would remove an important reference that is highly relevant to the substance of this resolution. The concept of reproductive rights is grounded in internationally agreed language, having been explicitly reflected in both the 1994 ICPD Programme of Action and the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action. Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is necessary for people to exercise their sexual and reproductive health and rights with dignity and without discrimination. General comment number 22 of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights also recognizes safe and potable drinking water and adequate sanitation as essential to realizing the right to sexual and reproductive health. Poor hygiene, unsafe water, and inadequate toilets increase the risk of infection for health workers and patients. Poor conditions in health care facilities make it harder to access contraception, ensure safe childbirth, and provide sexual and reproductive health services, including HIV/AIDS care. They also put women and newborns at greater risk. UN human rights mechanisms have repeatedly recognized the relationship between access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, and sexual and reproductive health, including maternal and newborn health and menstrual health. Removing the reference to sexual and reproductive health and rights would therefore weaken the resolution's recognition of this important link and would run counter to gender equality, the empowerment of all women and girls, and their enjoyment of all human rights. For these reasons, Estonia will vote against these amendments and calls on all members of the Council to do the same. Thank you.

Thank you. So, colleagues, Excellencies, at the request of the distinguished representative of Spain, the Council will now proceed to a recorded vote on L.39. I now ask the secretariat to open the voting machine. I ask all delegations to register their votes. Kindly check that your votes are accurately reflected on the screen. If so, I ask the secretariat to close the voting machine And the voting is now closed. The results of the recorded vote are as follows. 10 in favor, 27 against, and 9 abstention. Amendment L39 is therefore rejected. A copy of the results of the votes will shortly be posted on the Extranet. We will now proceed to take action on amendment L40. I give the floor to Council members for explanation of vote before the vote on draft amendment L40. I recognize the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Thank you, President. Mexico rejects amendment L.40 to draft resolution L.34, which strives to remove references to sexual and reproductive health and rights in operative paragraph 2f. The recognition of the right to sexual and reproductive health and rights in the context of the right to water and sanitation is nothing new. In fact, treaty bodies and special procedures have recognized this important link, for example, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in General Comment 22 from 2016 explicitly recognized that access to safe drinking water and sanitation were decisive factors for achieving the right to sexual and reproductive health and rights. In this regard, it's undeniable that Health centres that do not have safe water and suitable toilets will increase the risk of infection amongst their users. And it's also vital for those who are involved in child delivery must keep surfaces clean because otherwise they will run the risk of increasing blood poisoning and risks to maternal newborn health. On a number of occasions, the Council has adopted resolutions with references to sexual and reproductive health and rights in line with the progressive enjoyment of human rights. We support draft resolution L.34 because it calls upon States to ensure that there is access to safe drinking water in equitable fashion and also equitable access to sanitation for all women and girls for menstrual health and also for them to be able to exercise and enjoy their rights to sexual and reproductive health this is why Mexico is going to reject l40 and encourages other members to do likewise thank you very much president

to a distinguished representative of the Netherlands Thank You mr.

president The text of this year's resolution includes a number of relevant additions. It recognizes the impact of climate change on the right to water and sanitation, and it seeks to build bridges between climate action and human rights efforts. And when it comes to the latter, the Netherlands has been pleased to see the inclusion of the importance of access to water and sanitation for sexual and reproductive health and rights. Removing the reference to SRHR would imply omitting a sphere of life in which access to safe water and sanitation is essential. and sexual and reproductive health and rights stretch beyond menstrual health and hygiene alone. The inclusion of SRHR in this resolution is therefore a valuable addition to this year's text. And we regret that amendments have been introduced to the text today. We underscore the importance of retaining the original wording of the text, and subsequently the Kingdom of the Netherlands will vote against amendment L40. And we call on all members of the Council to do the same, reaffirming our collective determination to enable access to water and sanitation to all. Thank you.

At the request of the distinguished representative of Spain, the Council will now proceed to a recorded vote on L40. I ask the Secretariat to open the voting machine, and I ask all delegations to register their vote. I request all delegations to check if their vote is accurately reflected on screen. And if so, I ask the Secretariat to close the voting machine. And the voting is now closed. The results of the recorded votes are as follows: 10 in favour, 9 against, and 27 abstentions. Amendment L40 is therefore rejected. A copy of the results of the vote will shortly be posted on the Extranet.

27 against.

Oh, I think I made a mistake. So let me rectify that. It is 10 in favour, 27 against, 9 abstention. So that is the correct version, and I apologise for the mistake. And, well, amendment L4D is rejected. A copy of the results of the votes will shortly be posted on the extranet. I now give the floor to members of the Council who wish to make explanations of vote before the vote on draft resolution L.34. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan, followed by Egypt and Ethiopia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Japan thanks the members of the core group, Germany and Spain, for their efforts in preparing this resolution and for conducting the related consultations in a very constructive manner. While acknowledging the essential nature of the issue addressed in this resolution, Japan does not recognize the legal right to safe drinking water and sanitation as established rights in international human rights law. Japan's position on this matter remains unchanged. This position applies equally to the present resolution and to any other resolutions addressing this matter. Nevertheless, given the importance of this issue, we have decided to join the consensus on this resolution. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt, followed by Ethiopia.

Mr. President, Egypt will join the consensus on draft resolution L.34, reflecting its longstanding commitment to protecting the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, and as a constructive actor in advancing water issues on the multilateral agenda. We appreciate the core group's sustained efforts to bring this important resolution before the Council, and welcome the new references acknowledging the role of the forthcoming United Nations water conferences. However, We wish to place on record a number of concerns regarding the final text. First, the dilution of crucial references that were largely welcomed in the zero draft by the majority of delegations in support of stronger language. Second, the deletion of the operative reference to transboundary cooperation and water management, grounded in verbatim agreed commitments under

SDG 6.

Removing such language sends an unfortunate signal about our collective willingness to advance cooperation in such indispensable area. Third, the removal of references to barrier-free access to safe water and sanitation. A resolution dedicated to promoting these rights should unequivocally support the removal of barriers to their enjoyment. With these considerations in mind, Egypt will join the consensus on draft resolution L.34 in the hope that future iterations will build on the progress achieved while restoring the ambition and cooperative spirit needed to ensure the effective realization of the rights to safe drinking water and sanitation for all. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia, followed by Gambia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Ethiopia thanks Spain and Germany for tabling this important resolution and for their constructive engagement throughout the negotiation process. Ethiopia recognizes that access to safe drinking water and sanitation is fundamental to human dignity, public health, sustainable development, and the enjoyment of human rights. We therefore welcome the resolution's emphasis on water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as its recognition of the particular challenges faced by developing countries, including financial, technological, and capacity constraints. Ethiopia also attaches importance to national programs and policies, as well as the meaningful role of local governments and communities in advancing equitable and sustainable access to water and sanitation. At the same time, Ethiopia underscores the importance of preserving consensus on all languages contained in this resolution. In this regard, Ethiopia is not in a position to endorse the inclusion or interpretation of formulations that are not consensual or have not been expressly agreed by all member states, including references to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Ethiopia considers that any such references should be understood and implemented within the framework of applicable international law, while taking into account national laws, policies, and priorities, as well as relevant cultural, religious, and social contexts and circumstances. Ethiopia also underscores the importance of preserving the focused, consensual, and constructive character of this resolution. We encourage all delegations to remain attentive to the established mandate and scope of the Council and to refrain from introducing language or pursuing issues that may extend beyond the core focus of the resolution or give rise to unnecessary divergence. Maintaining this focus is essential to safeguarding the consensual nature of our work and ensuring that our collective focus remains directed towards the shared objective of advancing universal and equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation for all. With this views placed on the record, Ethiopia is pleased to join the consensus on this resolution. I thank you, Mr. President.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. The Gambia thanks the core group comprising of Spain and Germany for its efforts to facilitate a constructive engagement on the issue before us today. At the outset, we wish to place on the record that The Gambia attaches great importance to the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, particularly given the continuing challenges faced by least developed countries in ensuring universal access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. The Gambia supported the amendments tabled by Pakistan on behalf of the OIC before the Council concerning references to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Our position reflects the importance we attach to maintaining clear and internationally agreed language on these matters. In this regard, the Gambian reiterates that its understanding of references to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights is in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and does not imply obligations beyond those internationally agreed frameworks or our national legal framework. The Gambia also reiterates its understanding of the term "gender" as referring to the biological attributes of male and female. At the same time, we recognize the importance of the broader resolution, particularly its focus on expanding access to safe drinking water and sanitation, strengthening international cooperation, and supporting developing countries through financing, capacity building, and technology transfer. Accordingly, while maintaining our position on the specific terminology referred to above, The Gambia will join the consensus and support the adoption of L.34. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I recognize the distinguished representative of Pakistan. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President. Pakistan thanks the Core Group for presenting the resolution L.34 on human right to safe drinking water and sanitation. Water is a universal lifeline. It underpins health, dignity, and sustainable development. SDG 6 promises equitable access to safe drinking water for all, and the right to water and sanitation is central to realizing that promise. Transboundary water cooperation, always implicit in the right to safe drinking water and sanitation, is now explicit in the text, in line with SDG 6.5. We attach critical importance to this. SDG 6.5 calls for integrated water resource management at all levels, including through transboundary water cooperation. No state can guarantee safe water to its people while shared waters remain beyond the reach of cooperation. UN Water notes that 153 member states share transboundary waters. Even in this very country, lakes and rivers are shared with neighbors and managed through cooperation. Mr. President, cooperation is not a favor between neighbors. It is what SDG 6 asks of us all. Where waters are shared, so are responsibilities. States must cooperate with one another on transboundary waters, and no upper riparian should use water as an instrument of political leverage or coercion. In this regard, legal instruments, including obligations under international law, must be upheld in good faith. We thank the significant majority of states that reaffirmed cooperation and supported retaining the relevant references placing principle above politics. Their support affirms that cooperation over shared waters is a priority widely shared in this council. Pakistan would like to see this aspect more prominently highlighted in future iterations of this resolution. We will continue to highlight transboundary auto cooperation in this council's world. In view of the above, Pakistan will join consensus on this resolution. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I see no further request for explanation of vote before the vote. Is there a request for a vote on L34? I see no request. May I take it therefore that draft resolution L34 may be adopted without a vote. It is so decided. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, colleagues, this brings us to the end of this meeting. We'll reconvene tomorrow at... This afternoon. No, this afternoon. We will reconvene this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. to continue with consideration of the draft resolutions. Thank you very much to all colleagues for your patience. I thank the interpreters. Thank you very much for your support throughout. and also to our security officers, I hereby close the 41st meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council.