Amnesty International calls on EU for human rights accountability

Amnesty International calls on EU for human rights accountability

(Brussels, 8 January 2008) At the start of the Slovenian presidency of the EU, Amnesty International calls for an overall review of the Union’s human rights policy and a stronger focus on accountability and coherence. These calls are contained in a ten-point programme addressed to the presidency and already delivered to Prime Minister Janez Janša.

“The EU human rights policy has effectively run out of steam and is discredited by inadequate responses to human rights violations within its borders,” said Dick Oosting, Director of Amnesty International’s EU Office.

The EU’s efforts to uphold human rights standards in crucial areas like counter-terrorism and irregular immigration are clearly insufficient, affecting the Union’s credibility and its potential – and ambition – to play a strong leadership role in the world.

“Slovenia, the first of the new generation of Member States to hold the presidency, is well placed to lead a refocusing of the EU on the principles of democracy, human rights and rule of law,” Oosting said. “Proper accountability for its internal rights policy would also help to create that elusive resonance with Europe’s citizens.”

Click here to access the Amnesty International EU Office recommendations.


For further comment/background and interviews:

Amnesty International EU Office (Brussels):
Tel: 32-2-5021499
Fax: 32-2-5025686
Email: [email protected]