EU Reaffirms Commitment to Universal Human Rights on Human Rights Day

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the European Union has reiterated its firm commitment to upholding and protecting human rights worldwide.

In a statement by the High Representative, the EU emphasized the universal importance of human rights as a cornerstone for dignity, equality, democracy, and sustainable development.

This year’s theme, "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now", highlights the urgent need to safeguard rights and freedoms to create a just, resilient, and inclusive future. The EU acknowledged the close connection between respecting human rights and achieving global peace, prosperity, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The statement underlined the mounting challenges to human rights, citing armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate disasters, impunity, and deepening inequalities. Specific attention was drawn to the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East and Sudan, which disproportionately harm civilian populations, particularly women and children.

“Peace is not just the absence of war,” the statement noted, adding that it requires daily advocacy for equality, non-discrimination, justice, and democracy. The EU called for collaborative global efforts, the empowerment of young change-makers, and support for human rights defenders, civil society organizations, and media workers.

Marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Council of Europe, the EU reaffirmed its dedication to the principles of the UN Charter and pledged to accede to the European Convention on Human Rights.

The statement concluded with a promise to persist in promoting and protecting human rights for all, declaring, "Your Rights, Your Future, Right Now and Always."