EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World in 2014
The Council has adopted the EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World in 2014. The 2014 Annual Report outlines the consistent efforts of the EU, its extensive network of 139 EU Delegations, the High Representative and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Stavros Lambrinidis, throughout the world to promote the universality of Human Rights around the world.
Throughout 2014, the EU engaged in formal Human Rights dialogues and consultations with 37 partner countries and regional groupings. For the first time, a Human Rights dialogue was held with Myanmar/Burma.
The EU denounced the shrinking space for civil society in many countries, the increasing restrictions placed upon non-governmental organisations and the harassment and severe Human Rights violations inflicted upon activists. The EU condemned attacks against journalists and bloggers through public statements and in the framework of its bilateral relations. The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) remained a key financial tool to support civil society organisations active on Human Rights, and also Human Rights Defenders, including journalists and bloggers.
The EU reiterated its commitment to supporting Human Rights defenders. EU Guidelines on freedom of expression offline and online were adopted and the annual EU NGO Human Rights Forum in December 2014, dedicated to the protection and promotion of freedom of expression with the participation of more than 200 NGOs from all over the world.