In 2004, the Council adopted the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders [63 KB] ,  which was reviewed in 2008.

On 27th May, Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy met Soraya Rahim Sobhrang, Commissioner responsible for Women's rights at the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission and winner of the 2010 Front Line award for Human Rights Defenders Support for human rights defenders (individuals, but also NGOs) is a long-established element of the European Union's human rights policy, and is built on the UN declaration on Human Rights Defenders from 1999.

Human rights defenders are those individuals, groups and organs of society that promote and protect universally recognised human rights and fundamental freedoms. Human rights defenders seek the promotion and protection of civil and political rights as well as the promotion, protection and realisation of economic, social and cultural rights.

* These Guidelines provide practical suggestions for enhancing EU action in supporting defenders. The Guidelines can be used in contacts with third countries at all levels, as well as in multilateral human rights fora in order to strengthen the right to defend human rights. The EU often raises the cases of Human Rights Defenders during its political dialogues with third countries, or issues declarations to support their work.
* The Guidelines assist EU Missions (Embassies and Consulates of EU Member States and European Commission Delegations) in their approach to human rights defenders. EU Missions have been tasked to develop local strategies, in close cooperation with Human Rights Defenders, which define the EU's line of action. The guidelines are a living tool which can have a concrete impact on human rights protection "on the ground".
* The Guidelines also provide for interventions by the European Union for human rights defenders at risk and suggest practical means of supporting and assisting human rights defenders.
* An important element of the Guidelines is support for the Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council, including the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and appropriate regional mechanisms to protect human rights defenders.
* Financial support is also provided by the European Union to a number of organisations who protect or support the work of Human Rights Defenders.

Support to Human Rights Defenders

As a human rights defender, you may therefore wish to contact a local EU mission whenever you feel at risk, or require support for your work. Don't hesitate use the " contacts " section of our website if you don't know how to contact a local EU mission.