(22 September 2021)
Madam President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of a group of countries. The Universal Declaration on Human Rights stipulates that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. The international community has been committed to the eradication of colonialism. Unfortunately, legacies of colonialism, in their multiple manifestations, including economic exploitation, inequality within and among States, systemic racism, violations of indigenous peoples' rights, contemporary form of slavery, armed conflicts, and damage to cultural heritage etc., are seriously impeding the enjoyment of such human rights as economic, social and cultural rights, the right to development, and civil and political rights.
The period 2021-2030 is the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism. In that regard, we acknowledge the crucial role of the General Assembly of the UN and its Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, on the matters of decolonization.
We call upon the international community to take this as an opportunity to jointly eliminate the negative impact of legacies of colonialism, promote and protect human rights, and enhance international justice. We call on the Human Rights Council, the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights and relevant Special Procedures to pay continued attention to the negative impact of legacies of colonialism on the enjoyment of human rights.
Thank you, Madam President.