The EU at the 61st Human Rights Council

As we enter into the 20^th anniversary year of the Human Rights Council, our message is clear: the EU is unwaveringly committed to the universal respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights for everyone, everywhere. Under all circumstances, international law, including the UN Charter must be upheld. Peace and prosperity, freedom and security go hand in hand with respect for the rule of law, democracy and all human rights.

At HRC61, the EU will engage constructively across country-specific and thematic discussions, working with partners from all regions to uphold and strengthen the international human rights system.

This Human Rights Council session will also mark four years of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The EU will support Ukraine in its efforts for holding Russia accountable for its continuing violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in Ukraine, such as summary executions of prisoners of war and civilian detainees, arbitrary detention, systematic and widespread use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment, including rape and other conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence.

During the first week of HRC61, the high-level segment, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Kajsa Ollongren, will participate in the opening session on 23 February. High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas will also address the Council via a video statement, underlining the EU's continued commitment to and leadership on global human rights.

The EU will again present its annual resolution on the situation of human rights in Belarus, in response to the deteriorating situation on the ground. Reports point to systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations, including acts that may amount to crimes against humanity. In a context of entrenched impunity, continued international monitoring and a robust investigative mandate remain essential to ensure accountability and justice for victims.

Together with Australia, the EU will also lead the resolution on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The resolution will renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and maintain international attention on the dire human rights and humanitarian situation in the country.

The EU will further present its annual resolution on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, addressing the deeply concerning and deteriorating situation in the country. The resolution will seek to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and reiterate support for accountability efforts, including the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar established by the Council.

As this year we mark the 40^th anniversary of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief, the EU will also present its annual resolution on Freedom of Religion or Belief, reaffirming that every individual has the right to have, not to have, choose, change or manifest a religion or belief without fear of violence, persecution or discrimination.

Together with partners from the GRULAC group, the EU will present the biennial resolution on the Rights of the Child, this year focusing on children affected by armed conflict. The triannual renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children will also be presented.

Beyond its own initiatives, the EU will engage actively across the wide range of resolutions and debates at HRC61. These include country situations in Russia, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, South Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Iran, Haiti, Mali, and Afghanistan.

Reflecting the Team Europe approach, individual EU Member States will also contribute through resolutions and joint initiatives, acting in their national capacity and in cooperation with other partners, on topics such as:

• Freedom of opinion and expression
• Adequate housing
• Mental health and human rights
• Rights of persons belonging to national, or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities
• Cooperation with regional human rights organizations
• 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• Tortureand other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

Team Europe will also organise numerous side-events, on various topics related to key human rights issues: Ukraine, Freedom of Religion or Belief and the human rights situation in the DPRK.

All EU statements will be posted on this website here