Systems

Support for human rights systems and defenders

Many organisations work to defend your rights. We help their efforts with independent evidence, advice and expertise.

We support their frontline work. And we shine a light on potential risks and priority areas. Together we make your rights a reality.

Highlights

  • Report / Paper / Summary
    19
    December
    2023
    All EU funds must be spent in a way that respect fundamental rights. The EU spends billions of euros on creating jobs, economic growth, sustainable development and improving people’s lives. To prevent funds from being spent in ways that directly violate people’s fundamental rights, the EU strengthened the conditions how funds can be spent in 2021. This report looks at how the newly introduced conditions related to the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities can be upheld in practice. It analyses the potential role of national human rights institutions, ombudsperson institutions and equality bodies. These safeguards can advance compliance with fundamental rights.
  • Periodic updates / Series
    6
    February
    2024
    The 2024 update on NHRIs accreditation status and mandates also covers their engagement in the monitoring of fundamental rights compliance in the use of EU funds at national level. Moreover, the update also shows how NHRIs make use of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in their work when advising government or in education, training and awareness raising activities. Since its 2020 report 'Strong and effective national human rights institutions – challenges, promising practices and opportunities', the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has been regularly tracking the accreditation status and mandates of NHRIs.
  • Periodic updates / Series
    18
    October
    2023
    Civil society organisations struggle to maintain an environment safe from threats and attacks. FRA’s sixth annual update on civic space explores the challenges for organisations across the EU. While there has been significant development since FRA began monitoring the situation in 2018, civil society organisations remain under immense pressure. Abusive lawsuits and attacks against those involved in migrant search and rescue at sea are just some of the challenges identified. This report presents ways forward to protect civil society and human rights.
  • Report / Paper / Summary
    11
    October
    2021
    This report proposes a framework for becoming, and functioning as, a ‘human rights city’ in the EU. It includes ‘foundations’, ‘structures’ and ‘tools’ for mayors, local administrations and grassroots organisations to reinforce fundamental rights locally. It is based on existing good practice and expert input by representatives of human rights cities in the EU, academic experts, international organisations and city networks.
    Publications and data
    10
    June
    2025
    This publication is an excerpt from the Fundamental Rights Report 2025, the annual report of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). It presents selected critical developments in fundamental rights in 2024, as well as the key findings and FRA opinions from the report’s chapters.
    10
    June
    2025
    The Fundamental Rights Report 2025 is the annual report of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). It provides an overview of the state of fundamental rights in the EU and highlights selected critical developments and trends in 2024. The report covers issues such as inclusive elections, gender-based violence, and the implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. It presents FRA’s opinions on these developments, setting out the actions that the EU and Member States should take. This annual publication is a valuable resource for those seeking to stay informed about the EU’s shifting landscape of fundamental rights.
    29
    April
    2025
    National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) play an important role in providing independent human rights protection in EU Member States. Since 2020, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has been tracking the accreditation status and mandates of NHRIs across the EU. The 2025 annual update continues this work. These updates examine whether NHRIs are involved in monitoring compliance with fundamental rights in the use of EU funds, and how they use the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights when advising governments or carrying out education, training, and awareness-raising activities.
    5
    June
    2024
    FRA’s Fundamental Rights Report 2024 analyses the year’s developments in fundamental rights. It focuses on the most pressing fundamental rights concerns facing Europe in 2023: the cost-of-living crisis, rights concerns at the EU’s external borders and migration, and threats to democracy. Re-structured, this year’s new approach is a shorter and sharper analysis. It also presents FRA’s opinions on these developments, including a summary of the evidence supporting these opinions.
    5
    June
    2024
    The year 2023 brought both progress and setbacks in terms of fundamental rights protection. FRA’s Fundamental Rights Report 2023 reviews developments in the field, identifying both achievements and remaining areas of concern. This publication presents FRA’s opinions on the main developments in the thematic areas covered and a synopsis of the evidence supporting these opinions. In so doing, it provides a compact but informative overview of the main fundamental rights challenges confronting the EU and its Member States.
    6
    February
    2024
    The 2024 update on NHRIs accreditation status and mandates also covers their engagement in the monitoring of fundamental rights compliance in the use of EU funds at national level. Moreover, the update also shows how NHRIs make use of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in their work when advising government or in education, training and awareness raising activities. Since its 2020 report 'Strong and effective national human rights institutions – challenges, promising practices and opportunities', the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has been regularly tracking the accreditation status and mandates of NHRIs.
    19
    December
    2023
    All EU funds must be spent in a way that respect fundamental rights. The EU spends billions of euros on creating jobs, economic growth, sustainable development and improving people’s lives. To prevent funds from being spent in ways that directly violate people’s fundamental rights, the EU strengthened the conditions how funds can be spent in 2021. This report looks at how the newly introduced conditions related to the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities can be upheld in practice. It analyses the potential role of national human rights institutions, ombudsperson institutions and equality bodies. These safeguards can advance compliance with fundamental rights.
    20
    October
    2023
    FRA’s strategic priorities and objectives are based on the agency’s role and mission as defined in its amended founding regulation. They build on FRA’s 2018–2022 strategy as well as how it performed, its experience and its vision. Their design takes into account future fundamental rights challenges facing Europe, the agency’s mandate, the broader operational context and the resources available.
    18
    October
    2023
    Civil society organisations struggle to maintain an environment safe from threats and attacks. FRA’s sixth annual update on civic space explores the challenges for organisations across the EU. While there has been significant development since FRA began monitoring the situation in 2018, civil society organisations remain under immense pressure. Abusive lawsuits and attacks against those involved in migrant search and rescue at sea are just some of the challenges identified. This report presents ways forward to protect civil society and human rights.
    11
    July
    2023
    Across the world, human rights defenders protect and uphold human rights in some of the most challenging situations. In some countries they face worrying levels of threats and attacks, intimidation and harassment. This report outlines how human rights defenders can enter and stay in the EU when they need protection. It suggests how EU institutions and Member States could use the flexibility in existing legal provisions and provide shelter for defenders who seek protection.
    8
    June
    2023
    FRA’s Fundamental Rights Report 2023 reviews major developments in the field in 2022, identifying both achievements and areas of concern. It also presents FRA’s opinions on these developments, including a synopsis of the evidence supporting these opinions.
    8
    June
    2023
    The year 2022 brought both progress and setbacks in terms of fundamental rights protection. FRA’s Fundamental Rights Report 2023 reviews major developments in the field, identifying both achievements and remaining areas of concern. This publication presents FRA’s opinions on the main developments in the thematic areas covered, and a synopsis of the evidence supporting these opinions.
    2
    February
    2023
    Many cities throughout the European Union hosted people fleeing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The EU currently faces the largest displacement of people in Europe since World War II. Since February 2022, over seven million people came to the EU. The arrival of such large numbers of people thrust cities and local governments to the forefront of the EU and its Member States’ relief work. This short publication provides a snapshot of cities’ initiatives to address this humanitarian crisis.
    13
    December
    2022
    National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) continue to play a key role in upholding fundamental rights. FRA keeps track of the accreditation status and the mandates of the NHRIs. In 2022, the NHRI in Cyprus was upgraded to an ‘A-status’ institution. In addition, the mandates of six NHRIs changed to include child protection or the protection of LGBTI people.
    In this vlog, FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty talks about the need to push back against the shocking levels of human rights abuse and violation across the world. On the occasion of Human Rights Day, he refers to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the need to standing up for human rights.
    In this video, human rights leaders, experts and activists share their views on the human rights impact of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.
    11
    November
    2022
    Europe stands at a delicate moment in its history. It is a moment of existential significance for the wellbeing and sustainability of our societies. It is emerging from the pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease, only to face a set of major overlapping challenges. These pose profound questions about the political, economic and societal future of the continent. To discuss elements of a human rights vision for the future and to identify opportunities for action, FRA brought together a group of sixty human rights leaders and experts with diverse backgrounds
    from across the continent. This report distils the meeting discussions, including analysis and ideas, and concludes with proposals for action. It does not represent the views either of individual participants or of FRA.
    In this video, several human rights leaders, experts and activists share their views on the impact of disinformation on human rights and the ways to address this phenomenon.
    16
    September
    2022
    Europe stands at a delicate moment in its history, facing a convergence of major tests. Each of them taken on their own is significant. Together, they pose profound questions about the political, economic, and societal future of the continent. This is a moment for strong commitment to put human rights at the heart of our vision for Europe’s future. It is also time to demonstrate our determination to work together to this end. Against this backdrop, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) brought together around sixty human rights leaders and experts from across the continent to discuss elements of a human rights vision for the future and to identify opportunities for action. A full conference report will be available soon, including the specific ideas and proposals which arose from the meeting. Meanwhile, this is a summary of the conclusions.
    19
    August
    2022
    DA, ET, FI, LT, PT, SV versions now available
    30 July 2024
    The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU) is the EU’s bill of rights. It always binds the EU institutions and the Member States when they act within the scope of EU law. However, it is far from easy to assess whether a concrete case falls within the scope of EU law. This is why it is necessary to provide training and training material to legal professionals so that they can understand the field of application of the Charter as laid out in its Article 51. This trainer’s manual aims at providing guidance on both the organisation and the implementation of such trainings based on a series of case studies,
    which will be extended in the future.
    In this vlog, FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty talks about the need to push back against the shocking levels of human rights abuse and violation across the world. On the occasion of Human Rights Day, he refers to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the need to standing up for human rights.
    In this video, human rights leaders, experts and activists share their views on the human rights impact of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.
    In this video, several human rights leaders, experts and activists share their views on the impact of disinformation on human rights and the ways to address this phenomenon.
    In this vlog, FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty talks about the EU’s response to the war in Ukraine. He argues that it is only if we all work together, with human rights as our roadmap, that we can make our way towards a peaceful future.
    In the internet age, information travels faster and further than ever before. But so does disinformation, feeding off rumours, prejudices and stereotypes. How can we tackle it? Watch FRA’s practical guide on how to go about tackling disinformation using +INPUT – be positive, identify, narrate, pioneer, unite and track.
    The Fundamental Rights Forum is the space for dialogue on human rights challenges facing the EU today.
    The Director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, welcomes the launch of the Philanthropy Europe Association (Philea), the merger of the European Foundation Centre (EFC) and the Donors and Foundations Networks in Europe (Dafne), on 7 December 2021.
    The Fundamental Rights Forum is the space for dialogue on human rights challenges facing the EU today.
    Highlights from the Fundamental Rights Forum 2021 – Michael O’Flaherty on the Forum as a roadmap for a vision of hope.
    Speaking up for human rights has never been more important!

    But how can we bring people together and cut through the noise?
    International and regional human rights organisations across Europe have joined forces with the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, united behind the '10 keys to effectively communicating human rights'.
    A clip on human rights cities upon launch of ‘Framework of commitments for human rights cities’
    On the occasion of the launch of FRA’s report ‘Protecting civic space in the EU’ this clip sheds light on the challenges civil society faces across the European Union.
    On 23 February 2021, FRA’s Director, Michael O’Flaherty, listened to fundamental rights concerns and discussed ways to solve them. The second Fundamental Rights Dialogue invited young people to participate in shaping our societies, placing human rights centre stage.
    On 23 February 2021, FRA’s Director, Michael O’Flaherty, listened to fundamental rights concerns and discussed ways to solve them. The second Fundamental Rights Dialogue invited young people to participate in shaping our societies, placing human rights centre stage.
    On 13 November, the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) hosted its first Fundamental Rights Dialogue - a virtual event that gave young people an opportunity to voice their fundamental rights concerns and discussed ways to solve them with FRA's Director Michael O'Flaherty.
    Key statements from the FRA/Euractiv online event Reinforcing the EU Charter: rights of people in the EU in the next decade, 7 December 2020.
    This year, the COVID-19 pandemic leaves a lasting mark on society worldwide. It affected everyone but some people more than others. As we look ahead, on Human Rights Day, on 10 December, we need to make the new normal a better normal. In his video message, FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty underlines the need to stand up for human rights to make 2021 a better year. This means ensuring we respect and take into account everybody's human rights.
    This video statement by FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty was recorded for the 2020 General conference of the International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities (ICCAR): “CommunicAction – A common front to protect human rights at the local level”.
    This video statement by FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty was recorded for the Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform: ''Connectivity between regional and global human rights mechanisms".
    This video statement by FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty was recorded for the e-conference "70 years of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms: challenges and prospects".
    On 10 June, FRA was part of the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) joint hearing supporting the mid-term review of the Commission’s Strategy on the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
    FRA’s was in Berlin on 13 June to speak to youth participants in the European Youth Parliament about how to communicate fundamental rights. In sharing FRA’s resources and recent examples of how to communicate the Agency’s research, the workshop aimed to empower participants in engaging in civic and democratic participation.
    FRA took part in a conference in Madrid to mark the 25th Anniversary of the proclamation of the Charter of the Fundamental Rights. The Centre for Political and Constitutional Studies under the Spanish Ministry for the Presidency, Justice, and Relations with the Parliament organised the event. The Centre conducts research and acts as convener of activities relating to the Spanish public administration and policymaking.
    FRA’s Scientific Committee held its 69th meeting, where members discussed several key priorities. These included the development of the Single Programming Document for 2026–2028, the Agency’s overall strategy, FRA’s activities marking the 25th anniversary of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights FRA’s or the agency’s submission to the European Commission’s Rule of Law Report.
    The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) expresses deep concern about recent legislative developments in Hungary which can restrict the operating environment for civil society organisations (CSOs). The measures risk undermining the essential role that civil society plays in any rule of law-based democracy and may violate rights protected by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights – including the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association, media freedom and pluralism, and privacy.
    On 21 May, FRA hosted a strategic meeting with key partners from institutions and civil society engaged in civic space work. The aim was to connect recent developments with FRA’s ongoing efforts in this area.
    On 19 and 21 May, FRA experts will contribute to the consultation on the 2025 Enlargement Package on issues related to fundamental rights. The consultation will focus on issues such as anti-discrimination, gender equality, children, LGBTIQ, people with disabilities and transitional justice.
    On 7 May, FRA took part in the Spring General Assembly 2025 of the Climate Action Network, Europe. FRA joined the high-level panel on holding the line for climate action.
    The latest review of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) shows how NHRIs provide advice on national laws and policies, how they monitor EU funds or use the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. It also provides information on their accreditation status and mandates.
    FRA and the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN) held advanced training on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights for the members of the judiciary on 23-24 April at FRA in Vienna.
    On 8 and 9 April Laura Arikka, the Executive Director of the Finnish Timeout Foundation, and her colleagues visited FRA. FRA’s Director, Sirpa Rautio, introduced them to the Agency and its work.
    On 7 April, FRA and the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU held a seminar on the role of civil society in strengthening the rule of law and democratic resilience. The event gathered around 60 justice councillors and national experts from FREMP and General Affairs Council working parties.
    FRA contributed to the spring session of the Council of Europe’s Conference of International NGOs (CINGO) in Strasbourg on 7-8 April. Participants discussed civic space challenges and how to address them.
    The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) is piloting a Youth Advisory Panel to amplify young people's voices on fundamental rights issues in the EU. The panel consists of seven diverse young people aged 18-25 with experience in civil society work and youth advocacy.
    FRA hosted a civic space Xchange webinar on 27 March on the various funding pressures that civil society organisations are experiencing. The webinar brought together over 120 participants from civil society, EU institutions and international organisations.
    On 12 and 13 March, FRA hosted its regular meeting with its National Liaison Officers (NLOs). They are the main contact points for the Agency in Member States and in countries that participate as observers in the work of FRA.
    FRA, together with the European Commission and ProtectDefenders.eu delivered online training for EU Delegations and consular staff in Member State embassies on the issue of visa for human rights defenders at risk.
    As human rights and democracy come under increasing pressure worldwide, the discussions at the latest Fundamental Rights Forum remain as relevant as ever. On 11-12 March 2024, the Forum gathered diverse voices to tackle some of the most pressing human rights challenges of our time. The Forum’s videos on FRA’s YouTube channel offer insights into issues, such as democratic resilience, freedom of expression, and challenges to the rule of law - all critical in today's shifting political landscape.
    On 7 March, FRA spoke at a national event on setting up the National Human Rights Institution in Italy. The discussion focused on challenges and perspectives of setting up NHRI in Italy.
    FRA’s Executive Board meeting took place online on 4 March. The Board was updated on most recent FRA’s work.
    At the invitation of the Polish Presidency of the Council, FRA will present the key findings of its annual Fundamental Rights Report 2025 on 24 June in Brussels. FRA’s presentation will contribute to the work of the Working Party on Fundamental Rights, Citizens Rights and Free Movement of Persons (FREMP).
    FRA will speak at a high-level event in Warsaw on 17 June on Strengthening Democracy and the Rule of Law in Europe in the Face of PolyCrises. The conference brings together civil society leaders from across Europe, including the Western Balkans, alongside EU and Polish policymakers and key donors.
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    FRA's Director will visit the Council of Europe on 18 and 19 June in Strasbourg. She will exchange views with the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers’ Rapporteur Group on External Relations.
    FRA will participate in the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe-funded training on the Charter for lawyers in private practice.
    FRA will join Equinet’s conference on 25 years of equality looking at milestones, challenges and horizons.
    On 12 June, FRA will take part in a conference in Madrid on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights 25 years after the Charter’s proclamation. The event will also deal with the challenging context of increased polarisation in society.
    FRA will speak at a webinar on 6 June on ‘Governance and Participation – Policies That Make a Difference’. The webinar is part of the EU-funded project, B.RIGHT SPACES – Better Rights in Better Civic Spaces.
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    FRA will host a foresight workshop in Vienna from 21 to 22 May to develop fundamental rights scenarios for Europe in 2040.
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    FRA will speak during a panel discussion on the Ombudsman as a bridge between states, institutions and people. The discussion forms part of a ceremonial meeting and follow-up conference marking 25 years since the establishment of the Czech Ombuds institution and the creation of Czech National Human Rights Institution and the Ombudsman for Children in Czechia this year.
    On 6 May, FRA will speak at the OSCE Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting in Vienna.
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    On 22 and 23 April, FRA Director Sirpa Rautio will speak at the high-level Conference on the role of civil society in the protection of the rule of law. The Director will contribute to a panel discussion on the principle of civil society as an EU value.
    FRA and the Permanent Representation of the Polish Presidency will hold a seminar for experts on the role of civil society in defending fundamental rights, the rule of law and democracy.
    FRA will host a webinar on ensuring meaningful participation on 1 April from 14:00 to 15:30 CET. Registration is open.
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    FRA will host a foresight workshop that will bring together selected experts from EU institutions, Member States, academia and think tanks. It is part of a FRA project that aims to integrate a fundamental rights perspective into strategic policy foresight by the EU and its Member States.
    On 27 March, FRA will participate virtually in a meeting of the EU Translation Centre’s Management Board.
    On 25 March, FRA will join a policy dialogue on strengthening Equality Bodies to safeguard human rights. It will look at national, regional, and EU perspectives.
    FRA’s Director will speak at a public event on the role of human rights in the current political world order.
    FRA’s Director will deliver a speech during the RIGHTS CITIES project train-the-trainer event and project meeting. The meeting takes place in Vienna on 17 March.
    FRA will contribute to a course organised by the European Institute of Public Administration for the Slovenian Managing Authority, and its Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development.
    FRA will speak on its work on EU funds and fundamental rights at a meeting of the ECHOFunds project. The meeting will cover how to implement the fundamental rights enabling condition on EU funds in Austria.