11/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/09/2024 21:10
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
57th session
Panel discussion on promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities
11 September 2024
EU statement
Mr. President,
Allow me to start by stressing that the European Union attaches particular importance to the full and equal enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights by all.
Our Member States lead on a number of resolutions related to Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at this Council, including the omnibus resolution on the question of the realization in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights and on concrete issues such as safe drinking water and sanitation, education, health, adequate housing, extreme poverty and the protection of cultural heritage.
How we pursue the full and equal enjoyment of these rights, remains a key question. The European Union calls for a human rights based approach to tackling all inequalities, with respect to the principle of universality, and to the indivisibility, interrelatedness and interdependence of all human rights. Furthermore, it is the individual that is the central subject of human rights and is the rights-holder.
For these reasons, the debate should not be about the "needs of states", but instead focus on States' human rights obligations, as duty-bearers. States should work to eliminate discriminatory policies, improve good governance, and adopt a human rights based approach in their social, economic, fiscal and other policies, ensuring an enabling environment and inclusive participation in decision-making, in line with the findings of the High Commissioner's recent reportto the Economic and Social Council.
Lastly, we commend the Office for the work done in this field and encourage the High Commissioner to continue his work, including on the concept of human rights based economies.
Thank you.