UN Human Rights Council 47: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Adviser on Genocide Prevention
The UK's International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, delivered this statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Adviser on Genocide Prevention.
Thank you, Madam President,
The United Kingdom would like to thank the UN Special Advisers on the Prevention of Genocide and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) for their important work in bringing atrocity risks to the attention of the UN, and enhancing the capacity of States on atrocity prevention. We fully support R2P.
As we have seen with the atrocities in Syria, Yemen, Myanmar and Ethiopia to name a few, action is not reserved exclusively for one part of the UN. Our responsibility to prevent atrocity crimes cuts across the whole UN system. Through various UN mechanisms ranging from the Human Rights Council Commissions of Inquiries to General Assembly appointed Special Envoys, the UK has sought to shine a spotlight on atrocity crimes.
As a signatory of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency Group’s Code of Conduct declaration, we remain committed to refraining from the use of the veto in the Security Council on any credible resolution aimed at addressing atrocity situations.
Madam Special Adviser,
The Special Advisers are a key part of the UN’s early warning system. How do we ensure you are able to systematically share your expertise and analysis with member states at the Security Council, Human Rights Council, and General Assembly?
Thank you.