HRC63 - EU Statement - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

63^rd session

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures

 

9 September 2026

EU statement 

Mr. President,

The European Union takes note of your report, which acknowledges that a differentiated analysis of measures should form the basis for the work and engagement of the Special Rapporteur. The report also refers to the reasons for adopting autonomous restrictive measures in terms of response to violations of international law or serious violations of human rights.  

We agree that States should refrain from illegal unilateral measures, however we disagree with the narrative that treats temporary, targeted, and proportionate restrictive measures adopted in accordance with international law the same as illegal measures and arbitrary economic coercion. There is no general prohibition under international law of unilateral restrictive measures.

For the EU, standing by in the face of the most serious human rights violations and abuses is not an option. When the UN’s response to flagrant violations of international law continues to be obstructed by the use of the veto, this does not mean there is nothing left to do. On the contrary, we take action to uphold and defend the UN Charter. Autonomous measures provide a peaceful and lawful tool for doing so.

For example, the EU has designated individuals responsible for the deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia, but also extremist settlers and entities supporting settlement in the West Bank, as well as Hamas members. In Myanmar, the EU listed military officials responsible for human rights violations and abuses, while maintaining the provision of official development assistance. So far, the EU adopted up to 200 listings under its Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.

Mr. President,

EU restrictive measures are designed to avoid as much as possible any unintended consequences; they can be challenged in court and have no extra-territorial application. To prevent over-compliance, extensive guidance is available to economic operators, while broad humanitarian carve-outs support our commitment to protecting people, including in countries under UN or autonomous sanctions. At the same time, the EU and its Members States remain the biggest donor of development and humanitarian assistance in the world. EU sanctions do not stand in the way nor impede the delivery of humanitarian assistance in environments in which sanctions apply.

Special Rapporteur, we remain ready to continue to engage with your mandate on this and other issues, including on over-compliance and comparative mapping of safeguards described in your report. 

Thank you.