Statement

Following the European Parliament elections, new members will take their seats within different parliamentary Committees. The Human Rights and Democracy Network (HRDN) believes that this is a timely moment to share recommendations, which would ensure that the European Parliament (EP) will be an important actor in defending democratic governance and …

At a time when human rights and democracy are under threat globally, when civil and political rights are in decline, when international institutions and laws are directly attacked by some governments, the EU should assert itself as a key actor to protect, promote and fulfil human rights and fundamental freedoms. …

On 21 June, European civil society networks CONCORD, EPLO, HRDN, and VOICE sent a second joint letter to the European Heads of the State ahead of the European Council Meeting on 28-29 June. The civil society organisations urge Heads of State or Government during the upcoming discussions on the next Multiannual …

The 51 member organisations of the Human Rights and Democracy Network (HRDN) consider that the European Union’s commitments spelled out in Article 2 and 21 of the Treaty remain fully relevant. The EU institutions and its member states must guide the negotiations of the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) in …

On 20 February, European civil society networks CONCORD, EPLO, HRDN, and VOICE sent a joint letter to the European Heads of the State ahead of the Informal Meeting on 23 February 2018. The civil society organisations urge Heads of State or Government during the upcoming discussions on the next Multiannual Financial …

The Human Rights and Democracy Network (HRDN) takes note that the Joint Communication on A Strategic Approach to Resilience in the EU’s external action was published on 7 June 2017. HRDN welcomes the EU’s acknowledgement that the global trends of shrinking civil society space, and attempts to erode the universality …

HRDN calls on the EU institutions to recognise explicitly that a resilient society is a democratic one in which there is a vibrant civil society which enjoys an enabling environment for its activities and in which all individuals without exception enjoy all their rights and freedoms under a robust rule …

HRDN takes note of the Global Strategy presented to the Member States which recognises the importance of civil society as a partner in defending fundamental freedoms; that human rights violations as a root cause of violence and instability; and the importance of democracy for resilient societies. We note the aspiration …

If the new EU Global Strategy is to be successful in achieving its stated objectives of improving security, prosperity, resilience and governance in the world, it will be critical to recognise that key to this is the full respect, protection and realisation of all people’s human rights – be they …

On 9 December 2015, Leyla Yunus was released from detention and her 8.5-year prison sentence on charges of fraud and tax evasion was converted into a 5-year suspended sentence, following a decision by the Baku City Court of Appeal on the basis of a request from her lawyers with reference …