EU Special Representative for Human Rights
Eamon Gilmore is the EU Special Representative for Human Rights since 1 March 2019. Initially lasting two years, his mandate was extended for a further two years until 28 February 2023.
The tasks of the Special Representative for Human Rights are to enhance the effectiveness and visibility of EU human rights policy. The Special Representative has a broad, flexible mandate, which provides the possibility of adapting to evolving geopolitical circumstances. The Special Representative works closely with the European External Action Service, which provides full support to his work.
He has the responsibility to guide the implementation of the EU's Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy which was adopted by the 27 EU Member States in November 2020.
In the course of this work, he regularly meets with governments to discuss the human rights situation in their countries. Country visits in 2022 have included Ukraine, Ethiopia, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Colombia and Brazil.
He also chairs formal Human Rights Dialogues between the EU and other countries. And he speaks for the EU at international human rights meetings including at the United Nations and the UN Human Rights Council.
He meets regularly with international and local human rights and civil society bodies.
During his first term from 2019-2021, Eamon Gilmore engaged bilaterally at high level, with the representatives of 34 countries, on matters ranging from the broad strategic progress to individual cases of concern. He co-chaired or participated in 15 formal Human Rights Dialogues and Consultations including the first human rights dialogue with Saudi Arabia.
"No continent on earth is free from human rights abuse and violation. I see it as part of my role to keep alive the attention to the human rights agenda in many countries, after the cameras have moved on to the next crisis."
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