EU Statement - HRC60 - Item 4, General debate on human rights situ... 7 of 8 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/un-geneva/eu-statement-hrc60... targeting of political parties, democratically elected mayors, civil society representatives, journalists, academics, human rights defenders, LGBTI persons, and others, including through arbitrary arrests and detentions. The rights of elected officials as well as the right of peaceful assembly need to be fully respected. As an EU candidate country and member of the Council of Europe, Türkiye is expected to apply the highest democratic standards and practices. In this context, in line with Article 46 of the ECHR, we call on Türkiye to comply with the judgements of the European Court of Human Rights, including regarding the release of Osman Kavala. The EU reiterates its calls on Türkiye to comply with its obligations under international law, including human rights law and to respect, protect and fulfil human rights and the rule of law - including the property rights of persons belonging to minorities and legal entities representing minorities. Human rights are non-negotiable and will continue to be an integral part of EU-Türkiye relations. We condemn the increasing acts of terrorism, which have affected Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger for many years. We remain deeply concerned about the significant deterioration of the situation of the civilian population in those countries, marked by a substantial increase in the number of direct victims of violations and abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law. The EU is equally alarmed by the dramatic shrinking of civic space in the three countries, characterised by growing erosion and repression of the already reduced civic space and rule of law, amid growing restrictions and attacks against critics and dissenting voices, including political parties, civil society organisations, human rights defenders and media professionals. We urge authorities to uphold all their obligations under national and international law, to stop without delay any form of violence, and ensure an enabling civic space, free, independent, pluralistic media and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including through improved access to justice. Thank you. * North Macedonia and Montenegro continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process. 21/10/2025, 12:35