Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union

Summary

Legally binding EU Charter (binding since the Lisbon Treaty, December 2009) enshrining fundamental rights applicable to EU institutions and member states when implementing EU law. Includes freedom of expression (Art 11), assembly and association (Art 12), asylum (Art 18), non-discrimination (Art 21) and prohibition of collective expulsion (Art 19).

Relevance to the diaspora

Tamil diaspora members resident in EU member states can invoke the Charter against counter-terrorism measures that disproportionately restrict Tamil political expression (Art 11), and against deportation to Sri Lanka without individualised risk assessment (Arts 18, 19).

Key provisions

• Art. 11 — freedom of expression and information
• Art. 12 — freedom of assembly and of association
• Art. 18 — right to asylum (incorporating 1951 Refugee Convention)
• Art. 19 — protection in the event of removal, expulsion or extradition
• Art. 21 — non-discrimination (including ethnic origin)

Primary source

Related entries

• → EU Council Common Position 2001/931/CFSP (EU Terrorist List) (EU)
• → European Convention on Human Rights — Articles 10, 11 (Expression and Assembly) (ECHR)
• → Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees 1951 and Protocol 1967 (UN)