EU adopts Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy (25/6/2012)

On 25 June 2012, the Council adopted a Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy with an Action Plan for putting it into practice. The Framework sets out principles, objectives and priorities, all designed to improve the effectiveness and consistency of EU policy as a whole in the next ten years. They provide an agreed basis for a truly collective effort, involving EU Member States as well as the EU Institutions. The Strategic Framework also anchors a commitment to genuine partnership with civil society. The Framework is also designed to be as readable as possible, so as to be accessible to all citizens.

The key messages of the Strategic Framework are:

– Human rights throughout EU policy

– Promoting universality of human rights

– Pursuing coherent objectives

– Human rights in all EU external policies

– Implementing EU priorities on human rights

– Working with bilateral partners

– Working through multilateral institutions

– The EU working together

Further information

• Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy
• Council press release
• EU Foreign Ministers' conclusions on Human Rights and Democracy - Foreign Affairs Council 25 June 2012
• EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy - Factsheet