UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement under Item 10 (Technical Assistance and Capacity) General Debate
The UK's Global Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French delivered the UK statement, noting human rights concerns in Sudan, Georgia and Mali.
Thank you Mr President.
The United Kingdom firmly believes that technical cooperation plays a vital role in promoting and protecting human rights. The international community must challenge States where there are egregious human rights violations or abuses, but it is equally important to support States cooperating with the UN and striving to meet their human rights obligations. We welcome States’ engagement with the Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and we encourage States to continue cooperating with the UN to meet their human rights obligations.
In Sudan we remain deeply concerned at the deterioration in the human rights situation following the October 2021 coup, which we and other States responded to by calling a Special Session of this Council. The UK had welcomed the progress on human rights achieved by the then civilian-led government since 2019 - this progress must not be lost. We urge the authorities to participate meaningfully in the UN-facilitated talks with a view toward ending the current crisis, restoring a civilian-led government and the democratic transition, accompanied by firm commitments and resumed progress on human rights.
We welcome the ongoing co-operation between Georgia and OHCHR. We remain deeply concerned by the human rights situation in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia including enhanced restrictions on freedom of movement and ongoing ethnic discrimination. We deplore the repeated, unjustified and counterproductive refusal of those in control of Abkhazia and South Ossetia to enable unimpeded access to the OHCHR and UN mechanisms. We urge Georgia to address the recommendations in the OSCE/ODIHR report on the October 2021 local elections and to urgently re-commit to reforms that will enhance judicial independence.
As the people of Mali face escalating insecurity, a worsening food crisis, and the continued threat of human rights abuses and violations, we urge the Malian transitional authorities to meet their responsibility to protect civilians, in close partnership with the UN Peacekeeping mission. All parties to the conflict in Mali must respect international human rights standards and International Humanitarian Law.
Thank you.