Oral update by the High Commissioner for Human Rights – Item 2 - Statement by Ireland
Human Rights Council – 33th session (13 September – 30 September 2016)
General debate on Item 2
Statement by Ireland
14 September 2016
Ireland aligns itself with the statement made on behalf of the European Union and would like to add the following.
Mr President,
We thank the High Commissioner for presenting his update yesterday, and we congratulate him on two successful years of his mandate. The update provided us with the opportunity to reflect on the importance, after ten years of the Human Rights Council, of commitment to collective action.
It also provided us with the opportunity to reiterate our strong and continued support to the Office of the High Commissioner. The Office plays a crucial role in strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights in all our countries, despite the range of challenges identified by the High Commissioner in his update.
We commend the Office for its engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, and for the work that goes into remote monitoring when access to a State is denied. We agree with the High Commissioner’s assessment, however, that unhindered access must be ensured to enable accurate reporting of situations on the ground.
As we have previously stated, we believe the voice of the High Commissioner and his Office should be heard as that of a friend and trusted adviser – this should be the case regardless of whether it is guiding us or challenging us to do better.
Allow me to conclude by thanking the High Commissioner and his staff for the dedication and commitment shown in their vital work to advance the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the world.
Thank you Mr President.
