HRC63 - EU Statement - Interactive dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the right to development

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

63^rd session

Interactive dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the right to development

14 September 2026

EU statement

Mr. President,

The EU thanks the Expert Mechanism for the presentation. 

We continue to emphasise that inclusive and sustainable development and the full realisation of all human rights are mutually reinforcing. Each State has the obligation and primary responsibility to deliver on that, based on the universality, indivisibility, interrelation and interdependence of all human rights, including the right to development, with individuals as the central drivers and beneficiaries of development.

The existing human rights treaties, mechanisms and bodies, with the centrality of the 2030 Agenda, are key to guide states to pursue inclusive and sustainable development. The EU, including its Member States, is a strong and reliable partner and continues to work together with stakeholders towards these objectives.    

While the EU reiterates its previously shared strong concerns and pending questions on the current draft of a legally binding instrument on the right to development, we continue being ready to engage constructively in future discussions. 

We share the assessment by the Expert Mechanism that the AI governance should be grounded in international human rights law. The EU enforces comprehensive risk-based rules, and dedicated oversight bodies through the EU AI Act and the European AI Office. EU is party to the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence.

Thank you.