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National Statement of the Republic of Lithuania delivered by Permanent Representative to the United Nations H.E. Mr. Rytis Paulauskas at Debate on the report of the President of the Human Rights Council H.E. Mr Jürg Lauber on Friday, 31 October 2025.

Mr. President,

Lithuania aligns itself with the statement of the European Union.

Let me begin by expressing appreciation to President Lauber for his steadfast efforts to strengthen the voice and effectiveness of the Human Rights Council in fulfilling its mission to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms around the globe.

The growing number of human rights and humanitarian crises around the world calls for collective action and concrete results to bring relief to those suffering and to ensure justice for all victims. Today’s debate is both welcome and timely. Lithuania continues to underline that work of the General Assembly and of the Security Council would benefit from more extended interaction with the President of the Human Rights Council. We need the human rights pillar to be as strong as ever and financed adequately comparing to other pillars of the UN.

Mr. President,

Lithuania greatly values the continued attention and action of the Human Rights Council in response to Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. Efforts to document and report Russia’s all human rights violations are essential to ensuring accountability for its political and military leadership. We are deeply concerned by the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia and Belarus, as well as by credible reports of their indoctrination, militarization, and the suppression of Ukrainian-language education in temporarily occupied territories. We are also gravely concerned by the mistreatment of prisoners of war, alongside mounting evidence of systematic and widespread sexual and gender-based violence and acts of torture.  We call for immediate, unhindered access for international mechanisms to verify the situation, ensure the safe return of all deported children, and hold all perpetrators accountable.

Addressing the deteriorating human rights situation within Russia itself is also vital. As Special Rapporteur Mariana Katzarova noted, Russia is governed by the rule of fear rather than the rule of law. This internal repression of civil society and critics of the regime continues to fuel aggression beyond its borders. We must do more to support human rights defenders today, as they courageously defend their fundamental freedoms and rights, often at great personal risk.

The worsening human rights situation in Belarus requires increased attention from the Council. Lithuania is deeply concerned about the imprisonment of over 1200 political prisoners in Belarus - arbitrary arrests, incommunicado detentions, and persecution continue unabated. We call on Belarusian authorities to release all those detained for exercising their fundamental freedoms. It is essential to sustain all efforts in support of the Belarusian people’s democratic aspirations to live in a free, peaceful, and just country.

Mr. President,

We are deeply concerned about the ongoing UN liquidity crisis and its serious implications for the human rights pillar, which has been structurally underfunded. Securing adequate and sustainable financing is imperative to enable the Human Rights Council and all human rights mechanisms to continue fulfilling their crucial mandates effectively.

In this context, the UN80 initiative offers an important opportunity to achieve tangible and concrete action. For this aim, the role of civil society and human rights defenders is crucial in this process. We are committed to strengthening its mechanisms through UN80 reform and sustainable financing, ensuring accountability for violations, and safeguarding universal human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without discrimination. Sustainable financing of the UN human rights mechanisms, coupled with enhanced effectiveness, will contribute to a stronger and more efficient United Nations as a whole.

Distinguished Colleagues,

Since 2001, Lithuania has extended a standing invitation to all UN Special Procedures, reflecting our commitment to openness, dialogue, and cooperation. We attach great importance to the work carried out by the mandate holders established by the Human Rights Council and other UN bodies. Lithuania remains ready to further strengthen its engagement with these mechanisms and encourages all Member States to do the same.

I thank you.