This paper focuses on the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) that
tries to promote civil society co-operation and human rights within the Euro-
Mediterranean Partnership (EMP). To this end, it explores the EMHRN’s
‘actorness’ and role in Euro-Mediterranean transnational relations in three
respects: its linkage to the intergovernmental politics of the EMP, its
participation in transnational civil society activities, and its part in the
local human rights activism of its members. Methodologically, the empirical
analysis relies primarily on document analysis and interviews and narrows its
focus down to Morocco for the last aspect. The network’s identity and
activities as an umbrella organisation for human rights are closely linked to
the EMP. It pursues a mix of strategies, including the lobbying and
consultancy, awareness-raising campaigns, service-provision to its members,
and international networking in the context of Euro-Mediterranean relations.
It assumes various functions vis-à-vis European institutions, national
governments, its members, and other transnational actors, leaving its nature
ambiguous and potentially compromising the effectiveness of its different
strategies. Despite all these limitations, the EMHRN definitely contributes to
‘transnationalising’ Euro-Mediterranean (human rights) politics, bringing
parts of civil society closer to the EMP – and vice versa
