News Item

European External Action Service training on protecting human rights defenders

FRA contributed to training organised by the European External Action Service (EEAS) on protecting human rights defenders by enabling them to seek safety in the EU.

On 28 and 30 April, FRA outlined mobility needs and referred to national programmes that offer possibilities for human rights defenders to seek safety in the EU. The Agency referred to its report Protecting human rights defenders at risk: EU entry, stay and support

It highlighted existing provisions in the EU Visa Code that provide flexibility, enabling access to EU territory for human rights defenders. It noted that the ETIAS Regulation, which will gradually become operational from autumn 2026, offers similar flexibility.