The aim of these documents is to step up the EU’s human rights profile when dealing with countries outside of the European Union. The Council also decided to appoint a European Union Special Representative for Human Rights whose mandate is to strengthen the effectiveness and the visibility of the EU's human rights policy.

In relation to LGBT issues, the package provides for the development of a clear EU strategy on how to cooperate with third countries on human rights of LGBT people, including within the UN and the Council of Europe. The Action Plan also envisages development of guidelines for EU institutions, EU Member State capitals, EU Delegations, Representations and Embassies based on the Toolkit to Promote and Protect the Enjoyment of all Human Rights by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) People adopted in 2010.

ILGA-Europe welcomes these important developments in the EU’s foreign policy in regards to the human rights of LGBT people and looks forward to the timely, transparent and thorough implementation of the Action Plan.

We look forward to offer our expertise to the officials and staff of the European Union’s External Service and all other relevant institutions towards the development of the guidelines and the strategy. In addition, ILGA-Europe expects that

1) the staff of the EU Delegations receive awareness raising and sensitisation trainings on LGBT issues

2) national and local LGBT organisations are invited to contribute to the development of the EU strategy.

While we welcome this important development in the EU External Policies, we would like to remind the EU institutions and its Member States, that it is equally important to remain vigilant regarding the human rights situation of LGBT people within the EU and encourage the EU to adopt a Roadmap on LGBT issues.

EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/131181.pdf

Toolkit to Promote and Protect the Enjoyment of all Human Rights by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) People: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cmsUpload/st11179.en10.pdf