61st session of the Human Rights Council
ITEM 5 - Joint statement Group of Friends of Special Procedures.
17.03.2026
Mr President,
I have the honour to deliver this Joint Statement on behalf of countries of the Group of Friends of Special Procedures.
Mr President,
We welcome the Report of Special Procedures, which reflects their extensive contribution to the global human rights agenda.
We reiterate our strong support for the Special Procedures, a fundamental pillar of the international human rights system and an essential mechanism of the Human Rights Council, providing an independent voice to the human rights debate.
We remain deeply concerned about escalating attacks, intimidation and reprisals against Special Procedures mandate holders, including unprecedent sanctions, that undermine their independence and the UN human rights system.
We call on all States to cooperate fully with Special Procedures and to support this important human rights protection mechanism. States should respect the independence of mandate holders, including by allowing unhindered access and considering issuing a standing invitation to all Special Procedures.
We are also concerned about the UN liquidity crisis affecting mandate activities and note that recent reform may reduce the visibility and impact of Special Procedures. We stress that adequate resources are essential to ensure their effectiveness.
The Special Procedures should be preserved in the Human Rights Council architecture and strengthened in their ability to perform their core functions.
Thank you.