HRC63 - EU Statement - HRC63 Item 4 Human Rights Situations tha... 5 of 10 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/un-geneva/hrc63-eu-statemen... related provisions in the Russian Criminal Code to target dissent, anti-war expression and peaceful protests. We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release and rehabilitation of all political prisoners and persons arbitrarily detained. We are also deeply concerned about the Russian authorities’ expanding control over internet infrastructure, including through State-directed filtering, blocking and internet shutdowns, as well as the instrumentalization of ‘extremism’ legislation to repress online applications and content. We recall the obligation under international law to conduct independent and transparent investigations into all deaths in detention. The EU calls on Russia to fully implement all outstanding rulings of the European Court of Human Rights. The EU also calls on Russia to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of Indigenous Peoples as set out in the UNDRIP and other international human rights law. The EU urges Russia to cooperate fully with the UN and all special procedures, and expresses its full support for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. The EU strongly condemns the gross, systematic and widespread human rights violations, restrictions to political participation and to independent media in Belarus. The EU remains concerned about intimidation campaigns against all segments of Belarusian society. The EU urges Belarus to immediately and unconditionally release and rehabilitate all political prisoners, ensuring the resolution of judicial processes upon their release and ending all forms of harassment or pressure that may result in their forced departure, deportation or deprivation of consular services. The EU demands that the Belarusian authorities stop their involvement in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and halt their hybrid attacks at the EU external borders, including the instrumentalisation of migrants for political purposes, in complicity with Russia. We express our grave concern over the deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the persistent and devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and we strongly condemn all violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. We emphasize the protected status under IHL of civilians, including humanitarian aid workers, health and medical workers, and journalists and media personnel, which includes both international and local staff. The EU recalls the need to fully implement the International Court of Justice (ICJ) orders, which are legally binding, and takes note of its advisory opinions. The EU calls on Israel to allow immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza and to enable the UN and its agencies, including UNRWA, and humanitarian organisations, to work independently and impartially to save lives and reduce suffering. In this regard, the EU recalls the ICJ’s advisory opinions. The EU calls on Israel to reopen all Gaza border crossings, as well as the medical corridor between Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, allow access 22/09/2026, 16:14