Mr. Olof Skoog assumed office as the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights on 1 March 2024, and served until 1 March 2025. In this role, Mr. Skoog continued the legacy of his predecessors in advancing the European Union's human rights agenda on the global stage.

The primary responsibilities of the EUSR for Human Rights include strengthening the implementation of EU human rights policies, promoting compliance with international humanitarian law, and supporting international criminal justice efforts. His work is closely coordinated with the European External Action Service and EU institutions to ensure coherence and effectiveness in promoting EU human rights policies globally.

Central to his mandate is guiding the implementation of the EU's Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy (2020-2024), which was adopted by all 27 EU Member States in 2020. Recently, the EU renewed its commitment to human rights and democracy by extending tis Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy until 2027. In the course of this work, he regularly meets with governments to discuss the human rights situation in their countries. The EUSR is tasked to help establish a stronger European voice through dialogues on human rights with third countries’ governments, with international and regional organisations, as well as with civil society organisations and other relevant actors.

Moreover, he speaks for the EU at international human rights meetings, including at the United Nations and the UN Human Rights Council. His role is part of a broader initiative whereby ten EUSRs have been appointed by the EU High Representative/Vice President (HR/VP) to support the work of the HR/VP in various regions and thematic areas of concern. EUSRs promote the EU's policies and interests in specific regions and countries, and play an active role in efforts to consolidate peace, stability and the rule of law.

Mr. Olof Skoog assumed office as the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights on 1 March 2024, for an initial period of two years. In this role, Mr. Skoog continues the legacy of his predecessors in advancing the European Union's human rights agenda on the global stage.

The primary responsibilities of the EUSR for Human Rights include strengthening the implementation of EU human rights policies, promoting compliance with international humanitarian law, and supporting international criminal justice efforts. His work is closely coordinated with the European External Action Service and EU institutions to ensure coherence and effectiveness in promoting EU human rights policies globally.

Central to his mandate is guiding the implementation of the EU's Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy (2020-2024), which was adopted by all 27 EU Member States in 2020. Recently, the EU renewed its commitment to human rights and democracy by extending tis Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy until 2027. In the course of this work, he regularly meets with governments to discuss the human rights situation in their countries. The EUSR is tasked to help establish a stronger European voice through dialogues on human rights with third countries’ governments, with international and regional organisations, as well as with civil society organisations and other relevant actors.

Moreover, he speaks for the EU at international human rights meetings, including at the United Nations and the UN Human Rights Council. His role is part of a broader initiative whereby ten EUSRs have been appointed by the EU High Representative/Vice President (HR/VP) to support the work of the HR/VP in various regions and thematic areas of concern. EUSRs promote the EU's policies and interests in specific regions and countries, and play an active role in efforts to consolidate peace, stability and the rule of law.

The Council appointed Ambassador Olof Skoog as the EUSR for Human Rights for a period of 24 months (until 28 February 2026).

Article 2 – Policy objectives

The EUSR’s mandate shall be based on the policy objectives of the Union regarding human rights as set out in the Treaty on European Union and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, as well as on the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy and on the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy, including

(a) enhancing the Union’s effectiveness, presence and visibility in protecting and promoting human rights in the world and bringing forward a positive narrative on human rights, in particular by deepening Union cooperation and political dialogue with third countries, relevant partners, business, civil society and international and regional organisations, and through action in relevant international fora;

(b) enhancing the Union’s contribution to strengthening democracy and institution-building, the rule of law, good governance, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide;

(c) improving the coherence of Union action on human rights and the integration of human rights into all areas of the Union’s external action.

Article 3 – Mandate

In order to achieve the policy objectives, the EUSR’s mandate shall be to:

(a) contribute to the implementation of the Union’s policy on human rights, in particular of the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy and of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy, as well as to the implementation of Union Guidelines, toolkits and action plans on human rights, including by formulating recommendations in this regard;

(b) contribute to the implementation of the Union’s positions, as defined by the Council, on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law;

(c) contribute to the implementation of the Union’s positions, as defined by the Council, on promoting support for international criminal justice, in particular those under Council Decision 2011/168/CFSP (2) on the International Criminal Court;

(d) help establish a stronger European voice through dialogues on human rights with governments in third countries and international and regional organisations, as well as with civil society organisations and other relevant actors in order to ensure the effectiveness and the visibility of the Union’s human rights policy; lead important human rights dialogues with third countries;

(e) contribute to better coherence and consistency of the Union’s policies and actions in the areas of the protection and promotion of human rights, in particular by providing input to the formulation of relevant policies of the Union;

(f) contribute, in consultation with Member States, to the better coherence and consistency of the Union’s positions referred to in points (b) and (c).