Human Rights Council 37th Session (26 February – 23 March 2018)
Item 5 – General Debate
Statement of Ireland
15 March 2018
Ireland aligns with the statement of the European Union and adds the following.
Mr President,
Ireland reiterates its longstanding support for the special procedures of the Human Rights Council. Through their independence and expertise, the various mandate holders make an immensely valuable contribution to the Council’s work both on thematic issues and country-specific situations. We appreciate their work on country visits, individual communications and annual reporting to the Council, and we encourage all States to issue a standing invitation to them.
We welcome the report from the 24th Annual Meeting of the Special Procedures (A/HRC/37/36 and Add.1). We take note in particular of the discussions relating to acts of intimidation and reprisal against those cooperating with the UN on human rights and with special procedures in particular. Ireland remains deeply concerned at the alarming increase in reported cases of reprisals in recent years. Such acts not only violate the rights of individuals, but undermine the credibility and effectiveness of the UN human rights system as a whole. We therefore encourage the special procedures mandate holders to continue their efforts towards responding to such reports in a prompt and effective manner.
Equally, we welcome the efforts of the special procedures towards enhancing coordination and developing common approaches to cross-cutting issues, and encourage them to continue their efforts in this regard.
Finally, we noted with appreciation the Statement of the Special Procedures on Human Rights Day 2017 on the inseparability of peace, security, development and human rights. We welcome in particular its acknowledgment of the important role of civil society actors, and we echo its call for further efforts towards the prevention of human rights violations.
Thank you.
