On the occasion of the final session of the Commission on Human Rights on 27 March
2006 the European Union pays tribute to 60 years of service to the cause of human rights.
The European Union values the important role that the Commission on Human Rights has
played in the promotion and protection of human rights. Despite the criticism the
Commission has attracted in recent years, its achievements and rich legacy in the field of
human rights deserve our recognition and respect.

From the Commission on Human Rights the world community inherits a rich body of
international human rights law and standards. With the adoption of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, the Commission laid the foundation upon which the entire
body of international human rights law is built. Its subsequent development of the
International Covenants on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and on Civil and
Political Rights, and the other core human rights instruments today form the bedrock of
international human rights law. The Commission has continued the development of new
standards by preparing a draft Convention on Enforced Disappearances and a draft
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The consideration and adoption of these
texts is among the EU priorities for the Human Rights Council at its first session in June.
Over the last 60 years, the Commission on Human Rights has contributed significantly to
identifying and addressing challenges for the protection and promotion of human rights,
including emerging or urgent issues and situations.
The development of the system of special procedures has brought the intergovernmental
debate on human rights closer to the reality on the ground. The independent UN human
rights experts serve as an early warning mechanism for the international community and
give voice to the often silenced victims. With their expert advice they contribute greatly to
an informed and substantive debate. Their recommendations provide concrete guidance for
the improved implementation of human rights standards.

The European Union warmly
welcomes that the system of special procedures will be continued in the Human Rights
Council and that all mandates have been transferred to the Human Rights Council. The EU
looks forward to receiving their reports and engaging them in interactive dialogue at its
first session. It is important that this system will be strengthened over time.

The European Union expresses its full support to the contribution of human rights
defenders in raising awareness and advocating higher respect for human rights. Throughout
the existence of the Commission, human rights defenders and their organizations have
raised concerns where governments have remained silent – often against the risk of
discrimination, imprisonment or even losing their life. Their continued active and effective
participation in the Human Rights Council is of greatest importance to the European
Union. We therefore welcome that the participation of non-governmental organizations,
and national human rights institutions in the work of the Human Rights Council will be
based on the rules and practices of the Commission on Human Rights

Building on the solid foundations of the instruments and mechanisms created by the
Commission, the Human Rights Council now offers the opportunity to strengthen the
implementation of human rights standards.
The European Union stands ready to cooperate with other members of the UN in order to
make the Human Rights Council an effective and efficient body, which will make a
genuine contribution to the promotion and protection of all human rights for all.

The Human Rights Council should be able to address all human rights issues as they occur,
including urgent situations. The Council will offer a forum for ongoing dialogue and
constructive engagement. It will provide guidance and assistance to all countries to achieve
the highest standards of human rights protection through dialogue, cooperation and
capacity building. We will have to make good use of all the instruments it will provide in
order to translate human rights norms into tangible improvements of the situation of human
rights on the ground and prevent human rights violations from occurring.

The European Union reiterates its full support for the strengthening of the Office of the
High Commissioner for Human Rights. The High Commissioner and her staff are working
relentlessly to promote and protect all human rights and prevent the occurrence or
continuation of human rights abuses throughout the world.
In the words of the late High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello, we
all have a part to play in making the enjoyment of all human rights a reality for everyone.
We now have the opportunity to collectively demonstrate our commitment to uphold the
highest standards of human rights. It is in our hands to ensure that the Human Rights
Council will build on the finest elements of the legacy of the Commission on Human
Rights.

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, Serbia and
Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the
European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align
themselves with this declaration.

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

Ref: 7810/06 (Presse 91)