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Statement by H.E. Ambassador EnriqueBerrugaFilloy, Permanent Representative Mexico to the of United Nations,on the establishment of LII{ Human Rights Council

New York, March 15tn,, 2006
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Two UN Plaza 28th floor, New York, N.Y. 1 0 0 1 7 Tel:212-7520220 Fax:212-6888862 E-mail:mexico@un.int Internet: ://www. int/mexico http un.

Mr.President This is a very important and special day for the UnitedNations. The establishment the Human of RightsCouncil represents mostimportant the advance update the multilateral in favorof and of work the human rightsin the latestdecades. Through decision the General this of Assembly, human rights are consolidated one of the threepillars the collective as for aciionof the contemporary international community. As agreed our leaders by during WorldSummit 2005, promotion human the of the of rights the most is solidbasisfor the advancement security of and well-being our peoples. peaceful, for prosperous A anddemocratic worldwill onlycometrue,as longas basicconditions the fullenjoyment human for of rights assured. are The dwindling efficiency credibility the work of the Commission HumanRights and of on turnedthe strengthening the UnitedNations of HumanRights Machinery an urgent into matter.Forthatreason, the mainchallenge this reformwas to ensurethat the new Council of wouldbe substantially better thanthe Commission. obiective beenachieved. This has process The negotiating which ends today provides clear pictureof the multiple a existing views surrounding complex this issue. The resolution doesnot reflect idealworld,butthe realone.ln this the prevailing sense, can affirm we todaythatthereis a divide between thosewho perceive human rights as a way to promotedignityand fundamental freedoms and thosewho see them as an uneasy obligation as onethat is difficult implement or to postures because certain of costumes, ideological or power.Therefore, international ways to exercise the community's next challenge, withinthe new Council, be to narrow gapto reachuniversality effective will this promotion human and of rights. Indeed,the Councilmust end those habitsand flaws that had becomecommonDractice the in particularly, double Commission: the standards, selectivity the lackof realimpact its decisions and of in the field.Mexico progress thefollowing considers the neworganmakes significant that for in areas:
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It places humanrightsagendaat a higher the institutional standing the United in Nations lt sets out a standardfor the electionof its members,by which candidatures would be consideredon the basis of their merits, linkingthem to the contribution States to the of promotion pledgesand commitments. and protection humanrightsand theirvoluntary of The principles dialogueand co-operation guide its work, in order to strengthen of will the capacityof States to fulfilltheir obligations and abide by international standardson human rights. The General Assembly havethe ability suspend Council will gross to a member whichcommits and systematic violations humanrights. of periodical The universal reviewmechanism allowboth,raisethe bar to widerscrutiny the will of international communityon human rights situationsand providegreater co-operation with countries that may need it.

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It is for thosereasons that Mexico supports creation this new bodyand welcomes crucial lhe of this stepof the international communitv. The HumanRightsagendais at the forefront the Mexican of foreignpolicy.In accordance this with priority and with the founding spiritof this new mechanism, Mexicohas decided adopta policy to of notexchanging voteson candidatures electmembers the Human to of Rights Council. purpose The of this measure to makesure Mexico is grantsits support thosecandidates always to who,as set outin the resolution, havethe mostmerits and demonstrate highest the levelof commitment the human to rightscause. Furthermore, part of this policy,Mexico not disclose votingintentions as will its thus avoiding influence factors the of foreign human to rights agenda. By adopting this policywe seek to preserve highest the international standards the defense for of human dignity. The taskaheadis to makesurethatthe Council is up to the important granted the United that role to Nations thisdelicate in matter. ourcollective lt piece this responsibilityconsolidateas the center to it of enoeavor. Mexico wouldliketo commend President the General the of Assembly his goodjudgment for for and furnishing with proposals us that have garnered widestpossible the consensus createthe new to HumanRightsCouncil. delegation My also recognizes leadership carrying a process his in out of extensive, openandtransparent negotiations. In lightof this experience, Mexicoreaffirms conviction this type of negotiations the only its that is equitable effective and mechanism the General of Assembly carryon the entirereform the United to of Nations, the necessary with legitimacy respect the sovereign and for equality States. of I thankvou.