Mairead McGuinness is set to be appointed as Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the EU.
The former Fine Gael Member of the European Parliament and Commissioner for Financial Services will be responsible for promoting freedom of religion as part of fundamental human rights.
The European Commission said "The EU is committed to promoting and protecting human rights at home and abroad ... this role is essential to promoting peaceful and open societies."
Ms McGuinness withdrew from the race for the Presidential election last year, after an illness.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee congratulated Ms McGuinness on her appointment, saying: "As Special Envoy, Mairead McGuinness will play an important part in the EU’s efforts to protect freedom of religion or belief around the world.
"Protecting and promoting human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is a key part of Ireland’s foreign policy. The right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion is a fundamental human right, recognised in Article 18 of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
"Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution based on religion or belief. It regularly raises these issues at the United Nations, including at the UN Human Rights Council and during the Universal Periodic Review process, which evaluates the human rights records of all UN Member States.
"Within the EU, Ireland works with other countries to address the persecution of religious communities. The current EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy (2020–2024), now extended to 2027, includes a clear commitment to strengthen efforts to tackle discrimination of all kinds, including on the basis of religion or belief. During its EU Presidency, Ireland will continue to push for stronger action in this area."
