HRC56 Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on peaceful assembly and association EU Statement

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HRC56 - Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on peaceful assembly and association - EU Statement

28.06.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

United Nations Human Rights Council

56^th session

Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on peaceful assembly and association

EU statement

28 June 2024

Mr. President,

The European Union would like to welcome Madame Romero and congratulate her for taking up her new mandate. We also wish to thank her predecessor, Mr. Voule, for his final report and for the important work done throughout his mandate.

The EU joins your call for global action to respond to the global attack on civic space and to push back against threats to the rights of freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. An independent, diverse and vibrant civil society plays a crucial role in building and sustaining a healthy democracy. We note with concern the increase of restrictive legislation and narratives with a potential to curtail independent civil society and silence critical voices.

Under the European Democracy Action Plan, we have stepped up our efforts to respond to threats and harmful effects of disinformation, information manipulation and interference, while ensuring that our actions remain firmly grounded in the respect and protection of all human rights.

The freedom of peaceful assembly and association lies at the very heart of our values, shared in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is an essential foundation of democratic and inclusive societies, enabling individuals to express themselves collectively, participate in public affairs, and to influence decisions that affect their lives.

Madame Special Rapporteur,

What steps can be taken to counter the spread of hostile narratives and misinformation that target civil society and human rights defenders? And how can we structurally better honour their achievements and successes?