Foreign Office Minister welcomes successes of the UN Human Rights Council

26 March 2012

The UN Human Rights Council concluded its 19th Session on 23 March, with a number or landmark resolutions on key countries of concern.

Speaking today, Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne said:

“We have seen some great successes at the Human Rights Council over the past year, and I am delighted with the achievements of the latest session that the UK has worked hard to secure.

“I welcome the Syria resolution at the Human Rights Council, and particularly the decision to extend the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry. This is the strongest Council resolution on Syria so far, and another very clear signal from the international community that it will not tolerate impunity for gross violations and abuses of human rights.

"The renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for Iran shows a significant commitment by Human Rights Council members to address the growing international concern about the human rights situation in Iran. We urge Iran to seize this opportunity to engage with the UN to improve its human rights record.

“I also welcome the outcome of the vote on the Sri Lanka resolution. This underlines the importance that governments across the world attach to supporting lasting peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. We urge the Sri Lankan Government to take the necessary steps to implement the recommendations of their Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission as soon as possible.

“For the first time, the resolution on DPRK was adopted by consensus. The resolution on Burma was also adopted by consensus.
The UK will continue to work with our international partners on these and other issues, to support the work of the Council and ensure that those who are responsible for human rights violations and abuses are held to account by the international community.”