Thank you, Mr. President

1. My delegation thanks the Bureau through you, Mr President, for the comprehensive briefing.

2. Regarding draft resolutions and initiatives introduced before the Council, my delegation wishes to recall that they should be firmly grounded in human rights considerations, contribute constructively to the fulfilment of the Council’s mandate, and be considered objectively, transparently, and in a spirit of constructive cooperation. 

3. Particular care should be taken to preserve the Council and its mechanisms from politicization or the pursuit of objectives unrelated to the mandates under which initiatives are presented. 

4. In this regard, my delegation recalls the distinct purpose of agenda item 10, which is to advance technical assistance and capacity-building. Engagement under this item should therefore remain needs-based, cooperative and responsive to the priorities of the countries concerned, with a clear focus on strengthening national capacities and achieving tangible human rights outcomes.

5. Maintaining the integrity of the Council’s agenda requires that initiatives be considered under the agenda item corresponding to their substantive purpose. Technical assistance and capacity-building mechanisms should not become channels for addressing matters that fall outside their intended scope or for reproducing political disputes that can undermine constructive engagement.

6. Informal consultations on draft resolutions should not be treated as a mere procedural formality or convenience. They should serve to facilitate meaningful and substantive engagement among Member States. Such consultations should provide Member States with a genuine opportunity to raise concerns, contribute to the substance of proposed texts and seek greater convergence before initiatives are presented for action. Meaningful consultation strengthens both the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Council’s decisions.

7. Rwanda remains committed to working with all delegations to strengthen the Council’s ability to deliver on its mandate in an impartial, objective and non-politicised manner, guided by its established mandates, agreed procedures, rather than practices whose basis or origin is unclear.

I thank you, Mr President.