Brussels, 04/05/2015 (Agence Europe) - On 28 April, the European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini, adopted a joint communication entitled “Keeping Human Rights at the Heart of the EU Agenda”. This outlines the EU's action plan on human rights and democracy for the 2015-2019 period, with a review in 2017.
Based on the “human rights” package adopted in June 2012 (see EUROPE 10641), the action plan seeks to pursue implementation of the EU strategic framework on human rights and democracy, with sufficient flexibility to respond to new challenges.
The action plan focuses on the priority areas in which enhanced commitment is needed, whilst capitalising on the achievements accomplished during the previous action plan (2012-2014). The EU is subsequently seeking to enhance the role of local actors, provide a global response to crucial challenges in the human rights field, promote greater coherency in policy and enhance the efficiency and results-based culture in the area of human rights and democracy.
The action proposed in the context of the action plan must be applied to all the different regions of the world, whilst taking into account local specificities and needs. They will be translated into specific priorities for each country through strategies for the different countries.
The Council is expected to give its opinion on this question by the summer. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)