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HRC 37 - EU Statement - Item 8: Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action

20.03.2018
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United Nations Human Rights Council
Geneva, 26 February - 23 March 2018
EU Statement - Item 8: Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action

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Thank you, Mr. President,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union.

The Candidate Countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia[1], Montenegro*, Serbia* and Albania*, the country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the EFTA country Liechtenstein, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia align themselves with this statement.

With the adoption of the VDPA 25 years ago, all States reaffirmed that human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent and interrelated. The European Union attaches great importance to this principle, but is concerned that it is sometimes misunderstood and even questioned. The international community must treat human rights globally in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing, and with the same emphasis. While the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds must be borne in mind, it is the duty of States, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

Mr. President

The European Union fully endorses the VDPA’s emphasis on the indispensable role played by civil society organizations, human rights defenders and journalists, as well as NHRIs and other stakeholders, to remind governments of their human rights obligations, to highlight violations of human rights and to support them in their implementation. Civil society reflects the plurality of voices that is the bedrock for any modern, democratic society.

It is therefore a development of great concern to the European Union, that systematic action is being taken by a number of governments, to suppress the activities of civil society, including human rights defenders, NGOs, journalists as well as lawyers working to promote and protect human rights. The EU condemns any attempts to outlaw NGOs, by way of legislation that runs counter to international human rights standards, or by way of arbitrary judicial proceedings, that undermine the rule of law and human rights.

We equally condemn all attempts by States to prevent their citizens from cooperating with the UN human rights mechanisms, or to intimidate or punish them. We are appalled by reprisals applied by some States against civil society representatives for attending, or attempting to attend, activities of the Human Rights Council. Cooperating with the UN is every person’s right. It is the obligation of all States to protect these individuals and other human rights defenders from harassment, intimidation and other forms of reprisals.

I thank you.

 


[1] The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

 

 

Category
Statements on behalf of the EU
Location

Geneva

Editorial sections
UN Geneva