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HRC62 - EU Statement - Interactive Dialogue on the report of the HC on the impact of anti-personnel mines on the enjoyment of all human rights, with particular emphasis on economic, social and cultural rights

26.06.2026
Geneva
Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

 

United Nations Human Rights Council

62nd Session

Interactive Dialogue on the report of the HC on the impact of anti-personnel mines on the enjoyment of all human rights, with particular emphasis on economic, social and cultural rights

26 June 2026

EU Statement

Mr President,

The European Union thanks the High Commissioner and welcomes his report.

The report correctly frames anti-personnel mine contamination as a profound and enduring human rights concern.

We share the report's deep concern that anti-personnel mine contamination continues to kill and maim civilians — disproportionately children — long after conflicts end, obstructing humanitarian access, delaying recovery and holding back development.

Sustained international engagement remains indispensable. The EU is one of the world's largest donors, contributing over EUR 200 million annually to mine action worldwide. The EU and its Member States have mobilised over EUR 360 million since 2022 or Ukraine, the most mine-contaminated country in the world. This year, the EU adopted a decision in support of aiming at strengthening African counries’ mine-action programmes. The EU also reaffirms its support to the Ottawa Convention's Implementation Support Unit, which it has continuously funded since 2008.

We stress that international assistance must be aligned with national ownership of affected states to achieve sustainable impact.

The European Union remains fully committed to the implementation of the Convention’s Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan, which further supports the advancement of human rights, dignity and inclusion of anti-personnel mine survivors, affected families and communities and to supporting the effective implementation of victim assistance. We support an integrated, rights-based, age-, gender-responsive and disability-inclusive approach to victim assistance, consistent with international human rights law, including the CRPD.

High Commissioner,

What measures would you see as central in the fulfilment of obligations under international human rights law, and in particular the CRC?