Ilze Brands Kehris appointed EU Special Representative for human rights

The Council of the European Union has appointed Ilze Brands Kehris as the new EU Special Representative (EUSR) for human rights. A Latvian national, Brands Kehris will hold the position until February 29, 2028.

Brands Kehris brings extensive experience from the United Nations, where she served as Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights and Director of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in New York from January 2020 to May 2026. She has also previously served as a member and chair of the Management Board of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights.

In her new role, she will implement EU human rights policies, promote international humanitarian law, and support international criminal justice. Her mandate includes engaging with third-country governments, international and regional organizations, and civil society to strengthen the European voice in human rights matters. She will work closely with the European External Action Service and EU delegations to ensure the visibility and effectiveness of the Union's human rights policies.