International Service for Human Rights

European Union

The Council of the European Union (EU) adopted the Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders in June 2004 and in 2006 undertook a review of their implementation. The purpose of the Guidelines is to guide EU action regarding human rights defenders. The Guidelines identify practical ways for the EU to support and assist human rights defenders working in third (non-EU) countries. EU missions abroad (embassies and consulates of EU member States and European Commission delegations) implement the Guidelines.