Geneva, 17 June 2025
Thank you, Mr. President!
Latvia aligns with the EU statement and thanks the High Commissioner for the Annual Report.
Sadly, 80 years after the founding of the UN, wartime atrocities, suppression of fundamental rights and freedoms, and states’ disregard for their legal obligations are on the rise.
The level of destruction and human suffering in Gaza is catastrophic - we call for immediate release of all hostages, ceasefire, and provision of humanitarian aid without delay.
We urge all parties in Sudan, South Sudan and Haiti to put an end to the recurring cycles of violence and return to the rule of law and full respect of human rights.
Russia must be held accountable for its barbaric crimes in Ukraine, including the deportation of Ukrainian children. The consequences of this brutal war of aggression are felt across the globe, affecting the food and energy security of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
Latvia firmly stands by Ukraine on the path towards just and lasting peace.
We are gravely concerned by violations and abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Russia and Belarus. We urge to end political represion, to release all political prisoners and to uphold human rights of all individuals.
Mr. President,
There is no substitute for the UN-led multilateral system. We must work together for a world where human rights and fundamental freedoms, the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity and independence of states are observed.
I thank you!