Human Rights Day 2005

International Human Rights Day - 10 December 2005 - reminds us of the work that still needs to be done to promote and protect human rights around the world.

"Respect for human rights is one of the most fundamental and universal values of our world. All of us, in our official capacity and in our private lives, have a responsibility to promote and protect the rights of our fellow members of the human family, be that at home or elsewhere in the world," said Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy.

The Commissioner underlined that the EU takes this obligation seriously, and has a very active human rights policy. "We are currently working hard to implement the September UN Summit's decision to establish a Human Rights Council. This will replace the current UN Commission on Human Rights and give us a mechanism to better protect and promote human rights around the world. The EU is determined to do all it can to build an effective Human Rights Council which takes rights seriously - empowering women; helping states meet their international obligations; assisting human rights defenders and children in armed conflict; and sounding the alarm when violations occur."

The European Commission funds a broad range of human rights activities in third countries through its European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) which currently has a budget of some €120 million per year. Focusing on four thematic campaigns, "Promoting justice and the rule of law", "Fostering a culture of human rights", "Promoting the democratic process" and "Advancing equality, tolerance and peace", the Commission will shortly publish calls for proposals covering €84,5 million in funding.

As 2005 marks the commencement of the UN's World Programme for Human Rights Education, Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner highlighted that "human rights education plays a crucial role in empowering individuals, particularly women, and civil society at large and thereby strengthens human security. I will continue to take a personal interest in this issue, which will also be a key priority of any future European Community programme in support of human rights and democratisation worldwide".

Background

International Human Rights Day commemorates the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948, 57 years ago today. The Universal Declaration "recognized the equal and inalienable rights accorded to every human being" and "calls upon every individual and every institution of society to strive, by teaching and education, to promote respect for human rights and to secure their universal and effective recognition and implementation".

For more information:
The EU's Human rights & Democratisation Policy :
http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/human_rights/intro/index.htm

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• EU Presidency Statement - Human Rights Council: Working Methods, Rules of Procedure, Transition (1/11/2005)
• EU Presidency Statement - Human Rights Council: Status, Size, Composition and Membership (24/10/2005)
• EU Presidency Statement - Human Rights Council: Mandate and Function (18/10/2005)
• EU Presidency Statement - Human Rights Council  (11/10/2005)
• EU Parliament: Report on Human rights around the world in 2004  (26/4/2005)
• EP - MEPs say EU must take lead at UN Human Rights Commission (19/1/2005)
• EUHR Solana appoints a Personal Representative on Human Rights (17/1/2005)