Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr President.
We thank the High Commissioner for his comprehensive report.
New Zealand is deeply concerned by the regression of LGBTQI+ rights in many countries. We share the views of the High Commissioner that Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act is deeply troubling, and we call for its immediate repeal.
New Zealand calls on States to promote and protect the rights of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
We are concerned at legislation that has been passed in some states in the United States restricting the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals.
We welcome decriminalisation of same sex relations in the Cook Islands in April.
We congratulate Malaysia on its abolition of the mandatory death penalty for certain offences. We urge all countries to completely abolish capital punishment.
We call on Iranian authorities to end the weaponisation of criminal procedures and the use of the death penalty.
We are alarmed at the pushback against women and girls’ rights. We call on the Taliban to reverse its shameful edicts restricting women and girls in Afghanistan from education and work.
All States must take steps to address sexual and gender-based violence and remove barriers to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
New Zealand continues to unequivocally condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine and seek accountability for the ensuing human rights violations.
We remain concerned about civil and political human rights in China. We note our Embassy in Beijing’s recent visit to Xinjiang and our ongoing concern at the treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in the region.
Finally, we call on States to work together to enhance Indigenous Peoples’ participation in the work of this Council
As we collectively celebrate the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, we call on all States to uphold their commitments to promote and protect human rights.
Thank you.