Human Rights: EU Statement at the UN General Assembly’s 3rd Committee

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Mr Chair,

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

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Albania*, Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina*, as well as Andorra, Monaco and San Marino align themselves with this statement.

The EU reaffirms its commitment to the principles established 75 years ago by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It still guides us in our everyday struggle for human rights. Its legitimacy is rooted in the fact that it reflects the experience, the ideas and the aspirations of representatives of very different nations and from diverse political and cultural backgrounds.

Since its adoption, we have together made important progress in realizing the rights and aspirations reflected in the UDHR. We have adopted core international human rights instruments, established strong UN human rights mechanisms, and set up an accountability framework for violations. We have made important advancements in civil cultural, economic, political and social rights, lifting millions of people out of poverty and improving gender equality. We strengthened the linkage between human rights and the need for clean, healthy and sustainable environment, recognized the impact of digital technologies on human rights, and engaged with the business sector on human rights. However, as we mark this 75^th anniversary it is no time to be complacent. In many parts of the world we see human rights and fundamental freedoms denied, violated and even questioned.

The rights of each and every person are equally important. We express our support and solidarity for those who are oppressed, persecuted, discriminated against, arbitrarily deprived of freedom or fleeing from war. As 2023 marks the 25^th anniversary of the UN Declaration on human rights defenders, we underline the need for a safe and enabling environment for these actors, and strongly condemn reprisals against those who cooperate with the UN system.

Justice must be done and perpetrators of human rights violations must be held to account. The international criminal justice system, in particular the International Criminal Court (ICC) is of paramount importance to ensure accountability for atrocity crimes and to deliver justice for victims.

Human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. As stated by the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, whose 30^th anniversary we celebrate this year, civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights go together.

The SDG Summit confirmed that the implementation of most SDGs is lagging behind. Integrating a strong human rights dimension in SDG implementation is a key factor in sustainability and resilience. The EU reaffirms its commitment to full implementation of all three dimensions of the 2030 Agenda. Our vision for sustainable development combines economic growth, a competitive social market economy that leaves no one behind, respect for human rights and a high level of environmental protection. By supporting partner countries in their implementation efforts, the EU is making concerted efforts to deliver on the SDGs.

One of the most important resolutions presented during the session of the Third Committee, and supported by the EU, concerns the right to food. Guaranteeing this human right is a top priority under any circumstances. Russia’s decision to suspend the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its deliberate attacks on Ukrainian Black Sea and Danube ports further exacerbates the global food security crisis it fuelled by its war of aggression against Ukraine. Food should not be used as a weapon and we urge Russia to rejoin the Black Sea Initiative.

Chair,

Respecting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of the child should remain our common effort. Children and youth are the first ones affected by poverty, hunger and conflicts which havelong-term impacts on their education, safety, mental health and development. With the best interest of the child at heart and recognising children as actors for change, the EU will further promote meaningful child and youth participation and their empowerment. The EU will devote special attention to those in vulnerable situations, including refugee and migrant children, children affected by armed conflict, indigenous children and those belonging to minorities, those living in rural and remote areas and children with disabilities. This year, we present again, together with GRULAC, a resolution on the rights of the child. Specific attention will be given to the risks and harms children are exposed to in the digital environment, and the duties of States and responsibilities of the private sector to ensure children’s online safety, privacy and wellbeing.

We reaffirm our strong commitment to the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief (FORB) for all individuals around the world. Everybody has the right to believe or not to believe, to change religion or belief and to manifest it. The EU is equally committed to upholding the right to freedom of expression. Both rights have equal value and importance. We condemn discrimination, intolerance, violence, and persecution based on grounds of religion or belief, and reject any form of incitement to religious hatred. The EU upholds respect for diversity, which includes respect for all persons no matter their religion or belief. In line with our commitments, we will again present a resolution on freedom of religion or belief and organise a side-event with the UN Special Rapporteur on FORB.

Chair,

It is crucial to tackle all forms of discrimination, including on grounds of sex, race, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, disability, age, sexual orientation and gender identity. Our goal is to reach gender equality and equal and full enjoyment of all human rights by all women and girls and their empowerment, free from all forms of discrimination, including multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, in line with the international framework on gender equality. These actions include closing the digital gender gap. Full, equal and meaningful participation of women and girls in all spheres of life is crucial. We also reaffirm our commitment to lead international efforts to prevent and eliminate sexual and gender-based violence online and offline, whether in peacetime or in conflict.

As set out in the 2017 European Consensus on Development, “Our World, our Dignity, our Future”, the EU remains committed to the promotion, protection and fulfilment of all human rights and to the full and effective implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and the programme of action of the international conference on population and development (ICPD) and the outcomes of their review conferences and remains committed to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), in this context. Having that in mind, the EU reaffirms its commitment to the promotion, protection and fulfilment of the right of every individual to have full control over, and decide freely and responsibly on matters related to their sexuality and sexual and reproductive health, free from discrimination, coercion and violence. The EU further stresses the need for universal access to quality and affordable comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information, education, including comprehensive sexuality education, and health-care services.

Chair,

During this session, the EU will again present a resolution on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). We call upon the DPRK to address the findings of the International Commission of Inquiry from 2014 and to engage with the UN human rights system, especially in view of the adoption of the outcome report of the fourth cycle of the universal periodic review in 2024.

We call for peaceful reconciliation and reestablishment of a democratic path in Myanmar and support the United Nations’ and ASEAN’s efforts to this respect. The military government’s disregard of the rule of law, its violent attacks on civilians, the continued arbitrary detentions including of democratic leaders, as well as the refusal to engage in inclusive dialogue with all relevant stakeholders are of grave concern. We continue to advocate for justice and accountability for all violations and abuses of International Human Rights Law and serious violations of International Humanitarian Law. Together with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, we will again present a joint resolution on the Situation of human rights of Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar.

The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms the multiple and indiscriminate attacks across Israel by Hamas and deeply deplores the loss of lives. The EU reiterates Israel’s right to defend itself, in line with international law. The EU calls for an immediate release of all hostages. The EU condemns all attacks against civilians, and recalls the utmost importance of the protection of civilians. Safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected areas must be ensured.

The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms the atrocities committed in the context of Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, including the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children within areas temporarily controlled by Russia and their deportation to the Russian Federation and Belarus. We call on Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure the safe return of all children to their families or legal guardians. We demand Russia to abide by its obligations under international law, immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all forces and military equipment from within the internationally recognised borders of Ukraine and to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. The EU is firmly committed to ensuring that Russia is held accountable for its war of aggression against Ukraine.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has amplified its repression against its own citizens. We condemn Russia’s severe limitations on freedom of opinion and expression, media freedom and freedom of assembly and association, and systematic repression against civil society and human rights defenders, as well as the violations of the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities, LGBTI persons and other persons in vulnerable situations. All political prisoners should be immediately and unconditionally released.

The EU strongly condemns the Taliban’s blatant disrespect and violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Afghanistan. We call on the Taliban to ensure women’s and girls’ access to education and full and equal participation in all spheres of society, restore civic space, allow media and civil society to operate freely, and to stop the persecution of persons belonging to ethnic and religious groups and minorities, as well as of LGBTI persons. We call on the Taliban to address human rights abuses and violations and ensure accountability.

In Iran the overall human rights situation remains dire. We are particularly concerned about the increasing use of the death penalty, including against peaceful protesters, as well as the situation of women and girls. We call upon Iran to safeguard fundamental rights, to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, and to prevent sexual and gender-based violence. We call on Iran to refrain from further executions and move towards abolishing capital punishment. We also call upon Iran to cease arbitrary detentions, ensure due process for those detained, including foreign citizens and dual nationals, and release all those arbitrarily detained.

The EU is also concerned about continued human rights violations and abuses in Syria, particularly by the Syrian regime and its allies. We deplore that conditions are not in place for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and recall the need for full, safe and immediate humanitarian access. The only path to sustainable peace is an inclusive political solution in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Impunity must be ended and the situation in Syria referred to the ICC.

The human rights situation in China raises serious concerns, as outlined in the report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights last year, including political re-education camps, mass arbitrary detentions, widespread surveillance, and severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms. Uyghurs, Tibetans and persons belonging to ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities continue to be subjected to human rights violations. Human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists and intellectuals are exposed to harassment and ill-treatment. The EU urges China to abide by its domestic and international legal obligations to respect human rights for all, and to cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner towards the implementation of the recommendations in its report.

The repressive use in Hong Kong of the National Security and Sedition Laws undermines fundamental freedoms. Of particular concern is the extraterritorial application of national security legislation. The sweeping changes in the electoral system erode democratic principles and political pluralism. The EU urges the Chinese government and Hong Kong authorities to restore full respect for the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, and democratic principles in line with Hong Kong’s Basic Law.

The EU is following with great concern and is providing a set of support measures in response to the mass exodus of Karabakh Armenians following Azerbaijan’s military operation of 19 and 20 September and of the previous months-long blockage of the Lachin corridor. Azerbaijan bears the responsibility to ensure the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians, including the right to remain in their homes without fear of intimidation,and to create the conditions for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Armenian refugees to Nagorno-Karabakh under international monitoring.

The human rights situation in Belarus continues to deteriorate. Some violations of international human rights law by the regime may amount to crimes against humanity as outlined by the High Commissioner for Human Rights. We strongly condemn the repression and intimidation campaigns against all segments of society, and the further extension of capital punishment for the crime of high treason. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and the abolition of the death penalty. We call on Belarusian authorities to stop enabling Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We also call Belarusian authorities to halt instrumentalization of migrants for political purposes.

Chair,

Partnership with civil society is vital. Civil society is our eyes and ears on the ground and the voice of those that cannot speak for themselves.

Human rights are about each and every one of us. We welcome constructive criticism about where we need to improve in order to make human rights a reality for all. All of us have our share of challenges and must keep working together to overcome them. We are ready to listen and to discuss. Safeguarding human rights is our common responsibility, and the Universal Declaration continues to provide the standard for our action.

Thank you.

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