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EU Statement - HRC58 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms While Countering Terrorism

11.03.2025
Geneva
Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

United Nations Human Rights Council

58th session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

11 March 2025

EU Statement 

 

Mr President,

The EU thanks the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of his report and we reiterate our call upon all States to cooperate with the mandate and accept requests for visits by the Special Rapporteur, as the only entity within the UN system mandated to report on counter-terrorism from a human rights perspective exclusively. 

The European Union considers its engagement with and inclusion of civil society organisations a crucial aspect of its policy to prevent and counter terrorism. This enhances the effectiveness, transparency and legitimacy of counter-terrorism measures and contributes to enhanced security. We are happy to see the European Commission’s “Better Regulation” guidelines cited as a good practice in the report and we have noted that there remains room for improvement. 

On the report’s comments on the EU restrictive measures, we underscore that they are in compliance with international law, they fully respect due process and fair trial guarantees and  are subject to independent judicial review. 

The EU adopted in 2024 its Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Due Diligence Policy, which will strengthen the already robust human rights component of the EU’s counter-terrorism efforts within missions. We supported the creation of the Brussels Memorandum on Oversight and Accountability, which provides guidance to ensure that counter-terrorism measures are effective, transparent, and grounded in the rule of law. 

Mr. Special rapporteur, you recommend regional organisations to protect individuals and groups from reprisals and intimidation by members states. Could you share some best practices in this regard? 

Thank you.