Item 2: General debate on the oral update by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

52nd 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, Oral update by the High Commissioner. Statement by Finland, 7 March 2023.

Mr. President,

Finland aligns itself with the EU statement.  We thank the High Commissioner for his important global update. Finland remains committed to the unique mandate of the High Commissioner and the Office to promote and protect human rights of all. 

International human rights and humanitarian law are essential parts of the multilateral rules-based system. Yet, Russia’s unlawful aggression against Ukraine with brutal atrocities continues. The Office together with the Commission of Inquiry and the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission are doing an important job in documenting and reporting violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. This will eventually help bring justice for the victims. The independent work of the Office and the mechanisms is also important to hold Russia accountable.

The rights of minorities need to be a high priority. The human rights situation of the Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang remains deeply concerning as reported by the UN Human Rights Office. It is important that the recommendations by the Office are fully implemented by all to whom recommendations have been addressed and that they are followed-up by the international community.   

It is vital that Yemenis in dire humanitarian situation receive aid. Determined efforts are needed to reach a permanent ceasefire and find a political solution. This Council has also an important task towards the Yemenis. We must give attention to the human rights violations and abuses they have endured. We must help Yemen to build a better, human rights-based future.

People in South Sudan need the attention of the Council too. In addition to severe food insecurity driven by climate change and conflict deeply concerning conflict-related violations, including sexual- and gender-based violence, continue to be committed in the country.

In Nicaragua, we are deeply concerned over the decision to strip released, former prisoners of their Nicaraguan citizenship and of their civil and political rights. It is important that this Council considers the severely restricted civic space in the country.

It is the duty of UN Member States to uphold human rights. We have taken a positive note that some countries, including Niger and Mongolia, have adopted laws for the protection of human rights defenders in recent years. Such steps, paired with diligent implementation and meaningful participation of rights-holders, are the kind of efforts that are needed to make human rights a reality.   

Thank you.