On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted three resolutions on the human rights situations in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Egypt. Human rights situation in Afghanistan, in particular the persecution of former government officials Parliament strongly denounces the severe human rights violations in Afghanistan and warns that since the Taliban takeover of the country the frequency of human […]
EU and OHCHR held third annual Strategic Consultations
The EU and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights held their third annual Strategic Consultations in Brussels. The Consultations reviewed ongoing strategic cooperation and discussed future priorities. The exchange focused on global trends in human rights, including the ongoing pushback against the universality and indivisibility of human rights. The EU and the […]
European Parliament regrets the deterioration of democracy and human rights in Cuba
The European Parliament on Wednesday condemned the systematic violations and abuses of human rights in Cuba and called for EU sanctions starting with President Miguel Díaz-Canel. With 359 votes in favour, 226 against and 50 abstentions, the plenary adopted a resolution – following the debate in plenary on 13 June – calling on the Cuban […]
Council targets seven individuals over serious human rights violations
The Council has decided to impose a ninth package of restrictive measures on an additional 7 individuals responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran. The new listings include the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Isfahan province and the Deputy Judge of the Provincial Criminal Court of Isfahan province, who are responsible for the trials […]
Human rights breaches by Russia, in Sudan and in Hong Kong
On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted three resolutions on the respect for human rights by Russia, in Sudan and in Hong Kong. Torture and criminal prosecution of Ukrainian minors Tihran Ohannisian and Mykyta Khanhanov by the Russian Federation Parliament demands that the proceedings against Tihran Ohannisian and Mykyta Khanhanov should end and the charges against […]
Council agrees stronger press freedom and free speech protection
EU member states have reached a common position (general approach) on a draft law which will protect journalists and human rights defenders against manifestly unfounded claims or abusive court proceedings. Such so-called strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) are an increasing phenomenon to silence people who speak out on issues of public interest. The draft […]
EU imposes sanctions against nine russian individuals for violations of human rights
The Council imposed restrictive measures against nine individuals, under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, for sentencing the Russian opposition politician, democracy activist and outspoken Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison on politically motivated charges and false allegations. The EU strongly condemns the ruling and calls on Russia to immediately and unconditionally release Vladimir Kara-Murza and all […]
A delegation of MEPs visit Costa Rica to discuss joint challenges and challenges
The delegation of MEPs in charge of relations with Central America is visiting Costa Rica to evaluate the bilateral relationship and discuss: Human Rights, national policy, migration, sustainable development and environment. The group of MEPs led by the President of the Delegation for Relations with Central American Countries, Tilly Metz, will be in Costa Rica […]
Council adopts new rules to cut deforestation worldwide
The Council gave the final go-ahead to a regulation that aims to minimise the risk of deforestation and forest degradation associated with products that are placed on or exported from the EU market. The EU is a large consumer and trader of commodities and products that play a substantial part in deforestation. The new rules […]