Summary: 15 September 2009, Geneva - Statement by H.E. Ambassador Hans Dahlgren, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations Office in Geneva, on behalf of the European Union, UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL, 12th Session (14 September - 2 October 2009), Item 2: Update by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, General debate
Mr President,
Madam High Commissioner,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.
The Candidate Countries Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and the EFTA country Iceland, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia align themselves with this declaration.
The European Union wishes to thank you for your statement and reaffirm our support for you. We again express out appreciation over the independent and proactive manner in which your Office discharges its duties. These form the solid basis of integrity and credibility of your office. We support your request to States to reflect on how to strengthen the generally overstretched treaty body system, and hope that you will allocate sufficient resources to allow the Treaty Bodies to perform fully the
important job assigned to them.
Madam High Commissioner,
The EU greatly appreciates your substantive organisational support to this Council and to its subsidiary bodies and mechanisms. We also commend your increased support provided to Member States in the UPR process for the implementation of human rights commitments and recommendations.
The continued engagement of OHCHR with civil society organisations is essential to promote the realisation of human rights for all.
The EU finds it imperative to safeguard the role played by all Special Procedures mandate holders in monitoring, advising and publicly reporting on serious human rights situations and thematic issues. It is our firm belief that their expertise and dialogue with relevant stakeholders have a positive impact on the enjoyment of human rights. The EU encourages your Office and this Council to continue to provide sufficient support to the work of the Special Procedures, which is one of the most vital
core functions of this Council.
Madam High Commissioner,
The international community has an important role to play in assisting countries emerging from repressive rule or armed conflict, not least in supporting transitional justice mechanisms, witness and victim protection initiatives, and reparation programmes. The EU joins you in highlighting the need to hold perpetrators responsible, in accordance with international obligations, in order to end the culture of impunity, establish the rule of law, and safeguard human rights.
The EU warmly welcomes your focus on human rights defenders. The voices of courageous people in all countries are crucial element in our efforts to improve the human rights situation around the world, and we must all strive to let their voices be heard.
The EU echoes your declaration that the grounds for discrimination are many and multifaceted. One of our main priorities relates to human rights violations based on sexual orientation or gender identity. No human being should face human rights violations on any ground. This principle should also guide your Office when dealing with the sensitive issue of discrimination against LGBT. The EU would like to commend you, High Commissioner, for your participation in the panel on this subject in the
margins of the June session. Let me also reaffirm our commitment to the fight against racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
As you mentioned in your statement, the dire situation of civilians in armed conflicts in many parts of the world is very worrying. Respect for and protection of the civilian population must be ensured at all times and by all parties. In addition, the suffering and destruction caused by violations of IHL and human rights render post-conflict settlements more difficult.
The EU shares your concern, Madam High Commissioner, about migrants and refugees who risk their lives and safety crossing borders in search of a better life. Migration and asylum policies must comply with international law. Concrete legal and policy actions have to be taken by all parties concerned. The EU welcomes the opportunity during the upcoming session to have a discussion about the human rights situation of migrants in detention centres.
The EU is also deeply sensitive to the protection of human rights of Roma people, and persons belonging to Sinti and Travellers communities. EU countries are determined to fight against all forms of discrimination and any acts of violence affecting them as well as to improve their living conditions.
You mention many countries in your statement, and you give us all a rightful reminder that no country in the world is without human rights violations. Of course, the existence in a country of legal remedies, accountable political leadership, freedom of the press and other such fundamental principles of international human rights law make a difference in addressing any violations.
We note with special alarm the situation for human rights in Iran, Burma/Myanmar, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. These countries have put limitations on the freedom of expression and quenched the views of members of the opposition. We repeat our call for Iran to release those detained for participating in peaceful protest and urge the Government to thoroughly investigate allegations of abuse suffered by those in detention. Sadly, there are numerous other examples of countries around the world where
human rights are not honoured.
Madam High Commissioner,
You are entrusted with the principal responsibility for the human rights activities of the UN, and the European Union reiterates its support to you and your Office.
Thank you.
* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.
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