HRC63 - EU Statement - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non recurrence

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

63^rd session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non recurrence

 16 September 2026

EU statement

Mr. President,

The European Union thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report on denialism, negationism and revisionism in transitional justice contexts. We fully share the concern that the distortion, or denial of facts concerning serious human rights violations, including through revisionism, undermines victims' rights, weakens democratic institutions and threatens guarantees of non-recurrence. 

The European Union is founded on the indivisible, universal values of human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity, and on the principles of democracy and the rule of law, as a basis for peace. The existence of the EU is grounded in the conviction of its Member States that ending  the division of the European continent and building a common future following the scourges of war are of historic importance.   

One of the basis for reconstruction and social cohesion is memory. 

Across Europe, independent judicial processes, archives, memorials, museums and educational initiatives contribute to preserving accurate accounts of the Holocaust genocides, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other grave human rights violations committed during our histories.

Everywhere in the world, accountability, access to information and evidence-based education are essential tools to counter denialism, hate speech, incitement to violence or online disinformation. The report highlights the growing risks of online disinformation, algorithmic amplification and artificial intelligence-driven manipulation of historical facts.

We must pursue in the defence of International Human Rights Law through a victim-centered approach and address these challenges through a combination of remembrance policies, support for civil society and human rights defenders, media literacy initiatives, and regulatory frameworks. At the same time, measures to counter denialism must respect freedom of expression and comply with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination.

Mr. Special Rapporteur,

In your view, what additional measures can States and regional organizations take to ensure that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence systems, strengthen rather than undermine the preservation of historical truth and the rights of victims?

Thank you.