Mister President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of a Like Minded Group of countries.
We have followed with interest the updates by special procedures mandate holders and the Coordinating Committee on the progress in the improvement of their working methods. We emphasize the need that all special procedures mandate holders discharge their duties within their mandates, and in an impartial and objective manner.
We reiterate the importance that special procedures, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to pay greater attention to economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development, and continue to address racism, racial discrimination and hate speech, as well as the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, in accordance with their respective mandates. They should also continue to encourage all countries to address inequalities and strengthen protection of the rights of persons in vulnerable situations.
We further request the special procedures mandate holders to abide by the Code of Conduct, carry out constructive dialogues with States, and respect the information provided by governments so as to ensure that their statements, reports, actions and recommendations comply with the principles of impartiality, non-selectivity and objectivity. We are concerned that, in many cases, some special procedures mandate holders have gone beyond their mandates and interfered in the sovereignty and internal affairs of States.
We are also worried about the indiscriminate and politicised use of social media by special procedures mandate holders. In many cases, their publications go beyond their respective mandates and breach the Code of Conduct. It´s essential that the activities of all human rights mechanisms abide by the same rules “on line”, as they do “off line”.
We highlight the vital role of the Office of the High Commissioner in providing guidance and support to special procedures mandate holders regarding, inter alia the Code of Conduct and the Manual of Operations.
We reiterate the importance for the Human Rights Council to establish an oversight mechanism, with the participation of States and the special procedures mandate holders, to guarantee the effective implementation of the Code of Conduct. Independence should not mean lack of accountability.
Furthermore, equitable geographic representation and appropriate representation of different legal, cultural and political systems should be ensured.
Mister President,
Finally, our countries stress the necessity of avoiding politicization and a punitive approach in the work of human rights mechanisms and bodies. In this sense, we reiterate our support for spaces such as the Social Forum, which privilege dialogue, cooperation and the constructive participation of civil society.
I thank you.
