Un human rights council 55: uk statement for item 10 general debate

Speech UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 55: UK STATEMENT FOR ITEM 10 GENERAL DEBATE Statement for Item 10 General Debate, delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French. This was

published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government Thank you Mr President. We welcome the engagement by many States with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and

thank the Office for the technical assistance which it provides. In Mali, amid a deeply concerning deterioration in the human rights, security and humanitarian situation, we urgently call

on the transitional authorities to recommit to an inclusive peace process. Atrocities committed by Russian proxies only strengthen jihadist groups and reduce security. The UK is extremely

concerned about the suffering of Haitian civilians at the hands of armed gangs. We urge all political actors to put aside their differences and agree a roadmap to establish a return to

stable governance. In Colombia, we remain concerned that violence by armed and criminal groups remains prevalent. We call on the government to take steps to strengthen prevention and

protection mechanisms, and to guarantee independent and impartial criminal investigations into threats against human rights defenders, social leaders, environmental activists, and women

peacebuilders, and to prosecute those responsible.  Lastly, the UK commends the important work of OHCHR’s Human Rights Advisor Programme. It accounts for half of OHCHR’s field presences

worldwide and makes a significant contribution to cross-UN activity to advance human rights where they are present.  Thank you. UPDATES TO THIS PAGE Published 3 April 2024