The Next EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy

Since the adoption of the current Human Rights and Democracy Action Plan (2020-2027), democracy and human rights have been under attack in all regions of the world. In Europe as well as globally, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) have especially been targeted, with multiple attempts to restrict SRHR, women’s rights, civic space, and the rule of law.

When people have access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, information, and comprehensive sexuality education, and when their sexual and reproductive rights are respected, they can make informed choices about their bodies and futures, allowing them to participate in the political, social, and economic lives of their countries and communities. Investing in SRHR, combating coercion and violence, and promoting gender equality therefore strengthens communities, supports inclusive democratic processes, enables broader participation in democratic life, and contributes to protecting other human rights.

The next EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy presents a unique opportunity for the EU to recommit to human rights, and in particular SRHR and gender equality, as key EU values and essential components of EU external action. Only by fully and explicitly including SRHR and gender equality in the next Action Plan can the EU achieve its commitments to protect and support human rights and democracy worldwide.