HRC61 - EU Statement - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

HRC61 - EU Statement - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

United Nations Human Rights Council

61^st Session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

10 March 2026

EU statement

Mr President,

The EU thanks the Special Rapporteur for the presentation of his report and we reiterate our call upon all States to cooperate and accept requests for visits by the Special Rapporteur, as the only entity within the UN system mandated to report on counter-terrorism from a human rights perspective.

The EU welcomes the Special Rapporteur's rigorous analysis of the persistent problems caused by vague or overly broad definitions of terrorism. We share the concern that vague, unclear or overly broad definitions can lead to misuse of counter-terrorism legislation and policy and risk violations of a wide range of human rights, undermining humanitarian action and disproportionately impacting civil society actors, journalists, human rights defenders and minorities. We agree that precise, human-rights-compliant definitions which uphold the principles of legality, proportionality, necessity and non-discrimination are essential to prevent violations and abuse, and maintain the credibility and effectiveness of counter-terrorism frameworks. The EU definition of terrorist offences fully respects international law and international human rights law.

Mr. Special Rapporteur,

Your report sets out a detailed framework to ensure that counter-terrorism legislation remains grounded in human rights, including through clear exclusions for activities protected under international humanitarian law and peaceful civic engagement.

Which practical steps should be prioritised to translate these safeguards into effective implementation - particularly to ensure that counter-terrorism measures do not inadvertently restrict human rights, civic space or humanitarian action?