HRC54 - NB8 statement - OHCHR report on economic, social and cultural rights, and COVID-19 recovery

Human Rights Council, 54th session

Item 3: Interactive dialogue on OHCHR report on economic, social and cultural rights, and COVID-19 recovery

Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries

15 September 2023

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.

We thank the High Commissioner for the Office’s important work to advance economic, social and cultural rights, and for this report. The global increase in extreme poverty following the COVID pandemic and ongoing conflicts poses serious human rights concerns.

OHCHR’s support to national institutions in implementing their human right obligations is very valuable. Disaggregated data is indeed critical in ensuring gender equality and non-discrimination in the fulfilment of economic, social and cultural rights.

COVID-19 recovery must be rooted in human rights and individual rights holders at its centre. The independence of the work of OHCHR needs to be ensured, without question.

Civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights all build on each other. They are indivisible and interdependent. Our joint efforts are required to build a safer and more just world that is based on the rule of law and the universality of human rights.

Mr. High Commissioner, how are individual rights holders and human rights defenders, including those in vulnerable situations, involved in your office’s work to promote and protect economic, social and cultural rights?

I thank you.