Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, Ladies and gentlemen,

 

I am really pleased to be here today, representing the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

 

I would like to extend our appreciation to the government of China for hosting this important event to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. Later this year, we will also be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document drawn from cultures across the world, which has powered enormous changes in lives, policies and mindsets.

 

During this important anniversary year, we aspire for these two milestone documents to serve as a catalyst for reaffirming our unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of their differences or background, everywhere in the world, without selectivity or politicisation.

 

Excellencies,

 

The Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the Vienna Declaration unequivocally affirmed that human rights are universal, inseparable, interconnected, and mutually dependent, firmly dismissing the notion that certain rights could be treated as optional.

 

The Vienna Declaration emphasized the importance of respecting cultural diversity while making it clear that cultural differences can never be used as a pretext for violating human rights. It also clearly acknowledged that the international community has a legitimate responsibility and obligation to promote and safeguard all human rights.

 

In the 75 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration in 1948, States have established an ecosystem of international human rights bodies to assist them in efforts to ensure the realization of the rights enshrined in the Declaration. The Vienna Declaration importantly stated that full cooperation with all of the UN human rights bodies is essential to enable States to fulfill their duties to people.

 

The Vienna Declaration also gave the impulse for the creation of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Today, the Office has presences in over 90 countries and, in the overwhelming majority of cases, these countries have effective partnerships with our teams, leading to positive outcomes for their people.

 

The visionary ideals expressed in the UDHR established a strong basis for the creation of ten international human rights treaties that encompass a diverse array of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. To assist compliance with these international human rights obligations, treaty bodies have been established to serve as vital mechanisms for monitoring human rights progress across the globe.

 

The Human Rights Council holds the primary responsibility within the United Nations for addressing human rights related issues. Through its resolutions and decisions, the Council guides the actions of states and other stakeholders at both national and international levels. It further disposes of two important mechanisms, namely Special Procedures and the Universal Periodic Review.

 

Special procedures- 45 thematic and 14 country focused mandates- conduct visits, provide key recommendations, engage on individual cases, and contribute to the development of normative frameworks. Examples of these mandates include the Special Rapporteur on human rights and fundamental freedoms in countering terrorism, the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, and the recently established Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights in the context of climate change. Each year, special procedures mandate holders conduct overall between 60 and 80 country visits. 128 States have extended standing invitations to special procedures and we encourage others to emulate this positive practice.

 

Through its Universal Periodic review, the HRC further facilitates intergovernmental peer reviews, allowing for meaningful engagement at the country level over a period of four and a half years. The UPR, with the involvement of 100% of UN Member States and inclusion of civil society voices, is a reaffirmation that universal human rights scrutiny is a legitimate, positive and cooperative matter of international concern. The UPR process is intended to result into the implementation of recommendations. We hope that, at each cycle, and through voluntary mid-term reporting, States can show concrete progress in addressing existing concerns.

 

Human rights mechanisms do not work in silos. They operate in coordination and complement the work of the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council in improving global human rights governance. The General Assembly provides a platform for states to address human rights issues, share experiences, and advocate for resolutions that protect human rights globally. Similarly, the Security Council recognizes that human rights violations can fuel conflicts and instability. It incorporates human rights concerns into its decision-making processes, taking measures to address violations, demand accountability, and protect civilians from the scourge of conflicts and wars.

 

Furthermore, the integration of human rights into the development pillar through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights the interconnectedness of peace, development, and human rights. By recognizing poverty, inequality, and lack of access to services as human rights issues, this approach emphasizes the need to combat discrimination, promote social inclusion, and provide equal opportunities for everyone.

 

Excellencies,

 

In spite of the numerous accomplishments and progress made in recent decades, we are witnessing concerning setbacks in human rights across almost every region worldwide. Countless individuals in many countries such as Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, and Afghanistan, among many others, endure the devastating impact of conflict and oppression on a daily basis. These crises unfold amidst a highly intricate geopolitical panorama, marked by widening divisions and confrontations within and between nations, posing a serious obstacle to much needed multilateral solutions.

 

Sadly, we are witnessing regression in the rights of women in various countries around the globe. Minorities continue to face discrimination and exclusion, including from economic and social development. Civic space in many places is also shrinking, with an increasing number of states resorting to measures to suppress dissenting voices and opinions, including threats, intimidation, violence, and criminal procedures against journalists and human rights defenders.

 

Hate speech is spreading at unprecedented rates and through ever expanding new channels, posing challenges unlike anything we have seen before.

 

The rapid digital transformation, including advancements in artificial intelligence, is reshaping our world, often outpacing the establishment of necessary human rights safeguards by regulators. This puts us at risk, as these technological shifts need careful oversight to protect us from potential dangers, while maintaining freedom of expression and the right to information.

 

Above all, the triple planetary crisis consisting of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution poses the most significant threat humanity has ever faced. Our survival, as well as that of future generations, is at stake. In addressing this crisis, human rights considerations are essential to ensure that measures taken to mitigate and adapt to environmental challenges do not disproportionately impact vulnerable communities or infringe upon their rights to life, health, and a clean environment.

 

Excellencies,

 

As the world is shifting away from decades of progress on human rights, the human rights ecosystem can serve as catalysts for dialogue, cooperation, and inclusive decision-making processes. In an interconnected world, where crises transcend national borders, the human rights ecosystem contribute to the strengthening of global governance by fostering collaboration and coordination among states. It facilitates the exchange of best practices, encourages mutual learning, and enables the development of common strategies to address shared challenges. By transcending national boundaries, the human rights ecosystem promotes a sense of collective responsibility.

 

However, the effectiveness of the human rights ecosystem depends on the commitment and engagement of states and other stakeholders. It requires robust financial and political support, transparent and meaningful cooperation, as well as a genuine willingness to take action to ensure compliance with human rights standards. Respecting and protecting human rights not only enhances States’ own legitimacy, but also strengthens the credibility and effectiveness of global governance.

 

Excellencies,

 

As we commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is crucial to view this milestone as an opportunity to reset our understanding and regain trust in the power of human rights. We need to forge a new world-wide consensus on human rights. They should not be perceived as a divisive concept but rather as a unifying force, capable of addressing the pressing challenges we face today.

 

By embracing the universality, interrelatedness and non- discriminatory nature of human rights, we can foster greater cooperation, understanding, and progress, to the benefits of all. Freedom and economic and social justice are intrinsically linked and both necessary for peace. As the High Commissioner said “Equality, justice, freedom, shared development and participation in decision-making are values that we all share and deserve. They can, and should, be brought to life using diverse methods in different societies, but they are not restricted to one region, ethnic group or sex or gender”.

 

Let us seize this opportunity to enhance our work together, building a future where human rights serve as the bedrock of global governance, and where the inherent dignity of every individual is at the center of our action and fully respected.

 

Many thanks.