HRC60 -UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

60^TH SESSION

SEPTEMBER 2025

GENERAL DEBATE ON AGENDA ITEM 3

PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS, CIVIL, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT

STATEMENT BY THE PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAWI TO THE UN

OFFICE AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN GENEVA ON BEHALF OF A GROUP OF COUNTRIES

Mr. President,

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of 21 preventable and treatable diseases that affect about 1.5 billion people around the world. NTDs cause immeasurable suffering. They debilitate, disfigure and can be fatal. By most commonly affecting some of the most vulnerable people in the world, NTDs create cycles of poverty and cost nations billions of dollars every year.

NTDs predominantly affect populations with low visibility and limited voice. They disproportionately impact rural communities that have limited financial resources, are a source of stigma and discrimination, particularly for women and girls, and can lead to increased morbidity and mortality rates.

NTDs are intrinsically linked to human rights and are more prevalent in areas where fundamental rights—such as access to health care, education, safe drinking water, sanitation, and adequate housing—cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, NTDs often result in violations of basic human rights, including the rights to equality and non-discrimination.

Addressing these human rights issues is crucial for preventing and treating NTDs, as well as for upholding the dignity and well-being of affected individuals. Despite these critical connections, the human rights implications of NTDs have not received adequate attention. NTDs are both a cause and consequence of human rights violations. The lack of access to clean water, housing, education, and opportunities for participation exacerbates vulnerability to these diseases. In turn, individuals afflicted by NTDs face infringements on their rights to health, life, privacy, education, work, and the benefits of scientific progress. These interlinked human rights issues highlight the importance of integrating human rights frameworks into global strategies to combat NTDs.

We call on States to take steps to work together to prevent, treat and control NTDs and urge the Council to address these important human rights issues.

 Thank you.