‘The establishment of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime is a landmark initiative to underscore the EU’s determination to enhance its role in addressing serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide.’ – Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
In December 2020 the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime was officially adopted. This week join us in thanking God for this new human rights mechanism and pray that it would be effective, particularly in helping to protect and promote the right to freedom of religion or belief around the world.
Sunday 20 June
On 7 December 2020, the EU adopted this latest human rights mechanism, which enables the bloc to impose EU-wide travel bans on individuals or groups associated with severe human rights abuses, freeze their assets and prohibit the availability of funds to them. Thank God for the EU’s determination to speak out against human rights violations.
Monday 21 June
The US Magnitsky Act, a similar scheme, has been used to impose sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations in China’s Uyghur region. The UK equivalent has targeted military generals from Myanmar/ Burma involved in systematic violence against the Rohingyas. Pray that the EU mechanism would also be used to impose sanctions on those guilty of religious freedom violations.
Tuesday 22 June
Thank God for the EU Member States, most notably the Netherlands, which pushed at a national level for this mechanism to be adopted in 2019. Praise God too for the rapid consensus among EU Member States.
Wednesday 23 June
Pray that the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime will also provide opportunity for greater information-sharing and stronger co-operation on human rights with other countries, such as the UK, the US and Canada.
Thursday 24 June
Unfortunately, the EU mechanism, much like the other regimes that preceded it, doesn’t allow for civil society - that is, NGOs like CSW - to contribute to a formal consultation and review process. Pray that this would be considered and that civil society would be able to offer their expertise and insight through a clear and effective framework.
Friday 25 June
‘The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.’ (Proverbs 4:7) Pray for discernment for the EU High Representative and the European Council, that they would discern well when to make use of these sanctions.
Saturday 26 June
Lord Jesus Christ, we ask you to bless our advocacy at the EU. We pray that the EU Member States, which have demonstrated their commitment to protecting human rights through this new sanctions programme, would speak out against injustice and stand united on behalf of all facing discrimination on account of their religious beliefs. Amen.