98/350/CFSP: Common Position of 25 May 1998 defined by the Council on the basis of Article J.2 of the Treaty on European Union, concerning human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance in Africa

The objective of the Union is to work in partnership with African countries to promote respect for human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance. This approach shall serve as a framework for the actions of the Member States. The aim of this common position is to contribute to the coherence of external Union activities in Africa, including appropriate policy responses. The Union recognises that democratisation is a process which can be assisted by appropriate support from the international community, including the Union, and that many African countries have successfully introduced reforms in recent years which have improved the ability of individuals to enjoy human rights and democratic processes.

The Union fully recognises the right of sovereign states to establish their own constitutional arrangements and to institute their own administrative structures according to their history, culture, tradition and social and ethnic composition. In this framework, the Union is committed to encourage and support the on-going democratisation process in Africa on the basis of respect for the following principles: (a) protection of human rights (civil and political, and social, economic and cultural); (b) respect of basic democratic principles, including: the right to choose and change leaders in free and fair elections, separation of legislative, executive and judicial powers, guarantees of freedom of expression, information, association and political organisation; (c) the rule of law, which permits citizens to defend their rights and which implies a legislative and judicial power giving full effect to human rights and fundamental freedoms and a fair, accessible and independent judicial system; (d) good governance, including the transparent and accountable management of all a country's resources for the purposes of equitable and sustainable development.

(a) When deciding policy towards individual countries, the Union shall take into account their points of departure and the direction and pace of change within them, as well as the policy commitments of the respective governments. The Union shall give high priority to a positive and constructive approach that encourages human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance. (b) The Union, working with both governments and civil society on the basis of partnership and cooperation, shall consider increasing its support for African countries in which positive changes have taken place and where the governments concerned are engaged in promoting positive change. Where changes are negative, the Union shall consider the appropriate responses that could help reverse those developments on the basis of the principles laid down in the resolution adopted on 28 November 1991.

The Council notes that the Commission intends to direct its action towards achieving the objectives and the priorities of this common position, where appropriate, by pertinent Community measures.

Union activities in implementation of this common position shall be reviewed on a six-monthly basis.

This common position shall take effect on the day of its adoption.

This common position shall be published in the Official Journal.