The 2021 Forum of EU Delegation Focal points for Human Rights & Democracy, Civil Society and Gender Equality took place on 17-19 May 2021.
Theme: Translating policies into action
The EU Delegation focal points for human rights, democracy, civil society and gender equality are the main drivers of the implementation and mainstreaming of the EU policies, programmes and financing instruments in these thematic areas.
Organised by DG INTPA in close collaboration with DG NEAR and the EEAS, the Annual Forum brings together over 200-300 colleagues to:
(i) Exchange between HQ and the EU Delegations on the main policy and programme developments and priorities in the area of human rights, democracy, engagement with civil society, local authorities and gender equality;
(ii) Share experiences and exchange good practices among EU Delegations, within the same region and across regions;
(iii) Benefit from targeted trainings on a number of relevant themes.
This 2021 edition was an unique one for four reasons: i) it took place amid a crisis that had amplified the need for action; ii) we are in the process of finalising strategies and programming; iii) it was fully virtual; iv) it integrated the gender equality focal points in the Forum and also invited local authorities focal points and other colleagues.
i) The sense of urgency
The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified long-standing human rights, democracy and civil society concerns. 2020 was the first year since 2001 in which the majority of the world’s countries were autocracies. Some governments have used the state of emergency to further reduce the civic and democratic space, hindering the work of civil society. The pandemic triggered an increase in discrimination and gender-based violence and widened inequalities.
ii) Translating policies into action
The new Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024 and the new Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in External Action 2021-2025 (GAP III) have been adopted. Human rights and democracy country strategies, GAP III country implementation plans and Civil Society Roadmaps are being finalised, as is the updated Toolbox on the Rights Based Approach to development. NDICI-Global Europe is approved.
Support to and cooperation with Local Authorities is being “geographised”. Thematic and Geographic Multi-Annual Indicative Programmes are getting in line. INTPA is in place. It is now time to translate political priorities into concrete actions.
iii) Zoom in!
Due to the pandemic, this edition of the Forum was the first one to gather us online in a light(er) format. We concocted you a menu ‘à la carte’ with a mix of plenary discussions, followed by regional and thematic sessions.
- The 1st day consisted in plenary sessions devoted to the strategic guidance of/and exchange with our senior management, new policy developments and the state of play of thematic programming.
- The 2nd day was divided in regional groups looking at the interlink with and mainstreaming into geographic programming of human rights, democracy, gender equality and civil society support for INTPA/EEAS colleagues. For DG NEAR colleagues, this day was devoted to the Civil Society Network Meeting (CiSoNet).
- The 3rd day was devoted to a plenary on ‘championing democracy’, and two rounds of thematic sessions on human rights, democracy, civil society, local authorities and gender equality. The 2021 forum edition will not end here. A menu of online trainings and exchange sessions will be offered to EU Delegations throughout the year.
