Promoting democracy and human rights in non-EU countries (2014-20)

The regulation establishes a financing instrument for the promotion and support of democracy and human rights worldwide, providing assistance independently of the consent of the governments of the countries concerned.

ACT

Regulation (EU) No 235/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing a financing instrument for democracy and human rights worldwide

SUMMARY

The main objective of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) is to provide assistance to the development and consolidation of democracy in non-EU countries and the respect for fundamental rights.

This EU instrument is designed to complement other EU means that promote democracy and human rights (such as political dialogue or various financial and technical cooperation instruments).

SUPPORT TO PROTECT HUMAN RIGHTS WORLDWIDE

The EIDHR will support inter alia:

• more representative democracy, promoting political pluralism, free expression and Internet freedom;
• promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms as in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (i.e. abolishing the death penalty or preventing torture, promoting freedom of thought, religion or belief);
• protection and assistance to human rights defenders;
• stronger emphasis on vulnerable groups (national, ethnic, religious, linguistic and sexual minorities), focusing also on women and child rights;
• boosting civil society i.e. citizens' participation, including their cooperation with local authorities and relevant state institutions;
• EU electoral observation missions (EOM) following up their recommendations and improving democratic and electoral processes.

FLEXIBLE APPROACH TO REACT TO DANGEROUS SITUATIONS

EIDHR will have a stronger focus on emergency situations where human rights and fundamental freedoms are most in danger. It will be able to respond in a more flexible and timely manner, by means of specific funding mechanisms, such as direct grants where calls for proposal are not possible due to the difficult political climate for citizens, for example, a risk of intimidation or retaliation.

The EU must also ensure the most efficient use of available resources in order to optimise the impact of its action locally.

KEY ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY

The EIDHR will enable the EU to provide support to develop thriving civil societies and their specific role as key actors for positive change in regard to human rights and democracy in the countries concerned.

BUDGET AND IMPLEMENTATION

The EIDHR budget for 2014-20 is €1,333 million 236/2014, a cross-cutting regulation which aligns and simplifies the implementation of all EU external instruments.

Last updated: 17.09.2014