HRC55: Denmark addresses the human rights situations in Belarus, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Libya and Yemen at item 2 General Debate
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
55th Session
Item 2
Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Intervention by Denmark
[Check against delivery]
Mister President,
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the landmark Convention against Torture this year, we remain deeply concerned that despite the universal acceptance of the prohibition of torture, hundreds of thousands of persons worldwide are still subjected to torture.
We strongly condemn the widespread and systematic practice of torture by the Belarusian authorities. We must continue the work to hold the regime accountable, including through OHCHR and the IAPB.
In Afghanistan, we strongly deplore the documented acts of torture that have occurred since the Taliban regime took power.
Violence against women and girls continues globally. And regarding Afghanistan, we reiterate our strong condemnation of the Taliban’s systematic efforts to erase women and girls from the public sphere.
Pre-existing patterns of discrimination against women and girls are exacerbated in conflicts.
In Ethiopia, we remain deeply concerned about reports of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence and strongly encourage the government to ensure justice and accountability for such crimes. In Somalia, reports of staggering levels of grave violations against children and conflict-related sexual violence are alarming.
Denmark urges all parties in Libya and Yemen to fully respect international human rights law and encourages all parties in Yemen, in particular the Houthis, to engage in the UN peace efforts.
Finally, Denmark aligns with the EU statement.
55th Session
Item 2
Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Intervention by Denmark
[Check against delivery]
Mister President,
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the landmark Convention against Torture this year, we remain deeply concerned that despite the universal acceptance of the prohibition of torture, hundreds of thousands of persons worldwide are still subjected to torture.
We strongly condemn the widespread and systematic practice of torture by the Belarusian authorities. We must continue the work to hold the regime accountable, including through OHCHR and the IAPB.
In Afghanistan, we strongly deplore the documented acts of torture that have occurred since the Taliban regime took power.
Violence against women and girls continues globally. And regarding Afghanistan, we reiterate our strong condemnation of the Taliban’s systematic efforts to erase women and girls from the public sphere.
Pre-existing patterns of discrimination against women and girls are exacerbated in conflicts.
In Ethiopia, we remain deeply concerned about reports of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence and strongly encourage the government to ensure justice and accountability for such crimes. In Somalia, reports of staggering levels of grave violations against children and conflict-related sexual violence are alarming.
Denmark urges all parties in Libya and Yemen to fully respect international human rights law and encourages all parties in Yemen, in particular the Houthis, to engage in the UN peace efforts.
Finally, Denmark aligns with the EU statement.