Promoting and protecting human rights
The European Union is based on a strong commitment to promote and protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law both within the EU and worldwide.
EU action and policy on human rights have two strands:
- protecting fundamental rights within the EU, in compliance with the founding Treaties and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
- promoting human rights and democracy worldwide, namely the EU external relations with other countries, regions and international organisations
Respect for fundamental rights is essential in democratic societies based on the rule of law. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights lays down the fundamental rights that are binding upon EU institutions and bodies. It also applies to national governments when they are implementing EU law.
EU policy includes:
- defending civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights and freedoms
- promoting non-discrimination and equal treatment on the basis of sex, race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age and sexual orientation
- empowering EU citizens, workers, employers and consumers
- promoting and protecting gender equality and the rights of persons with disabilities, minorities, children and the elderly
- promoting freedom of expression, religion or belief
- empowering civil society and democracy
- guaranteeing access to justice and effective legal protection
- opposing the death penalty, torture and human trafficking
- defending human rights through active partnership with partner countries, international and regional organisations, and groups and associations at all levels of society
- inclusion of human rights clauses in all agreements on trade or cooperation with non-EU countries