Opinions & Interviews

Belarus MFA: UN Human Rights Council serves as platform for ratcheting up new crises

Photo courtesy of the MFA

MINSK, 27 February (BelTA) – There are alarming trends in international relations which increasingly limit the ability of states to ensure everyone’s right to life and the right to a decent life, Belarus’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Dapkiunas said as he addressed the 40th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 26 February 2019, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to Belarus, these include trade, information and hybrid wars, armed conflicts and terrorism. In the light of these challenges, Andrei Dapkiunas drew the attention of the council to the initiative of the Belarusian president to launch a new comprehensive dialogue on global security. “Belarus’ deputy minister noted with regret that the Human Rights Council in fact mirrors the trends of degradation of the international law system and serves as a platform for ratcheting up new crises and legitimizing violent actions against sovereign states. In this regard, the head of the Belarusian delegation urged to reorganize the council so that it can keep up with the latest challenges, better protect social and economic rights and assist states in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” the ministry said.

The Human Rights Council (HRC) is an intergovernmental body in the UN system which is responsible for promotion of universal respect for and protection of all human rights throughout the world and for dealing with violations of human rights. In terms of format and coverage of human rights issues, the main session of the HRC is comparable to the session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Belarus is an observer in the HRC. The high-level segment of the 40th session of the HRC is attended by presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers and their deputies from 100 states as well as the heads of international organizations, including the UN Secretary General.

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