Statement by European Community on human rights at UNGA56

Introduction

Further to the intervention by Belgium on behalf of the European Union under item 119, I should like to take the opportunity to share with the Committee some of the reforms which have been advanced recently by the European Commission in order to ensure the effective implementation of European Union policy in the field of human rights.

Coherency and Consistency of HR policy

Last June the EU General Affairs Council endorsed the European Commission Communication on the role of the European Union in promoting human rights and democratisation in third countries. In this Communication the human rights policy of the EU for the short-to-medium term is set out in a clear and comprehensive way. Lines of contact between the EU institutions are being strengthened in order to improve the consistency and coherency of EU policy on human rights. For example, the European Parliament, which has long been a vocal advocate of human rights, will henceforth be consulted on the human rights funding priorities which it selects. Greater efforts will be made to ensure that funding channelled through EU budget lines complements assistance offered on a national basis by EU Member States.

Civil society has a vital role to play in holding governments to account. The European Union has acknowledged the need to draw on the knowledge and experience of non-governmental organizations more enthusiastically. To that end the EU Presidency and the European Commission arrange regular Human Rights Fora, which bring together a broad cross-section of representatives of civil society. The next event will take place on 21st-22nd November and will focus on the role of civil society and the instruments which are at the international community's disposal for the advancement of human rights. Such contacts are an important means of cementing the relationship of the EU with civil society but informal contacts at local and headquarters level provide equally valuable input which can ultimately be reflected in EU policy and priority setting for external assistance. For example, a round of informal consultations with civil society took place this month in Brussels regarding the programming exercise for the use of resources under the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights, the EU budgetary instrument dedicated to support for human rights and democracy initiatives in third countries.

Dialogue with Third Countries

Human rights do not exist in a vacuum within institutions: it is through dialogue and agreement that the cause of human rights is advanced. The EU has made a clear commitment to improve existing dialogues on human rights with third countries. The EU will continue its efforts to reinvigorate discussions on human rights with partners at the regional level.

Dialogue coalesces into concrete undertakings in the form of the human rights clause which is included systematically in all Community agreements since 1995. The clause is a mutual recognition that respect for human rights is an essential element of these agreements and is intended to provide both a positive means of encouragement and, in the event of a serious breach, restrictive measures. For example, the Cotonou agreement which was concluded with African, Caribbean and Pacific States in June 2000, includes a refined consultation process to be invoked in the event that the human rights element of the agreement is violated.

Assistance

Human rights considerations are being mainstreamed throughout EU assistance programmes to third countries, backed up by comprehensive Country Strategy Papers. The European Community maintains a diplomatic presence in over 120 countries and responsibility for managing many such assistance programmes is being devolved to these Delegations in an effort to ensure that support is rooted in local needs and knowledge and is delivered in an efficient manner.

NGOs are principal recipients of Community human rights funding under the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights. It goes without saying that the resources available for such assistance are limited and should, therefore, be focused as effectively as possible. To that end the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights has been targeted on four key themes: support to strengthen democratisation, good governance and the rule of law; activities to support the abolition of the death penalty; support for the fight against torture and impunity and for international tribunals and criminal courts and finally funding to combat racism, xenophobia and discrimination against minorities and indigenous people.

In addition, funding under these priorities will be concentrated on a smaller number of countries which are selected after extensive consultations with EU Member States and with a view to maintaining geographical balance. Focusing the thematic and geographic scope of the specific budget chapter in this way does not imply that other human rights issues or countries no longer concern the EU, but rather acknowledges that action must bring a tangible contribution to efforts to advance a coherent EU human rights policy. It should be understood that limiting the number of thematic priorities and focus countries in this fashion applies only to the budget lines of the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights, and in no way diminishes the importance of activities with human rights or democracy elements funded through other EU instruments. Moreover, whilst funding will be focused in the four main areas I have mentioned, certain key themes such as gender equality and children's rights will be mainstreamed as "cross-cutting" issues in projects supported under this initiative.

Any mention of EU human rights policy would not be complete without a reference to the efforts to support the work of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Last year, over €5 million was provided for different OHCHR projects under the European Initiative. Substantial funds were channelled through Ms. Robinson's office for regional events related to the World Conference Against Racism and for the participation of NGOs at that event. We are currently discussing future avenues for human rights co-operation with the OHCHR.

Conclusion

I have sought to give a flavour of recent developments with respect to the Commission's contribution to wider EU cooperation in the field of human rights. The aim of the changes has been to reinvigorate the EU's performance in this field and to reinforce its relationship with third countries, regional and international organisations and civil society. By refining its approach, the EU shall make an enhanced contribution to international efforts to advance human rights and democratic values.

| Arriba |

• Description of the European Commission Delegation in New York (1/4/2005)
• 58 Sesión de la Comisión de Derechos Humanos: Tema 4 (16/4/2002)
• 58 Sesión de la Comisión de Derechos Humanos: Tema 7 (16/4/2002)
• EU Presidency Statement - Commission on Human Rights: High Commissioner's Report (16/4/2002)
• EU Presidency Statement - Commission on Human Rights: Right to development (16/4/2002)
• Discurso de S.E. El Embajador D. Joaquín Pérez-Villanueva Y Tovar en Derechos Humanos  (10/4/2002)
• EU Presidency Statement - Commission on Human Rights: Middle East (30/3/2002)
• UE informe sobre la alta Comisionada para los Derechos Humanos (21/3/2002)