HRC54 - All joint statements supported by Iceland

Human Rights Council – 54^th session

Item 3 General Debate: Joint Statement on the Social Reintegration of Persons Released from Detention and Under Supervision

Delivered by Costa Rica on behalf of a group of countries

20 September 2023

I have the honour of delivering this joint statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries.

Today, there are more than 11.5 million people in prison or other forms of detention, globally. The vast majority of people in prison will be released and re-join society. All States face the challenges of the effective social reintegration of persons released from detention and people under supervision, addressing stigmatization, discrimination, and preventing recidivism.

The Nelson Mandela Rules represent a global consensus that affirms that “the duty of society does not end with a prisoner’s release.” Yet, existing frameworks have not provided definitions or guidance to operationalize this general commitment, and further work is needed to advance this issue as a matter of human rights. Examples of effective practices may include medical care, vocational training, connection to employment, family reunification, and mental health services, among others. We recognize those States that have undertaken action in this regard.

We welcome this Council’s recent call on all States to design and implement post-release reintegration programmes specifically for women and girls and the mandate for the Office of the High Commissioner to prepare a report on effective practices and challenges in this regard. In view of the significant human rights benefits generated by these reintegration programmes and their contribution to the sustainable development of all communities, they are however more broadly needed for all released individuals and people under supervision.

We firmly believe that the Human Rights Council, as well as the relevant Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies, can and should play an important role in developing a global consensus on this issue and in providing guidance to States and other relevant stakeholders on the implementation of effective evidence-based practices from a human rights-based approach.

Human Rights Council – 54^th session

Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine

Joint statement by Denmark on behalf of the Group of Friends of Accountability for the Aggression against Ukraine

25 September 2023

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

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is clear ‘No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.’

This prohibition on torture applies at all times, in all circumstances.

But even as we are commemorating the 75^th anniversary of the UDHR this year, countless of Ukrainians have suffered torture and other grievous acts at the hands of the Russian authorities[1], depriving Ukrainians of their inherent dignity and  their aspiration to live free from fear.

We say to these survivors, we see you. We stand with you.

Mr. Chair,

Your reporting is clear.

The Commission has found a widespread pattern of torture and inhuman treatment committed by Russian authorities, which may amount to crimes against humanity.

You have gathered evidence that a wide range of grave human rights and humanitarian law violations, many amounting to war crimes, have been committed[2].

Impunity for international crimes is not an option. 

We will continue to seek full accountability, including for the crime of aggression. Because victims deserve justice.

We, therefore, welcome the reporting of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry

on Ukraine, the work of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine and relevant

UN Special Procedure mandate holders, the investigation by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court into the Situation in Ukraine, the operationalization of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, the establishment of the Register of Damage for Ukraine, and the work of the Core Group towards a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
Human Rights Council – 54th session.

Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Enquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic

Statement by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries

22 September 2023

This statement is made on behalf of a cross regional group of 53 countries.

We support the important work of the Commissioners, and the key role this plays together with the IIIM in ensuring accountability for the ongoing serious violations of international law in Syria.

We are alarmed by the increase in hostilities resulting in civilian casualties, and by the absence of a long-term solution to ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to all those in need, and call on all parties to facilitate immediate and unhindered humanitarian assistance.

We note with great concern, and condemn, the persistence of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture and deaths in detention, including for returnees. We demand that the Syrian authorities cease these violations, ensure the protection of civilians, respect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without discrimination, and urge them to engage, in good faith, with the Independent Institution on Missing Persons.

We recall the Commission of Inquiry’s findings that Syria does not yet offer a safe and stable environment for returns, and support UNHCR's call for to the Syrian authorities to create conditions necessary to enable the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees and displaced persons.

Mr President,

Recent protests demonstrate the despair, and continued bravery, of the Syrian people and we urge Damascus to acknowledge their legitimate demands.

We support all efforts to make progress on the political process and urge the Syrian authorities, and all parties, to engage meaningfully and in good faith to advance all aspects of Security Council resolution 2254.

Human Rights Council – 54^th session

Item 8 General Debate: Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action

Joint statement delivered by Finland on behalf of a group of countries

4 October 2023

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, Chile, South Africa, my own country Finland and a cross-regional group of 50 States.

The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA), which we commemorate the 30th anniversary thereof, states: “every person is born equal and has the same rights to life and welfare, education and work, living independently and active participation in all aspects of society”.

Intersex persons have innate variations of sex characteristics that differ from medical and social norms for female or male bodies. Two years ago, 53 States called for concrete measures to combat harmful practices, violence and discrimination based on sex characteristics. Furthermore, the UN, UN Special Procedures, regional entities, States and human rights defenders, including intersex human rights defenders have addressed specific human rights violations and abuses faced by intersex persons. It is time to step up these efforts.

Because their bodies are perceived as different, intersex persons, including children, face stigma, misconception and violence, such as forced, coercive, irreversible and non-vital medical interventions. These include so-called “normalising” surgeries that can have life-long negative impacts on their physical and mental health. These harmful practices should be urgently stopped. Human rights of intersex persons need to be respected, so that they can live free from violence, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment and harmful practices.  The rights to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and to physical and mental integrity are of particular importance.

We are concerned by cases of unnecessary pathologization of intersex variations. Intersex persons should be the only ones who decide whether they wish to modify the characteristics or function of their own bodies. In the case of children, the views of the child should be given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.  Medical protocols should be reviewed to ensure that they are based on the full, free and informed consent of the person concerned and be consistent with international human rights law.

Adequate, independent counselling and support to intersex persons, their families and communities, including information about alternatives and the impacts of medical interventions, is essential.

Sharing best practices from around the world, reviews of existing practices and protocols, in line with international human rights law, awareness raising and improved and consensual data collection can promote the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health for intersex persons.

We call on all States to increase efforts to combat violence, harmful practices and discrimination on the basis of sex characteristics, address their root causes, and implement protective laws and policies in close consultations with those affected, in order to ensure the full realization of human rights of intersex persons.

Human Rights Council – 54^th session

Item 5 General Debate: Joint statement on Indigenous Peoples Participation

Delivered by Australia on behalf of a group of countries

29 September 2023

It is my pleasure to deliver this statement on behalf of 21 countries, including my own country, Australia. I would like to reiterate our long-held position that a new status, separate from civil society organisations, must be developed to ensure Indigenous Peoples can participate meaningfully at the UN.

Indigenous Peoples bring unique perspectives, diversity, histories, interests, and solutions – whether it be on climate change, conservation and biodiversity, land and water management, intellectual property, protection of groups in vulnerable situations or protecting and upholding international human rights – Indigenous Peoples have a lot to contribute and should be heard.

We have seen the value of Indigenous Peoples’ participation in UN meetings, including here in these very chambers at the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. According to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Indigenous Peoples should be able to participate in decision-making in matters that affect their rights.

The Council has the opportunity to show real leadership and give effect to this principle by enabling Indigenous Peoples’ representatives and institutions to participate under their own distinct status in matters affecting them at this Council. Including in the interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Expert Mechanism on the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

We urge all states to support the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples at this Council to ensure outcomes that are in the interests of all people.
Human Rights Council - 54^th session

Item 5 General Debate: Joint Statement on the Promotion of Universality of the Standing Invitations to all Special Procedures

Joint Statement by Latvia on behalf of a group of countries

28 September 2023

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of countries.

Mr President,

We, the States subscribing to this statement and representing different regional and legal traditions, are united by the decision to extend standing invitations to all special procedures mandate holders of the Human Rights Council and to honour them.

We note with satisfaction that the number of States, that have extended standing invitations, has continued to grow, reaching the total number of 129 UN Member States and 1 non-Member Observer State. We welcome the recent decision of the Kingdom of Morocco to extend a standing invitation.

We welcome the information on cooperation of States with UN special procedures, outlined in the latest annual report of the special procedures and presented to the 52^nd session of the Human Rights Council, and also note with appreciation the focus of the High Commissioner’s global update of last June on cooperation with mechanisms, including special procedures. While we commend considerable efforts of some States to develop constructive cooperation with mandate holders, we regret that others have continued to demonstrate selective or no cooperation with mandate holders. We are profoundly concerned about attacks and threats against mandate holders.

The issuing of a standing invitation should result in genuine cooperation with the special procedures, whereby States respect the independence, expertise and the working methods of the mandate holders.

Whilst recognising that the commitment to receive special procedures is voluntary, we continue to encourage all States that have not done so, especially current members and candidate States of the Human Rights Council, to extend a standing invitation to the Council’s mechanisms, and once this commitment is made, to honour it.

We invite all States to continue to cooperate with and assist the special procedures mandate holders in the performance of their tasks and to promote an open, constructive and transparent dialogue in the Council.

Human Rights Council - 54^th session

Item 8 General Debate: Joint Statement on President Nelson Mandela and his commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Vienna Declaration and Progamme of Action

Delivered by South Africa on behalf of a group of countries

5 October 2023

South Africa has the honour to read a joint statement on President Nelson Mandela and his commitment to the UDHR and VDPA, on behalf of 169 co-sponsors. The complete list is published on the extranet

This year, the world commemorates two landmark milestones that have indelibly shaped our shared commitment to advancing human rights: the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration of Human Rights and Programme of Action (VDPA).

In addition, as per the General Assembly Resolution 64/13, on 18 July, we will also celebrate annually Nelson Mandela International Day, when we take a moment to reflect upon the timeless wisdom and extraordinary legacy of Nelson Mandela, a towering figure who embodied the very essence of human rights, equality, and justice. His life's journey and dedication to the service of humanity intersected profoundly with the principles enshrined in the UDHR and VDPA, inspiring generations and serving as a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.

President Mandela's unwavering devotion to the principle of non-discrimination resonates deeply with the core values of the UDHR and VDPA. His vision encompassed a world where every individual, regardless of their race, gender, or social background, would be embraced and accorded the respect and dignity they deserve. His words echo with clarity: "To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity."

Freedom and justice, fundamental tenets of the UDHR and VDPA, beat at the heart of President Mandela's struggle. He fought tirelessly against oppression, firmly believing that no one should be subjected to tyranny or denied their inherent right to self-determination. He reminded us that true freedom goes beyond the mere breaking of chains, emphasising that "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

Reconciliation, a guiding principle in President Mandela's remarkable journey, intertwines profoundly with the principles outlined in the UDHR and VDPA. He showcased the transformative power of forgiveness and healing, transcending bitterness and division. His words resound in our souls: "As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison."

As we embark on the work of HRC54, let us recommit ourselves to the enduring values championed by the UDHR, VDPA, and Nelson Mandela. Let us draw strength from the progress we have made while remaining resolute in our pursuit of human rights for all. Together, we can construct societies where justice reigns supreme, freedom blossoms, and the flame of human rights illuminates even the darkest corners.

In conclusion, let us pay tribute to the legacies of the UDHR, VDPA, and President Mandela by rededicating ourselves to the promotion and protection of human rights. May we be emboldened by his words: "There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." Let us aspire to greatness, inspire change, and tirelessly champion a world where the rights and dignity of every individual are respected and safeguarded.

Human Rights Council – 54^th session

Item 8 General Debate: Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action

Joint statement on women and girls in the Islamic Republic of Iran delivered by Canada

on behalf of a group of countries

5 October 2023

Chair, I deliver this statement on behalf of a group of countries, including my own country of Canada.

The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action underscores that “the human rights of women and [girls] are an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of universal human rights.” Yet, 30 years after its adoption, pushback against gender equality and women’s empowerment continues globally. Together, we recall the Vienna Declaration and once again urge all states to eradicate “all forms of discrimination against women, both hidden and overt.”[3]

Against this backdrop and alongside the voices of the women and girls of Iran, the High Commissioner[4], UN Special Procedures[5] and the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran[6], we express serious concern about the recent Chastity and Hijab bill passed by the Iranian Parliament and call for it to be reconsidered in line with Iran’s human rights obligations.

The bill will intensify punishments for women and girls who do not obey Iran’s compulsory dress code, ultimately undermining their right to freedom of expression. It creates unprecedented social and economic barriers for women by imposing travel bans, denying them education, and limiting access to health facilities and other public services, among existing de facto restrictions and punishments. We are also deeply troubled by reports of the use of new artificial intelligence and digital facial recognition technology to surveil, arrest and punish women perceived to be noncompliant with the law.[7] These developments exacerbate an already dire situation for women and girls, marked by widespread and systematic discrimination, both in law and in practice.

Women and girls of Iran should enjoy the full array of their human rights, free from discrimination, surveillance and fear of retribution. We urge the Government of Iran to heed the legitimate claims of its citizens and the protesters who rallied behind the slogan “Women, Life, Freedom”, and to abide by its obligations under international law, including in matters of women’s rights and gender equality.

Human Rights Council - 54^th session

Item 8 General Debate: Joint Statement on youth participation in decision-making

Delivered by Lithuania, on behalf of a group of countries

5 October 2023

I have the honour to deliver this Joint statement on behalf of 55 countries.

Finding solutions to modern challenges requires the involvement of everyone. There are 1.8 billion young persons worldwide. They represent a substantial part of our societies, and they should be involved in decision-making regarding their future.

As stated in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, every person should participate actively in the realization of their fundamental human rights and freedoms. We welcome the efforts by the OHCHR and Member States to include youth participants, including adolescent girls, in the work of the Human Rights Council – it is important to hear their voices and take their opinions into account.

To further strengthen their active and meaningful engagement and representation in decision-making processes on local and global levels, we invite States to take additional actions to:

• Support capacity-building programs for young leaders, particularly for adolescent girls, equipping them with the skills and knowledge required for effective participation in decision-making processes.
• Foster platforms that enable intergenerational dialogue, allowing youth to collaborate with experienced policymakers and experts in shaping policies that impact their future.
• Consider ensuring direct youth input into human rights discussions and resolutions.
• Promote research and data collection on youth perspectives and experiences, providing evidence-based insights to guide policymaking.
• Encourage Member States to enact legislation and policies that protect the right of young people to participate in decision-making without discrimination or exclusion on any grounds.

In conclusion, we firmly believe that full and meaningful participation of all young persons is essential for the advancement of human rights and freedoms. By investing in and empowering our youth, we pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

ATH