75 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rightswas adopted, human rights and the rules based system are under pressure as never before. Conflict, inequality, climate change, the pandemic they have all played their part in exerting growing pressure on human rights and the rules based system.
But the greatest challenge has been by design, through a concerted, well-orchestrated effort to undermine human rights and the rules based system for geopolitical gain.
Just a couple of days ago the world marked the sombre anniversary of the initiation of such an attack. On February 24th2022 Russia launched its unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.
Over the past two years Russian troops have engaged in a horrendous panoply of war crimes and crimes against humanity: torture, deportation of children, conflict-related sexual violence, scorched earth attacks on civilians, movements or relocations of civilians, mistreatment and executions of prisoners of war, arbitrary detention and killings. We should add to these crimes, the recent death of opposition leader Alexey Navalny – the latest episode in a string of gruesome murders of opponents by the Russian regime.
What has been truly shocking, even more so than the crimes themselves perhaps, is the arrogance of the perpetrators who have flaunted their crimes for the whole world to see.
The perpetrators of these crimes must be held accountable. We fully support the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry and as a member of the Human Rights Council we will work hard, alongside partners, allies and likeminded countries, towards achieving the objective of bringing to justice the perpetrators. On 28 February we will host in Tirana the Ukraine–South-East Europe Summit, to support Ukraine and denounce this illegal aggression and the crimes it has brought about because by doing so we are in fact fighting for human rights and the rules based system.
But of course this is not the only situation that deserves our attention.
One of our biggest concerns is the war between Israel and Hamas and the dramatic humanitarian situation in Gaza. Albania has condemned the horrendous terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7th in the strongest terms. The apparent systematic use of rape during the attack is particularly appalling and deserves this Council’s attention. There is no cause, there is no argument that can justify or diminish the horror of that crime or the horror of Hamas’ refusal to immediately and unconditionally release all the hostages.
But we are also deeply concerned and troubled by the humanitarian situation in Gaza, by the scale of destruction, by the suffering, death and injury. It is time for this tragedy to end.We must all work to that end. We must find ways to stop the fighting, secure humanitarian aid immediately for the innocent civilian population of Gaza and we must work with courage and determination to find a sustainable solution to this conflict that has over the decades caused so much grief and tragedy for all those involved.
The wars in Ukraine and Gaza will not distract us from other grave situations in the world where human rights are being violated. Civilians are suffering from war and oppression. The women and girls in Afghanistan and Iran deserve our support. On this context, we reaffirm our commitment to support the Independent International Fact-Finding mission on Iran, established by the Human Rights Council.
Just as importantly, we will work to support the participation of civil society actors and human rights defenders, especially women, in the work of the Human Rights Council and on the ground. This is a very important priority for my country.
We are also preparing for the fourth cycle of the UPR at the end of this year. This will be an opportunity to present the actions we have taken to improve the human rights situation in our country and to share best practices. The implementation of the recommendations has only strengthened our commitment and our conviction to continue the promotion and protection of human rights.
As a member of this Council, Albania vows to do everything in its power to promote and honour the UPR mechanism.
Allow me to emphasise that we attach great importance to the independence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and fully support its role in protecting human rights worldwide.
In conclusion, let us recommit ourselves to the timeless principles of human rights and dignity. Let us stand in solidarity with those who are fighting for freedom and justice, and let us work together to build a world where every person can realise their full potential and live with dignity and respect.
Thank you.