Human Rights
How does EU policy help to make Ireland a fair and safe place to live?
As Irish people, we value our right to live in a society that prizes freedom, equality and individual dignity. One of the abiding principles of the European Union is that all of its citizens should have equal rights, including the right to live in a fair and safe society.
Our EU membership has brought Ireland strong declarations combating discrimination, racism, and xenophobia. Closer co-operation on security and justice means that Ireland benefits from sharing information with fellow EU members to tackle organised crime across EU borders, and to control the flow of immigration from non-EU countries.
How do Irish people benefit from EU policy in this area?
Our rights are protected
The EU makes sure that all member states guarantees the fundamental human rights of all its citizen are upheld and improved. personal, civic, political, economic and social rights.
The EU fights against discrimination based on religion, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation. As EU citizens, we are all equal.
Ireland is kept safe
Organisations such as Europol help protect Ireland from cross-border organised crime.
The Gardaí benefit from co-operation and shared intelligence with their EU counterparts, and work with them to tackle and take down cross-border drug-smuggling, prostitution and paedophile rings.
Closer co-operation on justice matters, including the introduction of the European Arrest Warrant, means Irish criminals hiding in other EU countries can be brought to justice with the cooperation of fellow EU police services and the Gardaí.
We continue to contribute to peace
Ireland has a proud and long-standing history of peace-keeping. Closer co-operation on security issues means that Ireland, on its own terms, can contribute to EU peace-keeping missions.
Future freedom: looking forward
The EU is constantly working to promote equality and freedom across the European Union. Furthermore, the EU works all around the world to promote democracy and human rights, and helps with electoral observation and assistance in non-member countries.
Many current and future initiatives will help Ireland be a fair and safe place for all of us, including:
- Projects and schemes to tackle issues like discrimination, gender equality, and the treatment of minorities
- Closer co-operation on security issues, so the EU will be better prepared to deal with international crises and engage in peace-keeping missions, and as always, Ireland will keep the choice of whether or not to participate
- Continuing to work and introduce legislation in order to improve the rights of the disabled, and tackle racism and xenophobia
Long term, the EU will continue to use its influence to encourage non-member states to ensure better human rights. The EU already works on combatting human trafficking, the death penalty, torture, war crimes and the use of children as soldiers in non-member states.
Learn more
Human rights in Europe
EU Fundamental Rights Agency
European Charter of Fundamental Rights
EU External Relations and human rights
The EU in the world
Freedom, security and justice in the EU
EU campaign -For diversity, against discrimination
Watch EU videos on external relations
Watch EU videos on justice, freedom and security