HRC61 - EU Statement - Item 9
European Union
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
61st Session
(23 February – 31 March 2026)
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Item 9
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Statement by
H.E. Mr. Michele Cervone d’Urso
Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative of the European Union
Geneva, 24 March 2026
- CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY –
HRC61: Item 9 General debate;
Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
EU statement
Mr/Madam Chair,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.
Albania, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova (Republic of), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.
Assistant High Commissioner, the EU shares the concerns for the increasing discrimination faced by individuals based on their religion or belief. This inalienable right is often unjustly limited along with other human rights, including freedom of thought and expression. It is crucial that the international community steps up against this discrimination, and works more decisively to implement the normative consensus that we have reached on this topic.
Recognising the need to assume a more comprehensive approach, the European Union included in its new Anti-Racism Strategy new actions necessary to combat discrimination. Our goal is to protect individuals and communities, in Europe and beyond, from all forms of hatred, including those based on ethnicity, religion or belief. At home, we focus on education and social inclusion, combating disinformation and hate speech, and supporting interreligious dialogue between all faiths. We work with our partners in other regions to make freedom of religion or belief a reality for all.
Mr Chair,
The EU wishes to thank the Chair-Rapporteur of the IGWG for his leadership. The EU has actively and constructively engaged in negotiations on the UN Declaration on the Human Rights of People of African Descent, and remains committed to doing so. We are confident that, with continued constructive engagement from all parties, a positive outcome can be reached. The EU also emphasised the value of giving to such a text careful consideration aimed at finding international consensus. The limited opportunities to hold negotiations on the Declaration underlines the importance underlines the importance of using resources strategically and cost-efficiently in Item 9, in a manner that best serves its priorities. The EU welcomes the shared interest in working constructively towards such a better organisation, and is grateful to the OHCHR for its work to provide further useful information that can help shape such discussions.
I thank you.