Preface

• Author: Council of the European Union[
• Pages: 3-3

Page 3

The principles of democracy, liberty, the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms have underpinned the European Union since its inception. Those who founded the European Union, and many of their successors, had personal experience of a Europe in which those principles were not respected. It is in part because of this that the European Union expends so much effort in spreading good governance, supporting social and political reform, dealing with corruption and abuse of power, establishing the rule of law and protecting human rights.

It is with this in mind that the Council has over the past seven years elaborated a series of guidelines (on the death penalty, torture, dialogues with third countries, children affected by armed conflict and human rights defenders) which serve as a framework for protecting and promoting human rights in third countries. They also draw together the range of tools at the European Union's disposal for promoting human rights. This booklet is a compilation of all five guidelines and is published with the intention of making them readily available to all in the international community so that they can be implemented fully and effectively. By disseminating the guidelines in several languages in this booklet and on the internet (website: http://ue.eu.int/Human-Rights) the Council aims to ensure that all those engaged in working for human rights are aware of the EU's commitments and that the full potential of these commitments is realised.

Javier Solana,

Secretary General/High Representative for CFSP