The 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council

Item 8: Follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action

Joint statement by Association Ma’onah for Human Rights and Immigration, International Organization for the Elimination for all Forms of Racial Discrimination (EAFORD), and Geneva International Centre for Justice.

Delivered by Prishika Adhira Bhoyroo/ GICJ

Thank you, Mr President. To this day, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action remains a landmark document for the sustainment and promotion of human rights on the international scale.

In a world increasingly vulnerable to the atrocities of war, geopolitical instability, climate change, and digital risks- it must be a global priority for individuals to be entitled to their fundamental human rights and freedoms without discrimination or distinction on the account of race, colour, sex, religion, or politics.

Taking into consideration that the deplorable ongoing occupation of Palestine denies Palestinian of their fundamental rights notably right to freedom, education, and movement alongside others. Action, investment, and commitment for humans to be free from crimes against humanity and the discontinuation of human rights violations are of utmost importance.

We should also remind the Council of the grave human rights situation and that human rights defenders are under severe threat and intimidation in Iraq, Sudan Yemen, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo among others are at stake- humans are unable to grow, learn and embellish with dignity.

Ma’onah, EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice calls upon the United Nations, member states, and non-governmental organisations to increase their engagement in the reduction of human rights violations and foster their cooperation to fully implement the Vienna declaration and Programme of Action.

Thank you.