UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

60^th session

Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanism

Strengthening gender perspectives in transitional justice processes

EU Statement

30 September 2025

Mr. President,

Transitional justice processes play a vital role in securing accountability, redress and fostering reconciliation. Ten years ago we developed the Policy Framework on Support to Transitional Justice that sets out how the EU can engage in situations where violations and abuses have occurred. 

It is critical for transitional justice mechanisms to acknowledge and respond to the full range of violations and abuses women and girls experience during conflict and to their gender-differentiated impact, and to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership of women in transitional justice processes. 

For example, in 2023, the African Union has launched the EU and Germany funded African Women for Transitional Justice platform, which aims to strengthen women's capacity, participation, and integrate gender-sensitive approaches in transitional justice processes.

The EU and its Member States’ have multiannual funding programs with partner countries, and most have gender-reponsive approaches to transitional justice. This can mean:

• gender-responsive data collection,
• trainings on combating SGBV,
• women’s access to justice,
• the mandatory hiring of gender advisers and other measures.

In 2023, the EU has launched a new €21 million project entitled “Global initiative to fight against impunity for international crimes: make justice work!” that supports gender-responsive and victim-centred approach to transitional justice and civil society addressing international crimes.

Distinguished panellists, what further measures could the Human Rights Council take in addressing the gender-based violations and abuses in truth-seeking mechanisms?