UN Human Rights Council 48: UK statement for the interactive dialogue on Secretary General’s report on reprisals

Thank you, Madam President,

The United Kingdom welcomes the Secretary-General’s report, and would like to thank both the Secretary General and Assistant Secretary-General for their efforts to counter and deter the instances of reprisals against those who co-operate with the United Nations.

I am also grateful to the HRC President for her focus on the issue.

The UK condemns such reprisals in the strongest terms and remains deeply concerned by the continued acts of reprisals outlined within the report. It is vital that we, at the Council, continue to bring attention to individual cases. And those states who are mentioned in the report must cease all acts of intimidation and reprisal immediately.

We note with concern that Venezuela has been identified in the Secretary General’s report. The Maduro regime must stop all acts of intimidation, threats and reprisals by Venezuelan security forces.

We are also disturbed by the continuing high number of cases relating to China, Belarus, Burundi, Philippines and Iran.

Madam Brands Kehris,

To what extent are states using justifications related to Covid 19 safety measures, when facing allegations of reprisals?

Thank you.