The European Council adopts proposals to “activate defense mechanisms” for human rights in 2022
On Monday, January 24, the Council of the European Union adopted proposals consisting of conclusions regarding the priorities pursued by the European Union, regarding the activation of human rights defense mechanisms in 2022 in line with the United Nations human rights charters.
These priorities, unanimously approved by the European Council, define practical mechanisms for the period 2022-2024 within the framework of the strategic partnership between the United Nations and the European Union, on achieving peace operations and crisis management.
Human rights, democracy and the rule of law
In a statement, the European Council said: "The European Union affirms its commitment to consistently and consistently respect and protect the principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in all areas of its external action," noting that its institutions will "work to support the human rights system as the cornerstone of its external missions." This is according to the statement by addressing "emerging threats to human rights, including the ongoing consequences of the coronavirus pandemic."
Rule of law and accountability
The European Council reiterated the commitment of the member states of the European Union to support the international multilateral system, which exists in order to respect the rules set by the United Nations charters regarding respect for the rights of individuals, by finding ways to ensure close cooperation with the institutions that fall under the umbrella of the United Nations, especially with regard to issues of Peacekeeping and Civil and Military Crisis Management
In this rationale, the EU affirmed its “unwavering support for the International Criminal Court” as well as its “commitment to combating impunity and achieving justice for victims.” It is worth noting that the United Nations considers “the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations to be critical to preventing violations, conflict and violence, building and sustaining peace and achieving inclusive development.”
Commitment to fight impunity
In this regard, the United Nations considers that its institutions are working to combat “the lack of justice, impunity for crimes, disputes over unaddressed grievances, and repressive authorities that are not held accountable” under published and equally applied laws, under which the judiciary is invoked. Independent, in line with international human rights standards.
"Security and Peace"
In this regard, the European Union called on all states to abide by international human rights law, and to grant unconditional and unimpeded access to the UN human rights monitoring mechanisms.
This is done, according to a statement by the European Council, by "monitoring the human rights situation at the global level and condemning violations and abuses of human rights wherever they occur." The aforementioned conclusions confirm that "partnership with the United Nations helps the European Union to play its role as a guarantor of security and an actor in order to achieve peace and establish global security."
The European Council indicated that it supports the United Nations with political support, as well as expertise and financial support, to implement the priorities of the United Nations when it comes to respecting human rights principles. It is worth noting that the European Council adopts every year conclusions on the priorities of the European Union to achieve human rights principles at the global level.