Joint Statements - 49th session

The international legal order under which States committed to promote and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, and that has contributed to peace, prosperity and freedom for so many, is under increasing challenge.

Our three countries are proud to be multicultural societies, yet we recognize that more work needs to be done to eliminate the many forms of racial discrimination which persist in our societies.

We welcome the joint statement on the situation in Ukraine delivered by your mandate in cooperation with the Special Representative on Violence against Children, reminding all parties that the protection of civilians must be the first priority.

Members of the Alliance considers that the international community must do more to protect members of religious minority groups and to combat discrimination and persecution based on religion or belief.

The signatories to this statement, are concerned about the dramatically deteriorating situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the Russian Federation over the past 12 months.

Statement delivered on behalf of the Geneva Group of Friends on Children and Armed Conflict comprised of 27 States and co-chaired by Belgium and Uruguay.

The Group of Friends of Responsibility to Protect wishes to take this opportunity to reiterate its strong commitment to the multilateral human rights system and the integrity and independence of Special Procedures.

Advancing gender equality is crucial to comply with our human rights obligations, but also key to enable peace and sustainable development.

We are deeply concerned by reports of significant violations and abuses of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, including threats to their safety and barriers to their rights to education, work and full participation in civic life. We are committed to preserving and building on the political, economic and social achievements of the Afghan people.

Our countries recognise the key role that statistical and research data plays in identifying and addressing barriers faced by persons with disabilities in exercising their rights. Collecting disability and sex disaggregated data enables us to formulate and implement policies that allow for a more inclusive society which recognises and values persons with disabilities as equal participants.