Protecting Human Rights in a Changing World: Challenges and Best Practices from an EU Perspective

Stavros Lambrinidis

Mr Stavros Lambrinidis, was appointed as EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights on 25 July 2012. His mandate has been extended until 2019. His role is to enhance the effectiveness and visibility of EU human rights policy. He has a broad, flexible mandate, giving him the ability to adapt to circumstances, and he works closely with the European External Action Service, which provides him with full support. Mr Lambrinidis is the EU's first thematic Special Representative. His appointment follows the adoption on 25 June 2012 of the EU's Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy. Mr. Lambrinidis previously held the positions of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece; Vice President of the European Parliament; the Director General of the International Olympic Truce Center; Ambassador at Large of the Hellenic Republic; Secretary General of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs; attorney at Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering in Washington, D.C.; and Managing Editor of the Yale Journal of International Law at Yale University Law School.