By Martin Banks - 12th February 2008
MEPs have selected Mortem Kjaerum as their first choice for director of the EU fundamental rights agency (FRA).
With Dario Carminati, the Dane was one of two candidates shortlisted for the post by the commission.
Both appeared before the civil liberties committee on Monday where they were questioned about their suitability for the job by MEPs.
Kjaerum, aged 50, has 23 years of human rights experience and currently directs the Danish Institute for Human Rights.
He told deputies that "the FRA is a good possibility to strengthen human rights" and should be "highly interactive" with the institutional and civil society networks.
He added, "I would like to create a focal point for innovative work, a place you turn to for an inspiring debate.”
Kjaerum also stressed that, if appointed as director, he would seek new ways to step up dialogue with MEPs, including holding informal workshops on sensitive topics.
When asked by Dutch Greens MEP Kathalijne Buitenweg about national government breaches of human rights, he said "naming and shaming is important but would not be my first approach."
Carminati, aged 55, a senior UNCHR member, told the packed meeting he believes the agency can become an “important step forward in reinforcing a global EU vision towards human rights.”
He said the agency could also help reduce the gap between citizens, EU institutions and national parliaments by engaging all parties in a “fruitful dialogue.”
The final choice will be made by the management board of the FRA, which was founded last March.
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