MEPs visit United Nations human rights bodies in Geneva

The European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights visited the United Nations (UN) bodies in Geneva, including the Human Rights Council (HRC) on 19-20 May. The visit took place in the run-up to the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter next month. MEPs held discussions with high-level stakeholders involved in protecting and promoting human rights worldwide. These talks focused on the significant challenges facing the UN’s human rights pillar and the UN’s work in a range of geographical and thematic areas. Quote Following the visit, the Human Rights Subcommittee Chair Mounir Satouri (Greens/EFA, FR) said: "We call on the European Union to strongly reaffirm its commitment to the universality of human rights and respect for international humanitarian law. In the face of increasing attacks on fundamental principles, we urge the EU and its Member States to refrain from double standards, which undermine their credibility and fuel mistrust. We must do everything possible to preserve the multilateral rules-based order, defend human dignity everywhere, without exception, and put human rights at the heart of our foreign, security and cooperation policy." Background The visit took place against the backdrop of critical underfunding of the UN system, which is severely threatening its ability to promote and protect human rights effectively. The MEPs urged the international community, including the EU and its member states, to continue to support the UN’s vital work. They...