The Polish foreign minister made a speech at the High-Level Panel opening the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council, which was held at the UN’s European headquarters. He outlined Poland’s priorities in the area of protection and promotion of human rights, including the rights of religious minorities. “Poland is particularly concerned about increasing discrimination and persecution of Christians, as well as other religious minorities in many parts of the world,” said Minister Czaputowicz. “The escalation of violence and systematic violations of human rights on the grounds of religion or belief require our strong response,” he added.  

In his speech the chief of Polish diplomacy also underlined the importance that Poland, which was actively involved in the drafting of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, attaches to the rights of the child. “With further promotion of the rights enshrined in the Convention, we should all strive to ensure the broadest possible enjoyment of human rights by all children in every corner of the globe,” stressed Minister Czaputowicz. 

When speaking at the Human Rights Council, the Polish foreign minister also made a reference to Poland’s bid to join the Council, by pointing out that it would reflect Poland’s involvement in the United Nations system and be a natural continuation of our current non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council. According to Minister Czaputowicz, the promotion and protection of human rights are the key to conflict prevention.

The Polish MFA head also addressed the Conference on Disarmament, stressing the need to urgently begin negotiations, according to the Conference’s mandate. In his words, we attach high priority to an early launch of the negotiations on the fissile material cut-off treaty (FMCT). “The FMCT would contribute greatly to enhancing international security and to countering the potential use of fissile materials by non-state actors,” said Minister Czaputowicz. He also mentioned the ongoing review of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), specifically noting Poland’s Chairmanship of the second Preparatory Committee. The Polish top diplomat said he hoped that progress achieved in this regard will contribute to the positive outcome of the 2020 Review Conference, enhancing the Treaty and its further implementation.

Minister Czaputowicz said that we highly value the efforts undertaken by the United States, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Republic of Korea to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. As a member of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission, Poland is particularly engaged in the activities aimed at establishing lasting peace and security in this region.    

In Geneva, Minister Czaputowicz also attended a High-Level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen,  whose main goal was to garner more donor support for the civilian population affected by the armed conflict in the country. In his speech Minister Czaputowicz said that urgent actions are needed to improve the living conditions of the Yemeni population, ensure its protection and alleviate the impact of famine. He went on to say that “We want to prove our solidarity with those who need our support and do our outmost to lead them safely out of the crisis.” It is worth noting that Poland pledged the amount of 2 million Polish PLN to be allocated in response to the crisis in Yemen.

On the margins of the Human Rights Council session, the Polish foreign minister met with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet. They discussed Poland’s priorities in the area of human rights protection at international forums and the Polish candidature for the Council. “Poland encourages efforts to strengthen the Council as a body in which the voice of all participants can be heard,” said the Polish top diplomat. Minister Czaputowicz reminded that Poland contributed to the Trust Fund to Support the Participation of Least Developed Countries in the work of the Council.

During his visit to Geneva, Minister Czaputowicz also held bilateral talks with the foreign ministers of Indonesia and Angola, and the minister of state for foreign affairs of Saudi Arabia to discuss a variety of topics and solicit their support for the Polish candidature for the Human Rights Council for the 2020-2022 term. 

The Human Rights Council, established in 2006, is an auxiliary body to the UN General Assembly. Its main goal is to promote  respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Council is made up of 47 UN member states, with Poland twice its member: in 2006-2007 and 2010-2013.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo Sebastian Indra / MSZ