Item 10: General debate on technical assistance and capacity-building

54th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council: Item 10: General debate on technical assistance and capacity-building, Statement by Finland, 10 October 2023

Mr. President,

Finland aligns itself with the EU statement.

 Let me first express Finland’s deep concern about the developments in Israel and Gaza. Finland strongly condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas and deeply deplores the loss of civilian lives. Israel has the right to defend its citizens in accordance with international law. At the same time it must ensure respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.

The protection and fulfilment of human rights requires constant building and strengthening of national structures in every State. The OHCHR with its expertise makes a critical contribution to States that seek assistance from the UN family.

Technical assistance requires financial resources. Finland strongly supports the Secretary-General’s proposed programme budget for 2024 on human rights. It would secure the OHCHR with necessary funding for its crucial work, including for technical assistance and capacity-building.  We call on all states to support this proposal in the General Assembly.  Such support would be a strong sign of commitment to the realization of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.   

Finland is a long-term donor to the UN Voluntary Fund. We call on all states who have financial resources to voluntary support this important fund.

Finland fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders. We call for unhindered access for international and regional human rights mechanisms to Abkhazia and South-Ossetia. We welcome Georgia’s cooperation with the OHCHR on its path of human rights reforms.

We remain deeply concerned about Haiti’s continuous political, social and humanitarian crisis, the extreme violence of the armed gangs and the difficulties faced by the State in restoring the rule of law. We welcome the Security Council’s decision to authorize the deployment of an international security mission to help Haiti. We commend Haiti’s commitment to address this crisis and to ensure the protection and fulfilment of human rights in cooperation with the UN.

The recurrent and intensified armed violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is of serious concern. We encourage DRC to continue its comprehensive cooperation with the UN, including on strengthening the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations.   

Thank you.