As someone living in the EU, my rights and freedoms are laid out in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. In this document, the EU makes it clear that everyone is born free and equal in the respect and rights they deserve. The charter ensures that citizens of the EU – people of different age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion and opinion – can live side by side in peace and harmony. These principles are made possible by the EU rule of law, which means that everyone in each society has the same freedoms and legal rights and should receive the same treatment. It safeguards my right to vote and prevents governments abusing their power.