The Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Builsa North, James Agalga, has concluded his participation in the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
Hon. Agalga, who led Ghana’s Parliamentary Delegation to the session, said he has returned with renewed commitment and perspective following deliberations focused on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
In a statement issued at the close of the session, the Majority Leader said the Council’s work focused broadly on rights to work, education, health, housing and a dignified life, alongside major institutional anniversaries and contemporary challenges confronting human rights.
Outlining key conclusions and takeaways, he noted that human rights are currently under severe pressure globally.
Citing the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, Hon. Agalga said the world is living in an age of extremes characterised by raging wars, painful polarization, climate chaos and rapid technological change, with over 60 wars involving at least one State, the highest since World War II.
He said the Council reaffirmed that human rights are universal and indivisible, stressing that without access to jobs, food security, clean water and quality education, civil and political rights cannot be fully enjoyed, a point he said is critical for Africa and for Builsa North.
On climate change, Hon. Agalga said the session identified climate change as a human rights crisis, with its impact on livelihoods, displacement and food security taking centre stage in the debates.
The session also highlighted technology and polarization, calling for stronger safeguards against disinformation, abuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the shrinking civic space driven by social media echo chambers and populism.
Hon. Agalga noted that about 35 resolutions were negotiated during the session, covering country situations and thematic issues, with emphasis placed on the crucial role of Parliaments in domesticating international human rights obligations into national laws.
“As Majority Leader and MP for Builsa North, I am proud to have led Ghana’s Parliamentary Delegation. Ghana continues to be respected as a beacon of democracy and human rights. We will continue to strengthen our legislative frameworks to ensure every Ghanaian enjoys their full rights,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to the Parliament of Ghana and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their support.
