© UNDP, 2022

In this current global environment, the EU has called-out human rights violations and abuses wherever they occurred, calling for justice, accountability and an end to impunity. In an unprecedented mobilisation, the EU has been more active than ever before to underline that these acts are illegal, should stop immediately and will have consequences.

EU High Representative, Josep Borrell in his foreword to the annual report

As the report shows in its thematic and country chapters, the EU stepped up its action in 2022 to defend democracy and counter the violations of international law, including international humanitarian law as well as international human rights law. Using the Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy (2020-2024) as a roadmap, the EU has presented more country and thematic initiatives in multilateral fora than ever before, building cross-regional alliances to respond robustly to attacks on the international system including the UN Charter, and strengthened collaboration with and support to the International Criminal Court.

European Union, 2022

I believe that we are turning a corner, from the era of impunity to an age of accountability. We need now to capitalise on this extraordinary moment for international criminal justice and to make the ‘Ukraine momentum’ a standard for fighting impunity in other parts of the world. The credibility of the criminal justice system as a whole hinges on this.

EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore

The EU has held more dialogues and consultations to forge new partnerships for human rights and democracy. The EU has also extended more cooperation and support to partners, including civil society organisations and human rights defenders, namely through the reinforced envelope of EUR30 million for the EU’s Human Rights Defenders Protection mechanism. The EU has also adopted more restrictive measures in response to human rights violations and abuses, under geographic sanction regimes and the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, which now includes listings for acts of sexual and gender-based violence in conflict.

European Union, 2022

At a time of an alarming rise in authoritarian regimes and their assaults on democratic values across the globe, it is an imperative to demonstrate, through concrete action, the EU’s continued commitment to democracy. The establishment of a Team Europe initiative on Democracy was a critical milestone that will help deliver support to democracy in a more efficient and strategic manner.

Furthermore, in 2022, the EU deployed 18 Electoral Missions of various types in support of the organisation of credible, inclusive, and transparent electoral processes and consistently advocated for the implementation of their recommendations.

European Union Election Observation Mission Timor-Leste 2022

The Annual Report provides an overview of EU activities to uphold and advance human rights and democracy across the globe and monitors the implementation the Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy (2020-2024) in all areas of external action.

Working on human rights and the environment, gender equality and women’s rights, economic, social and cultural rights, labour rights and decent work, the human rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, countering the shrinking space for civil society, threats and attacks against human rights defenders and journalists and promoting human rights in digital technologies, the EU pays particular attention to enhancing equality, inclusion and diversity, leaving no-one behind.

European Union, 2022

Seeking to counter a “gender backlash” in many countries, the EU has been a vocal advocate of women’s and girls’ full enjoyment of all human rights, including the fight against all forms of sexual and gender-based violence along with access to education and employment, public and political life. The EU supported multiple actions boosting women’s rights and condemned exclusion and violent repression of women and girls. The promotion and protection of the rights of the child also took centre stage in 2022. The adoption of the Youth Action Plan in external action will further enhance consultation with and the meaningful participation of youth.

European Union, 2022

EU Delegations, reinforced by the network of human rights’ focal points, have been at the forefront of promoting and protecting human rights across the world. Human rights and democracy are and will continue to be at the heart of the EU’s external action. While this report highlights multiple urgent challenges, it testifies to the EU’s continuous commitment to work and to provide leadership in difficult situations. The report tracks progress and presents examples of activities, which foster human rights and democracy around the world, often carried out in partnership with civil society, private sector, and regional or international organisations.

European Union

All of this work comes at a critical moment. The year 2023 is one of human rights anniversaries, marking 75 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was born out of the ashes of conflict and barbaric atrocities. The EU has been conducting the Stand Up For Human Rights (#StandUp4HumanRights) campaign in support of the United Nations’ Human Rights 75 Initiative, to uphold and expand the support base for the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of human rights and democratic values. At the beginning of the year, HR/VP Borrell underlined the need to make 2023 the year of turning the tide on human rights. We invite everyone to join hands in this important endeavour.