HRC57 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights

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HRC57 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights

13.09.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

United Nations Human Rights Council

57^th session

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights

13 September 2024

EU statement

Mr President,

The European Union recalls its principled position that the Human Rights Council is not the appropriate forum to address the issue of sanctions. Nevertheless, due to existing misconceptions related to this topic, the EU deems it necessary to clarify key principles of EU sanctions to underscore the full compliance of EU sanctions with international law.

In fact, EU sanctions are a response to serious violations of international law. They serve to uphold international law-based order, which is in the interest of the entire UN membership. They form part of a comprehensive strategy in a given situation involving political dialogue and other instruments, aimed to defend human rights, preserve peace and security and support democracy and rule of law.

EU sanctions are always targeted, aimed at those responsible for breaches of international law, including for committing serious human rights violations, seeking to bring about a change in their behaviour. They are decided on a case-by-case basis, based on specific listing criteria and legally robust evidence, accompanied by a corresponding reasoning, and regularly reviewed. Designated persons and entities may challenge their listing before the Court of Justice of the European Union, asserting their due process rights and right to a fair trial.

EU sanctions do not have any extra-territorial application and only apply within EU jurisdiction. They do not create obligations for non-EU operators, unless their business has a link with the EU.

EU sanctions never target the civilian population, and the EU is committed to avoiding and where unavoidable, mitigating to the maximum extent any potential unintended negative humanitarian impacts and overcompliance.

Madam Special Rapporteur,

In reaction to your conclusions in the presented country visit report, we would like to emphasize that the EU restrictive measures have been imposed in full conformity with international law, including due process and fair trial guarantees, aiming at the promotion and protection of human rights in the country concerned. In this context, how would you assess the countermeasures targeting individuals and entities within the EU, as referred in your report?

Thank you.