Manifesto on Human Rights for the new European Parliament 2009

Human rights obligations are enshrined in the treaty basis of the EU. The EU has created a number of instruments to protect and fulfil human rights at home and abroad. Building on this, the new European Parliament should push the EU to do much more to ensure that it delivers effectively on its human rights commitment. The impact of EU human rights tools is not currently measured, and they sometimes appear to be viewed by the EU institutions as an end in themselves, rather than as a means to promote change. In addition, internal and external mechanisms are often not consistent and coherent with each other. Action on the following three areas is needed, and the European Parliament elections in 2009 are the ideal opportunity for change.