Human Rights Council kicks off with urgent calls for action

Top UN officials have opened the Human Rights Council’s first high-level session of the year with a compelling call to prioritize the protection of human rights amid escalating global challenges. 

Speaking on the first day of the session, which runs until 5 April, in Geneva, UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the necessity for collective action in addressing ongoing global conflicts.

Guterres said, "An all-out Israeli offensive on Rafah would spell the end for UN-led humanitarian relief to the people of Gaza." 

UN chief emphasized that prolonging Israel’s ground operation in southern Gaza would not only terrify over a million Palestinian civilians taking shelter there but also jeopardize aid programs.

“The Council’s lack of unity on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s actions in Gaza has severely undermined its authority," he stated. He urged reform of the Council's composition and methods, emphasizing the Summit of the Future in September as an ideal opportunity for Member States "to step up and re-commit to working for peace and security rooted in human rights."

Guterres also announced the launch of the United Nations Agenda for Protection with the UN human rights office, OHCHR. He stated, "Under this Agenda, the United Nations will act as one to prevent and respond to human rights violations. That is the Protection Pledge of all United Nations bodies: to do their utmost to protect people."

The Secretary-General stressed the urgency of addressing climate change by implementing an effective carbon price, ending fossil fuel subsidies, and ensuring developed countries fulfill their financial commitments to developing economies, including doubling adaptation funding by 2025 and establishing the Loss and Damage Fund with significant contributions. 

Welcoming the UN Agenda for Protection, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk cautioned against efforts to undermine the legitimacy of the UN and other institutions.

Türk emphasized that "the UN has become a lightning rod for manipulative propaganda and a scapegoat for policy failures," stressing that this includes misinformation aimed at UN humanitarian organizations, UN peacekeepers, and his Office. He labeled this influence as "profoundly destructive" and insisted it "callously betrays" those who rely on the UN's work.

UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis echoed concerns over threats to humanitarian law and the UN Charter, urging global citizens to play their part. He highlighted the dire humanitarian needs of 300 million people worldwide, including 114 million refugees and displaced individuals.

Francis described the suffering in Gaza as reaching an “unbearable tipping point,” with over 90 per cent of people displaced and facing starvation. He emphasized the conflict’s disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable, including hostages, women, children, and innocent civilians.

Stressing the importance of tackling impunity and upholding rights and freedoms, Francis called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. He also urged donor States to sustain their contributions to UNRWA, given its role as a lifeline to the Palestinians.

                                                           Adapted from UN News

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