HRC63 - EU Statement - Enhanced Interactive dialogue on the OHCHR report on challenges and barriers to the full realization of human rights of people of the Marshall Islands, stemming from the State’s nuclear legacy

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

63^rd session

Enhanced Interactive dialogue on the OHCHR report on challenges and barriers to the full realization of human rights of people of the Marshall Islands, stemming from the State’s nuclear legacy

1 October 2026

EU statement

Thank you Mr. President,

The European Union thanks the Office for its report focusing on the element of justice [as part of a transitional justice framework].  

All persons, without discrimination, are entitled to the equal protection by the law, and nuclear affected individuals can not be discriminated in this regard. 

All victims should have equal recognition of the impacts on their human rights as well as access to remedies. Adequately recognising victims and harm experienced, as well as ensuring their right to access to effective remedies, is a fundamental precondition for justice.

The EU Policy Framework on Support to Transitional Justice prioritises a context-specific, inclusive and locally owned approach putting the rights and participation of victims at its heart.  This aligns directly with the Marshall Islands' focus on dealing with the transgenerational violations of past nuclear testing. 

The EU also provides technical and financial assistance to nuclear affected states. The Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC) supports affected states [e.g., Kazakhstan, Marshall Islands] that work on providing access to healthcare, environmental cleanup, socioeconomic rehabilitation, and capacity-building. 

Mr President, 

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) has succeeded in limiting nuclear testing in an unprecedented way, together with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. All States should abide by the existing moratorium on nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosion while awaiting the formal entry into force of the CTBT.

Distinguished panellists, 

how can OHCHR contribute to the strengthening of traditional local capacities to advance aspects of nuclear justice?

Thank you.