23rd EU-NGO Human Rights Forum: Rebuilding better – a human rights-based recovery from the pandemic

Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, human rights NGOs, the UN and the EU have acknowledged that the pandemic has had a strong impact on respect for, and full enjoyment of, human rights. We are facing an unprecedented worldwide limitation on fundamental freedoms coupled with a looming socio-economic crisis, while healthcare systems are being overwhelmed. States’ budgets are under pressure, and millions of individuals have already lost, or stand to lose their jobs.

The pandemic has deepened pre-existing inequalities and led to increased unemployment, threatened social cohesion, and disproportionately affected the disadvantaged, the marginalised and persons in vulnerable situations.

In this context, the EU-NGO Human Rights Forum 2021 will provide an essential platform to discuss recommendations on how the EU can further protect civic space worldwide and promote a rights-based recovery through the strengthening of healthcare and decent work for everyone. It will also represent an opportunity to create or strengthen international multi-stakeholder networks, in particular for human rights defenders.

The 2021 forum will address 3 thematic pillars

• economic, social and labour rights
• fundamental freedoms
• health equity

The forum's agenda is packed with interesting panels and discussions featuring high-level speakers such as EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen, Vice-President of the European Parliament Heidi Hautala, EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif, and many human rights defenders from all over the world.

The event will take place online.

• Register for the EU-NGO Human Rights Forum 2021
• See the full EU-NGO Human Rights Forum 2021 agenda

Venue

Online