In terms of multilateral issues, both sides discussed country and thematic resolutions in particular issues related to discrimination against persons based on sexual orientation and gender identity, empowerment of women, Trans National Corporations and other business enterprises, business and human rights, Human Rights Defenders, the right to development and the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights globally, the promotion and protection of children's rights as well as private military and security companies and defending access to justice and protecting victims. At the domestic level, the discussions focused on the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance as well as policing and human rights.
The EU and South Africa value this Human Rights Dialogue as a platform to listen and understand each other's concerns and positions and to build bridges, particularly on points of disagreement.
Both sides welcomed, as one of the political deliverables of last year's Human Rights Dialogue, the high level panel event in Geneva that the EU and South Africa organised together with Denmark on "Why we should invest in rehabilitating victims of torture". Both sides agreed to explore ways they could do more together in the future to promote priority issues of common interest and expand cooperation including follow up to the torture event and on migrant children. Both parties shared information on current developments and discussions on ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Human Rights Council.
The ICC was raised by the EU. Both parties decided to consult with relevant stakeholders domestically, with a view to convene a dedicated meeting between SA and the EU as soon as possible and before the EU-SA Summit in 2017.
Both parties agreed on the centrality of civil society's contribution to democracy and human rights and agreed to engage CSOs at a mutually agreed future date, as encapsulated in the modalities document of their Human Rights Dialogue.