The following statement was delivered by Sierra Leone on behalf of members of the Group of Friends of the Responsibility to Protect during the General Debate under Item 2 at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Mr. President,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Responsibility to Protect, which brings together more than 50 cross-regional Delegations.

In 2025 and 2026, we commemorate the twin anniversaries of the Responsibility to Protect and the UN Human Rights Council. Over the past two decades, we have strengthened our understanding of the critical role the human rights system plays in identifying early warning signs, including their incitement, of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity or ethnic cleansing. Through the establishment of Special Procedures, investigative and accountability mechanisms, the convening of Special Sessions, and its engagement with relevant stakeholders, including civil society, the Council provides a place within the multilateral system to recognise atrocities and the suffering of victims and survivors.

In this regard, the role of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is indispensable. Its global mandate, regular reporting on situations of concern, field presences, as well as its technical assistance and capacity-building programmes to support national protection systems, provide a vital function that underpins effective prevention and accountability efforts.

In the context of the UN80 reform process and the current liquidity crisis, we would welcome the High Commissioner’s reflections on how States can best protect and further strengthen the Council’s capacity to fulfil this critical mandate to promote and protect the effective enjoyment by all people of all human rights, as well as to respond to the broad range of human rights challenges, including atrocity crimes.

Thank you.