Sous-commission Droits de l'homme (DROI) - Parlement européen

The fight against impunity remains a key challenge for the international community, as efforts to hold perpetrators of serious international crimes accountable are increasingly strained by geopolitical rivalries, fragmented enforcement and weak political will. This paper examines three accountability mechanisms – international criminal tribunals, universal jurisdiction and transitional justice – through comparative analysis and case studies. International criminal tribunals, from ad hoc tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda to the International Criminal Court, have advanced legal norms and secured landmark convictions. Yet, their legitimacy is weakened by high costs, slow trials, selective enforcement and limited cooperation from states. Universal jurisdiction allows national courts to prosecute atrocities irrespective of territorial or personal links. Its growing use in Europe, especially in cases linked to Syria and Ukraine, demonstrates potential, although inconsistent application and political frictions limit its effectiveness. Transitional justice, through truth commissions, reparations and institutional reforms, offers societies pathways to reconciliation and peace, but faces recurring challenges of political interference, resource scarcity and insufficient victim participation. Case studies from the Balkans, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Colombia, Syria and Israel-Palestine highlight that no single mechanism is sufficient. Instead, effective accountability requires context-sensitive and context-specific combinations of tools. The paper concludes with recommendations for strengthening the European Union’s global role.
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On 3 December 2025, Subcommittee on Human Rights DROI will have an exchange of views on the protection of parliamentarians at risk worldwide, in the cooperation with the Inter-parliamentary Union and in presence of Senator Etienne Blanc, Chair of the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The discussion will also include a testimony of Job Sikhala, Zimbabwean opposition leader.
Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union
IPU – Human rights of parliamentarians
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On 21 October 2025, the European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen's second mandate adopted its work programme for 2026 (2026 CWP). In line with the Commission President's political guidelines and letter of intent and highlighting the need for full implementation of Mario Draghi's competitiveness report, the 2026 CWP places a strong emphasis on competitiveness, innovation and collective security. In parallel, the Commission commits to advancing simplification, implementation, and this year, also to strengthening enforcement. These three areas will remain key horizontal priorities for the entire Commission mandate. Just like last year's CWP, the 2026 CWP adheres to the seven headline ambitions put forward in the political guidelines. It is accompanied by a report on implementation, simplification and enforcement, the first of its kind. This new annual report is set to replace the annual burden survey. Annex I of the 2026 CWP puts forward 70 major new legislative and non-legislative initiatives, 44 % of which fall under the competitiveness headline ambition. (Up to) 48 of the new initiatives are legislative, including three sector-specific omnibus packages (on energy product legislation, taxation and citizens). Of the forthcoming legislative initiatives, 67 % are likely revisions of existing legislation, while more than half have a strong simplification dimension. Unlike previous CWPs, the 2026 CWP does not indicate whether a legislative initiative will be accompanied by an impact assessment; this lack of transparency runs counter to the spirit of the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making. Information on the Commission's 'Have your say' portal shows that, at the time of writing, two thirds of the up to 48 legislative initiatives were expected to be accompanied by an impact assessment (though the final number may be higher). The annual evaluation plan presented in Annex II of the CWP, comprising 20 evaluations, does not appear exhaustive. Finally, the communication on Better Regulation, expected in Q2 2026, may entail a revision of the Better Regulation Guidelines, the first since 2021.
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La cérémonie de remise du Prix Sakharov 2025 pour la liberté de l’esprit aux lauréats Andrzej Poczobut et Mzia Amaglobeli se tiendra le mardi 16 décembre.
Commission des affaires étrangères
Commission du développement
Sous-commission "Droits de l'homme"

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The Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) will hold a workshop on the Human rights dimension of EU-Latin America relations in the context of the EU-CELAC Summit on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, from 15:00 to17:30.

Organised with the Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly, in the aftermath of the recent summit where EU-27 and CELAC-33 leaders committed to further enhance cooperation, the meeting aims to turn the focus to human rights.

It will open with a testimonial from Sakharov Prize Laureate 1992 Asociación Madres de la Plaza de Mayo. Prof. Par Engstrom, from University College London will set the scene for each panel - providing first an overview of the situation of human rights in Latin America and then turning to human rights accountability mechanisms, seeking the best ways for the EU to engage - and Prof. Maria Garcia, from Bath university, will speak in the forward-looking panel.

Discussions will further bring together representatives from the International Federation for Human Rights and Human Rights Watch, as well as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the European External Action Service and the European Commission.

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

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On Thursday, 4 December 2025, at 9:00-10:45, the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) will hold a workshop on Mechanisms of international justice to fight impunity. Against the backdrop of challenges and attacks on multilateral institutions, the discussion will explore how international tribunals, universal jurisdiction and transitional justice processes can contribute to accountability, justice and reparation for victims at international level.
Two prominent academics will present their study on the matter, Prof. Veronika Bílková and Dr Federica Cristani from the Institute of International Relations in Prague, with findings and recommendations. The workshop will then turn to a forward-looking discussion a possible EU strategy to protect the international system of justice, bringing together representatives from FIDH - The Global Initiative Against Impunity for International Crimes and Serious Human Rights Violations, the Open Society Foundation, and the European External Action Service.
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The policy dialogue on “Transnational Repression (TNR): Mapping Trends and Improving Responses” is jointly organised by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights), the European Parliament Sub-committee on Human Rights (DROI) and the European External Action Service (EEAS), in collaboration with the Tackling TNR Europe Civil Society Working Group.
TNR constitutes an increasing danger both by posing systemic threats to human rights, civic space, democratic institutions and the rule of law and by frequently undermining national security, sovereignty and legal order of host states.

Policy makers and experts from EU institutions, the UN, Member States, civil society and academia will come together to exchange views about their findings and experiences, and explore ways to improve responses to TNR, including through policy initiatives, synergies and collaborations. This is a concrete follow-up action by DROI on the recently adopted by the Parliament report on Addressing TNR of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs).

Location : European Parliament (ASP 1G2)
Programme
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The European Parliament Sub-committee on Human Rights (DROI) is jointly organising with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) and the European External Action Service (EEAS), and in collaboration with the Tackling TNR Europe Civil Society Working Group, a policy dialogue on “Transnational Repression (TNR): Mapping Trends and Improving Responses”, which will take place on 4 December (11.00-12.30) in the European Parliament (ASP 1G2).

TNR constitutes an increasing danger both by posing systemic threats to human rights, civic space, democratic institutions and the rule of law and by frequently undermining national security, sovereignty and legal order of host states.

Policy makers and experts from EU institutions, the UN, Member States, civil society and academia will come together to exchange views about their findings and experiences, and explore ways to improve responses to TNR, including through policy initiatives, synergies and collaborations. This is a concrete follow-up action by DROI on the recently adopted by the Parliament report on Addressing TNR of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs).

Event page
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Source : © Union européenne, 2025 - PE

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The next meeting of the Subcommittee on Human Rights is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 3 December and Thursday, 4 December 2025, in Brussels.
DROI meetings - 2025
DROI meetings - 2026
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Durée de la vidéo : 90'

Clause de non-responsabilité : L'interprétation des débats facilite la communication mais ne constitue en aucun cas un enregistrement authentifié des débats. Seuls le discours original ou la traduction écrite révisée du discours original peuvent être considérés authentiques.
Source : © Union européenne, 2025 - PE

The Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE) held a joint public hearing on “The Human Rights Situation in Sudan and the EU Strategy” on 11 November 2025. The hearing brought together Sakharov Prize Laureate Salih Mahmoud Osman and experts from the United Nations and civil society.
Against the backdrop of the current acute humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan, the discussion examined the situation on the ground and considered how the European Union can strengthen its response, alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, and contribute to a path for justice and peace.
Location : Meeting room: Spinelli 5E2
Salih Osman on the situation in Sudan
DROI Chair on the situation in Sudan
Programme
Joint statement by High Representative Kallas and Commissioner Lahbib on the seizure of El Fasher (28-10-2025)
“A war of atrocities:” Sudan civilians deliberately targeted, UN Fact-Finding Mission reports international crimes on large-scale (05-09-2025)
Sudan: EU extends sanctions regime by one year (22-09-2025)
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Durée de la vidéo : 90'

Clause de non-responsabilité : L'interprétation des débats facilite la communication mais ne constitue en aucun cas un enregistrement authentifié des débats. Seuls le discours original ou la traduction écrite révisée du discours original peuvent être considérés authentiques.
Source : © Union européenne, 2025 - PE

Durée de la vidéo : 105'

Clause de non-responsabilité : L'interprétation des débats facilite la communication mais ne constitue en aucun cas un enregistrement authentifié des débats. Seuls le discours original ou la traduction écrite révisée du discours original peuvent être considérés authentiques.
Source : © Union européenne, 2025 - PE

Durée de la vidéo : 60'

Clause de non-responsabilité : L'interprétation des débats facilite la communication mais ne constitue en aucun cas un enregistrement authentifié des débats. Seuls le discours original ou la traduction écrite révisée du discours original peuvent être considérés authentiques.
Source : © Union européenne, 2025 - PE

The Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE) will hold a joint public hearing on “The Human Rights Situation in Sudan and the EU Strategy” on Tuesday, 11 November, from 11:00 to 12:30. The hearing will bring together Sakharov Prize Laureate Salih Mahmoud Osman and experts from the United Nations and civil society.
Against the backdrop of the current acute humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan, the discussion will examine the situation on the ground and consider how the European Union can strengthen its response, alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, and contribute to a path for justice and peace.
Location : Meeting room: Spinelli 5E2
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and the Committee on Development (DEVE) will hold a joint public hearing on “The Human Rights Situation in Sudan and the EU Strategy” on Tuesday, 11 November, from 11:00 to 12:30. The hearing will bring together Sakharov Prize Laureate Salih Mahmoud Osman and experts from the United Nations and civil society.
Against the backdrop of the current acute humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan, the discussion will examine the situation on the ground and consider how the European Union can strengthen its response, alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, and contribute to a path for justice and peace.
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

On 11 November, DROI and D-UA, together with the EP Coordinator for the Right of the Child, Vice-President Ewa Kopacz, will hold an exchange of views on the situation of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia. Speakers include the Ombudsman of Ukraine Dmytro Lubinets, Nathaniel Raymond of the Yale School of Public Health Humanitarian Research Lab, and the representatives of the Council of Europe, the European Commission and the European External Action Service.
Against the background of World's Children Day celebrated on 20 November, the meeting will give the opportunity to discuss the situation of forcibly transferred and deported Ukrainian children who have been subject of forced militarisation, pro-Russian re-education, and coerced fostering or adoption by Russian families. MEPs will listen to Mr Lubinets, the Ombudsman of Ukraine, Mr Raymond, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health which has produced multiple reports that helped locate Ukraine's abducted children, identify locations to which the children have been taken, and investigate Russia's illegal adoption and military training of the abducted children. The Special Envoy of the Council of Europe on the situation of children of Ukraine, Ms Gylfadóttir, will present work carried out at international level and EU institutions will update on upcoming activities, following the Commission's announcement of an upcoming Summit on the topic.
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