The European Union before the United Nations Human Rights Council Cover Image

Европска унија пред Саветом Уједињених нација за људска права
The European Union before the United Nations Human Rights Council

Author(s): Luka Glušac
Subject(s): International Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, EU-Legislation
Published by: Институт за међународну политику и привреду
Keywords: European Union;human rights;United Nations;Human Rights Council;fundamental rights;EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy

Summary/Abstract: This paper presents the activities of the European Union in the United Nations Human Rights Council. The author points out that, despite the well-developed normative framework for foreign policy in the field of human rights, problems typical for EU foreign policy in general, very clearly depict in this field as well. Despite its clear aspirations and some notable success, the European Union failed to take a leading position in the UN Human Rights Council. In order to succeed, the EU must reduce the distance between Brussels, as the center of political decision-making and Geneva, as the main forum for the presentation of respective decisions. A prerequisite of this is a faster internal formulation of a common position, which could then be effectively communicated to other members of the Council. Here, of particular importance is the EU diplomatic structure in Geneva, which continues to be characterized by the resistance of Member States to cede coordination and actual leadership to the EU Delegation. Thus, the EU transmits confusing voices, which greatly reduces its capacity to effectively lobby.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 56-57
  • Page Range: 410-428
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Serbian