EU Fundamental Rights Agency inaugurated

Effective today, the European Union (EU) has a new human rights agency, according to a press released issued today by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) replaces the European Union Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC). “The creation of the Fundamental Rights Agency will further strengthen the EU’s role in effectively protecting human rights,” said the OSCE’s director of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). “I believe it will shape a unique pool of expertise that can also influence the democratic development beyond the Union’s borders.”

FRA will work closely with ODIHR, EU member states, and the United Nations. The aim of the new agency is to support member states to “respect fundamental rights when they take measures or formulate courses of action.” Though “fundamental rights” are not explicitly defined on the agency’s website, the work of EUMC will remain the core business of the FRA.

The agency is expected to be fully operational by 2008.

For the OSCE’s press release, click here.

For the FRA’s website, click here.