E.U. Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2027

             The Action Plan was originally adopted for 2020-2024 but was extended by the Council to 2027 with the ain to align it with the EU budget cycle. The EU monitors its implementation in the form of the Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World. If you want to read more about this extension access this link, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/eu-extends-its-action-plan-human-rights-and-democracy-until-2027. We all must help reinforce democratic and humanitarian values around the world. And of couse demand respect for all 30 rights of the UDHR, including political rights for all and justice and reparations when there are human rights violations, even more if these violations are happening for decades. In Brazil we need a more inclusive, transparent and egalitarian electoral system. This post is a summary of the book with the title above published https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/fil/eu_action_plan_on_human_rights_and_democracy_2020-2024.pdf

             EU leadership on human rights and democracy is needed more than ever. Autocracies grow in strength and in numbers around the world, many have faced litle pressure to curb their abuses. At the same time, new challenges are obliging us to update our thinking and policies. For instance, the speed with which surveillance and Artificial Intelligence technology is proliferating among the world's worst violators is staggering. Defending human rights and democratic principles is a collective exercise. No country, no matter how powerful can match the credibility of the international community acting through its institutions. The EU needs to live up to its ideals. Doing so will take significant work. It is clear that an EU foreign policy firmly grounded on human rights greatly benefits EU security and prosperity. Data demonstrates that governments that respect human rights are more reliable allies, stronger trading partners, and better stewards of regional peace and long-term international stability. The crucial question then is how can the EUstrengthen its leadership on human rights and democracy? This Action Plan proposes 5 lines of action, ranging from holding human rights abusers to account by sharpening the human rights toolbox through a new global sanctions regime, to protecting and empowering human rights defenders and ensuring that new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence promote and do not hinder human rights. In sum, this new Action Plan is about specific priorities to advance human rights and democracy around the world. These actions are meaningful and achievable and we must follow closely the progress we make. Implementing these actions will leave Europeans safer and our alliances more durable. Throughout its history, the EU has served as a champion of human rights. Now is the time to build a post-Covid world where the rights and freedoms of people are protected globally. In Europe, we have long learned that when the rights of one person come under attack, the rights of others are vulnerable and it diminishes us all. Today, the need for effective, coherent, strong collective action on human rights and democracy is even more imperative. This action plan sets out overaching priorities and objectives which will translated and implemented in the next five years at all levels. In operational terms, the 5 lines of action will be implemented on the ground in partner countries.  1) Protecting and Empowering Individuals - It means ensuring that everyone can enjoy civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Empowering all people involves enabling them to realise their full potential as equal active members of society. Respect for human rights are the cornerstone of societal cohesion, solidarity and trust between the state and citizens.  2) Building Resilient, Inclusive and Democratic Societies - Such societies are built on transparent and accountable institutions, representative parliaments and engaged citizens, and provide s safe and enabling environment for civil society, and independent media to voice concerns, influence policies, and monitor decision-makers. Human rights and democracy are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.  3) Promoting a Global System for Human Rights and Democracy - Promoting a global system for human rights and democracy is at the core of the EU's commitment to strengthening multilateralism. Strengthen the role of the UN Human Rights Council in upholding universal respect for human rights, including by addressing situations of violations of human rights. Support the International Criminal Court as a cornerstone in fighting impunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.   4) New Technologies: Harnessing Opportunities and Addressing Challenges. - New technologies can contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights and democracy, including by making public participation easier and more effective, facilitating the documentation of violations and abuses, and supporting online activism. However, these technologies can also have a negative impact, such as spreading disinformation and hate speech, enabling new forms of violence, and violations of the right to privacy, facilitating access to specific illegal content including child exploitation, widespread surveillance limiting freedom of expression and reducing civil society space, reinforcing discrimination and structural inequalities. This possible negative impact must be prevented and countered.  5) Delivering by Working Together - The EU institutions and Member States will work together to inplement it in a joined-up approach, and with exchange of good practice and knowledge. The EU Special Representative for Human Rights is a key political actor and will play a central role in guiding implementation of the action plan in order to deliver sustainable progress. The European Parliament has a distinct role and importance in contributing to the promotion of human rights and supporting democracy.