A/76/PV.25 General Assembly

My delegation supports the statement delivered by the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations (see A/76/PV.24). Allow me to add a few points in my national capacity. Selectivity, punitive practices, double standards and political manipulation, particularly against countries in the South, prevent the international community from advancing in the promotion and protection of all human rights for all people. Such practices only generate confrontation and do not improve the human rights situation on the ground. Moreover, they have already led to the demise of the Commission on Human Rights. Yet that lesson has not been learned, since those practices are increasingly common in the work of the Human Rights Council and threaten to delegitimize it. We note with concern that the Council and its special procedures are being used for purposes unrelated to the issue of human rights. In that regard, we would like to touch on some of the points raised by the representative of Yemen on behalf of a number of States, as well as by other delegations, regarding the need to promote cooperation and dialogue in the work of the Council (see A/76/PV.24). It is unacceptable that the situation of developing countries, many of which face unilateral coercive measures that have a serious impact on human rights, should be selectively highlighted while a complicit silence is maintained in the face of abuses committed in rich countries. Similarly, special procedures are used against specific countries. We reiterate that special procedures mandate holders must observe the code of conduct adopted during the institution-building process and should work on the basis of verified information. That does not happen in all cases. The issue of human rights should not be tarnished. The principles of universality, objectivity and non-discrimination must prevail when approaching the matter. That is why the Universal Periodic Review  — the only mechanism that allows for a comprehensive analysis of the human rights situation in all countries and on an equal footing — is so relevant. There is no doubt that Human Rights Council could better fulfil its role, and that includes avoiding the application of double standards. To strengthen the Council on the basis of its mandate as a subsidiary body of the General Assembly is an objective we share and that should be pursued in strict compliance with the so-called institution-building package. Much more could be done by the Council in the area of rights whose existence is, paradoxically, affirmed by those who seek to give lessons to others in that regard. The Council’s contribution will be essential to advancing the rights to development, peace, a healthy environment and international solidarity. The Council could also do more to promote a democratic and equitable international order. As long as the current unjust order persists, hegemonic interests, underdevelopment and the exclusion of the poorest countries will continue. The coronavirus disease pandemic has clearly demonstrated that. As an active member of the Council, my country will continue to work to promote cooperation, dialogue and mutual respect in addressing the issue of human rights. We will continue to oppose manipulation, selectivity and double standards. We will also continue to advance our efforts to further improve our performance in promoting and protecting all human rights for all people. We will do so despite the colossal impact on those very rights of the economic, trade and financial blockade imposed by the United States for more than six decades, which it has opportunistically intensified to unprecedented levels amid the pandemic. We will not be undone by the ferocious international campaign against my country, which is led and financed by the United States and seeks to distort our reality, generate instability, subvert the constitutional order freely chosen by our people and justify the policy of aggression against Cuba.

At the outset, I would like to thank Ms. Nazhat Shameem Khan, President of the Human Rights Council, for her valuable briefing (see A/76/PV.24) and to reiterate the steadfast and firm position of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in support of international law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. In that regard, we welcome the adoption by the Human Rights Council of its resolution 48/21 entitled “Technical assistance and capacity-building for Yemen in the field of human rights”, under agenda item 10. Its adoption by consensus illustrates the readiness of the States Members of the United Nations and the international community to support the Yemeni National Commission of Inquiry and the reports that it issues in accordance with international standards in order to find a realistic solution to the Yemeni crisis. (spoke in English) This morning we witnessed an attempt (see A/76/ PV.24) on the part of our friends and the delegation of the Netherlands to delegitimize the Human Rights Council and make its resolutions and conditions void of any substance. They tried — and failed — to adopt a draft resolution in Geneva, so now they have come to this forum to deliver a so-called statement with the help of a few European countries in an attempt to shift the blame for their failure in Geneva onto us. That is unacceptable and makes a mockery of the procedures of the Human Rights Council. We reject any attempt to politicize the issue of human rights or remove it from its natural forum in Geneva. We reject the attempts of those who live in glass houses to throw stones at others without noticing their own failures and weaknesses. We reject in particular the efforts on the part of the Netherlands, which claims to be asking or advocating for accountability. What accountability has there been for the victims in Srebrenica? What accountability has there been for the victims of colonialism throughout the world? Our European friends addressed the General Assembly this morning with the spirit and condescension of imperialist Powers, dictating to others what to do and how to do it. They have had one attempt, one bite at the apple; they cannot have a second bite at the apple by making their failed argument again at this meeting. We reiterate that the Human Rights Council did not adopt the draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Yemen. (spoke in Arabic) The rejection by the Council members of draft resolution A/HRC/48/L.11 demonstrates their conviction that the Group of Eminent International and Regional Experts on Yemen lacks professionalism when it comes to drafting its biased reports, because the Group of Experts ignored the international initiatives and resolutions that are considered fundamental in resolving the Yemeni crisis, above all Security Council resolution 2216 (2015). We also reject the Group of Experts’ misuse of its mandate in an unprecedented manner by obtaining most of its information from non-governmental organizations that side with the terrorist and rebellion Houthi militia. We strongly reject the attempts of certain countries, led by the Netherlands, to raise the issue in the General Assembly today, which confirms that those countries still politicize human rights issues and turn a blind eye to the main reason for the crisis in Yemen, namely, the coup d’état by the Houthi militias against the legitimacy of the Yemeni people and their reluctance to reach a political solution. (spoke in English) All the colleagues who joined in that statement are welcome to provide the Yemeni people their assistance. What assistance has the Netherlands provided to Yemen in overcoming the humanitarian crisis? What standing does it bring to the table to allow it to criticize the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or others in that regard? (spoke in Arabic) The only way to end the suffering of the Yemeni people and to bring an end to the crisis in Yemen is for the Yemeni parties to reach a political solution based on international terms of reference and international and regional initiatives, the latest of which was an initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a ceasefire and the resumption of political dialogue. We stress our categorical rejection of politicizing human rights issues and international crises. We also reject addressing them with double standards, whereby the countries that politicize those issues today are not far removed from crimes and violations perpetrated against human rights within or outside their borders. That is evident from their human rights records. That is why we call on the international community to stand honestly and seriously against the politicization of human rights issues. We must address international crises and issues realistically, in keeping with international resolutions, if we really want to reach peaceful solutions that meet the interests of all. If anyone wishes to criticize the current political situation in Yemen, they must show that they have the right qualifications to do so. (spoke in English) There is no country in the world that has provided the Yemeni people with more economic, medical and social assistance than the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; therefore, we reject any attempt to cast doubt or raise suspicion in that regard.

I would like to thank the President of the Human Rights Council for presenting (see A/76/PV.24) the Council’s annual report to the General Assembly (A/76/53) and to commend her for her leadership during the coronavirus disease pandemic and her successful steering of the work of the Human Rights Council in these challenging times. The Human Rights Council was established to promote impartiality, transparency, objectivity, non-selectivity and non-politicization in dealing with human right situations around the world. However, it is a matter of deep concern that those noble principles are being undermined by political considerations. Pakistan stresses that the Council should consider country- specific human rights situations under its agenda item 4 objectively and without selectivity. The human rights situation in the disputed territories and territories under foreign occupation recognized by the United Nations warrant such closer attention by the Human Rights Council. The very nature of such scenarios makes it more likely that human rights will be violated. It also enables occupying Powers to enact draconian laws in the occupied territories to ensure that their security forces enjoy impunity for violations of human rights as a means of avoiding international scrutiny and perpetuating foreign occupation. Unfortunately, the proponents of the Council’s prevention mandate seem to overlook the relevance and applicability of the mandate to situations of foreign occupation and alien domination, leading to gross systematic and widespread human rights violations. We therefore call upon the international community and countries that support the Human Rights Council’s prevention agenda to demonstrate impartiality and, for the sake of their own credibility and that of the Council, to take decisive actions to address the human rights violations and crimes being committed in situations of foreign occupation and alien domination. It is regrettable that expressions of racial hatred, religious supremacy and violent nationalism have moved from the fringe to the political mainstream. Islamophobia has been mainstreamed in the political discourse of certain political parties and Governments, which call for the expulsion of Muslims; in the politicization and censorship of the hijab; in the burning of the Holy Qur’an; in the deliberate vandalizing of Islamic symbols and holy sites; and in attempts at incitement and acts of provocation in the name of free speech through hurtful caricatures and competitions. Pakistan strongly condemns the vandalizing of mosques and Muslim houses and shops, which continues to happen in our region. In some cases, the States concerned have not only failed to protect Muslims and their property but remain unresponsive to their desperate calls for help. Pakistan calls upon the international community to play its role by stopping the rising tide of Islamophobia and attacks against minorities, particularly Muslims, and ensuring the safety, security, well-being and protection of their places of worship and heritage sites. We welcome the recognition of Islamophobia as a contemporary manifestation of racism in the political declaration recently adopted by the General Assembly (resolution 76/1) on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the Durban Declaration. As mentioned by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief in his report to the Human Rights Council earlier this year (A/HRC/46/30), institutional suspicion and fear of Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim has escalated to epidemic proportions in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. Unfortunately, in the past two decades, terrorism has been associated with Islam in some quarters, which has increased the tendency of right-wing, xenophobic and violent nationalist, extremist and terrorist groups to target Muslims. Those extremist and terrorist groups should be brought under the ambit of the United Nations counter-terrorism architecture, including in the Security Council. We welcome the recognition of those new and emerging threats of terrorism in the updated Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Today Islamophobia has emerged as another pernicious phenomenon that we all need to collectively combat. Therefore, it must be addressed by the Council under its agenda item 9 and its prevention mandate. Pakistan reaffirms its abiding commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the national and international levels. We will continue to work towards strengthening dialogue, constructive engagement, consensus-building and international cooperation in the Third Committee and in the Human Rights Council.

It is my pleasure to extend my thanks to Her Excellency Ms. Nazhat Shameem Khan, President of the Human Rights Council, for her comprehensive presentation (see A/76/PV.24) of the Council’s report (A/76/53 and A/76/53 Add.1) and her efforts in steering the work of the Council. We are pleased to address the Assembly today following the recent election of the State of Qatar as a member of the Human Rights Council for the period 2022 to 2024, which is evidence of the international community’s recognition of the effective and positive role of the State of Qatar in the protection and promotion of human rights and related issues. We take this opportunity to emphasize the commitment of the State of Qatar to implementing the voluntary pledges and commitments that it has set out for itself, including to continue to develop and align its national laws with international human rights law and to support joint programmes and projects at the bilateral and multilateral levels that promote and protect human rights among the countries of the region. We continue to play a constructive and neutral role, especially through mediation, in resolving crises in the region from a human rights and humanitarian perspective. We also reiterate the continued support to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasize the open invitation of the State of Qatar to mandate holders and underline the importance of the special procedures of the Human Rights Council. We continue to provide support for United Nations bodies, in particular the United Nations Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre for South-West Asia and the Arab Region, which is hosted by the State of Qatar. The issue of the promotion and protection of human rights is a fundamental and pivotal cornerstone of the State of Qatar’s international relief and development programmes, which seek in particular to realize the rights to development and education and alleviate the negative repercussions of climate change, while ensuring the full and effective enjoyment of human rights. The State of Qatar will continue to underscore those important issues through its membership in the Human Rights Council. The report of the Human Rights Council deals with the Council’s resolutions on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory and the Syrian Arab Republic, which reflect the gravity of the flagrant human rights violations committed against the Palestinian and Syrian peoples. That calls for effective and urgent measures by the international community that are commensurate with the gravity of the situation faced by civilians as a result of those violations. In conclusion, the State of Qatar reiterates its commitment to continue its efforts to enhance and protect human rights. We look forward to contributing effectively to the work of the Human Rights Council during our membership over the next three years.

At the outset, I would like to thank the President of the Human Rights Council, Ms. Nazhat Shameem Khan, for her briefing (see A/76/PV.24). The United Arab Emirates acknowledges the important work of the Council and its pivotal role in the United Nations system. In that regard, we commend the Council’s work to secure access to vaccines for all countries so that they can address the coronavirus disease pandemic, as well as to defend the right of girls to education through the draft resolution that my country supported and submitted together with the United Kingdom. We are honoured to have been elected for the third time to the Human Rights Council, for the period 2022 to 2024. During our membership, we will look forward to participating as a responsible member of the Council and will focus on empowering and protecting the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities — or people of determination, as we refer to them in my country. We will also promote the freedom of religion and address human trafficking. Lastly, I would like to reiterate the commitment of the United Arab Emirates to protect and promote human rights for all and to continue to take all the measures necessary to help establish tolerant and inclusive societies in which everyone lives in harmony and peace throughout the world.

Croatia aligns itself with the statements made by the observer of the European Union and by the representative of the Netherlands on behalf of a group of States (see A/76/PV.24). We welcome Ambassador Khan. Visits by the President of the Human Rights Council to New York and by the President of the General Assembly to Geneva are essential for the success of our cooperation and interrelated agendas. Croatia is pleased that the latest session showed new fields of development through a broadly supported resolution on the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change (Human Rights Council resolution 48/14), which recognizes a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right. We also commend the Council for staying involved in human rights crises across the world and responding promptly to the most urgent of them, as demonstrated by the creation of the new mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi, who will work together with the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi to gather information on human rights violations. Croatia also welcomes the renewal of the mandates of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya and the Special Rapporteurs on the situation of human rights in Belarus, Eritrea and Iran, as well as the call for additional resources for the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. On the other hand, we are deeply disappointed that the Human Rights Council did not extend the mandate of the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen. It is the only human rights mandate on that country to have clearly outlined a number of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by the parties to the conflict. Given that situation, perhaps the General Assembly may wish to consider establishing a similar mechanism of its own. We underscore the call for more synergies between the Human Rights Council and the Third Committee, as well as the need to ensure that the mandate, independence and work of the Human Rights Council be respected. We also invite the Human Rights Council to use existing mechanisms to play a stronger role in the prevention of atrocity crimes. I would like to remind participants that this year the General Assembly adopted a resolution that permanently places the responsibility to protect against atrocity crimes on its annual agenda and requests the Secretary-General to report annually thereon (resolution 75/277). Input from the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms will be crucial for concrete, action-oriented reports by Secretary-General and General Assembly debates. Croatia condemns, in the strongest terms, intimidation and reprisals against those who cooperate or seek to cooperate with United Nations human rights mechanisms. We are encouraged by the consensual adoption of the resolution on cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights (Human Rights Council resolution 48/17), which emphasizes the importance of preventing reprisals. With regard to the involvement of civil society in the work of the General Assembly, including the Third Committee, we express the hope that civil society will soon resume and further enhance its participation, in line with the good practices of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The topic of missing persons is of the utmost importance for Croatia. We are still searching for 1,858 of our citizens who went missing during the 1990s, and determining their fate remains our long- standing priority. Many parts of the world are facing similar problems, especially Syria, where the number of missing persons is almost 100,000. We call upon the international community to step up its efforts and facilitate the establishment of the fate and whereabouts of missing or forcibly disappeared persons and to enable those detained to communicate with their families. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate Croatia’s ongoing commitment to contribute to the work of the Human Rights Council and further strengthen its role in the protection and development of international human rights standards.

The United Kingdom would like to join others in thanking the President of the Human Rights Council for presenting the Council’s annual report (A/76/53 and A/76/53/ Add.1) today (see A/76/PV.24) and continuing the process of strengthening the links among the General Assembly, United Nations institutions in New York and the Human Rights Council in Geneva. We hope those links can be further strengthened, including in the area of peacebuilding and sustaining peace, which is, as the General Assembly has acknowledged, the responsibility of the entire United Nations system and where human rights play an important role. The United Kingdom strongly supports the crucial role of the Human Rights Council in protecting and promoting human rights worldwide by monitoring situations and reporting on human rights violations and abuses wherever they occur. There has been some discussion, both in Geneva and in New York, about the question of sovereignty and the approach in Geneva and here to holding States to account for their human rights commitments. In our view, resolutions on country-specific situations are an invaluable tool for the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly, with country mandates informing and shaping the work of both the Council and, for example, the Third Committee here in New York. Scrutiny is essential as we strive to ensure that everyone everywhere has their human rights protected and respected and ensure that human rights really are universal, including by holding States that violate them to account. The United Nations was established not just to regulate the relations among States but also to protect citizens from those Governments and regimes that do not adhere to our mutually declared universal statement on human rights. Indeed, those who drafted the Charter of the United Nations Charter over 75 years ago would be appalled that today some States are using the concept of sovereignty to criticize those who wish to hold them to account for their human rights record. We would say to those States, many of which have made those arguments again today, that the way to avoid scrutiny that they feel is odds with their sovereignty is to cease to violate human rights on their territory rather than attack the system that is designed to protect their peoples. We also welcome, as others have said, the critical role that civil society can play in ensuring scrutiny and accountability, especially here and in the work of the Human Rights Council. Turning again to the Human Rights Council itself, the United Kingdom wishes to recognize the extremely difficult task faced by President Khan and the Secretariat this year. We would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication, which enabled the Council not only to conduct its regular business but also to hold three special sessions. That workload would have been challenging in an ordinary year, without the additional measures and extended sessions necessary to ensure that the Council could continue to work safely and effectively during the coronavirus disease pandemic. None of that would have been possible without the personal commitment of President Khan. We would like to commend her resilience and leadership.

We associate our statement with that made by the Permanent Representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations (see A/76/PV.24). Eritrea welcomes the President of the Human Rights Council and takes note of its report (A/76/53 and A/76/53/Add.1). The Human Rights Council has a crucial role to play in the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide. Eritrea wishes to recall that the General Assembly established the Human Rights Council as a subsidiary organ in part to tackle the political manipulation and double standards that characterized the defunct Commission on Human Rights. Therefore, the success of the Council in fulfilling that vital role hinges on its adherence to the principles of impartiality, objectivity, non-selectivity and non-politicization enshrined in the founding General Assembly resolution 60/251. In that regard, Eritrea reaffirms its opposition to the selective manner in which human rights continue to be addressed in the Council, particularly the continued practice of introducing country-specific draft resolutions that end up only politicizing our discussions and undermining attempts to work constructively to address human rights challenges. We continue to call for effective means of promoting human rights obligations and express our support for the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, which addresses the human rights concerns and gaps of all countries in an equal manner. As the President of the Council mentioned this morning, the peer-to-peer review of countries under the Universal Periodic Review is a unique mechanism with the highest participation by States in the review of their human rights situation. We call on all countries to engage constructively in order to support others in implementing their Universal Periodic Review commitments. The success of the Human Rights Council lies in its ability to ensure the effectiveness of human rights tools in enabling full enjoyment of all human rights in an exclusive manner. In that regard, it is imperative that the Council work to avoid the proliferation of initiatives that lack complementarity with existing ones. We need to avoid duplication of work, while properly assessing gaps and challenges in the implementation of existing initiatives. In addition, prioritizing some aspects of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights while paying little attention on other aspects will not help our cause in ensuring a dignified life for everyone. Equal attention to and emphasis on both international human rights Covenants is a necessary means of maintaining integrity in the mandate of the Human Rights Council. In that connection, we note with concern the lack of adequate attention paid to the priorities of the global South, including the right to development. Earlier we heard a shameful statement by the United States representative regarding Eritrea’s membership in the Council (see A/76/PV.24). The United States is irritated by Eritrea’s election, as it has worked relentlessly against our candidacy, bullying States and infringing on their sovereign right to decide who to elect to the Human Rights Council. But it failed miserably. In conclusion, Eritrea wishes to seize this opportunity to stress its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights everywhere. As a re-elected member of the Human Rights Council, Eritrea commits to continue fighting against selectivity, double standards and the politicization of human rights and defend the sovereign equality of all States. Eritrea will make every effort to advance universality in the consideration of human rights, as well as constructive dialogue and cooperation in the work of the Council.

We thank the President of the Human Rights Council for her presentation today (see A/76/PV.24). The creation of the Human Rights Council reflects the aspiration of Member States to overcome the stalemate that had immobilized its predecessor as a result of polarization and selectivity. Should the pursuit of narrow interests by some continue to mar the work of the Council, it will, as we have seen in the past few sessions, lead only to heightened politicization, which will not serve the full realization of human rights. Egypt is concerned that it will in fact threaten to erode confidence in the international human rights system. Efforts need to focus on shared goals in order to improve human rights conditions around the world, rather than arrogantly attempt to impose controversial concepts that reflect value systems that are specific to a few countries, without any basis in international human rights law. It is imperative that we all work towards convergence rather than collision. The promotion of human rights is the key to protection from, and prevention of, violations. Achieving that will be possible mainly by spreading a human rights culture, above all by upholding the principles of cooperation, genuine dialogue and understanding. Our aim should be to strengthen the capacity of Member States to comply with their human rights obligations for the benefit of all human beings, as prescribed by resolution 60/251, which established the Council. Egypt fully supports the pivotal role assigned to the Council. We believe that it can make positive contributions to enrich the international dialogue on ways to advance human rights worldwide in a constructive and productive manner. That will require preserving its existing mechanisms, especially in the Universal Periodic Review and the work done by special procedures in line with the code of conduct. We must avoid the unnecessary creation of new, unjustified mandates that are promoted outside the regular budget allocated to the Council at the expense of other existing mandates, which are not receiving adequate funding. After all, human rights are indivisible, interdependent and interrelated and must be treated globally, in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing and with the same emphasis. We should also curb the tendencies to overburden the Council with issues that exceed its capacity, let alone its mandate. Finally, we look forward to hearing the views of the President of the Council in the interactive dialogue in the Third Committee regarding the points and questions raised by Member States. We hope that the dialogue will be truly interactive, in accordance with the vision reflected in the General Committee decisions of 2007 and 2008 based on the consensus reached on establishing the practice of allocating the agenda item “Report of the Human Rights Council” to the Third Committee and the General Assembly.

Uruguay welcomes the presence of the President of the Human Rights Council, Ms. Nazhat Shameem Khan. The delegation of Uruguay would like to reiterate its concern at the continuous violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. For Uruguay, respect for human rights and international humanitarian law is of paramount importance. In particular, States must undertake to respect and ensure respect for the norms of international humanitarian law in armed conflicts, taking into account the situation of children. Uruguay would like to reaffirm its explicit support for the role of the Human Rights Council and to highlight the work of that body to monitor the most critical situations and the need to ensure that it is in a position to take all appropriate measures when necessary. In that regard, my delegation is concerned that the Human Rights Council does not have the necessary mechanisms to take action on humanitarian and human rights situations. Prevention is always the best option. Accordingly, the role of diplomacy in persuading parties to conflict to ensure that no attacks be committed against hospitals, refugee camps, schools and critical infrastructure is crucial, as are awareness and knowledge of the rules of international humanitarian law and the existence of bodies to monitor compliance. We therefore believe that it is vital to identify and take all opportunities within the United Nations system to assess the facts on the ground in an impartial manner, and thereby to work towards accountability and a just and inclusive peace.

We thank the President of the Human Rights Council for her presentation (see A/76/PV.24) of the report on the work of the Council during the reporting period (A/76/53 and A/76/53/Add.1). I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm that, for Colombia, respect for human rights is a constitutional principle and mandate and therefore a guiding principle of the entire regulatory framework. In that regard, the Government of President Iván Duque Márquez has made an unwavering commitment to respect and guarantee human rights as a matter of State policy. Recent decades have seen the strengthening of the rule of law in Colombia and important economic and social advances thanks to sound macroeconomic policies that have promoted sustainable growth. Similarly, although not without difficulty, we have been able to respond to the 2020 crisis resulting from the coronavirus disease pandemic in a bold and timely manner. In the face of those challenges, the current national Government is making enormous efforts to reduce the gaps between the countryside and the city, as well as to address the difficulties that citizens still face in terms of access to justice, education, health, employment, housing and public services, among other things. In line with its firm commitment to the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the Government will continue to work to create the conditions for the well-being of all inhabitants. I wish to reiterate the importance that Colombia attaches to the international human rights system, as reflected in its compliance with its international commitments in that area to both the Council and the treaty bodies. One of the cornerstones of our action in the field of human rights is multilateralism. We keep the doors of governmental entities open to maintain a transparent, frank and regular dialogue with international bodies, thereby building a relationship based on trust in a framework of respect for their autonomy and independence. Finally, reiterating the relevance of the work of the Human Rights Council, we see this annual discussion in the Assembly as an opportunity to strengthen coordination of the work of both bodies.

Belarus aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations (see A/76/PV.24). The Human Rights Council is an important body of the United Nations human rights system. However, in our view, the ongoing politicization of the Human Rights Council undermines its authority. We regret to note that country-specific and separate thematic special procedures mandates, as well as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, under the guise of protecting human rights, are increasingly involved in the foreign policy campaigns of certain States in a manner that borders on interference in the internal political processes of Member States and sometimes crosses that line. Against that backdrop, the Human Rights Council needs to take decisive steps to review the paradigm of its work and expand its focus from prioritizing civil and political rights to comprehensively addressing the dynamics of all categories of rights, including economic, social and cultural rights, as well as the right to development. It needs a unifying agenda and a more balanced programme of work, which is currently overloaded with politically motivated and selective discussions of country situations. We draw attention to the undue increase in the financial burden being placed on the regular budget as a result of country-specific initiatives that establish duplicative mechanisms in the Human Rights Council or entail the creation and maintenance of separate structural units in the Secretariat for individual countries, with separate funding. We oppose the practice of establishing country-specific mandates in the Human Rights Council and adopting selective country resolutions. We reject the use of the Human Rights Council as an instrument for putting pressure on sovereign Governments. Belarus calls for effective cooperation in the field of human rights based on constructive interaction, dialogue and respect for international law. In that regard, we support strengthening the role of the Universal Periodic Review, which is an effective mechanism for complex and comprehensive analysis of the human rights situation in all Member States without exception. In conclusion, we would like to note that Belarus finds the report of the Human Rights Council (A/76/53 and A/76/53/Add.1) unacceptable owing to the politicized decisions concerning our country that it contains.

I wish to express appreciation on behalf of the Bahamas to Ambassador Khan for presenting the report of the Human Rights Council to the General Assembly (A/76/53 and A/76/53/ Add.1), the contents of which have been noted. As an active member of the Council and with our Permanent Representative in Geneva serving this year as a Vice-President on the Council Bureau alongside President Khan, the Bahamas takes this opportunity to congratulate Ambassador Khan on her steadfast and dedicated leadership during a very active year of the Council despite the challenges posed by the current global environment. The Bahamas is particularly pleased with the outcome of the most recent, forty-eighth session, which saw not only the recognition by the Council of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment but also the creation of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change. The Bahamas is pleased to have served as a member of the core group that submitted Council resolution 48/14, which established that very critical mandate on an issue that is negatively impacting the world, especially the least developed countries and the small island developing States. While our term on the Council concludes at the end of this year, we will remain committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and look forward to ongoing and future engagement with the Council.

At the outset, I would like to express Myanmar’s sincere appreciation to the President of the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Nazhat Shameem Khan, for her continuous efforts and leadership of the work of the Council in addressing the human rights situation around the world and for convening discussions, including a special session and the adoption of a resolution on the human rights situation of my own country. The Council’s report (A/76/53 and A/76/53/Add.1) contains three country- specific resolutions on Myanmar, reflecting the situation on the ground. As reflected in many reports, grave human rights violations have been witnessed across the country since the illegal military coup, mainly arbitrary arrest, torture, sexual violence, clearance operations and mass killings. More than 9,000 people have been arbitrarily arrested, and about 1,200 have been killed, in the past nine months. Military operations are being conducted in north-west Myanmar, including in the Sagaing and Magway regions, where mass killings have already occurred, leaving at least 80 people dead. The people have been completely deprived of their human rights, from the freedom of expression to the right to life, and atrocities continue to worsen day by day. The latest reports reveal that the military has planned to conduct a large-scale operation when the monsoon ends. Clearance operations target the People’s Defence Force and civilians at large, and therefore those disproportionate and indiscriminate attacks will lead to bloodier incidents, tragedies and an even more alarming human rights situation. However, the people of Myanmar are determined at all costs to end the coup, obtain justice and rebuild the nation in line with democratic and human rights norms. In addition to the domestic efforts on various sides, the National Unity Government’s significant efforts include close cooperation with United Nations special procedures mandate holders and the acceptance of the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. With regard to the human rights situation of the Rohingya, the National Unity Government has announced its policy to ensure accountability for crimes committed against the Rohingya, address the citizenship issue and facilitate the early repatriation of Rohingya, among other things. At this historic turning point in the country, which has been on the human rights agenda of the United Nations for three decades, the people need strong support from the international community. Accordingly, we request the Council to maintain the question of Myanmar as the highest priority on its agenda until democracy and human rights are fully restored in my country. We request all Member States and United Nations bodies to stand with the people of Myanmar. In doing so, and by giving representatives of the National Unity Government the opportunity to participate in multilateral forums such as the Human Rights Council, the international community will be able to hear the voices of the people more and effectively support the national efforts. In conclusion, what happened on 1 February was a military coup, nothing less. I appeal to all Member States to be realistic and refer to the event as a military coup. Everyone in Myanmar is suffering every day, every hour, every minute from the atrocities and crimes against humanity committed by the military. Some have even been brutally killed. In a township called Thantlang, in the Chin state of western Myanmar, more than 100 buildings, including two churches, were burned down by the military troops today alone. The international community’s serious attention to the basic rights of all peoples and its action to spare all people such atrocities are seriously needed. Decisive, timely action on the part of the United Nations, in particular the Security Council, is long overdue. What are they waiting for? Please save the lives of the people of Myanmar.

My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations (see A/76/PV.24). My delegation welcomes Her Excellency Ms. Nazhat Shameem Khan, President of the Human Rights Council, and thanks her for her comprehensive briefing (see A/76/PV.24). Allow me to make the following comments. First, my country’s delegation reiterates its position on agenda item 4, entitled “Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention”, as that item illustrates the confrontational approach in the work of the Council and the selectivity of addressing the human rights situation in certain countries but not others, in a way that runs counter to resolution 60/251, which established the Human Rights Council and addressed the elimination of double standards and politicization of human rights issues. Second, the resolutions adopted by the Council under this agenda item reflect the biased and dishonest approach of their sponsors, as is the case with Council resolution 48/15, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic”. The sponsors of that resolution continue to use it as a means to promote their allegations and scenarios about the situation in Syria, in addition to promoting non-consensual concepts and involving the Council in issues outside its jurisdiction. Third, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, whose mandate, periodic and special reports and conclusions and recommendations we have repeatedly rejected, has proved always that it is a politicized mechanism that lacks objectivity and professionalism in its work. Based on that, the Syrian Arab Republic disassociates itself from references in the report of the Council (A/76/53 and A/76/53/Add.1) to resolution 48/15 and the Commission of Inquiry. We categorically reject them both. Fourth, my delegation emphasizes the importance of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, because it reflects the required spirit of cooperation and constructive dialogue to promote the situation of human rights worldwide through equality among all States and fully involving the country concerned. Fifth, my delegation reiterates its support for agenda item 7, entitled “Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories”, as well as related mandates and reports. That item is interlinked with the continued violations and escalation of the Israeli occupation, which should be monitored and highlighted. Sixth, we stress the importance of managing the work of the Council in a transparent manner that ensures broad and comprehensive discussions among States Members of the United Nations on any proposals for reviewing the frameworks that regulate the work of the Council, without any exclusion that is not appropriate to its role as a subsidiary body of the General Assembly and that leads to eventually undermining the foundations on which it is built. Consensus is the only way to consider any amendments to the Council’s work procedures, including the issue of time management and the organization of meetings. Seventh, it is important to highlight, through the work of the Council, the effects of terrorism and unilateral coercive measures on human rights. The increased racist and xenophobic rhetoric throughout the world requires continued discussion of the means to address those threats, which undermine the principle of non-discrimination — one of the pillars of international human rights law. Eighth, it is important to coordinate between the Human Rights Council and the Third Committee of the General Assembly based on a commitment to resolution 60/251 and the institution-building package, without attempts to link the Human Rights Council to the mandates of other bodies, in particular the Security Council. Such a linkage will divert the Human Rights Council from achieving its goals and playing the role entrusted to it. Ninth, it is important for the mandate holders, in the context of special procedures systems, to be committed to the code of conduct and its principles, especially impartiality and objectivity, while adhering to the mandate of each of them. Tenth, my country, Syria, is ready to continue the joint work in the Human Rights Council, which will promote the Council’s role as a mechanism to enhance global respect for human rights based on the principles of impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity.

At the outset, I would like to thank Ambassador Nazhat Shameem Khan for presenting (see A/76/PV.24) the Human Rights Council report (A/76/53 and A/76/53/Add.1). Afghanistan welcomes the adoption, at the forty- eighth session of the Human Rights Council, of the resolution entitled “Situation of human rights in Afghanistan” (resolution 48/1), which established an investigation and monitoring mechanism, as well as the specific mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Council members for their joint efforts and the successful adoption of that resolution, which sent a clear message to the Taliban that they will be held accountable for their actions. Since the illegal takeover of power by the Taliban on 15 August, we have been witnessing gross violations of human rights, in particular women’s rights, on a daily basis. During this period, the Taliban have pursued a relentless campaign against civilians and Government officials across the country. They have arrested and tortured journalists and members of the press, instituted gender apartheid in universities, banned girls from attending high school and prevented female workers from going to work. Despite the Taliban’s brutal suppression of peaceful demonstrations, the people of Afghanistan continue to struggle for their fundamental human rights and the preservation of the achievements of past 20 years. We are witnessing brave women and girls protesting across the country for their basic rights, including the rights to education and work. The socioeconomic and humanitarian situation in the country is worsening, and millions of people are in urgent need of help. According to United Nations reports, 14 million Afghans — about one in every three Afghans — face severe hunger, while about 3 million children are at risk of acute malnutrition, 22.8 million people could face acute hunger this winter and 97 per cent of all Afghans could plunge into poverty by mid- 2022. We thank the Secretary-General for convening a high-level ministerial meeting on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan on 13 September and express our gratitude to Member States for their generous pledges of humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan. We need to ensure the safe and timely delivery of that vital assistance to the most vulnerable people in the country. In conclusion, we call on the international community to remain actively seized of the human rights and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and hold the Taliban accountable for their actions. The Taliban must never be allowed to roll back the substantial progress that we collectively made over the past two decades towards the promotion of human rights and gender equality.

I would like to thank the President of the Human Rights Council for the presentation (see A/76/PV.24) of the annual report (A/76/53 and A/76/53/Add.1). Indonesia appreciates Ambassador Nazhat Shameem Khan’s stewardship as President of the Human Rights Council despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. We commend the numerous breakthroughs made under her presidency in ensuring that the Human Right Council remains able to undertake its important work regardless of the circumstances. As many speakers before me have reiterated, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on human rights around the globe. Inter alia, it has worsened global inequalities and increased discrimination, stigmatization, hate speech and violence. To overcome those challenges, the Human Rights Council must strengthen its role in ensuring the right to health for all, including equal access to vaccines. It is our collective responsibility to promote greater solidarity and political commitment to make sure that multilateralism delivers, including by supporting the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility. In addition, as the COVID-19 pandemic aggravates the already difficult situation in some countries, we must devote greater attention to the protection of human rights. In Palestine, we must overcome ongoing human rights violations by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories. In Myanmar, we must prioritize the safety and well-being of the Myanmar people. The international community must support efforts to continue an inclusive democratic transition in Myanmar. For its part, Indonesia stands ready to contribute. Finally, I would like to emphasize the importance of pursuing constructive engagement in the promotion and protection of human rights. The work of the Council and its special mechanisms also needs to adapt to the current challenges and priorities. We must ensure non-politicization and adherence to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of all States. We must also continue to strengthen States’ ability to promote and protect human rights within their territory, including through capacity-building and technical support for national mechanisms, as well as through greater synergy with regional mechanisms.

China thanks Ms. Nazhat Shameem Khan, President of the Human Rights Council, for her presentation of the work of the Council (see A/76/PV.24) and commends the efforts made by the President and members of the Bureau. China welcomes the work of the Human Rights Council in the past year to combat racism and racial discrimination, promote and protect the human rights of Africans and people of African descent and advance the right to development. Nevertheless, the Human Rights Council continues to face many challenges in its work. First, human rights issues are increasingly being politicized. A few countries are obsessed with spreading rumours and lies, using human rights as a means of interfering in the internal affairs of other countries, deliberately provoking confrontation, poisoning the atmosphere in the field of human rights cooperation and undercutting the credibility of the Council. Secondly, economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development, which are the focus of developing countries, have not yet received the attention they deserve and there is insufficient input on issues such as the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on human rights. Thirdly, there is a plethora of country-specific human rights resolutions and mechanisms that do not have the consent of the country concerned, thereby amounting to serious interference in the internal affairs of Member States. Fourthly, some special procedures exceed their mandates, violate the principle of objectivity and neutrality and make irresponsible remarks based on unverified information. China continues to believe that we should adhere to the people-centred approach to human rights issues, uphold both the universality and particularity of human rights and promote human rights in a balanced manner. Human rights are not the privilege of a few Western countries but belong to the people of all countries. The aim is to enable all people to lead a truly happy life, not to pay lip service to human rights issues. We firmly oppose the politicization of human rights issues, the use of human rights as a pretext to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs and the practice of double standards with regard to human rights. We call on Member States to respect the principles of universality, justice, objectivity and non-selectivity, abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, respect countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, actively engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation, spare no effort to achieve the noble goal of the universal enjoyment of human rights and jointly build a community with a shared future for humankind.

Allow me to join others in thanking the President of the Human Rights Council for presenting (see A/76/PV.24) its annual report (A/76/53 and A/76/53/Add.1). We believe that such reports provide useful updates on the current human rights situation in the world and give us an overview of the work of the Organization. Cognizant of the disruptions caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic and the reversal of decades of progress on the advancement of human rights, Rwanda believes it is important to do our utmost to ensure the exercise of human rights for all as we accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As it pursues the promotion and protection of human rights through judicial processes, Rwanda is concerned by the continued interference by some Western countries in the judicial processes of developing countries and the repeated attempts to influence judicial outcomes through political pressure. All States are bound to respect the independence of the judiciary. Such foreign interference in judicial processes has a far-reaching impact on the promotion and protection of human rights and is in total contrast to the rule of law. World history and our own recent history in Rwanda have taught us that, when hate speech is tolerated and allowed to become pervasive in society, it leads to human rights violations and atrocities. When we say “never again” in Rwanda, we are also saying never again to the cancer of hate speech, impunity, institutionalized discrimination and the extremist ideology that enabled the genocide against the Tutsi. Allow me to reiterate Rwanda’s commitment to the Universal Periodic Review process, as it represents a unique mechanism that treats all Member States equally and, more important, seeks, among other things, to improve the human rights situation on the globe. It has had a positive impact on the advancement of human rights in Rwanda and around the world. More and more innovative forums have been created to bring together all stakeholders throughout the Universal Periodic Review cycle so that open discussions can be held on human rights. Rwanda has so far achieved more than 95 per cent of the Universal Periodic Review recommendations on human rights that were adopted in 2015. Rwanda will maintain the same commitment and spirit in implementing the recommendations made during the 2021 review over the next five years. Rwanda is committed to its international obligations and has submitted eight periodic reports to the United Nations treaty bodies and African Union human rights mechanisms. Again, Rwanda values the spirit of open and frank dialogue that characterized those interactions. As has been said in the General Assembly for many years, Rwanda believes that the principles of non-selectivity, impartiality and objectivity are paramount in international cooperation. Rwanda also believes that the promotion and protection of human rights requires an effective international cooperation system that responds to countries’ needs. We call upon all States to uphold multilateralism, solidarity and collaboration and promote and protect human rights through constructive dialogue. Double standards and the politicization of human rights are counterproductive. Finally, we must protect the Council and ensure that human rights are effectively promoted through constructive engagement with Member States based on specific national situations. We must recall that the Council was not created to suit the interests of individual countries, but rather the collective good. The Human Rights Council can achieve a great deal in promoting a genuinely democratic international order that promotes human rights for all.

I would like to thank Ms. Nazhat Shameem Khan, President of the Human Rights Council, for her presentation (see A/76/ PV.24) and her leadership throughout this pandemic in preserving the important work of the Council. We welcome the chance to discuss in the Hall the report presented by the President of the Human Rights Council on the activities of that important body (A/76/53 and A/76/53/Add.1). This discussion provides us with an opportunity to raise the following concerns. Algeria is a candidate for the Human Rights Council for the term 2023 to 2025. That is a strong testament to our deep and unwavering support for the work of the Human Rights Council. Indeed, Algeria is fully committed to the enhancement of the work of the Council as the principal United Nations body responsible for the protection and promotion of all human rights, including the right to development, in a fair and equal manner, as enshrined in the foundational resolution 60/251. Recognizing the importance of upholding human rights, Algeria cooperates fully and engages constructively with the bodies of the Human Rights Council and its special procedures mandate holders. The invitation addressed to 13 mandate holders to visit Algeria attests to our consistent engagement and our readiness to establish a transparent and constructive dialogue with the Special Rapporteurs with a view to strengthening the protection of human rights in Algeria. In that regard, the Algerian Government is pursuing political and economic reforms to consolidate the democratic and resilient nature of the new Algeria. The holding of legislative elections and the ongoing preparations for local elections are an important stride in that direction. The plan of action adopted in September 2021 scaled up the reforms by targeting the following five key areas of action: the consolidation of the rule of law, the modernization of justice, the fight against corruption, the modernization of public administration and the establishment of a free and responsible civil society — all in order to protect fundamental freedoms, especially the freedom of assembly and the freedom of the press. Those measures are interlinked with the social nature of the Algerian development system, based on national solidarity and access to social justice. On that basis, Algeria has reached a high level of human development. That interconnectedness is rooted in our commitment to uphold all human rights, whether civil and political or economic, social and cultural, without any prioritization and in recognition of all synergies. The promotion and protection of human rights is a shared objective that all countries seek to achieve. It is not the monopoly of one group of countries over another. While reiterating, in that regard, the universality, interdependence and indivisibility of all human rights, including the right to development, we believe that human rights issues should be addressed in an impartial and balanced manner in order to strengthen the ability of countries to protect and promote those rights without interference in the internal affairs of a State, politicization or instrumentalization. The Human Rights Council is the forum for such discussions. In that connection, my delegation remains convinced that the status of the Human Rights Council as a subsidiary body of the General Assembly should be maintained. The mandate of the Human Rights Council can be implemented effectively only in application of the principle of international cooperation in the context of genuine intergovernmental dialogue on addressing human rights issues. Algeria supports the strengthening of the human rights treaty body system. We reiterate that the main pillars of a functional and efficient treaty body system are the preservation of the independence and impartiality of the expert members of the human rights treaty bodies, non-interference with their mandate and the principle of genuine cooperation and dialogue with States parties. Human right violations can be prevented only by building resilient societies. We believe that cooperation, solidarity, the provision of capacity-building and technical assistance, especially to developing countries, as well as addressing the root causes of conflict and displacement are the most effective means to achieve that common goal. The process of improving the efficiency of the Human Rights Council should be guided by the principles of transparency, inclusiveness and non-discrimination and should be in conformity with the letter and spirit of the institution-building of the Human Rights Council. Any relevant measures should be adopted by consensual decision of the General Assembly. Finally, my delegation notes the increasingly non-consensual nature of the way in which Human Rights Council draft resolutions are adopted. We hope that the Council will be able to overcome that situation and promote and protect human rights in a more consensual and balanced manner in order to send a strong signal that human rights can be a source of unity instead of division. When there is a will, there is always a way.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. Before giving the floor to speakers in exercise of the right of reply, may I remind delegations that statements in the exercise of the right of reply are limited to 10 minutes for the first intervention and to five minutes for the second intervention and should be made by delegations from their seats.

We point out yet again that it is unacceptable to address sovereign States as regimes. We call upon delegations to adhere to the civilized principles of equal and respectful dialogue. Turning now to the comments on the situation in Belarus, we firmly reject the accusations that were made (see A/76/PV.24). All that we heard was a soup consisting of far-fetched, unconfirmed conjecture, fantasy and twisted facts seasoned with politicized and harsh epithets. For regular people, a diet of this kind of soup is clearly contraindicated. Belarus has attempted to gain an understanding of this soup and establish the facts in relation to each accusation. Unfortunately, no such facts exist. For example, with regard to the claims of so-called enforced disappearances, we have sent several inquiries to the authors of those claims, asking them to provide at least the first and last names of the disappeared so that the Belarus Ministry of Internal Affairs could help to find them. However, we have not received any response so far. What we are seeing is an attempt to flood the information space with fake reports with the aim of causing people to lose sight of the facts among the fake reports and preventing everyone from hearing the voice of Belarus. Our Western partners know that the situation in Belarus has long normalized, but they persist in spreading the fiction that the situation continues to deteriorate sharply and that there is a political crisis. It is time for them to calm down and acknowledge that their plan to push yet another colour revolution has failed resoundingly. What we need now is to think about how to establish dialogue and move forward. Lastly, some of our neighbours have raised the topic of migrants. We were surprised to hear the European Union’s invective against Belarus regarding immigrants, considering that, just this week, the European Court of Justice ruled that a European Union member State — one of our neighbours — was obligated to pay €1 million per day because of its migration policy.

My delegation would like to exercise its right of reply in response to the statement made by the representative of Israel (see A/76/PV.24). We totally oppose and reject the groundless accusation made by Israel against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Israel’s slanderous words against our country is a serious political provocation that cannot be overlooked. The world is witnessing clearly all kinds of atrocities and criminal acts committed by Israel. Israel’s heinous war crimes and genocide against innocent civilians in the region constitute crimes against humanity, in flagrant violation of international law. Israel’s territorial stance and serious human rights violations, which undermine the peace and stability of the region, cannot be justified on any account. We take this opportunity to strongly urge Israel to refrain from committing inhumane crimes and stop all military action and human rights abuses in the region rather than raising other, non-existent issues.

It is truly ironic to listen to the representative of Israel (see A/76/PV.24), the occupying Power, while presenting a number of surreal fabrications, allegations and lies and crying crocodile tears in sympathy for the Syrian people. At the same time, Israel has provided all forms of support to armed terrorist groups, including the so-called White Helmets organization, which comprises groups that stormed the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force headquarters across the line of separation in the occupied Syrian Golan and abducted a number of its members. Israel has also supported the Al-Nusra Front, which is on the Security Council’s list of terrorist organizations, as well as Da’esh, the terrorist group that has perpetrated the worst forms of killing, slaughter and beheading, in addition to abducting and torturing Syrians. Israel, the occupying Power, has provided health- care services to thousands of terrorists belonging to the Al-Nusra Front and Da’esh in its own hospitals, where they have been visited by high-ranking Israeli officials, mainly Benjamin Netanyahu, former Prime Minister of the occupation Government. After providing them with health-care services, Israel returned them to areas across the line of separation, where they resumed acts of killing, destruction and terrorism against the Syrian people. The occupying Power did not only support those terrorists in the areas across the separation line, but it arrogantly and vengefully targeted also many sites and places inside Syria for supporting those terrorists in flagrant violation of all Security Council and General Assembly resolutions on combating terrorism. In the statement of the representative of the United States, there was a reference to my country (see A/75/ PV.24). It is worth mentioning that the United States openly steals 200,000 barrels per day from Syrian oil rigs and 400,000 tons of cotton, sets fire in thousands of wheat acres and steals 5 million cattle. It boasts that it has partitioned Syria and intentionally causes the value of the local currency to fall. It enforces economic coercive measures that stifle the Syrian people and occupies parts of the Syrian territories. The representative of the United States talks about her Administration’s concern at the living conditions of the Syrian people, which she ascribes to what she terms “the regime”. This raises the following legitimate questions: are these acts not the symptoms of political schizophrenia? Do they not indicate an acute illness?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 69.

The General Assembly will now take action on draft decision A/76/L.5, entitled “Participation in the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the appraisal of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons”. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt draft decision A/76/L.5?

The general assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 108.