Source: European Parliament
Fighting impunity, ensuring accountability and supporting transitional justice are priorities of the EU external human rights action, as reflected in the Multiannual Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy for 2020-2024[1], extended until 2027, and the thematic programme for Human Rights and Democracy that includes EUR 50 million for projects promoting fight against impunity[2].
Among others, the EU supports the civil society Global Initiative Against Impunity, the Office of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Criminal Court and the Eurojust European Network for investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes (Genocide Network).
Within the UN Human Rights Council, the EU and Member States support the adoption of the biennial resolution on the Prevention of Genocide[3].
In addition, the EU funds in-country projects to promote justice and accountability for core international crimes (including genocide). The EU supports the UN International Residual Mechanism of Criminal Tribunals and the national jurisdictions in the Western Balkans in war crimes investigations and prosecutions connected to the 1990s wars of former Yugoslavia[4].
The EU supports the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Israel[5], as well as the European Holocaust Research Infrastructure (EHRI) Implementation Phase[6].
The European External Action Service (EEAS) organises regular human rights training sessions for the EU and Member States diplomats.
The Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, that receives financial support through the Foreign Policy Instrument, periodically briefs EEAS and Commission staff on at-risk situations of mass atrocity.
- [1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/eu-extends-its-action-plan-human-rights-and-democracy-until-2027_en
- [2] https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/document/download/aa9340d0-7cc3-4f33-bb94-1b7da126e0d2_en?filename=aap-2022-2024-c2022-5452-human-rights-democracy_en.zip
- [3] Last adopted on 3 April 2024: https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g24/059/80/pdf/g2405980.pdf
- [4] There is also an educational programme based on resolved cases by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The ongoing support of EUR 3 million covers the years 2024-2026.
- [5] With EUR 20 million adopted between 2023 and 2024.
- [6] With over EUR 1.4 million from Horizon Europe. A Commission Decision is imminent to set up this infrastructure as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium. This legal form will contribute to the sustainability and recognition of EHRI. See: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101129732