UK Statement: Human Rights Council organisational meeting

Julian Braithwaite (©gov.uk)

The UK announced that it will be leading on resolutions for Sri Lanka, South Sudan and Syria and hosting a high-level virtual event on Girls Education at this month's Human Rights Council.

Thank you Madam President

I wish to join others in warmly congratulating you on your election as President. We know that we are in extremely capable hands and you can count on our support in your difficult work ahead this year.

I would like to inform the Council about three resolutions that the UK intends to present as part of Core Groups. The Syria Core Group intends to present a resolution on the Situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic during the 46th session. The resolution will seek to renew the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria, and mark the tenth anniversary of the beginning of conflict and reflect key human rights concerns

The Core Group on Sri Lanka comprising Canada, Germany, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the United Kingdom will present a further resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka. The resolution will be informed by the recent report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

On South Sudan, in partnership with the other Core Group members Albania and Norway, the UK will present a draft resolution at the 46th session, which we anticipate will cover, amongst other possible topics, the comprehensive report of the Commission of Human Rights in South Sudan, due to be presented to the Council in this session.

All of the Core Groups will hold informal negotiations and we hope that all Council members will be able to support the proposed resolutions.

I would also like inform all delegations that on the first day of the Council, the UK Mission will host a high-level virtual event on Girls Education and Building Back Better from COVID-19. We will inform delegations more about this event in the coming days.

Thank you Madam President