UN Human Rights Council opens its 61st session
23.02.2026 / 14:16 | Aktualizováno: 26.02.2026 / 14:46
On Monday, 23 February, the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council opened with a high‑level segment, where the Czech Republic is represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Marie Chatardová, who will deliver the national statement on 25 February.
The opening featured statements by the UN Secretary‑General, the President of the General Assembly, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Czechia, together with its EU partners, will focus on the human‑rights situation in Belarus, Myanmar, and the DPRK, for which it will submit EU-led resolutions. It will also present resolutions on the rights of the child and on freedom of religion or belief.
A key priority for Czechia will be the renewal of the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, established in 2022 in response to Russia’s full‑scale aggression against Ukraine. The Commission monitors and investigates human‑rights violations on Ukrainian territory resulting from Russian aggression. Other Czech priorities include renewing the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria and that of the Special Rapporteurs on freedom of expression and on human rights defenders.