EU Statement - HRC60 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures and human rights

EU Statement - HRC60 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures and human rights

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

60th session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures and human rights

15 September 2025

EU statement

Mr. President,

While States should indeed refrain from adopting and implementing illegal unilateral measures, we reject the fundamental misconception that all unilateral measures without distinction are contrary to international law and negatively impact the enjoyment of human rights.

EU sanctions are a response to serious violations of international law in the first place and are not an end in themselves. They are always part of a broader policy approach. When diplomatic efforts alone have failed, sanctions are employed as a measure of last resort.

EU sanctions aim to defend universal values and international law and to preserve peace, security, and human rights in line with the principles of the UN Charter. They are reversible and proportionate to the gravity of the situation. They are always targeted and carefully calibrated. EU sanctions are not punitive, but aimed at changing the behaviour of those responsible for violations, including serious human rights violations and abuses.

They are decided on a case-by-case basis, based on specific listing criteria and legally robust evidence, and regularly reviewed. Designated persons and entities may challenge their listing before the Court of Justice of the European Union, asserting their due process rights and right to a fair trial.

EU sanctions complement UN action. UN sanctions always come first, but when the Security Council is unable or unwilling to act, especially due to the veto of a permanent member, the EU takes responsibility to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, including through autonomous measures.

EU sanctions have no extra-territorial application. They do not create obligations for non-EU persons or organisations which have no link to the EU.

Madam Special Rapporteur,

Let us be clear, it is not the EU sanctions that create impediment for the enjoyment of economic, labour and social rights or sustainable development, it is the wrongful conduct which the sanctions intend to address. In that respect, EU sanctions, which are implemented in full compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law, including humanitarian exemptions, and the rule of law, never target the civilian population. The EU is committed to avoiding and, where unavoidable, mitigating to the maximum extent any potential unintended negative humanitarian impacts and over-compliance. Humanitarian carve-outs allow relevant humanitarian actors to engage in transactions with listed individuals and entities without any prior authorisation, for the purpose to deliver humanitarian assistance or support basic needs of people in need.

Together with its Member States, the EU is the world's largest donor of humanitarian and development assistance, including to countries under sanctions.

Thank you