Venezuela adheres to the statement read by China on behalf of the Like Minded Group of States.
Venezuela is a free and sovereign country that moves towards social justice with full exercise of all human rights, along the path of peace.
We reiterate that only through genuine dialogue and cooperation between States will be possible to contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the planet.
The mandate given to the Office of the High Commissioner in the General Assembly resolution 48/141 is also inspired by that spirit of dialogue with Governments, in full adherence to the universal principles of respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States.
In this regard, we warn about the persistent intention to use the human rights as a legal tool to demonize the countries of the South, since this practice made the extinct Commission of Human Rights to succumb. This is the case of the selective adoption of mandates against specific countries, which are not subordinated to the current hegemonic powers. These mandates promote the presentation of reports and oral updates of the Office of the High Commissioner, which then serve as the basis for unleashing terrible media campaigns, which omit the enormous efforts made by the countries of the South in the promotion and protection of Humans Rights of their peoples.
It is not conceivable that the Office spends more time for negative statements about the human rights situation in any country, instead of highlighting the cooperation and positive developments in the field of human rights that have taken place in those countries.
Cooperating and fostering national capacities are an effective, non-politicized, impartial and objective tool to prevent abuses and promote the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the world. They are only possible, through genuine dialogue and cooperation, without impositions or interference.
In this regard, we demand due balance and an objective treatment in the content and presentation of the reports of the Office of the High Commissioner, regardless of the Agenda Items of this Council where they are presented.
We reiterate our call for the Office of the High Commissioner to strengthen and give priority to cooperation, assistance and encourage the capacity of States in the field of human rights, in accordance with their requirements and without distinction.
Thank you.