Geneve, July 7, 2025

 

Statement delivered by Ambassador Vasilika Hysi, Permanent Representative

 

Thank you, Mr. President,

 

Albania would like to thank all members of the core group (Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico) for presenting the draft resolution L.2 and wishes to express its support for the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).

We commend the work of the current mandate holder, Mr. Graeme Reid, and his predecessors, whose efforts have been marked by professionalism, inclusivity, and a commitment to constructive dialogue.

The Independent expert plays a key role in addressing violence and discrimination and advancing human rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

 

This mandate was established in 2016 in response to overwhelming evidence of systematic violence and discrimination faced by individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Since then, it has been renewed twice – each time with growing support from the international community.

The Independent Expert has worked in a spirit of cooperation, offering technical assistance and engaging in meaningful dialogue with States.

We are pleased that the Independent Expert has accepted the invitation of my government and visited Albania, in July 2024. We appreciated the constructive meetings that he held with national and local authorities, civil societies and members of the LGBTI community and his useful recommendations.

 

Mr. President

The renewal of this mandate is essential. It provides a platform for dialogue, fosters international cooperation, and supports States in fulfilling their human rights obligations. It contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to equality, justice and strong institutions. It also sends a clear message that violence and discrimination have no places in our societies.

The draft resolution before us has procedural nature. It simply renews the mandate in its original terms, without introducing new elements or obligations. Supporting this draft resolution is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to the universality and indivisibility of human rights. Voting against it – or supporting amendments that seek to weaken the mandate – would undermine the integrity of the Human Rights Council’s special procedures   and the protection of those most vulnerable.

Albania will vote in favour of the draft-resolution and against any proposed amendments that seek to weaken or undermine the mandate. We believe that the continuation of this mandate is essential to advancing human rights for all and to fostering inclusive, just and resilient societies.

I thank you.