Brussels, 13 October 2021 (TDI): The European Union and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) conducted their first Strategic Dialogue. Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Eamon Gilmore, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, co-chaired the discussion. This high-level meeting provided both parties with a chance to inform each other on global human rights problems and discuss priorities. This also enhances collaboration, and forges a stronger partnership for more effective multilateralism and rules-based international cooperation.
The conversation centered on global human rights issues such as ensuring the universality and indivisibility of human rights, the erosion of the rule of law, decreasing civic space, and increasing inequality. The Strategic Dialogue went on to discuss regional changes as well as continuing country-specific issues of concern. Asserting human rights is the greatest approach to avoid conflict. The EU and OHCHR highlighted this interconnectedness of peace and security, development, and human rights. There can be no lasting peace and stability when widespread human rights violations and abuses occur.
The EU and OHCHR are committed to working together to protect, promote, and develop human rights, universality, and interdependence. To improve the function of UN human rights organizations and collaborate on regional, thematic, and global problems. The EU and the OHCHR decided to enhance the connection between human rights and the environment. Also, it increases awareness of the human rights implications of environmental degradation and climate change.
