Africa-Press – Angola. Angola reaffirmed on Friday in Geneva, Switzerland, its strong commitment to multilateralism and to the central role of the Human Rights Council (HRC), as the main intergovernmental body of the United Nations responsible for the promotion and protection of all Human Rights.
This was expressed by the Permanent Representative of Angola to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ana Maria de Oliveira, at the meeting of ambassadors of the African Group with the President of the Human Rights Council, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, and with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.
The meeting’s main focus was the financial crisis of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
On the occasion, the Angolan diplomat also outlined the active role that Angola intends to play during its current term on the HRC, highlighting the country’s intention to promote a human rights approach based on dialogue, cooperation and technical assistance.
The Angolan diplomat acknowledged that the effective realization of Human Rights requires solutions adapted to each national context and respect for the sovereignty of States.
Oliveira advocated a balanced and non-selective approach that takes into account the structural challenges faced by developing countries, namely the eradication of poverty, social inclusion, sustainable development and the strengthening of institutional capacities.
The ambassador also emphasized that the Angolan Government is following the current financial situation of the United Nations with a high sense of responsibility, expressing understanding of the limitations faced by the Organization and recognizing the need for fiscal restraint and prudent use of available resources.
The diplomat reiterated Angola’s commitment to contributing constructively to ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening the efficiency, predictability and sustainability of the work of the Human Rights Council, while safeguarding its essential mandate.
Ana Maria de Oliveira also reaffirmed Angola’s full availability to continue working closely with the African Group, the Presidency of the HRC and the Office of the High Commissioner, in a spirit of cooperation, shared responsibility and mutual respect, with a view to making the promotion and protection of all Human Rights a concrete reality for all peoples.
