EU Explanation of Vote – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: After the vote on the draft resolution on Human rights and unilateral coercive measures

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. 

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia^*, Montenegro^*, Albania^*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^* and Georgia, align themselves with this statement.

We would like to thank Cuba for conducting, on behalf of NAM, informal consultations on this resolution. The EU has longstanding concerns regarding the content of the resolution, and therefore we voted against it.

We reject the fundamental misconception retained in this resolution that all so-called – but undefined - unilateral coercive measures without distinction negatively impact the enjoyment of human rights. We find that the approach of the resolution is misleading and sidesteps the reasons why certain measures may be not only legitimate, but also necessary.

Chair, distinguished delegates,

The EU imposes and implements its restrictive measures in full conformity with its obligations under international law and the UN Charter. EU restrictive measures are a response to serious violations of international law, including serious violations of human rights. They serve to uphold an international order based on international law, which should be in the interest of the entire UN membership.

EU autonomous restrictive measures aim to target those – and only those – responsible for these violations. They are based on clear listing criteria and robust and compelling evidence. They comply with international law, including international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law. They are carefully and systematically scrutinized by EU Courts. EU restrictive measures have no extra-territorial application and are temporary in nature. 

The EU undertakes all efforts to avoid and minimize unintended consequences of these measures, including for development aid and humanitarian assistance. Food, medicines and emergency supplies do not fall within their scope. We remind in this regard that the EU and its Member States are by far the UN’s biggest global donors to humanitarian aid, committed to supporting better lives worldwide, including in countries concerned by restrictive measures. 

We have always been open to engaging in constructive dialogue on these issues and fully agree that addressing unintended consequences of UN sanctions and autonomous measures is a serious concern that demands our collective attention. We also remain open to collaborate with the NAM to clarify the misconceptions underpinning the UCM initiatives.

Thank you.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.