EU General Comment - HRC60 - Promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities

EU General Comment - HRC60 - Promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities

UN Human Rights Council

60^th Session - Item 3

L.27 - General Comment

Promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities

EU General Comment

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU Member States that are members of the Human Rights Council. This general comment has been agreed by the EU as a whole.

The realisation of human rights, including economic, social, and cultural rights, is a fundamental pillar of EU's values and policies in the promotion of dignity and sustainable development for all. The EU and its Member States, as the world's largest providers of Official Development Assistance, contribute substantially to advancing the realisation of these rights globally. We have also been active in this area through a number of resolutions, most notably - the omnibus resolution on the question of the realization in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights, adopted by consensus. In the current context of HRC efficiency and rationalisation efforts, due regard must be given to pre-existing initiatives in this field, avoiding inefficiencies and duplications.

We recognise the enormity of multiple and intersecting challenges, including growing poverty, inequalities and discrimination. We reiterate the importance of a human rights-based approach in addressing inequalities, by placing the individual as the central subject of human rights, recognising every person as a rights-holder, and States as duty-bearers. All human rights are universal, indivisible, interrelated and interdependent.

At the same time, we also recognise that the international financial architecture must continuously adapt to changing global realities, align with sustainable development, and respond to the needs, evolving challenges and vulnerabilities facing all countries, especially developing countries.

Mr. President,

The EU thanks the core group for engaging constructively throughout the negotiation process to pursue a consensual outcome on the important topic of economic, social and cultural rights. We appreciate the efforts made to address our concerns.

We are encouraged by these positive developments as we continue to resolutely support upholding all human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights.

The objective of this resolution is to reinforce the ability of the OHCHR to support States in fulfilling their economic, social and cultural rights obligations. We welcome that the revised resolution enables the Office to support States with its guidance and assistance.

With those words, the EU joins consensus on this draft resolution.

Thank you.