Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, Canada and my own country New Zealand.
All human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights, are fundamental to building resilient and prosperous societies. They are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, and apply to all without discrimination. One set of rights cannot be fully enjoyed without the other.
The universal enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights faces persistent challenges. These include conflict and humanitarian crises, weak governance and discrimination against marginalised groups.
States bear the primary responsibility for fulfilling all human rights. Effective implementation of economic, social and cultural rights requires practical solutions and measurable outcomes, the full, equal and meaningful participation of all sectors of society, as well as evidence-based decision-making. Good governance and effective institutions are also vital.
UN human rights mechanisms are key to supporting States to fulfil these rights, through technical assistance and capacity building, and in holding States to account. We call for predictable and sustainable funding for the human rights pillar, and encourage States to support efficiency and rationalisation efforts at the Human Rights Council.
International cooperation remains critical to strengthening the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights for all. We welcome continued dialogue to improve outcomes and strengthen accountability.
Thank you.