Joint Statement by the Human Rights / Conflict Prevention Caucus New York

Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michele Bachelet

13 October 2021

Madam High Commissioner,

I am delivering these remarks on behalf of the 20 members of the cross-regional Human rights/Conflict Prevention Caucus New York, co-chaired by Germany and Switzerland. .

We thank you for your briefing and welcome this regular dialogue which helps to strengthen coordination between Geneva and New York.

A human rights based approach to “build back better” from the COVID-19 pandemic requires not only to put human rights at the heart of all UN actions, but also to enhance closer cooperation between the different UN bodies and mechanisms to overcome silos, mainstream human rights and unleash their preventive potential. In this regard, it is our conviction that also the Peacebuilding Commission should brief the Human Rights Council.

Madame High Commissioner,

We support your continued efforts to integrate human rights in the United Nations work on peacebuilding and sustaining peace as well as your support to operationalize the Secretary General’s call to action for human rights. In this regard, we welcome the Secretary General’s appeal in his Common Agenda report to address the cross-cutting issues of security, climate change, health, development, gender equality and human rights from a prevention perspective with greater effectiveness and accountability.

Madam High Commissioner,

What role do you see for OHCHR in effectively addressing these cross-cutting issues?

We thank you.