EU General Comment - HRC58 - The question of the realization in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights
UN Human Rights Council
58th Session – Item 3
Resolution L.7 – General Comment
The question of the realization in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights
EU General Comment
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU Member States that are members of the Council. This general comment has been agreed by the EU as a whole.
The EU is concerned with the significant challenges the world is facing towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The realization of human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda are interrelated and mutually reinforcing.
Unsustainable debt burdens, particularly in LDCs and SIDS, limit States’ ability to invest in essential services such as healthcare, education, housing and social protection, all of which are key for the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights.
By adopting the Pact for the Future, States committed to placing the eradication of poverty at the centre of our efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda, to closing the SDG financing gap in developing countries, to accelerating the reform of the international financial architecture to mobilize additional financing for the SDGs, respond to the needs of developing countries and direct financing to those most in need.
L.7 emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues, highlighting, on one hand, States' obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill economic, social, and cultural rights, and, on the other hand, the need for States to strengthen their multilateral response to implement the commitments of the Pact for the Future.
The Fourth Financing for Development Conference in Seville and the Second World Summit for Social Development later this year will be key opportunities to take decisive action in this regard.
The EU deeply regrets that Amendment L.33 has been tabled to this draft resolution, which alludes to the so-called “UCMs”.
The EU maintains that there is a clear distinction between UCM initiatives and EU sanctions and is concerned that the narrative labelling any autonomous sanctions as illegal UCMs is often used to divert attention from the reasons these sanctions have been imposed, namely, to deter grave human rights violations and abuses. While we can agree that States should refrain from adopting and implementing illegal unilateral measures, we must reject the fundamental misconception that all unilateral measures without distinction are contrary to international law and negatively impact the enjoyment of human rights.
The EU Member States that are members of the Human Rights Council support this draft resolution, will vote against the amendment and call on the other members of the Council to do the same.
Thank you.