The European Union at the UN Human Rights Council. Multilateral Human Rights Protection Coming of Age?

Jan Wouters 

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven - Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies

Katrien Meuwissen 

Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies
December 1, 2013

Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies, Working Paper No. 126 
Abstract:      

While the European Union (EU) has a strong ambition to be a leading actor in the multilateral human rights system, booking success in UN Human Rights Council (HRC or Council) has proved difficult. This article analyses the functioning of the HRC since its inception in 2006, and the evolution of the EU’s participation in this UN body. Although the HRC has been strongly criticised for working in a polarised and selective manner, recent sessions indicate the emergence of more cross-regional coalitions in the Council. The EU’s external human rights policy, at its turn, has undergone significant changes since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in December 2009. This article critically assesses the windows of opportunity opening up for the EU at the HRC, and concludes with lessons learned that can guide a further strengthening of the HRC and the EU’s multilateral action in this context.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 27

Keywords: UN Human Rights Council, European Union, multilateral human rights, Human Rights Council review, Lisbon Treaty, EU Human Rights Strategy and Action Plan

Full text available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2363523