In terms of human rights 2012 was the year of coherence: The EU adopted the first Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy and appointed its first Special Representative for Human Rights. At the Council of Europe, the importance of coherence in executing judgments and in improving the efficiency of justice remains high. And the story of OSCE’s human dimension proves to be one of ensuring policy coherence. Defining and discussing key developments in human rights, the fifth edition of the European Yearbook on Human Rights brings together 26 contributions by renowned human rights experts that provide a much needed overview and sought-after analysis. Edited jointly by representatives of four major European human rights research, teaching and training institutions, the Yearbook 2013 covers extensively all relevant developments in the field of the three main organizations charged with securing human rights in Europe: EU, Council of Europe and OSCE. A further chapter contains contributions on the role of civil society in human rights protection and on cross-cutting topics. Pursuing a holistic approach and containing detailed analyses, the European Yearbook on Human Rights 2013 provides readers with both a comprehensive overview and deep understanding of the events and issues that have shaped the human rights debate in Europe in 2012 and will shape it in the future. The impressive array of authors – academics and diplomats, practioners and human rights experts – makes the book essential reading for anyone interested in human rights in Europe and beyond.