MORNING 9 March 2021 Concludes Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment The Human Rights Council this morning heard the presentation of a series of thematic reports by the Secretary-General and High Commissioner for Human Rights, followed by a general debate on its agenda item on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development. Peggy Hicks, Director of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, presented nine thematic reports by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The reports focused on the realization in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights; the relationship between the realization of the right to work and the enjoyment of all human rights by persons with disabilities; harmonizing and reforming the treaty body system; conclusions and recommendations of Special Procedures; the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture; the Special Fund established by the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities; missing persons; and combatting intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief.