As we navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape marked by unprecedented challenges, the EU remains steadfast in its commitment to foster a world where human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled, democratic principles are upheld, and the dignity and freedom of all individuals are safeguarded. This is especially crucial in a time of multiple crises and conflicts, growing social inequalities, and increasing pressure on multilateralism and the rules-based order.

At HRC56, the EU will engage constructively in the negotiations of some 25 resolutions. We will also be an active voice at the annual discussion on women rights, a panel discussion on promoting human rights through sport and the Olympic ideal, an annual panel on technical cooperation and the annual panel discussion on the adverse impacts of climate change on human rights.

At this session, the EU will propose a resolution on the human rights situation in Eritrea to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. Against a backdrop of a widespread lockdown of the political system and the systematic repression of dissident voices, the human rights situation in the country shows no sign of improvement and requires continuous monitoring.

The EU will continue to ensure the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the HRC in general, including through mainstreaming gender equality in country and thematic contexts. At HRC56 we will vigorously promote and will scale up action to achieve gender equality, and ensure the full recognition, and equal and full enjoyment of all human rights by all women and girls and their empowerment, free from all forms of discrimination, both online and offline.

The EU will also speak out in Interactive Dialogues on Ukraine, Belarus, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Syria, Burundi, Sudan and Venezuela.

We will organise and co-sponsor several side events at this session, including a joint EU-US side event on ‘Joint action to promote human rights defenders online’. As threats on human rights defenders escalate, preserving safe spaces for human rights defenders to work is more important than ever.

In a Team Europe approach, EU Member States will present additional resolutions, joint statements and side events on a variety of subjects, including on the freedom of expression, the independence of judiciary, on sexual and gender-based violence, on the rights of people with HIV/AIDS, and on free pre-primary and secondary education.