EU Statement - HRC60 - Interactive dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the right to development

EU Statement - HRC60 - Interactive dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the right to development

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

60^th session

Interactive dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the right to development

12 September 2025

EU statement

Mr. President,

The EU thanks the Expert Mechanism for the presentation.

We continue to emphasise that inclusive and sustainable development can only be achieved through the full realisation of all human rights, for which each State has the obligation and primary responsibility. It is essential that the right to development is rooted in universality, indivisibility, interrelation and interdependence of all human rights.

Full and effective implementation of existing international human rights obligations is a key to sustainable development.

We consider that existing human rights treaties, mechanisms and bodies, with the centrality of the 2030 Agenda, are key in guiding states to pursue inclusive and sustainable development. The EU including its Member States is a strong and reliable partner and continues to work together with all important stakeholders towards these objectives. Using a human rights-based approach to build what the High Commissioner coins as a "Human Rights Economy" ensures that the furthest left behind are reached first.

The EU reiterates its strong concerns and pending questions on the current draft of a legally binding instrument on the right to development leading to diverging views. Nevertheless, we stand ready to continue engaging in future discussions.

As we pursue a just and fair climate transition, we remain the world's largest contributor to international public climate finance. Since 2013 we have more than doubled the contribution to climate finance to support developing countries with a strong commitment to continue delivering on climate finance in the future.

Thank you.