UN Human Rights Council 48: UK statement under Item 10
UK International Ambassador for Human Rights Rita French gave a statement under Item 10 commenting on Georgia, Sudan, Mali, Algeria and the Philippines.
Madam President,
The United Kingdom firmly believes that technical cooperation plays a vital role in promoting and protecting human rights. We welcome States’ engagement with the Council and the OHCHR and we encourage States to continue cooperating with the UN to meet their human rights obligations.
We remain deeply concerned by allegations of human rights abuses in Georgia’s regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. In particular, the regions’ disproportionate restrictions on freedom of movement during the pandemic have severely impacted the ability of the Government to respond to the humanitarian needs of its citizens.
The UK commends action by Sudan to improve its human rights situation, including through ongoing engagement with the OHCHR. We welcome their ratification of the Convention Against Torture and cooperation with the International Criminal Court. We stand ready to help Sudan meet their future commitments.
As the transitional authorities in Mali prepare for elections, we urge them to respect human rights and uphold the rule of law. We welcome the release of the former President and Prime Minister from house arrest. It is important that the current authorities and the next democratically elected government prioritise the investigation of alleged abuses and violations, and hold accountable those responsible.
In Algeria, we welcome provisions in the new constitution aimed at guaranteeing freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. We urge the Government to implement the supporting legislation necessary for the people of Algeria to enjoy these fundamental freedoms.
We support the UN and Philippines Joint Programme on Human Rights. We encourage the Philippines to implement the programme in full to improve accountability mechanisms and protect the rights of all citizens.
Thank you.