United Nations Human Rights Fora: Council approves EU priorities for 2026
The message from the conclusions is clear: the EU is unwaveringly committed to the universal respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights for everyone, everywhere. Under all circumstances, international law, including the UN Charter must be upheld. The EU will use every opportunity in multilateral fora to counter the pushback against human rights.
The EU will continue its work to end and prevent further human rights violations around the world. Its priorities include the Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the structural system of human rights violations in Russia and Belarus, as well as the human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and in Iran. Furthermore, the EU will continue to work with its partners to foster a peaceful and inclusive democratic transition in Venezuela, advocating for the full respect of fundamental freedoms including the rights of peaceful assembly, association, and free expression. The EU will also support the UN in ensuring that the accountability mechanism for Afghanistan becomes operational as soon as possible and is sufficiently financed.
The conclusions stress that effective and inclusive multilateral institutions, with the United Nations at their core, are the best means to ensure peace, security, human rights, prosperity and sustainable development for all. In the 20th anniversary year of the UN Human Rights Council, it is vital to reaffirm its role as a key forum for dialogue, cooperation and action on human rights and to strengthen its standing and its synergies with the work of other UN bodies. In this endeavour the EU will continue to cooperate with all regions of the world and enhance cooperation with like-minded countries. The ongoing rationalisation and efficiency efforts at the Human Rights Council and UNGA Third Committee present an opportunity to strengthen the focus, effectiveness and impact of these fora.
In its conclusions the Council stresses that EU pays special attention to ending impunity and ensuring accountability and fully supporting the International Criminal Court. In 2026, the EU will also focus on civic space and continue to support and protect a strong and resilient civil society offline and online. The EU also strongly condemns all forms of transnational repression.
Council conclusions on EU priorities at UN human rights fora are approved on a yearly basis.