Human Rights Council – 61st sessioon
General Debate ITEM 3
Joint Statement to mark 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council
Delivered by H.E Ambassador Riia Salsa-Audiffren
11 March 2026
I am delivering this statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of states.
This year we will mark a historic milestone — the 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council. Established by United Nations General Assembly resolution 60/251, adopted on 15 March 2006, the transition from the Human Rights Commission to the Council was undertaken with the ambitious aim of strengthening the protection, promotion and respect of human rights worldwide through inclusive dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect among States.
The Council has become the central intergovernmental body for the promotion, protection of all human rights around the globe. Through its debates, decisions and resolutions, including those establishing or renewing mandates of special procedures, intergovernmental working groups, investigative bodies, and other mechanisms, as well as the Universal Periodic Review with voluntary mid-term reporting, support and technical assistance by the OHCHR, it has clarified, developed and strengthened human rights standards, accelerated implementation of obligations and promoted accountability, supporting capacity-building initiatives as well as encouraged strengthened national implementation.
The HRC has an essential role, not only in improving the livelihood of people on the ground, but also addressing root causes of conflicts and contributing to peace and sustainable development.
For twenty years, the Council has provided a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation among States It has enabled engagement even in challenging times and ensured that civil society, national human rights institutions, human rights defenders, victims and survivors, and other relevant stakeholders have a voice in global discussions. At a time when multilateralism faces unprecedented pressure, the Council’s mandate is more relevant than ever.
Despite financial constraints and rising demands, the Council continues to be relevant and continues to deliver and function as a key pillar of the multilateral system. Yet sustainable impact requires sustainable support.
We must stand firmly for adequate and predictable funding for the entire human rights pillar, including the treaty bodies, so that they can effectively carry out their mandates.
We all must take responsibility and shift from the passive to the active voice. It is not enough to call for efficiency to increase – we must increase efficiency. We must promote synergies between the Council and other relevant fora as well as cooperation between global and regional human rights mechanisms. We must think creatively and leverage modern technological opportunities. We should better address root causes of instability and encourage a stronger focus on prevention, enhance the implementation of our decisions and increase the visibility of the Council. This is our Council: We must all contribute to this effort.
Twenty years on, our responsibility is clear: to preserve, strengthen and support this institution. Let this anniversary be not only a celebration of what has been achieved, but a renewed commitment to an effective cooperation in the future.
Estonia on behalf of Cross-Regional Group (Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, State of Palestine, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, Ukraine, Uruguay)