Whose values? Upholding the rule of law and universal human rights for all
Joint NGO statement from ENAR, the European Women's Lobby, CEJI and ILGA-Europe.
Print HTMLOn 24th May, the General Affairs Council of the European Union will discuss integration of migrants in a rule of law dialogue and our organisations want to recall the spirit of Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This must be the basis of any discussion within the European Union regarding “fundamental values, integration and the rule of law”.
There can be no doubt that gender equality, protection of ethnic and religious minorities and LGBTI people’s rights are universal human rights that should be respected by everyone. State authorities have the duty to enforce the rule of law and human rights and to protect victims of violence. Public officials also have the responsibility to condemn any attempt at fuelling stigmatisation of specific communities and to denounce public discourse that sets one group against another and reinforces an “us” versus “them” division in our societies.
All EU Member States must live up to their obligations to promote human rights for all, to act for equality and the protection of all victims of bias violence.
