Address to the UN Human Rights Commission

In a speech on behalf of the EU at the opening of the 59th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, Greece's Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Giannitsis underlined the EU's commitment to protect human rights and referred to the Union's actions in the field.

Giannitsis said the European Union would spare no effort to further strengthen the system of human rights at the United Nations and in particular the role of the UNCHR and its capacity for initiative and action.

"The European Union is convinced that the protection of human rights contributes significantly to peace, security, stability and sustainable socio-economic development," he added.

Referring to the emphasis placed by the Union on matters relating to the protection of human rights, Giannitsis underlined that full respect for human rights was being taken into serious consideration in the context of ongoing efforts to develop a common policy on asylum and migration. In addition, he noted, human rights were a cornerstone of the Union's enlargement process and development policy.

Giannitsis said the Union would continue to work for the abolition of the death penalty and the elimination of torture. At the same time, the International Criminal Court would play a cardinal role in holding accountable those responsible of human rights violations.

Turning to the new challenges in the fight against terrorism, Giannitsis noted that promoting respect for human rights was an essential component of any effective anti-terrorism strategy, since terrorism generally thrives in environments in which human rights are systematically violated.

Lastly, on the recent assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, Giannitsis said: "The EU fully backs the forces for reform in Serbia and Montenegro and urges them not to let this tragic event divert them from their objectives."

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• EU Presidency Statement - Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action  (10/12/2003)
• EU Presidency Statement - Human Rights Questions  (6/11/2003)