HRC63 - EU Statement - Interactive dialogue on the Secretary General's report on cooperation with the United Nations

United Nations Human Rights Council
63^rd Session

Interactive dialogue on the Secretary General's report on cooperation 

with the United Nations

23 September 2026

EU statement

Mr (Vice) President, 

The European Union thanks Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Ms. Claudia Fuentes Julio for her presentation of the report and congratulates her in her new role. 

Ms. ASG, Your report once again puts on record a disturbingly high number of reported acts of intimidation, harassment and reprisals against individuals and groups who cooperate or seek to cooperate with the United Nations, perpetrated by both States and non-State actors. It is equally disturbing, that such acts of reprisals, either offline or online, have been documented across the globe. 

Support to Human Rights Defenders and civil society has been a long-standing priority of the EU, as they play a vital role in informing and shaping UN decisions, enhancing accountability, and promoting inclusive dialogue, all of which are essential for the UN’s effectiveness. The EU strongly condemns any form of reprisals against HRDs and civil society organizations, including those who cooperate with UN in any form.

While States’ human rights obligations transcend national borders, few States are held accountable for committing transborder human rights violations. This is increasingly enabled by the misuse of digital technologies. It is a duty of all states to provide for the victims the necessary protection from acts that constitute grave attacks against the essence and proper functioning of the United Nations system.

While we welcome the good practices at national and international levels indicated in the report, we deeply regret some States’ instrumentalization and misuse of their legislation, including the unsubstantiated designations of persons and organizations as terrorists, aimed to deter or hinder cooperation with the UN. 

The EU reiterates its concern about the gender-specific nature and severity of reprisals targeting women, including in the context of peace operations, as well as the specific risks for young people and Indigenous Peoples. 

Ms Claudia Fuentes Julio, 

Could you please elaborate on what states can do to better detect and protect victims of acts of transnational repression? 

Thank you.