The EU and the Council of Europe on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to universal human rights, underlining the urgent need for global action in the face of growing challenges to fundamental freedoms on Tuesday.
The EU High Representative issued a statement on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, underlining this year’s theme – “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.”
The statement emphasises the crucial role of human rights in achieving a just, viable and sustainable world.
Human rights “are essential for human dignity, equality, democracy, peace and sustainable development,” the statement said, calling for these principles to be honoured in order to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Noting global crises such as the military conflict in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East and Sudan, and persistent gender inequalities, the EU emphasised the “indispensable” nature of a rules-based international order with human rights at its core.
Peace “requires daily work, sustained commitment and advocacy for equality, non-discrimination, justice and democracy,” it added, calling for co-operation to empower youth and support human rights defenders, journalists and civil society actors.
The EU also reaffirmed its continued support for the UN and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, calling on all states to fulfil their obligations.
