‘Human rights belong to everyone, everywhere’, Kallas says on Human Rights Day

On Human Rights Day, the EU remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard human rights at home and abroad, and to ensure peace, truth, justice and accountability, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said in a statement released today.

She recalled the EU’s unwavering support to the United Nations, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and all its partners across the globe in urging all states to uphold and fulfil their human rights obligations. This year also marks the 25^th anniversary of the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

“Human rights are not only legal commitments set out in international conventions,” Kallas said. “Human rights are lived, experienced, and often challenged in the routines of daily life: in classrooms, workplaces, public services, and online spaces. They protect how we express, worship, organise, love, and participate in our communities every single day. They belong to everyone, everywhere.”

She added that the world is facing rising pressures – from disinformation and democratic erosion to discrimination, inequality, and the consequences of war. 

“In many parts of the world, not least in Ukraine and elsewhere in the EU’s neighbourhood, millions of civilians strive to survive in the face of aggression,” Kallas said.

In conclusion, she called everyone to continue “building a world where human rights are lived – every day, by everyone”.

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Press release