Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly
New York,
October 29, 2021
Her Excellency, Nazhat Shameem Khan, President of the Human Rights Council
Excellencies,
Dear Colleagues,
It is my honour to welcome Ambassador Nazhat for the presentation of the Human Rights Council Annual Report.
With a responsibility to promote and protect human rights, the mandate of the Human Rights Council is rooted firmly in the three pillars of the United Nations.
From addressing gross and systematic violations, to the promotion and mainstreaming of human rights within the United Nations, the Council has continuously delivered on this mandate.
Excellencies,
Over the past 18 months, the pandemic has exacerbated existing human rights crises. This has led to an erosion of human rights as access to the most essentials, such as water and health, became even more limited.
With the world now trying to move into a recovery from the pandemic, human rights can and must play a key role in our resolve to ensure that no one is left behind. It must influence our efforts and perceptions around education, access to vaccines, and support to jobs and livelihoods, to name a few.
On this note, I commend the active role of the Council in promoting the significance of vaccines, particularly through the adoptions of resolutions on ensuring equal and fair access and distribution.
Excellencies,
One of the priorities of my presidency is focused on human rights. It is my intention throughout the session to instil hope by delivering concrete actions through a human rights lens. This includes actions on vaccines, on gender equality, on sustainable recovery, and climate action.
Of particular significance, is the High-Level event on vaccines that I intend to hold early next year, which will contribute to the aim of achieving universal vaccination for all by the end of 2022.
Likewise, the recent High-Level Thematic Dialogue on Delivering Climate Action, last Tuesday, underscored what the Human Rights Council has recently recognized, for the very first time, that having a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a human right. In resolution 48/13, the Human Rights Council has called on States around the world to work together, and with other partners, to implement this newly recognized right.
Excellencies, the adoption of the resolution and the appointment of a Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change – is a testament to the Council’s commitment to its work in an ever-changing world. I commend the Council on its pathbreaking work.
Before I end, I would like to inform the membership that as per resolution A/75/309 on “Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech”, 18th June has been proclaimed as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech and requests the President of the General Assembly to organize a high-level meeting on countering hate speech to mark the commemoration of the first such international day in 2022. I look forward to working with the Council to ensure that this high-level meeting is a success.
Excellencies,
I once again congratulate President Nazhat for presenting the Annual Report of the Human Rights Council and I wish you all a successful session.
I thank you.
Throughout our disarmament efforts, it is my conviction that women and youth can make a meaningful contribution. Let us take special pains to ensure that women and youth, as well as civil society, are more actively engaged in this work going forward.
