Thank you, Mr President,
The United Kingdom is a strong supporter of the system of Special Procedures and fully respects its independence. We would like to thank you, and the members of the Consultative Group, for the extensive work undertaken in the selection process for the mandate holders due to be appointed at this session. This has been a substantial task, given that your proposed list covers 17 mandates and required the review of applications from over 300 individuals.
When used effectively, the Special Procedures system provides vital independent and external scrutiny, and plays a critical role in ensuring that violations and abuses of human rights are brought to light and that perpetrators are held to account.
We wish to place on record that, throughout this selection process, we have consistently underlined the importance of full compliance with the criteria established by this Council. Expertise, experience, independence, impartiality, personal integrity and objectivity are of paramount importance when selecting and appointing mandate holders. It is clear that the discharge of a mandate carries significant responsibility. Special Rapporteurs must be able to develop relationships of trust and to engage constructively with all stakeholders.
In this context, we wish to express particular concern regarding instances of antisemitic, inflammatory and adversarial comments in relation to existing mandate holders, as well as individuals who have sought appointment at the current session of the Council. This behaviour undermines the objectivity and impartiality expected by these mandate holders. We call on all Special Procedures mandate holders to act fully in line with the Code of Conduct established by Human Rights Council resolution 5/2. Adherence to this framework is essential to maintaining confidence in this important system.
The United Kingdom will remain vigilant and will continue to challenge any behaviour which is antisemitic or contravenes the Code of Conduct within the mechanisms of this Council.
Thank you.