HRC51: Statement of Lithuania during the Item 2 General Debate
13 September 2022, 51th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 2: General Debate on High Commissioner’s Oral update Statement delivered by the Permanent Representative Ambassador Darius Staniulis
Thank you, Mr. President.
Lithuania fully aligns itself with the EU statement.
Oral update by the Acting High Commissioner on the global human rights situation is a very useful instrument for the Council.
I would like to begin by drawing attention to enormous threats to the international rules-based order caused by Russia’s brutal, unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s actions violate principles of the UN Charter and undermine fundamental values of multilateralism, disrupt global economy and development. These actions further damages principles according to which international community lives.
We must also highlight the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in Russia itself. We share the Acting High Commissioner’s concerns about “the intimidation, restrictive measures and sanctions against people voicing opposition to the war in Ukraine”, violating the rights to free assembly, expression and association. The growing number of political prisoners and other human rights violations in Russia require full attention of the international community. We see the need to establish an independent monitoring and reporting mechanism on Russia.
We reiterate our call on Belarus to abide by its international obligations. We urge the Belarussian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release and rehabilitate all political prisoners, and cease all repressions.
Lithuania welcomes the OHCHR assessment on China, which describes serious human rights violations and abuses in Xinjiang. We invite China to cooperate with the Office and to implement its recommendations.
The human rights situation in Afghanistan remains extremely dire, especially for the most vulnerable groups, including women and girls. We urge the Taliban to fully comply with international obligations and immediately stop inhumane gender segregation policies.
Lastly, we welcome Ethiopia’s efforts of cooperation by accepting the first visit of the International Commission of the Human Rights Experts.
I thank you.
