Introduction of the draft resolution

“Enhancement of technical cooperation and capacity-building in the field of human rights”

by H.E. Mr. Sek Wannamethee

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand

at the 39^th Session of the Human Rights Council

28 September 2018, Room XX, Palais des Nations

Mr. President,

On behalf of the cross-regional core group comprising Brazil, Honduras, Indonesia, Morocco, Norway, Qatar, Singapore, Turkey and Thailand, I have the honour to present the draft resolution entitled “Enhancement of technical cooperation and capacity-building in the field of human rights”.

This resolution is grounded in the principle of international cooperation, which is one of the purposes of the United Nations and one of the key principles of the Council.

The focus of this year’s resolution is technical cooperation and capacity-building in the field of the human rights of older persons. The main outcome of this resolution is the panel discussion on technical cooperation on the same theme, which will be held during the forty-first session of the Council next June.

This panel discussion under agenda item 10 provides an important space for all stakeholders to engage in a focused and thematic discussion on the chosen topic. This open and constructive exchange of views and practical experiences, including challenges and good practices, is a vital part of the Council’s work on technical cooperation. We wish to invite all States and other stakeholders to share their views and experiences at the panel discussion.

In drafting this resolution, the core group always takes a consensual and constructive approach. In this regard, we wish to thank all States, the OHCHR and civil society organizations for their valuable contributions made during the consultations.

We are pleased that the draft resolution enjoys the support of over 80 co-sponsors. We hope that the Council will adopt this resolution by consensus, which will reaffirm the Council’s longstanding intent to strengthen technical cooperation in order to create more tangible impacts on the ground.

Please note that the draft resolution as orally revised is the same text as originally tabled.

Thank you, Mr. President.