In the annual report on the human rights situation, the Parliament condemns censorship, threats against independent press, and the steadily shrinking public space for civil society.
It is time for the EU to genuinely promote and defend these universal values, the Euro-parliament states. This can be done by taking action. Examples include suspending projects that directly or indirectly contribute to human rights violations in non-EU countries. The EU can also incorporate human rights clauses in trade agreements with third countries.
Dutch MEP Catarina Vieira (GroenLinks-PvdA), co-author of the report, expressed her concerns in Strasbourg. 'If the EU gives up its commitment to human rights, how can we expect others to uphold them? Do we want to live in a world where international law is just an idea?'
Worldwide, democratic values are increasingly violated, and respect for international humanitarian law is declining. The MEPs condemn the reduced protection of democratic institutions and procedures. They also regret the many political attacks on international institutions.
Furthermore, the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice in The Hague again received support from the European Parliament. These institutions are seen as 'essential, independent, and impartial judicial bodies in a particularly difficult time for international justice.'
The MEPs also express deep concern about the sanctions imposed by several countries on the International Criminal Court in The Hague. They view these measures as 'a serious attack on the international legal system.' They urge the European Commission to urgently implement the blocking regulation.
Special attention was given to attacks on the media. The Parliament is concerned about growing censorship and other threats against independent press. There is also the ever-shrinking space for civil society, and the Parliament is worried about women’s rights, which are under pressure.