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Systems

Support for human rights systems and defenders

Many organisations work to defend your rights. We help their efforts with independent evidence, advice and expertise.

We support their frontline work. And we shine a light on potential risks and priority areas. Together we make your rights a reality.

Highlights

  • Report / Paper / Summary
    11
    October
    2021
    This report proposes a framework for becoming, and functioning as, a ‘human rights city’ in the EU. It includes ‘foundations’, ‘structures’ and ‘tools’ for mayors, local administrations and grassroots organisations to reinforce fundamental rights locally. It is based on existing good practice and expert input by representatives of human rights cities in the EU, academic experts, international organisations and city networks.
  • Page
    The European Union Fundamental Rights Information System EFRIS is a Human Rights Gateway, bringing together data and information from existing human rights databases, and enables viewing and analysis of relevant assessments of fundamental rights in the EU.
  • Report / Paper / Summary
    18
    January
    2018
    Civil society organisations in the European Union play a crucial role in promoting fundamental rights, but it has become harder for them to do so – due to both legal and practical restrictions. This report looks at the different types and patterns of challenges faced by civil society organisations working on human rights in the EU.
  • Handbook / Guide / Manual
    23
    October
    2018
    As a very modern human rights catalogue containing many rights not found in established bills of rights, the Charter indeed looks good on paper. Those familiar with the main principles of EU law can usually quickly recite that the Charter is always binding on the EU, and binding on Member States only when they are "implementing EU law". But what does this often-quoted language from Article 51 of the Charter actually mean?
    Products
    12
    June
    2019
    The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has applied across the European Union (EU) since 25 May 2018. One year on, this paper looks at how the new regulation has affected the daily work of civil society organisations (CSOs).
    6
    June
    2019
    This year’s focus explores the interrelationship between the human and fundamental rights framework and the Sustainable
    Development Goals (SDGs) of the global Agenda 2030 in the context of Member States’ and the EU’s internal policies.
    It takes a closer look at the SDGs related to reducing inequality (SDG 10) and promoting peace, justice and strong
    institutions (SDG 16).
    6
    June
    2019
    The year 2018 brought both progress and setbacks in terms of fundamental
    rights protection. FRA’s Fundamental Rights Report 2019 reviews major
    developments in the field, identifying both achievements and remaining areas
    of concern. This publication presents FRA’s opinions on the main developments
    in the thematic areas covered, and a synopsis of the evidence supporting these
    opinions.
    In the latest edition of his video blog, FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty focuses on press freedom and the importance of an independent media for the society.
    22
    March
    2019
    Member States have an explicit duty to promote the Charter’s application. These country-sheets support that effort by giving examples of the Charter’s use and highlighting how it adds value.
    26
    November
    2018
    Civil society organisations play a critical role in democracies, and the importance of their work is widely recognised in international legal and policy documents. However, they face many obstacles when it comes to their day-to-day work. Based on the results of an online consultation with FRA's civil society network, the Fundamental Rights Platform (FRP), in September 2018, this paper complements the January 2018 report.
    26
    October
    2018
    The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights’ 2018 Fundamental Rights Forum
    brought together more than 700 human rights champions at a time of
    widening social divisions and increasingly polarised politics across
    Europe.
    23
    October
    2018
    ES, HU, LT, LV, SK, SL and PT versions now available
    18 November 2020
    As a very modern human rights catalogue containing many rights not found in established bills of rights, the Charter indeed looks good on paper. Those familiar with the main principles of EU law can usually quickly recite that the Charter is always binding on the EU, and binding on Member States only when they are "implementing EU law". But what does this often-quoted language from Article 51 of the Charter actually mean?
    1
    October
    2018
    This note draws attention to the recent trend of criminalising search and rescue operations (SAR) in the Mediterranean Sea carried out by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or other private entities. This includes seizing rescue vessels, as well as arrests for crew members, in some EU Member States. Most of such incidents concerned NGOs operating in the Central Mediterranean Sea.
    1
    October
    2018
    With this Opinion, FRA aims to contribute to the European Parliament's own-initiative report on the “Implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union in the EU institutional framework”, being prepared in the Parliament’s Committee for Constitutional Affairs (AFCO). The request aims at understanding the interaction between the Charter’s implementation at national and EU level, and whether there are “instruments, mechanisms and practices” available at EU level to assist Member States to better implement the Charter.
    26
    September
    2018
    These 10 keys sum up the core points
    communicators and practitioners in various fields
    raised in FRA’s expert meetings, practitioners’
    seminars and focus groups in 2017 and 2018.
    This video blog by FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty is released periodically and will address burning fundamental rights themes.
    FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty focuses on ways to push back against challenges to our human rights system.
    6
    June
    2018
    The year 2017 brought both progress and setbacks in terms of fundamental rights protection. FRA’s Fundamental Rights Report 2018 reviews major developments in the field, identifying both achievements and remaining areas of concern.
    In this third edition of his video blog FRA Director, Michael O'Flaherty, focuses on bolstering our human rights communications to underline why human rights matter to us all.
    18
    January
    2018
    Civil society organisations in the European Union play a crucial role in promoting fundamental rights, but it has become harder for them to do so – due to both legal and practical restrictions. This report looks at the different types and patterns of challenges faced by civil society organisations working on human rights in the EU.
    18
    January
    2018
    Organizace občanské společnosti v Evropské unii hrají klíčovou úlohu při prosazování základních práv, avšak tato činnost je pro ně stále obtížnější z důvodu právních i praktických
    omezení. Problémy existují ve všech členských státech EU, jejich přesná povaha a rozsah se však liší. Údaje a výzkum týkající se této problematiky, včetně srovnávacího výzkumu,
    obecně chybějí.
    Zpráva FRA se proto zabývá různými typy a podobami výzev, jimž organizace občanské společnosti působící v oblasti lidských práv v EU čelí.
    18
    January
    2018
    Civilsamfundsorganisationerne i EU spiller en afgørende rolle med hensyn til at fremme de grundlæggende rettigheder, men det er blevet sværere for dem at gøre det — på grund af
    både lovgivningsmæssige og praktiske begrænsninger. Der er udfordringer i alle EU-medlemsstaterne, men den nøjagtige art og omfanget af dem varierer. Data og forskning om
    denne problemstilling — herunder sammenlignende forskning — savnes generelt.
    FRA’s rapport ser derfor på de forskellige typer og mønstre af udfordringer, som civilsamfundsorganisationer, der arbejder for menneskerettigheder i EU, står over for.
    18
    January
    2018
    Zivilgesellschaftliche Organisationen in der Europäischen Union spielen bei der Förderung der Grundrechte eine entscheidende Rolle, doch gestaltet sich dies – aufgrund rechtlicher
    und praktischer Einschränkungen – für sie immer schwieriger. Zwar stehen alle EU-Mitgliedstaaten vor Herausforderungen, doch sind diese hinsichtlich ihrer Art und ihres Ausmaßes
    ganz unterschiedlich. Generell fehlen zu diesem Thema Daten und Forschungsarbeiten – einschließlich der vergleichenden Forschung. Der Bericht der FRA befasst sich daher mit den unterschiedlichen Arten und Tendenzen der Herausforderungen, vor denen in der EU tätige zivilgesellschaftliche Menschenrechtsorganisationen stehen.
    18
    January
    2018
    Euroopa Liidu kodanikuühiskonna organisatsioonidel on oluline roll põhiõiguste edendamisel, kuid nii õiguslike kui ka praktiliste piirangute tõttu on neil seda üha raskem teha. Probleemid esinevad kõigis ELi liikmesriikides, ehkki nende olemus ja ulatus on erinev. Selle valdkonna andmed ja teadusuuringud – ka võrdlevad teadusuuringud – on üldiselt puudulikud.
    Seepärast käsitleb FRA aruanne ELi inimõiguste valdkonnas tegutsevate kodanikuühiskonna organisatsioonide ees seisvate probleemide eri liike ja trende.
    National human rights institutions (NHRIs) are crucial for the protection and promotion of fundamental rights across the EU but their full potential remains untapped, finds a new report from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). It suggests next steps to boost NHRIs’ impact and efficiency, such as providing adequate resources, strong powers and clear mandates in line with the United Nations Paris Principles.
    Verbal threats, physical attacks and lack of funding are some of the main challenges for civil society organisations working on human rights in the European Union. Moreover, almost half say that the situation in their country has deteriorated in the last year. These findings come from the second annual consultation, carried out by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) among civil society organisations across the EU.
    On 9 July, the CoE-FRA-ENNHRI-EQUINET collaborative platform on social and economic rights discussed the societal challenges triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak.
    Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, nine Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) agencies (CEPOL, EASO, EIGE, EMCDDA, eu-LISA, Eurojust, Europol, FRA and Frontex) have been supporting the Member States and EU institutions in meeting the unprecedented challenges resulting from the outbreak of the virus – each agency in its respective area of work, in both the short term and the long term.
    On 13 July, Elise Barbé takes office as the new Chairperson of the Management Board of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). Sunniva McDonagh will join her as Vice-Chairperson. FRA’s Management Board elected them during its meeting in June 2020.
    On 23 June, FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty presented the key findings of the Fundamental Rights Report 2020 to the Working Party on Fundamental Rights, Citizens Rights and Free Movement of Persons (FREMP) of the Council of the EU.
    On 26 June, FRA joined the first exchange of views of the Council of Europe’s Child Rights Steering Committee.
    Most people trust in human rights to create fairer societies according to survey findings from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). However, if you struggle to make ends meet, are young or vulnerable you often believe human rights are not for you FRA’s Fundamental Rights Survey reveals stark divides across society in Europe. It highlights the need for governments to reconnect Europeans with their human rights to ensure that everyone benefits equally from them.
    On 16 June, FRA contributed to an ARIADNE network webinar on the role of cities in promoting and protecting human rights and how philanthropy can help.
    FRA moderated a webinar on 19 June on universities and human rights cities. The Global Campus of Human Rights invited representatives from over 20 universities to take part.
    FRA is introducing a series of changes to deepen its cooperation with civil society organisations through its Fundamental Rights Platform (FRP).
    On 9 June, FRA’s Management Board elected a new Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson as the mandates of existing members draw to a close.
    Growing intolerance and attacks on people’s fundamental rights continue to erode the considerable progress achieved over the years, finds FRA’s Fundamental Rights Report 2020. As Europe begins to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic we see a worsening of existing inequalities and threats to societal cohesion.
    The Advisory Board for FRA’s Fundamental Rights Forum held their first meeting on 2 June online.
    On 28 May, the FRA Director took part in a virtual meeting of the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
    On 27 May, FRA participated in the annual EEA and Norway Grants International Partner Organisations meeting.
    The UN’s Human Rights Regional Office for Europe launched its report 'The case for a human rights approach to the rule of law in the European Union' at a webinar on 14 May.
    Intergovernmental organisations, and EU institutions and agencies, met online on 17 April to discuss the impact of COVID measures for human rights defenders in Europe, and what the implications are for their work.
    Many people in Europe have been strongly affected by COVID-19 and the measures in place to stop its spread.
    On 25 January, the European Commission representation to Albania is hosting an event with key stakeholders to exchange information about FRA's work.
    The EU Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) will hold an online webinar on policing during the pandemic.
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    The Agency’s Executive Board and Management Board will meet online on 10 and 11 December 2020.
    On 10 December, FRA will take part in an online seminar on the human rights impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. FRA will deliver the first keynote presentation at the event, drawing on the results of its bulletins on the impact on fundamental rights of the pandemic.
    FRA will speak at a roundtable in Czechia on establishing NHRIs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Government of Czechia will host the roundtable discussion.
    FRA will take part via videoconference in a Commemorative Act marking 20 years since the proclamation of the EU Charter for Fundamental Rights.
    FRA’s Director will address Heads of National Human Rights Insitutions during the Annual NHRIs conference on 2 December.
    FRA will host an online discussion about findings from its Fundamental Rights Survey report on What do fundamental rights mean for people in the EU?
    FRA will take part in the next meeting of the EU Agencies Network on Scientific Advice (ANSA) on 4 December.
    The agency’s Scientific Committee will meet on 30 November.
    FRA’s report on ‘Strong and effective national human rights institutions’ will feature during a meeting of the European Parliament’s Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group.
    The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) regularly consults regional offices responsible for promoting and protecting human rights on how to coordinate their work better.
    FRA will present findings from its recent report on ‘Strong and effective national human rights institutions’ during a leadership webinar on 9 November. This European Network of National Human Rights Institutions webinar will look at the role of and support for NHRIs in creating impacts from EU policies on rule of law, human rights and democracy.
    The FRA Director will meet World Health Organization representatives to discuss the impact on human and fundamental rights of the COVID pandemic.
    The FRA Director will participate in the Interparliamentary Committee Meeting organised by the European Parliament Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee.
    The FRA Director will have an informal exchange of views on 9 November on integration and social cohesion with EU interior ministers and members of the European Commission.
    On 13 November, the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) hosted its first Fundamental Rights Dialogue - a virtual event that gave young people an opportunity to voice their fundamental rights concerns and discussed ways to solve them with FRA's Director Michael O'Flaherty.
    The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) regularly consults regional offices responsible for promoting and protecting human rights on how to coordinate their work better.
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    On 5 and 6 November, the agency’s National Liaison Officers (NLOs) will come together via video conference to discuss FRA’s cooperation with EU Member States.
    On 20 October, the EEA and Norway Grants and FRA will have their annual meeting online.