Statement during 79th Session of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, Interactive Dialogue with the President of the Human Rights Council H.E .Mr Omar Zniber, Intervention by the Nordic and Baltic States
New York, 7 November 2024
Chair,
I speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States.
We thank the President of the Human Rights Council Mr Omar Zniber for his leadership and dedication to advancing human rights globally.
A year ago, while celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we pledged our commitments to uphold and protect human rights. Unfortunately, instead of progress, we are witnessing an escalation of violations and abuses of human rights across the globe. This year, as we mark the 45th anniversary of CEDAW and prepare for the 25th anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, we face a troubling reality: the ongoing pushback against gender equality and women’s and girl’s full enjoyment of human rights is deeply disturbing. Such setbacks undermine decades of progress.
Mr President,
This year we welcome the important resolutions adopted by the Council on dire human rights situations in the world, including Russia, Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Sudan and Ukraine in the context of Russia’s war of aggression.
However, we are concerned over the postponement of activities of certain mandates due to the UN liquidity crisis. We encourage states to pay their assessed contributions and consider increasing their voluntary contributions to the OHCHR and cooperate with all UN human rights monitoring mechanisms and special procedures.
Mr President,
This year’s Presidential discussions on Artificial Intelligence and climate change were timely and highlighted the crucial intersection between technology, environment and human rights. What strategies do you envisage for tackling these challenges?
Thank you.