HRC55 - Item 6 General debate on Universal Periodic Review - EU statement

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

55th Session

Item 6 General debate on Universal Periodic Review

25 March 2024

EU statement

Mr President,

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

The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania*, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and 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 all 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’s success is the result of a 100% participation rate. The EU encourages the full engagement of all States in the future as well.

The fourth cycle is underway. Now emphasis should be put on sustainable implementation of recommendations. 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, reporting 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 exercise. 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 recognize the legitimate role of civil society organisations in the UPR process and to enable and facilitate the inclusive, diverse and meaningful participation in all its stages. Continuation of the hybrid modalities of the HRC is important to facilitate/ ensure participation of all UN Member States as well as NGOs.

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 who seek to cooperate, cooperate or have cooperated 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.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.