Illustration: Charlotte Giang Beuret for ISHR.
Candidate States to the Human Rights Council presented their pledges and responded to questions by civil society on their human rights records, while elaborating on their vision to improve the work of the Council at ISHR’s and Amnesty International’s annual event.
On 4 September, State candidates to the Human Rights Council (HRC) joined an online event during which they were asked to outline their commitments and plans, should they be elected.
Of 14 candidates, 9 were represented at the event: Chile, Ecuador, Estonia, Italy, Mauritius, Pakistan, Slovenia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, and 5 declined, did not reply to the invitation or did not attend the event: Egypt, India, Iraq, Tunisia, and Vietnam.
Elections to the Human Right Council are often not as competitive as we would hope. This year, we have a so-called “clean slate” election. Noncompetitive slates undermine the purpose of elections, which is to enable member States to choose the most qualified candidates over others including through their public pledges, invitation to scrutiny of their human rights record and demonstrated human rights progress during their membership term.Pooja Patel, Deputy executive director (Programmes & Advocacy), ISHR
Chile’s representative emphasised the State’s commitment to multilateralism even in a context where discussions on human rights can be complex. If elected, Chile would promote multilateralism as the only way to reach peace and security in the long run.
Ecuador’ representative highlighted the State’s full commitment to guaranteeing human rights under international law, and its aspiration to a strong HRC capable of providing effective responses to global challenges, always guided by the respect for human dignity and the principle of leaving no one behind.
Estonia’s representative stated that the protection of human rights is a national priority. Estonia pledged to be a vocal advocate of the HRC as a key human rights body if elected. The State’s key priorities would be the protection and promotion of children’s and women’s rights, enhancing human rights online and upholding media freedom.
Italy’s representative highlighted that, if elected, the State would contribute to strengthening the HRC. A key priority would be the moratorium on the death penalty, as well as eradicating racism and discrimination and advancing the rights of women, children and people living with disabilities. Italy would also continue to support civic space and human rights defenders.
Mauritius´ representative mentioned that being a candidate for the HRC demonstrates commitment to protecting human rights at the national level. Mauritius pledges to support peace, democracy, gender equality, the advancement of the rights of children, multilateral cooperation for sustainable development and the link between the environment and human rights.
Pakistan’s representative emphasised the State’s engagement with civil society organisations and the numerous laws passed in the past decade to strengthen the rights of women, children, minorities, people with disabilities, journalists and transgender persons. The constructive engagement of Pakistan with the UN Special Procedures, Treaty Bodies and the Universal Periodic Review was also mentioned by the representative.
Slovenia shared its pledge to advance gender rights, safeguard the rights of children, protect older persons and minorities, and champion the right to a healthy and sustainable environment. The State’s representative reaffirmed the belief in the necessity of partnerships with civil society, academia and other stakeholders.
South Africa pledged to ‘make human rights real and meaningful for all’. If elected, South Africa would combat gender-based violence, racial discrimination and promote equality and democratic participation, especially among youth and marginalised communities. The State would also engage with civil society and HRC member States in a spirit of solidarity and shared purpose.
The United Kingdom sees the HRC as the best forum to protect and promote human rights around the world. If elected, it would focus on four areas: civic space and fundamental freedoms, rule of law, equal rights for all, and addressing emerging challenges. Although this year’s election is uncompetitive, the State takes it seriously and is ready to listen and receive and offer feedback.
Chile was questioned about racism in the context of human mobility. The State representative mentioned regulations on migration that recognise the rights of human rights defenders. Chile was also asked about its plans to collaborate in Latin America in the context of business, and the impact on Indigenous peoples. Its reply highlighted its respect for cultural rights and its fulfilment of obligations toward the environment.
Ecuador was questioned about how it intends to defend Indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples at the HRC. The representative answered that Ecuador recognises their contributions and that of human rights defenders, and that implementing the right to a healthy environment was a key priority. Ecuador was also questioned about how it would guarantee respect and independence of judges and lawyers given recent threats by officials.
Estonia was questioned as to the impact of new technologies. The representative replied that the State had been following the topic closely and leading the freedom online coalition and the network to advance standards on AI. Estonia further stated that it was a relevant topic for the HRC and that if elected, it would engage in an even stronger way on reflections for ethical and normative advancement. Estonia was further asked why it was planning to leave the Mine Ban Treaty. The response to this question highlighted the deteriorating security landscape in Europe that made this exceptional decision necessary, according to the representative.
Italy received a question on migration, to which it responded that the State follows a comprehensive and balanced approach towards migration, recognising the value that migrants bring to society and economy. The representative mentioned a 3-pronged approach that tackles root causes of illegal immigration; smugglers and human traffickers; and supports regular pathways for migration with a view to increase quota for regular migrants. Italy was also questioned about gender equality.
Mauritius was questioned about grave human rights violations perpetrated in Sudan, and what it could do to ensure accountability. The State representative replied that peace and stability were essential and that Mauritius supports relevant initiatives to work for a solution to be found on Sudan. Mauritius was further asked about discrimination against the Chagossian community, who has been forcibly displaced by the UK to allow the US to build a military base. Its reply highlighted that Chagossians are de facto citizens and have the same rights and access to health, education etc as other Mauritians. The representative mentioned the 2025 agreement between the UK and Mauritius, reached in consultation with the Chagossians, as a landmark in the decolonisation process, recognising sovereignty and providing for resettlement options.
Pakistan was questioned about measures to protect and promote human rights defenders. The representative replied that defenders contribute to the human rights system and enjoy freedom of expression. Pakistan also answered a question on child work with the mention of a recent law on the minimum age for work, highlighting that improving human rights is a journey. Pakistan was also asked about how it would protect activists and religious minorities from deportations to Afghanistan.
Slovenia received a question on women’s rights and stated that advancing them in conflict regions would get particular attention. The State was also asked whether its strong record of supporting accountability for Palestine could be applied to China, too. According to the State representative, Slovenia does not apply double standards but believes that a lot can be achieved with dialogue and cooperation, sometimes behind closed doors.
South Africa was questioned about climate justice, answering they would continue to advocate for people who face disproportionate impact of the climate crisis. The State would advance this issue at the HRC because it is an essential part of human rights, particularly for communities affected by food insecurity and unpredictable weather. South Africa was also asked about the excessive use of force and criminalisation of poverty. Its answer highlighted that as a principle, law enforcement uses acceptable measures according to international standards; that however instances where excessive use of force was applied led to disciplinary measures including commission of enquiries.
Last but not least, the United Kingdom was questioned about steps it would take to protect journalists and defenders, given the evidence of transnational repression targeting Hongkongers and other diaspora in the UK. The State representative answered that it takes this issue seriously, condemns any attempt at transnational repression and offers support to members of the Hong Kong community, including guidance for emergency responses.
Egypt was questioned as to measures taken to ensure compliance with international standards against torture. It was also asked how it would address the denial of marriage registration for Bahá’ís, which causes risks of statelessness, disinheritance, denial of birth certificates, restricting access to education, healthcare & residency rights.
India was asked how it would protect minorities’ and human rights defenders’ rights, and refrain from engaging in harassment and arbitrary detention. It was also asked whether the government would make public the findings of a national inquiry on the conflict in Manipur.
Iraq was asked what specific steps it would take to stop using penal code articles that silence peaceful expression, withdraw any pending cases and release anyone held under them.
Tunisia was asked about measures taken to guarantee the independence of human rights institutions. It was also questioned about the lack of access to international protection for migrants and refugees, and the criminalisation of people who help them.
Vietnam was asked about its commitment to communications received from Special Procedures, and how the government will implement them. Specifically, as documented by human rights groups, Vietnam holds one of the highest numbers of prisoners of conscience in the world, several of them having died in custody – how would the State reconcile this with its HRC candidacy?
At the time of writing, these are the 14 candidates seeking election:
Update dated 8 September: Tunisia has withdrawn its candidacy.
Watch the event recording here.
Read here all the questions received from civil society and sent to candidate States.
This event was kindly sponsored by the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Colombia, and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland.
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