{"id":289548,"date":"2023-10-10T14:41:29","date_gmt":"2023-10-10T18:41:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&p=289548"},"modified":"2023-11-02T13:27:11","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T17:27:11","slug":"highlighting-hamas-recent-attack-on-israel-third-committee-expresses-dismay-at-rise-in-conflict-victims-racism-anti-semitism-and-islamophobia-worldwide","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/highlighting-hamas-recent-attack-on-israel-third-committee-expresses-dismay-at-rise-in-conflict-victims-racism-anti-semitism-and-islamophobia-worldwide\/","title":{"rendered":"Highlighting Hamas\u2019 Recent Attack on Israel, Third Committee Expresses Dismay at Rise in Conflict Victims, Racism, Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia Worldwide – Press Release"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/div>\n
SEVENTY-EIGHTH SESSION, 16TH MEETING (AM)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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GA\/SHC\/4380<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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10 OCTOBER 2023<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Highlighting Hamas\u2019 Recent Attack on Israel, Third Committee Expresses Dismay at Rise in Conflict Victims, Racism, Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia Worldwide<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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One quarter of humanity lives in places affected by conflict, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine, and, now again, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, a United Nations human rights official told the Third Committee\u00a0(Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) today, highlighting that the number of civilians killed in war operations worldwide rose by 50\u00a0per\u00a0cent in\u00a02022.<\/p>\n

Volker Tu\u0308rk, High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed deep shock over the horrific attacks launched by Palestinian armed groups on Saturday and the ensuing full-blown conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 \u201cCivilians on both sides bear an intolerable brunt,\u201d he said, urgently calling on all parties to pull back from total warfare and the vicious cycle of vengeance and its disastrous and possibly irreparable long-term effects on peace and security across the region and beyond.<\/p>\n

He then painted a grim picture of the staggering number of civilian casualties in conflicts worldwide, the rise of racism and gender-based discrimination \u2013 notably against women and girls – as well as the surge in hate speech, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.\u00a0 Additionally, abject poverty and skyrocketing inequalities constitute tragic failures of the world\u2019s commitment to human rights.\u00a0 This sobering landscape of ills is further aggravated by harsh restrictions of the civic space which undercut institutions of justice and media freedoms, and by ungoverned digital technologies, including artificial intelligence\u00a0(AI) and autonomous weaponry.<\/p>\n

Spotlighting his Office\u2019s work in addressing human rights violations, he drew attention to the situation in Afghanistan:\u00a0 in light of pervasive human rights violations in that country, it is essential to sustain support for the UN’s human rights presence.\u00a0Similarly, in Colombia, the High Commissioner\u2019s office has played a key role in the peace process.\u00a0 However, the Office needs a level of core financing to implement all mandated activities, he emphasized.<\/p>\n

The central focus of the broad human rights dialogue that followed was the resurgence of violence in the Middle East.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many murdered Jews does it take for you to support Israel\u2019s right to self-defence?\u201d asked Israel\u2019s delegate, noting that the High Commissioner\u2019s role is not one of a \u201cbystander expressing his emotions\u201d and the Human Rights Council has \u201clost its moral compass\u201d.<\/p>\n

The observer for the State of Palestine, stressing that over 850\u00a0Palestinians have already been killed, said:\u00a0 \u201c[Israel] is telling you that killing more Palestinians, including children, is the answer.\u201d\u00a0 Israel\u2019s war minister has ordered a complete siege of the Gaza Strip, he said, calling on States to reject such collective punishment.<\/p>\n

The representative of the United States condemned the unjustified attacks on Israel by the terrorist organization Hamas, supporting the country\u2019s right to self-defence.\u00a0 Echoing his stance, Canada\u2019s delegate underscored that support for Palestinian self-determination or empathy for Palestinians must not obscure the fact that Hamas is an anti-Semitic terrorist group that wants \u201cto wipe Israel off the map\u201d.<\/p>\n

Syria\u2019s delegate, meanwhile, said that many Western countries \u201care shocked with what is happening lately\u201d.\u00a0 However, he added that \u201cwe are shocked that none of them were shocked by all the atrocities and killings [\u2026] committed by the occupation authorities against the Palestinian people for the last 75\u00a0years\u201d, noting that \u201cthe last day of occupation is the first day of peace\u201d.<\/p>\n

On another note, delegates shed light on specific human rights situations in their respective countries, with Myanmar\u2019s delegate emphasizing that \u201cevery moment that the international community sits idly and watches, the suffering of the Myanmar people continues\u201d.<\/p>\n

Adding to that, the representative of Bangladesh elaborated on the protracted presence of Rohingya refugees in her country, noting that no Human Rights Council mechanism has managed to engage with Myanmar or even visit the Rakhine State.\u00a0 The United Nations might need to recalibrate its strategies vis-\u00e0-vis Myanmar, she added.<\/p>\n

For his part, Afghanistan\u2019s delegate spotlighted systematic violations of women and girls\u2019 rights by the Taliban, the arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings of former security forces and systematic collective punishment of minorities, including the Hazara communities.<\/p>\n

Turning to unilateral coercive measures, Iran\u2019s delegate expressed dismay that the High Commissioner\u2019s report did not devote any consideration to their impact on human rights.\u00a0 Along similar lines, Venezuela\u2019s delegate, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter, stressed that the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights must carry out its work in a non-politicized, non-selective manner and voiced concern over the effects of unilateral coercive measures on the guarantee of universal health coverage.<\/p>\n

Interactive Dialogue – High Commissioner for Human Rights<\/u><\/p>\n

In the morning, the Committee elaborated on the theme \u201cPromotion and protection of human rights\u201d, with an interactive dialogue featuring a presentation by Volker T\u00fcrk,\u00a0High Commissioner for Human Rights<\/u>.<\/p>\n

Mr. TU\u0308RK expressed deep shock over the horrific attacks launched by Palestinian armed groups on Saturday and the ensuing full-blown conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0Civilians on both sides bear an intolerable brunt, he said, urgently appealing to all parties to pull back from total warfare and the vicious cycles of vengeance, which decades of experience have shown will have disastrous and possibly irreparable long-term effects on peace and security for everyone – in Israel, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, across the region and beyond.\u00a0 Presenting his report (document\u00a0A\/78\/36<\/a>), he said human rights measures are the only way to make development inclusive, participatory and sustainable; the only way to shape laws that are just and to ensure accountability, promote reconciliation and a path away from conflict.<\/p>\n

However, he continued, one quarter of humanity lives in places affected by conflict \u2013 places such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine, and now again, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 Last year, the number of civilians killed in war operations worldwide rose by over 50\u00a0per\u00a0cent \u2013 the first increase since the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) began compiling this data, in\u00a02015.\u00a0Racism and gender-based discrimination \u2013 notably against women and girls \u2013 are also rising, with concerted pushbacks against the important progress made in recent decades.\u00a0 Social media platforms, when unchecked, have also become delivery systems for vicious hate speech against women and girls, people of African descent, LGBTIQ+ people and many other minority groups.\u00a0 He voiced particular concern about the rise in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.<\/p>\n

Moreover, abject poverty and skyrocketing inequalities constitute tragic failures of the world\u2019s commitment to the 2030\u00a0Agenda on Sustainable Development and human rights, he stressed, pointing to harsh restrictions on civic space, which have undercut institutions of justice, media freedoms, and the space for fundamental freedoms.\u00a0 Ungoverned digital technologies, including artificial intelligence\u00a0(AI), autonomous weaponry and surveillance techniques, profoundly threaten human rights.\u00a0 All these trends compound the accelerating menace of the triple planetary crisis \u2013 \u201cthe defining human rights threat of our generation\u201d.\u00a0 \u201cWhat can be done to repair this sobering landscape of ills?\u201d he asked, describing the 75th<\/sup>\u00a0anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as \u201ca lighthouse of stability\u201d whose values \u201cconnect all of humanity\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur work to monitor and address human rights violations is crucial to the establishment and maintenance of peaceful, secure societies,\u201d he said, spotlighting the situation in Afghanistan, the dismantling of national human rights bodies, and pervasive violations \u2013 including unprecedented discrimination against women \u2013 which make it crucial to sustain support for the UN’s human rights presence.\u00a0 The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan\u00a0(UNAMA) provides the country’s only independent monitoring and has been granted formal access to prisons in numerous provinces.\u00a0In Colombia, human rights work has been essential in the peace process; the High Commissioner\u2019s office has served as a key bridge between all actors, and as an advocate for transitional justice and the rights of victims, Indigenous Peoples and civil society \u2013 especially women and girls.<\/p>\n

He further outlined his Office\u2019s efforts to foster economies that are grounded in human rights, underscoring the need for meaningful civic participation in decision-making \u2013 particularly for women, and others who have long been side-lined.\u00a0 The human rights economy can address root causes of inequalities and grievances; ensure greater trust in government, and target policies more effectively to areas of need.\u00a0 Globally, human rights guardrails are also sorely needed for international financial and development institutions, so that Governments are not forced to undercut their investments in human rights to repay foreign debt.\u00a0 In this context, the Declaration on the Right to Development promises an international order that can better fulfil human rights:\u00a0 It is time to act on it,” he asserted.\u00a0For the Office to deliver on its mandate, it needs a level of core financing that guarantees the capacity to implement all mandated activities, he said, noting that, in\u00a02023, it appears likely that it will receive only 60\u00a0per\u00a0cent of the extra-budgetary funding it has requested.<\/p>\n

In the ensuing interactive dialogue, delegates expressed grave concern and condemnation of renewed conflict in Israel as well as support for the OHCHR\u2019s work and its required funding, while others underscored the importance of adhering to the principles of non-selectivity and neutrality in carrying out the Office\u2019s mandate.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Venezuela<\/u>, speaking on behalf of the\u00a0Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter<\/u>, voiced concern over the effects of unilateral coercive measures on the guarantee of universal health coverage, specifically on timely vaccine delivery and efforts to fight against tuberculosis and other endemic diseases.\u00a0Worse, the topic remained unaddressed at the recent high-level meeting on public health, he stressed, inviting the High Commissioner to comment on the situation.\u00a0 He underscored the importance of the OHCHR carrying out its work in a non-politicized, non-selective manner.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United States<\/u>\u00a0condemned the attacks on Israel by the terrorist organization Hamas, noting that Israel has a right to defend itself.\u00a0 Calling the attack unjustified, he said that such attacks prevent the fulfillment of human rights.\u00a0 Either there is the path of dialogue and conflict resolution or the path of terrorism, he said, noting that Hamas destroys lives, including Palestinian lives. \u00a0Further, the United States is concerned about countries such as the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea and Afghanistan as well as the violations of human rights in Ukraine by the Russian Federation.\u00a0 He voiced further concern over the human rights in China of the Uyghur population.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Mexico<\/u>\u00a0underscored his country\u2019s openness to international scrutiny as well as to integrate the recommendations of the treaty body system.\u00a0 The anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an opportunity to reaffirm a commitment to human rights, essential for the work of the UN, he said.\u00a0 He asked what the main challenges to full implementation of the Universal Declaration as well as other human rights instruments are.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Colombia<\/u>\u00a0said that human rights work has been integral to achieve peace in her country, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation with Mr. T\u00fcrk\u2019s office and the openness with which the country received his recommendations.\u00a0For the first time, the country will be a candidate to the Human Rights Council, she said, adding that Columbia has proposed to host the Third International Conference on Human Rights, calling for the international community\u2019s Support.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Canada<\/u>\u00a0condemned Hamas\u2019 multifront terror attack against Israelis citizens.\u00a0Support for Palestinian self-determination or empathy for Palestinians must not obscure the fact that Hamas is an anti-Semitic terrorist group that wants to wipe Israel off the map, he said.\u00a0The litany of intensifying abuses should concern all States, he added.\u00a0 The independence and integrity of the Commissioner\u2019s office are important, he said, expressing Canada\u2019s support.\u00a0 He asked what has surprised Mr. T\u00fcrk in his work that the international community can appreciate and also what difficulties the Commissioner has encountered in his work.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Pakistan<\/u>\u00a0highlighted the Human Rights 75 Initiative of the OHCHR, noting that it should end double standards and selectivity in UN work.\u00a0 He also pointed to India\u2019s illegal occupation of Jumma and Kashmir, lamenting\u00a0 international community\u2019s failure to hold India accountable, which erodes credibility in the High Commissioner\u2019s Office.\u00a0 He then asked about the next report to be released on the subject.\u00a0 Further, the prevalence of Islamophobia such as Qur\u2019an burning is concerning, given that it is outlawed by the\u00a0International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.\u00a0 He urged the High Commissioner to regularly report on Islamophobia.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0France<\/u>, aligning with the European Union, underscored the important role the OHCHR and the treaty body system play in monitoring human rights situations and issuing recommendations leading to reform.\u00a0 The OHCHR\u00a0can only fulfil its mandate if it has the necessary resources, however.\u00a0 To that end, France has doubled its contribution to the Office, which now totals more than 10\u00a0million euros, she said, noting that the Office could count on France\u2019s commitment during budget negotiations.\u00a0 A candidate for the Human Rights Council, France will continue its action against the death penalty and discrimination, defending the rights of LGBTQ people and human rights defenders, she said.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0European Union<\/u>, in its capacity as observer, echoed France\u2019s delegate in his call for adequate resources for the Office, condemning any attempt to weaken its work, including reprisals, and called on all countries to protect human rights defenders.\u00a0 She asked Mr. T\u00fcrk to provide an example of when the realization of one human right led to the realization of others.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Malaysia<\/u>\u00a0said that human rights are universal, inalienable, indivisible and interdependent.\u00a0 It is imperative that the international community treat them in a fair manner, he continued, stressing that civil and political rights are prioritized, while social and economic rights are not given due attention.\u00a0 He underscored the importance of the universal periodic review mechanism, noting that Malaysia will welcome the Office\u2019s feedback to improve its national human rights framework.\u00a0 He asked what the Office can do to address gaps in funding in programmes of economic, social and cultural rights, including in the capacity-building of Member States.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Rwanda<\/u>, speaking on behalf of the\u00a0Countries of Central Africa<\/u>, noted that, at the request of his bloc, the Subregional Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa was established in\u00a02001.\u00a0 General Assembly resolution\u00a0A\/RES\/76\/171\u00a0<\/a>asked the Centre to step up its activities in social and cultural rights, but the bloc is concerned about the limited capacity to carry out its mandate due to an increased demand as well as lack of funding.\u00a0 Resolutions over the past six years have asked the High Comissioner\u2019s Office to provide more resources to the Centre, she noted, asking by how much the Centre\u2019s budget will be increased and what budgetary space can be explored within the Office\u2019s existing budget.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United Kingdom<\/u>\u00a0highlighted the tragic events in Israel, condemning Hamas\u2019 terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens and called for an end to such attacks.\u00a0Hamas\u2019 indiscriminate use of violence is horrific and taking more than 100\u00a0hostages is heinous.\u00a0 The United Kingdom stands by Israel\u2019s right to self-defense, noting that Hamas does not represent the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and that their acts have resulted in the deaths of 687\u00a0Palestinians in Gaza, adding to their suffering.\u00a0 He asked how\u00a0 the international community can best support a de-escalation of hostilities.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Belarus<\/u>, aligning with the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter, said that human rights problems indeed require comprehensive solutions and international cooperation, but the practical work of the OHCHR often does the opposite, creating a breakdown in trust.\u00a0 He called for total compliance with the principles of constructiveness, transparency, non-selectivity, impartiality and a lack of bias in the Office.\u00a0 A short report cannot provide a full picture of events.\u00a0He asked what the request for \u201cpolitical support\u201d in the budget of the office meant, as it seemed \u201cdubious\u201d.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Iraq<\/u>, recalling that his country has sought to implement the OHCHR\u2019s recommendations to improve its legislative framework relating to human rights, reiterated that the High Commissioner and all treaty bodies have an open invitation to visit his country.\u00a0 He then asked the High Commissioner to evaluate his last visit to Iraq in August.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Iran<\/u>\u00a0expressed dismay that the High Commissioner\u2019s report did not devote any consideration to the impact of unilateral coercive measures on human rights.\u00a0 He also encouraged OHCHR to prioritize discrimination against Muslims and Islamophobia.\u00a0 Spotlighting that\u00a02024 will mark the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family, he asked the High Commissioner to elaborate on OHCHR\u2019s activities regarding the protection of the family.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Italy<\/u>, reiterating her commitment against the death penalty, pointed to the increase of international support \u2013 from 104\u00a0to\u00a0125 Member States – for the first General Assembly resolution on the universal moratorium presented by her country in\u00a02007.\u00a0She further asked how States can strengthen cross-regional dialogue and enhance civil society\u2019s involvement on this topic.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Armenia<\/u>\u00a0asked how the OHCHR will address the violations of the right to life and the use\u00a0 of torture – prohibited in international and humanitarian law – committed by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Israel<\/u>, addressing the High Commissioner, asked:\u00a0 \u201cHow many murdered Jews does it take for you to support Israel\u2019s right to self-defence?\u201d\u00a0Emphasizing that the High Commissioner\u2019s role is not to be a \u201cbystander expressing his emotions\u201d, he stressed:\u00a0\u201cWe need you to take action.\u201d\u00a0 He further questioned:\u00a0 \u201cHow do you expect Israel to ensure that these genocidal jihadists never commit these atrocities again?\u00a0 Should we invite them to our living room for a civilized chat?\u201d\u00a0Emphasizing that the Human Rights Council has \u201clost its moral compass\u201d, he said that the world cannot accept a \u201cdistorted moral standard\u201d that guarantees that such atrocities will continue.\u00a0\u201cIsrael will obliterate [the] Hamas terror infrastructure,\u201d he asserted.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0China<\/u>\u00a0pointed out that people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang live in harmony; the economy and society in Tibet \u201ccontinue to [\u2026] progress\u201d; and the people of Hong-Kong enjoy a wide range of rights and freedoms.\u00a0 \u201cAny lies about China will self-destruct in the face of facts,\u201d he stressed.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Bangladesh<\/u>, pointing to the protracted presence of Rohingya refugees in her country, said that no Human Rights Council mechanism has managed to engage with Myanmar or even visit the Rakhine State.\u00a0 Recognizing that \u201cnothing seems to be working\u201d, she asked what can be done to eradicate the suffering of the Rohingya minorities.\u00a0 She also asked whether the United Nations might need to recalibrate its strategies vis-\u00e0-vis Myanmar, while also questioning how human rights mechanisms can identify challenges of developing countries.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Saudi Arabia<\/u>\u00a0asked how the OHCHR can assist in dealing with the escalating trends of exclusion, hatred and racism.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Egypt<\/u>, turning to the concept of the \u201chuman rights economy\u201d, asked about the proposed intersectionality between international financial architecture reforms and the promotion of human rights in relation to foreign debt, including the repatriation of illicit funds to their countries of origin.\u00a0 She also asked how the OHCHR can counter hate speech.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Myanmar<\/u>, pointing out that \u201cevery moment that the international community sits idly and watches, the suffering of the Myanmar people continues\u201d, urged Member States to ensure that the United Nations does not fail the Myanmar people or leave them alone. \u00a0He asked what the next step is to save the lives of these people in a timely manner.<\/p>\n

The observer for the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>\u00a0said that Israel\u2019s war minister has ordered a complete siege of the Gaza Strip, calling on Member States to reject such collective punishment.\u00a0 Spotlighting that over 850\u00a0Palestinians have been killed, he stressed:\u00a0 \u201cWe regret that some still have difficulties to acknowledge Palestinian victims killed by Israel.\u201d\u00a0 Recalling that Israel has imposed a 17-year blockade, he added:\u00a0 \u201cNow it is telling you that killing more Palestinians, including children, is the answer.\u201d\u00a0 Also noting that his country \u201ccould have chosen war\u201d yet it decided to \u201cstrive for peace\u201d, he stressed:\u00a0 \u201cWe could have found many reasons [during] 75\u00a0years of accumulated grievances to absolve ourselves from the rule of international law, [yet] we decided to submit to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Syria<\/u>, spotlighting that many Western countries \u201care shocked with what is happening lately\u201d, stressed:\u00a0 \u201cWe are shocked that none of them were shocked by all the atrocities and killings [\u2026] committed by the occupation authorities against the Palestinian people for the last 75\u00a0years.\u201d\u00a0 Emphasizing that \u201cthe last day of occupation is the first day of peace\u201d, he asked the High Representative:\u00a0 \u201cDo you concur?\u201d<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Afghanistan<\/u>, spotlighting systematic violations of women and girls\u2019 rights by the Taliban, asked the High Commissioner to comment on this issue.\u00a0 He also asked about his views on the arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings of former security forces and systematic collective punishment of minorities, including the Hazara communities.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0India<\/u>, noting that Pakistan has \u201cagain\u201d misused the forum to distract the international community\u2019s attention from \u201cits own\u201d abuse of human rights, pointed to the \u201clargest scale brutality\u201d against a Christian community in Gujranwala in\u00a02023.\u00a0 She also emphasized that the conditions of women belonging to monitories remain deplorable.<\/p>\n

Mr. TU\u0308RK responded by underscoring the importance of equality, dignity and justice for all.\u00a0 Expressing dismay and profound shock over the attacks that were perpetrated by the Palestinian armed forces against Israeli citizens, he also recognized the legitimate grievances of the Palestinian people.\u00a0 \u201cIt is absolutely clear that nothing justifies acts of terror,\u201d he added, calling for the urgent and unconditional release of those who are held hostage.\u00a0 \u201cIt is my duty and my responsibility to point out that military operations must be conducted with strict compliance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law,\u201d he said, sounding alarm over the impact of the conflict on both Israeli and Palestinian civilians.\u00a0 It is essential that a solution is found to the 56-year-long conflict \u2013 a way out of this vicious cycle of bloodshed, he emphasized.<\/p>\n

He went on to underscore that geopolitical tensions and increased polarization are not going to advance the cause of human rights.\u00a0Human rights – the force of transformation of societies \u2013 \u201ccould become collateral damage\u201d, he warned.\u00a0 He highlighted the incredible potential of the OHCHR to make a difference on the ground, working with human rights defenders and civil rights society, as well as contribute to prevention. \u00a0Instead, the failure to address accountability perpetuates the cycle of war and polarization.\u00a0 On the issue of funding, he said that his Office must prepare 99\u00a0reports on a wide range of topics, some of which are not covered from the regular budget.<\/p>\n

Turning to the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, he said his Office has outlined a clear roadmap on how to address the human rights issue of minorities; however, nothing has happened on that front.\u00a0 In light of systemic gender persecution in Afghanistan, he stressed the need to ensure continued support for\u00a0 UNAMA.\u00a0 He also elaborated, inter alia, on the situation in Armenia and Iraq.\u00a0Further, he underlined the importance of analysing the impact of unilateral coercive measures – especially when they are sectoral – on the enjoyment of human rights and humanitarian issues.\u00a0 On the death penalty, he spotlighted positive developments in Sub-Saharan Africa.\u00a0 He also noted that the dehumanization of the \u201cother\u201d is the main reason for conflicts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SEVENTY-EIGHTH SESSION, 16TH MEETING (AM) GA\/SHC\/4380 10 OCTOBER 2023 Highlighting Hamas\u2019 Recent Attack on Israel, Third Committee Expresses Dismay at Rise in Conflict Victims, Racism, Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia Worldwide One quarter of humanity lives in places affected by conflict, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine, and, now again, Israel and the […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":301,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[],"document-category":[4602,1329],"document-source":[1365,1845],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[1769,1945,1829,2005,1741,5200,6245],"entity":[],"document-language":[],"class_list":["post-289548","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","document-category-meeting-report","document-category-press-release","document-source-general-assembly","document-source-general-assembly-third-committee-social-humanitarian-and-cultural","document-subject-armed-conflict","document-subject-assistance","document-subject-casualties","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-human-rights-and-international-humanitarian-law","document-subject-humanitarian-relief","document-subject-violence"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/289548","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/301"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/289548\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":290458,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/289548\/revisions\/290458"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=289548"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=289548"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=289548"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=289548"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=289548"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=289548"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=289548"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=289548"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}