Dialogue with the HC
29 November 2006

Mr President,

I am speaking on behalf of the European Union. 

The EU warmly welcomes this opportunity for a dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Madame Arbour. This form of dialogue has proven to be an important and meaningful way to discuss topical human rights issues.  

In this context, the European Union wishes to raise the following points. The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia(, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and the EFTA country Liechtenstein, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with these points raised. 

The European Union welcomes the visit by the High Commissioner to Israel and the Palestinian Occupied territories in November. The visit provides an opportunity to take stock of the current situation on the ground and possibilities to protect and promote the realization of the human rights of all individuals in the area. The European Union welcomes the recent cease-fire by both parties. The European Union has repeatedly expressed its concern about the escalating violence in the Middle East.  The European Union continues also to be deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories and strongly deplores the growing number of civilian casualties, including women and children. A return to a comprehensive peace process with a clear political perspective is urgently needed. To achieve this, an immediate cessation of violence is needed. 

The European Union shares with deep concern the evaluation by United Nations the Secretary General and the High Commissioner on the alarming and further deteriorating human rights situation in Darfur.  This Council must in all consciousness exercise its responsibility to address adequately the situation in Darfur. We must consider urgently how this might be best achieved.  In this regard, the EU would like to thank the High Commissioner and her Office for the continued monitoring and reporting of the situation on the ground, including recently on the attacks on civilians in South Darfur. The full cooperation by the Government of Sudan with the Office of the High Commissioner, and other UN human rights mechanisms, is crucial. Addressing impunity adequately is the main challenge. The work done by the International Criminal Court in this regard is vital, and must be supported by us all. Madame High Commissioner, could you elaborate further, how can the international community, especially us here in the Council, best respond to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice?

The promotion of democracy, human rights and the rule of law are key areas of focus in the EU's relations with Iraq. We are committed to assisting Iraq in implementing the government's human rights strategy and in abiding by its human rights commitments. The EU is concerned that in spite of considerable efforts by the Iraqi government, the situation remains extremely serious. The UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) expressed concern in its latest human rights report that violence has reached alarming levels in many parts of the country particularly affecting the right to life and personal integrity, as you highlighted in your statement today. It is evident that violence continues to claim an increasing number of victims. We would appreciate your further views on how we can all best work together with the Iraqi government, the UN and other partners towards the shared goal of promotion and protection of human rights in Iraq?

The European Union notes the High Commissioner's comments on Sri Lanka and shares her concerns. While the European Union welcomes the Government of Sri Lanka's progress in establishing a Commission of Inquiry for human rights with international observers, the European Union is deeply concerned by the continued violations of human rights. The European Union hopes that the Commission will bring the perpetrators of the increasing number of serious human rights violations and other abuses to justice and contribute to addressing the problem of impunity. 

The European Union would like to reaffirm its firm support to you, Madame High Commissioner, and your Office. Apart from other important functions towards the promotion and protection of universal human rights around the world, an active role of the High Commissioner in building an effective and operational Human Rights Council will be crucial.

Thank you Mr. President. 


( Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.