Madam Vice-President,
Only respectful dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation can guarantee the treatment of human rights on the basis of equality and non-discrimination.
Unfortunately, this item on the Council's agenda continues to be used to single out developing countries under the guise of technical assistance and human rights capacity building.
An attempt is being made to impose the approach that only developing countries need cooperation and technical assistance, which is far removed from the harsh reality faced by many developed countries, including major powers.
In this sense, it is neither fair nor consistent with reality that the mechanisms and presence of the UN system in the field are directed, almost exclusively, towards the countries of the South.
This selective and discriminatory practice is obsolete and must cease.
There is an urgent need to promote technical cooperation initiatives to address the many challenges faced by developed countries in the realization of fundamental human rights in the economic, social, cultural, civil and political spheres.
Funding for technical assistance programs should therefore be delinked from the political agenda of donors.
Madam Vice-President,
This Council has an obligation to be guided by the tenets of resolution 60/251 and the Institution Building Package. The provision of advice, technical assistance and capacity building can only take place upon request, in consultation and with the consent of the recipient State.
It is within the power of any State to terminate cooperation in its territory when it deems it appropriate.
Madam Vice-President,
We reiterate our call to respect the principles of cooperation and technical assistance embodied in the founding documents of the Council, and to prevent this agenda item from becoming increasingly enshrined as a scenario of politicization, double standards and interference in the internal affairs of the States.
Thank you very much.