42nd Meeting - 63rd Session of Human Rights Council

Important announcement.

Message important.

Anuncio importante.

Urging from the speakers, the key ram, I'll call by in at them, the sort of my goal to the woman, the argument for you to know if you have a lot of the job. Pour aider à transmettre les messages de manière précise et complète, les orateurs sont priés de ne pas parler trop vite.

Speakers are kindly reminded to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace to ensure complete and quality interpretation.

Il.

Est rappelé aux orateurs qu'ils doivent présenter leurs déclarations à un rythme raisonnable afin de garantir une interprétation complète et de qualité.

Se ruega a.

Los oradores que pronuncien sus declaraciones a un ritmo razonable para garantizar una interpretación íntegra y de calidad.

Excellencies, distinguished representatives, colleagues, I hereby declare open the 42nd meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council. We shall now continue taking action on draft resolutions. I've been informed that a number of resolutions are ready for adoption during this meeting as shown on the screen. All the PBIs received have been posted on the HRC portal. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.24, entitled "The impact of anti-personal mines on the full enjoyment of all human rights, strengthening victim assistance." And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria to introduce the draft text.

On behalf of the core group comprising South Africa, Croatia, Mozambique, Peru, the United Kingdom, Vanuatu, and my own country, Algeria, I have the honor to present draft resolution L24 entitled, The Impact of Anti-Personal Mines on the Full Enjoyment of All Human Rights, Strengthening Victim Assistance. As the title reflects, this resolution puts victims at its center. Behind every statistic is a human being whose life has changed in an instant. According to the Landmine Monitor, around 90% of those killed or injured by anti-personnel mines and explosive remnants of war in 2024 were civilians, and nearly half were children. When mines do not claim a life, they can undermine the right to liberty and security and to freedom of movement, turning lands and roads into deadly traps. They undermine the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. They can also impede access to livelihood, education, and essential services, affect the enjoyment of a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, and hold back development. For survivors, the consequences can last a lifetime. In many developing countries, health systems struggle to provide adequate medical care, rehabilitation, and psychological support. Families face loss of income and increased care responsibilities where survivors may endure trauma, stigma, and exclusion. Yet victim assistance remains significantly under-resourced. It receives only around 5% of mine action funding. Whatever our respective positions on anti-personal mines, there should be no disagreement on one fundamental principle: those who have been harmed must not be left behind. We pay tribute to those working toward this objective, including the Office of the High Commissioner, the ICRC, UNMAS, the Implementation Support Unit of the APMBC, UNODA, and dedicated civil society organizations, including ICBL and GICHD. Mr. President, the Core Group has approached this resolution in a constructive, inclusive, and transparent manner through two readings, six informal consultations, and numerous bilateral meetings with a view to listening to concerns and building broad support. Our objective is to bring this Council together around the human beings at the center of this issue. The fight against anti-personal mines is ultimately a fight to protect human rights, restore dignity, and enable survivors and affected communities to rebuild their lives. We therefore urge members of the Council to join consensus on draft resolution L24 as a concrete expression of our collective commitment to victims and survivors. To them we say, you are not forgotten. I thank you.

Thank you. I have been informed by the Secretariat that there are 46 additional co-sponsors. And I now give the floor to members of the Council who wish to make general comments. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Mr. President, Thailand thanks the core group for presenting this draft resolution. The draft expresses particular concerns over the continued use of anti-personal mines in conflicts around the world and the increasing number of related casualties. It highlights the complementary between international human rights law and humanitarian law in addressing the disproportionate and indiscriminate consequences of anti-personal mines. Against this backdrop, Thailand particularly welcomes the draft's attention to the profound and long-lasting impact of anti-personal mines on individuals, families, and communities, and its strengthened focus on victim assistance. We also welcome its emphasis on the meaningful participation of survivors, stronger national capacities, and the integration of victim assistance into broader development, as well as disability inclusion frameworks with particular attention to the different needs of victims based on age, gender and disability. These elements reinforce the importance of ensuring that victim assistance is comprehensive, rights-based and integrated into broader national frameworks. Lastly, Thailand remains firmly committed to a mine-free world where anti-personnel mines are never used under any circumstances, and where the rights, dignity and well-being of all victims are fully respected. We remain steadfast in this collective conviction and hope that this resolution will be adopted by consensus. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the group which presented the resolution, L24, on the impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of all human rights. We are aware of the long-term impact they have on victims, physically and mentally, They also affect the economy. Several countries work with the UN and make efforts and set aside funds also to clear these mines. We support what was said, especially the updated version of the resolution, particularly when it speaks about security or safety of people. We have also co-sponsored this resolution. We welcome the openness demonstrated in the informal meetings we had on this issue, and we also welcome the scope of the resolution, which has been large to include the fact that anti-personnel landmines affect the lives of people. Thank you very much. We hope this will be adopted by consensus. Thank you.

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

Mr. President, the scope of draft resolution L.24 goes beyond the humanitarian component of the issue and encroaches upon issues pertaining to defence and security associated with the ownership and use of anti-personnel landmines. Cuba cannot support any text which clearly goes beyond the mandate and the priorities of the Human Rights Council. These issues should be examined in the First Committee of the UN General Assembly and in the relevant international conventions, not in this Council, not by this Council. The draft resolution L24 supports the total prohibition of anti-personnel landmines approach under the argument of its alleged incompatibility with human rights. Cuba does not share that approach, which doesn't enjoy international consensus either. as reflected in the divided votes on the issue which have been registered every year in the General Assembly of the United Nations. Our country is opposed to the indiscriminate use and irresponsible use of anti-personnel landmines. This kind of use is the one that gives rise to effects in the civilian population and affects the economies of many nations of the world. The total prohibition approach runs counter to the legitimate right of states to defend themselves and to protect their territories. It is well known that Cuba has placed mines purely defensively in the perimeter around the Guantanamo naval base, which is a Cuban territory unlawfully occupied by the United States. These mines did not affect the civilian population. They were placed while strictly adhering to the promises established in Protocol II of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, the CCW, which Cuba is a state party of. Whilst the hostility and aggression policy of the US continues to exist against Cuba, our country will not be able to give up owning and using anti-personnel landmines to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity, consistent with the legitimate right to self-defence enshrined in the UN Charter. I conclude emphasising that it is paradoxical that a resolution on anti-personnel landmines is presented to the Council and we totally ignore the incompatibility of nuclear weapons with human rights and with international law. Unlike mines, the disasters produced by nuclear weapons cannot be contained, neither in time nor space, and they have the potential of destroying the whole of civilization and all of our ecosystem. For all of these reasons, Cuba will not be able to support draft resolution L24 and disassociates itself from the consensus thereupon. Thank you very much indeed, Mr. President.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. The Republic of the Marshall Islands expresses its sincere appreciation to the core group composed of countries from different regions for their constructive engagement and commitment throughout this process. Despite different perspectives and regional contexts, the core group has found common ground and common way forward to bring this important initiative to the Council. This year, we are particularly pleased to see growing support for this initiative, including from our own region, the Pacific. This reflects the importance we attach to ensuring that human rights and humanitarian consequences of anti-personal mines remain firmly on the Council's agenda. For Pacific small island developing states, the legacy and threat of explosive remnants of war present particular challenges. Geographic dispersion, limited national capacities, and the high cost of reaching remote communities can make victim assistance especially difficult to sustain. For us, this is also relevant in the context of climate-related hazards. Sea level rise, coastal erosion, flooding, and storm surges can expose or displace explosive remnants of war, creating additional risk for vulnerable coastal and island communities. We therefore welcome the recognition of the importance of integrating climate-related risk into the mine action planning, including clearance and victim assistance. We strongly welcome the resolution's strengthened focus on victim assistance. Clearance is essential, but our responsibility does not end when a mine is removed. Survivors require sustained access to medical care, rehabilitation, psychological support, and social and economic reintegration. We also underline the importance of adequate, predictable, and sustained financing for both mine clearance and victim assistance. For SIDS and affected developing countries and limited resources, international solidarity and sustained support are essential. Mr. President, for us, the principle is clear: no community shall be left behind because of its geography, and no survivor should be left behind because of limited national capacity. We support the adoption of this resolution by consensus and thank the Core Group once again for bringing this important initiative forward and for their efforts to build consensus around it. And I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. The Gambia would like to thank the members of the Core Group, Algeria, Croatia, Mozambique, Peru, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Vanuatu for their leadership and sustained efforts in bringing this resolution forward. We also wish to express our appreciation for the constructive and inclusive manner in which the consultations were conducted, providing delegations with a genuine opportunity to engage with the text and propose improvements. We particularly appreciate the core group and its willingness to take on board a number of proposals put forward by The Gambia. Given our experiences on the transitional justice, it was important that the resolution adequately reflect the particular challenges faced by developing countries, especially least developed countries, where limited financial, technical and institutional capacities can significantly affect the ability of States to respond comprehensively to the consequences of anti-personnel mines. We also welcome the emphasis placed on predictable, sustained and needs-based technical and capacity building assistance to affected states, including least developed countries. This is particularly important if the commitments contained in the resolutions are to translate into practical improvements for victims and affected communities. The Gambia further welcomes the strong human rights dimension of the resolution and its recognition that victim assistance must extend beyond immediate medical care to include rehabilitation, psychosocial support, accessibility, social protection, and the social and economic reintegration of survivors, their families, and affected communities. We believe that this text, therefore, reflects a constructive balance between humanitarian considerations, human rights obligations, national ownership, and international cooperation. The Gambia is therefore pleased to support L.24 and encourage the Council to adopt it by consensus. We thank you, Mr. President.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. As Yao said, my delegation would like to thank the core group members for tabling the draft resolution entitled "The impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of human rights, strengthening victim assistance". We appreciate the efforts undertaken by the core group to facilitate constructive consultations and to advance these important humanitarian and human rights issues before the Council. Ethiopia welcomes the resolution's focus on strengthening victim assistance and addressing the serious and lasting consequences of anti-personnel mines and explosive remnants of war. We particularly appreciate the emphasis placed on comprehensive, inclusive and non-discriminatory assistance to survivors, their families and affected communities, including medical rehabilitation, psychological support, socio-economic reintegration and accessibility for persons with disabilities. We also welcome the recognition of the importance of national ownership, capacity building, and international, regional, and subregional cooperation, particularly in support of affected developing countries. These elements are essential to ensuring sustainable mine action programs that respond to nationally identified priorities and the specific needs of affected populations. We therefore support the adoption of the resolution by consensus and encourage continued collective efforts to advance a safe environment in which mine survivors can fully enjoy their human rights and participate meaningfully in society. I thank you, Mr. President.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. South Africa takes the floor in support of resolution L24. We do so as a committed state party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, whose 30th anniversary will be commemorated next year. It is the catastrophic consequences of AP mines on the human rights of victims, their families, and communities, which underpin South Africa's role in the negotiations of the Mine Ban Convention as the then chair of the 1997 Oslo Diplomatic Conference. Indeed, after attempts made by some to undermine the process at that time, our late President, Nelson Mandela, was key to ensuring that participants stood firm. He believed that South Africa had a moral duty to end the suffering, given our shameful apartheid past, where AP mines were used to terrorize our neighbors. Accordingly, South Africa is concerned about the recent withdrawals from the Mine Ban Convention, as we remain convinced that, given the indiscriminate and disproportionate effects, AP mines are contrary to international law and can never be considered legitimate. As the High Commissioner recently indicated, security is strengthened not by abandoning international rules, but instead by upholding them. Weakening norms designed to reduce human suffering puts us all at greater risk. Arguing that others use it, so should I not, is surely a race to humanity's bottom. This resolution does not change our legal obligations under the Mine Ban Convention, which remains in force. Rather, it recognizes that all states have a responsibility to unite to address the devastation wrought by these weapons, which destroy limbs, lives, and futures long after the guns have been silenced. This is the focus of this year's resolution, which calls for strengthened victim assistance. In this regard, AP mine injuries are among the most severe and must address both the immediate and long-term needs of victims. This makes international cooperation, sustained funding, and long-term political commitment for victim assistance essential. While donor priorities may change over time, survivors' needs continue throughout their lives. This is especially true on the African continent, where the current levels of donor support do not match the scale of the burden that mine-affected countries confront. In closing, allow me to end with the wisdom of Madiba, whose legacy is embodied in this resolution, where he reminds us that AP mines, and I quote, "cannot distinguish between the footfall of a soldier and that of an old woman gathering firewood. They recognize no ceasefire, and long after the fighting has stopped, they can maim or kill the children, and the grandchildren of the soldiers who laid them. We who can assist in ensuring that the lives of those that have already been affected are made whole again must do so with the greatest vigor." I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. The UK is honored to be a member of the core group for this resolution. Anti-personnel mines are stealthy killers long after conflict has ended. They continue to take lives, shatter limbs, destroy livelihoods and prevent families from returning home. For survivors, their families and entire communities, the human pain endured is often beyond imagining. It is an intolerable burden. For too many communities around the world, that reality endures. Today, 57 countries and other areas remain contaminated by anti-personnel mines and explosive remnants of war. Every survivor may face a lifetime of surgeries, rehabilitation, prosthetics and lost opportunities. Tens of millions of people still live with the daily threat of injury or death, while the basic rights of safe access to health services, education, agricultural land and infrastructure continue to be denied to communities around the world. This is why this resolution, led by Algeria, matters. It ensures that the voices and experiences of those affected remain at the center of our collective efforts. By adopting this resolution, the Council keeps their rights, dignity, and future at the center of our work. As we approach the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, we are reminded of the urgent need for sustained international action towards a world free from anti-personnel mines. By adopting this resolution today, we recommit ourselves to that shared goal. The UK calls on the Council to adopt this resolution by consensus. Thank you.

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

China is highly concerned about the humanitarian issues caused by APLs. We have been taking part actively in humanitarian demining and the international exchanges and capacity building in removing ERWs. From 1998 to present, China's provided to more than 40 African and Asian and Latin American countries in forms of training, equipment, mining assistance and assistance for victims. We have also held 30 international humanitarian training courses. Chinese peacekeepers have successfully removed a large number of mines and unexploded explosive devices in Lebanon, Congo and other countries, and have been helping African countries to remove landmines. We have taken part constructively in the consultations on the draft resolution. We appreciate that the co-sponsors have adopted some of our suggestions. We'd like to join the consensus on L24, but at the same time we feel that landmines concerns, post-Cold War concerns, and also the legitimate defence needs of sovereign states, we should treat it in an objective and balanced way. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland, followed by Cyprus.

Mr. President.

Switzerland thanks the members of the Core Group for the presentation of the draft resolution devoted to the impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of all human rights. Switzerland has an age-old commitment to combat these, especially since Ottawa, which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2027. As anti-personnel landmines continue to make victims and what we have achieved from a humanitarian point of view is under attack, we absolutely must strengthen established standards. and strive for universalisation and strive for their full implementation. Switzerland continues to aim to meet its targets in the context of its 2023-2026 anti-personal mine framework. We consider that these issues must, first and foremost, be dealt with in the appropriate fora. whilst at the same time we welcome the complementary perspective provided by L24, which rightly stresses victim assistance, which is a fully fledged part of combating mines. The consequences are long-lasting and victims often need ongoing, lifelong support. Pursuant to the principle of non-discrimination, access to services must furthermore be determined on the basis of real needs of the person concerned and not on the basis of the cause of the disability, which is why there should be no difference of treatment between victims of mines and other victims who have a disability. That difference cannot be justified, which is why victim assistance still amounts to an overall target going beyond the health services in the affected states and covers national systems, legal frameworks and disability frameworks, development and human rights. In this context, the rights guaranteed by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, CRPD, of 2006, also plays a significant role. Mr. President, we avail ourselves of this opportunity to remind everyone that Switzerland is convinced that the ratification and full implementation of Ottawa are indispensable to make progress towards a world where there are no further victims of anti-personnel landmines. Thank you.

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

Mr. President, the use of anti-personnel mines continues to pose a serious threat to life, dignity and the full enjoyment of human rights. Their consequences extend far beyond the immediate impact of conflicts, causing lasting physical, psychological, social, and economic harm to individuals, families, and communities, impeding recovery, reconstruction, and the safe return of displaced populations long after hostilities have ended. Recent data underscores a deeply worrying escalation in casualties as a result of landmines and explosive remnants. The resolution before us therefore rightly highlights the human rights implications of anti-personnel mines, with particular attention to victim assistance. At its core, the resolution conveys an important message: victims must not be forgotten once the immediate emergency is over. Survivors and affected communities require sustained support, including rehabilitation, psychosocial assistance and opportunities for social and economic reintegration. It is imperative for such assistance to be inclusive, non-discriminatory, accessible and responsive to the specific needs of victims, particularly women and children, as well as their families and communities. At the same time, victim assistance should also be integrated into relevant national policies and programs, including in the areas of health, disability, education and social protection. Predictable and sustained international cooperation, including technical and financial assistance, remains essential, particularly for countries facing resource constraints.

We commend the core group for its constructive, transparent, and inclusive approach throughout the negotiations.

The spirit of dialogue and flexibility demonstrated during this process has helped facilitate meaningful exchanges and build consensus while keeping the rights and needs of mine victims at the center of our discussions.

Mr. President, addressing the consequences of anti-personnel mines is not only about clearing contaminated land.

It is about protecting human rights, restoring dignity, and enabling survivors and affected communities to rebuild their lives. Resolution L24 provides an important opportunity for the Council to reaffirm its commitment to the human rights and dignity of mine survivors, affected communities, and to encourage strengthened national and international efforts to ensure that no victim is left behind. We support the consensual adoption of the resolution and encourage all delegations to do likewise. I thank you, Mr. President.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. Japan thanks the core group for its leadership and inclusive approach. Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the Anti-Personal Mine Ban Convention. commemorating three decades since it was adopted and opened for signature. Japan welcomes the focus of this draft resolution on reaffirming the impacts of anti-personal mines on victims, their families, and communities, and on providing an opportunity to advance discussions on victim assistance. Last year, Japan had the honor to serve as the President of the 22nd meeting of the State Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. Together with Cambodia and Zambia, Japan introduced in the General Assembly the resolution titled Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Protection, production and transfer of anti-personal mines and on their destruction, which was successfully adopted. Japan remains firmly committed to the full implementation of the Anti-Personal Mine Ban Convention and will continue to support constructive discussions on the impacts of anti-personal mines on the enjoyment of human rights. while working to protect and promote human rights. We therefore hope the draft resolution will be adopted by consensus. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, Brazil takes the floor to express its support for the draft resolution before us. The text rightly keeps its focus on the humanitarian and human rights dimensions of the challenge posed by anti-personnel mines. We particularly welcome the resolution's grounding in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. By addressing rehabilitation as a system. technology, accessible infrastructure, and inclusive employment that treats survivors not as casualties but as right holders entitled to equal participation in society. For Brazil, it is especially meaningful that the resolution recognizes South-South regional and sub-regional cooperation, anchored in the principle of national ownership. This approach reflects our own historical experience, with humanitarian demining missions across Latin America, a work built on technical solidarity and mutual capacity building. As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, these resolutions reinforce the enduring humanitarian imperative of mine eradication. Mine action is fundamentally about human dignity. the safety of vulnerable populations, and the realization of economic and social rights. Brazil welcomes this initiative and calls for the adoption of the resolution by consensus. I thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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

Mr. President, Kenya thanks the core group for their leadership and inclusive engagement in bringing this timely resolution before the Council. Kenya aligns itself with the purpose of the resolution and welcomes its strengthened victim-centered focus. Anti-personnel mines continue to inflict grave and enduring harm on individuals, families, and communities, compromising the enjoyment of rights to life, health, education, work, food, freedom of movement, and development. As a state with a long-standing commitment to a mine-free world, including hosting the first meeting of state parties to the Ottawa Convention in 2001, and the Nairobi Summit on a Mine-Free World in 2004, Kenya remains firmly committed to the eradication of anti-personnel mines and to the fulfilment of relevant international humanitarian and human rights obligations. Kenya welcomes the text recognition of differentiated effects of mine contamination. Women and girls may face multiple forms of discrimination and disproportionate caregiving and economic burdens. Children injured by mines and explosive remnants of war require age-appropriate aftercare. Reliable and disaggregated data remains indispensable to understanding these differentiated realities and ensuring that no affected person is left behind. Kenya reiterates that a central implementation challenge Mine action is resource intensive. While affected states, particularly developing countries, least developed countries and states emerging from conflict, often face significant physical and institutional constraints. The cost of clearance, victim assistance, risk reduction and strengthening national capacities diverts scarce resources from other essential development priorities. Predictable, sustained, and needs-based international cooperation is therefore not optional. It is essential. We welcome calls for technical, financial, and capacity-building assistance aligned with nationally identified priorities. Mr. President, the resolution reinforces the mutually reinforcing relationship amongst peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. It is fully consistent with the humanitarian imperative reflected in international humanitarian law including the obligation to clear explosive remnants of war as applicable, and with the Sustainable Development Goal number 16 on peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. To this end, Kenya welcomes the decision to convene an accessible panel discussion during the Council's 66th session on strengthening victim assistance, including the participation of persons with disabilities resulting from anti-personnel mine explosions. This will provide an important opportunity to exchange practical lessons and advance survivor-led approaches. In this spirit, Kenya welcome consensus on resolution L24. I thank you.

Thank you. I have 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 BBI oral statement has been made available on the HRC portal. And I give the floor to members of the Council who may wish to make explanation of vote before the vote. I recognize the distinguished representative of Egypt.

Thank you, Mr. President. Egypt thanks the core group for presenting the draft, and we welcome its focus on strengthening victims' assistance. We attach great importance to addressing the negative impact of anti-personnel landmines on populations in affected countries, whether in contemporary or historical conflicts equally. Egypt has millions of landmines and abandoned or unexploded munitions in the northwestern part, led by the belligerents of World War II. Those mines harvested lives and limbs of Egyptians, hampered development, and rendered vast areas uninhabitable. We participated constructively in the consultations, sharing the same aspiration as the core group to protect and promote human rights, assist victims, and fostering international cooperation. Nevertheless, we believe it's still important to address the responsibilities of states that laid mines extraterritorially in territories of other states to comprehensively and consistently assist victims in an equal manner. Mr. President, Egypt didn't sign the Ottawa Convention, largely because it didn't address this issue. We view that this convention shouldn't be a reference point when we are discussing the human rights implication of the illegitimate use of anti-personnel landmines. It's also our understanding that this draft should not be interpreted in a way to reduce or undermine the capacity of states to use landmines for legitimate defensive reasons and in accordance with their respective security needs and legal obligations. For the reasons mentioned, we dissociate from references to Ottawa Convention in the text, including OP3. Yet, in a constructive spirit, Egypt is glad to join the consensus on the draft resolution. I thank you, Mr. President.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. Pakistan thanks Algeria and other members of the core group for presenting draft resolution L24 and for convening inclusive consultations.

We appreciate the focus of the resolution on strengthening victim assistance.

Pakistan's position on anti-personnel landmines is guided by respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilian life. My delegation has engaged constructively during consultations on the draft text. seeking to strike a balance between the human rights impact of landmines and states' legitimate use of landmines consistent with their security doctrines and respective obligations under international humanitarian law. Mr. President, Pakistan is a party to the Convention on the Prohibition or Restriction on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons and its five protocols, including AP II. AP II to the CCW addresses humanitarian concerns alongside the legitimate security and defensive requirements of states.

And remains the appropriate instrument to guide conversations on anti-personnel mines. Pakistan has acquired considerable expertise in demining and has applied it extensively in UN-sponsored demining programs and across relevant.

UN peacekeeping operations.

We also remain one of the largest troop contributors to UN peacekeeping operations.

Mr. President, nevertheless, we must also be clear about two matters.

Firstly, there are specialized UN disarmament fora with the requisite.

Mandates and expertise to address the issue, the impact of landmines. Those discussions best belong there.

This Council's mandate is human rights, yes, but it should not overstep into regulation of specific weapons systems.

Secondly, this resolution should not become a political track to universalize the Ottawa Convention or to suggest that its provisions bind states that are not parties to it.

State sovereign right to enter into international legal instruments must be respected.

Mr. President, having placed our views on the record and given the core group's efforts to restrict the focus to human rights.

Impacts and victim assistance, Pakistan is prepared to join consensus on draft resolution L.24 while dissociating from operative paragraph 3. We request that our position be reflected in the report of the session, and I thank you.

Thank you. I see no for the request for explanation of vote before the vote. Is there a request for a vote? I see no such request, may I therefore take it that draft resolution L24 may be adopted without a vote. It is so decided. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.36, entitled "Human rights of migrants". I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico to introduce the draft text.

Thank you, President. Mexico has the honour to present draft L.36 on the human rights of migrants. We do so convinced that migration has been and will continue to be part of the human experience. According to the flagship reports of the International Organization for Migration, there are currently around 304 million international migrants, equivalent to 3.7% of the global population. While it has been widely documented that migrants contribute positively to development, both in their countries of origin and destination, the political discourse on migration continues to be instrumentalized to generate misinformation and fear. As a result, we have narratives that dehumanize migrants, amplified by the media and social media, and these often have tangible consequences on their dignity and rights. Mexico is deeply concerned at the human rights violations and the abuses suffered by migrants around the world, including in the context of immigration detention, collective expulsions, transfers to third countries, discrimination and racial profiling, amongst others. In this context, the Council has the opportunity to adopt this resolution again and reaffirm its central message. that all migrants, regardless of migratory status, are entitled to human rights and that States must promote, protect and respect their rights. I repeat, regardless of the migratory status. President, we have presented a comprehensive text that, without being exhaustive, seeks to respond to the comprehensive human rights challenges faced by migrants. EL 36 includes additions, amongst other topics, on the contribution of migrants, digital technologies, family reunification, outsourcing and due diligence of non-state actors. It also maintains the language on combating dehumanizing narratives incorporated in 2024, as it remains entirely valid. Finally, Given the urgency of responding to violations and other challenges faced by migrants, the Office of the High Commissioner is requested to conduct a study and an intercessional roundtable to address them, as well as one on accountability and access to justice. We thank the delegations and organizations that participated constructively in the process and call for the adoption of the draft by consensus. as on all previous occasions when it has been submitted to this Council. I thank you, President.

Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 14 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.

Thank you, Mr. President. Brazil would like to thank Mexico for its constructive leadership throughout the negotiation process of this very important resolution. We are proud to extend our co-sponsorship to this text. We welcome the updated language of the resolution as it adequately captures new and concerning developments in the global migration agenda while maintaining and reinforcing principal commitments to the promotion and protection of human rights of migrants. Brazil also notes with satisfaction the alignment of the resolution with the 2026 IMRF progress declaration. We strongly welcome the advances made on several issues, in particular, these five issues. First, the recognition of the positive contributions of migrants to inclusive growth and sustainable development, irrespective of migration status. Second, the concern expressed at the spread of dehumanizing and harmful narratives against migrants. Third, the reference to the objective of ending the detention of migrant children. Fourth, the language on family life and family reunification. And fifth, the more explicit treatment of the concerning trend of externalization of migration governance. Finally, Brazil also thanks the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, civil society, and faith-based partners for their valuable contributions to this process. I thank you, Mr. President.

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

President, we thank Mexico for presenting draft resolution L.36, which Cuba supports. As expressed in the draft, all migrants, regardless of migratory status, are human rights holders. We share the concern reflected in the text of the alarming spread of dehumanizing narratives and hate speech, as well as fake news on migrants, which provoke increasing xenophobia, racism and violence against migrants, particularly in the developed countries. It is unacceptable to see racist and discriminatory policies, which certain states are using to harm migrants and blame them for crisis crises that they did not cause the world sees with shame the treatment of migrants in the USA the human rights are flagrantly on mass systematically violated recently 22 mandate holders from this Council pointed to the fact that the USA had deported at least 23,000 countries to 29 other countries. This exposes migrants to a wide range of human rights violations, including torture, persecution, and enforced disappearance. We support the mandate that this resolution gives to the OHCHR. to draw up a study on violations of the human rights of migrants in the context of migratory detention, expulsions, transfers to third countries and other return procedures. We also encourage the special rapporteur to address the impact of unilateral coercive measures, which deliberately harm the living conditions of entire populations and represent a factor that gives rise to migration. Cuba reiterates its commitment to safe, orderly, regular migration with full respect for human rights of migrants. We call for the draft resolution L.36 to be adopted by consensus. I thank you, President.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank Mexico for tabling this important resolution on the human rights of migrants. Ethiopia aligns itself with the objective of the resolution and reaffirms the importance of promoting and protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants, while recognizing the sovereign right of states to determine and implement their national migration policies in accordance with their obligations under international law. Ethiopia recognizes that migration is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that requires strength and cooperation among countries of origin, transit, and destination. We particularly welcome the emphasis placed on shared and respective responsibilities, international cooperation, information exchange and coordination, as well as on addressing the vulnerabilities and risks faced by migrants during all stages of migration. We also recognize the important contribution that migration can make to inclusive growth, sustainable development, skills development, and stronger social economic ties among nations. In this regard, Ethiopia attaches particular importance to safe, orderly and regular pathways, labour mobility, skills development, the portability of applicable social security entitlements and reducing the costs of remittance transfers. At the same time, Ethiopia also attaches importance to constructive cooperation and capacity building, particularly for developing countries, in order to strengthen national institutions and enhance the ability of states to address migration-related challenges effectively. We believe that a balanced approach based on cooperation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility is essential to addressing both the opportunities and challenges associated with migration. In this spirit, Ethiopia supports the adoption of draft resolution L/36 by consensus. I thank you, Mr. President.

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

Thank you, Mr. President.

We thank Mexico for presenting L36 and express our appreciation for the efforts undertaken throughout the consultation process. As a country of origin, transit, and.

Destination, and a champion country of the GCM, we approach migration through a balanced framework that places the protection of.

Human rights and dignity of migrants as a core pillar and seeks to maximize the development impact of migration.

We welcome the draft resolutions focused this year on emerging issues and challenges affecting the enjoyment of the human rights of migrants.

We value its emphasis on combating discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and related intolerance against migrants, as well as addressing.

Challenges associated with the use of emerging technologies. Egypt also attaches importance to the resolution's emphasis on addressing human rights risks associated with irregular migration. We support the strengthened efforts to expand safe, orderly, and regular migration pathways as an important means of reducing such risks. Egypt will join the consensus on this resolution, reflecting the importance of the subject. Looking ahead, Egypt encourage future iterations to build more consensually and internationally agreed language and to preserve legal clarity, including by maintaining the necessary distinction between issues relating to migrants and those pertaining specifically to refugees and asylum seekers, which are subject.

Distinct legal frameworks.

We believe that addressing these elements in future iterations would help further strengthen the text.

And facilitate the broadest possible consensus within the Council. Our detailed observations on the draft resolution will be available in the full version on the extranet. Thank you.

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

Thank you, President. Spain thanks Mexico for introducing resolution L.36, and we could support a large part of that. The protection and promotion of the rights of migrants is a vital priority for Spain. We defend safe, orderly, regular migration based on international cooperation and anchored in respect for human rights. We believe that defending the universality of human rights means defending the security of migrants. Protecting migrants is an obligation shared by countries of origin, transit and destination. Thus, we defend the universality of human rights. This means defending the rights of migrants. Defending women's rights means defending the rights of migrant women. Defending the rights of children, people with disabilities or LGBTI persons requires confronting the harmful effects that xenophobia, racism and discrimination have on the daily lives of all people, including migrants. For that reason, we support the condemnation that this resolution makes of hate speech and disinformation. It is everybody's responsibility to fight against those narratives and discourses that normalize dehumanization and that exploit prejudice to make migrants a scapegoat. We welcome the fact that this resolution also underscores the role that national human rights institutions, civil society, and international organizations play in the promotion and protection of the rights of migrants. And for all these reasons, Spain supports this. And once more, thanks, Mexico, for the presentation of L36 and request that it be adopted by consensus. Thank you.

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

Mr. President, India thanks the Co Group for presenting the draft resolution. We welcome the resolution's calls to safeguard migrants from exploitation, wage theft, and passport confiscation, and to facilitate consular access and social security portability. We emphasize the protection and welfare of the Indian diaspora abroad, which remains the firm responsibility of host countries. And we reaffirm our support for the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration. However, we note that the draft resolution contains certain formulations that are not internationally agreed. We also wish to reiterate that India assumes legal obligations only under treaties which we are a party to. Nevertheless, in view of the importance attached to the resolution, we would be pleased to join consensus.

I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. The Gambia thanks Mexico for its leadership on the draft resolution L.36 entitled Human Rights of Migrants, and for the constructive and inclusive manner in which the consultations were conducted. The Gambia welcomes the resolution's reaffirmation that all migrants, regardless of their migration status, are human rights holders, and that their safety, dignity, and fundamental freedoms must be respected and protected throughout all stages of migration. We also welcome the recognition of the positive contribution that migrants make to inclusive growth and sustainable development in the destination countries, while at the same time acknowledging the need to reduce, especially the risks and human rights violations associated with irregular migrations. and to strengthen pathways for safe, orderly, and regular migration. The Gambia believes that effective migration governance requires cooperation among countries of origin, transit, and destination, while maintaining respect for human dignity and international human rights obligations. We therefore thank Mexico once again for its leadership on this issue. We co-sponsored the draft resolution L36 and encourage members of the Council to adopt it by consensus. and we thank you.

Thank you I have no further request for general comments I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBI's for this draft resolution and that the corresponding PBI or 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 comment to to make explanation of vote before the vote. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Italy.

Italy thanks Mexico for its engagement. Nevertheless, we wish to place our position clearly on record. Italy is not a party to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration and does not intend to become one. References to the Compact in this resolution do not change our position or imply our endorsement of its commitments. Italy recognizes the role of humanitarian actors. However, this role cannot entail an exemption from applicable national laws, regulations, or administrative requirements. The reference to all actors is excessively broad and should be understood as referring only to relevant and duly authorized humanitarian actors. Humanitarian assistance must be provided in full compliance with the applicable legal framework and in close cooperation with the competent national authorities, as states retain their legitimate regulatory and law enforcement responsibilities. Italy considers it essential to draw a clear distinction between the legitimate public debate on migration and this scapegoating of migrants. Calls to avoid the criminalization and stigmatization of humanitarian actors cannot be interpreted as restricting or preventing legitimate national oversight. Compliance with national legislation, maritime safety regulation, and state authorities remains a fundamental prerequisite for any humanitarian operation. Italy believes that migration policies should strike a fair balance between the protection of individual rights and states' responsibility to effectively protect their borders, ensure national security, and maintain public order, in full compliance with applicable international law and in cooperation with countries of origin and transit of migration flows. Continue that to prevent and combat migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons remain essential while states must retain able to pursue these objectives in accordance with their obligations under international law. 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? I see none. May I take it, therefore, that draft resolution L.36 may be adopted without a vote? It is so decided. Excellencies, colleagues, now we turn to taking action on draft resolutions under item 4. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.12, entitled "The situation of human rights in the Russian Federation". I give the floor to a distinguished representative of Ireland on behalf of the EU to introduce the draft text. Also, I should mention that Amendment L38, which was previously presented for this draft resolution, has been withdrawn by the sponsor of the amendment. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honour to present on behalf of the European Union the draft resolution L12 entitled "Situation of human rights in the Russian Federation". The resolution builds on last year's text and reflects the latest findings of the Special Rapporteur, treaty bodies and other human rights mechanisms. The goal of the resolution is to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for another year so that this UN expert can, in an independent and objective manner, continue reporting. This mandate is a lifeline for Russian civil society. Extrajudicial killings of government critics, erosion of political pluralism, Systematic crackdown on civil society, independent media, journalists, indigenous peoples and minorities in Russia are met with impunity. Those brave enough to speak out or protest peacefully, who defend the victims of repression in courts or document systematic use of torture, including by medical personnel, need to know that the international community is not blind to their plight. Opposition leaders and human rights defenders have been killed or poisoned. National security legislation is instrumentalised as a tool of repression. Courts and Interpol red notices are misused for political purposes, while organisations and people are designated as terrorists, foreign agents, undesirable or extremists. No one who speaks up is safe, whether in or outside of the country. As Russia intensifies its transnational repression, including through targeted violence and measures preventing access to property or services, Control and surveillance, censorship and disinformation, and even complete blockages of the internet limit access to independent information. It should be underlined that, when there is nothing to hide, no Government needs to keep its people in the dark. Children are not spared. Schools are increasingly politicised and militarised. Violence against women continues to intensify. All of that is reflected in the draft resolution. Mr. President, the Council is guided by constructive dialogue and cooperation, yet Russia has refused repeatedly to engage in two open informal consultations, despite receiving the draft text in advance. The continuous deterioration of the human rights situation in Russia justifies continued monitoring. No country is above international scrutiny. The principles of sovereignty and non-interference in a state's internal affairs do not free states from their obligations under international law. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all delegations that have engaged in the negotiations, and we call upon all members of this Council to support the adoption of the L.12 draft resolution by consensus. Thank you.

Thank you. I have been informed by the Secretariat that there are two 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 Japan, followed by Iceland and Slovenia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Japan would like to express its appreciation for the efforts of the core group to present this important draft resolution. Human rights are universal values that must be respected in every country, regardless of culture, traditions, and political or economic systems. Based on this belief, we have been speaking out firmly against serious violations of human rights. We remain concerned about the deteriorating situation of human rights and continued shrinking of civic space in the Russian Federation. We strongly reiterate our calls on the Russian authorities to comply with all the obligations and international human rights law. We firmly believe that the Special Rapporteur's activities, including regular reporting, are essential as a source of independent and verified information on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation. Japan remains firmly committed to supporting the implementation of the Special Rapporteur's mandate and therefore supports this resolution once again as a co-sponsor. We strongly hope that this draft will be adopted by consensus. We urge all the delegations to join consensus or in the event of a vote, to vote in favor of this resolution. I thank you, Mr. President.

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

Mr. President. As a long-standing co-sponsor of this draft resolution, Iceland thanks the Core Group for its careful work and inclusive process throughout the session. Iceland notes with appreciation that the text remains closely grounded in the Special Rapporteur's findings and in other independent sources. Further, Iceland is concerned by the Special Rapporteur's reporting on transnational repression, which is becoming an increasingly common method to silence critics and human rights defenders in exile. With effective domestic remedies largely unavailable following the Russian Federation's withdrawal from the European Court of Human Rights, the mandate of the Special Rapporteur remains one of the few procedures through which victims can be heard. It is a lifeline that the Council must keep open. Sovereignty and non-interference do not release States from their obligations under international human rights law. We call on the Russian Federation to engage constructively with human rights mechanisms this Council has created, including by granting the Special Rapporteur access. Iceland supports the renewal of this mandate and, should it be put to a vote, we will vote in favour of it and urge other members of the Council to do the same. I thank you.

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

Mr. President, Slovenia considers resolution L12 essential and urgent as it enables this Council evidence-based scrutiny of a human rights situation of great concern. Over the past four years, we have witnessed the expansion of Russia's structural system of repression beyond its national borders. Dissent is being erased or imprisoned, and civic space dismantled by state authorities. Human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society members are being persecuted beyond the borders, and so are their families at home. Persons belonging to national minorities and members of indigenous peoples and their advocates are also at heightened risk and are being labeled as extremists and terrorists and pursued into exile. Targeted assassinations, trials and abstention, digital attacks, and instrumentalization of legal and administrative procedures are becoming systematic tools to silence opponents in exile. Moreover, Russia abuses Interpol and other international law enforcement and mutual legal assistance mechanisms to target critics and opponents. Slovenia condemns Russia's systematic domestic and transnational repression against all individuals, We urge Russia to immediately and unconditionally release and rehabilitate all those arbitrarily detained, including political prisoners and civilian detainees. Upholding the integrity of the UN human rights system requires independent monitoring and active and free participation of civil society. We therefore condemn Russia's reprisal against individuals cooperating with the UN bodies and mechanisms. Renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur is an essential lifeline for the remaining Russian human rights defenders and civil society. They count on our support. This mandate is further indispensable for ensuring future accountability for human rights violations within Russia. For all these reasons, Slovenia calls for support for this resolution. I thank you, Mr. President.

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

The human rights situation in

the Russian Federation remains a cause for real concern. The repression of dissenting voices and of opponents has got worse over the last four years and goes beyond borders, as the Special Rapporteur has shown, systemic repression of civil society, of independent media, and of journalists and indigenous peoples and minorities and their families has become much worse. Impunity is widespread, impunity for human rights, and victims have no one to whom to turn unless we count the special rapporteur, whose mandate should be renewed through resolution L12. The security laws, national security laws and the laws on counterterrorism are used to silence critical voices. The judiciary is used for political purposes. Red Interpol notices are deviated in order to diverted to arrest human rights defenders in countries where they have sought succour to face the restriction in their country of origin. Consular services and access to property and finances and in absentia trials are all designed to punish those who have taken exile as the last report of the Special Rapporteur shows, which documents repression. Those who document repression are called extremists so that the state can put an end to their work and the documentation of human rights violations. Mr. President, the renewal of the Rapporteur's mandate is necessary to ensure that the international community can continue to be informed of the situation the country. It's the only voice left to civil society and victims of human rights violations also. For all of these reasons, Albania is proud to be one of the first co-sponsors of this initiative. We call upon all the members of the Council to support draft resolution L12 and vote yes if we do happen to have a vote. Thank you, Mr. President.

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

Much appreciated, Mr. President. Spain is firmly committed to the defence of democratic and human rights values in Russia, and also firmly committed to those who defend them, despite the many risks they face. The situation in Russia continues to deteriorate in alarming fashion. The closing down of civic space is drowning out the voice of dissidents, is hiding the truth. clampdown of civil society and the independent media, intellectuals and lawyers is a constant that is including outside of Russia's borders. May I say a few things in Russian to support human rights defenders in the country in their own language.

To all human rights defenders in Russia, we have not forgotten you, you're not alone. The Russian authorities systematically repress critical thought. There is legislation about NGOs and foreign agents. We cannot accept that human rights defenders are called terrorists. But what is particularly worrying is the enforced disappearances. arbitrary detentions, torture, refusals of health care, sexual violence, and other grave human rights violations against detainees. The rise in political detainees and the number of deaths in custody show worrying tendencies of repression and impunity. We will continue to uphold the principle of non-discrimination against the LGBTI community and other vulnerable groups in Russia.

It implies to defend international human rights, international law. It means making people accountable for human rights violations, which is why I think it is essential to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Russia. This resolution, L.12. guarantees the continuity of an instrument indispensable for independent international scrutiny of the situation in Russia, to support Russian civil society and be a channel for their testimonies on human rights violations, serious ones, to bring about rightful accountability. We invite the members of the Council to support L12. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. Estonia, and this time I'm speaking in my national capacity, Estonia supports the adoption of draft resolution L.12 and the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation. The continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Russia, including the systematic crackdown on civil society, independent media, journalists, human rights defenders and political dissent, as well as the use of national security and extremist legislation to silence dissent and target minorities, requires sustained international scrutiny. As reflected in the resolution, fundamental freedoms are increasingly restricted, both online and offline. We are particularly alarmed by the Special Rapporteur's findings on transnational repression, including targeted violence and threats, surveillance and digital attacks, pressure on relatives, restrictions on access to property and essential services, and the misuse of international law enforcement mechanisms to pursue critics beyond Russia's borders. Therefore, independent international monitoring remains essential. The special rapporteur's reports provide an indispensable source of independent and verified information on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation and give a voice to those affected by human rights violations. Estonia therefore strongly supports the adoption of draft resolution L.12, hopefully by consensus, but if the vote is called, we will vote in favour and we invite all Council members to do the same. I thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Czech Republic, followed by France.

Mr. President. The Czech Republic is proud to support the adoption of this resolution and the extension of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation. Established in 2022 in response to the serious deterioration of human rights in Russia, this mandate has become an indispensable source of independent information It has brought visibility to victims and documented violations that the authorities seek to conceal, including politically motivated imprisonment and forced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment in detention, deaths in custody, the repression of independent media and anti-war voices, and the broader climate of impunity that enables such abuses to persist. In her reports, the Special Rapporteur has documented, for example, the precarious situation of migrant workers from Central Asia who often face discrimination, insecurity of legal status, labor exploitation, and pressure associated with military recruitment. The Special Rapporteur has further highlighted the disproportionate impact of mobilization of minorities and indigenous peoples while also raising concerns about restrictions on indigenous organizations, threats to minority languages and cultures, and limitations on freedom of religion or belief. Most recently, the mandate has broken important new ground through its work on transnational repression. Russia seeks to silence critics abroad through politically motivated prosecutions, extradition requests, misuse of international law enforcement mechanisms, including Interpol red notices, intimidation and harassment of exiled journalists and lawyers, confiscation of property, and reprisal against family members. The mandate has provided a platform for engagement with Russian civil society, both inside and outside the country. As domestic avenues for accountability continue to shrink, preserving independent monitoring and reporting is more important than ever. We regret Russia's continued refusal to cooperate with the mandate. Yet, this only underscores its necessity. Independent scrutiny is most valuable when transparency is absent and civic space is under severe pressure. Mr. President, in conclusion, the Czech Republic calls on all members of this Council to adopt this resolution as originally drafted by consensus and if a vote is called, to vote in favour. I thank you, Mr. President.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. France supports what was said by the EU. This resolution on the human rights situation in Russia is crucial if we want to continue to document independently and impartially the deterioration, ongoing deterioration of fundamental rights and public freedoms in Russia. Since the beginning of the war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine, in Russia, any form of the designation of Russian court of the memorial as a extremist movement in April as extremist was unacceptable. The memorialization in Russia, as well as the listing of terrorist organizations in Russia, quote unquote, is symptomatic of its determination to have a silencing voices critical of the government. Five members of the media are in prison in Russia. The narratives of Russia and the Human Rights Council or the OSCE on a so-called double standard or on a politicization of the work of the Council and the mandate holders. doesn't match up with the facts. In the face of the worrying deterioration of fundamental rights and public freedoms in Russia, this resolution reminds the current Russian leaders of the international commitments which their country has freely undertaken, including in the area of human rights, and which they must respect as any other member of the United Nations. This is precisely These responsibilities, Russia is trying to avoid by refusing all dialogue with the Special Rapporteur and refusing to factually answer the questions put to them. For all these reasons, France supports, unreservedly, the draft resolution L.12, presented by the EU on behalf of its 27 Member States. It calls upon all the Member States of the Human Rights Council to support its adoption and to reject the amendment, which has actually been withdrawn. Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia.

Indonesia takes floor to reaffirm its principled position on country-specific resolutions that are pursued without the consent of the states concerned. Indonesia considers country-specific resolutions on their merits. In doing so, we are guided by the Council founding resolution that requires our work to be based on universality, impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity, and also on constructive dialogue and cooperation. We observe that country-specific resolutions are at times being pursued after the failure of diplomacy and dialogue. In such cases, human rights situations are often rooted in broader dimension, including political strife and unilateral coercive measures that such resolution do little to address. Additionally, it rarely improves the situation on the ground. Without cooperation, there is no access, no dialogue, and no ownership of progressive change. Such resolutions deepen divisions and divert the Council's limited resources from genuine efforts to improve human rights situations through international cooperation. Therefore, in considering L12, we will encourage both the proponents and the country concerned to resume dialogue and diplomacy while respecting the UN Charter. Above all, we will encourage them to continue prioritizing the protection of civilians. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I have no further general comments requests on my list. I've been informed that the Russian Federation does not wish to take the floor as the concerned country. And I've been further informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for the draft proposal. and that the required resources have already been included in the proposed program budget. And I now give the floor to members of the Council who may wish to make explanation of vote before the vote. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

Mr. President, This Council is established by the international community for the original purpose of promoting and protecting human rights through constructive dialogue and cooperation. This Council's work should observe the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, non-selectivity, and non-politicization. Regrettably, politicization and confrontation in the Council have kept intensifying in recent years. Certain countries apply double standards and use human rights issues as a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. which have seriously undermined international human rights dialogue, cooperation, and obstruct the sound development of global human rights course. China consistently opposes politicization, instrumentalization of human rights, rejects country-specific mechanism without consent of country concerned. Sponsors of this proposal, disregarding objections of country concerned, have forced submission of this draft resolution in Russia to renew the mandate in the Council that has consumed the substantial resources without tangible result, but also seriously erode the credibility of the Council and creates division and confrontation. In view of the above, China will, in regard to L12, propose a vote on this and will vote against it. We appeal all other members of the Council to vote against it. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba, followed by Switzerland, noting that Switzerland has withdrawn its co-sponsorship from this draft resolution. as reflected in e-delegate, and can therefore intervene on this draft resolution. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

President, the Cuban delegation regrets that once again we see in this Council draft resolution which is not balanced, it is selective, partial, on the Russian Federation. The text is not coherent with the objective, impartial approach that is required to characterize review of human rights in any country. Cuba reiterates its position of principle against punitive interventionist mandates that didn't have the consent of the concerned country. We oppose politicisation and instrumentalisation of human rights. Resolutions like this one do not contribute to promoting genuine cooperation, constructive dialogue and respectful exchange, which are the only effective ways to make progress in human rights. On the contrary, this text only leads to greater confrontation and polarization, which guarantees that, in practical terms, it is useless. For these reasons, President Cuba does not support draft L.12. Our delegation joins the request for a vote made by China and will vote against the resolution. I thank you, President.

Thank you. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland, followed by the UK, which I should note has also withdrawn its co-sponsorship from the draft resolution, as reflected in e-delegate, and therefore can intervene on this resolution. Switzerland, please.

President, Switzerland remains gravely concerned at the ongoing worsening of the human rights situation in the Russian Federation. A shrinking of political pluralism, criminalisation of pacifist assemblies, repeated attacks on the judiciary's functions, Through this, the Russian authorities undermine the rule of law and fundamental freedoms on an ongoing basis. We are particularly alarmed at the increasing designation of civil society organisations, including those supporting LGBTI persons, as foreign agents, undesirable, extremists or even terrorists. in order to silence all dissident voices. These restrictions on freedom of expression and opinion, as well as freedom of association and peaceful assembly, are entirely contrary to the international obligations of the Russian Federation in human rights. Finally, we have noted with grave concern in the latest report of the Special Rapporteur the systematic nature of transnational repression exercised by the Russian authorities against activists, political opponents, journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders, using various methods, from denial of consular service to the abusive use of international legal cooperation mechanisms. In this context, the Special Rapporteur's report, which the draft resolution L.12 seeks to renew, is crucial to monitor the human rights situation in Russia, document violations and inform this Council. The rejection of dialogue and cooperation by the concerned country with the mandate is not a valid reason for the Human Rights Council to stop focusing on the human rights situation in Russia. This is why Switzerland will vote in favour of L.12 and calls on other States and members to do likewise. I thank you.

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

Mr. President, We thank the European Union for presenting this resolution again. The need for this mandate has never been greater. Behind the statistics are people. Journalists imprisoned for telling the truth, lawyers punished for defending their clients, human rights defenders silenced, and ordinary people facing repression simply for exercising their fundamental rights. The space for independent voices in Russia has been systematically dismantled. As that space has closed, so too has Russia's engagement with international human rights mechanisms. Russia has not received a special procedures country visit since 2017. When the Human Rights Committee reviewed Russia in 2022, the Russian authorities did not even send a delegation to engage in the dialogue. That is precisely why this mandate matters. When those who suffer repression cannot safely speak for themselves, the Special Rapporteur can listen. When independent voices are silenced, the Special Rapporteur can document what is happening. And when accountability is pushed further out of reach, the Special Rapporteur ensures that these violations are not allowed to disappear into silence. Renewing the mandate is therefore not simply about maintaining another UN mechanism; it is about standing with those inside Russia whose voices are being denied and ensuring that their rights, their experiences and their suffering remain visible to this council.

I see no request for an explanation of vote before the vote. At the request of the delegations of China and Cuba, the Council will now proceed to a recorded vote on draft resolution L.12. And I now ask the Secretariat to open the voting machine. And I request all delegations to register their votes. All delegations, please ensure that 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: 21 in favour, 5 against, and 21 abstention. draft resolution l12 is therefore adopted a copy of the results of the vote will shortly be uploaded to the portal The Council will now consider draft resolution L.13, entitled "The situation of human rights in Burundi". I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland on behalf of the EU to introduce the draft resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honour to present on behalf of the European Union the draft resolution L13 entitled "Situation of human rights in Burundi". We thank all co-sponsors, delegations and civil society for their constructive engagement throughout the negotiations. The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi has continued to draw attention to serious human rights concerns in the country. While the European Union recognises that some positive developments have taken place in recent years, Violations and abuses continue to be reported, and political and civic space remains restricted. The text we present today reflects these concerns and aims to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for another year. This is particularly relevant in the context of the forthcoming presidential elections in 2027. An open and pluralistic political environment, together with the full enjoyment of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, are essential to creating the conditions for elections that are free, inclusive, transparent and credible. Maintaining scrutiny on the situation in the country at this time is of great importance to assist Burundi in having free and fair elections. The balanced text we present today recognizes some progress made by Burundi, such as the recent release of political prisoners It seeks to engage with Burundi in a constructive dialogue and build upon Burundi's engagement with international human rights mechanisms. However, we note with regret that such engagement, including with the Special Rapporteur, is not taking place in an impactful way. We call on Burundi to enhance its engagement with OHCHR, to provide unhindered access, including reopening a country office, and to facilitate the Special Rapporteur's access and cooperation with his mandate. The EU remains and will remain committed to the Burundian people and will continue its engagement as a leading donor to support the sustainable development of Burundi. We call on all members of the Council to support the draft resolution and to adopt it by consensus. Thank you.

Thank you. I have been informed by the Secretariat that there are four 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 Switzerland, followed by Iceland.

Thank you, President. Switzerland recalls that under the resolution 60/251 of the GA, which creates the Human Rights Council, and resolution 5/1 Also, on the institutional package, the Human Rights Commission is a body that is responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights and for addressing all situations of human rights violations, the absence of consent of one or other concerned country is not a criterion for preventing this body from adopting a resolution. There are various bodies, including the special procedures. The independent experts are established through resolutions and presented and discussed within this same body. Let us be aware that these mandates are established to ensure an improvement in the promotion and protection of all human rights. and fundamental freedoms. Thus, Switzerland believes that the main authors of L13 had transparent, open negotiations for that purpose. The human rights situation in Burundi continues to be a concern because of human rights violations which are regularly carried out. Restrictions on civic space, intimidations, arbitrary arrests are worrying. Switzerland also regrets the persistent violation of gender-based violence and the provisions that criminalize certain categories of the population in a context of a socio-economic situation which has worsened. This year is 10 years since the commission of inquiry. The renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur is therefore needed. As the 2027 presidential elections approach, it is particularly important to take into account the risk factors for human rights violations and to carry out preventive actions to ensure an environment that is suitable for a peaceful and inclusive electoral process in full respect of fundamental freedoms. For all these reasons, Switzerland supports the renewal of the mandate of the special rapporteur. We also encourage all stakeholders to cooperate fully with this Council and its mechanisms in order to ensure its integrity and its smooth operation. I thank you.

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

Mr. President, Iceland thanks the European Union for presenting draft resolution L13 on the situation of human rights in Burundi. Iceland strongly supports the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and welcomes the attention given in this resolution to the upcoming 2027 presidential elections in Burundi. In recent electoral cycles, the Special Rapporteur has documented serious restrictions on civic and political space, underscoring the need for heightened scrutiny during the current electoral period. The Special Rapporteur has already warned of signs of a potential electoral crisis. Furthermore, at a time when this Council continues to receive reports of grave human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and widespread sexual and gender-based violence, the mandate of the Special Rapporteur remains necessary. Iceland is deeply concerned by the Special Rapporteur's findings and welcomes their reflection in the resolution, in particular the attention given to the rights of women and girls. We take this opportunity to reiterate our call on the Government of Burundi to engage constructively with the Special Rapporteur and other United Nations human rights mechanisms, including by granting the Special Rapporteur access to the country and reopening the OHCHR country office. In the absence of cooperation with OHCHR, the Special Rapporteur remains the only independent human rights mechanism specifically dedicated to monitoring the situation in Burundi. We would welcome the day when progress and renewed cooperation make international scrutiny less necessary. We are not there yet. The renewal of this mandate is therefore necessary and of particular importance in the period ahead. Iceland therefore supports draft resolution L13 and calls on all members of the Council to do the same. I thank you.

Thank you. I see no further requests for general comments. Would the concerned country wish to take the floor? You have the floor, madam.

Thank you, President. There is no doubt that a large majority of the countries in this Council are convinced that item 4 of the agenda on grave and urgent human rights problems is has now become a political weapon with double standards and which disproportionately targets certain states while protecting others dependent on economic and geopolitical alliances while this perception could possibly be nuanced the case of Burundi pointed out and mistreated for 12 years unfortunately proves them right we cannot say it enough pinning Burundi down for so long is beyond being a hostile mechanism, the obvious manifestation of targeted relentlessness and hegemonic interference by certain Western powers with the aim of isolating it from the international scene, suffocating it economically under the pretext of protecting human rights. Indeed, it cannot be interpreted by any objective analysis other than as a diplomatic weapon exercised to weaken the republican institutions of my country and then opposing internal governance, which is favorable to their strategic, political, and ideological interests. An illustration of this is the foiled coup in 2015, tacitly endorsed by the very people who, as it was extended, used the legitimacy of this forum to exert constant constraints on Burundi. through a lever of low-cost diplomatic pressure, consisting of tarnishing its reputation with international bodies. Today, tongues are loosened easily, and as an open secret, the leading body of the Red Tabara, a rebel group which carries out terrorist acts on Burundian soil, massacring women and children, boasts loudly of its collusion with certain European capitals, deliberately impacting the economic and social development of our population and knowingly sabotaging the initiatives of our institutions. And as if by chance, The resolution in question says nothing about this. These incessant resolutions by the European Union are the visible manifestation of the aversion towards my country, which is reflected in a concerted, orchestrated and continuous denigration of its sovereign authorities. Demonising and blackening our youth in Bonacure, which in my mother tongue means those who see far, members of the ruling party, the CNDD-FDD, has shown today that over 96% of our children are concerned. I dare to hope that you may be aware of this and that you will take responsibility for it. At this stage, it is legitimate to ask how this Council intends to preserve its credibility when some of its mechanisms are used to harm those it is supposed to protect, used to impose thinly veiled political sanctions and to trample on the sovereignty of certain states, including my own. One thing is certain, this attempt under a new form of recolonization of my country, which we've been opposing on the Council since 2015, cannot succeed. In that context, Burundi once again contests the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and requests a vote on the matter. I thank you.

Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft proposal and that the required resources have already been included in the proposed programme budget. And I'll give the floor to members of the Council who wish to make explanation of vote before the vote. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

Mr. President, China commends the Burundi government for its efforts for national stability and reconciliation, as well as the progress it has made in promoting and protecting human rights. The peace and stability now prevailing in Burundi are hard-won achievements. The international community should continue to respect its sovereignty and independence, and respect the efforts undertaken by the country to settle its own problems. In this way, they can play a positive role in the stability and sustainable development of Burundi. Regrettably, instead of playing such a role, some countries have chosen to disregard the concerns of the Burundi government and continue to push for a resolution to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. This is imposing one's own will on Burundi people. By doing so, they are putting up hurdles on the development and stability of Burundi and are wasting the valuable resources of the United Nations. We have always called for constructive dialogue and cooperation as a way to settle human rights issues. We oppose politicization, double standards, selectivity, and confrontation in the field of human rights. We oppose setting up country mechanisms without the consent of the countries concerned. In view of the above, we will vote against this draft resolution. I thank you.

Thank you. I see no further requests for explanation of vote before the vote. At the request of the delegation of Burundi, the Council will now proceed to a recorded vote on draft resolution L.13. I now ask the Secretariat to open the voting machine, and I request all delegations to register their votes. I request all delegations to ensure that 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: 22 in favor, 7 against, and 17 abstention. The draft resolution L.13 is therefore adopted. A copy of the results of the vote will be uploaded shortly to the HRC portal. The Council will now consider draft resolution L.18, entitled "The situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela." And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile to introduce the draft text.

Muchas gracias, Senor Presidente.

Thank you, President. I present draft resolution L.18 on the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, on behalf of the core group Argentina, Canada, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay, Uruguay and my country, Chile. President, the draft that we submit to the Council has a clear goal to renew the mandate of the OHCHR and the independent expert mechanism on fact finding, these two mechanisms that the Council has constantly supported in order to gather information independently with technical support from the Office to monitor the human rights situation in the country. This text is brief. on using language already agreed in previous resolutions in this Council, designed to provide a common basis for the largest possible number of delegations. This Council renewed the mandate in 2024 and since then the situation has changed significantly. With this change There have been announced of reforms and certain measures such as the freeing of detainees arbitrarily detained and a renewed cooperation with the Office of the High Commission that we welcome this in the resolution. But as the FFM finds in its report, the institution's legal framework and repression mechanisms linked to human rights abuses documents are maintained and the measures announced are partial, conditional and reversible. Thus, there is a real opportunity to make progress. Technical support of the Office and independent monitoring by the Mission can provide this. And it is time to ensure that victims' rights to truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence are made real. Thus, the Core Group proposes to renew both mandates for two years, as is usual in the Council in the context of rationalisation. This is the fruit of open consultations available to all delegations and task 49 co-sponsors. We hope that we will shortly see the day where this resolution is not needed, but in the meantime we encourage all delegations to support this draft. I thank you.

Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 12 additional co-sponsors. And I now give the floor to members of the Council who wish to make general comments. I see no requests for general comments. Japan. I give the floor to a distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Japan thanks the core group for leading the discussions on this important resolution at this critical juncture. While welcoming recent positive developments, including the release of arbitrarily detained persons and the resumption of cooperation and dialogue with OHCHR, Japan remains concerned about the human rights situation in Venezuela. Continued efforts to ensure accountability for human rights violations and abuses remain essential. Japan therefore supports the renewal of the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission and calls on Venezuela to fully cooperate with the FFM and OHCHR. Japan encourages the Venezuelan authorities to build on the recent developments by further strengthening the rule of law, protecting civic space, and advancing electoral and judicial reforms that reflect the will of the Venezuelan people. I thank you.

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

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. This general comment has been agreed by the European Union as a whole. We thank the core group for presenting the resolution on the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Despite some recent positive developments, including the release of some political prisoners, the EU continues to be deeply concerned about the situation of human rights in Venezuela. We are particularly concerned by the continued repression against political actors, civil society, human rights defenders and independent media, as well as enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions. In this light, we strongly support the proposed extension of both the mandates of the OHCHR and the Fact-Finding Mission for a period of two years. We consider that these mandates are not only necessary, but also complementary. The serious findings of the fact-finding mission's report to this Council highlights the persistence of repressive legislation and institutional structures, including the collaboration between the authorities and the armed civilian groups, colectivos, in acts related to violence, intimidation, and repression, both before and after the removal of President Nicolas Maduro on 3rd of January this year. It is fundamental that human rights violations and abuses be thoroughly investigated and those responsible held accountable. In this context, the EU calls upon Venezuela to revert their regrettable decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. The grave findings of the fact-finding mission's report demonstrate that the continued scrutiny by the fact-finding mission and the OHCHR through monitoring and assistance is critical to support positive change on the ground as well as accountability efforts. For the above reasons, EU member states that are members of the Council will support this resolution and calls on the full membership to do the same. I thank you.

Thank you. I see no further request for general comments. We shall now hear from the concerned country, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Venezuela.

Thank you very much, Mr. President.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela takes note of the as to how the proposed resolution has evolved. It takes on board the significant contents of previous elements, takes away most confrontational language, and it's about renewal of the relationship between Venezuela and OHCHR. We welcome this positive change. It reflects a different reality and is consistent with Venezuela's availability to have a good relationship with the UN system based on dialogue and technical assistance. Mr. President, this does not mean, however, that our principled reservations have disappeared. We do not support the renewal of the so-called Independent Fact-Finding Mission. We consider in that respect that the time has come to overcome scrutiny mechanisms established without the consent of the state concerned and to make progress towards cooperation modalities able to create tangible results. It's difficult to justify the continuity of simultaneous monitoring mechanisms, especially when we have renewed our cooperation with the HCHR and when the UN is facing significant financial challenges. In this context, we consider also that it is necessary that any renewal of this mechanism contemplates a clear perspective for its ending. The extraordinary mechanism should not exist ad infinitum, nor be automatically renewed when it considers that it is ready to make progress towards a closure which will make possible a transition towards something based on data cooperation and technical assistance, in particular through the OHCHR. Mr. President, in our country, we're not against dialogue, on the contrary, we participate responsibly with the universal human rights system, including the Universal Periodic Review, whose next cycle is getting us, we're getting ready for. We firmly believe that international mechanisms should support and complement national capacities, not replace them. The promotion and protection of human rights will be effective when you support the universality, objectivity, impartiality, non-selectivity, non-politicization, genuine dialogue, which is why we'd like to place on record that, if this is adopted, it cannot be interpreted in any way as a consent or support or explicit or implicit or explicit acceptance by Venezuela of this resolution, nor in the renewal of the mandate of the FFM. Mr. President, Venezuela will continue to give priority to dialogue and cooperation with OHCHR and with universal human rights mechanisms on the basis of respect for the sovereignty and the national sovereignty and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We are convinced that the way forward is dialogue and genuine cooperation in order to contribute to the strengthening of our national capabilities and to achieve concrete results that give rise to an increase in the well-being of our people. Thank you very much, Mr. President.

Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution and that the corresponding PBRO statement has been made available on the HRC portal. I now give the floor to members of the Council who wish to make explanation of vote before the vote. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

The position of China on Venezuela is still very clear. namely to safeguard the principles embodied in the UN Charter. We are opposed to external pressure and interference into the domestic affairs of countries. We appreciate the efforts made by the Government of Venezuela to promote human rights and its cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, OHCHR, and with the Human Rights Council. The Council has imposed the FFM, Front Front Emission, upon the country concerned, which does not help to, in order to resolve the problem, it only makes the problem more complicated in the end. On the basis of all of these reasons, we ask that a vote be carried out on draft resolution 18, we will vote against, and we call upon all the other members of the Council to vote against draft L18. Thank you.

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

Mr. President, Cuba maintains a position of principle against the imposition of punitive instruments without the consent of the country concerned, as is occurring here in the case of Venezuela. These mechanisms hamper respectful dialogue and constructive co-operation, which are the only effective way to have real impact on the ground to defend human rights. It is the obligation of this Council to strictly adhere to the principles of impartiality, non-politicisation, objectivity and non-interference. when tackling human rights situations in any country of the world. The punitive approaches, interference and selectivity only lead to greater confrontation and greater polarization without practical results being achieved. These approaches are only effective or only give rise to waste in expenditure, waste in resources which the Council has. To repeat every year the same resolution against Venezuela, as happens with other countries, without achieving any proper outcome is neither reasonable nor sensible, which is why we call for alternative pathways to be considered in consultation with the country concerned. For all of these reasons, Mr. President, Cuba will vote against draft resolution L18. Thank you very much indeed.

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

Thank you, Mr. President.

Mr. President, Brazil has recognized significant progress recently in the human rights situation in Venezuela, such as the opening of the political space, reforms of the judiciary, the release of detainees on political grounds. We continue to encourage the government of Venezuela to cooperate with the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms. However, Brazil has decided to abstain because it considers that draft resolution the draft resolution is still biased and unbalanced and does not refer to the negative effects of the unilateral coercive measures on human rights in the country. A excessively condemning and prescriptive and resolution will not give rise to improvement of the situation on the grounds or improvement of the dialogue with the stakeholders. Unfortunately, this has been the cases of previous resolutions adopted under agenda item four, because they ignore the very principles that we should guide the work of this council. We hope that in the next presentation of this resolution, there will be a chance to and an openness to or by, rather, the sponsors to take into account these matters I have just listed. Thank you very much, Mr. President.

Thank you. I see no further requests for explanation of vote before the vote. At the request of the delegation of China, the Council will now proceed to a recorded vote on draft resolution L/18. And I now ask the secretariat to open the voting machine. And I request all delegations to register their votes. I request that all delegation to check whether their vote is accurately reflected on screen. And if so, I request the secretariat to close the voting machine, and the voting is now closed. The results of the recorded votes are as follows: 25 in favour, 5 against, and 17 abstention. Draft resolution L.18 is therefore adopted. A copy of the results of the vote will shortly be uploaded to the portal. We shall now go for explanation of vote after the vote on all resolutions adopted under item four. I see no request for explanation of vote after the vote under agenda item four. The council will therefore now consider draft resolution L15 as already revised. entitled National Human Rights Institutions. And I give the floor to the representative of Australia to introduce the draft text. You have the floor, madam.

Mr. President, I have the honor to present draft resolution L.15 as orally revised on National Human Rights Institutions on behalf of Australia and Timor-Leste. NHRIs play an indispensable role in promoting and protecting human rights. They bridge the gap between international standards and domestic implementation, provide independent advice to governments, support access to remedies, and strengthen engagement with the UN. NHRIs empower people to understand and exercise their human rights, both online and offline. Endorsed by the UN General Assembly more than 30 years ago, the Paris Principles remain the benchmark for effective and independent national human rights institutions. This resolution continues the Council's long-standing support for a rigorous, fair and inclusive accreditation process through the Global Alliance on National Human Rights Institutions. We have seen growing interest in the establishment and accreditation of NHRIs. To support this, the resolution renews for a further three years measures introduced in 2024 to make the accreditation process more equitable and inclusive. The core group is also conscious of the ongoing budgetary and liquidity crisis facing the UN. This iteration of the resolution will contribute to efforts to rationalize the Council's work by moving to a triennial cycle while retaining the existing reporting arrangements. I would now like to hand to Timor-Leste.

I am on the front line of promoting and protecting human rights in the digital space. building on the GAUNRI 2026 annual conference. The resolutions highlight the opportunities and challenges presented by digital technologies and the important role NHRI play in assessing and addressing their human rights impacts, especially at a time when civic space comes under increasing pressure. The core group undertook open, transparent and inclusive consultations. We circulated a concept note outlining our objectives and consulted closely with OHCHR and GANDI to ensure that the views and priorities of NHRIs were reflected. We convened three open informal consultations and carefully considered all proposals. The text before the Council reflects this constructive and inclusive engagement. The Core Group thanks the 61 States who have co-sponsored this resolution so far. This resolution has a long tradition of consensus adoption. We hope the Council will once again speak with one voice in support of national human rights institutions around the world and adopt this resolution by consensus. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are 18 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 Mauritius, followed by Estonia.

Mr. President, Mauritius thanks Australia and Timor-Leste for presenting the resolution and for facilitating the consultations on this important initiative. National human rights institutions occupy a distinct place within the human rights architecture. They provide a bridge between the commitments undertaken by states at the international level and the experience of individuals and communities at the national level. They help ensure that human rights protection and promotion are reflected not only in laws and policies, but also in practice. Independence is paramount for the effectiveness of operations. Compliance with the Paris Principles must be supported by genuine institutional autonomy, pluralism, and adequate resources. A national institution cannot fulfill its mandate effectively if its independence is formally recognized but constrained in practice. We express our concerns on acts of intimidation and reprisals against them, their members and staff, and those who cooperate with them. We welcome the resolution's recognition of their contribution to the UPR, treaty bodies and special procedures. Their direct engagement with individuals and communities can provide these mechanisms with an informed assessment on how human rights obligations are being implemented. Equally important is their role after recommendations have been issued, by encouraging follow-up and helping to maintain attention on their effective implementation. Mauritius is pleased that the resolution gives greater prominence to full and equal participation, tolerance, pluralism and respect for diversity. This emphasis is particularly relevant in multicultural societies where national human rights institutions can help ensure that differences do not become grounds for exclusion and can foster the trust necessary for the equal enjoyment of human rights. We attach particular importance to the resolution's strengthened approach to digital technologies, including AI and decision-making systems. As these technologies increasingly influence decisions affecting individuals, independent human rights oversight is essential to prevent discrimination and ensure accountability. National human rights institutions can help ensure that inclusion remains central to digital transformation. Mauritius further acknowledges the essential role of GANRI, its regional networks, and the OHCHR. A rigorous, fair, and inclusive accreditation process is fundamental to preserving the integrity of the Paris Principles. This process must receive the support and resources necessary to remain credible, accessible, and representative. Mr. President, strong national human rights institutions bring human rights protection closer to the people it is intended to serve. Their independence and effectiveness are therefore essential to transforming international commitments into tangible progress at the national level. Mauritius is a habitual co-sponsor of the resolution and we join the call for its adoption by consensus. I thank you.

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

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. This general comment has been agreed by the European Union as a whole. We thank Australia and Timor-Leste for presenting the resolution on national human rights institutions. The EU appreciates the core group's constructive approach to negotiations. We attach great importance to the role of national human rights institutions in promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. We welcome the resolution's recognition of the role of national human rights institutions in strengthening participation, promoting the rule of law, developing and enhancing public awareness of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and contributing to the prevention of human rights violations and abuses. We also commend the efforts of the core group to streamline the text while bringing a timely thematic focus on human rights and digital technologies. We further appreciate the core group's intention to present future iterations of this resolution on the triennial basis, which supports the Council's ongoing efforts to rationalize its work. The European Union 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 the UK, followed by Thailand.

Thank you, Mr. President. The United Kingdom thanks Australia and Timor-Leste for presenting draft resolution L.15. National human rights institutions play an essential role in promoting and protecting human rights, supporting accountability and helping to ensure that States meet their international obligations. Independent and effective NHRIs operating in full compliance with the Paris Principles are a cornerstone of democratic societies. We welcome the resolution's recognition of the important contribution NHRIs make across the full range of human rights challenges, including in the context of digital technologies. As technology continues to shape our societies, NHRIs have an increasingly important role in ensuring that innovation supports, rather than undermines, the enjoyment of human rights. This resolution also provides continued support for cooperation between States, the UN system, civil society and NHRIs, including through GANRI, and the regional NHRI networks. The United Kingdom welcomes the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's role as secretary of the GANRI and supports its continued leadership beyond the current term to ensure continuity in GANRI's important work. We are pleased to support this resolution and encourage its adoption by consensus. Thank you.

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

Mr. President, Thailand thanks Australia and Timor-Leste for presenting this important resolution. Thailand attaches great importance to the role of independent and effective national human rights institutions in promoting and protecting human rights at the national level. We are proud that the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand maintains its A status under the Paris Principles, reflecting its important role in advancing the promotion and protection of human rights in Thailand. We remain committed to supporting the Commission in effectively carrying out its mandate. We particularly welcome the resolution's timely focus on digital technologies and artificial intelligence, As Thailand continues to promote digital transformation and the responsible use of AI, we recognize the important role that NHRIs can play in monitoring the human rights impact, advising on appropriate safeguards, and promoting human rights-based digital literacy. For Thailand, technological advancement should go hand in hand with the protection of human rights, ensuring that innovation contribute to, rather than undermine, the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Thailand is therefore pleased to support this resolution and looks forward to its adoption by consensus. Thank you.

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

Mr. President, We thank Australia and Timor-Leste for the presentation of draft resolution L.15. Cuba recognizes the significant role that can be played by national human rights institutions in promoting and protecting these rights. At the same time, there is no single model of national human rights institution. Each state has the sovereign right to determine pursuant to its national conditions, including its legal, political and social system, to decide upon the architecture it deems most adequate and effective to promote and protect human rights. The Paris Principles are guidelines Guidelines and voluntary accreditation by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, or the GAHNRI, cannot be a condition for the recognition of the efforts made by a state to promote and protect human rights. I conclude, Mr. President, by saying that we will be supporting L.15. And we support its adoption by consensus. Thank you very much.

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

Zealand.

Thank you, Mr. President.

The government of China supports the role played by NHRI in the promotion and protection of human rights by joining consensus on almost all the aspects of the resolution. For this year, we are, however, concerned about the considerably increased weight accorded by the draft on digital technologies, whose intent is fully understood by China, but we are concerned about the power of these institutions to monitor and to report on the impact of digital technologies online and online, and even to their powers to investigate into launch investigations. Furthermore, terms such as "human rights-based digital transformation and culture" in the draft lack an internationally negotiated, unified and clear definition. A UN document should not use this kind of language. In the spirit of mutual respect, equity and objectivity, my delegation has actively been involved in the consultation on this draft and has made constructive proposals on the amendments proposed by other countries. However, the draft does not meet the concerns of China. Therefore, China will not join the consensus on this draft resolution L15. Thank you, Mr. President.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank Australia and Timor-Leste for presenting draft resolution L.15.

National human rights institutions are key partners for governments in advancing human rights.

Together with states, they play a vital role in translating human rights commitments into tangible progress at the national level.

We welcome this resolution's focus on the role of NHRIs in adapting to the new realities of the rapid

development and use of digital.

Technologies and AI, including through monitoring, reporting on, and handling complaints about their human rights impacts.

These technologies offer opportunities for development and for the enjoyment of human rights, but also pose new risks, including to privacy and non-discrimination. With their independence and knowledge of national context, NHRIs are well placed to identify this risk early and to advise governments on balanced human rights approaches.

That allow innovation to benefit all.

To fulfill this role effectively, NHRIs need adequate resources and technical expertise, particularly in developing countries. International cooperation is thus essential to bridge the digital divide and ensure that no country is left behind.

We remain firmly committed to strengthening the role and capacities of NHRIs. At the same time, we underline the importance to be more attentive in introducing language that has not received intergovernmental consensus and requires further deliberation. Having said that, Indonesia continues to attach great importance to supporting and working together with NHRIs.

We see value in closer engagement between NHRI and this Council, including where their independent expertise complements our collective work, particularly amid current financial constraints.

With this understanding, Indonesia looks forward to the adoption of draft resolution L.15, and we will join the consensus. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. The Gambia thanks the core group, Australia and Timor-Leste, for introducing this resolution and for the constructive and inclusive manner the consultations were undertaken and the efforts made in the development of the text. Whilst human rights norms are developed in Geneva, it is human rights institutions that translate these norms into concrete actions for the promotion and protection of human rights at the domestic level. Therefore, their ability to maintain their independence whilst constructively engaging States, civil society and international human rights mechanisms are fundamental to the effective implementation of human rights standards. The Gambia particularly welcomes the resolution's recognition of the critical role played by national human rights institutions in the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence, and supporting the establishment and maintenance of inclusive societies. We further welcome the monitoring and advisory roles played by them regarding the human rights implications of rapidly evolving digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and automated decision-making systems. As the mandates and responsibilities of national human rights institutions continue to expand, it is imperative that they are adequately resourced to enable them effectively fulfill their mandate in accordance with the Paris Principles. Accordingly, we welcome the resolution's urgent call for technical assistance to States to support the establishment and strengthening of national human rights institutions. The Gambia considers such cooperation particularly important in enabling national human rights institutions to develop the specialized expertise required to respond to emerging human rights concerns while continuing to effectively discharge their existing mandates. With that said, Mr. President, we are pleased to support this resolution and encourage its adoption by consensus. Thank you.

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

Mr. Chair. We support L.15 regarding the national human rights institutions, and we would like to thank the core group for submitting it, based on our conviction of the importance of the role of NHRIs when it comes to protecting and promoting human rights at the national level. according to its mandate and in line with Paris Principles. These institutions are an independent voice and an essential pillar for an efficient national mechanisms to protect human rights. Establishing such institutions in various countries is something we cannot but commend because they play a very important role in bridging the gap between international commitments of the states and implementation at the national level, monitoring human rights situation and submitting recommendations and proposals. This is what we can see through the efficient role of the National Council for Human Rights in Egypt. It is an efficient and independent national partner in our journey towards promoting and protecting human rights and freedoms. We commend this draft resolution. especially in light of the important role of NHRIs in terms of monitoring and evaluating AI and digital technologies' impact on human rights. Accelerated challenges and opportunities calls for the increasing role of NHRIs in order to prevent misuse and to secure the respect of human rights. Finally, we reiterate our support of this draft resolution, and we invite the Council's members to approve it by consensus, this is an indication that we are collectively committed to protect and support NHRIs and to empower them so that they can accompany.

Us to face new issues and challenges. Thank you.

Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution. The corresponding PBR statement has been made available on the HRC portal. I now give the floor for members of the Council who wish to make explanations of vote before the vote on draft resolution L15. I see no such request. Is there a request for a vote? I see no such request. May I take it, therefore, the draft resolution L15 as orally revised may be adopted without a vote. It is so decided. I now open the floor for explanation of vote after the vote on the resolution adopted under agenda item eight. As you know, request for explanation of vote after the vote under resolution adopted under item eight. Therefore, we now turn to agenda item nine. And the council will now consider draft resolution L29 as already revised, entitled the mandate of the working group of experts on people of African descent. 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 entitled "Mandate of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent." Its principal objective is to renew the mandate for a further three years. This resolution comes at a particularly important moment as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. The relevance of this mandate is not diminishing. On the contrary, it is reinforced by persistence and, in many contexts, the intensification of racism and related intolerance. The Council will recall that the working group focuses on racial discrimination faced by people of African descent, and proposes measures to ensure full and effective access to justice, and recommends actions to eliminate racial discrimination. Its achievements demonstrate its practical value: 38 sessions as of April 2026, 34 annual and thematic reports between 2003 and 2026, 25 country visits, and participation in at least 197 communications. Its work addresses structural discrimination, access to justice, education, development, and reparatory justice. This mandate remains critical to translating Durban commitments and the priorities of recognition, justice, and development under the second International Decade of People of African Descent into concrete action. Mr. President, we reiterate that the existence of several anti-racism mechanisms is not in itself evidence of duplication. Each mechanism has a distinct mandate, purpose, and added value. Together, they provide complementary platforms for standard setting, expert advice, monitoring, dialogue, participation, and accountability. Their breadth reflects the seriousness of the challenge rather than institutional excesses. Crucial to note, it is we, the members of this General Assembly, who have explicitly assigned and conferred these distinct mandates. Mr. President, the African Group supports all efforts towards efficiency and rationalization. In this spirit, the present draft maintains annual reporting to the Human Rights Council on all activities relating to the mandate, while providing biannual reporting to the General Assembly as from 2027, in the context of the second international decade. We thank all delegations for their constructive engagement and appeal to Council members to adopt this resolution by consensus, giving the working group the continuity and support they need to fulfill its mandate. I thank you.

Thank you. I have been informed by the Secretariat that there are four 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 thank Kenya and the African group for presenting the draft L29. Cuba supports the draft, extending the mandate of the expert working group on people of African descent. As set out in the project, the work of the Council is particularly relevant in light of the growth of structural and institutionalized racism and hate speech. We welcome the efforts of the working group to render visible the transcendental resolution of the General Assembly on the subject, through which it is formally declared that the trafficking and enslaved Africans, racialized Africans and slavery are crimes against the gravest crime against humanity. We believe that that has an important catalyst effect in promoting frameworks of compensation to compensate for the historic harm against Africans and people of African descent. We welcome the contribution of the working group on implementing the second international decade for people of African descent. We have supported this initiative since the start. We joined up with the call to make the draft resolution. to have this draft resolution supported by all States fully to support the working group in carrying out its mandate. We reiterate our support to the draft resolution L29 and call for its adoption by consensus. I 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 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 wish to make explanation of vote before the vote. I see no request. Is there a request for a vote? I see none. May I therefore take it that draft resolution L29 as orally revised may be adopted without a vote. It is so decided. the Council will now consider draft resolution L7 entitled technical assistance and capacity building in the field of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo so this is under agenda item 10 and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to introduce the draft text.

President, the draft resolution before the Human Rights Council as 7 under item 10 of the agenda is on technical assistance and capacity building for human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The text follows the previous resolutions which was discussed in September, in order to assess the human rights situation in the DRC and make progress on challenges in order best to assist the country in those fields. Within the efforts to promote and protect human rights carried out and emphasised in the draft resolution are combating impunity, in particular by sentencing 54 detainees and the community on 5th in June 2026 the improvement of forensic medicine and immediate operationalization of this for the future of medicine DRC strengthening transitional justice throughout the country, particularly through the creation of a technical cooperation platform and the implementation of policies and strategies for transitional justice nationally, strengthening of the judiciary and reform of justice to strengthen human capacities and logistic capacities and access to justice. dissemination of the national policy for the promotion and protection of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable persons, and co-operation between the Government and the HCHR and all of its mechanisms, including the APR and special procedures. Beyond that progress, and there is other progress made by the government with partners and the resolution also calls to the challenges to human rights in the DRC which are numerous particularly in the eastern part with the armed aggression by the M23 and Rwanda and there is also a very worrying humanitarian situation with over 7 million people who are IDPs and the surge in the Ebola virus these challenges led to the creation, by resolution S37 of this council, at the request of my Government, of a national commission of inquiry, whose final report will be published in March next year. Furthermore, we have sought more technical assistance and capacity building in certain key areas, including legal medicine, development and implementation of the national transitional justice policy. taking into account the transboundary nature of conflict and security in the Great Lakes region, and the development and implementation of traditional justice mechanisms and competing MPNT regionally, as well as efforts to reduce prison overcrowding, create mechanisms to protect human rights in the extractive industry, particularly the rights of the child. President, in conclusion, I emphasize my country's determination to pursue cooperation with human rights mechanisms for coordinated, effective technical assistance in human rights. And we thank the African group for its solidarity and the cooperation with partners and friendly countries, which have allowed us to achieve this compromise text. We call on all countries to adopt this draft resolution by consensus. I thank you.

Thank you. I've been informed by the Secretariat that there are no 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 Brazil.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, Brazil continues to closely monitor with deep concern the human rights and humanitarian situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We firmly support strong engagement on the part of the High Commissioner and other human rights actors on the ground. with a view to improving conditions for the affected population. And in that regard, we welcome the paragraph calling on the High Commissioner to provide technical assistance and reinforce national capacities. As a traditional support of resolutions under item 10 of the agenda, an item devoted to fostering technical assistance and cooperation, we must highlight that reference to third parties, foster politicization, and depart from the purpose of item 10. Resolutions under this item must remain focused on technical assistance and cooperation for development. Matters of peace and security fall outside this Council's mandate and should not, in particular, be folded into a framework of technical assistance. We commend the DRC for its engagement with international mechanisms and its willingness to cooperate. Reiterate our hope that this crisis can be overcome to dialogue and reaffirm that Brazil stands ready to provide any support needed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you. I see no further requests for general comments. I understand that The distinguished representative of Rwanda wishes to take the floor as a concerned country. Rwanda has the floor.

Mr. President, during yesterday's general debate, Rwanda called for a review of the criteria for designating Member States as countries concerned under item 10. We also noted that the designation has been applied inconsistently for Rwanda. The Secretariat acknowledged Rwanda's decision not to speak in that capacity, yet later relied on the designation to deny Rwanda the right of reply. This practice remains unclear and unpredictable. A state should not be designated the country concerned merely because a resolution concerning another state contains allegations against it made unilaterally by the pen holder. Agenda item 10 should focus on technical assistance and capacity building requested by and responsible to the needs of the country concerned, in this case, the DRC. The resolution before this council, advanced unilaterally by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with no endorsement of the African group, once again places selectivity and politicization at the heart of item 10, contrary to the purpose for which agenda item 10 was established. Rwanda's inclusion in this technical assistance resolution raises serious concerns about whether singling out Rwanda is consistent with impartial needs-based cooperation. We raised this concern during the formal consultations, but the DRC maintained its position, suggesting that the resolution prioritized a political agenda over genuine technical cooperation. Such an approach is unbecoming of a Council member and undermines the constructive engagement that should guide the Council's work. More broadly, when legitimate concerns about the resolution's process and substance remain unaddressed, this risks undermining the Council's credibility and diminishing the meaning of consensus. Sustainable peace in the DRC cannot be achieved through politicized resolutions or selective name and shame tactics. It must be built through honest engagement, accountability, and cooperation. We encourage the DRC to pursue this path with the Council's support and to address its challenges directly, rather than politicizing the work of the Council. Rwanda will continue to attach great importance to technical cooperation, and despite the agenda's growing politicization, remains ready to engage constructively with Council members and champion, in fact, the best practical approach to technical cooperation and capacity building. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I've been informed by the secretariat that there are PBIs for this draft resolution. The required resources have already been included in the proposed program budget. I now give the floor to members of the council who wish to make explanations of vote before the vote. I see no such request. Is there a request for a vote? draft resolution L7? I see none. May I therefore take it that draft resolution L7 may be adopted without a vote. It is so decided. Excellencies, distinguished representatives, colleagues, this brings us to the end of this meeting. We will reconvene tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. to continue with consideration of the draft proposals. I hereby close the 42nd meeting of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council. Thank you, everybody.