The European Union, in a statement delivered on 16 June 2026 at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, reaffirmed its steadfast support for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and condemned a sharp increase in executions worldwide, Russia's war in Ukraine, and human rights abuses in Afghanistan and elsewhere. The statement, read by the EU delegation in Geneva, thanked the High Commissioner for his annual report and oral update, and welcomed the launch of the Global Alliance for human rights.
The EU took note of the High Commissioner's remarks on EU migration policy and pledged continued action to uphold international law regarding refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, emphasizing the right to seek asylum and the principle of non-refoulement. The bloc also welcomed an agreement with Lebanon for an impartial assessment mission.
Condemnation of Russia's war and human rights record The EU condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, demanding immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all forces. It expressed deep concern over rising civilian casualties, with the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reporting a 21% increase in the first four months of 2026 compared to 2025. The EU condemned summary executions of prisoners of war, systematic torture, and sexual violence, citing the UN Secretary-General's report on conflict-related sexual violence. It called for full accountability, including through the International Criminal Court, and noted its ratification of the Council of Europe Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine on 15 May 2026, and participation in the decision establishing the Enlarged Partial Agreement of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine on the same date.
Regarding Russia internally, the EU condemned the structural system of human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, torture, crackdowns on civil society, political repression, and expanding state control over the internet. It called for the release of all political prisoners and implementation of European Court of Human Rights rulings.
Death penalty concerns and other country situations The EU expressed deep concern over a sharp increase in recorded executions globally in the past year, primarily due to a significant rise in a small number of retentionist states, including for drug offences. It condemned new laws expanding the death penalty's scope and called for a moratorium as a first step towards abolition. The EU looked forward to the 9th World Congress against the Death Penalty in Paris from 30 June to 2 July 2026.
The statement also condemned human rights violations by the Taliban in Afghanistan, noting that systematic violations of women's and girls' rights may amount to gender persecution under the Rome Statute. The EU referred to its separate statements on Belarus, Burundi, Crimea, DRC-Kivu, Eritrea, Venezuela, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, where it will raise the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Accountability and support for international justice The EU reaffirmed its commitment to fighting impunity and supporting UN special procedures, mandate holders, and independent investigations. It expressed unwavering support for the International Criminal Court and condemned attacks or threats against the Court and those cooperating with it.
The statement was delivered by the EU delegation in Geneva on behalf of the 27 member states, without a named individual speaker.
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