EU Statement - HRC60 - Item 8, General Debate on Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action

EU Statement - HRC60 - Item 8, General Debate on Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

60th Session

Item 8

General Debate on Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action

EU Statement

30 September 2025

Mr. (Vice-)President,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union.

North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania*, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and the EFTA country Liechtenstein, member of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, we reaffirm the enduring relevance of the VDPA. Human rights are at the heart of the UN's mission, and the UN80 initiative offers a timely opportunity to strengthen the human rights pillar, making it more effective, efficient and resilient.

We support improved coordination within the human rights system to enhance impact and reduce fragmentation. The HRC, the treaty bodies, and special procedures all play vital roles. Greater alignment of their timelines, processes, and outputs can help reduce duplication and foster coherence.

Civil society voices are indispensable to accountability, inclusivity, and credibility of the human rights system. Their meaningful participation must be safeguarded.

Efficiency should be achieved through thoughtful reform, not indiscriminate cuts. We support the rationalization of overlapping mandates and resolutions, simplification of reporting obligations, and the use of digital tools. At the same time, adequate, predictable, increased and sustainable financing for the structurally underfunded human rights pillar remains essential. Efficiency must serve the purpose of strengthening, not undermining the UN's ability to deliver on its human rights mandate.

We must all play our part and therefore the EU stands ready to engage constructively in shaping a human rights system that is fit for purpose, forward-looking, and capable of delivering for all.

I thank you.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.