On 23 February 2021, the UN Human Rights Regional Office for Europe and UNHCR held a consultation of international and regional human rights mechanisms and international organizations on the proposal, in the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, to establish national human rights monitoring mechanisms in all EU member States. Below is the note of the consultation.

The United Nations Brussels Team in its joint letter welcomes the adoption of the EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024.

While the COVID-19 crisis has put a heavy strain on societies in Europe and around the world, it has also brought out the best in people and created new bonds.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted unprecedented calls for more solidarity, equality, and social cohesion to make our systems and societies more resilient and able to withstand future shocks. On 23 June 2020, the UN Human Rights Regional Office for Europe and ILO Brussels invited experts for a public webinar on the human right to social protection in the aftermath of COVID-19, welcoming over 130 participants from around Europe to the discussion.

The COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented challenge to societies worldwide and its consequent economic and social impact has triggered an unparalleled crisis, with a disproportionate impact on the most marginalized. Recovery efforts can help to steer the world onto a safer, healthier, more sustainable and inclusive path, including through stronger social protection measures based on human rights.

The UN Human Rights Regional Office for Europe today launched its publication The case for a human rights approach to the rule of law in the EU. Respect for the rule of law, which is a precondition for human rights and democracy, is in decline worldwide. The phenomenon has found fertile ground in the unprecedented circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

International Human Rights Day: Youth leaders come together to talk about their commitment to human rights as they seek to inspire others to also become advocates for inclusion and equality.

Urbanization is one of the most important global trends of the 21st century. As pressure mounts on housing and health services, some groups risk being left behind, including in Europe, the world’s region with the highest ranking in the Human Development Index.