On Thursday 8 June, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) published the 2023 edition of its Annual Report. While it places particular emphasis on the implications of the war in Ukraine for fundamental rights in the EU, the text also notes an increase in child poverty and hate speech.
War in Ukraine
While 2022 saw the return of war to mainland Europe, the FRA points out that the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive has “provided welcome access” to work, housing, social assistance, education and healthcare for refugees. However, the Agency is calling on the EU to consider long-term, targeted support as the conflict drags on.
It also calls on the government to pay more attention to women and girls by providing affordable housing, suitable jobs, rapid access to childcare and support for victims of sexual violence.
“The ongoing conflict requires longer-term solutions that also pay particular attention to women”, sums up FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty.
Hate speech and poverty
At the same time, the war has partly fuelled an upsurge in hate speech. The FRA points out that “only half of EU countries had national anti-racism action plans”.
Similarly, rising energy costs have pushed almost 25% of children into poverty. The Agency therefore recommends that Member States implement the actions set out in the European Child Guarantee (see EUROPE 12685/12) and pay particular attention to the most vulnerable households.
Finally, the report calls on the EU to be vigilant about respect for fundamental rights on the Internet, in view of the rapid development of digital services and artificial intelligence. The FRA is therefore counting on the effective implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and future legislation on artificial intelligence (AI Act) with “solid” safeguards.
The report: https://aeur.eu/f/7cc (Original version in French by Hélène Seynaeve)