UN Human Rights Council

59th session – Item 10

L.3 – General Comment

Cooperation with and assistance to Ukraine in the field of human rights

EU General Comment

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU Member States that are members of the Human Rights Council. This general comment has been agreed by the EU as a whole. 

We thank Ukraine for presenting a solid technical rollover resolution asking for the continued technical cooperation and assistance from the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights in the field of human rights. 

This resolution underlines Ukraine’s commitment to continue upholding its human rights obligations, notwithstanding the enormous challenges it faces amid the ongoing war of aggression by the Russian Federation.

We reiterate our resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of international law, including, inter alia, the UN Charter, and of Russia’s continuing violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in Ukraine.

This resolution, despite arguments to the contrary, is about the human rights situation in Ukraine. It is not about targeting any third state. It’s about a targeted state seeking cooperation and assistance in the field of human rights.

For more than a decade, the UN Monitoring Mission has contributed to Ukraine’s progress in upholding human rights and fostering access to justice within its jurisdiction. It has also supported Ukraine’s enhanced cooperation with human rights mechanisms, including UN treaty bodies and Special Procedures. The continued presence of the Monitoring Mission is critical to sustain this advancement. 

All this resolution is asking for is the continuation of the High Commissioner’s updates on the situation of human rights in Ukraine. It does not mandate the Monitoring Mission itself or any other mechanism.

We call on fellow UN Members to support Ukraine’s endeavours to strengthen the respect, protection, and fulfilment of human rights of all persons, including those belonging to minorities, within its internationally recognized borders.

Such effort by the country concerned, seeking cooperation and assistance, should receive the consensual support of the international community. Yet again, some countries choose to undermine it, based on false accusations. 

We regret that, once again, this resolution is being called to a vote. EU Member States that are members of this Council will vote in favour of the resolution, and we call upon all the other members of this Council to do the same.

I thank you.