HRC61 - EU Statement - Item 10
European Union
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
61st Session
(23 February – 31 March 2026)
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Item 10
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Statement by
H.E. Ms. Deike Potzel
Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the European Union
Geneva, 26 March 2026
- CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY –
HRC61: Item 10 General debate;
Technical assistance and capacity-building
EU statement
Mister President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.
Albania, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.
The EU thanks the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the oral update and the reports under item 10.
Technical assistance and capacity building is of critical importance for strengthening human rights implementation globally. The EU and its Member States support multiple projects and programmes in this regard, including those implemented by the OHCHR, including through its human rights adviser programme, as well as other partners, such as regional organisations.
These programs strengthen the skills and abilities of individuals and institutions in partner countries, aimed at effectively improving the respect for, protection and fulfilment of, human rights. They help to strengthen national human rights institutions and national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up. They foster the promotion of human rights in public administration, enhance good governance, and they encompass training programs on the human rights-based approach.
Allow me to turn to some countries that have recently benefitted directly from OHCHR assistance.
The EU welcomes the cooperation with the OHCHR and the operationalization of the OHCHR mission to the country, which will help Bangladesh in the implementation of its international commitments on human rights. We support endeavours by the government of Bangladesh to take forward key state reforms in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. Amongst others, securing progress on labour rights, including in the context of the National Action Plan on the Labour Sector, is a longstanding priority for EU-Bangladesh cooperation. The EU welcomes Bangladesh’s accession to the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances and the Optional Protocol on the Convention against Torture. The EU continues to follow closely ongoing legal processes with respect to the criminal acts and human rights violations that occurred during the 2024 popular uprising. Violence and reprisals must be avoided, and the rule of law, due process, and the right to a fair trial must be upheld in all cases. At the same time, we will continue to call for a comprehensive response to the humanitarian situation of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
The EU values Cambodia's cooperation with Human Rights mechanisms and encourages continued constructive engagement with the OHCHR Field Office in Phnom Penh. However, the EU remains deeply concerned about ongoing human rights violations in the country. Severe restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, along with intimidation, judicial persecution, and arbitrary detention of human rights defenders, environmental activist, opposition members, media workers, and trade unionists, are of particular concern. We urge the Cambodian Government to respect, protect, and fulfil all human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination. We deplore the increase in human trafficking cases linked to scam centres and call on the Cambodian Government to intensify its efforts to address this issue, while ensuring full respect for its human rights obligations.
The EU is observing the developments in Madagascar attentively, standing ready to support the proposed transition process by the authorities of the refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar. It is of utmost importance that transparent and inclusive elections, in accordance with international standards, occur within a reasonable timeframe. Furthermore, ensuring that the transition process is inclusive, through encouraging active participation from the youth and civil society organisations, will be crucial. Fighting against corruption and elite capture are also key factors in ensuring a genuine and sustainable transition.
With regard to the situations in the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Mali and Ukraine we would like to refer to our statements during the respective interactive dialogues.
Thank you.