EU appoints new Special Representative for human rights
On 19 October, the Council of the European Union appointed Ilze Brands Kehris as EU Special Representative (EUSR) for human rights.
The EU Special Representative will continue the work of her predecessor Kajsa Ollongren to contribute to the implementation of the EU’s policy on human rights and the EU’s positions on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law and support for international criminal justice. She will also help establish a stronger European voice through engagement on human rights with governments in third countries and international and regional organisations, and with civil society and other relevant actors.
The Special Representative will work closely with the European External Action Service, EU delegations and EU institutions to ensure the effectiveness and visibility of EU human rights policy in external actions.
Brands Kehris is a Latvian national. Most recently, she served as Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights and Director of the New York Office of the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights from January 2020 until May 2026. A human rights specialist, she has extensive experience across a wide range of leadership positions in the United Nations and in national and regional human rights organisations, including as member and Chairperson of the Management Board of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency.
She will immediately take up her duties for a period lasting until 29 February 2028.
EU Special Representatives promote the EU’s policies and interests in certain regions and countries as well as on issues of particular concern or interest for the EU. They play an active role in efforts to consolidate reforms, stability and the rule of law. The first EU Special Representatives were appointed in 1996. Currently, eleven EUSRs support the work of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
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