H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the UN hosted a reception to introduce Hungary’s candidature to the Human Rights Council for the term 2017-2019. The Ambassador confirmed that Hungary believes to have a meaningful contribution to provide to the work of the Human Rights Council, the most important human rights body of the United Nations. She expressed her hope that Hungary can count on the support of UN Member States for this important candidacy at the elections that will take place on 28th October 2016, in the UN General Assembly in New York.
In her keynote address Ambassador Bogyay explained to the audience that one of the cornerstones of Hungary’s foreign policy traditionally lays in commitment to international cooperation aimed at securing peace, welfare and development through promoting effective multilateralism, human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights of minorities, democracy and the rule of law.
She mentioned that even though the Council is based in Geneva our Mission in New York also works tirelessly on many human rights related issues:
Hungary participated at the interactive discussion with Human Rights Council candidates, organized by The Permanent Mission of Panama to the UN, Amnesty International and ISHR in July;
Minister of State Dr. István Mikola emphasized at the High-level thematic debate on Human Rights convened by the President of the General Assembly this year in July, that intensified global cooperation, international monitoring mechanism, frequent exchange of best practices and enhanced awareness leads to a more peaceful and more stable world where the full enjoyment of human rights is a reality for all;
At the Conference marking tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Dr. László Lovászy, Hungary’s candidate to the CRPD Committee was re-elected with great success;
Hungary will continue to be a proactive player in the fight against the various forms of modern slavery, which according to recent estimates affect 45 million women, men and children all over the world. Hungary believes that, member states should provide the political leadership without which this brutal practice cannot be eradicated. Coordination among the relevant UN agencies will also need to be improved and cooperation among the relevant stakeholders should be strengthened;
The Permanent Representative highlighted: Hungary believes that intensified international cooperation, frequent exchange of best practices, international monitoring mechanisms and vigilance can lead to a more peaceful and more stable world which will be able to place human rights aspects in the forefront.
In conclusion she confirmed that Hungary is deeply committed to the strengthening of the international human rights mechanisms and particularly of the work and functioning of the Human Rights Council.
Please find on the right Ambassador Bogyay’s statement as well as the brochure representing Hungary’s activities and priorities regarding human rights and containing the voluntary pledges Hungary made as a candidate to the HRC in line with UNGA resolution A/RES/60/251 in English and French.
