Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General.

55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council: General Debate, ITEM 2 Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General. Statement by Finland, 4 March 2024

Mr. President,

Finland aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank the High Commissioner for the update and express our unwavering support to his Office.

First, let me state that we are worried about the accelerating and systematic repression in Russia, of which the shocking death of Alexei Navalny is another sign.

Women are important actors of change. Ukrainian women are heroically participating in the fight for human rights and freedom against Russia’s illegal aggression on Ukraine. But many of them have also paid the heaviest price. Women have been raped by Russian soldiers.  Hospitals, including maternal health facilities, have been subject to attacks. 

In the unbearable conditions in Gaza, pregnant women and newborns are among the most vulnerable.  According to UN Women, since October, women and children have constituted the majority of the deaths in the Occupied Palestinian territory. They need safe access to hospitals, life-saving aid and a humanitarian ceasefire now. We also will not forget the women who were brutally raped by Hamas members in October. 

All these women have the right to support and justice.  Women need to be genuinely part of decision-making in the pursuit of peace and security. This applies in all circumstances, globally.

Finland supports a sustainable and lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The rights and safe return of Karabakh Armenians must be secured. They have a right to live in their homes in dignity, without intimidation or discrimination. We encourage all parties to listen to the recommendations by the Office in finding sustainable solutions.

We welcome States cooperation with the OHCHR.  Colombia’s long-term commitment to the Office’s country presence and CARICOM’s goal to have a regional office are exemplary. However, we have noted with deep concern the suspension of OHCHR’s work by Venezuela. We call on Venezuela to reconsider this decision. The fulfilment of human rights starts on the ground.

Thank you.