Thank you, Mr. President,

Germany aligns itself with the statement of the European Union.

It is an honor for us take part in this important high-level debate. As Co-Chair of the Group of Friends of the Nelson Mandela Rules we are particularly committed to this topic.

As we mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to these rules and the principles they enshrine.

These rules represent a landmark in the global commitment to upholding human rights, dignity, and the rule of law within criminal justice systems. They remind us that the deprivation of liberty must never mean the deprivation of dignity. They set the minimum standards for the treatment of all prisoners, emphasizing non-discrimination, the need to address individual vulnerabilities, and the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

2025 also marks the 15th anniversary of the Bangkok Rules, which complement and strengthen the Nelson Mandela Rules by addressing the specific needs of women in detention and promoting gender-responsive approaches.

Germany actively supports the implementation of these standards. Over the years, we have funded key UNODC publications and field-level initiatives to promote the Nelson Mandela Rules and the Bangkok Rules, and we continue to partner with UNODC in technical assistance projects.

We are convinced that safeguarding the dignity and rights of all persons in detention is not only a legal duty but a moral imperative.

Let us seize this occasion to reaffirm our collective commitment to the full implementation of the Nelson Mandela Rules and the Bangkok Rules – and to work together towards a future where the rights and dignity of every person in detention are respected and protected.

Thank you.