Joint statements during the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council
Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls, on a report on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan
Joint Statement by the EU on behalf of 57 Countries
19 June 2023
Mr President,
We are gravely concerned by the increasing and systematic erosion of respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls in Afghanistan by the de facto authorities, in particular women and girls’ lack of equal access to education, economic opportunities, including access to work, participation in public life, freedom of movement, justice, and basic services, the absence of which make peace, stability, and prosperity in the country unattainable
Banning women from working for the United Nations, and national and international NGOs, is yet another alarming violation of Afghan women’s rights. These restrictions also undermine humanitarian principles, and severely impact the delivery of life-saving assistance and basic services to those most in need.
Mr President,
The realization of women’s and girls’ rights is indispensable for achieving sustainable development, in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, in peace-building, and in the humanitarian response.
We jointly call on de facto authorities to revisit their discriminatory policies. Women and girls have the right to live free from all forms of violence, to exercise all rights in accordance with international human rights law, and to contribute to the social and economic development of the Afghan society.
Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Joint Statement by Australia on behalf of a Group of Countries
20 June 2023
Mr President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of more than 37 countries.
As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year, we reaffirm our commitment to the universality of human rights: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.
We also look ahead toward the 30th anniversary of the International Day of Families.
Families, in all their diversity, play a fundamental role in society. They can be critical in helping people, especially children, to realise their full potential, and bear most of the burden of care work. Supporting families is therefore an important element in promoting and protecting human rights. In turn, ensuring the respect, protection and fulfillment of the human rights of all creates an enabling environment where families can thrive.
There is great diversity in families all around the world, and so this support must be inclusive of all family compositions, including multigenerational and extended families, single parent households, LGBTIQ+ families and Indigenous kinship groups.
We recognise however, that families can also be the context in which human rights abuses occur, including intimate partner violence, non-partner family violence, violence against children, and elder abuse, amongst others. Gender inequalities and unequal power relations are among the root causes of this violence. In 2020, 58 per cent of women and girls killed, died at the hands of an intimate partner or family member. For this reason, it is critical we support families to be safe spaces for all, in which individuals’ human rights are respected.
We are committed to supporting families, and call on States, the OHCHR and UN bodies to continue to apply an inclusive lens to families, and to ensure that equality, non-discrimination, and the universality of human rights remains at the centre of engagement in supporting families.
Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Joint Statement on cultural preservation delivered by the United States of America on behalf of a Group of Countries
20 June 2023
Mr High Commissioner, we deliver this statement on behalf of a group of states.
We begin by recalling the grievous history of destruction of diverse forms of indigenous and local cultures in many parts of the world, policies that have harmed these populations by denying them their beliefs, their history, and their dignity, while impoverishing humankind as a whole.
International law prohibits discrimination, including that based on religious or ethnic identity, and protects minorities in the enjoyment of their culture, the professing of their religion, and the use of their language.
Despite these clear obligations, in some parts of the world deplorable human rights violations are being committed against persons belonging to religious, linguistic, national, and ethnic minorities, often with the stated aim of mitigating a perceived security threat. Government laws and policies specifically restrict and suppress practices that are part of the identity and cultural life of persons belonging to minorities: authorities destroy cultural heritage sites, cemeteries and places of worship; suppress languages; forcibly assimilate children through the educational system; place severe restrictions on movement; and restrict access to livelihoods, education, and healthcare.
Mr High Commissioner, we reiterate the importance of promoting universal respect for human rights. We call on all governments around the world, including our own government, to uphold their duties and respect the rights of persons belonging to minorities – to allow the culture of ethnic and religious minorities to flourish, and to respect the ability of everyone to worship as they please, to speak the language of their parents, as well as to use their traditional knowledge and to participate in the social institutions of their choice.
Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
Joint Statement delivered by Argentina on behalf of the SOGI Group of Friends
21 June 2023
Mr President,
As members of the SOGI Group of Friends, we strongly support the promotion and defence of the universal human rights system, emphasizing that human rights are indivisible, interdependent, mutually reinforcing, and, by their very nature, universal.
In this sense, we reaffirm the importance of the work of this Council and the Independent Expert, for the protection of LGBTIQ+ persons against violence and discrimination in all regions, as well as for the progressive development of international human rights norms and standards. Globally, the LGBTIQ+ community still faces discrimination, violence and marginalization, and we need urgent actions to address these issues. This is why we celebrated the renewal of the mandate last year as a fundamental milestone for this topic.
Mr President,
On this occasion, we wish to highlight and thank the exceptional work of Víctor Madrigal in his role as Independent Expert during his mandate, which is coming to an end. With commitment and responsibility, he managed to foster dialogue with stakeholders from all regions of the world, build consensus and move the international agenda on inclusion and diversity forward.
We conclude by highlighting once again the commitment of our countries to the fight against all forms of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and the importance to continue promoting the respect, protection, and realization of the human rights of LGBTIQ+ persons in the universal system of human rights, and reaffirming our commitment to the consolidation of the issue on the agenda of this Council.
Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls
Joint Statement on Femicides and Human Rights
Delivered by Cyprus on behalf of 69 Countries
22 June 2023
Mr President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of 69 countries.
Sexual and Gender-based violence against women and girls has alarmingly increased worldwide, amplified during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, over 5 women and girls were killed by someone in their family, every hour.
The gender-related killing of women and girls, also known as femicide or feminicide, constitutes the most extreme and brutal manifestation of violence against all women and girls and is prevalent in all regions and countries worldwide. A major problem is the difficulty of identifying the occurrence of femicide given the absence of data collection strategies and systems.
The former Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women produced a landmark report in 2016, where she proposed the establishment of different levels of a “femicide watch” and observatories on violence against women and girls. The centrality of data collection and monitoring in State efforts to combat femicides was recognized by her, UN Women, and by the CEDAW Committee in recent years.
Therefore, we encourage all States to acknowledge its existence, define gender-related killings in national legal frameworks, and develop prevention strategies to address it, including through education, to strengthen response systems through training service providers, law enforcement authorities, judicial officials, educators, health system workers, and other relevant stakeholders so they can recognize it and prevent its occurrence. Moreover, we need to develop, in advance, systems for collecting disaggregated data that specify the type of gender-based crime committed, the relationship between victim and perpetrator and the response regarding accountability and reparations. In this regard, we welcome UN Women and UNODC efforts to improve data collection through the Statistical Framework for measuring the gender-related killing of women and girls.
This will allow us to take appropriate and effective action towards eradicating this heinous crime. We owe it to the victims and their families.
Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
Joint Statement delivered by Belgium on behalf of a Group of Countries
26 June 2023
Mr President,
I deliver this statement on behalf of 35 countries, in order to express our deep collective concern about the findings published by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights last month. The report states that in March 2022 over 500 civilians were killed in the village of Moura, in central Mali, by elements of the Malian armed forces, with support from, and, I quote, “foreign military personnel”. Hidden behind this label lies the Wagner Group, whose presence in Mali is well-known and has been confirmed by Russian authorities, and which has contributed to continued instability and a rise in human rights violations both in Mali and in other areas of conflict.
Mr President, this report provides harrowing details of summary executions, sexual and gender-based violence, torture and other ill-treatment, backed up by extensive evidence. This is despite the Malian authorities’ refusal to allow UN access to the site of the most serious reported atrocity committed in Mali in a decade. The report concluded that these acts could amount to war crimes and, depending on the circumstances, crimes against humanity. These cannot go unanswered and perpetrators must be held to account. The Malian authorities must investigate these allegations and all other reports of human rights violations and abuses regardless of the actors allegedly involved, fully, transparently, impartially and independently, and urgently implement the recommendations of this report to ensure, that both their own forces and foreign military personnel fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We call on the UN High Commissioner and the international community to continue to raise this matter with the Malian authorities, and for Malian authorities to ensure full protection of witnesses and human rights defenders.
Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises
Joint Statement on the tobacco industry and human rights
Delivered by Panama on behalf of a Group of Countries
26 June 2023
Mr President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of countries.
By virtue of the UNGP on Business and Human Rights, the tobacco industry has the responsibility to respect human rights across its supply chain. Yet, it continues to assert undue corporate influence in the implementation of tobacco control policies and regulations.
Tobacco remains the leading cause of global preventable diseases, resulting in more than 8 million deaths annually, and it negatively affects the enjoyment of human rights throughout its whole life cycle, in particular the right to life and the right to health.
We are deeply concerned about reports of persons at risk of trafficking for forced labour, child labour, exploitation and exposure to hazardous conditions while working in tobacco fields.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the WHO FCTC, which provides an international legal safeguard against corporate capture. We invite States that have not yet ratified it, to consider doing so.
We wish to take this opportunity to encourage the Working Group to address the adverse impacts on human rights, health and the environment related to the tobacco industry, including on the grounds of, inter alia, age, gender, race, ethnicity and disability, as well as States’ obligations to respect, protect and fulfil human rights and their commitment to the SDGs and target 3.a, and to collaborate with the WHO FCTC Secretariat in this regard.
Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education
Joint Statement on safe learning environment
Delivered by Kazakhstan on behalf of a Group of Countries
27 June 2023
Mr President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a Group of Countries.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for her timely report.
We concur that fundamental human right to education includes the right to be safe in education.
Children should get the best possible start in life and have access to education in which every child, including adolescents, have ample opportunity to develop their individual capacities in a space where they feel safe, respected and valued. It is crucial for their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
We are committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in its entirety, especially the SDGs and targets aimed at ending abuse and all forms of violence against and torture of children, and creating child-friendly learning environments where every child feels safe and encouraged to learn.
Recognizing State’s responsibility to ensure every child’s protection and care, we also acknowledge the distinct and important roles that parents, legal guardians, schools and all other institutions of society can play in contributing to providing safe and inclusive learning environment.
We believe that all forms of violence and abuse in schools can and must be prevented. It is important to foster culture of open communication and trust between children, parents, and educators. Educational programs and materials that fully reflect the promotion and protection of all human rights, as well as the values of peace, tolerance and gender equality, can make a significant contribution to their prevention.
Children should feel comfortable speaking up about any concerns or issues they may have, and parents should be encouraged to be involved in their child’s education and well-being.
Ending violence in and around schools and ensuring safe and inclusive learning environments for children requires joint work and multifaceted approach of governments and other stakeholders.
By prioritizing the safety and well-being of our children, we can help them to thrive and reach their full potential.
Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education
Joint Statement delivered by Qatar on behalf of a Group of Countries
27 June 2023
Mr President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of 57 countries.
Education is a basic human right that should be enjoyed by everyone without discrimination of any kind. It is a key right the access to which impacts the enjoyment of all other human rights.
Education benefits both individuals and society. It promotes the knowledge, skills and values that are fundamental for human, social, and economic development, thus helps achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.
By ratifying international human rights treaties, states assume responsibilities to respect, protect and fulfil the right to education.
The obligation to protect education includes protecting education and educational facilities from attacks through all appropriate and feasible measures and safeguards.
Unfortunately, attack against education has continued unabatedly over the last years. Records in this regard are very alarming. According to the GCPEA, in 2020 and 2021, there were more than 5,000 reported attacks on education and incidents of military use of schools and universities, harming more than 9,000 students and educators in at least 85 countries.
While attacks on education have a devastating impact on all students and teachers, they can have a particular horrific suffering for girls and women.
Female students and educators are particularly targeted during attacks on education. They face all kinds of conflict related violations committed against women and girls that can have long-lasting consequences on their future.
We urge States and all conflicting parties to refrain from using schools for military purposes. We encourage States to endorse and implement the Safe Schools Declaration so that schools shall always remain safe havens.
We also invite the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Procedures mandate holders and treaty bodies to address this issue within their respective mandates.
Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights
Joint Statement on the Role of Access to Clean and Affordable Energy in Eradication of Extreme Poverty
Delivered by India on behalf of a Group of Countries
30 June 2023
Mr President,
I am delivering this joint statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries, on the critical role of access to clean and affordable energy in the eradication of extreme poverty.
Clean and affordable energy is a critical input to primary developmental goals and basic human rights of providing adequate food, housing, water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and access to information including digital media and entertainment. Availability of energy plays a fundamental role in improving living standards, enhancing productivity, and unlocking development opportunities for individuals and communities. Unfortunately, a significant part of the global population still lacks access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy, perpetuating their entrapment in the vicious cycle of poverty and gravely hindering their social and economic progress.
Reliable energy supply facilitates education through lighting for schools and power for electronic learning devices like tablets, computers, and projectors; improves availability of water, sanitation, and good hygiene practices. Clean cooking fuel reduces the burden of disease and drudgery, particularly for women. Access to energy enables productive economic activities, including agriculture and small and cottage industry, which directly contributes to poverty reduction.
Mr. President,
Without ensuring access to energy for all, it would be impossible to achieve the SDGs of reducing poverty, broadening the education base, and improving public health. Therefore, access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy is not only fundamental to the eradication of extreme poverty, but for enjoyment of human rights by all.
International Day of Women in Diplomacy
Item 3: Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women
Panel 1: Gender-based violence against women and girls in public and political life
Joint Statement by Mexico and Costa Rica on behalf of a Group of Countries
30 June 2023
Mr President,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on the International Day of Women in Diplomacy on behalf of México, Costa Rica and a Group of States.
Last year the General Assembly adopted the resolution 76/269 marking this International Day, to celebrate and highlight the significant contributions that women have made and continue to make in shaping the course of our global affairs.
We acknowledge the significant progress of recent years, recognize there are still challenges to be addressed, and reaffirm our commitment to promoting women's full, equal and meaningful participation at all levels of decision-making, as an essential measure for achieving sustainable development, peace, and effectively protecting human rights.
Women's participation in diplomacy is an indispensable pillar of a well-rounded foreign policy. It has a transformative effect on the way we design, implement, and promote initiatives in bilateral engagements and multilateral fora. Women ´s contributions have been essential in finding adequate, just, and comprehensive avenues to address global challenges.
We need to further accelerate efforts to mainstream a gender perspective throughout the Human Rights Council work and mechanisms, and advocate for increased representation of women. We also need to reflect more profoundly on the challenges of a work-life balance which impacts disproportionately on women, including women in diplomacy and can be an inhibiting factor in the choice of a career.
This year’s commemoration coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. In this regard, we recall that the VDPA also affirms that “the human rights of women should form an integral part of the United Nations human rights activities”.
Let us mark this day as an opportunity to reflect on the measures that should be taken to enable full and equal participation of women in all diplomatic spheres.
Item 3: Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women
Panel 1: Gender-based violence against women and girls in public and political life
Joint Statement by South Africa, Bolivia and Belgium
30 June 2023
Mr President,
I have the honor to deliver this joint statement on behalf of a Group of Countries.
Today, women represent only one in four members of parliament around the world. If we look at female ministers, the situation is even worse. While progress has been made, we are still far from achieving full, equal and meaningful political participation, and a lot of obstacles remain.
Women's and girls’ participation in political and public life is linked to the organization of society as a whole: it depends heavily on social, cultural and economic factors. It is related to education, economic position, the division of household chores, persistent stereotypes, the role of the media during elections, intolerance and discrimination, election systems and many other elements. But above all, it is impeded by widespread patterns of misogyny, intimidation and violence faced by women leaders today. Around the world, women leaders are subject to sexist hate speech and misinformation – very often online – which not only have a detrimental effect on women's right to political participation, but also pose a challenge to democracy itself.
By targeting, intimidating and silencing women, gender-based violence has a particularly negative impact on women's freedom of expression. It pushes them to self-censor and withdrawing from public spaces online and offline. And it sends the message that women and girls in general have no place in public life.
We call on all States, but also on private actors, to step up and take bold actions to end gender-based violence against women and girls in public and political life, while looking forward to the CEDAW’s Committee upcoming General Recommendation that will explore this issue.
Item 3: Interactive dialogue on the Secretary General report on climate change
Joint Statement on importance of civil society access to and participation in international climate discussions
Statement delivered by the EU on behalf of a Group of Countries
3 July 2023
Mr President,
The European Union has the honour to deliver this Joint Statement on behalf of a group of countries.
We welcome today’s discussion, and the increased awareness and engagement shown by this Council on the interdependence between human rights, and combatting climate change.
A crucial element to advance this agenda must be to ensure transparent, inclusive, safe and meaningful participation and leadership both online and offline by civil society in international climate discussions.
We welcome the UAE’s commitment, as also expressed during the recent UPR, “to ensure that the COP28 is inclusive for all, especially those at the frontlines of climate change, including civil society, Indigenous Peoples, and youth”. We are convinced that the meaningful participation of climate activists, human rights defenders and other members of civil society, especially women, youth and marginalized groups, in an enabling environment free of intimidation, harassment, including sexual harassment, arbitrary surveillance and reprisal, is an indispensable element for the success of the Conference.
The climate crisis requires immediate accelerated action and strengthened ambition, including to deliver on global commitments and fully integrate human rights into our response. Nobody knows this better than those already in vulnerable situations. Let’s ensure their voices can resound strong and free; and contribute to all international climate discussions.
Item 3: Panel discussion on the role of digital, media and information literacy in the promotion and enjoyment of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
Joint Statement delivered by the EU on behalf of a Group of Countries
3 July 2023
Mr President,
The European Union has the honour to deliver this Statement on behalf of a Group of Countries.
Access to the Internet is an indispensable enabler of a broad range of human rights. An open, free, global, interoperable, reliable and secure Internet for all facilitates individuals’ enjoyment of their rights, including freedoms of expression, opinion, and peaceful assembly, the rights to education and to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health. It allows access to objective information and public services.
Internet shutdowns are a growing concern worldwide, as some governments take measures to disrupt access to Internet and telecommunications, often in the context of political protests, electoral processes, crises, or armed conflicts.
Shutdowns and network disruptions negatively affect the ability of journalists, media workers, and civil society, including human rights defenders, to operate. Internet shutdowns also undermine access to critical support and protection, including for women and girls, and hamper humanitarian assistance.
Furthermore, Internet shutdowns severely hinder the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, while deepening digital divides. Internet shutdowns hamper businesses and customers, disrupt trade, investment, financial transactions, and the delivery of services and remittances.
The signatories of this Joint Statement call on States to foster an open Internet and not to impose shutdowns, restricting civic space online.
We emphasise that the private sector, in particular telecommunication companies and social media platforms, also plays an important role in sharing information on shutdowns and taking measures to prevent those that they have been requested or forced to implement.
We will continue to promote meaningful connectivity for all, including those in marginalised and vulnerable situations.
Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide
Joint Statement on the Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide
Delivered by Armenia on behalf of a Group of Countries
4 July 2023
Mr President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a Group of Countries.
We welcome Special Adviser Nderitu, and reiterate our continuous support to the Office of the Special Advisors of the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide and on the Responsibility to Protect.
This year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It was the first human rights treaty adopted by the General Assembly, one day before the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Together, these documents outline a vision of a world where genocide and other mass atrocities are prevented and punished.
This anniversary offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to this objective and to reflect on best practices and challenges with regard to the Convention’s implementation.
Genocide never happens suddenly. It is typically preceded by discriminatory practices against a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, and patterns of human rights violations and abuses.
We vow to mobilise the political will to prevent genocide and other atrocity crimes, notably by using the Secretary-General’s Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes. There is no excuse for the failure to properly address situations where genocide is at risk of occurring.
We emphasize the role of the UN human rights system, including this Council, the OHCHR, and relevant special procedures, and treaty bodies to collate information on violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law that may lead to genocide.
Drawing the world’s attention to situations at risk of atrocity crimes requires follow-up actions and coordinated efforts in order truly to make prevention work.
Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran
Joint Statement delivered by Costa Rica on behalf of a Group of Countries
5 July 2023
I deliver this statement on behalf of Costa Rica and a cross-regional group of countries.
We would like to thank the Fact-Finding Mission for their update.
We are particularly concerned by the reports of the ongoing surge of executions in Iran and the authorities’ use of the death penalty as a tool to chill dissent.
Iran has been carrying out death sentences at an alarming pace, with over 300 executions reported since the beginning of 2023, and 582 last year compared to 333 in 2021.
Many of these executions are for alleged offences that do not meet the threshold of “the most serious crimes” under the ICCPR, including drug offenses. Seven were in connection to the protest movement following the death in custody of Jina Mahsa Amini.
We strongly condemn the execution of three alleged child offenders in 2022 and are deeply concerned that dozens of alleged child offenders remain on death row, at risk of execution.
Persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities are being executed at disproportionately high rates; one-third of those executed in 2022 belonged to the Baloch minority.
We remain deeply troubled by reports that death sentences are often imposed following unfair trials procedures, without due process, and based on forced confessions obtained through torture and other inhuman treatment.
We urge Iran to immediately cease its violations, respect human dignity and cooperate with UN human rights mechanisms. We note calls by the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Special Procedures for Iran to “establish an immediate moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty”.
Item 10: Interactive dialogue on oral presentation of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and interim report of the Secretary-General on human rights in Crimea
Joint Statement by the Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine
12 July 2023
Mr President, Mr High Commissioner,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the 'Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine'.
763 men, 94 women, and 7 boys unlawfully detained, 72 men and 5 women summarily executed.
These numbers, presented in your reports, paint a clear picture of the serious violations of international humanitarian law and egregious human rights violations and abuses perpetrated since the launch of Russia’s full-scale, unprovoked and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. They depict the blatant disregard of the Russian authorities for their obligations under international law. But they only form the tip of the iceberg of human suffering as the OHCHR has recorded 25,170 civilian casualties since 24th February 2022.
Behind these numbers, there are individuals, their families and loved ones who suffer. This we must never forget. Especially not here, at this Council, which seeks to uphold the inherent dignity of every person.
Human dignity that has been denied time and time again by Russia. As shown by your report more than 91 per cent of civilian detainees held by Russia have been subjected to torture and ill-treatment, including through sexual violence.
These alarming findings from your report reinforce the need to ensure accountability for the serious crimes under international law committed on the territory of Ukraine, and ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes.
We, therefore, welcome the reporting of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, work by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, the investigation into the Ukraine situation by the International Criminal Court, the operationalization of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, the establishment of the Council of Europe’s Register of Damage, and the work of the Core Group towards a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine. We call for work to continue on the path towards full accountability.
End of Session Statement by members of the Group of Friends of the SOGI Mandate
14 July 2023
Mr President,
This statement is delivered on behalf of members of the Group of Friends of the Mandate of the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
We regret the initiative of a group of states to disregard the agenda items set in the Programme of Work of the Human Rights Council and to deliver a statement regarding a report that was presented earlier in this session and that had a full interactive dialogue dedicated to it, with opportunities for Members and Observers to engage in dialogue with the mandate holder.
The Human Rights Council should foster respectful and constructive dialogue. We believe that to present a statement about a Special Procedure report without the presence of the mandate holder and therefore not providing them with the opportunity to reply is not a constructive approach and should not be a practice taken by Members and Observers of the Human Rights Council.
We take this opportunity to reiterate our strong support for the mandate of the IE SOGI and for the work carried out by the current mandate holder.