Human Rights Council 38: Statement under Item 2
This UK statement was delivered at the 38th session of the Human Rights Council, during the discussion under Item 2, held on 19 June 2018.
The Human Rights Council takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
The United Kingdom thanks the High Commissioner for his report, and for the inspiring level of commitment he has shown during his term. We urge all Member States to engage constructively with his Office.
We condemn the human rights abuses including violence against peaceful protesters during ongoing protests in Nicaragua. We urge the Nicaraguan Government to end the violence, investigate the abuses and resume the inclusive dialogue.
Venezuelan presidential elections in May were neither free nor fair. We call on the Government to restore democratic order, release political prisoners, respect the National Assembly, and respond urgently to the humanitarian and economic crisis.
We are dismayed by the continued democratic deterioration in Cambodia including the dissolution of the main opposition party, detention of Kem Sokha, and the impact on freedom of speech following disruption of several NGOs and media outlets.
Vietnam has imprisoned a number of bloggers and activists, often with heavy sentences, and a new Law on Cyber Security threatens to further restrict the space for people to freely express their views on matters of public interest.
We urge the Philippines to ensure thorough investigations into all killings associated with the war on illegal drugs, and into attacks against journalists and Human Rights Defenders. We regret the decision to initiate withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.
We remain concerned by human rights violations in Bangladesh, including alleged extrajudicial killings and declining democratic freedoms. We call on Bangladesh to respect human rights and to fulfil its commitments made at the Universal Periodic Review.
Finally, in Maldives, we are seriously concerned about the detention of members of the judiciary and opposition leaders, the sustained misuse of parliamentary process, and continued restrictions on basic freedoms. Legitimate opposition is a vital part of any healthy democracy, and it is critical that authorities respect fundamental freedoms, including freedom of assembly and speech. Upcoming elections must be free, fair and credible.