HRC55 - Item 3 General debate on Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development - EU[...]

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HRC55 - Item 3 General debate on Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development - EU Statement

15.03.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

55th Session

Item 3 General debate on Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development

15 March 2024

EU Statement

Mr. President,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union.

The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Republic of Moldova[*]and Georgia, the EFTA country Liechtenstein, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Armenia align themselves with this statement.

We thank the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner and his Office for the reports under Item 3.

This year, about half of the world's population in more than 80 countries will head to the polls to participate in elections, including in the EU. At the same time, according to IDEA's Global State of Democracy 2023, about half of the countries in every region of the world, saw a decline in democracy in the last 5 years.

The spread of disinformation constitutes an increasing problem for democracies in the world, especially in electoral contexts. The EU is convinced that efforts to counter disinformation must be firmly grounded in the protection of human rights and the rule of law. The fight against disinformation should not serve as a pretext to restrict human rights or to justify censorship laws, State-sponsored Internet shutdowns or restrictions on independent media. On the contrary, promoting access to reliable information from free, independent, and pluralistic media remains key to counter disinformation. The EU will continue to proactively counter foreign information manipulation.

Mr. President,

A democracy is incomplete without a level playing field, fair competition between candidates, freedom of expression, assembly and association, respect for human rights and a neutral and independent election management body, which is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the electoral proces, enabling the participation of voters and protecting the democratic process. The EU condemns all intimidation, threats and violence against peaceful protesters, and supports the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the freedom of peaceful assembly and association. A vibrant civic space and a safe and enabling environment for civil society and human rights defenders is crucial always, but especially in pre- and post-electoral periods. The EU remains firmly committed to the protection and promotion of HRDs and an open, vibrant civic space.

The EU stresses the importance of election observation missions, which strengthen public trust in elections, encourage participation, deter fraud, provide an impartial assessment of the election processes and, ultimately, support democratic governance.

Mr. President,

Supporting democracy worldwide continues to be a priority and a core value for the EU. It remains the only system of governance in which people can fully realise their human rights, and is a determining factor for sustainable development and long-term stability. The EU calls on all States around the world to ensure the proper functioning of democratic institutions, respect for the rule of law and the principles of good governance and inclusive societies. The cohesion of our societies depends on the recognition of the richness of their diversity - and the valued contribution of diversity starts with inclusion and effective participation, including of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities.

Additionally, the EU reaffirms its strong commitment to respect, protect and fulfill all economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to adequate housing, food, decent work. We will also actively engage in discussions advancing the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. We are convinced that the promotion, protection and fulfilment of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights bring to all stakeholders multiple benefits, including in sustainable development, peace and security and the advancement of equal, diverse, pluralistic and inclusive societies.

Thank you.

[*]North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.