Joint Statement by the core group of the resolution on enhancement of technical cooperation and capacity-building in the field of human rights  

delivered by Mr. Sasiwat Wongsinsawat

Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Thailand

Annual thematic panel discussion under agenda item 10

“A decade of technical cooperation and capacity-building in the

Human Rights Council: challenges and the way forward”

at the 35^th session of the Human Rights Council

on 20 June 2017, 15.00-18.00, at Room XX

(Speaking time: 2 minutes)

 

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Mr. President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement prepared by the core group on technical cooperation on behalf of 34 States.

We thank the panellists for their valuable inputs.

The Council’s mandate on technical assistance is a powerful tool in the promotion and protection of human rights. While notable progress has been made over the past decade, the potential of agenda item 10 has not been fully realized.

All States face human rights challenges. We should make better use of the existing institutional framework and uphold the principles and cooperative spirit of the Council, as outlined in the founding GA Resolution and the IB Package.

We can do more to improve the current structure and practice under agenda item 10 for a more effective dialogue about the capacity-building needs of States. It can be a more effective venue for all States and other stakeholders to share their experiences, good practices and challenges including an open dialogue with the donor community, practitioners and the OHCHR.

Such a constructive and enriching process can help States fulfil and implement their human rights commitments and obligations and build trust. This is the underlying purpose of this panel discussion. This should be at the heart of everything we do under agenda item 10.

For technical assistance to be impactful and relevant, we should work closely with the States concerned, and align capacity-building efforts with their needs and national circumstances. This is likely to enhance implementation and buy-in by local, regional and national authorities.

The Council must continue to build mutual trust and respect, which are a prerequisite for genuine dialogue, in order to allow technical cooperation to become an effective pillar of the human rights system. This will not only lead to better promotion and protection of human rights on the ground, but also serve as an important trust-building exercise for the Council.

Thank you.

*Core group on technical cooperation (Resolution 33/28): Brazil, Honduras, Indonesia, Morocco, Norway, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand and Turkey