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The Bahamas Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights, Climate Justice, and Multilateralism at UN Human Rights Council

Fri, Feb 27th 2026, 01:15 PM
Politics

Senator the Hon. L. Ryan Pinder, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, delivered a national statement during the High-Level Segment of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, February 23-25, 2026 that took place in Geneva.  He underscored the country’s steadfast commitment to human rights, international law, and multilateral cooperation.

Senator Pinder emphasized that for small island nations, human rights and adherence to a rules-based international order are essential safeguards in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.

“Human rights are our shared moral compass, with multilateralism and respect for international law our North Star,” he stated, noting that international law serves as “the great equalizer” for small States navigating global challenges.

Climate Change and Human Rights

The Attorney-General highlighted the urgent human rights implications of climate change for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including threats to livelihoods, food security, and territorial integrity. He welcomed the Council’s recent consensus resolution on sea-level rise and human rights, which recognizes the forthcoming Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on climate change and affirms the principle of the continuity of statehood.

He called for increased ambition, climate finance, and international solidarity, stressing that those who contributed least to climate change must not bear its heaviest burdens.

Fairness in Global Economic Governance

The Bahamas also raised concerns regarding unilateral and coercive blacklisting practices that disproportionately affect Small Island States. Such measures, the Attorney-General noted, unfairly damage reputations and restrict fiscal space.

In response, The Bahamas reaffirmed its support for advancing a United Nations Framework Convention on international tax cooperation grounded in transparency and equal participation among States.

Regional Stability and Haiti

Turning to regional matters, he reiterated The Bahamas’ commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace. He expressed deep concern over the situation in Haiti and welcomed the forthcoming operationalization of the Gang Suppression Force.

The Bahamas pledged continued support for international and regional efforts aimed at institutional strengthening, civilian protection, and Haitian-led solutions, while encouraging sustained engagement by the Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Advancing Racial Justice and Inclusion

As a nation deeply connected to the African diaspora, The Bahamas reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights of People of African Descent. The Attorney-General welcomed the proclamation of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent and called for continued dialogue and concrete measures to address the legacies of slavery and colonialism.

Strengthening Institutional Capacity

Recognizing the capacity constraints faced by small States, Mr. Pinder emphasized the importance of technical assistance. He commended the work of the OHCHR Regional Office in Nassau serving CARICOM and underscored the value of the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund for Least Developed Countries and SIDS.

He further highlighted The Bahamas’ role as a Core State of the Convention Against Torture Initiative and pointed to the recent establishment of the country’s Parliamentary Human Rights Committee as a significant step toward strengthening legislative oversight and embedding human rights in national governance.

Security Council Candidature

Making a major announcement, the Attorney-General revealed that The Bahamas will, for the first time, seek election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2032–2033 term under the theme “Resilience, Relationships, Representation.”

The candidature he said, reflects The Bahamas’ conviction that the voices of Small Island Developing States must be heard at the highest levels of international decision-making, particularly where human rights, climate change, and global security intersect.

Concluding his remarks, Attorney-General Pinder affirmed The Bahamas’ commitment to principled leadership, cooperation, and adherence to international law.

“The Bahamas remains committed to working with all partners to ensure that this Council stands as a lighthouse for the world — pointing us always toward the ports of justice, peace, and hope,” he said.

Senator the Hon. L. Ryan Pinder, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, delivered a national statement during the High-Level Segment of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, February 23-25, 2026 that took place in Geneva.  He underscored the country’s steadfast commitment to human rights, international law, and multilateral cooperation.
Senator Pinder emphasized that for small island nations, human rights and adherence to a rules-based international order are essential safeguards in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.
“Human rights are our shared moral compass, with multilateralism and respect for international law our North Star,” he stated, noting that international law serves as “the great equalizer” for small States navigating global challenges.
Climate Change and Human Rights
The Attorney-General highlighted the urgent human rights implications of climate change for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including threats to livelihoods, food security, and territorial integrity. He welcomed the Council’s recent consensus resolution on sea-level rise and human rights, which recognizes the forthcoming Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on climate change and affirms the principle of the continuity of statehood.
He called for increased ambition, climate finance, and international solidarity, stressing that those who contributed least to climate change must not bear its heaviest burdens.
Fairness in Global Economic Governance
The Bahamas also raised concerns regarding unilateral and coercive blacklisting practices that disproportionately affect Small Island States. Such measures, the Attorney-General noted, unfairly damage reputations and restrict fiscal space.
In response, The Bahamas reaffirmed its support for advancing a United Nations Framework Convention on international tax cooperation grounded in transparency and equal participation among States.
Regional Stability and Haiti
Turning to regional matters, he reiterated The Bahamas’ commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace. He expressed deep concern over the situation in Haiti and welcomed the forthcoming operationalization of the Gang Suppression Force.
The Bahamas pledged continued support for international and regional efforts aimed at institutional strengthening, civilian protection, and Haitian-led solutions, while encouraging sustained engagement by the Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Advancing Racial Justice and Inclusion
As a nation deeply connected to the African diaspora, The Bahamas reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights of People of African Descent. The Attorney-General welcomed the proclamation of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent and called for continued dialogue and concrete measures to address the legacies of slavery and colonialism.
Strengthening Institutional Capacity
Recognizing the capacity constraints faced by small States, Mr. Pinder emphasized the importance of technical assistance. He commended the work of the OHCHR Regional Office in Nassau serving CARICOM and underscored the value of the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund for Least Developed Countries and SIDS.
He further highlighted The Bahamas’ role as a Core State of the Convention Against Torture Initiative and pointed to the recent establishment of the country’s Parliamentary Human Rights Committee as a significant step toward strengthening legislative oversight and embedding human rights in national governance.
Security Council Candidature
Making a major announcement, the Attorney-General revealed that The Bahamas will, for the first time, seek election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2032–2033 term under the theme “Resilience, Relationships, Representation.”
The candidature he said, reflects The Bahamas’ conviction that the voices of Small Island Developing States must be heard at the highest levels of international decision-making, particularly where human rights, climate change, and global security intersect.
Concluding his remarks, Attorney-General Pinder affirmed The Bahamas’ commitment to principled leadership, cooperation, and adherence to international law.
“The Bahamas remains committed to working with all partners to ensure that this Council stands as a lighthouse for the world — pointing us always toward the ports of justice, peace, and hope,” he said.
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