Roles of the European Union as a Promoter of Human Rights

Promotion of human rights has taken an important place in the policy areas of the European Union. From its establishment, the EU has aimed at strengthening peace and prosperity in the region and beyond. It has considered the protection of democratic values and human rights as issues of major concern in its internal as well as external affairs. Within the framework of its treaties, policies and programs, the EU has supported and urged Visegrad countries to enhance their human rights situations. This book particularly aimed at assessing these roles of the EU in promoting human rights and the achievements of the Visegrad countries in strengthening human rights after their membership accession discussions with the EU. The First chapter of the book deals with the introductory backgrounds and the second chapter links the theoretical framework. In the third chapter, the thesis analyses and interprets the provisions on human rights in the EU's treaties, policies and programs by assessing its role as a promoter of human rights. The fourth chapter presents a situational analysis of the Visegrad countries followed by the conclusion in the fifth chapter.