Delegation of the European Union to Kazakhstan

10/22/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/21/2024 17:07

EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive Dialogue on the freedom of peaceful assembly and association

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EU Statement - UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive Dialogue on the freedom of peaceful assembly and association

17 October 2024, New York - European Union Statement at the United Nations General Assembly 79th Session Third Committee Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Ms. Gina ROMERO

Thank you, Chair!

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

Ms. Romero, we would like to express our appreciation for your thorough and urgent report.

The European Union and its Member States are alarmed by the escalation of negative and stigmatizing rhetoric that seeks to tarnish the role of civil society and peaceful assembly. The idea that individuals seeking for justice, equality, and human rights are branded as a threat is not only dangerous but also destructive to the very foundations of our democratic societies.

When activists and organizations are vilified, we must recognize this for what it really is: an attempt to silence political opposition and undermine freedoms. The European Union remains firmly committed to defending the rights of peaceful assembly and association as universal pillars of democracy. The challenge before us is to dismantle these stigmatizing narratives and ensure that they do not thrive.

Ms. Romero,

How can international organizations ensure accountability when authorities use stigmatization to justify violent restrictions on peaceful protests?

Thank you.