Continuation of the general debate
🇮🇷 Islamic Republic of Iran, 🇧🇾 Belarus, 🇨🇳 China, 🇰🇵 Democratic People's Republic of Korea, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇧🇭 Bahrain, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 Republic of Korea
In the name of God, the most compassionate, the most merciful, Madam Chair, I am exercising the right of reply in response to the outrageous statement made by the representative of Bahrain against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The delegation of Bahrain chose to speak of human rights while turning a blind eye to the single fact that explains the events it now weeps over. The Kingdom of Bahrain placed its territory, its bases, its aerospace at the disposal of the United States for the launch of an unlawful war against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Having handed its territory to the United States on a silver platter for use in an unlawful war against a neighbor, Bahrain does not get to plead surprise at the consequences. Iran did not strike first. Iran was attacked. What followed was the exercise of the inherent right of self defense, a right that does not expire when the platform used to launch the aggression happens to sit on the soil of a smaller neighbor. Let there be no ambiguity. If the territory of any estate in our region is again used to launch attacks against Iran, we will respond. There are only two paths. Either we build security together or we bear the insecurity together. Bahrain has already chosen the second path once, and it should not expect a different result if it makes the same choice again. Thank you.
Спасибо, Господи. Thank you, Madam Chair. The delegation of Belarus is exercising its right of reply in relation to the statements by the representatives of Lithuania, Poland and Latvia. Today, during the general debate, we underscored that the growing growing polarization is a major problem in this committee. The statements of the three aforementioned states fully confirm this argument. Belarus received unfounded accusations of persecuting so-called political prisoners and of instrumentalizing migration. Regarding the first accusation, once again we underscore that in Belarus there are no so-called political prisoners. Regarding persons who in accordance with the law have been prosecuted for extremist and terrorist activities, which our EU neighbors call political prisoners, we note that the legislation of Belarus is fully in line with the universally recognized norms of international law and is constantly being improved in order to ensure citizens' rights and freedoms. The legislative approach to combating extremism and terrorism is based on constitutional provisions, in accordance with which the Republic of Belarus defends its independence, territorial integrity, and constitutional order while at the same time ensuring law and order. Any state must take all necessary measures to establish and maintain public order in order to ensure the full realization by all citizens of the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. However, in the spirit of humanity and based on statements about crimes by so-called criminal uh political uh prisoners, the President of Belarus has already pardoned several hundred such people. Regarding the instrumentalization of migration, migrants and refugees have passed through Belarus in the past, but previously there was cooperation with the bordering EU states and there were no such problems. We weren't the ones that stopped this cooperation, it was our EU neighbors that did so based on political considerations. Therefore, accusations against Belarus are entirely unfounded. We would like to note that it was not Belarus, but rather the Neighboring EU countries that care so much about human rights, that built barbed wire fences that harm people and the environment, that are forcing refugees and migrants across the border, and even throwing their bodies onto Belarus' territory. These action actions, together with the use of gas and weapons, have caused grievous bodily harm to thousands and led to the death of more than a hundred people, and that's only the officially documente cases over the last five years. The State Border Committee of the Republic of Belarus constantly informs the public about persons who have been found dead in the border area between Belarus and neighboring EU countries. At the global level, there is the International Organization for Migration initiative, Missing Migrants, the Missing Migrants Project, which records cases of migrant deaths, including refugees and asylum seekers, on the state border or when they are migrating to another state. Belarus' border forces and doctors provide prompt assistance to migrants in cases where that is possible. Belarus' other efforts in the area of border control were mentioned during our national statement. Once again, we confirm the Republic of Belarus' commitment to fulfilling its obligations, and we call upon the countries that are politicizing the pain and suffering of migrants to at long last resume observing the norms of international law, to engage in civilized professional work and good and scrupulous cooperation. Thank you very much.
Chair, the representatives from the UK, Australia, Japan, Ireland, Chechia, and Lithuania made groundless accusations and maliciously slandered China's human rights situation in their statements. China hereby expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition. The countries mentioned above, arrogant and believing themselves to be superior, frequently act like lecturers on human rights. Given their serious human rights issues at home, they are in no position at all to talk about human rights. Let alone pass judgment on China. China has been safeguarding and improving the quality of life of its population through development. We have completely eradicated abject poverty, lifting nearly 100 million people out of poverty and expanding the middle income group to over 400 million people in contrast. Poverty in the UK has kept worsening in recent years with over 40 million people living below the poverty line, half of whom are in extreme poverty. Then let's look at Japan. Its relative family poverty rate stands at 15%, with child poverty becoming an increasingly prominent issue. China is deeply concerned about its human rights situation. China has been promoting the whole of process democracy for its people, ensuring that people are the owners of their country. The approval rate for and satisfaction rate with the Chinese government has exceeded 90% for many years. The Hong Kong National Security Law marked a historical turning point in Hong Kong from chaos to order and from order to prosperity, optimizing and developing the democratic system in Hong Kong SAR, and receiving support from all walks of life in Hong Kong. In contrast, in the UK, polls show that about 75% of its population are concerned about the prospects of democracy. Then in Australia, public trust in Czechia government in government has hit new lows, and young people's confidence in their democratic systems has Significantly declined. All ethnic groups in China are equal members of the Chinese nation as one big family, tightly embracing each other like pomegranate seeds, or ethnic groups in Xinjiang and Shizong, are seeing their political, economic, cultural, and religious rights effectively guaranteed. The promulgation and implementation of the law on promoting national unity and progress aims at achieving the common prosperity and development of all groups. In contrast, Japan has failed to honor its commitment to eliminating racial discrimination. And failed to treat the Ainus and Ryukians as equal ethnic groups, resulting in crises for the survival and development of these people. Now let's look at the UK and Australia and Ireland. The colonialism they practiced in the past has caused endless harm which can be felt even to this day. What's more, as we speak, they are facing serious social issues, such as racism and ethnic division. At a time when the world is fraught with turmoil and change and when multilateralism is facing headwinds. China has held high the banner and taken responsibility. China has not only injected confidence and momentum into the International Human Rights Course through its own development, but also promoted dialogue and cooperation in the human rights field through concrete actions, leading global human rights governance toward a more just and rational direction. In contrast, the UK, Australia, Japan, Syria, and Lithuania, among others, keep paying lip service to morality but turn a blind eye to the injustices. Suffered by the peoples in Palestine, Iran, Cuba, and other countries. Under the pretext of human rights, they repeatedly interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, implement UCMs, and infringe on the interests of developing countries, thus playing an extremely disgraceful role. Chair, the multipolarization of the world and democratization of international relations are unstoppable. Unity cooperation and progress are the common aspirations of all peoples. China will We'll adhere to a human rights development path that aligns with the times and suits its own national conditions. We stand ready to engage in constructive dialogue with all parties on human rights issues, jointly resist the politicization of human rights, and work tirelessly toward the noble goal of human rights for all. We advise a handful of countries to stop fabricating and spreading lies related to China and stop using human rights issues as a pretext for political manipulation. Otherwise, they will only be shooting themselves in the foot. Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Madam Chair. The delegation of the DPR Korea is exercising its right to reply in response to the groundless remarks made by the delegate of the Republic of Korea concerning the human rights issues of the DPRK and so called cooperation between two countries. The allegation of the cooperation and assistance for improving human rights brought up forward by the Republic of Korea are nothing but politically motivate the plot. Designed to defame the dignity and system of the TPR Korea. It has an absolutely nothing to do with the genuine promotion and protection of human rights. In particular, it is the height of hypocrisy and the blatant deception of the international community for the Republic of Korea to talk about cooperation and coexistence while staging large scale joint military exercises almost every single month, inclusion with foreign forces. And continuously deploying advanced strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula. The DPRK has already defined its relationship with the Republic of Korea as two fundamentally hostile states at war. We take this opportunity to state clearly, once again, that DPR Korea has absolutely no intention to sit face to face with the Republic of Korea. Has any desire to pursue any engagement with them in the future? The DPRK government consistently prioritize the rights and well-beings of our people through our popular mass-centered socialist system and responsibly fulfills its international obligations by maintaining active engagement with the international human rights treaty bodies. The Republic of Korea would be well advised to look inward and address its own deep rooted, severe social inequalities and systematic human rights issues first. Disingenious and deceptive proposals for cooperation do not contribute to easing intentions on the Korean peninsula. They only fuel mistrust. We strongly urge the Republic of Korea to immediately cease its reckless maneuvers to politicize human rights for confrontation and return to a rational attitude fitting for the norms of the international diplomacy. In conclusion, and in response to the remarks made by the Czech delegation today, the DPRK wants to recommend them that if they truly care about the promotion and protection of human rights, do not keep silent again on the crimes against humanity caused by the state sponsored terrorism and do not weaponize human rights to attack sovereign countries. And please care and help to address the serious human rights issues that is rising globally. Thank you so much, Madam Chair.
Madam Chair. Cuba reaffirms its commitment to the promotion, protection, and respect for all human rights for everyone. We will continue to uphold the provisions of the 44 legal instruments when it comes to human rights, of which we are a state party. We will continue to promote the universality of all human rights, which should be ensured without any kind of distinction and with equal emphasis, as is referred in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. It is imperative that all countries work in a framework of respect and cooperation, staying away from selective or punitive approaches which have altered the true meaning of human rights. Madam Chair. There is no ideal model for democracy or human rights. Today, on this planet, there is not a single country that is exempt from human rights challenges. There simply isn't. Even developed nations or others that coming from the global south do not know what it means to make a country go forward and have. Human rights indicators that are without um par under a blockade that is costing us lives. Even those nations face significant challenges when it comes to human rights. Cuba is also concerned with these challenges, such as, for instance, the challenges that certain indigenous populations face in countries in the South, the protection of their territories or the recognition or restitution of their ancestral lands, or the difficulties faced by migrants. Their living conditions and the gaps when it comes to accessing economic or social rights. Nevertheless, and despite our concern over these challenges, we have preferred to not politicize human rights. Each state must seek out their own solutions to overcome their own challenges on the basis of their legal system and without any kind of external influence. Just a week ago, Madam Chair, the high-level week of our 81st session ended. And for over a week, forty-three heads of state called for lifting the criminal blockade imposed by the United States against us, and they called out the serious humanitarian impact of this policy that undermines the full enjoyment of human rights for an entire people. We would like to thank delegations that in this general debate of the Third Committee have recognized the impact that unilateral coercive measures have on the living conditions of the Cuban people, especially when it comes to accessing essential goods and services. Vital goods and services, we could even say. And we can share irrefutable data of how the blockade costs lives in Cuba. In these circumstances, speaking about resilience has become very complex and we do not like to romanticize this concept. Cuba will continue making efforts to favor social justice with universal and free access to education, health, culture, and sports as fundamental rights. We will continue to work for the full realization of human rights for all Cubans, and we will not desist in order to build an equitable and democratic international order where no one is left behind. I thank you.
Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation would like to exercise the right of reply in response to the intervention by the uh Is uh Islamic Republic of Iran. The allegations are baseless uh and they are a clear attempt to distort reality. We reject the allegations related to the use of uh our territory to launch military aggression, and we believe and we reiterate that these are baseless allegations uh t to shift the blame, and we also reiterate our commitment to good neighborliness and non interference in internal affairs and respect for states and their territorial integrity, which runs contrary to what we view from Iran. Thank you, Madam Chair.
thank you, Madam Chair. It is unfortunate that I'm compelled to exercise my right of reply in response to the statement by China. The claims that China mentioned regarding Japan are based on facture errors and are groundless. Okinawa Prefecture has its own unique and rich culture and tradition, just like other regions in Japan. The government of Japan, however, is not the view of the Japan born in Okinawa indigenous people who was being part of an indigenous ethnic group, nor is such a view widely recognized in Japan. In fact, voices of protest have been raised in multiple municipal same blazing Okinawa, stating that it is incorrect to recognize people. Born in Okinawa as indigenous people, as belonging to an indigenous ethnic group. As a matter of course, Japanese people living in or Born in Okinawa Prefecture are Japanese nationals on an equal basis with all other citizens, and their rights as Japanese nationals are guaranteed fully and without distinction. Japan has concluded various human rights treaties, sincerely adheres to them. And stripes to protect and promote human rights, Japan consistently reveals its various domestic institutions at measures. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you, Chair. My delegation would like to exercise its right of reply in response to the statement made by the representative of the DPRK. First, as our head of delegation mentioned this morning, the Republic of Korea will continue to work with the international community to bring about tangible improvements in the human rights situation of the people of the DPRK. Second, The Republic of Korea attaches great importance to the values of human rights and democracy and continues its efforts to promote them. At the same time, we hope that the DPRK will sincerely pursue policy and institutional changes aimed at bringing about tangible improvements in the human rights situation of its people, including through cooperation with the UN human rights mechanisms. Third, our joint military exercises are purely defensive in nature. The government of the Republic of Korea has a fundamental responsibility to protect its people in the face of continued nuclear and conventional threats from the DPRK, which continues to violate relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Let me reiterate it that the only way to achieve peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula is through the resumption of the dialogue and communication. We count on the unwavering support of the member states for our continued efforts toward dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. Madam Chair, let me recall the famous words of one of our former permanent representatives, Ambassador Oojun. Some of you may remember him. For South Koreans, people in North Korea are not just anybody's. Many South Koreans still regard North Koreans as our brothers and sisters. Indeed, the DPRK itself had long recognized this special relationship. Ontario Pyongyang fundamentally changed its long-standing position in late 2023 and defined inter Korean relations as relations between two hostile states. We deeply regret about these changes, and let me reiterate our position to pursue our reconciliation and communication with our brothers and sisters in the North. Thank you.
Much uh Madam Chair, this delegation and almost everyone in this room is surprised, genuinely surprised to hear Bahrain describe. As allegations, what sits in plain sight is the placing of Bahraini territory, bases, and aerospace at the disposal of the United States, a story invented in this room. It has not explained why its territory, its bases, and its aerospace were placed at the disposal of the US for an unlawful war against Iran. Bahrain is not a victim. Bahrain is a platform for the war. Iran did not strike first. Iran was attacked. The strikes that followed were self-defense, and self-defense is not suspended to spur the state that lovingly rented out the launch pad. Handing Bahrain's territory to the United States was a surrender of sovereignty for use in an unlawful war, and Manama does not get to discover the cost only after the bill arrives. The weeping started when the consequences did. The decision came first. Let this be the last time it needs to be said. If any territory in this region is used against to attack Iran, Iran will hit back in a manner the likes of which one has never seen before. Thank you.
China is exercising a second right of reply to respond to the statement made by Japan. China will uphold and promote a correct approach to human rights and continue to improve human rights protection in the process of modernization with Chinese characteristics. China is ready to work with all parties to formally defend multilateralism, uphold the post war international order, continuously improve human rights governance globally, and promote the development and progress of human rights civilization. Japan turns a blind eye to its own serious human rights problems at home, such as the wealth gap, racial discrimination, gender-based violence, and elder abuse. Therefore, it is in no position to lecture on the human rights situation in other countries. Japan's attempts to distort historical facts, evade responsibility for its past aggression, and steadily push its security policies towards an offensive, expansionist and dangerous direction have long torn off its mask of a so-called peaceful nation. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo trial, that landmark trial of the century, exposed the countless war crimes committed by Japanese militarism, demonstrated the international community's shared resolve to uphold fairness and justice, defend human dignity and maintain world peace, and served as a powerful warning to all those who seek to revive militarism. Japan should and must deeply reflect on its history of aggression and profound sufferings, its crimes inflicted on the victims, and take an honest and responsible approach to addressing historical issues, including the forced recruitment of comfort women. We urge Japan to honor its international obligations, thoroughly eradicate the lingering influence of militarism, and remain committed to peaceful development. Only in doing so can it truly free itself from the burden of history. Attempts to whitewash its history of aggression through false narratives such as international contribution or an alleged existential crisis to promote resurgence of militarism, challenge justice and conscience are doomed to be called to account by history and justice once again. We solemnly call on Japan to confront and tackle its own human rights issues and to engage constructively in international human rights dialogue and cooperation based on equality and mutual respect. Only in this way can it genuinely gain the confidence of the internet community. Any attempt to politicize human rights issues, apply double standards, or use human rights as a tool to pressure or contain China is doomed to backfire. Thank you, Chair.
Madam Chair, we reject the allegations made by Iran. Just because they repeat them doesn't make it true. And as we've already said, we recall Resolution 2817 of the Security Council that condemns Iran. We have to all commit to this resolution, and we have to respect good neighborly relations and non interference in the internal affairs of states. I thank you.
Thank you, Madam Chair. It is unfortunate that I'm compelled to exercise my second right of reply in response to the statement by China. Japan has Concluded various human rights treaties, sincerely adheres to them and strives to protect and promote human rights. Japan consistently reviews its various domestic institutions and measures. Regarding Japan's national security policy, the defense capability Japan maintains are kept the minimum necessary to ensure Japan's Security in the face of the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II. Under the Constitution, Japan hears the basic policy of exclusively maintaining national defense oriented policy without becoming a military power that poses a threat to other countries. Also, Japan family maintains three non nuclear principles. Japan will never change the course it has taken as a peace loving nation. Thank you.
Verbatim from the transcript. A reply is identified from its own words, the Chair's grant, or its place in the right-of-reply sequence; delegations and addressees follow the transcript's attribution.