The Human Rights Working Group (COHOM) was created, under the Council of the European Union, in 1987 (with the extension of its mandate in 2003) and it is responsible for human rights issues in the EU's external relations. It is composed of human rights experts from Member States and the European Commission.
The Human Rights Working Group meets regularly. The agendas of meetings cover the various aspects of the EU's human rights policy such as action in international fora (Human Rights Council, UN General Assembly), dialogues with third countries, thematic issues and mainstreaming. The agenda always includes standing items on human rights situations of urgent concern.
COHOM promotes the systematic inclusion of human rights issues in the agenda of expert’s meetings on thematic issues or geographical regions and at summits between the EU and third countries. The Hellenic Presidency will host the informal COHOM meeting in Athens, on 13 and 14 March 2014.