The EU at the Human Rights Council
The world is facing multiple, overlapping crises — including war on the European continent, conflict and now famine in Gaza, and the resurgence of conflict in many other regions. These developments underline the deep link between peace, democracy and respect for human rights.
The European Union will be engaging actively in the negotiations of the nearly 40 resolutions expected at HRC60, as well as speaking up on the many country and thematic human rights situations discussed during this session.
The EU will present a resolution on Afghanistan, extending the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. The situation on the ground, particularly for women and girls, undoubtedly requires the Council’s continued and full attention. We must demand an immediate end to — and accountability for — all human rights violations and abuses, as well as violations of international humanitarian law.
The EU will also lead on a resolution renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Burundi, as the country continues to face a volatile security context and widespread impunity for violations. With the electoral cycle ongoing until the presidential elections in 2027, monitoring remains essential.
We will also lead on the Joint Statement on the human rights situation in Ethiopia. Less than a year before elections, civil society space being closed and progress on Transitional Justice policy is absent. It is therefore crucial to pay attention to this in the Council.
At HRC60, a group of EU countries will present a resolution renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia. The EU will also speak out strongly in the Interactive Dialogues on Ukraine, condemning in the strongest terms Russia’s continuing violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. We will also be vocal in the debate on Belarus, given the ongoing gross, systematic and widespread violations. In addition, we will engage in debates on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, North Korea, DR Congo, Venezuela, Sri Lanka, Libya, Yemen and Georgia.
Important thematic human rights issues will also be addressed by the EU at this Council session, including the death penalty, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), the rights of women and girls, the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the fight against racism.
In a Team Europe spirit, EU Member States will also present resolutions and initiatives in their national capacity, or together with other partner countries:
• Human rights in Russia
• The human rights of older persons
• Cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights
• Social reintegration of persons released from detention and persons subjected to non-custodial measures
• Question of the death penalty
• Arbitrary detention
• Universal decriminalization of homosexuality
• Preventable maternal mortality and morbidity and human rights
• The human right to safe drinking water and sanitation
• The human rights implications of drug policy
Team Europe will also organise numerous side-events, highlighting key human rights issues, including the situation in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, on combating antisemitism, and moving away from the death penalty for children.
All EU statements will be posted on this website here
