UN REFORM: Human Rights Council and UN Democracy Fund Intervention by Mrs. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia

Let me begin by saying that we are meeting here today at a very important moment for the United Nations and multilateralism in general. At the high level meeting that was held here last week, where our heads of state and government adopted a landmark document for the United Nations for years to come, democracy and human rights have featured prominently.

We strongly believe that only by working together to uphold the highest standards of democracy, good governance, rule of law and respect for human rights, can we make the world a better place for all. We also believe that it is necessary to uphold the same principles in the work of the UN in order to strengthen collective security and ensure that all people can live in dignity and prosperity.

In this regard, we welcome the strengthening of the United Nations human rights machinery with the decision in the Outcome Document to establish a Human Rights Council, as well as with the resolve to strengthen the Office of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights. However, we need to work hard during this session of the General Assembly in order to make the Council functional as soon as feasible and I can assure you of the full support of our country and our representatives here at the United Nations As an active member of the Community of Democracies and promoter of democracy and human rights in all fora, Croatia stands ready to contribute to the establishment of the Council with our experience at national, regional and international levels as well as an active member of the Commission for Human Rights (2002 – 2004).

We also support strengthening the role of the Community of Democracies at the United Nations and the UN democracy caucus as outlined in the Santiago Commitment. We strongly believe that governments which wish to establish and strengthen their democracies deserve assistance as it is the primary responsibility of governments to protect and create a secure environment for their people. Only by raising the awareness of the people about democratic processes, strengthening democratic institutions, transparency and accountability, can we develop an enabling environment where economic and social prosperity together with rule of law, good governance and equal opportunity for all will be created.

Therefore, we are very happy that the UN Democracy Fund has been established as a voluntary trust fund, which we have strongly supported by co-signing a letter to the Secretary General and to which we have also made a financial contribution. We also stand ready to offer our knowledge and experience, as well as to support activities of the Fund, because by strengthening democracies in the world, we also enhance our own security and stability in the interconnected and intertwined world of today.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman