Human Rights Council 40: Joint Statement by the Rule of Law Core Group
The implementation of the rule of law by national governments is the key to securing the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Human Rights Council takes place in Geneva.
I have the honour to deliver this joint statement on behalf of 80 States, including the members of the Rule of Law core group: Ethiopia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco and the United Kingdom.
The implementation of the rule of law by national governments is the key to securing the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Independence of the legislature, the executive and the judiciary helps ensure that each institution may hold the others to account. The laws enacted by the legislature should be clear, consistent and accessible. The executive should not be above these laws, and must act in compliance with constitutional principles and international human rights obligations. The judiciary should provide remedies when these rights and principles are violated, and guarantee accountability. In sum, human rights are guaranteed when power is made subject to the law.
The implementation of the rule of law is particularly important for the protection of children and young people. While all persons are equal before the law and are entitled to its equal protection, without discrimination, we know that children and young people are disproportionately impacted by rights violations. Violence and poverty not only affect their health, education and development, but also increase their risk of being trafficked, exploited and abused. The effects are further intensified for children and young people with specific characteristics that increase their risk to become exposed to discrimination and marginalisation, such as the mere fact of having a disability, or being born female.
On the thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, we reiterate our commitment not only to promote and protect the rights of all children and young people, but also to empower them as rights-holders. Their voices count, today and tomorrow. Each child holds the potential to transform their family and their country. We urge states to ensure that institutions of governance, including criminal and civil legal systems, enable children and young people to understand their rights, to participate in proceedings and, ultimately, to access justice.
Thank you.