**UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL**
**58th Session**
**24 February – 4 April 2025**
**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**
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.
The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania[\*](#_ftn1), Ukraine, 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 and their relentless efforts in addressing urgent human rights situations.
Human rights remain the foundation of our shared humanity—universal, indivisible, interdependent, interrelated and essential for the dignity of every individual. Peace and prosperity, as well as the achievement of the SDGs, go indeed hand in hand with respect for the rule of law, democracy and all human rights.
The EU stands united in support of the UN’s human rights systems, calling for full cooperation from all states and unimpeded access to international human rights monitoring mechanisms. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to effective multilateralism and to the rules-based international order.
We have seen a further spread of disinformation, especially in electoral contexts with the intent to undermine democratic institutions, public trust in elections and the freedom of opinion and expression. The EU will continue to promote access to reliable information from free, independent, and pluralistic media, which is a key component of the right to freedom of expression, and key to counter disinformation and providing reliable mechanisms.
Furthermore, the EU is dedicated to empowering a diverse, vibrant, and independent civil society and ensuring its participation in all UN fora. We will strongly condemn reprisals against anyone engaging with the UN, including human rights defenders and will focus on protecting those who face discrimination, violence, or harassment.
In a context of an increasing pushback against gender equality, the EU will continue to work with all partners to advance international norms and standards.
We recall our commitment to support women’s and youth’s equal, full, effective and meaningful participation, in all their diversity and in all spheres of public and political life, as per the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020 - 2027. The EU fully aligns with the premise that respecting, protecting and fulfilling the human rights of all persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities contributes to political and social stability and is key for effective prevention of conflicts.
We remain convinced that the respect, protection and fulfilment of all human rights, be they civil, cultural, economic, political, or social rights, including the right to education, food, health, social security, adequate housing and decent work, bring multiple benefits to all, including in sustainable development, peace and security and the advancement of equal, diverse, pluralistic and inclusive societies.
Thank you.
[\*](#_ftnref1) North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process