Geneva, 16 March 2026
Thank you, Mr. President,
Latvia aligns itself with the EU statement.
Around the world, we are witnessing the dismantling of human rights and international humanitarian law. From Afghanistan to Myanmar, Sudan to Haiti and Nicaragua, human rights and the principles of international law are being deliberately and overtly eroded.
Countless Ukrainian lives lost and destroyed, Ukrainian children forcibly deported, and war crimes and crimes against humanity committed - all because of Russia’s senseless and brutal war against Ukraine. Russia must be held accountable for all atrocities committed. Latvia firmly stands by Ukraine on the path towards just and lasting peace.
Just like Russia in Ukraine, Iran is carrying out terrorist attacks against civilians in the Middle East countries. Latvia stands in full solidarity with both the Iranian people and those in the countries affected by Iran’s attacks. We strongly condemn Iran’s consistent and deliberate threat to regional and international peace and security.
We are gravely concerned by deteriorating human rights situation in Russia and Belarus. Latvia strongly condemns the regimes’ expansion of their repressive measures and mass human rights violations, particularly the misuse of national security legislation, arbitrary detention and torture. We continue to urge the release of all political prisoners.
At this critical time, Latvia stands resolutely by its commitment to promote and respect human rights and international humanitarian law globally. We stand for strengthened multilateral system and international human rights framework, and remain committed to accountability, equality, dignity, and justice for all.
I thank you.