GCC calls on UN rights rapporteurs to respect code of conduct

The GCC countries have stressed their commitment and respect for mechanisms of the UN Human Rights Council including the work of special procedures, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

In a joint statement delivered to the Human Rights Council, Qatari Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva Faisal Al Hnzab said that the GCC countries expressed their extreme surprise and displeasure over the special rapporteurs' "incomprehensible and unacceptable actions which are beyond the scope of the code of conduct."

He noted that the are field visits paid by UN special rapporteurs to the GCC countries were welcomed by the GCC governments based on their commitment to promote and protect human rights.

The Qatari diplomat explained that the rapporteurs, who visited the GCC countries, had failed to fully abide by the code of conduct accepted by all as a methodology of work by introducing new requests during their visits.

The GCC countries called on the special rapporteurs "to be honest, independent, respect the sovereignty of states and abide by the code of conduct for mandate holders in order to achieve the desired goal," he said.