26 Feb. () –
The High Representative of the EU for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, highlighted this Sunday the work of NGOs because they “promote democracy”, although he has recognized that governments can pose a threat to civil society and the activism “even in Europe”.
“They are on the front lines helping those who need it most. They are on the front lines to provide humanitarian aid, document abuses and violations of Human Rights and defend climate justice and gender equality,” Borrell said in a statement.
Borrell has thus paid tribute to the “crucial role” of civil society” to defend the “universal principles enshrined in this Declaration”. “In many parts of the world, Europe included, governments use laws to restrict civil space, limit the NGO activities and their access to resources,” he warned.
Borrell’s statement, published to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and NGO Day, recalls that human rights activists “put their lives at risk by doing their work.” “They face threats and violent attacks, including murder,” she has stressed.
These attacks “threaten the existence of civil society and undermine peace, sustainable development and achieving Human Rights for all.” That is why he recalled that “States have the duty to respect, protect and promote a safe environment in which they can develop” their activity “without fear”.
Finally, Borrell has assured that the EU “will continue to support NGOs around the world and use their tools to protect, support and empower civil society organizations and Human Rights activists” and recalled that in recent years Brussels has invested 3,000 million euros to promote Human Rights, democracy and civil society.
