European Union

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

52^nd Session

(27 February to 4 April 2023)

Item 6

Statement by

H.E. Ms Anna JARDFELT

Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Sweden

on behalf of the European Union

Geneva, 27 March 2023

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UNITED NATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

52^nd session

(27 February – 4 April 2023)

EU Statement

General debate on Universal Periodic Review (Item 6)

Speaking time – 2’30’’

Mr/Mme (Vice-) President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The candidate countries Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina*, the potential candidate country Georgia, the EFTA country Liechtenstein, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Armenia align themselves with this statement.

The European Union reiterates its strong support and commitment to the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. The UPR has the principle of universality at its core and is a well-functioning tool to address the human rights situations in all countries. However, the mechanism goes far beyond dialogue and debate. Its ultimate goal is to improve the human rights situations all over the globe. Tangible results have been achieved during its 15 years history.

The UPR is well-known for a participation rate of 100%. The EU encourages the full engagement of all States in the future as well.

The fourth cycle is underway and reviews of fourteen States have already taken place. Now emphasis should be put on a sustainable implementation. The EU will continue to use recommendations issued during the UPR process in its human rights dialogues worldwide with other countries.

Chairperson,

The UPR is not an isolated mechanism but rather a multi-stakeholder process.

It is closely linked to and complementary with the work of treaty bodies, special procedures and other UN human rights mechanisms.

The EU also recalls the very important role of national mechanisms for implementation, report and follow-up in the implementation of the UPR

recommendations. National parliaments, National Human Rights Institutions as well as many other segments of society, should also be involved in such exercises. These actors are essential in ensuring that the UPR process has a real impact on the ground.

Civil society plays a crucial role in several phases of the UPR process. The European Union calls on all States and the OHCHR to enable and facilitate the meaningful participation of civil society organisations in all stages of the UPR process.

The European Union will continue to defend the work of civil society organisations, human rights defenders, journalists and other media actors, and human rights lawyers. We will continue to oppose and condemn any threat or act of violence, intimidation, harassment, and reprisals against individuals, civil society organisations, and groups cooperating or willing to cooperate with the UN and its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights.

Finally, please allow me to reiterate the full EU support to the UPR as well as our gratitude to all stakeholders involved for their important contributions to the process.

Thank you.

* Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.