Item 5 - General Debate on Human rights bodies and mechanisms.  JST GoF of SP. (01.10.2024)

57th session of the Human Rights Council

Item 5 - General Debate on Human rights bodies and mechanisms. 

Joint statement Group of Friends of Special Procedures

Full version

01.10.2024

Mr President,

I have the honour to pronounce this Joint Statement on behalf of countries of the Group of Friends of Special Procedures and the Republic of Korea.

Mr President,

Special Procedures are an integral part of the UN human rights system and an essential mechanism of the Human Rights Council, which brings an independent voice to the human rights debate.

We welcome the Annual Report of Special Procedures presented in March which reflects the extensive contribution of special procedures to the global human rights agenda.

We would like to praise the commitment of the mandate holders who agree to take up this role.

As shown by the informal conversation on the impact of the work of special procedures held in April at the initiative of the Coordination Committee, the contributions of special procedures are multifold and should be maximized.

With the benefit of their independence and expertise in a wide array of issues, special procedures have the unique ability to offer independent examination and analysis of situations consistent with international human rights law.

They endeavor to offer essential solutions, working towards rendering the human rights system more responsive and innovative.

Their early warning potential as well as their capacity to bring emerging issues to the forefront represent a significant added value for the human rights ecosystem.

Through their convening power and interaction with all concerned, special procedures have also technical cooperation capacities that should be better developed in cooperation with OHCHR.

It is therefore important to ensure that mandate holders can implement their mandates in an independent, impartial and efficient manner, free from attacks, undue pressure or interference of any kind.

We note that mandate holders still face difficulties having access to some countries or engaging in critical human rights issues.

We stress that full cooperation from all concerned parties, in particular States, is indispensable, as is open communication and dialogue when disagreements or misunderstandings arise.

Furthermore, we regret that some Special Rapporteurs have been facing intimidation, threats, and undue restrictions on their work.

We emphasize that follow-up, where appropriate, and implementation of Special Procedures assessments, conclusions and recommendations are key elements for the efficiency of the UN human rights system, and consequently should be prioritized and strongly supported by States.

We also express strong concern at the negative impact of the UN financial situation on special procedures and call to secure sustainable funding for the special procedures system.

We reiterate the Pact for the Future´s request for the Secretary-General to provide proposals to the General Assembly for adequate, predictable, increased and sustainable financing of the United Nations human rights mechanisms, including special procedures.

Finally, we invite all States to cooperate and support this important human rights protection mechanism to ensure the effective functioning of the UN human rights system.