I would like to thank the High Commissioner for Human Rights and others for their informative presentation.

Mr President,

We attach importance to the system of special procedures in the UN Human Rights system. Providing valuable knowledge and expertise to the human rights organs of the UN, they are in a position to better inform the discussions, decisions and the resolutions of the Human Rights Council and other relevant bodies in this domain.

However, we are of the particular view that the mandate of the country specific procedures should no longer be the part of the system and thus should be terminated in the course of our reform. These procedures, if continued on the basis of selectivity, will serve as a negative force to further polarize and politicize the existing international human rights debate. The key questions as perceived by Mr. Muntarbhorn, is not whether they are independent or non-partisan or otherwise, rather the key element is the already politicized or polarized environment in which these procedures are created which it seems will never change in the UN.

Mr President,

Regarding the composition of the staff, we appreciate the High Commissioner and Joint Inspection Unit for their reports. These reports clearly established the fact that the unfair situation continues to deteriorate. This must be redressed immediately through, as Cuba suggested, the implementation of the “special measures”.

With regard to substance, we attach great importance to the resolution on the enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights. We believe that the Human Rights Council—that the High Commissioner should conduct studies to find ways and means to institutionalize cooperation and dialogue in the Council and other relevant organs.

Similarly, we welcome the report of the working Group on the implementation of the Durban outcomes and look forward to the follow-up and implementation of the working group’s recommendations.

Moreover, the Human Rights Council build on the resolution on the “defamation of religion” in order to promote respect in all its forms for religions and their followers.