**UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL**
**58th Session**
**24 February – 4 April 2025**
**Item 5 - General debate on Human rights bodies and mechanisms**
**EU Statement**
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.
The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania\*, 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.
In light of recent developments, the European Union reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the integrity and efficacy of the United Nations human rights system. The treaty bodies, the Special Procedures, the Universal Periodic Review and this very Human Rights Council play a crucial role in ensuring accountability and upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The EU reaffirms its unwavering support for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to operate independently and with sufficient resources. We welcome and support your important efforts to strengthen the treaty body system, to increase OHCHR field presences and your role in the implementation of the Pact for the Future, including when it comes to digital technologies.
We remain deeply concerned about the persistent lack of adequate, predictable, and sustainable funding for the UN human rights mechanisms. The EU and its Member States have consistently provided substantial voluntary funding for the Office, and we continue to stand ready to support your Office in any way that we can. In this regard, 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 and explore innovative ways to enhance the system’s accessibility and responsiveness.
The EU remains deeply concerned about growing restrictions on civil society, transnational repression and reprisals against those engaging with the UN human rights mechanisms. The EU underscores the indispensable role of civil society organizations and human rights defenders in the effective functioning of all UN mechanisms. We strongly condemn any form of intimidation, harassment, or reprisals against individuals cooperating with the UN. States must ensure full compliance with their international obligations so that human rights defenders and independent voices can operate freely and safely, both online and offline.
The EU will continue to call on all states to grant the UN and its Human Rights monitoring mechanisms unconditional and unhindered access to their territories and facilitate their country visits. All 27 EU Member States have extended a standing invitation to the UN special procedures and we call on states to do the same.
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 the Human Rights 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.
Thank you.
_\*North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process._