Human Rights Council 32, Geneva: Cross Regional Statement on Item 8, 27 June 2016
Human Rights Council Joint Statement Item 8: Rule Of Law: delivered by the Mexican Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva on behalf of the group.
The Human Rights Council takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
Mr. President, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the core group consisting of Ethiopia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, the United Kingdom and an additional 66 States.
The United Nations was founded on the principles of justice, equality and freedom. These are truly universal values which are the golden thread running through the UN system and our Human Rights Council.
The rules-based international system is at the heart of the UN. In the Human Rights Council, the Rule of Law provides the building blocks for the protection and promotion of human rights.
The frameworks provided by the rule of law at the domestic and international levels all contribute to this rules-based international system. The rule of law and human rights are mutually reinforcing and are both underpinned by the principle of human dignity. They are two sides of the same coin.
We believe that rule of law, of which justice is a vital component, can be strengthened both domestically and internationally. We acknowledge the important contribution of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and civil society to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law.
The Rule of Law within societies promotes human rights and vice versa. It depends on established legal principles, processes and institutions, including equality under the law, accountability and fairness in the protection of rights.
The Rule of Law lies at the heart of resilient and peaceful societies and is supported by human rights compliant actions such as the strengthening of laws and procedural mechanisms, including traditional and informal justice systems, providing redress, fighting against corruption, and consolidating good governance.
The Rule of Law is a tool to lead to peace and security, to complement development and to promote the universal values of Human Rights. We are convinced that the Human Rights Council can play a key role in strengthening the rules-based international system.
Thank you, Mr. President.