COVID-19: Council adopts conclusions on human rights-based recovery

The Council today approved conclusions reaffirming the EU commitment to human rights as part of the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The EU recognizes that the current COVID-19 pandemic and its socio-economic consequences have increasingly a negative impact on human rights, democracy and the rule of law, including civic space. The pandemic further exacerbates pre-existing inequalities and increases pressure on people in vulnerable situations.

In light of this, the EU reaffirms that a socio-economic response with human rights at its core will allow a better and more sustainable recovery.

The EU is committed to ensuring that its response to COVID-19 respects the dignity and human rights of all, without discrimination of any kind. No one should be left behind and no human rights should be ignored.

Human rights, democracy and the rule of law will therefore remain at the heart of the EU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as set out in the Council conclusions on the EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024.

EU action should also be guided by the Paris Agreement on climate change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as the COVID-19 pandemic is also a wake-up call to the even greater threat of climate change and environmental degradation.

Finally, the Board recognizes the important contribution of all members of Team Europe, as part of the EU’s global response to COVID-19, and their contribution to the demonstration Leadership, responsibility and solidarity at EU global level.