EU viert Wereld Mensenrechtendag (en)
Each year Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations on 10 December 1948. The Declaration was drafted by representatives of all regions and cultures, becoming a landmark expression of global commitment to provide people all over the world with universal rights and freedoms.
Over the years the Declaration has served as the linchpin for expanding the system of human rights protection. Its universal character is reflected by more than 380 translations into different languages and dialects, which have made it the most translated document in the world.
Human Rights Day 2012: Inclusion and Participation in Public Life
Human Rights Day is a great opportunity not only to promote the values enshrined in the Declaration but also to draw public attention to ongoing abuses of human rights. Traditionally, each year brings a particular theme to celebrate and advocate for. Human Rights Day 2012 is focused on the issue of “Inclusion and Participation in Public Life”.
This theme is aimed at encouraging everybody, including women, minorities, persons with disabilities, youth and the poor, to get engaged in decision-making processes affecting their lives and their communities.
The rights to freedom of opinion and expression, to peaceful assembly and association, and to take part in government (Articles 19-21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) are key drivers of political, economic and social reforms. Their significance was showcased during the Arab Spring, when thousands of people took to the street to demand political participation and freedom of expression.
The Arab Spring has proved that the internet and social media are powerful tools for activists, civil society movements and ordinary citizens who want to make their voice heard.
Technological revolution has created new ways to mobilise people to take part in public life - on international, national and local level.
European Union & Human Rights
This year’s Human Rights Day coincides with the ceremony of presenting the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union. The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the EU for over six decades of contributions “to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe”. The latter are among the core values of the EU, not only at home but also abroad:
The Union’s action on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which it seeks to advance in the wider world: democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity and respect for the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
Treaty on European Union, Article 21
Human rights in EU external action
EU efforts aimed at advancing human rights across the globe cover a broad range of policies, including Common Security and Defence Policy, trade, investments, technology and telecommunications, energy, environment, development and counter-terrorism.
Respect for human rights is a fundamental condition for all countries aspiring to join the EU. Moreover, all trade and cooperation agreements signed by the EU have a special clause stating that human rights constitute an essential element in relations between the parties.
"Human rights are one of my top priorities and a silver thread that runs through everything that we do in external relations” said EU High Representative Catherine Ashton upon adoption of the EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy .
In this key document the European Union referred directly to this year’s theme of Human Rights Day, reiterating its efforts to “promote freedom of expression, opinion, assembly and association, both on-line and offline”. The EU has also repeatedly condemned restrictions on freedom of expression and access to the internet, as well as the arrest of bloggers, in the framework of its bilateral relations with third countries as well as in multilateral forums.
The EU places great value on independent civil society, considering it to be a prerequisite for the implementations of human rights.
The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, with a budget of €1.1 billion for the period of 2007-2013, is a very tangible expression of this conviction. It supports courageous individuals and organisations fighting against torture, death penalty and different forms of discrimination.
The EU is determined to enhance its effectiveness in protecting and promoting human rights. On 25 July 2012 Stavros Lambrinidis was appointed as the first EU Special Representative for Human Rights.
His mandate allows the EU to deepen cooperation with third countries, civil society, business and relevant organisations on this broad and complex issue. Mr Lambrinidis works closely with the EEAS i, contributing to the integration of human rights in all areas of the EU’s external action.
Human Rights Day celebrated by the EU around the world
Human Rights Day is celebrated by the European Union both in Brussels and at the Delegations all over the world. A big variety of EU global activities highlighting this special day includes:
film screening of Pablo Larrain's highly acclaimed 'No' in Brussels
International Film Festival Award ceremony "Human Rights in the digital age" and rock concert in Armenia
visit of Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia & Herzegovina to Youth Initiative for Human Rights
Human Rights Film Festival in Brazil
meeting with human rights defenders in Chad
The Festival and the Youth Forums in Gaza showcasing EU's support for women, human rights, and partnership between international organisations and local partners to combat social problems
Human Rights Online Video Competition in Turkey
More information
EU adopts Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy
FACTSHEET on EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy
Human rights and democracy in the world: report on EU Action in 2011
Statement of Catherine Ashton on EU annual report on human rights and democracy