11/07/23 (Agence Europe) – The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) is calling on the EU to provide better protection for human rights defenders from third countries. In a report published on Tuesday 11 July, the FRA notes that the EU does not have a common approach in this area. It thus encourages it to make better use of existing European legislation, for example, to ensure consistent implementation of the EU Visa Code from one country to another. The FRA also calls on Member States to develop their relocation programmes and to ensure that human rights defenders have access to services. Lastly, it believes that the EU must conduct awareness-raising campaigns and ensure that legislation such as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) protects human rights defenders. The report: https://aeur.eu/f/80e (HS)