The GCC Countries Express Concern over Effects of Disparities, Poverty on Human Rights

Geneva, March 15 (QNA) - The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries expressed their concern over the increasing disparities and poverty globally, their negative effects on human rights, and their role in exacerbating conflicts and crises, noting that the increasing international momentum to address these challenges inspires optimism, especially through the Human Rights Council, and from the perspective of promoting economic, social, and cultural rights.
This came in the statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hind Abdul Rahman Al Muftah, on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, as chairperson of the Gulf Group, during the general debate on sustainable development within the framework of the fifty-fifth session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The GCC countries voiced their support for all efforts aimed at enhancing international cooperation and strengthening partnerships in the areas of food security, reducing poverty and combating social and economic disparities, pointing out that last December, they presented a joint pledge to intensify efforts towards achieving the sustainable development agenda, moved by their belief in the complementary relationship between sustainable development and the promotion and protection of human rights.
They also reiterated emphasis that international cooperation, strengthening capabilities, and joint work to remove obstacles are vital steps to support countries in achieving progress in the field of human rights and development, expressing their appreciation for the role of the Human Rights Council as well as their confidence in its ability to hold in-depth discussions on several pressing issues within its jurisdiction.
The GCC countries also stressed their encouragement of the effectiveness of the multilateral system, through which topics such as climate change, labor, trade, and others are discussed more productively within its forums, ensuring access to more effective solutions, calling for discussions to be based on clear principles and values that are widely accepted.
The GCC countries stressed the importance of considering the national and regional peculiarities and the various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds of member states, affirming their adherence to the principle that all rights are equal, and all human rights deserve equal attention. (QNA)