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

Thank you Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU 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 unilateral measures without distinction negatively impact the enjoyment of human rights. We find the approach of the resolution misleading and would like to revert the discussion back to the reason why restrictive measures are imposed in the first place.

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 rules-based order, which is in the interest of the entire UN membership.

EU restrictive measures are always targeted and carefully calibrated, temporary and subject to judicial review. They are aimed at those responsible for breaches of international law, such as decision-makers or company executives, seeking to bring about a change in their behaviour. The EU does not impose complete prohibitions on all trade or other economic activity.

The EU restrictive measures are based on specific listing criteria and legally robust evidence, accompanied by a corresponding reasoning, and regularly reviewed. Designated persons and entities may challenge their listing before the Court of Justice of the European Union, asserting their due process rights and right to a fair trial.

EU restrictive measures fully adhere to humanitarian principles, follow international humanitarian law, and are developed in such a way as to avoid any adverse or unintended consequences, including for food security. That is also why food, medicine and other emergency supplies do not fall under EU sanctions.

Moreover, EU sanctions do not have any extra-territorial application and only apply within EU jurisdiction.

We would like to recall that together with its Member States, the EU is a leading donor of external and humanitarian assistance in the world, including to countries where sanctions are in place.

The EU and its Member States stand ready to work with the UN and all its members to implement shared responsibilities within the UN framework to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, including the promotion and respect for human rights. We also remain open to collaborate with the NAM in addressing the many misconceptions the UCM initiatives are based on.

Thank you.

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