Systematic human rights work

Everybody should be able to enjoy human rights. To reach this aim, systematic work is needed to make internationally agreed human rights standards a reality in everyday life. An inclusive and participatory approach involving public authorities, civil society, business sector and national human rights structures is essential for improving human rights protection. Such work should be continuous and it requires measureable objectives, effective coordination and independent evaluation of results. 

National action plans for human rights (NAPs) are an effective tool for making this happen. A growing number of European countries are using them to address a broad range of human rights in a coherent way. NAPs are useful for assigning responsibilities and identifying gaps in human rights work. The Commissioner for Human Rights gives guidance on NAPs and promotes their preparation and implementation during country visits and through other activities. In March 2014, the Commissioner organised a workshop to exchange experience and lessons learned and to develop a network of practitioners in this area.

National action plans for human rights in Europe  ( open / close )
Last update: June 2017

Country Expired NAP Evaluation (partial)
/ implementation report
Current NAP future NAP under
preparation / consideration
Armenia 2014–2016   2017-2019  
Austria      
Azerbaijan 2006,
2012–2015
     
Bosnia and Herzegovina      
Croatia 2008–2011,
2013–2016
2015    
Finland 2012–2013 2014 2017–2019  
Georgia 2014–2016 2017 2016–2017
2014–2020
 
Greece 2014–2016      
Iceland      
Latvia 1995      
Lithuania 2002      
Republic of Moldova 2004–2008,
2011–2014
2015 2018–2022  
Netherlands     2013  
Norway 2000–2005      
Portugal      
Russian Federation      
Slovakia   2016 2014–2020  
Spain 2008–2012 2012  
Sweden 2002–2004,
2006–2009
2004, 2011 2016–  
Turkey   2015, 2016, 2017[1] 2014–2019  
Ukraine     2015–2020  
Kosovo* 2009–2011    
Scotland in the United Kingdom   2014, 2015, 2016 2013–2017  
1 Reports not available publicly.
* All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.