Delivered by Canada on behalf of CANZ

I deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

We welcome the Secretary-General’s report and express grave concern at increasing instances of intimidation and reprisal against those cooperating with the UN. As member states, it is our responsibility to uphold human rights, and to foster a safe, inclusive and enabling environment for all to engage.

We reaffirm the rights to freedom of expression, belief, association and assembly, including when exercised by legal teams engaging with the UN in support of their clients.

Freely engaging with human rights mechanisms and advocating in multilateral forums on behalf of, including at this Council, is essential.

We are deeply concerned about the instances of reprisals against human rights defenders engaging on human rights issues in China, including against Jimmy Lai’s legal team and their families, as reported by the Secretary-General.

We share the Secretary-General’s concerns about the impact of restrictive legislation in Russia, including adding reputable NGOs to the 'so called' list of 'undesirable organisations.'

We are also alarmed that women human rights defenders in Afghanistan have reportedly experienced reprisals, online and offline, for engaging with the UN.

Once again, we condemn reprisals in Nicaragua against Indigenous leaders, Indigenous women human rights defenders and women’s rights organizations.

Countless other cases require this Council’s attention, including those that remain unreported due to the risks associated with speaking out. Our countries stand steadfast in our support of all those championing human rights. We will continue to call attention to human rights violations.

Mme. Assistant Secretary-General, how can we discourage states from using national security or other laws to criminalize cooperation with the UN?

Thank you.