Mr. President,

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

The European Union reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the integrity of the multilateral human rights system, with the UN and its mechanisms at its core. The EU is firmly committed to the crucial role that the HRC-mandated investigative bodies, Treaty Bodies, and Special Procedures play in the human rights ecosystem and their significant contribution to strengthening the mainstreaming of human rights and ensuring accountability. Their efforts in the fields of early-warning, technical assistance, capacity building and monitoring continues to be more invaluable than ever. All EU Member States engage constructively with the Treaty Bodies and have extended a standing invitation to Special Procedures. We encourage all remaining States to do so.

We call for an end to attacks and threats against mandate-holders appointed by the Council, including reversal of any repressive measures by States to harm, silence and intimidate them, and we encourage all Member States to cooperate with the international human rights mechanisms.

As we undergo the UN80 reform process, the EU reaffirms its commitment to effective multilateralism, with a critical need to strengthen the United Nations human rights system, including OHCHR. The EU calls upon all States to respect and support the independence and integrity of the OHCHR and rejects any attempts to discredit them.

Moreover, we remain deeply concerned about the lack of adequate, predictable, and sustainable funding of the UN’s human rights mechanisms and the impact of the liquidity crisis on the work of the Council. The EU and its Member States have consistently provided substantial funding for the Office, and we continue to stand ready to support the Office in any way that we can. We call upon the UN Secretary General to ensure sufficient funding from the regular budget for the Human Rights Pillar, and call upon all States to fulfil their financial commitments.

A diverse and independent civil society is a cornerstone of every democratic society. The EU remains deeply concerned about growing restrictions on civil society, transnational repression, and reprisals against those seeking to cooperate the UN human rights mechanisms. We strongly condemn any form of intimidation, harassment, or reprisals. States must ensure full compliance with their international obligations so that human rights defenders can operate freely and safely.

We also highlight the role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) as well as National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-Up.

The EU reaffirms its unwavering support for the international criminal justice system, particularly to the International Criminal Court (ICC), as well as its commitment to upholding the Rome Statute and preserving the ICC’s independence and integrity.

At a time of increasing global challenges, it is imperative that this Council remains a forum for meaningful dialogue and cooperation. We urge all States to engage constructively, uphold the highest human rights standards, and strengthen the effectiveness of our shared institutions.

I thank you.