In response to worrying developments within a particular country, the EU delegations can release local statements, expressing the EU’s position and calling for particular action on the part of the state. Local statements often denounce breaches of human rights and highlight cases of individuals (frequently human rights defenders) targeted for their legitimate activities2. Local statements serve to raise the profile of such cases and condemn their occurrence, serving a role in persuading the authorities to improve their record in this domain. Finally, the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights, who has been tasked with being the high-level face and voice of EU human rights policy internationally, is required to remain in regular contact with civil society organisations both in Brussels and in the field in order to mainstream human rights issues throughout EU policy. The IRCT Brussels office will actively reach out to the EUSR to encourage meetings with members, especially those working in particularly difficult conditions – facing threats of trial or imprisonment or located in remote areas. Members are also advised to request to attend meetings with the EUSR if they are aware of his visit to their country. Human rights country strategies The human rights country strategies (HRCS) are evaluation and planning papers developed by EU delegations on the ground which set out three year strategies and priorities for EU action on human rights in individual countries. The priorities contained within them are to be taken into account in human rights and political dialogues at all levels, in policy making and when programming and implementing financial assistance for third countries. During the drafting phase, local civil society is consulted on the contents of the country strategies; these consultations continue during the implementation and evaluation of the strategies. Each country strategy contains three priority issues considered to be of prime importance to the human rights situation in the country in question. While the HRCS themselves are designed to be confidential, delegations have been instructed to verbally share the priorities with civil society upon request. Members should contact their local EU delegation to ask about the priorities set for their country, if torture is included within them and share any such information with the IRCT Brussels office. 2. For an example, see a local EU statement on the harassment of human rights defenders in Zimbabwe which mentions the IRCT member centre in Zimbabwe, the Counseling Services Unit (CSU): http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/zimbabwe/press_corner/ all_news/news/2012/20121112_en.htm Engaging with European Union foreign policy on the ground – an IRCT guide 9