UNGA81 Third Committee Interactive Dialogue with the President of the Human Rights Council H.E. Mr Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro
Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Rein Tammsaar, Permanent Representative of Estonia
on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries:
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
New York, 30 October 2026
Chair,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.
Allow me to begin by reiterating that, according to Resolution 65/281, it is the responsibility of the plenary of the General Assembly – and not of the Third Committee – to take action on the report of the Human Rights Council. We are, however, always grateful for the opportunity to engage on the important work of the Council and would therefore like to say the following.
We thank President Suryodipuro for his leadership and for guiding the Council through a demanding session marked by both serious ongoing human rights situations and evolving thematic human rights challenges, including digital technologies, gender equality, accessibility and the human rights of migrants, youth and Indigenous Peoples. We also deeply appreciate the continued engagement with civil society, national human rights institutions and other stakeholders.
The Nordic-Baltic States remain firmly committed to addressing serious human rights situations worldwide. Resolutions on such situations, including on Afghanistan, Sudan, the Russian Federation, Burundi, Venezuela, Georgia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic and Yemen, remain indispensable tools for addressing human rights violations and abuses and advancing accountability.
We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing UN liquidity crisis and its disproportionate impact on the human rights system. The postponement, reduction, or inhibition of mandated activities undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the international human rights architecture. Stable, predictable, and adequate financing is indispensable – particularly for mandates related to human rights situations, investigative mechanisms and support to victims and survivors of human rights violations.
Chair,
At a time of rising polarization, the Human Rights Council must continue to serve as a forum where serious violations are addressed, victims and survivors are heard, and States are held accountable for meeting their obligations. While constructive dialogue is crucial, it can never replace principled action, independent scrutiny and accountability.
Mr President, how can the Human Rights Council best safeguard the implementation of its mandates and maintain principled, evidence-based engagement on serious human rights situations in the face of increasing polarization and financial constraints?
Thank you.