Fundamental rights define minimum standards to ensure everyone is treated with dignity.

We help promote and protect these rights, including:

• the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of age, disability or ethnic background;
• the right to have your personal data protected;
• the right to get access to justice.

The charter is the European Union’s ‘bill of rights’.

Its 54 articles enshrine the fundamental rights enjoyed by everyone in the EU. The articles apply to the EU and to all Member States, when they act within EU law.

These fundamental rights belong to everyone, everywhere in the EU.

They reflect the founding values of the EU: human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity. They are enforced by democracy and the rule of law.

The charter respects the diversity of cultures and traditions across Europe.

The EU founded the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, as an independent body, to help make sure the charter is brought to life for everyone in the EU.

• We collect and analyse law and data. We provide independent, evidence-based support for and expertise on fundamental rights. These rights are enshrined in the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. 

• We work alongside EU institutions, Member States, national human rights institutions, equality bodies and other stakeholders, raising rights awareness and communicating our insights.
• We help policymakers understand how they can do more for their citizens.