As we go to press the British parliament is debating how to implement the results of the 2016 referendum in which the UK voted to leave the European Union. Alessandro Pecorari, our Europe Liaison Officer, who is based at CSW’s office in Brussels, shares his thoughts and predictions on what Brexit will mean for CSW’s work at the EU going forward.
Why does CSW work with the EU?
The European Union offers CSW and other NGOs an open forum to address worldwide human rights issues. With the current political discourse surrounding Brexit, it’s easy to forget that the EU has played an important role in developing legislation that has strengthened the global human rights system. The right to freedom of religion or belief is guaranteed under Article 10 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. CSW views the EU as an essential platform for raising awareness about religious freedom violations around the world and promoting this right internationally, using instruments such as the EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief.
On top of this, the EU is the world’s largest trading power and humanitarian donor. It can engage in meaningful deals by requesting that countries protect human rights as a precondition for trade. This offers hope to many of CSW’s partners who are based in countries with weaker human rights records.
Have there been any practical changes to CSW’s work at the EU since the referendum in 2016?
The short answer is no. Since CSW’s Brussels office is registered in an EU member state, CSW’s legal presence is not challenged. We’ve maintained excellent working relationships with our many contacts in Brussels, including the European External Action Service (EEAS), various permanent representations who promote the interests of their individual member countries at the EU, non-British parliamentary officials, non-British MEPs, and other human rights organisations.
The Special Envoy for Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the EU, Jan Figel, visited our London office in May 2017 and continues to have strong relations with CSW.
Now that the UK is leaving the EU, do you envisage any other changes to CSW’s work in Brussels?
Although Brexit will certainly pose some challenges – particularly as we will no longer be able to rely on our strategic links with British MEPs – on a practical level CSW’s advocacy work is expected to continue largely unchanged. CSW remains committed to engaging with EU institutions as we advocate for freedom of religion or belief worldwide.
However, and contrary to what some may believe, in leaving the EU, the UK may not necessarily be leaving the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The Court is not an EU body, but is an organ of the Council of Europe, which the UK founded in 1949 along with nine other European nations.
We are very much in uncharted territory. Nevertheless, regardless of the final outcome of Brexit, CSW will continue to promote freedom of religion or belief for all at the EU.
