Welcome
The European Human Rights Ambassadors - Get to know us
France and Spain also have Human Rights Ambassadors - new appointees will be confirmed in due course...
The European Human Rights Ambassadors - Get to know us
“Ensuring dignity and fair treatment for everyone is the starting and end point of our foreign policy goals. Ever since helping to lay the foundation of UN Women in New York in 2010, working to eliminate violence against women has been in my particular focus.” Minna-Liina Lind, Estonia’s Ambassador at Large for Human Rights
“For me, Human Rights means both freedoms and justice. We shall advocate equality and non-discrimination. As the Chair of the Freedom Online Coalition in 2021 Finland promotes free, open and secure Internet for all.” - Rauno Merisaari, Finland´s Ambassador for Human Rights and Democracy
“Promoting human rights is core to Germany’s foreign policy. My job is to support and amplify that goal. I see my role as a bridge: a bridge between civil society and the foreign ministry, between government and the parliament, since I am also a member of the Bundestag.” - Dr. Bärbel Kofler, Germany’s Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Assistance
“The respect for human rights and our strive for sustainable development that leaves no one behind, are inextricably linked. I am proud of Luxembourg’s commitment to an ambitious human rights agenda, in a strong multilateral setting, with the United Nations at its centre.” - Marc Bichler, Luxembourg’s Ambassador-at-Large for Human Rights
“Human rights are for everyone, regardless of who you are, where you’re from, what you do and what you believe in. I’ve always had a passion for human rights. In 2020 I acted as a Gender Equality Champion for the Media4Women campaign. I strongly believe in an inclusive and diverse media landscape.” - Bahia Tahzib-Lie, the Netherlands’ Human Rights Ambassador
“Human rights, democracy and the rule of law go hand in hand. They are essential for one another and are fundamental for peaceful and inclusive societies. Together they form a whole in Swedish foreign policy.” - Annika Ben David, Sweden’s Ambassador for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law
© HR Ambassadors
“It is a privilege to be the first UK Human Rights Ambassador. I will continue to champion human rights around the world and through the Human Rights Council. Whilst my focus is on UK priorities – such as promoting media freedom and advancing girls’ education - I am proud to stand alongside a growing number of European counterparts on our shared agenda.” - Rita French, UK Ambassador for Human Rights