Human rights

Human rights are defined by the United Nations as ‘moral principles or norms that describe certain standards of human behaviour and are regularly protected in municipal and international law’.

Within the European Union (EU), the term ‘fundamental rights’ is used to express the concept of ‘human rights’. These rights which are fundamental to individuals living in the EU, are laid down in the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. The charter became legally binding across the EU with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon in December 2009.

Respect for human rights and dignity is one of the EU’s core values. Together with the principles of freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law, it guides EU action both within and beyond its borders. The EU uses the term ‘human rights’ to refer to such rights beyond its borders, such as in the context of its external relations or development cooperation policies.

Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union allows for the possibility of suspending EU membership rights (such as voting rights in the Council) if a country seriously and persistently breaches the principles on which the EU is founded (liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law).