Chair,

I would like to deliver a closing statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The EU has engaged into the negotiation process carried out in the Committee of the Whole, led by the distinguished Ambassador from Mexico, in good faith and in full respect of multilateralism and the spirit of Vienna.

We have done so even if one of the resolutions was tabled by Belarus, a country that violates its obligations under international law and demonstrates its disregard for human rights. In addition, we regret that Belarus, with its resolution, has attempted to prejudge the still ongoing discussion at the Ad Hoc Committee on cybercrime.

Although we have reached consensus on this resolution, we will continue to oppose any leadership by Belarus on actions against trafficking in persons.

For these reasons, the European Union and its Member States dissociate themselves from Resolution L.2.

Furthermore, Chair, I would like to clarify, since the issue has again come up, that EU restrictive measures are legitimate, targeted, proportionate, in full conformity with our obligations under international law, and therefore not concerned by the paragraphs in the resolutions adopted today.  

The EU remains committed to the Vienna spirit that we should all endeavour to preserve.

We sincerely thank you, Chair, for your leadership and for bringing this session to a successful outcome. We also thank the Chair of the Committee of Whole, and the Secretariat for their tireless work.

Thank you, Chair.