Speech

UN Human Rights Council 43: Statement under Item 2 – General Debate

International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French delivers UK statement under Item 2 - General Debate

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government
Rita French

Thank you Madam President

The United Kingdom welcomes the High Commissioner’s report.

In Hong Kong, rebuilding confidence in police accountability is essential. An independent inquiry and community dialogue will be key to generating trust. Protest must remain peaceful.

We remain deeply concerned about the protection of civilians in Cameroon. Human rights abuses and violations must be transparently investigated, and those responsible held to account.

We support Israel’s right to self-defence, and condemn indiscriminate rocket fire. We also remain concerned about Israel’s actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, particularly settlements, demolitions, evictions and the continuing restrictions in Gaza.

In Turkey, we are concerned about restriction of civil liberties, and the imprisonment of journalists following the state of emergency. We welcome the Gezi acquittals, but judicial independence is key to the rule of law.

In Iraq, security forces’ use of live fire against protesters has resulted in almost 600 deaths and thousands of injuries. We urge credible investigations, and accountability. Freedom of assembly, including the right to protest peacefully, must be respected.

We are concerned by the Sri Lankan government’s change of approach to Resolution 30/1. We remain committed to supporting long-term reconciliation and accountability and urge the government to deliver progress and renew its commitment to the resolution.

Thank you.

Updates to this page

Published 27 February 2020