50th session of the Human Rights Council
Item 2: Interactive dialogue on tha annual report of the High Commissioner
Delivered by H.E. Ambassador Darius Staniulis, Permanent Representative of Lithuania in Geneva
14 June 2022
Thank you Mr. President.
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden and my own country Lithuania.
Madam High Commissioner, I would like to address the issue of human rights in armed conflicts, mentioned in your report.
There is no doubt that during armed conflicts, civilians pay the highest price. Persons in already vulnerable situations are disproportionately affected, not least by sexual and gender-based violence.
This is alarming.
The international community has gone a long way in building up international rules-based order, grounded on the Charter of the United Nations. This order is constantly challenged, including most recently by Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
As States bear primary responsibility to respect, protect and fulfil international humanitarian and human rights law, it is up to them to put an end to the immense suffering and irreparable harm caused by the armed conflicts.
Therefore, we urge all States to:
- uphold their obligations under international law,
- ensure that civilians caught in armed conflict situations are fully protected, in accordance with international humanitarian law,
- immediately end violence, and ensure full respect for the human rights of all,
- protect those in most vulnerable situations, including children and persons with disabilities, as well as women and girls, journalists and media workers, human rights defenders and other members of civil society,
- end impunity and ensure accountability for violations and abuses of international human rights law and violations of international humanitarian law.
The human rights of each individual are inalienable. Everyone deserves justice, dignity and peace.
I thank you.