Welcome on the European Association for the Defense of Human Rights (AEDH) website
For 8 March, international Women’s Day, AEDH and APDHA firmly oppose to the Spanish government’s draft law on abortion
For 8 March – International Women’s Day – the Andalusian Association for Human Rights (APDHA) and the European Association for the Defense of Human Rights (AEDH) declare their opposition to the Spanish government’s draft law on abortion.
Ukraine : Ukrainian citizens must regain their freedom of decision - Press release 7th march 2014
AEDH is worried about the dangerous situation Ukrainian citizens are facing in their own country, a substantial part of which is under military occupation of foreign troops. The troops are visibly supported or sent by the Russian government and president Putin.
Resolution adopted on 4th March 2014 by the Steering Committee of the European Year of Citizenship Alliance - March 2014
The Steering Committee of the European Year of Citizens Alliance, in which AEDH takes part, adopted yesterday (4.3.2014) a resolution on Ukraine’s future.
"For a Europe of Human Rights: here, now and for all!" : Joint campaign of the AEDH and its members - 4th March 2014
The campaign “Europe of rights: here, now, for all !” is conducted by the European Association for the Defence of Human Rights and its 31 member associations, which promote human rights, democracy and citizenship across 22 member states of the European Union.
The European Parliament backed EU-Turkey deal to return irregular migrants – 26th February 2014
The European Parliament approved yesterday (26/02/2014) the readmission agreement between the EU and Turkey.
AEDH reiterates its strong opposition to the signing of this agreement. Generally, the AEDH’s reserves and criticisms, like those of many other organizations, concern both the risk of non-respect of migrant rights – or even their endangerment – and the method employed by the EU during the negotiation and implementation of the agreements.
AEDH in the news: "The AEDH Vice-Chairwoman, Catherine Teule, calls to limit the negative effects of the Asylum Package" – 24th February 2014
On the 24th of February the website Europaforum.lu published an article about the intervention of Catherine Teule on the challenges of the transposition of the new Asylum Package in the Member States.
“Spanish lawmakers should reject proposal aimed at closing the door on justice for the most serious crimes” – Joint declaration 10th February 2014
AEDH and 121 ONGs from all over the world have signed a joint declaration denouncing the attempt by lawmakers from Spain’s Popular Party to fast-track a bill that would limit Spanish courts’ ability to investigate and prosecute serious crimes under international law.
Newsletter N° 264 - 24 February 2014
Each week, AEDH releases a Newsletter focusing on European News regarding Human rights.
AEDH in the news: “This great Europe that is alien to us”
The Spanish newspaper "El diario" published yesterday (11/02/2014) an article written by Rafael Lara, APDHA’s representative and AEDH’s General Secretary, about the campaign launched by AEDH and its members in view of the European elections in May 2014.
Deaths at the border of Ceuta - AEDH calls for the launch of a committee of inquiry – Press Release 11th February 2014
Condemning the countless people found dead while trying to cross the border between Morocco and Ceuta/ Melilla, as well as the inhumanity of governments that install barriers with sharp blades at borders, AEDH considers that there is an urgent need to break with this obsessive determination to close borders and to reject any foreigners, without considering humanitarian issues or respecting the right to asylum. It also calls for the launch of a committee of inquiry to establish the responsibilities.
News from our network – EMHRN published its analysis of the Mobility Partnership signed between the European Union and Morocco
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In its analysis published on 11th February, the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) believes that the negotiations signed last June between the EU and Morocco pose a threat to the preservation of the rights of migrants.
Employment of third country seasonal workers: a useless directive! - Press release 6th February
On the occasion of the adoption by the European Parliament of the directive "on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of seasonal employment", AEDH is asking for an all-embracing status of labour migration based on equality of rights regardless of the nationality and calls upon the European institutions to break with the utilitarian logic of labour migration.
Newsletter N° 263 - 3 February 2014
Each week, AEDH releases a Newsletter focusing on European News regarding Human rights.
« For the formal recognition of a European citizenship based on residence »
The magazine "Diasporiques" has devoted its December 2013 issue to Europe. Therefore, it has transcribed a debate that has brought together Catherine Teule, Charles Conte, Bernard Delemotte, Philippe Lazar and Gilles Manceron about the formal recognition of a "European citizenship based on residence" that would grant the same rights to all those who reside in Europe, regardless of their personal status.
Members’ news – Belgium: Activities focusing on the access to economic, social and cultural rights
Under the thematic cycle “Le bruit des droits qui craquent”, the Ligue des Droits de l’Homme will offer throughout the year activities focusing on the access to economic, social and cultural rights.
News from our networks - HRDN “Stand 4 Human Rights” campaign
As the 2014 European elections approach, the Human Rights and Democracy Network has launched its European elections campaign: “Stand 4 Human Rights”. The aim of the campaign is to encourage individual candidates hoping to become Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to pledge to enhance the role of the European Parliament as a global actor on human rights and democracy.
AEDH comments on the Data Protection Day - Press release 27 January 2014
Privacy and personal data protection shall not be sacrificed at the altar of economic interest and security matters. On the occasion of the international Data Protection Day, AEDH would like to recall that the respect of privacy and personal data protection are indefectible fundamental rights.
News from our networks - REMDH press release on the continuous violation of Human rights in Egypt since the fall of Mubarak
Three years after Mubarak regime’s fall in January 2011, EMHRN assesses the situation in Egypt and considers that it is time for the European Union to take action amidst widespread impunity for human rights violations and shrinking space for democratic expression.
The future EU Programme on Asylum and Migration: Statement by the European NGO Platform on EU Asylum and Migration (EPAM)
In the framework of the public consultation procedure launched by the European Commission allowing civil society organizations to express their views on the future of the Stockholm Programme, AEDH and the other members of the European NGO Platform on Asylum and Migration (EPAM) have identified a list of key-priorities dealing with asylum and migration.
LIBE Committee backs EU-Turkey readmission agreement (22/01/2014)
The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) of the European Parliament has endorsed the EU-Turkey readmission agreement signed by both parties on 16 December 2013.
The future of the Stockholm Programme: AEDH claims a Europe of fundamental rights for all! - Answer to the Commission’s consultation (21/01/2014)
AEDH seizes the opportunity to express its point of view on the European policies in the field of justice and home affairs (JHA), in the framework of the public consultation launched by the European Commission on the future of the Stockholm Programme.
Unions & NGOs urge Parliament to scrutinise Greece’s Human Rights record
Twenty trade unions, human rights and civil society organisations from across Europe sent a letter to the President of the European Parliament to ask him to undertake a Report on the situation of human rights, the rule of law and democracy in Greece.
New website on migration and asylum
If you are interested in the European policy on migration and asylum, we inform you about a new website dedicated to these topics.
Newsletter N° 262 - 20 January 2014
Each week, AEDH releases a Newsletter focusing on European News regarding Human rights.
Last speech of the EDPS on the need to reform the European legislation on data protection and the current threats to net neutrality
In the last speech of his term, which expired this Wednesday 16th of January, Peter Hustinx who was the European Data Protection Supervisor from 2004 to 2014 emphasized the importance of the reform of the EU data protection framework and the current threats to net neutrality.
Members’ news - France: "Evacuation of Roma to unbearable, unjustifiable, unnecessary and expensive levels"
Joint press release of LDH and ERRC reporting a resurgence of forced evictions of Roma families in France throughout 2013.
News from our networks - “TURKEY: Four years on, Muharrem Erbey still in pre-trial detention”
In a press release of 10th January a coalition of NGOs denounced Turkey for the continued arbitrary detention of Muharrem Erbeyand - a human rights lawyer - and for the harassment targeting human rights defenders in the country.
Members’ news - France: «Against anti-Semitism, French republican principles must prevail»
Statement of the "Ligue des droits de l’Homme" (6/01/2014)
Concerning Delay in appointing the new EDPS
On the 7th of January, Peter Hustinx, the current Chair of the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) wrote to the European Institutions to express his concerns about the delay in the procedure to appoint a new EDPS.
AEDH and ADHR-BG condemn recent events in Bulgaria - Joint Statement
Abuse of power, crime against the rights and freedoms of EU citizens and violation of the law and public order are what passengers of commercial flight Sofia - Varna witnessed on the 6 January 2014. What is very alarming is that it was caused by MPs, members of a Bulgarian nationalist political party. AEDH and ADHR-BG are condemning these events and are calling the Bulgarian authorities to take the appropriate measures to guarantee all EU citizens, migrants and asylum-seekers their rights and freedoms as established by EU treaties and legislation.
UNHCR’s recommendations to Greece for the EU presidency
The UNHCR addressed to Greece for the EU Presidency (from January 1 to June 30, 2014) some recommendations related to the asylum policy of the European Union and the future of the Stockholm Programme.
Newsletter N° 261 - 20 December 2013
Each week, AEDH releases a Newsletter focusing on European News regarding Human rights.
Visit the INSEROM project’s website !
With four of its members, AEDH is involved in a European project on the rights of Roma persons. INSEROM, as it is called, aims at empowering the Roma communities residing in the partners’ countries by making them knowledgeable about their rights, at national and European levels, for them to be able to defend these rights and to fight the discrimination they are facing.
18 December 2013: International Migrants Day
On the occasion of the International Migrants Day, several activities have been organized in the Member States. The International Migrants Day is celebrated on 18 December to commemorate the adoption of the “International convention on the protection of the rights of migrant workers and members of their families” of 18 December 1990. The EU Member States have not yet ratified the convention.
EYCA : « It’s about Us, It’s about Europe! Towards Democratic European Citizenship!”
On 12th and 13th December 2013, the Closing Conference of the European Year of Citizens 2013 took place at the Lithuanian Parliament “Seimas” in Vilnius. During this event, the chair of European Year of Citizens Alliance (EYCA) officially handed over EYCA Policy Document: “It’s about Us, it’s about Europe! Towards Democratic European Citizenship” to EU Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding.
News from our networks: EMHRN report on the ‘Gezi Park’ protest movement in Turkey and its repression
On 12th December the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network published a report on the ‘Gezi Park’ protest movement in Turkey and its repression. The report condemns the massive interference by the Turkish authorities with the right to freedom of assembly and the use of excessive force against peaceful gatherings. Moreover, the report denounces the massive use of detention as a punishment for exercising peaceful protest, resulting in many documented cases in ill-treatment.
UE-Turkey readmission agreement: a threat to Human rights
Ahmet Davutoglu (Turkish foreign affairs minister) and the EU Commissioners Cecilia Malmström and Stefan Füle announced that on the 16th December Turkey will sign an agreement on the readmission of migrants entering the EU illegally from its territory; in exchange for signing the readmission agreement, the EU will open up the way for visa liberalization for Turkish nationals. AEDH is a member of the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) that in June addressed to the European Union and Turkey some recommendations concerning the readmission agreement.
Rule of law under attack in Hungary – Joint Statement
Following new laws adopted by the Hungarian parliament over the last weeks, concerning for example the criminalisation of homelessness or the extension of the length of pre-trial detention, AEDH and the Hungarian Helsinki Committee call on the Hungarian Parliament and Government to respect the principle of the rule of law and Human rights.
Adoption of the Council Recommendation on effective Roma integration measures
On 9th December 2013, the Council of Europe adopted unanimously the Recommendation proposed by the Commission to improve the economic and social lives of Roma within the European Union (main areas: education, employment, healthcare and housing). This Recommendation is the strongest EU instrument for Roma inclusion.
Internship at the AEDH
The secretariat of AEDH in Brussels is currently offering internships for a 5 to 6 month period from End of February to July 2014.
EU-Tunisia Mobility Partnership: Externalisation policy in disguise
On 5th December, a ‘Mobility Partnership’ will be signed between EU and Tunisia. Within this context, AEDH, together with numerous organisations, is calling the EU and Tunisia to translate into concrete actions their commitments to promoting and protecting human rights, and to facilitate freedom of movement for all Tunisian citizens.
Members’ news - Luxembourg : Exhibition Soñando sueños
On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Luxembourg’s Ligue des Droits de l’Homme invited the Spanish artist Elpuentea (Carlos Puente) to illustrate the thirty articles of the Declaration.
Member news: Call for demonstration: "Let’s walk against racism"
Following several acts and words illustrating the resurgence of racism and anti-Semitism in France, the League for Human Rights and other French organisations are calling for demonstration, on November 30th, against racism and to defend the idea of a fraternal, united and mixed-race France where every individual can live in equal dignity.
News from our networks: “Violence against women, bleeding wound in the Syrian conflict” - EMHRN report
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2013, the Euro Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) releases a new report “Violence against women, a bleeding wound in the Syrian conflict” that sheds light on the increased use of rape, torture and other forms of violence against women in in Syria.
« The right to leave a country »: Research paper of the Council of Europe
The research paper of the Council of Europe on « The right to leave a country »shows concerns about the deleterious effect on human rights of the externalization of border control policies of the European Union. Readmission agreements and illegal push-backs of migrants figure among the measures of externalization.
Report: « FOR A EUROPE OF HUMAN RIGHTS » - the manifesto of AEDH and its members presented to MEPs
On Tuesday 12 November 2013, the representatives of AEDH and its member leagues met with some members of the European Parliament during the conference « For a Europe of Human Rights ». This conference closed the AEDH Extraordinary General Assembly of 11th and 12th November. At the same time, the conference was the starting point of the campaign of AEDH and its members in view of the 2014 European Parliament elections “For a Europe of Human Rights”.
Report: Conference-debate "Crisis: Europe at the service of people?"
On Monday 11th November 2013, AEDH and other associations co-organised a conference-debate : « Crisis : Europe at the service of people ? ». During this conference, several speakers were invited to discuss the situation of economic and social rights in the European Union since the economic crises and to assess the impact of the crisis on European democracies and integration.
EDPS concerned about provisions against the ‘net neutrality’ in the proposal of a Regulation on a European single market for electronic communications
EDPS released an opinion on the European commission proposal for a Regulation on a European single market for electronic communications, warning about the various measures which would undermine the principle of net neutrality.
News from our networks - Greece - Turkey: ‘The route is dangerous, people are dying’
Joint press release of FIDH, EMHRN and Migreurop on systematic human rights violations against refugees at the Greek Turkish borders (18/11/2013)
Members’ news - Spain: "Rights for all"
APDHA has launched its new informative campaign on migrants rights.
Members’ news - Cyprus: Failure to provide protection and safeguard the rights of unaccompanied minors
Santos arrived in Cyprus in October 2004 and his story illustrates the failure of the Cypriot State to provide protection and safeguard the rights of unaccompanied minors.
Members’ news - France: “Let’s banish stupidity and cynicism, let’s reject hatred and racism”
Joint statement of the "Ligue de l’enseignement" and the "Ligue des droits de l’Homme" (15/11/2013)
AEDH and its member leagues in the Spanish news
On 13 November 2013 the « Radio Nacional de España » broadcasted an interview with Rafael Lara, spokesperson of the Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos de Andalucía (APDHA).
AEDH General Assembly & Presentation of the manifesto « For a Europe of Human Rigths » at the European Parliament
From 10th to 12th November representatives of AEDH member leagues met in Brussels to talk about their Human rights campaign in view of the European elections.
Newsletter N° 260 - 8 November 2013
Each week, AEDH releases a Newsletter focusing on European News regarding Human rights.
Conference: “FOR A EUROPE OF HUMAN RIGHTS”
AEDH invites to the conference “For a Europe of Human Rights” that will take place on 12th November at the European Parliament. AEDH will present the manifesto « For a Europe of Human rights » developed by AEDH and its members and discuss it with MEPs of the different political groups.
Conclusions of the European Council speak of delaying the adoption of the data protection reform package
The Conclusions of the European Council of these 24th and 25th of October speak of delaying the adoption of the data reform package by 2015.
Conference-debate “CRISIS: EUROPE AT THE SERVICE OF PEOPLE?” (11/11/2013)
AEDH and its Belgian members - the ‘Ligue des Droits de l’Homme’ (LDH) and the ‘Liga voor Mensenrechten’- and Bruxelles Laïque invite you to the conference-debate: “Crisis: Europe at the service of people?”
Newsletter N° 259 - 25 October 2013
Each week, AEDH releases a Newsletter focusing on European News regarding Human rights.
« Migratory flows in the Mediterranean» : European Parliament Resolution
The plenary assembly of the European Parliament adopted on Wednesday (23 October 2013) the resolution “Migratory flows in the Mediterranean, with particular attention to the tragic events off Lampedusa”.
Member News: France condemned by the ECtHR
On 17th October, the European Court of Human Rights (EctHR) condemned France for the expulsion of a camp of Travellers without providing adequate alternative housing.
Non-binding resolution by the Parliament in favour of the suspension of the EU TFTP agreement with the US
On Wednesday 23rd of October, the European Parliament has voted a non-binding resolution in favour of the suspension of the EU Terrorist Finance Tracking Program (TFTP) agreement with the US.
EU migration and asylum policy: letter to the European Council
Ahead of the European Council summit, AEDH, together with several organisations based in the north and the south of the Mediterranean, calls on the heads of State and government to abandon security-oriented and repressive asylum and immigration policy.
Member news: Manifesto for the support of Roma families
On 16th October,the Ligue belge des droits de l’Homme, Médecins du Monde and Ciré called on politicians to sign a manifesto to support Roma families living in Belgium to ensure they enjoy their basic rights.
EDPS welcomes the outcome vote of the LIBE Committee
The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) declared that “[t]he vote by the LIBE Committee is an important step towards stronger and more effective data protection in Europe”.
LIBE committee voted on the data protection reform package
LIBE committee approved the amendments to the Proposal of a general data protection Regulation and of a separate Directive for the law enforcement sector.
Newsletter N° 258 - 18 October 2013
Each week, AEDH releases a Newsletter focusing on European News regarding Human rights.
Member news : « Stop the expulsions ! »
The French League for Human rights (LDH) welcomes and supports the mobilization of the students that are demonstrating today in France to support Leonarda Dibrani and Khatchik Kachatryan.
Nerwork news: “Lesvos/ Greece: the new European cage for migrants”
The Euro Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN), Migreurop, Welcome to Europe and Youth without Borders do not accept any more the detention of migrants, seen as the symbol of the violence of the European border system.
Member news: The right to an effective remedy may be at risk in France
The French League for Human Rights (LDH) asks for the removal from the Decree of 13 August 2013 of the provisions that will deprive labor and social disputes of the benefit of the two-stage procedure.
Workshop on the European project « INSEROM »
Within the framework of the INSEROM project, AEDH is taking part, on 17th and 18th October, to a workshop organised by Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos de Andalucía (APDHA). Based on training tools, the project is aimed at promoting citizen participation and social integration of Roma communities through human rights education.</
"Under surveillance": the flipbook
7 March 2014
For 8 March, international Women’s Day, AEDH and APDHA firmly oppose to the Spanish government’s draft law on abortion
For 8 March – International Women’s Day – the Andalusian Association for Human (...) 
7 March 2014
Ukraine : Ukrainian citizens must regain their freedom of decision - Press release 7th march 2014
AEDH is worried about the dangerous situation Ukrainian citizens are facing (...)
5 March 2014
Resolution adopted on 4th March 2014 by the Steering Committee of the European Year of Citizenship Alliance - March 2014
The Steering Committee of the European Year of Citizens Alliance, in which (...)
Newsletter N° 264 - 24 February 2014
Each week, AEDH releases a Newsletter focusing on European News regarding (...)
7 March 2014
For 8 March, international Women’s Day, AEDH and APDHA firmly oppose to the Spanish government’s draft law on abortion
For 8 March – International Women’s Day – the Andalusian Association for Human (...)
7 March 2014
Ukraine : Ukrainian citizens must regain their freedom of decision - Press release 7th march 2014
AEDH is worried about the dangerous situation Ukrainian citizens are facing (...)
25 February 2014
“Spanish lawmakers should reject proposal aimed at closing the door on justice for the most serious crimes” – Joint declaration 10th February 2014
AEDH and 121 ONGs from all over the world have signed a joint declaration (...)
Internship at the AEDH