Human Rights Council 37th Session (26 February – 23 March 2018)
Item 3 – General Debate
Statement of Ireland
9 March 2018
[Ireland aligns with the statement of the European Union and adds the following.]
Mr President,
Ireland thanks the High Commissioner and his Office for the various reports submitted under this item. Their range and quality once again demonstrate the depth of expertise within the Office.
We welcome the report of the Secretary-General on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity, and particularly appreciate its focus on the safety of women journalists. We are deeply concerned by the finding that “there has been an increase in violence, threats and harassment against women journalists, and that such attacks “can result in physical, psychological and emotional harm and loss of income or employment.” Ireland recognises the powerful role that a diverse and pluralistic media environment can have in providing access to information and debate, and in ensuring the enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression. We encourage all States to adopt a gender-sensitive approach when considering measures to address the safety of journalists, taking into account the factors outlined in the Secretary General’s report.
We also welcome the report from the intersessional seminar on cultural rights and the protection of cultural heritage, and align with the statement of Cyprus on behalf of the core group. We highlight in particular the report’s recommendation that States should “respect the rights of heritage professionals and other defenders of cultural heritage, work at the national and international levels to ensure their safety and security, and provide them with the conditions necessary to perform their work, including material and technical assistance.” Cultural rights defenders have an important role to play in allowing everyone to access, enjoy and engage with cultural heritage. They must be ensured a safe and enabling environment in which to carry out this vital work.
Similarly, we welcome the report on the realization in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights, which provides a valuable analysis of the linkages between economic, social and cultural rights and hazards, disasters, crises and conflicts. There is a need for an integrated approach to building resilience, taking into account the interconnectedness of human rights, the Sustainable Development Goals, and international policy frameworkson climate change and humanitarian action. We therefore welcome the elements of a human rights-based approach to building sustainable and resilient societies set out in the report.
We appreciate the report on the Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, and are concerned that the Fund continues to receive insufficient funding to respond adequately to the numerous requests for assistance it receives. Ireland is proud to be a regular supporter of the Fund and encourages other States to consider making voluntary contributions to it.
Thank you.
