2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The EU reaffirms its unequivocal commitment to respect, protect and fulfil all human rights and to defend their universality. The EU stands united as a staunch supporter of the United Nations human rights system, and will continue to actively uphold, defend and promote all human rights as a priority of its external action.

During the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council, the European Union will present the following resolutions:

• A resolution on Belarus to address the further deterioration of human rights situation and violations of international human rights law in the country. The resolution will seek to renew the mandate of the High Commissioner to continue with examination of human rights violations in the run-up and the aftermath of the last presidential elections, with a view to facilitate holding those responsible fully accountable and bringing justice for victims.
• The DPRK resolution will draw attention to the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in the DPRK and will express continued support for the work on accountability. Furthermore, the resolution will renew for one year the mandate of the Special Rapporteur as well as for two years the capacity of the OHCHR including its field-based structure in Seoul. We hope to be able to count on your support in view of adopting this resolution by consensus as it was the case in the past.
• The resolution on Myanmar will address the deeply concerning and deteriorating human rights situation in the country. It will seek to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for one year and express continued support for accountability processes, including the Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar as set up by the HRC.
• The EU will also present a resolution on Freedom of Religion or Belief, in order to underline this Council’s firm commitment to the promotion and protection of the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief. All human beings, wherever they live, should be guaranteed the right to have, not to have, to choose, change or leave, to practice and to manifest a religion or belief, without fear of violence, persecution, or discrimination. We hope to be able to count on your support in view of adopting this resolution by consensus as it was the case in the past.
• We are pleased to partner again with our GRULAC friends on the resolution on sale and sexual exploitation of children.
• The EU and GRULAC are also proud to be the main sponsors of the annual full-day meeting of the HRC on the rights of the child (6/3/2023). It will focus on a child rights approach to the digital environment, and be the opportunity to hear children on opportunities and challenges they face in the digital environment - and their recommendations to decision-makers.

At the High-Level Segment, EU HR/VP Josep Borrell delivered a video message stressing that multilateralism is essential to achieve global peace, security and development as there is no country that can address global crises alone.

Sadly, human rights are challenged more than ever, around the world, all around the world, from Afghanistan to Ukraine, Belarus and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, from Myanmar to Ethiopia.

EU HR/VP Josep Borrell

Furthermore, Ambassador Lotte Knudsen delivered a Joint Statement on Youth during the High-level Panel Discussion on Human Rights Mainstreaming on 27 February 2023 on behalf of India, the European Union and its Member States, and nearly 90 countries from all regions highlighting the significant contribution of young persons towards building a more inclusive, just & sustainable future.

Only by engaging and working for and with youth, supporting them in standing up for their human rights and creating the conditions allowing them to play an active role, can we achieve enduring peace, security, justice, climate resilience, and sustainable development for all.

Ambassador Lotte Knudsen, EU Delegation Geneva

Marking one year since Russia's illegal invasion of sovereign Ukrainian territory, the EU moreover co-sponsered a ministerial side event on "Aggression against Ukraine: Human Rights and Humanitarian Impact in Ukraine and Beyond."

369 days ago history stood still as Russia brutally invaded Ukraine. One year later, what do we see? In Ukraine, countless blatant violations of international human rights & humanitarian law, including war crimes. Across Europe, more than 8 million refugees.

EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore

The event provided an opportunity to address the scope of this unfolding human rights and humanitarian tragedy and to discuss ways to strengthen the collective response to those challenges. It also highlighted the international efforts to support affected populations, protect human rights and promote accountability for abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law.