Thank you, Chair,
Germany aligns itself with the EU statement.
Germany is honored to have worked alongside Namibia in co-facilitating the Pact for the Future. This successful process of coming together with all Member States to agree on meaningful actions is a hopeful signal that multilateralism is still possible and can be effective. Even in a world increasingly affected by polarization, crises, and conflict, we can find common ground, especially on the fundamental issue of human rights.
Human rights are universal, indivisible, and interdependent. They must remain at the heart of our collective efforts and no right can be protected at the expense of others. Germany is fully committed to promoting and protecting all human rights.
Germany continues to support OHCHR in its vital work. We will do our part to ensure that it has the resources it needs to fulfill its mandate in line with the respective actions from the Pact for the Future.
In the face of an alarming array of crises, Germany reaffirms its principled stance that international humanitarian law and international human rights law must be upheld without exception. Civilians must be protected at all times, and accountability for violations of international law is non-negotiable. We firmly believe that the international criminal justice system must be adhered to and strengthened.
In this way, the International Criminal Court plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability for international crimes and delivering justice to victims. Respect for the International Court of Justice is vital to uphold the international rule of law, that Germany is unwaveringly committed to. Accountability must apply equally in all contexts, and we will continue to advocate for these principles without compromise.
For that reason, Germany works to continue the evolution of international criminal law and the International Criminal Court with respect to the crime of aggression. The review of the Kampala Amendments to the Rome Statute, scheduled for next year, is a crucial opportunity to close the impunity gap, and to elevate the ICC’s jurisdiction for the crime of aggression to the same level as for the other three core crimes. We call on the 124 member states of the Rome Statute to support this process.
It is only one year to go until the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking Beijing Declaration and Programme of Action and the 25th anniversary of UNSC-Resolution 1325 which lies at the foundation of the WPS Agenda. Germany calls on all UN Member States to intensify efforts to finally turn words into results and achieve gender equality. We cannot wait any longer!
Germany subscribes to a Feminist Foreign Policy, of which the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda is a core element.
However, our feminist approach is not only committed to the rights, representation and resources of women and girls. It advocates for equal rights and participation for all - regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, origin or religion. That means our Feminist Foreign Policy is intersectional in the best sense of the word and includes a close cooperation with civil society.
The ugliest manifestation of patriarchal oppression and discrimination against women, girls and other marginalized groups is sexual and gender-based violence. This also includes less visible forms such as economic coercion or reproductive violence through denial of access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. We strongly support the prevention and elimination of the full spectrum of SGBV, including its technology-facilitated and digital forms.
The egregious women’s and girls’ human rights violation currently taking place in Afghanistan is unparalleled in its scope, depth and systematic nature. We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of the female and otherwise marginalized part of Afghanistan’s population! That is why Germany together with Australia, Canada, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands took action in September and initiated a process to hold Afghanistan accountable for its violations of CEDAW.
Germany reaffirms its strong opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances and supports a global moratorium as a step toward abolition. The use of the death penalty, often following unfair trials, is a tool of repression and must be addressed. We also mark the 40th anniversary of the UN Convention Against Torture, stressing the absolute prohibition of torture in all contexts.
As co-facilitator of the “Right to Privacy in the Digital Age” resolution, Germany is committed to strengthening privacy protection in the face of emerging challenges. Rapid advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence, pose new risks to individual privacy and data security. We must ensure that these innovations are developed and used in ways that respect human rights and safeguard personal privacy.
Last but not least, we would like to emphasize and underline the equal importance of economic and social rights. We must ensure that everyone has access to food, water and essential services like healthcare, education, and housing. We must also promote inclusive and sustainable development that leaves no one behind.
Chair,
In these challenging times, we must reaffirm our shared commitment to defending the dignity and human rights of every individual. Germany stands ready to work alongside all Member States, guided by the principles of respect, justice, and peace.
Thank you.