National Statements

Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on oral update of the Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, delivered by New Zealand on behalf of CANZ – 15 June 2026

I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Mr President, we are deeply alarmed by continued reports of war crimes, crimes against humanity and a persistent disregard for international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Sudan.

As the High Commissioner has noted, intensified drone warfare striking civilian infrastructure is now the leading cause of civilian deaths in Sudan. Millions of women and girls face widespread and systematic sexual and gender-based violence. Over 11 million people have been displaced with more than 11,000 missing. We condemn these, and all other human rights violations, in the strongest terms.

We reiterate our calls for all parties to ensure the protection of humanitarian personnel and unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance throughout Sudan. We commend the tireless work of humanitarian groups working under extremely challenging circumstances to assist those in need.

We strongly urge all parties to the conflict and those with influence to intensify diplomatic efforts towards a ceasefire and a lasting peace. We call on them to comply with international humanitarian law and international human rights law and to ensure that accountability is integrated into peace processes.

Mr President, what more can be done to support dialogue and peace in Sudan?

Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel – 16 June 2026

Thank you.

Australia is committed to the two-state solution as the only way to guarantee peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.

We must not lose sight of the ongoing devastation in Gaza. We continue to call for the full implementation of the Gaza peace plan, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, and compliance with international humanitarian law.

In the West Bank, the situation continues to deteriorate. Together with our partners, we call on Israel to cease its illegal settlement activity which threatens the very viability of a two-state solution.

We strongly condemn ongoing settler violence and have coordinated with partners to sanction extremist settlers and entities responsible for violence and human rights abuses against Palestinians. Israel must hold perpetrators to account.

We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas and have recently joined partners in sanctioning Hamas individuals and entities for their ongoing acts of violence.

Chair, how can we achieve a two-state solution in the face of actions that risk fuelling further violence and instability?

Interactive Dialogue on the Annual Report of the High Commissioner – 16 June 2026

As we mark the 20th anniversary of the HRC, we must ensure the UN human rights pillar remains effective and inclusive. Human rights are universal and apply to everyone.

Regrettably, the rights of women and girls are threatened in too many countries.

We are particularly concerned by Afghanistan, where the systematic oppression of women and girls is deplorable, and Iran, where the regime continues to brutally oppress and persecute women and girls.

Ongoing violations and abuses of the human rights of Palestinians are deeply alarming. We call on Israel to take urgent action to end settler violence and hold perpetrators to account.

Australia remains unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas for its ongoing acts of violence and human rights abuses.

In the DPRK, human rights violations committed by the regime against its own people must end.

We are deeply concerned by the severe humanitarian crisis and ongoing human rights violations in Myanmar.

And we remain gravely concerned by human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet, and the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. We are concerned about the human rights implications of China's Ethnic Unity Law.

Noting the alarming 78% rise in executions globally in 2025 – we call on all countries to abolish the death penalty in law and practice.

Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to health – 17 June 2026

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report.

Australia supports a human rights-based, dignity-centred approach to health.

Globally, the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health is under pressure.

Evidence-based norms and the institutions that uphold them must be strengthened.

Human rights are not optional.

Yet, discrimination and exclusion, including on the basis of race, gender, disability, health status, and sexual orientation and gender identity, mean these rights are not enjoyed by all.

Respect for dignity and self-determination; gender equality and disability equity; valuing lived experience and operating transparently – these principles are central to ensuring universal health coverage and leaving no one behind.

Australia is committed to advancing human rights in global health through inclusive, rules-based international cooperation.

Together with our partners, especially in the Pacific, we support resilient, equitable and inclusive health systems, including enabling the universal realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for her recommendations. How can States give effect to meaningful participation and accountability in ways that prioritise those left the furthest behind, including in SRHR?

Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity – 18 June 2026

We thank the Independent Expert for his timely report.

Australia remains unequivocal – human rights apply equally to all people, no matter who they are or who they love.

The Independent Expert's report shines a much-needed light on the urgent need to address distinct human rights violations and abuses faced by LBQ women, including compounding and intersecting forms of discrimination on the basis of gender and sexual orientation.

We must all do better to ensure LBQ women are able to live free from violence and discrimination.

In Australia we have embraced diversity in our National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People 2025-2035, and we have expressly included LGBTQIA+ people in our National Plan on Violence against Women and their Children 2022-2032 – but we need to do more.

Special Rapporteur - your report highlights a reliance on relationship status as a gateway to women accessing their rights and provided useful recommendations to instigate institutional change. Do you have further insights to share on how to encourage societal change to support this?

Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women, Panel 1: domestic violence – 24 June 2026

Thank you, President.

Australia thanks the panellists for their important contributions.

Domestic violence against women and girls, including intimate partner violence, remains one of the most widespread human rights violations globally. It denies women and girls their rights to safety, dignity and participation.

High rates of gender-based violence, in all countries, highlight the urgent need for more effective action at both national and regional levels.

Through its National Plan 2022–2032, Australia's approach to ending violence against women and children spans prevention, early intervention, response, recovery and healing. Ending gender-based violence is the first priority under

our national gender equality strategy. Since 2022 Australia has invested over $4.4 billion to take action to end family, domestic, and sexual violence.

Internationally, we are working with partners to drive progress, including with increased funding for frontline services in the Pacific and through the International Coalition to End Violence Against Women and Girls.

Together, we must accelerate prevention, shift harmful norms, and ensure accountability.

We ask: how can international partnerships accelerate and scale domestic violence prevention and response?

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, delivered by Canada on behalf of CANZ – 23 June 2026

Thank you, President.

I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

We commend the Special Rapporteur for highlighting the chilling effects of digital surveillance.

Digital technologies can enable civic participation. Yet, they are also misused to deter peaceful protest, restrict association, and undermine media freedom and freedom of expression, thereby threatening social cohesion and human rights.

Unlawful and arbitrary digital surveillance weakens trust, privacy and secure communication. It can restrict individuals' ability to gather, organise, and sustain civic movements, and exposes human rights defenders, journalists, media workers, and civil society actors to intimidation, reprisals or criminalisation, including through transnational repression.

We remain concerned about crackdowns on peaceful protestors leading to arbitrary arrests and undue escalation in the use of force. We also share the Special Rapporteur's concern about the use of spyware, biometric technologies, internet shutdown, and social media monitoring to censor individuals exercising their human rights.

These risks are heightened when transparency, safeguards and independent oversight are lacking. States must ensure that use of surveillance technologies complies with international law, including international human rights law, and should promote human rights due diligence when technologies are procured, developed or transferred.

Special Rapporteur, how can States better assess the cumulative chilling effects of digital surveillance, particularly where harms are indirect or opaque?

Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls, delivered by Australia on behalf of CANZ – 24 June 2026

Thank you, President.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

We thank the Working Group for its timely report on gender equality in the digital space and the age of artificial intelligence.

AI offers opportunities to advance gender equality. Yet without safeguards, it can accelerate gender-based harm. We are particularly concerned by the rapid proliferation of people using AI to generate deepfake abuse. This overwhelmingly targets women and girls and constitutes a growing form of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

These harms have distinctly gendered consequences. Deepfake abuse is used to shame, intimidate and control women and girls, silencing them and deterring participation in political, professional and civic life, reinforcing harmful norms, and undermining equality and human rights.

AI systems must be deployed with adequate safeguards, and must not enable the amplification of misogyny and abuse at scale. Addressing this requires coordinated, gender-responsive action, including safety-by-design, stronger accountability for tech companies, and survivor-centred approaches.

How can States and technology companies ensure AI prevents these gendered harms, including deepfake abuse, and protects women's and girls' full, equal and meaningful participation in public life?

Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus – 29 June 2026

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report.

Australia remains deeply concerned that advocates for democracy, opponents of the war and marginalised groups continue to face repression in Belarus, with thousands reportedly tortured, forced into exile, or arbitrarily detained for exercising their rights to freedoms of opinion, expression and association.

Australia is alarmed by the report's finding that Belarus' new laws target women's rights advocates, LGBTQIA+ persons and independent voices, including individuals facilitating access to human rights mechanisms.

These laws entrench stigma and legitimise discrimination against groups already unjustly and arbitrary targeted by the Belarusian Government.

Australia also deplores Belarus' role in aiding and abetting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Belarus' continued complicity prolongs the conflict and fuels Russia's ongoing aggression.

We reiterate our calls to Belarus to comply with its international human rights obligations.

Special Rapporteur, what actions can the international community take to encourage Belarus to end its repressive practices, including repeal provisions of the Code of Administrative Offences?

Universal Periodic Review Outcome of Australia – 30 June 2026

Opening remarks

1. Mister President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates and civil society representatives, I am honoured to appear before you today to present Australia's response to the 332 recommendations we received from 120 member and observer states at our fourth cycle Universal Periodic Review appearance on 26 January 2026.
2. Australia is a steadfast supporter of the multilateral human rights system, which plays a crucial role in supporting the realisation of human rights at the domestic and international level. The UPR is a key part of that system. It is a critical and universal tool for all States to strengthen human rights. Australia intends to make good use of this valuable tool. Our UPR is an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and our challenges, to evaluate our existing practice, and to assess where further work is needed to improve the human rights of all Australians.
3. We recognise that there is always room for improvement, and we are committed to pursuing this, including in relation to the seven core human rights treaties to which we are a party.
4. I would like to thank all 120 delegations that engaged in our review for their thoughtfulness. Many delegations acknowledged Australia's commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and recognised specific human rights achievements since the third UPR in 2021. These on-going efforts included:
   • combatting violence against women and children
   • gender equality in the workplace
   • online safety
   • the establishment of an Anti-Slavery Commissioner
   • supports for persons with disabilities.
5. Australia welcomes the 332 recommendations that we received from delegations. We welcome these considered recommendations and appreciate that many were informed by the reporting and advocacy efforts of the Australian Human Rights Commission, and civil society.
6. We are strong supporters of independent human rights voices and are grateful for the focus they have brought to our fourth UPR. We have engaged with the Australian Human Rights Commission throughout this process and supported and listened to civil society. The Australian Government's support for civil society engagement included a grant to assist the production of an independent joint NGO UPR report. We also participated in NGO UPR panel events to discuss and promote our UPR and in 2025, the Australian Government undertook public consultation on our UPR National Report.
7. I will now address Australia's approach to considering the 332 UPR recommendations.
8. Australia has a federal constitutional system of government. Under this system, Australia's 6 states and 2 territories have significant human rights responsibilities, including in areas such as the criminal justice system and the provision of health and education services.
9. Accordingly, in developing Australia's position on the 332 recommendations received at our dialogue in January, the Australian Government consulted with all state and territory governments and all relevant Australian Government agencies, including the Australian Human Rights Commission.
10. In keeping with our commitment to public consultation, we held a roundtable with civil society stakeholders and the Australian Human Rights Commission in April this year to work with civil society to identify the priority recommendations from our fourth UPR. These priority recommendations were then provided to our federal and state and territory stakeholders for consideration.
11. Australia's response to the recommendations is contained in our Addendum to the Report of the Working Group. The Addendum is structured according to key themes of the Working Group Report, outlines Australia's position on each recommendation and includes information on our commitment to each of these human rights themes.
12. Australia recognises some recommendations are broad in nature. Certain recommendations also reflect assumptions that do not accurately represent Australia's legislation, policy or practice. Consistent with Australia's longstanding commitment to human rights and the United Nations, Australia has responded to these recommendations in good faith.
13. Of the 332 recommendations Australia has 'accepted' 128 recommendations and 'noted' the remaining 204 recommendations.
14. Australia will continue to uphold human rights, including freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of assembly and expression, the rights of First Nations people, the rights of women, LGBTQIA+ persons, children, older persons and people with disability.
15. Australia's modern multicultural diversity is fundamental to the character of our nation, and all Australians have an equal right to participate in the social, political and economic life of our country. The Australian Government is taking a multi-faceted approach to combating racism, with action underway across Government, including ambitious legislation to combat antisemitism, hate and extremism.
16. Australia will continue to work closely with LGBTQIA+ Australians and advocates to develop policy that meets the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community to deliver equality across Australian society. This includes supporting human rights protections, combatting hatred and prejudice, and ensuring that people can access services with dignity and respect, and free from discrimination.
17. The Australian Government remains committed to improving youth justice and advancing health and education outcomes, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
18. I will turn now to the five voluntary commitments Australia made at its dialogue in January. These commitments relate to disability discrimination, housing, domestic and sexual violence, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people and dementia.
19. I would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on these commitments.
20. Firstly, Australia committed to review the Disability Discrimination Act, in accordance with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. The Disability Discrimination Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person in many areas of public life. The Australian Government received over 1,100 submissions when it conducted accessible public consultation on ways to improve the Disability Discrimination Act. This feedback is being carefully analysed to inform reform options.
21. Second, Australia committed to increasing the delivery of appropriate, affordable housing that is aligned with the priorities and need of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This included building strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing organisations, including in the community-controlled sector. Over $600 million has been announced in dedicated funding for First Nations housing. This investment is about more than just building homes – it is about building capacity, respecting self-determination, and working in partnership with First Nations communities.
22. Third, we committed to delivering Our Ways - Strong Ways - Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence. The plan was launched in February with funding of $218 million to support initial actions. Developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and state and territory governments it is Australia's first standalone plan that strives for a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children can live free from violence.
23. Fourth, we committed to legislating the National Commission and National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People. In March, legislation passed the Australian Parliament to establish an independent and empowered National Commissioner and to establish the National Commission as a statutory agency, with the functions and powers to advance the rights, interests, development, safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. To support this, the Australian Government is investing $42.8 million over five years from 2025-26, and $9.3 million per year ongoing for the National Commissioner.
24. Finally, we committed to investment in dementia risk reduction and brain health. In May 2026, Australia announced an additional $22.9 million for research grants into dementia, which is the leading cause of death in Australia, and other projects to achieve life improving treatments for people as they age. This funding will enable Australia's best and brightest researchers in this field to make a real difference for people living with or at risk of dementia.
25. In conclusion Mister President, I would like to reiterate our appreciation to delegations for their constructive engagement and for their recommendations. Australia will continue to use the UPR process to drive change and improve human rights. We are committed to implementing accepted recommendations.
26. I welcome in advance the contributions to today's adoption by Member States, the Australian Human Rights Commission and civil society organisations.

Concluding remarks

1. Thank you Mr President.
2. I would like to thank Member States who have made statements. I would also like to thank the Australian Human Rights Commission and members of civil society for their participation. Your feedback will continue to inform implementation and consideration of recommendations.
3. I would like to reiterate that Australia is committed to implementing accepted recommendations and voluntary commitments and to the continued consideration of other recommendations. We understand that the UPR does not finish today. Our ongoing work will be supported by Australia's Standing National Human Rights Mechanism. The mechanism was established as a voluntary commitment to our second UPR to strengthen Australia's reporting and engagement with the UN on human rights. It includes:
   • An Australian Government inter-departmental committee that provides a coordinated, consistent and efficient approach to UN human rights reporting.
4. An Intergovernmental Working Group consisting of representatives from the Departments of the Premier or Department of the Chief Minister in every state and territory.
5. A mechanism for consultation with the Australian Human rights Commission and civil society.
6. Publicly available information on Australia's human rights reporting processes.
7. In conclusion, I wish to thank Australia's UPR Troika of Benin, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Viet Nam as well as the UPR Secretariat for their invaluable support and assistance.

Interactive Dialogue on the oral update of the High Commissioner on the findings of the OHCHR report on the situation of human rights in Ukraine, and interim report of the SG on human rights in Crimea – 3 July 2026

Australia thanks the High Commissioner for the update and the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary General for its report, which once again underscores the devastating human rights impact of Russia's unprovoked and unjustifiable full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

We remain deeply concerned by consistent reports of widespread violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law within the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, which include attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure, arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment, including of prisoners of war, and the forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children – one of the most reprehensible aspects of Russia's invasion.

Russia's acts have caused wide-scale and compounding human suffering that risk entrenching long-term trauma across Ukraine.

Accountability is essential to deter future abuses and provide justice to the victims of Russia's brutal attacks.

Australia reaffirms its steadfast support for Ukraine and calls on Russia to end its war of aggression and to fully comply with its international obligations.

High Commissioner, while Russia continues to block OHCHR's access to Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories, how can we best support OHCHR's mandate?

Urgent Debate on the Human rights situation in and around El Obeid, North Kordofan in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Sudan – 3 July 2026

Australia is deeply alarmed by developments in El Obeid and reports of an imminent offensive by the Rapid Support Forces that could lead to atrocities against besieged civilians. Inhabitants of El Obeid are trapped and cut off from basic services, raising fears of a repeat of the horrors committed in El Fasher. We are gravely concerned by the reported repeated patterns of human rights abuses committed during this conflict.

We call on the Rapid Support Forces to immediately cease its offensive on El Obeid. Drone strikes on fuel stations and trucks have caused serious fuel and water shortages, deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Australia urges all parties to de-escalate, protect civilians, facilitate full, safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access and ensure the protection of humanitarian personnel in accordance with international humanitarian law.

We call on the Rapid Support Forces, the Sudanese Armed Forces and all parties to the conflict to agree to a permanent ceasefire, and to respect human rights.

Joint Statements

Interactive Dialogue on the Annual Report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Joint Statement delivered by Australia on behalf of Group of Friends of the Responsibility to Protect – 16 June 2026

Mr. President,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Responsibility to Protect.

Twenty years after its establishment, the Human Rights Council (HRC) has become an indispensable pillar of the multilateral protection architecture. As highlighted in the Secretary-General's 2026 report on the Responsibility to Protect, Special Procedures, Commissions of Inquiry and Fact-Finding Missions play a critical role in identifying patterns of serious violations and abuses.

OHCHR plays a vital role. The High Commissioner himself regularly highlights situations of existing or likely atrocity crimes and his annual report under Item 2 remains an important opportunity to draw attention to situations of concern.

For many populations facing atrocity crimes, the HRC remains one of the key avenues available to ensure their situation is seen, discussed and addressed by the international community.

The Group of Friends underscores the indispensable role of the UN human rights system in upholding the Responsibility to Protect, including through the responsibility of states to protect their populations from such crimes. The international community has a role in encouraging and helping states to exercise this responsibility, and, where necessary, taking collective action.

We must prioritise ongoing reforms to strengthen the ability of the HRC and the human rights pillar in this regard.

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Joint Statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of a group of countries – 17 June 2026

Mr. Vice President,

I have the honour to deliver this Joint Statement on behalf of a group of more than 60 countries.

We take note of the SR's report on health as an enabler of dignity.

We believe access to food and nutrition is a foundational determinant for both, sustaining people's right to health and enabling them to live in dignity.

Alarmingly, billions of people still suffer from food insecurity and millions of children remain malnourished, undermining progress towards SDGs.

This is most acute in conflict-affected areas, where access to food and life-saving nutrition is gravely constrained.

For children, malnutrition is more than a health concern. It threatens the enjoyment of their rights, growth, and well-being, and entrenches structural stigma.

Combating malnutrition also requires tackling obstacles to a sustainable supply of nutritious food for children and communities.

Feeding our children with adequate nutritious food is human rights obligation, as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

We call on States to strengthen equal access of children to nutritious food, including through school meal programmes, resilient local food systems, and robust social protection policies.

Only through equitable and sustained measures can we secure access to nutritious food for every child, and so uphold their dignity and rights.

Thank you.

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Joint Statement delivered by Austria on behalf of the Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists – 17 June 2026

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of members of the Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists. We welcome the Special Rapporteur's guidelines on the protection of journalists working in armed conflicts.

These journalists and media workers risk their lives to ensure that the world bears witness. They are vital for accountability, preserving the historical record, and providing civilians in conflict zones with critical, often life-saving, information.

Yet attacks against them continue with alarming frequency. According to UNESCO, 186 journalists were killed while covering conflict and war between 2022 and 2025, a 67% increase compared to the previous reporting period. Shockingly, 85% of cases remain unresolved and unpunished.

We urge all parties to armed conflicts to uphold their obligations under IHL and IHRL. Journalists are civilians and must be protected as such. Any deliberate targeting must be recognized as a war crime and prosecuted accordingly.

We stand ready to work with all stakeholders to translate these guidelines into effective protection on the ground. A free and independent press is not a privilege. It is a prerequisite for peace, justice, and accountability.

I thank you

Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Joint Statement delivered by Iceland on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Mandate of the Independent Expert on SOGI - 18 June 2026

President,

I am honoured to deliver this joint statement on behalf of the members of the Group of Friends of the Mandate of the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

The mandate continues to contribute to advancing equality for all in a meaningful and constructive manner and we welcome the presentation of the thematic report and its recommendations today.

Unfortunately, we continue to see widespread and systematic violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. As shared in the report, lesbian, bisexual and queer (LBQ) women are largely absent from official data which leads to gaps in policy, programming and law. This invisibility can also contribute to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, further deepening inequalities and exclusion.

Despite advances in access to rights both for women and LGBT+ persons, LBQ women experience systematic violations and abuses of their rights, such as rights relating to health, property, inheritance, freedom of movement, access to justice and to family life. These violations do not happen in a vacuum; they occur across diverse contexts globally and are rooted in persistent constraints on women's autonomy and equal access to rights.

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Summary Executions, Joint Statement delivered by Norway on behalf of the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice for Sudan – 18 June 2026

This statement is on behalf of the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice for Sudan and 22 other states. We support the Special Rapporteur's mandate and welcome his latest report.

We are gravely alarmed by the urgent risks of atrocities and deliberate killings in Sudan.

Mr President, ten consecutive days of drone strikes have killed at least 50 civilians across El Obeid and North Kordofan, and have caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure. Widespread credible reports of ethnically targeted violence, including sexual and gender-based violence are deplorable.

We call on the Rapid Support Forces to immediately cease their assault on El Obeid. We are deeply concerned at the risk of imminent escalation on the ground, leaving approximately 500,000 civilians at risk of falling victim to large-scale atrocities, including more than 100,000 internally displaced persons.

We urge all parties to immediately de-escalate and comply fully with international humanitarian law. Civilians must be allowed to leave freely and safely, and humanitarian actors must have unhindered access to those in need, supported by credible security guarantees.

We call on all states to apply maximum pressure on the Rapid Support Forces, Sudanese Armed Forces, and their allies to prevent atrocities and protect civilians.

Special Rapporteur, how should the Council respond to the growing threats of further widescale killings in Sudan? Thank you.

Annual Panel on the adverse impacts of climate change on human rights, Joint Statement delivered by Australia on behalf of a group of Pacific Island Forum members – 19 June 2026

Thank you President,

I am pleased to deliver this Joint Statement on behalf a group of Pacific Island Forum members.

Climate change affects every nation, but our region is at the frontline of the climate crisis. For those who have contributed the least to climate change, it is not a distant warning but a daily reality.

The international community must respond to the human rights threats posed by climate change. This demands strong action from all of us.

We welcome the landmark, unanimous advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, a Pacific-led initiative, which has an important contribution to make in relation to the obligations of all States in respect of climate.

Through the Climate Pre-COP31, special leaders' event in Fiji and Tuvalu, and Australia's role as President of Negotiations for COP31, the Pacific will continue to play a critical role in climate negotiations this year. We welcome Tuvalu's co-hosting with Ireland of the 2027 Second Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, and look forward to the outcomes report of the Santa Marta Conference.

Climate action should uphold and promote human rights, particularly for those most vulnerable. We call on all States to accelerate ambitious mitigation to meet UNFCCC and Paris Agreement goals, keep 1.5°C within reach, transition away from fossil fuels, and mobilise sustained, accessible climate finance—especially for adaptation, loss and damage, and addressing debt sustainability.

Thank you.

Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, Joint Statement delivered by Guatemala on behalf of a cross-regional group – 19 June 2026

Madame Special Rapporteur,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, Canada, Finland, Mexico and my own country, Guatemala.

As States, we recognize that the protection of human rights and the resilience of our food systems are deeply interconnected across borders. The best available science underscores the importance of advancing sustainable and resilient food systems that support human well-being, food security, environmental sustainability and the progressive realization of human rights

We remain concerned that unsustainable consumption and production patterns and insufficient accountability mechanisms contribute to biodiversity loss and pollution, increase vulnerability to climate impacts and affect the livelihoods of rural communities and small-scale producers.

Madame Special Rapporteur,

To achieve transformative change, we must pivot. True climate resilience requires us to value Indigenous Peoples knowledges, sciences and practices as legitimate and necessary development models. We acknowledge that international climate policy has too often privileged narrow approaches, while complex, fragmented financing systems continue to limit the participation of small holders, Indigenous Peoples and women in critical climate finance.

We must prioritize participatory, inclusive financing models that shift investments toward sustainable food systems. We call on all States and relevant stakeholders to promote inclusive and participatory approaches, strengthen accountability, facilitate access to climate finance for vulnerable communities, and support a just transition that leaves no one behind.

Thank you.

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Joint Statement delivered by Switzerland on behalf of the Freedom Online Coalition – 23 June 2026

Mr President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the 42 members of the Freedom Online Coalition.

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her timely report which demonstrates that disinformation campaigns as well as unlawful and arbitrary surveillance, including through the misuse of AI-enabled technologies, intrusive spyware, and malicious cyber incidents, increasingly undermine the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, both online and offline.

Independent journalists and media workers, human rights defenders, and lawyers, are particularly affected, including through online harassment, smear campaigns, censorship, other forms of intimidation and surveillance.

Recent developments have highlighted the fragility of spaces for international civil society engagement and cooperation.

As the report highlights, even the perception of surveillance can generate fear, self-censorship, and reduced participation in public life, which in turn contributes to the erosion of democracy.

The Freedom Online Coalition reaffirms that the same rights people enjoy offline must also be protected online. Any surveillance measures must comply with international law, including international human rights law, and be consistent with international human rights norms.

We support the report's call for stronger safeguards, meaningful human rights due diligence, transparency, and accountability for both States and technology companies.

Special Rapporteur,

In light of the increasingly transnational nature of digital surveillance and repression, what additional international or multistakeholder measures do you consider most urgent to better protect civic space and human rights defenders online?

Thank you.

Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Joint Statement delivered by Hungary on behalf of a group of countries – 25 June 2026

Thank you, Mr Vice President,

I deliver this statement obo the core group of the resolution on the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, jurors, and assessors, and the independence of lawyers and judges composed of Australia, Botswana, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand and my own country, Hungary.

We welcome the Special Rapporteur's report setting out guidance to Member States for judicial selection and appointments.

Transparent and merit-based appointment processes are essential to safeguarding judicial independence and impartiality and strengthen public confidence. This ensures the fair administration of justice and the promotion and protection of all human rights.

Such processes should also promote diversity and representativeness within the judiciary and address barriers to equal access to judicial office, ensuring that courts reflect the societies they serve and draw on the full breadth of legal talent.

We reiterate our firm condemnation of treats, intimidation and reprisals against judges, lawyers and other legal professionals for carrying out their legitimate professional functions.

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her valuable contributions to supporting independent, impartial and representative justice systems and reiterate our strong support for her mandate.

Interactive Dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the impact of anti-personnel mines on the enjoyment of all human rights, with particular emphasis on economic, social and cultural rights, Joint Statement delivered by Algeria on behalf of a group of countries – 26 June 2026

Mr. President,

This statement is on behalf of Algeria, Croatia, Mozambique, Peru, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Vanuatu, and 60 other countries.

Anti-personnel mines, including as remnants of conflict, continue to pose a grave threat to the enjoyment of human rights.

Their impact is felt most acutely in developing countries, including the LDCs, which often bear the enduring legacy of main contamination while lacking sufficient financial and technical capacities.

These challenges are further aggravated by the significant decrease in international support.

We therefore underline the importance of ensuring that the rights and needs of victims and affected communities remain at the centre of international efforts in keeping with the maxim "nothing about us without us".

We also call for renewed political commitment, including by joining the relevant international instruments such as the APMBC and strengthen global cooperation to address the impact of anti-personnel mines on human rights in line with the CRPD.

Finally, Mr President, we firmly believe that the legacy of anti-personnel mines should not continue to define the future of humanity.

History will judge us not only by the statements we make, but most importantly by the concrete measures we take to save lives and to prevent human suffering.

I thank you.

Interactive Dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the impact of anti-personnel mines on the enjoyment of all human rights, with particular emphasis on economic, social and cultural rights, Joint Statement delivered by Belgium on behalf of the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict – 26 June 2026

President,

I deliver this statement on behalf of 25 members of the Group of Friends on Children and Armed Conflict, co-chaired by Uruguay and Belgium.

We thank the High Commissioner for his report, which clearly underscores the devastating and disproportionate impact of anti‑personnel mines and explosive remnants of war on children, who not only represent a significant share of victims, but also suffer more severe injuries and higher mortality.

Anti-personnel mines and explosive remnants of war continue to kill and maim children long after conflicts have ended, turning everyday activities into life‑threatening risks. Beyond immediate harm, these weapons inflict lifelong disabilities, trauma, stigma and can hamper children's education, development and future.

Once again, the 2026 UNSG's report on CAAC documents a record number of verified grave violations against children in 2025, with a sharp increase in killing and maiming, including because of the growing use of explosive weapons in populated areas. For the first time, government forces are identified as the primary perpetrators.

While calling on all parties to conflict to uphold IHL, we urge all States to ratify and fully implement the Mine Ban Treaty and to endorse and implement the EWIPA Declaration.

Placing children at the centre of protection efforts is a matter of urgency.

I thank you.

Interactive Dialogue with oral presentation of High Commissioner Türk on Ukraine and interim report of SG on human rights in Crimea, Joint Statement delivered by the Kingdom of the Netherlands on behalf of the Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine – 3 July 2026

I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the 'Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine.'

We remain appalled by a wide range of violations by Russian authorities of international human rights law and international humanitarian law as reported by OHCHR's monitoring mission. The independently gathered and verified evidence confronts us once again with Russia's disregard for civilian life. Indeed, during the reporting period, attacks caused more civilian deaths and injuries than in the same period of any year since the full-scale invasion, except 2022.

Furthermore, in the Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia, including Crimea, Russian authorities continued to severely restrict fundamental freedoms and access to education, through the imposition of Russian laws and citizenship and commit serious human rights violations, such as torture, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary detentions, forcible transfer and deportation of children, and forced disappearances. Further, they continue depriving civilians of any genuine choice to remain or return to the occupied territories, by imposing widespread and systematic discriminatory measures, reportedly enforced through threats, detention, torture and ill-treatment, and prosecution under laws inconsistent with international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

We reiterate our unwavering commitment to supporting efforts aimed at bringing all perpetrators to justice and preventing further crimes in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, including the ICC investigation. In 2025, the legal foundation for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and the International Claims Commission was laid. In this context, the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Management Committee for the Special Tribunal was adopted on 15 May 2026. We encourage all States to continue engaging with these accountability mechanisms.

We will continue to work collectively to uphold accountability and to ensure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine, in line with international law, including the UN Charter.

Thank you.