Commonwealth Secretary-General addresses UN Human Rights Council

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma, addressing the UN Human Rights Council today in Geneva, Switzerland, vowed to continue “raising a helping hand” for countries engaged in the “painstaking” task of nation and institution building.

In his speech to the High-Level Segment of the Human Rights Council’s 13th Session, Mr Sharma emphasised the importance the Commonwealth attaches to the protection and promotion of human rights, which lie at the foundation of its core values and principles.

“The Commonwealth will continue to do all in its power to partner its members in protecting and promoting human rights at every level of their societies,” Mr Sharma said, referring to the Commonwealth Secretariat’s support to member states’ participation in the Universal Periodic Review of human rights and ratification of UN rights conventions.

"All parties should be striving together – if working separately, then sometimes from very different perspectives and points of strength – towards the same goal, of upholding the values we espouse."

Mr Sharma’s speech to the Human Rights Council comes just a day ahead of the signing of a joint declaration between the Commonwealth Secretariat and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The declaration focuses on deepening links, undertaking shared activities and pooling resources including on the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council, supporting ratifications and implementation of international human rights instruments, and strengthening national human rights institutions.

Applauding the work of the Human Rights Council since it was established four years ago, Mr Sharma vowed to continue working with the UN body. He also highlighted the Secretariat’s work to empower women and other vulnerable groups and convene a network of nearly 40 National Human Rights Institutions and ombudsmen.

Mr Sharma continued: “The task of nation- and institution-building will always be a painstaking one, and living up to the high standards we have embraced will sometimes be beset with lapses. But the Commonwealth seeks to be a strategic partner of member states as they advance in this huge task. That is why we see greater value in raising a helping hand, than in raising a wagging finger.”

“We are ready to work with the 14 of our members which have yet to ratify the two 1966 UN Covenants, on Civil and Political Rights, and Social and Economic Rights – or subsequent Conventions, for instance against Torture, or Racism, or Discrimination against Women,” he added.

While in Geneva, the Secretary-General will also deliver a talk at the Graduate Institute of International Relations on The Commonwealth and Global Challenges.

Secretariat Links:

• Kamalesh Sharma