**United Nations Human Rights Council**
**58th session**
**Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights**
**10 March 2025**
**EU Statement**
Thank you, Mr. President,
We thank the Independent Expert for today’s presentation, and we take note of her latest report _\[on understanding the landscape of climate finance, debt, tax, and illicit financial flows and human rights\]_.
The European Union consistently emphasises the integration of human rights frameworks into climate laws and policies, underlining the need for a human rights-based approach to strengthen efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
The EU integrates climate finance into policies that drive systemic change while ensuring equity and social justice. Moreover, through various partnership programmes, the EU demonstrates its dedication to collaborating with other countries to address the global climate crisis, ensuring that financial support is not only accessible, but also demonstrates tangible impact to better the lives of those most in need. We also endorse the use of Climate Resilient Debt Clauses, providing essential fiscal flexibility during crises, enabling countries to prioritize immediate recovery efforts. Finally, we see the potential of debt-for-climate swap programmes.
Tax systems that are efficient, effective, and fair are essential for financing climate action and development. The EU plays an essential role in promoting international cooperation and policy dialogue on illicit financial flows, providing technical assistance and capacity-building in developing countries, aligning with international tax transparency standards, and championing transparency and accountability in the global financial system.
As we approach the fourth Financing for Development Conference, we remain committed to ensuring that climate finance contributes effectively to sustainable development and the realisation of human rights.
Madam Special Rapporteur,
How can we ensure a tangible follow up on human rights and climate justice integration into financial policies, at an international level, given the interconnection between human rights and environmental protection?
Thank you.