Presentation and competencies

Presentation and competencies

Welcome

Welcome to the webpage of the Subcommittee on Human Rights of the European Parliament which, since it was reconstituted in 2004, has become an important European platform for the defence of human rights worldwide.

The Subcommittee, also called DROI, organises hearings and discussions on all sorts of human rights issues. As a consequence of these debates, we adopt reports and resolutions, thus contributing to the international debate on subjects such as the death penalty, torture or the fight against impunity. Also, we try to react to human rights violations around the world as swiftly as possible by giving a voice to the most affected.

The Annual Human Rights report, which takes stock of the Human Rights situation in the world, is also drafted within DROI. Another highlight of our work is the yearly Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, which is awarded each December to individuals or organisations fighting for human rights and fundamental freedoms. In 2013, we will celebrate its 25th anniversary.

On our website you can follow our meetings online and download all documents. Indeed, providing access to our work is vital as we appreciate input and up-to-date information from human rights defenders, citizens and NGOs.


Responsibilities of the Subcommittee

The Subcommittee's main responsibilities are set out in Section I(5) of Annex VII of the Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament:
 
'- issues concerning human rights, the protection of minorities and the promotion of democratic values in third countries: In this context the committee [on foreign affairs] is assisted by a subcommittee on human rights. Without prejudice to the relevant rules, members from other committees and bodies with responsibilities in this field shall be invited to attend the meetings of the subcommittee.'