New EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights

The President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz has welcomed the Council's adoption of the so-called human rights package and made the following statement:

"I warmly welcome the adoption of the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy and the Human Rights Action Plan which also reflect several long-standing demands of the European Parliament. This should give a welcome boost to the ambition, efficiency and accountability of the EU's policy on protecting and promoting human rights and democracy.

In line with Parliament's repeated calls for the nomination of an EU Special Representative on Human Rights, the Council will shortly appoint the EU's first-ever thematic special representative who should boost the visibility and coherence of the EU's human rights policy.

Human rights are at the very heart of the European Union project. The European Parliament, Commission, the European External Action Service and the Member States must remain united, coherent and ambitious and demonstrate that this is a strategic and integral part of EU foreign policy.

Note to Editors:

In line with established practice, following the Council decision on the appointment, the European Parliament will hold an in camera exchange of views with the newly appointed Special Representative before he/she takes up his/her post.

Council conclusions on Human Rights and Democracy:

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/131171.pdf

EU adopts Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy:

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/131173.pdf