Here is some info from the FAQ of this EU contact site:
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/opengov/faq_en.htm#4
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2 What is the European Parliament doing for human rights?
The European Parliament receives regular reports on the human rights situation in the EU Member States and the rest of the world. In accordance with Article 177 of the EC Treaty, it advocates the inclusion of the human rights clause in all cooperation aid agreements, such as the Convention between the European Union and 77 African, Caribbean and Pacific states (the ACP States). Under this 'democracy clause', aid to countries guilty of serious and persistent breaches of human rights may be suspended.
Furthermore, in 1998 the European Parliament established the Sakharov Prize, awarded each year to honour individuals or organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to upholding human rights.
The fundamental rights of European Union citizens are also protected by two instruments, namely:
the
Charter of Fundamental Rights, in connection with the implementation of EU law by Community bodies and institutions and by the Member States (see Articles 47 and 51 of the Charter);
the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, that the European Court of Human Rights (which comes under the Council of Europe, an international organisation based in Strasbourg that is independent of the European Union) is responsible for enforcing. Matters may only be brought before the court once all the means of redress available at national level have been exhausted.
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4 Problems with the national judicial systems
By virtue of the principle of the separation of judicial and legislative powers, the European Parliament cannot intervene in matters relating to national judicial systems. The courts are independent and their rulings, once they have become final and binding, are not subject to appeal.
However, should you consider that your fundamental rights are being infringed (for instance, pursuant to a provision of national law), you can appeal to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, which comes under the Council of Europe. The court is responsible for enforcing the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. Matters may, however, only be brought before the court once all the means of redress available at national level have been exhausted.
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