Mr. President,

We remain deeply concerned about the grave and systematic human rights violations in many regions of the world.

Discussions confirm that countries, where governments attack their own people and disregard human rights, create preconditions to support or enable acts of aggression by states in violation of international law. When fundamental freedoms are denied, civic space is closed, and accountability is absent, the consequences often extend beyond borders and contribute to wider instability.

Recent developments in the Middle East illustrate this troubling dynamic. Iranian attacks involving drones and other weapons systems have endangered civilian populations and critical infrastructure in several countries of the region. We express our solidarity with all states and communities affected by such actions.

These developments are particularly alarming in light of the growing military cooperation between Iran and Russia. The transfer and use of drone technologies between these two regimes have already had devastating consequences for civilians in Ukraine, where Russian forces continue to deliberately target residential areas and energy infrastructure.

Such attacks undermine the most fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, security and dignity.

This reality underscores why the Council must remain vigilant and principled in addressing serious human rights violations wherever they occur and in supporting the work of the OHCHR.

I thank you!