UN Human Rights Council 61: UK Statement on the Appointment of Mandate Holders
The United Kingdom reaffirmed its strong support for the UN system of Special Procedures and its independence, praising the extensive selection process for 17 mandates and more than 300 applications. It stressed that mandates must meet criteria of expertise, independence, impartiality, integrity, and objectivity, and that mandate holders must build trust and engage constructively with all stakeholders. The UK expressed concern about antisemitic, inflammatory and adversarial comments directed at current mandate holders or applicants, stating such behaviour undermines objectivity and calling on all mandate holders to comply with the Code of Conduct in UN Human Rights Council resolution 5/2. It added that it will remain vigilant and challenge any antisemitic behavior or Code of Conduct violations within the Council's mechanisms.
UK Statement on the Appointment of Mandate Holders. Delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.
Thank you, Mr President,
The United Kingdom is a strong supporter of the system of Special Procedures and fully respects its independence. We would like to thank you, and the members of the Consultative Group, for the extensive work undertaken in the selection process for the mandate holders due to be appointed at this session. This has been a substantial task, given that your proposed list covers 17 mandates and required the review of applications from over 300 individuals.
When used effectively, the Special Procedures system provides vital independent and external scrutiny, and plays a critical role in ensuring that violations and abuses of human rights are brought to light and that perpetrators are held to account.
We wish to place on record that, throughout this selection process, we have consistently underlined the importance of full compliance with the criteria established by this Council. Expertise, experience, independence, impartiality, personal integrity and objectivity are of paramount importance when selecting and appointing mandate holders. It is clear that the discharge of a mandate carries significant responsibility. Special Rapporteurs must be able to develop relationships of trust and to engage constructively with all stakeholders.
In this context, we wish to express particular concern regarding instances of antisemitic, inflammatory and adversarial comments in relation to existing mandate holders, as well as individuals who have sought appointment at the current session of the Council. This behaviour undermines the objectivity and impartiality expected by these mandate holders. We call on all Special Procedures mandate holders to act fully in line with the Code of Conduct established by Human Rights Council resolution 5/2. Adherence to this framework is essential to maintaining confidence in this important system.
The United Kingdom will remain vigilant and will continue to challenge any behaviour which is antisemitic or contravenes the Code of Conduct within the mechanisms of this Council.
Thank you.
