EU viert dag van de mensenrechten (en)
The EU is a world leader in upholding human rights, in principle and in practice. The UN’s Human Rights Day (10 December) is an opportunity to reflect on what we are doing now to ensure respect for these rights - in Europe and around the world. The day also serves to draw people’s attention to ongoing human rights abuses.
In a declaration
The day is especially poignant given the recent death of South Africa's Nelson Mandela, whose "long walk to freedom" for his country serves as an inspiration to human rights campaigners around the world.
Respect for human rights is one of the EU's core values - along with democracy and the rule of law. These values are embedded in the EU's founding treaty. They were reinforced when the EU adopted the Charter of Fundamental Rights in 2000 and further strengthened when the Charter became legally binding under the Lisbon Treaty, in force since 2009.
The EU continues to ensure these principles are upheld in all its actions. Last year EU leaders adopted a strategy and action plan for further progress on setting high standards on human rights and democracy.
This strategy sets out the EU's vision for its global human rights policy in the years ahead and establishes a detailed list of actions that the EU will implement to promote these goals in practice.
The EU also appointed its first Special Representative for Human Rights, Stavros Lambrinidis. His mandate allows the EU to deepen cooperation on upholding human rights with other countries, civil society, business and relevant organisations. Mr Lambrinidis works closely with the EEAS and contributes to the integration of human rights in all its areas of work.
Since then, the EU has adopted new guidelines on freedom of religion or belief and on the enjoyment of human rights by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons.
The EU has also continued its long-standing campaign to ban capital punishment throughout the world.
These and other related actions are supported by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, which has a budget of €1.1 billion for 2007-2013. This support helps those fighting against the death penalty, torture and different forms of discrimination.
EU events around the world
Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the UN's adoption, on 10 December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration was drafted by representatives of all regions and cultures, becoming a landmark expression of global commitment to ensure everyone's universal rights and freedoms are upheld everywhere.
These universal rights and fundamental freedoms apply to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. We are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination.
For Human Rights Day 2013, the UN is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 1993 Vienna Conference on Human Rights and the creation of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The Vienna Conference confirmed the universality of all human rights and led to historic advances in their promotion and protection.
The EU is observing the day in Brussels and at its Delegations around the world through a wide variety of events, including concerts, radio programmes, festivals, seminars and receptions.
In Brussels the EU and the UN are jointly organising a film screening on 10 December of the film Fruitvale Station, which won the 2013 Sundance Film festival.
More information
Statement by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, on Human Rights Day 2013
EU adopts Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy
EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy
Factsheet on the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy
EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World in 2012
EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World in 2012 (Country Reports)