Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a like-Minded Group of Countries.
Our countries reiterate their strong support for the Universal Periodic Review that constitutes the most successful tool to implement the responsibility of the Council in promoting universal respect for the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction of any kind and in a fair and equal manner.
It embodies the fundamental principles of universality, equality, non-selectivity and non-discrimination in addressing human rights situations.
Through its successive cycles, the UPR offers a platform for sharing good practices and exchanging national expertise, contributing to a greater mutual understanding of human rights issues.
The UPR should be immune against confrontational and politicized tendencies increasingly prevailing over the Council’s work. We underscore that the entire process should be based on objective and reliable information, and recommendations should be constructive, achievable and respectful to the national peculiarities.
We believe that the current modalities of the UPR enjoy universal support, and we underline that the basic principles contained in GA resolution 60/251, HRC resolutions 5/1 and 16/21 should be preserved.
While underlining the exclusive right of each state to strategize the implementation of the accepted recommendations received during its respective review according to its national circumstances, we recognize the efforts of the OHCHR in providing technical assistance and capacity-building to States for the process of implementation, upon their request, consent, and in consultation with them.
Finally, Mr. President, we renew our strong commitment to the UPR as an effective, efficient and valid mechanism of the HRC to enhance meaningful dialogue and constructive cooperation with the main goal of improving the situation of human rights, including the right to development.
I thank you.