EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy
In June 2012, the Foreign Affairs Council adopted a Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy with an Action Plan for putting it into practice. This is the first time that the European Union has had a unified Strategic Framework for this vital policy area, with such a wide-ranging plan of action for its implementation.
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 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
The Strategic Framework builds on the joint Communication entitled 'Human rights and democracy at the heart of EU external action – towards a more effective approach'. This was adopted by the European Commission on 12 December 2011.
The EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy brings together 97 actions under 36 headings, involving the European Commission and EU Member States, which are jointly responsible for implementation. The Action Plan and covers the period until 31 December 2014.
Action 30 focuses on the "Enjoyment of human rights by persons with disabilities" and includes: (a) Promote the rights of persons with disabilities, including in development programmes, in the framework of the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 and implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and (b) Update the Guidance Note on Disability and Development to be in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities.
One of the commitments of the Action Plan is that the EU should present its performance in meeting its objectives in its annual report on human rights and democracy in the world. This should give an opportunity to all stakeholders in EU policy, including civil society, to assess the impact of EU action and contribute to defining future priorities.
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