38th regular session of the Human Rights Council.
Geneva, June 20, 2018.
Mr. President,
We thank the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression for the presentation of his report.
The subject dealt with by the Rapporteur is quite complex. While we recognize the need to respect the freedom of opinion and expression, including in the Internet, it is also necessary to establish limits that prevent companies from shielding themselves in this respect to allow the dissemination of degrading or harmful content to human dignity.
It is true that there are Guiding Principles on business and human rights, but the voluntary nature of these leaves a great legal vacuum in its fulfillment. National legislation and a legally binding document that regulates the respect of human rights by companies will be the safest way to avoid misuse of the ICTs by them.
Mr. President,
We also thank the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions for the presentation of her report. We regret that the report is not available in the six official languages, which makes it difficult to analyze a very complicated issue that needs further preparation.
We agree that non-state actors have to comply with the respect for human rights and international law. However, we would appreciate it if the Rapporteur could explain how States can implement the recommendations proposed in the report, without implying recognition of the legitimacy of the existence of this type of actors who are in a confrontation, generally armed, against those States.
Thank you very much.