The EU as a strong voice at the 61st session of the Human Rights Council

Human rights belong to everyone everywhere. There are two types of people in this world: those who have lived with rights and those who haven’t. And when you have experienced both, as I have, you fight tooth and nail for what you’ve got. EU HRVP Kaja Kallas addressing the 61^st session of the Human Rights Council

The start of HRC61 marked four years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia continues to violate international human rights law and international humanitarian law. During this Council session, we expressed our unwavering support for Ukraine in its efforts for holding Russia accountable for all international crimes and human rights violations committed. and for the extension of the Commission of Inquiry. 

This Council session also saw two Urgent Debates as response on the war in the Middle East, which addressed Iran’s attacks on the Gulf countries and Jordan, as well as attacks on Iran. The EU called for de-escalation and maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and full respect of international law, including the United Nations Charter, international human rights law and international humanitarian law, by all parties.

Developments in Iran, and the wider region threaten regional and global security, with grave repercussions on vital livelihoods worldwide. We strongly condemn Iran’s unprovoked military strikes against countries in the region and express solidarity with countries affected. EU statement

The EU presented its annual resolution on the situation of human rights in Belarus, which received a historic high support from the states. The resolution, adopted by the Council, extends the mandate of the Group of Independent Experts, as well as of the Special Rapporteur (SR) on Belarus. Their reports have documented ongoing gross, systematic and widespread human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, inhumane conditions of detention, enforced disappearances and acts of transnational repression intended to harm individuals outside of Belarus. Their investigations and evidence gathering are indispensable for ensuring accountability, and for the Belarusian civil society to be heard.

Together with Australia, the EU also led a resolution on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, renewing the mandate the Special Rapporteur. We commend the SR for her unwavering efforts to investigate and report on the situation in the country, despite the complete lack of cooperation by DPRK authorities. The resolution sheds light on the systematic human rights violations that have been documented for many years in the DPRK, some of which may amount to crimes against humanity. In the absence of independent monitoring on the ground, it is the common responsibility of this Council to address this continued and grave human rights’ crisis decisively.

Five years after the Myanmar military’s coup against a democratically elected government, Myanmar still constitutes one of the worse – and most active – human rights crises. Therefore, the EU presented, again, a resolution on Myanmar, extending the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and reiterating support for accountability efforts. The Council adopted the resolution by consensus, hence sending a strong signal of support to the people of Myanmar and their aspirations for effective human rights protection, accountability, democracy and a civilian government reflecting the will of its people.

The HRC also adopted the EU-led resolution on Freedom of Religion or Belief. This resurgence of religiously motivated discrimination is alarming, and the resolution calls on States to collaborate with the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief. This is particularly relevant as we commemorate the 40^th anniversary of this mandate. The resolution furthermore strongly condemns all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief against individuals, and denounces any advocacy of religious hatred, both online and offline, perpetrated by anyone anywhere.

Together with partners from the GRULAC group, the EU will presented the biennial resolution on the Rights of the Child, this year focusing on children affected by armed conflict.  Across the globe, 473 million children are directly affected by armed conflict and grave violations against them has reached unprecedented levels. This reality demands a clear and united response from the Human Rights Council. The resolution addresses the six grave violations against children in armed conflict: killing and maiming, recruitment and use, sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access. These are not abstract categories but represent devastating harms inflicted on children every day. 

The triannual renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children was also be presented. The mandate is particularly important as it is the only mandate of the Special Procedures specifically dedicated to children and to address serious violations of their rights. Children affected by sale, sexual exploitation and abuse are among the most vulnerable. The mandate ensures that their experiences are documented and helps shape policies that are grounded in children’s lived experiences

Beyond its own initiatives, the EU engaged actively across the wide range of resolutions and debates at HRC61. These include country situations in Russia, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, South Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Iran, Haiti, Mali, and Afghanistan. EU was also actively seized on the important resolutions promoting economic social and cultural rights for all, such as public service delivery, right to food and the new resolution on persons in street situations.   

Reflecting the Team Europe approach, individual EU Member States also contributed through resolutions and joint initiatives, acting in their national capacity and in cooperation with other partners, on topics such as: 

• Freedom of opinion and expression

• Adequate housing

• Mental health and human rights 

• Rights of persons belonging to national, or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities

• Cooperation with regional human rights organizations

• 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

• Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

Team Europe organised numerous side-events, on various topics related to key human rights issues: Ukraine, Freedom of Religion or Belief and the human rights situation in the DPRK. 

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