Looking back at the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council

At HRC62, the European Union remained a principled voice in support of the universal promotion and protection of human rights. In a context where human rights continue to face significant challenges around the world, the EU reaffirmed the importance of accountability, international cooperation and a strong multilateral human rights system, marking also the 20^th anniversary of the Human Rights Council on 19 June.

An EU priority during this Council session was the human rights situation in Eritrea, on which the EU presented its annual resolution. The resolution was adopted by the Council and renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for an additional year. While there have been a few encouraging developments and increased dialogue since last year's resolution, systematic human rights violations and abuses have continued in Eritrea, including enforced disappearance, decades-long arbitrary detention and the persecution of political opponents, journalists and religious groups, as reported by the Special Rapporteur. The mandate of the SR remains essential for monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in Eritrea, as well as for advancing accountability when no domestic avenues for justice or redress exist.

This Council session also held an Urgent Debate on the human rights situation in and around El Obeid in the context of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The EU welcomed that the Council was taking action seeking to prevent further atrocities by the RSF.

"We meet at a moment for prevention. El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, stands on the brink. El Obeid must not become another El Fasher. Kordofan must not become another Darfur. " EU Ambassador Deike Potzel

The EU called on all parties to cease hostilities, respect international humanitarian law, and underlined the need for an immediate ceasefire and an inclusive Sudanese-led political process. Furthermore, the EU noted that states with influence have the duty to exercise it now.

Beyond its own initiative, the EU engaged actively across a broad range of country situations including as well as on thematic discussions - especially the topic of women's and girls' rights was featured prominently throughout the session. In light of increasing global pushback against gender equality, the EU continued to champion the full, equal and meaningful enjoyment of all human rights by women and girls and stressed the need for ambitious action to address the root causes of discrimination, harmful gender stereotypes and sexual and gender-based violence.

The EU also actively engaged in the negotiations of resolutions and interactive dialogues on issues such as Ukraine, Palestine, Belarus, Afghanistan, Burundi, Venezuela, Myanmar, Eastern DRC, South Sudan, Sudan, as well as on climate change, business and human rights, extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, health, leprosy / Hansen's disease, extreme poverty, human rights and firearms, human rights of migrants, internally displaced people, peaceful assembly and association, anti-personnel mines, and eliminating racial discrimination.

Reflecting the Team Europe approach, individual EU Member States also contributed through resolutions and joint initiatives, acting in their national capacity and in cooperation with other partners, on topics such as:

• The 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council
• Countering the negative impact of disinformation
• Right to Education
• Extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary executions
• Extreme poverty and human rights
• Freedom of expression and opinion
• Independence of the judiciary, judges and lawyers
• The rights of women and girls, including the elimination of discrimination against women and girls as well as child, early and forced marriage
• The protection of the rights of women and girls in humanitarian situations and
• Empowering Women's access to education and work in digital and cyber security-related fields

The EU organized or contributed to many side events to celebrate the important milestone of 20 years of the HRC.

In one of the #TeamEurope side events, the EU put the spotlight on the new EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026-2030.

"Racism is not only a persistent reality within our borders, it is also a global challenge with deep historical roots. From colonialism to the Holocaust, Europe's past continues to shape present-day inequalities. That is why this Strategy combines action at home with strong international partnerships, recognizing that combating racism requires both a reckoning with history and a commitment to human rights worldwide." Michaela Moua, EU Anti-Racism Coordinator

As the Human Rights Council concludes its 62nd session and in this 20th anniversary year, the European Union reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a strong, effective and independent Human Rights Council and to working with delegations from around the world to advance respect for, protection and fulfilment of all human rights for everyone, everywhere.

You can find all EU statements on this website here