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UNGA72 | ‘Peace cannot be obtained in the absence of human rights protection’

‘International human rights standards can and must be translated into programmes on the ground. The world’s people are crying out for more justice, greater accountability, more respect for civil, cultural, economic, social and political rights as well as the right of development,’ said the High Commissioner for Human Rights during the presentation of his report to the Third Committee. 

In the presentation of his report to the UN’s Third Committee, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, spoke passionately about the purpose of his Office and outlined some of its key work over the last year. This includes:

  • the development of a model protocol of the investigation of gender-related deaths of women in El Salvador
  • monitoring missions related to the situations of migrants in the EU and Central America
  • the publication of a report on the ‘shocking abuses’ on migrants in Libya
  • a fact-finding delegation in Myanmar, where he promised essential and timely updates on the situation of the Rohingya despite the ongoing refusal of the Myanmar government to grant the international community access to the region
  • a mapping report on the alleged human rights violations in Mali
  • the support of his Office to the Commission of Inquiry into Syria

During the interactive dialogue with States, several questioned why the High Commissioner had not presented a separate report to the General Assembly, as in previous years. The High Commissioner responded that this was due to timing and an attempt to save costs but that his Office would revert back to previous practice if States so desired.

The High Commissioner ended the dialogue with States by noting, ‘in a context of rising turmoil, I am proud that my Office – my colleagues – have made a real difference in many countries, assisting national authorities, democratic institutions, and civil society to uphold human dignity and rights.’

This could be the last year in which the High Commissioner reports to the General Assembly – his first term, which could be renewed, ends in August 2018.

The webcast of his presentation can be found on UN Web TV.

Contact: Eleanor Openshaw, Head of ISHR’s New York Office, [email protected], +1 929 426 7679

Photo: Jean-Marc Ferré via UN Photos

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