Luxembourg, 25/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 25 June, the Foreign Affairs Council adopted a strategic framework for human rights and democracy with an action plan to put it into practice. This strategic framework lists the principles, objectives and priorities designed to improve the effectiveness and coherence of the EU's policy over the next 10 years, involving member states and European institutions. This framework also aims to make it possible to establish a genuine partnership with civil society. The action plan, which comprises 97 measures under 36 headings and will run until 31 December 2014, will be implemented by the Commission and member states.
In the view of the Council, the key messages of the strategic framework are that human rights are to be taken into account in all EU policies and all of its external policies, the promotion of universal human rights, the pursuit of consistent objectives, the implementation of EU priorities in the field of human rights, cooperation with bilateral partners, multilateral institutions and at EU level.
“This is the first time that the EU has had a unified framework” for human rights, said High Representative Catherine Ashton, adding that “in order to contribute to putting the framework and action plan into practice”, she has also proposed that an EU Special Representative for Human Rights be appointed. She went on to welcome the “prospect of an early appointment”. This Special Representative, initially hoped for at this Council, will be appointed once Catherine Ashton has met the candidates, which will happen “very soon” during their interviews. In its conclusions, the Council also stressed the importance of appointing this EU Special Representative, and hoped that this would happen very soon. The ministers said that the Council is determined to work in close cooperation with the European Parliament and European Commission, and in a genuine spirit of partnership with civil society.
European Parliament satisfied
The president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, welcomed the adoption of the strategic framework and action plan, which “reflect what the European Parliament has long been calling for”. “This will give a welcome shot in the arm to the ambition, effectiveness and responsabilisation of the European policy on the protection and promotion of human rights and democracy”, he added. (CG/transl.fl)