The European Union plays an active role in the new UN Human Rights Council and in the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural (Third) Committee of the UN General Assembly.

In its conduct in UN fora (notably, interventions in general debates and initiation and support of resolutions), the European Union addresses both national human rights situations that deserve the attention of the international community as well as specific thematic human rights questions. Further, the EU underlines the importance it attaches to the work of UN Special Procedures (namely independent experts and special rapporteurs on both country and thematic issues).

The European Commission enjoys observer status at the UN and cooperates with EU Member States to forge common EU positions as well as to reach out to third countries with a view to further improve the current situation of the UN human rights system. Moreover, the Commission attaches the greatest importance to the effective and independent role of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and provides substantial financing to her Office through the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights.