In a significant dialogue on the future of global human rights, Liberal International’s Human Rights Committee (LI HRC) held a high-level meeting with the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights, Kajsa Ollongren. The meeting was chaired by the vice chairperson of the LI HRC, Myrna Mneimneh.
The meeting underscored shared concerns over the shifting geopolitical landscape, the rise of far-right movements, and the urgent need to safeguard the rule of law as a fundamental pillar for human rights protection.
The EUSR and committee members engaged in a robust exchange on how increasing authoritarian tendencies and democratic backsliding pose real threats to human dignity, minority rights, and civil liberties worldwide. The EUSR emphasised that defending the rule of law is not only a legal imperative but also a proactive strategy to prevent broader human rights violations.
One of the central points of discussion was the EUSR’s ambition to reinforce the independence and authority of the International Criminal Court (ICC). She highlighted her ongoing diplomatic efforts with both national authorities and civil society actors aimed at bolstering the Court’s ability to hold perpetrators of grave human rights abuses accountable. This initiative aligns closely with LI’s longstanding advocacy for international justice and legal accountability.
The meeting also reaffirmed a shared commitment to multilateralism as an essential framework for addressing global human rights challenges. Participants agreed that upholding international humanitarian law, protecting democratic institutions, and defending the independence of journalism are crucial in today’s climate of misinformation and political polarization.
LI HRC welcomed the opportunity to deepen its collaboration with the EU through shared advocacy, particularly in supporting democratic resilience, civil liberties, and judicial independence across the globe. Both parties concluded the meeting with a renewed commitment to defend human rights through principled, multilateral engagement and active cooperation with global democratic forces.
