27.7.2012 Official Journal of the European Union L 200/21 COUNCIL DECISION 2012/440/CFSP of 25 July 2012 appointing the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 28, Article 31(2) and Article 33 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Whereas: (1)  On 12 December 2011, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) presented, also on behalf of the Commission, a joint communication to the European Parliament and the Council entitled ‘Human Rights and Democracy at the heart of EU external action — towards a more effective approach’. (2)  On 25 June 2012, the Council adopted the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy and the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy. (3) A European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights should therefore be appointed to strengthen the effectiveness and the visibility of the Union’s human rights policy and contribute to the imple- mentation of its objectives, in support of and without prejudice to the role of the HR under the Treaty in representing the Union for matters relating to the Common Foreign and Security Policy, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Atticle 1 Appointment Mr Stavros LAMBRINIDIS is hereby appointed as the EUSR for Human Rights until 30 June 2014. The mandate of the EUSR may be terminated earlier, if the Council so decides, on a proposal from the HR. Atticle 2 Policy objectives The mandate of the EUSR shall be based on the policy objectives of the Union regarding human rights as set out in the Treaty, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union as well as the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy and the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy: (a) enhancing the Union’s effectiveness, presence and visibility in protecting and promoting human rights, notably by deepening Union cooperation and political dialogue with third countries, relevant partners, business, civil society and international and regional organisations and through action in relevant international fora; (b) enhancing the Union’s contribution to the strengthening of democracy and institution building, the rule of law, good governance, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide; (c) improving the coherence of Union action on human rights and the integration of human rights in all areas of the Union’s external action. Article 3 Mandate In order to achieve the policy objectives, the mandate of the EUSR shall be to: (a) contribute to the implementation of the Union’s human rights policy, in particular the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy and the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy, including by formulating recommendations in this regard; (b) contribute to the implementation of Union guidelines, toolkits and action plans on human rights and international humanitarian law; (c) enhance dialogue with governments in third countries and international and regional organisations on human rights as well as with civil society organisations and other relevant actors in order to ensure the effectiveness and the visibility of the Union’s human rights policy; (d) contribute to better coherence and consistency of the Union policies and actions in the area of protection and promotion of human rights notably by providing input to the formu- lation of relevant policies of the Union. Atticle 4 Implementation of the mandate 1. The EUSR shall be responsible for the implementation of the mandate, acting under the authority of the HR. 2. The Political and Security Committee (PSC) shall maintain a privileged link with the EUSR and shall be the EUSR’s primary point of contact with the Council. The PSC shall provide the EUSR with strategic guidance and political direction within the framework of the mandate, without prejudice to the powers of the HR.