study human rights mainstreaming in eu's external relations - EIUC

DG EXPO Policy Department
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The study investigates the current status of human rights mainstreaming in EU external
relations. The study takes its point of departure in a general survey of the concept of
mainstreaming, building in part on experience generated within a UN context and taking
into account similarities and differences between the UN and the EU. This is followed in
Chapter 1 by a review of the relevant policy commitments and potential tools for human
rights mainstreaming that have been put in place by the EU since 2001. The current status
and impact of human rights mainstreaming is then examined in Chapter 3 with reference to
three specific external relations policy areas, i.e. the CFSP/ESDP, development cooperation
and trade, and migration and asylum policy. Two cases – one thematic related to human
rights defenders and one regional concerning human rights policy vis-à-vis the Western
Balkans – are investigated in Chapter 4 in order to test the way in which human rights are
mainstreamed at the intersection of different sectors and policy areas. In Chapter 5
considerations are presented on how the European Parliament can further contribute to
enhancing the cause of human rights mainstreaming in EU external relations, and in
conclusion a series of specific recommendations are presented in Chapter VI for the overall
enhancement of EU human rights mainstreaming.
1. On the concept of mainstreaming human rights -
introductory analysis
Based partly on general theoretical considerations and partly on the experience of the
United Nations, the initial chapter outlines the concept and purpose of human rights
mainstreaming and identifies a range of different measures that may contribute to
achieving this objective. It is seen as crucially important that mainstreaming is approached
in a systematic fashion rather than merely through a series of well-intended ad hoc efforts.
Various obstacles to mainstreaming are also identified, and in conclusion of the chapter the
specificity of the challenge as it presents itself to a quasi-federal organisation like the EU is
discussed.
Main findings
• Mainstreaming human rights can be understood as a strategic process of
incorporating human rights considerations into processes and structures that are not
explicitly mandated to deal with human rights. The goals are achieved when human
rights provide a methodological framework for the entire work of the organization; i.e.
when the organization does not only undertake some activities beneficial for human
rights but also applies human rights methodology while performing its core tasks.
• To effectively mainstream human rights means to adopt a dual approach whereby
targeted human rights activities and dedicated institutional structures also at the
same time help to develop and reinforce the ability of other branches and actors in
the organisation to advance human rights in and through their own work. Ideally,
many different branches of the organisation should come to see human rights, not
merely as an externally imposed set of obligations, but as a useful tool and framework
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