Antigua and Barbuda has disclosed that it no longer has a functioning permanent diplomatic mission in Geneva, leaving the country dependent on international funding to participate in United Nations human rights proceedings.

The disclosure was made by the country’s delegation during its fourth Universal Periodic Review before the UN Human Rights Council.

The delegation said the UN Voluntary Fund for Participation and the trust fund supporting small island developing states and least-developed countries are essential to Antigua and Barbuda’s continued involvement.

“These mechanisms remain the only avenue for Antigua and Barbuda to be visible in this space, as we no longer have a functional permanent mission in Geneva,” the delegation said.

No explanation was given for why the mission is no longer functioning, when its operations ceased or whether the Government plans to restore a permanent diplomatic presence.

Crown Counsel Annetta Jackson, from the Office of the Attorney General, served as the country’s sole in-person representative at the review.

Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene delivered Antigua and Barbuda’s opening presentation by prerecorded video because government ministers were unavailable to attend following the country’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The delegation thanked contributors to the UN Voluntary Fund for Participation for facilitating Antigua and Barbuda’s involvement in the review.

It also credited the Commonwealth Small States Office in Geneva with providing technical expertise during preparation of the national report and conducting a simulated review ahead of the proceedings.

Geneva is home to the UN Human Rights Council and several other international organizations, making a functioning diplomatic presence important for countries seeking to participate consistently in negotiations, reviews and other multilateral processes.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Says It No Longer Has a Functioning Permanent Mission in Geneva.