Human Rights Council 40: UK explanation of position
Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.
The Human Rights Council meetings in Geneva.
We join Australia in condemning the terrorist attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand, and our deepest sympathies goes to those affected.
The United Kingdom is fully committed to the fight against terrorism, and believes that any activity to counter terrorism must always be conducted with full respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. Protecting human rights and countering terrorism are mutually reinforcing objectives. Indeed, a state that violates human rights, in its attempts to counter terrorism, will fail.
We are aware, however, that there are differing views within the Council on how best to tackle terrorism, and we commend Mexico for the efforts it has made to reconcile those diverging views. These efforts resulted in joint resolutions on Terrorism and Human Rights, at the 39th Session of the Human Rights Council and at last year’s Third Committee.
Again, with this resolution, we commend Mexico’s efforts to accommodate differing perspectives and believe that the changes made to the text were sufficient to accommodate any concerns that some states might have had.
Mr President,
The United Kingdom strongly supports the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. We welcome the fact that Mexico’s priority in renewing the mandate has been to preserve the Special Rapporteur’s independence and integrity. Any changes to or expansion of the mandate would require very careful consideration and analysis of the potential implications.
For these reasons, we will support resolution L29 without further amendment.
Thank you, Mr Chair.