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STATEMENT ON THE OCCASION OF THE EURO-MEDITERRANEAN HUMAN RIGHTS NETWORK‘S 10TH ANNIVERSARY
During the last decade the EMHRN has recorded a number of significant and concrete achievements. Firstly, it has become a practical and genuinely, effective and living network of linked human rights organisations built from the bottom up on the basis of local need. The Network has 84 members in 30 countries across the EuroMed region the vast majority of whom are actively engaged in the EMHRN’s activities through its Working Groups.
Secondly, this active networking has resulted in enhanced mutual learning and respect. In a time of increased intolerance and lack of cross cultural understanding the EMHRN provides an important ‘civic space’ for dialogue and the promotion of shared human rights values.
Thirdly, the EMHRN has played a significant role in helping to shape EU policy development in the region. Through its specialist research into critical issues (MEDA, migration, freedom of association, justice, gender, human rights education, et.al.) combined with its dedicated Brussels office the EMHRN has played a role in enhancing the human rights and democratisation dimension of the Barcelona process and the ENP.
Finally, through both its research and advocacy work the EMHRN has shone a light on some of the neglected human rights issues in the region that would otherwise remain in the dark (such as the unrecognised refugees in the region, the neglect of integrating economic and social rights into mainstream policies, etc.)
On the occasion of its 10th anniversary and on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the EMHRN asserts strongly the principle of the universality of human rights. Respect for and promotion of the basic human rights of each individual, without exception, is the foundation of not only human development but also of the security of human beings in the EuroMed region.
While taking note of EU policy and practice in the region over the past decade and of the European neighbourhood policy (ENP), the EMHRN will continue to urge the EU to give far higher priority to human rights issues in its relations with Southern Mediterranean governments in the context of the association agreements and the ENP. In particular integrity and basic freedoms of human rights defenders must be upheld.
A further challenge facing the EMHRN in the region is the ongoing need to respect and actively promote the gender dimension of human rights. In too many countries and in too many fundamental ways, the rights of women remain unrealised and, in some cases, absolutely denied. Through its working group on gender, the EMHRN will continue to challenge this fundamental injustice.
The Network notes with alarm the failure to set human rights and international humanitarian law at the heart of the peace efforts in the Middle East. It is a main reason for the ever worsening situation caused by occupation.
It also notes with concern the increasing trend to place respect for human rights as a secondary dimension to security and anti-terrorism policies, narrowly defined. The Network asserts that without respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms, security in the region will never be realised. Respect for economic, social and cultural rights – alongside those of civil and political rights – must form the basis of individual, communal and regional security. Those who deny human rights undermine human dignity and human well being.
As a network of human rights organisations the EMHRN will continue to work to expand and strengthen the ‘civic space’ necessary for healthy, public participation in political life. It is also necessary for economic, social and political development. The existence of a visible and vibrant civil society voice is fundamental to the health of each and every country in the region.
The EMHRN Executive Committee, Brussels and Copenhagen 17 December 2007.
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