Report on Yemen

CD4PEACE – REPORT OF THE 3RD MEETING, 48TH REGULAR SESSION HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (14 September 2021)

September 14, 2021: ID on report of Group of Experts on Yemen

All sources used to draft the report can be found here. Report drafted by Marc Enzo Belligoi Gomis on September 14th, 2021.

Composition of the HRC

Main Report

Madame President Nazhat Shameem Khan opened the 3rd Meeting, 48th Regular Session Human Rights Council (HRC) on the 14th of September at 10:00.

Madame President welcomed the Eminent Group of Experts on Yemen, comprised by Kamel Jendoubi (Tunisia) (Chair), Melissa Parke (Australia) and Ardi Imseis (Canada).

Kamel Jendoubi (Chair) on behalf of the Eminent Group of Experts on Yemen started his statement by emphasizing that the group had worked with full independence and by thanking the HRC for its trust and the High Commissioner's office for its support. However, Mr. Jendoubi regretted the lack of funding that the Group of Experts had experienced during the previous year, and by stating that human and financial resources are essential to complete the groups mandate. Additionally, the Group of Experts was not able to visit the situation of Yemen on the ground, however, they did carry their work in a professional manner and there were many meetings done remotely in order to compile the report.

Mr. Jendoubi followed by affirming that all parties involved in the conflict continue to trample human rights and that there is no real political will to put an end to the violence. The findings of the report reflect that human rights violations have become prevalent and accepted in the country. Coalition forces have been undertaking aerial strikes which target civilians and civilian infrastructure, such as homes, farms, crops, and ports, which aggravate the humanitarian crisis in the country. All parties involved in the conflict, including Houthis, need to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid to enter the country. Mr. Jendoubi stressed the dire situation of women and children in Yemen, with widespread gender-based violence, and traditions that affect women and children continue to be practiced, such as the use of child soldiers. Journalists and minorities are also exposed to great risks and Mr. Jendoubi emphasized the need to strengthen the civil society in Yemen. Finally, he stated that little is being done in military courts both in Yemen and in Saudi Arabia and, therefore, there is widespread impunity. Mr. Jendoubi recommended that cases of crimes need to be brought to the International Court of Justice and that, given the lack of a lasting solution in Yemen, the HRC needs to continue to be active in the country.

Statements

Yemen expressed criticism regarding the Group of Experts and stated its refusal to renew the groups mandate. Yemen also claimed that the international community is receiving biased reports by the Group of Experts and by numerous NGOs. Yemen emphasized that it is committed to pursuing accountability and for that purpose they created the Yemen National Committee of Inquiry in order to avoid impunity and to protect the Yemeni citizens from human rights violations. Yemen stated that international efforts and resources would be better deployed in support of said committee and not to the Group of Experts.

Egypt, on behalf of the group of Arab States stated that the Group of Experts is biased and that it does not have the support of the country of Yemen. Egypt called for assistance to be provided to Yemen and expressed its support to the legitimate government of Yemen.

The European Union thanked the Eminent Group of Experts for their report and regretted that the group was banned from visiting Yemen and other countries involved in the conflict. The EU stated that civilians bear the brunt of hostilities and deplored the impediment of humanitarian access in the country and the use of starvation as a means for warfare.

Ireland, on behalf of a group of countries (Belgium, Canada, Luxemburg, Ireland, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands) thanked the efforts by the Group of Experts and expressed concern for the human rights situation in Yemen, in particular due to starvation and the Covid 19 pandemic. Ireland stressed out the need for international independent accountability efforts and emphasized the necessity to prolongate the Group of Experts mandate.

Bahrein, on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, took note of the contents of the report and presented their support to the country of Yemen. Bahrain stated that the solution to the conflict must be political and through efforts by the international community. Bahrein expressed concern for the contradictions found between the National Committee and the Group of Experts reports and stated its support for the National Committee efforts.

Iceland, on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries thanked the group of Experts for their report and expressed concern for the violation of human rights and international law in Yemen qualifying the situation as one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Iceland conveyed its support to the Group of Experts and stated the importance of a political process as the means to achieve peace.

Lichtenstein stated its support to the Group of Experts while expressing concern for the situation of human rights in Yemen, in particular for the situation of children and for the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure by all parties of the conflict. Lichtenstein qualified as unacceptable the Group of Experts lack of resources and access to Yemen in order to fulfill their mandate.

UAE aligned its statement to the political group it belongs to. UAE qualified the approach by the Group of Experts as unilateral and ignoring international resolutions, while also utilizing inaccurate information in their report. UAE called upon the HRC to reconsider its approach regarding the situation in Yemen.

Switzerland thanked the Group of Experts for their report while also condemning the violation of human rights and international law in Yemen. Switzerland deplored that no solution to the conflict had been found and called upon all the parties in the conflict to take measures to put an end to the targeting of civilians and to allow access to humanitarian aid in the country.

France supported the statement delivered by the EU and denounced the violations of human rights carried out by all parties in the conflict. France expressed concern for the targeting of civilians and called on all parties in the conflict, in particular the Houthis, to allow humanitarian access to the country.

Egypt stated that the report by the Group of Experts ignored the effects of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and that the report failed to pay attention to Houthi violations of human rights. Egypt emphasized that the report also ignored all the positive initiatives and actions taken by the legitimate government of Yemen.

Venezuela expressed concern for the civilian population in Yemen and called for the need for humanitarian aid to reach the country. Venezuela also conveyed the challenge that the Covid 19 pandemic entails and that a solution to the pandemic in Yemen requires international cooperation efforts.

Iraq expressed its commitment to the principles of non-interference and called for the HRC to guarantee the non-interference to the conflict by other countries. Iraq called for dialogue and for a political solution as the only means to achieve peace in Yemen.

USA thanked the Group of Experts and expressed its support for continuation of their mandate for 2 more years. USA stated its concern for the human rights situation in the country, including violations such as the use of child soldiers and the use of starvation as a means for warfare, while also calling attention to the Houthis for stalling negotiations for a ceasefire.

Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its rejection of the mandate of the Group of Experts and expressed its support to the Yemeni National Commission. Saudi Arabia denounced the attacks by the Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabian civilians which the report only defined as military operations against Saudi Arabia.

China reiterated its support for the legitimate government of Yemen and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. China states that a political settlement is the only solution to the conflict and advocated for dialogue as opposed to international pressure on the countries involved in the conflict as a means to protect human rights. Additionally, China also called for the non-renewal of the Group of Experts mandate.

Libya expressed its support to the legitimate government of Yemen and its solidarity with the people of Yemen. Libya called for the need to intensify international efforts in order to achieve peace in the country.

Mauritania reaffirmed the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen while declaring that the legitimate government of Yemen is the only legitimate representative of the country. Mauritania also expressed its rejection to the extension of the Group of Experts mandate and showed support for the national efforts undertaken by the government of Yemen to secure the human rights of civilians.

Bahrein expressed its support to the statement made by the group they belong to. Bahrein criticized the politicized approach the Group of Experts had taken and stated that the report was filled with baseless allegations. Bahrein reaffirmed that the ideal solution to the conflict is a political solution and expressed support to the efforts pursued by the government of Yemen to establish a National Committee of Inquiry.

The United Kingdom conveyed concern by the findings of the Group of Experts on violations and crimes committed by all parties in the conflict, in particular violations of children's human rights and the Houthi targeting of Saudi Arabian cities. The UK stated its support to a political settlement to put an end to the conflict.

Sudan aligned its statement to the one made by the Arab Group. Sudan expressed its solidarity with the people of Yemen and stated the important role played by the National Commission of Inquiry in Yemen in the investigation of alleged crimes committed by all parties.

Morocco called for a peace solution and for the preservation of the territorial unity of Yemen. Morocco also stated its commitment to contribute to the international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Kuwait reiterated its support to the legitimate government of Yemen and stated that the solution to the humanitarian crisis should be achieved through a political and peaceful settlement. Kuwait also criticized the Houthi refusal to allow the Group of Experts to enter the country.

Jordan expressed its support to the legitimate government of Yemen and called to the HRC to provide technical assistance and support to the National Commission of Inquiry.

Uganda was not present.

Tunisia expressed its solidarity with Yemen and its commitment to help the country reach a political solution to the conflict. Tunisia condemned all attacks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and called for the immediate access of humanitarian aid to the country.

Cameroon stated its support to the legitimate government of Yemen and to the coalition forces. Cameroon also expressed its support to the National Commission of Inquiry.

The Islamic Republic of Iran condemned the unlawful military intervention in Yemen by the coalition forces, which is supported by international parties who suppl them with weapons. Iran also condemned the air strikes which target the civilian population in Yemen and stated that a military intervention is not the solution to the conflict.

Pakistan called for a political solution to the conflict and reiterated its full support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen. Pakistan also called for the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen which has gotten worse with the Covid 19 pandemic.

The written statements by non-governmental speakers can be found here.

CD4PEACE – REPORT OF THE 39TH AND 40TH MEETINGS, 48TH REGULAR SESSION HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (October 2021)

October 7, 2021: Presentation of country report by the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Yemen, followed by General Debate Item 10: Technical assistance and capacity-building.

All sources used to draft the report can be found here and here. Report drafted by Marc Enzo Belligoi Gomis on October 8th, 2021.

Composition of the HRC

Madam Vice-President Keva Lorraine Bain invited Madam Michelle Bachelet for the presentation of the country report on the implementation of technical and capacity building assistance to the Yemen National Commission of Inquiry.

Madam Michelle Bachelet, High Commissioner for Human Rights, began her statement by stating that the conflict in Yemen is in its 7th year, with no pace in sight and no respite for the civilian population. According to the High Commissioner, since the escalation of the conflict in March 2015, the OHCHR has verified the killing of more than 8.800 civilians, including 2.270 children, and the injury of 13.283 civilians, and stated that all parties of the conflict continue to act with little regard with international human rights and humanitarian law. Madam Bachelet emphasized that the situation in Yemen is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, with more than 20 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and protection, 12 million of them urgently, and called on all donor states to step-up and stop the famine in the country.

The High Commissioner also addressed the challenges that her Office had to fulfill their mission, such as the limited access in some regions, transportation difficulties, the fear of many whiteness and sources, as well as threats and intimidation. However, Madam Bachelet stated that the OHCHR is committed to document violations and abuses of human rights in the country and expressed that her office will continue to provide support to the National Commission of Yemen, to strengthen its capacity to investigate allegations of violations of international law by all parties in the conflict.

The High Commissioner also stated that the report includes recommendations to improve the work of the Commission but noted the cooperation done by the Commission to work with civil society movements and with international NGOs. Finally, Madam Bachelet called on all parties in the conflict to cooperate with the Commission.

Statements by the Countries Concerned

Yemen reiterated the independence of the work done by the National Commission and stated that there is no need for other mechanisms, for such mechanisms would not be fully aware of the situation on the ground. Yemen also stated that the Houthis have committed numerous human rights violations and that they have rejected efforts by the government of Yemen and Saudi Arabia to achieve a ceasefire.

Madam Vice-President Ebyan Mahamed Salah opens the General Debate on ITEM 10.

Statements by the Members of the Council

Slovenia, on behalf of the European Union, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Lichtenstein, stated their support for the work done by the HC and called for all countries to cooperate with the OHCHR. Slovenia also expressed concern for the situation of human rights in Cambodia, Philippines, Georgia, and Haiti.

Egypt, on behalf of the Arab Group, conveyed the importance of capacity building programs, which always should respect the sovereignty of the countries concerned and must avoid any form of politicization. Egypt also stated that the HRC should provide support to Arab countries such as Somalia, Libya, Sudan, and Yemen.

Brunei, on behalf of ASEAN, stressed the importance of the capacity building mechanisms in the promotion and protection of human rights, and welcomed the General Debate as a way to share recommendations and best practices.

Finland, on behalf of the Nord-Baltic Countries, called on all states to cooperate with the OHCHR. Finland also expressed concern for the situation of human rights in the Philippines and, addressing the Philippines, stated that civil society is the cornerstone of any strong society.

Pakistan, on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, reiterated the importance of the technical assistance mandate to build dialogue and constructive engagement among states, always respecting the sovereignty of the countries concerned. Pakistan also stated the need to apply the technical assistance to help states affected by the Covid 19 pandemic.

Bahrein, on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, expressed appreciation for the work done by the Independent National Yemeni Commission and stated the importance of finding a peaceful solution to resolve the crisis in Yemen.

Cameroon, on behalf of the African States, was pleased by the efforts of the HC to provide technical assistance and capacity building to the countries which requested it. Cameroon also stated that there should be a transparent assessment of these programs to make sure they are relevant and to adjust them if necessary.

Azerbaijan, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, stated the importance of celebrating the General Debate on ITEM 10. Azerbaijan also recalled the need for the technical assistance and capacity building mandates to be applied only when the concerned states request it.

Gambia, behalf of Benin, Cambodia, Lesotho, Maldives, Mali, Mauritius, Nepal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia, expressed that this was the first time that many of these countries had had the opportunity to directly experience the work of the HRC. Gambia also urged all states, particularly developed countries, to continue to work towards ensuring inclusivity and universality in the work of the HRC.

Mali, on behalf of Gambia, Benin, Cambodia, Togo, Comoros, Vinicius, commended the HRC to foster the creation and preservation of cooperation between states on the promotion and protection of human rights. Mali also called on the HRC to ensure that all draft resolutions are also written in French.

Cape Verde, on behalf of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, stated its support to the mandate on technical assistance and capacity building. Cape Verde also stressed that external factors, such as the Covid 19 pandemic, have widened inequalities and undermined development efforts in many countries.

The UK, on behalf of a group of countries, commended the efforts made by the government of Sudan and the progress achieved in the last two years in the protection and promotion of human rights.

Zambia, on behalf of Lesotho, Gambia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Sudan, stated that technical cooperation and capacity building must be guided always by the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence and also expressed gratitude to the donor countries that made it possible for them to participate in the HRC.

Pakistan, on behalf of a group of countries, stated that the technical assistance mandate is an indispensable tool to promote the realization and enjoyment of all human rights globally. However, Pakistan also expressed that in some cases technical assistance has been "packaged" in such a way that it creates hierarchy among human rights.

China, on behalf of a group of countries, welcomed the cooperation of Cambodia with the OHCHR. China also stated that the OHCHR needs to respect the sovereignty of states and that it should rely only on objective and reliable facts and ensure that they give assistance to states only upon request.

Germany aligned itself with the statement by the EU. Germany urged the international community to cooperate with the OHCHR and called upon states to ensure the necessary funding for the OHCHR and not just the minimum funding required.

France aligned itself with the statement of the EU. France regretted the underfinancing of the OHCHR and expressed concern for the situation of human rights in Cambodia. France also welcomed the cooperation of the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the human rights mechanism.

Venezuela endorsed the statement delivered by the NAM and stated that the promotion and protection of human rights should be under-pined by the principles of cooperation and dialogue. Venezuela also stated that unilateral coercive measures have a negative impact on the populations impacted by those measures.

Indonesia reaffirmed its support to the work of the OHCHR and stated the importance of the technical assistance and capacity building programs. Indonesia also expressed support to the government of the Philippines on its efforts to comply with human rights obligations.

Bahrain welcomed technical assistance and capacity building programs as one of the major means to improve the capacity of states to improve their human rights situation. Bahrain also appealed to all parties in the conflict in Yemen to cooperate with the National Committee.

Cuba stated that all states have the prerogative to terminate their cooperation with the OHCHR. Cuba also stated that the technical assistance and capacity building mandate is used by developed countries as an excuse to push their own political agendas.

The Russian Federation conveyed that it has consistently opposed the politicization of technical assistance in human rights to countries that need it. Russia stated that such assistance must be provided by concerned states exclusively at their request and without any conditions.

India was pleased by the efforts made by the Philippines to cooperate with the UN. India also stated that the Covid 19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities around the world and called for international cooperation in the recovery process.

Nepal stated that by including technical assistance and capacity building as a core mandate of the HRC, such mandate reflects the prominence of international cooperation on the protection and promotion of human rights. Nepal also expressed its commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda.

China stated the need to always respect the county's sovereignty and consent and full cooperation when they request technical assistance. China also stressed the need to avoid politicizing the mandate.

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment and financial support to the mandate. Pakistan also expressed concern for how developing countries have been more affected by crisis, such as Covid 19 and climate change.

Sudan called for increasing the support for the National Investigation Commission of Yemen. Sudan also expressed gratitude to the mandate holders on the situation of Sudan and to all those delegations that participated in the debate regarding the situation in Sudan.

Ukraine expressed its commitment to cooperate with the OHCHR and to apply its recommendations. However, Ukraine also regretted the lack of access by the OHCHR to the Russian occupied territories in Ukraine.

The UK encouraged states to continue cooperating with the UN and commended the efforts made by Sudan in the protection and promotion of human rights. The UK also expressed concern for the situation on human rights in Mali and Algeria.

Poland aligned itself with the statement made by the EU. Poland expressed concern for the human rights situation in Eastern Europe, for the situation in Yemen and the situation in the Russian occupied territories in Georgia. Poland also commended the efforts committed by Georgia in the promotion of human rights.

Bulgaria aligned itself with the statement made by the EU. Bulgaria also welcomed the progress made by the Georgian Government but expressed concern for the situation in the Russian occupied territories in Georgia.

Mauritania stated that technical assistance and capacity building are essential for human rights; however, it must be based on the prior approval of the concerned states and has to adapt to the needs of the specific countries.

Libya stated that technical assistance and capacity building are of critical importance and that they require a solid partnership within the international community.

Eritrea acknowledged the efforts made by the Philippines on the promotion and protection of human rights.

Statements by Observer States

Egypt reiterated its support to the technical assistance and capacity building mandates only if there is the consent of the countries concerned. Egypt also welcomed the efforts undertaken by the movement of Yemen and the movement of the Philippines on their efforts to protect human rights.

Sierra Leone aligned itself with the statement by the African Group. Sierra Leone also stated that thanks to the mandate on technical assistance and capacity building, countries such as Sierra Leone are able to fully engage with the HRC mechanisms.

Finland aligned itself with the statement of the EU. Finland also called on states to support the UN Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation as well as reiterated its support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.

Kuwait called for strengthening the support and cooperation with the government of Yemen, praised the efforts made by the National Committee in Yemen, and commended the efforts of the government of Philippines on the promotion and protection of human rights.

Lithuania appreciated the strong cooperation between the government of Georgia and the OHCHR as well as called for the immediate access for the OHCHR to the Russian occupied territories in Georgia.

Switzerland welcomed the efforts and cooperation between the OHCHR and the Philippines and stated the need to strengthen the judicial system in the Philippines to guarantee appropriate accountability.

Iraq stressed the importance of applying the technical assistance and capacity building mechanism only when requested by the countries concerned. Iraq also stated that the implementation of the mechanism has to adapt to the specificities and societal norms of each country

Costa Rica stated that the Covid 19 pandemic and its economic impact pose a challenge to countries and called for international cooperation to tackle the inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic

South Africa stated that Covid 19 has shown the need to increase constructive international cooperation and emphasized the need for technical assistance and capacity building measures to have an equal focus on civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

Morocco reiterated the importance of the General Debate on Agenda ITEM 10 and stated that technical assistance at a regional level has a key role to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

The USA underlined the correlation between technical assistance and capacity building and the further promotion and protection of human rights. The USA also encouraged countries to implement technical assistance and capacity building which is inclusive of minorities and women and girls in all their diversity.

Estonia aligned itself with the statement made by the EU. Estonia also expressed concern for the deterioration of the situation of human rights in the Russian occupied regions of Georgia.

Hungary acknowledged the importance of technical assistance and capacity building in the promotion and protection of human rights. Hungary also stated that capacity building is not mentioned enough in the 2030 Agenda.

Latvia aligned itself with the statement delivered by the EU. Latvia also expressed concern for the human rights situation in the Russian occupied territories in Georgia.

Afghanistan stated that the Taliban occupation of the country has had far reaching consequences and long-lasting negative effects on human rights.

Algeria expressed that the country is strongly attached to technical cooperation and capacity building programs. Algeria also stated that the specific situation of each country must be taken into consideration when applying such a mechanism.

Azerbaijan stated that technical assistance and capacity building, with the consent and support of the states concerned, is essential in the effective promotion of human rights. Azerbaijan also reaffirmed its support to the territorial integrity of Georgia.

Moldova commended the work done by the HC in Georgia and expressed concern regarding human rights violations in the Russian occupied territories in Georgia.

Cambodia welcomed efforts made by the Philippines on the promotion and protection of human rights and specified that to achieve the full potential of technical assistance and capacity building programs, such programs should enhance state capacity, in particular the right to development.

Timor-Leste stated that poor nations, conflict and post-conflict countries, small island developing states, and countries heavily affected by natural hazards and the pandemic must receive support by the international community.

Lesotho expressed gratitude for their financial partners and for the opportunity to participate directly in the HRC as well as stated the need for international cooperation in order to fight the Covid 19 Pandemic.

Sri Lanka commended the progress made by the Philippines and Cambodia on the protection and promotion of human rights. Sri Lanka also reiterated that mandates must have the consent and come after the request of the countries concerned.

South Sudan aligned itself with the statement made by the African Group. South Sudan also reiterated its commitment to the peace agreement and to guarantee human rights in the country.

Suriname, also on behalf of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, stated their commitment to ensure human rights. Suriname also expressed gratitude for the technical cooperation afforded to their countries to offer an opportunity to actively participate in the HRC.

Vietnam stated that technical assistance and capacity building should take into account the priorities of the countries concerned and follow the principles and mandates of the HRC. Vietnam also commended the efforts made by the Philippines on the protection of human rights.

UN Women stated the need to provide technical assistance to the empowerment of women around the world. UN Women also stated that, during the past 10 years, they provided technical assistance to the countries who have requested it.

Saudi Arabia welcomed the report of the HC on Yemen and stressed the importance of continuing the national mechanisms in the country. Saudi Arabia also stated the importance of achieving a peaceful solution to the conflict in Yemen.

Tunisia stated the importance of technical assistance and capacity building in the area of human rights and insisted on the need to base international cooperation on the principles of impartiality, objectivity, construct dialogue, and partnerships.

New Zealand expressed concern for the situation of human rights in Cambodia and in the Philippines, especially for the situation and safety of human rights defenders.

UAE welcomed the efforts made by the Independent National Commission in Yemen to investigate violations and crimes against human rights. The UAE also expressed support to the UN efforts and the efforts of Saudi Arabia to achieve a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Brunei acknowledged the cooperation between the Philippines and ASEAN as well as the cooperation between the Philippines and the OHCHR.

Benin thanked the OHCHR for the assistance provided to countries to help their participation in the HRC. Benin also stated that technical assistance and capacity building are positive programs to help countries promote and protect human rights.

Lebanon commended the work done by the Philippines on human rights and for its cooperation with the OHCHR. Lebanon also expressed its commitment to the cooperation programs of technical assistance and capacity building.

Iran aligned itself with the statements made by NAM and OIC as well as the statements made by China and Pakistan. Iran also stated that technical assistance and capacity building are an essential component to the work of the HRC but stressed the fact that there must be an official request by the concerned states in order to implement such programs.

Ethiopia commended the HC for the oral update and noted the progress registered by the Philippines in the promotion and protection of human rights as well as in ensuring accountability in the country.

Turkey stated that technical assistance enables constructive dialogue and cooperation between states and human rights mechanisms. Turkey also welcomed the efforts made by the Philippines on capacity building and its cooperation with the UN.

Laos commended the Philippines for the progress made on promoting and protecting human rights and for its cooperation with the OHCHR. Laos also stated that international cooperation is essential for the promotion and protection of human rights and for achieving the 2030 Agenda.

Malaysia acknowledged that dialogue and constructive cooperation are instrumental in making meaningful and sustainable progress in human rights. Malaysia also noted with appreciation the efforts made by Cambodia and the Philippines.

Thailand stressed the importance of technical assistance and capacity building for the promotion and protection of human rights, but also stressed the need for applying such mechanisms only when the countries concerned requested them. Thailand also welcomed the cooperation between the Philippines and the OHCHR.

Sweden aligned itself with the statement given by the EU. Sweden stressed the need for adequate and consistent funding for the OHCHR, urged Cambodia to reopen safe spaces for civil society, expressed its support to the National Committee in Yemen as well for Georgia's sovereign, and finally expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the Philippines.

The written statements by non-governmental speakers can be found here.