63rd Human Rights Council Session: Item 2 General Debate

Ambassador Ioannis Ghikas, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva, made the following statement during the General debate on the oral update of the High Commissioner:

"Greece is a party to the EU Statement.

As highlighted by the High Commissioner, the human rights situation remains dramatic.

The human rights consequences and existential dangers of climate change and the unregulated spread of AI are becoming increasingly obvious; addressing them is urgent and critical. Greece welcomes and supports the High Commissioner’s initiatives in this regard.

Regarding the update by the High Commissioner, we remain profoundly concerned about attacks against civilians and other large-scale human rights violations stemming from the continuing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Darfur should be a core priority. All parties must assume their responsibilities and use their influence to ensure an immediate cessation of hostilities and prevent further atrocities. 

The humanitarian and human rights situation in Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank must be urgently and decisively addressed. The only way to ensure peace, stability and respect for human rights for both the Palestinian and Israeli people remains the two-state solution, dialogue and reconciliation. 

Afghanistan, Myanmar and Ethiopia continue to be a source of grave concern, especially for women, children and religious minorities.

In Syria, we support a Syrian-led transition process to an inclusive society, which safeguards the human rights of all Syrians irrespective of gender, ethnicity or religion and ensures accountability for incidents of violence and human rights violations. Greece encourages Syria's meaningful engagement with the UN to this end.

Ms Vice-President, we remain at a historic low point for human rights. But we must not give up hope. We must redouble our efforts, work to strengthen the human rights pillar within the UN80 process, and pursue initiatives such as the Global Alliance to foster a global grassroots human rights movement. Greece also calls for renewed global effort, including adequate funding for the Office of the High Commissioner.

Thank you."