HRC48: Denmark raises concern about human rights in Myanmar, Belarus and Afghanistan
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
48th Session
Item 2: General Debate
Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs
Jeppe Kofod
Denmark
Madame President
This is Denmark’s last session as a member of the Human Rights Council.
Our membership has reaffirmed for us that the Council is an essential platform for promoting and protecting individual human rights and fundamental freedoms.
At times we would have liked to see a bolder Council. To protect individuals against violations and abuses. To hold states accountable for their obligations. To prevent the escalation of crises.
Nevertheless, the Council has on many occasions stood firm.
It has taken action when it mattered the most. And reminded perpetrators that the world is watching.
When the democratically elected government in Myanmar fell to a military coup, the Council met in a special session and called for justice and accountability. We must continue to stand firm in solidarity with the people of Myanmar.
On Belarus, we acted by giving the High Commissioner a strong accountability mandate to investigate human rights violations and abuses by the authorities in the aftermath of the contested election. The impunity must end.
On Afghanistan, the Council stressed the need for transparent and prompt investigations into reports of human rights violations and abuses. The Taliban must respect human rights and protect civilians. They will be judged not by their words, but by their actions.
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Across countries, the Council plays an indispensable role in promoting thematic human rights issues.
Denmark leads on the fight against torture and in the fight for the rights of women and girls, including their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Just as we are engaged in the promotion of rights of indigenous people, in the protection of civil society space and the protection of freedom of religion or belief.
We will of course continue our engagement in the Council as observers and carry on the fight to protect and promote the universal human rights.
Thank you.
48th Session
Item 2: General Debate
Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs
Jeppe Kofod
Denmark
Madame President
This is Denmark’s last session as a member of the Human Rights Council.
Our membership has reaffirmed for us that the Council is an essential platform for promoting and protecting individual human rights and fundamental freedoms.
At times we would have liked to see a bolder Council. To protect individuals against violations and abuses. To hold states accountable for their obligations. To prevent the escalation of crises.
Nevertheless, the Council has on many occasions stood firm.
It has taken action when it mattered the most. And reminded perpetrators that the world is watching.
When the democratically elected government in Myanmar fell to a military coup, the Council met in a special session and called for justice and accountability. We must continue to stand firm in solidarity with the people of Myanmar.
On Belarus, we acted by giving the High Commissioner a strong accountability mandate to investigate human rights violations and abuses by the authorities in the aftermath of the contested election. The impunity must end.
On Afghanistan, the Council stressed the need for transparent and prompt investigations into reports of human rights violations and abuses. The Taliban must respect human rights and protect civilians. They will be judged not by their words, but by their actions.
***
Across countries, the Council plays an indispensable role in promoting thematic human rights issues.
Denmark leads on the fight against torture and in the fight for the rights of women and girls, including their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Just as we are engaged in the promotion of rights of indigenous people, in the protection of civil society space and the protection of freedom of religion or belief.
We will of course continue our engagement in the Council as observers and carry on the fight to protect and promote the universal human rights.
Thank you.