Delegation of the European Union to Egypt

10/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/02/2024 03:41

HRC57 - Item 6: Universal Periodic Review

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

57th session

Item 6

Universal Periodic Review

EU Statement

Mr/Ms (Vice-)President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.

The candidate countries Türkiye, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina*and Georgia, the EFTA country Liechtenstein, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Armenia align themselves with this statement.

The European Union strongly supports the Universal Periodic Review mechanism.

Over the years, the acceptance rate of recommendations has remained steadily at around 75%. The figure is encouraging. Together with implementation of recommendations, long-term progress can be made.

In order to achieve tangible results, the EU encourages all States to make specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound recommendations which are based on objective and reliable information, such as information and reports from Special Procedures, Treaty Bodies and OHCHR reports.

Civil Society plays a crucial role in the preparation of the UPR sessions and in the implementation of outcomes. The EU therefore reiterates our call on all States to take the necessary measures to facilitate and enhance civil society involvement, without fear of reprisals at home or abroad.We will continue to defend the work of civil society organisations and human rights defenders, also in relation to the UPR.

The UPR is not effective without a multistakeholder involvement at national level. Among others, national parliaments and National Human Rights Institutions are essential in ensuring that the UPR process has a real impact.

Finally, please allow me to reiterate that the UPR is not only a tool with the ultimate goal of improving human rights for all, everywhere. Very importantly, this mechanism stands out as a unique space for dialogue.

Thank you.

*North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.