Dr. Arvind Kumar*
The 54th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), which was held from September 11 to October 13, 2023, was a meeting of the main intergovernmental body within the United Nations system responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe. The session addressed issues such as reprisals, arbitrary detention, systemic racism, enforced disappearances, water and sanitation, and the rights of Indigenous peoples and people of African descent. The High Commissioner Volker Türk opened HRC54 by presenting a global update on the situation of human rights in the world. He focused on the links between development and human rights and referred to several situations around the world that raise human rights concerns. The International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia delivered an oral update to the Council, followed by an interactive dialogue with States and NGOs on the situation of human rights in the country. While affording an opportunity to address grave situations in over a dozen counties, the HRC concluded on October 13 with the adoption of 35 resolutions and one decision on various human rights issues and situations.
The outcomes of the 54th session of the UNHRC carry significant importance for the global advancement and safeguarding of human rights. During this session, the HRC voiced its strong condemnation of the widespread and systematic violations and abuses of human rights occurring in Afghanistan. As a response to this troubling situation, the HRC established a special rapporteur to oversee and report on the human rights conditions in Afghanistan while also offering technical assistance. Additionally, the HRC expressed deep concern regarding the human rights crisis in Myanmar and decided to prolong the mandate of the independent investigative mechanism for Myanmar by another year. Furthermore, it called for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals who have been arbitrarily detained, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.
The HRC extended the mandates of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria, the group of distinguished experts focusing on Yemen, and the independent expert dedicated to Sudan. Furthermore, the HRC made a request for the High Commissioner to provide updates on the human rights situations in Somalia, Libya, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Belarus, Burundi, Eritrea, Iran, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. In addition to these actions, the HRC passed a resolution concerning reprisals targeting individuals and groups that cooperate or attempt to cooperate with the United Nations on human rights issues. This resolution condemned all acts of intimidation and reprisal, urging an end to the impunity surrounding such actions. The HRC also appointed a senior focal point responsible for addressing allegations of reprisals.
The HRC approved a groundbreaking resolution addressing issues of systemic racism, police violence, and the mistreatment of peaceful protesters. This resolution received approval from 30 members, with 13 opposing it and 4 abstaining. It garnered co-sponsorship from 76 states spanning various regions. The foundation of this resolution was the report by the High Commissioner, evaluating the implementation of the prior resolution on this matter, which was adopted in June 2020 following the tragic killing of George Floyd. The resolution expressed its support for the establishment of an independent expert mechanism aimed at advancing racial justice and equality, specifically within law enforcement. Additionally, it called upon the High Commissioner to prepare a comprehensive report addressing the underlying causes, extent, and consequences of systemic racism, along with recommendations for its eradication. Furthermore, the resolution urged countries to take tangible actions in combating racism and discrimination, ensuring accountability for human rights violations committed by law enforcement officials, and safeguarding the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The resolution addressing retaliatory actions against individuals and groups collaborating with or seeking to collaborate with the United Nations on human rights was unanimously adopted. It garnered co-sponsorship from 71 states across various regions. The resolution drew its basis from the report of the Secretary-General concerning cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives, and mechanisms within the human rights domain. This report documented 150 instances of reprisals across 54 countries in the year 2020. The resolution strongly denounced all forms of intimidation and reprisals and called for an end to the impunity associated with such behaviors. It also designated a senior point person responsible for addressing allegations of reprisals and requested the High Commissioner to allocate sufficient resources and support for this role.
The resolution concerning human rights related to access to clean drinking water and sanitation was unanimously approved. It received co-sponsorship from 50 states representing diverse regions. The foundation of this resolution was the report by the Special Rapporteur specializing in this area, which emphasized the intersection of water affordability and human rights. The resolution acknowledged the fundamental role of water and sanitation in enabling the full realization of life and all human rights. It underscored the critical importance of ensuring universal access to water and sanitation, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution called upon countries to address disparities and biases in access to clean water and sanitation and to make sure that water costs remain affordable for everyone.
Five panel discussions were held during the session, and more than 80 reports under the Council’s various agenda items were considered. Twenty interactive dialogues with Special Procedures mandate holders (14 thematic and six country-specific) took place, and six interactive dialogues with investigative mechanisms were held. Decisions and conclusions were made during the closing of the session, including the election of Advisory Committee members, the appointment of special procedure-mandate holders, and the adoption of the session report. Overall, the 54th session of the Human Rights Council covered a wide range of topics and issues related to human rights, including updates on the situation of human rights in different countries, thematic reports, panel discussions, and interactive dialogues with the mandate. Overall, the 54th session of the Human Rights Council addressed a variety of human rights issues and featured important discussions and updates on the situation of human rights in different countries.
*Editor, Focus Global Reporter
