2021/2204(INI) The EU Guidelines of Human Rights Defenders
Lead committee dossier:
Progress: Procedure completed
| Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | AFET |
NEUMANN Hannah ( Verts/ALE)
|
OCHOJSKA Janina ( EPP),
GLUCKSMANN Raphaël ( S&D),
CSEH Katalin ( Renew),
KANKO Assita ( ECR),
URBÁN CRESPO Miguel ( GUE/NGL)
|
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54
Legal Basis:
RoP 54Events
2023/03/16
EP - Results of vote in Parliament
Documents
2023/03/16
EP - Decision by Parliament
Details
The European Parliament adopted by 400 votes to 43, with 86 abstentions, a resolution on EU guidelines on human rights defenders.
Parliament recalled that human rights defenders are key allies in the EU's efforts to protect and promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law and to prevent conflicts worldwide. It is therefore in the essential interest of the EU and its Member States to support and protect their activities.
Overall assessment of the EU's strategic framework
Members welcome the EU policy framework for human rights defenders, which has developed over the last 20 years around the guidelines adopted in June 2004 and revised in 2008. However, they consider that the overall implementation of the Guidelines by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Commission and the Member States has been uneven , focusing mainly on reactive measures, lacking consistency in the overall implementation of the strategy and characterised by insufficient visibility of EU action and channels of support for human rights defenders.
Stressing that the human rights defenders dimension has yet to be mainstreamed throughout the Union's external action in a systematic and consistent manner, Parliament called on the EU to strengthen its policy framework for human rights development through continuous, concrete and effective action in third countries, in particular in its relations with authoritarian regimes and in places with which the EU and its Member States have concluded association, trade, investment or cooperation agreements, or have important commercial, energy, security, migratory and other interests.
Team Europe - Working together for maximum impact
The resolution called on the EU to implement a genuine Team Europe approach to human rights defenders, encouraging Member States that are not yet active on human rights development issues to develop a specific strategy and framework for action . Such an approach, through which all EU institutions and actors, including the EU Special Representative on Human Rights, as well as the Member States, would work together on implementing the Guidelines, would prove effective in helping to counter the global backsliding of human rights and democracy.
The EU is invited to increase its institutional capacity , both in Brussels and in its delegations, in order to be able to adequately respond to the worsening environment faced by human rights defenders.
Greater focus on prevention and funding needs
Parliament underlined the importance of putting the protection of human rights defenders at the heart of the EU’s political engagement with and diplomatic agenda for third countries. The Commission and the Member States should prioritise:
- the systematic identification of key allies within third-country authorities and institutions,
- increased financial support for the establishment and strengthening of national human rights institutions;
- the strengthening of domestic legislation and policies on human rights defenders, in line with the UN framework on human rights defenders;
- the promotion of national campaigns, networks and structures to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of human rights defenders;
- efforts to encourage governments to dedicate sufficient funding to the protection of human rights defenders;
- assistance to develop independent mechanisms to address the climate of impunity for violations committed against human rights defenders;
- the provision of training for human rights defenders on issues such as reporting human rights violations and attacks against them.
Members reiterated their call on the Commission to strictly refrain from providing budgetary support to third-country governments responsible for widespread human rights violations and repression of human rights defenders.
New challenges
The resolution called, inter alia , for (i) implementing the Guidelines with a gender perspective ; (ii) addressing climate protection as a separate issue in its policy on human rights defenders; (iii) integrating violence against human rights defenders into its crisis management policy, (iv) prioritising the fight against the misuse of surveillance technologies in the field of human rights defenders; and (v) addressing the issue of human rights defenders in the context of the UN Human Rights Council, (iii) integrate violence against human rights defenders into its crisis management policy; (iv) prioritising the fight against the misuse of surveillance technologies to undermine the work of human rights defenders; (v) integrating the protection of the rights of human rights defenders, in particular trade union representatives and defenders of land, indigenous peoples' rights and the environment, into its corporate sustainability due diligence directive and its trade agreements and instruments.
The resolution stressed that visas are an essential protection tool and that, to effectively assist human rights defenders at risk, the Commission should take a proactive role in the establishment of a European multiple-entry visa system for these defenders.
European Parliament oversight and practical support
Parliament reiterated its commitment to playing a leading role in shaping and enhancing the EU’s action in support of human rights defenders, notably through its plenary urgency resolutions and debates, the work of its Subcommittee on Human Rights, specifically reports and hearings, its missions to third countries and international and regional organisations and its annual Sakharov Prize.
Parliament decided to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights defenders, including through: (i) the adoption of a new European Parliament strategic framework on support for human rights defenders, (ii) a more systematic dialogue with human rights defenders in all its relevant bodies, and (ii) the organisation of an annual meeting with human rights defenders by each interparliamentary delegation and the external affairs committees.
Necessary institutional and policy changes
Parliament called for, inter alia :
- a comprehensive assessment of the Union's action in favour of human rights defenders in the framework of the mid-term review of the implementation of the 2020-2024 Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy, scheduled for June 2023;
- updating the Guidelines in the light of the evolving challenges and risks faced by human rights defenders, in particular the digital transformation and online threats;
- improving communication and transparency on the implementation of the Guidelines;
- the possibility of strengthening the EU's presence in all countries of serious human rights concerns.
Parliament called on the EEAS and the Commission to systematically consult civil society representatives and human rights defenders prior to any human rights dialogue.
Documents
2023/03/16
EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2023/03/15
EP - Debate in Parliament
Documents
2023/02/17
EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Details
The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted an own-initiative report by Hannah NEUMANN (Greens/EFA, DE) on EU guidelines on human rights defenders.
Members recall that human rights defenders are key allies in the EU's efforts to protect and promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law and to prevent conflicts worldwide. It is therefore in the essential interest of the EU and its Member States to support and protect their activities.
Overall assessment of the EU's strategic framework
Members welcome the EU policy framework for human rights defenders, which has developed over the last 20 years around the guidelines adopted in June 2004 and revised in 2008. However, they consider that the overall implementation of the Guidelines by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Commission and the Member States has been uneven , focusing mainly on reactive measures, lacking consistency in the overall implementation of the strategy and characterised by insufficient visibility of EU action and channels of support for human rights defenders.
The EU is called upon to strengthen its policy framework for human rights development through continuous, concrete and effective action in third countries, in particular in its relations with authoritarian regimes and in places with which the EU and its Member States have concluded association, trade, investment or cooperation agreements, or have important commercial, energy, security, migratory and other interests.
Team Europe - Working together for maximum impact
The report calls on the EU to implement a genuine Team Europe approach to human rights defenders, encouraging Member States that are not yet active on human rights development issues to develop a specific strategy and framework for action. It calls for greater consistency and a strategic overall approach in this regard and for a firm commitment by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) and his office on ensuring the consistent implementation of the Guidelines across all delegations.
Greater focus on prevention and funding needs
Members welcome the EU's substantial and steadily increasing financial contribution to supporting human rights defenders worldwide. They call for a qualitative shift towards a more comprehensive, long-term approach to ensuring the integral security of entire communities mobilised to defend their rights. They call on EU delegations to facilitate the establishment and funding of local and regional networks and movements of human rights defenders.
The report stresses the importance of placing the protection of human rights defenders at the heart of the EU's political commitment and diplomatic action vis-à-vis third countries. The Commission and Member States should give priority to: (i) systematically identifying key allies in third country authorities and institutions; (ii) providing more financial support for the establishment and strengthening of national human rights institutions; and (iii) strengthening national legislation and policies on human rights defenders.
Members reiterate their call on the Commission to refrain strictly from providing budgetary support to third country governments responsible for widespread human rights violations and repression of human rights defenders.
New challenges
The report calls, inter alia , for (i) implementing the Guidelines with a gender perspective; (ii) addressing climate protection as a separate issue in its policy on human rights defenders; (iii) integrating violence against human rights defenders into its crisis management policy, (iv) prioritising the fight against the misuse of surveillance technologies in the field of human rights defenders; and (v) addressing the issue of human rights defenders in the context of the UN Human Rights Council, (iii) integrate violence against human rights defenders into its crisis management policy; (iv) prioritising the fight against the misuse of surveillance technologies to undermine the work of human rights defenders; (v) integrating the protection of the rights of human rights defenders, in particular trade union representatives and defenders of land, indigenous peoples' rights and the environment, into its corporate sustainability due diligence directive and its trade agreements and instruments.
The report stresses that visas are an essential protection tool and that, in order to effectively assist human rights defenders at risk, the Commission should take a proactive role in the establishment of a European multiple-entry visa system for these defenders.
European Parliament oversight and practical support
The report stresses that Parliament, as a full member of Team Europe, should be fully integrated into the EU's policy on human rights defenders.
Parliament should decide to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights defenders, including through: (i) the adoption of a new European Parliament strategic framework on support for human rights defenders, (ii) a more systematic dialogue with human rights defenders in all its relevant bodies, and (ii) the organisation of an annual meeting with human rights defenders by each interparliamentary delegation and the external affairs committees.
Necessary institutional and policy changes
The report calls for, inter alia :
- the designation by each interparliamentary delegation of a human rights focal point among its bureau members;
- a comprehensive assessment of the Union's action in favour of human rights defenders in the framework of the mid-term review of the implementation of the 2020-2024 Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy, scheduled for June 2023;
- updating the Guidelines in the light of the evolving challenges and risks faced by human rights defenders, in particular the digital transformation and online threats;
- improving communication and transparency on the implementation of the Guidelines;
- the possibility of strengthening the EU's presence in all countries of serious human rights concerns.
The report calls on the EEAS and the Commission to systematically consult civil society representatives and human rights defenders prior to any human rights dialogue.
Documents
2023/02/09
EP - Vote in committee
2022/11/21
EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2022/10/24
EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2021/11/25
EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2021/05/26
EP - NEUMANN Hannah (Verts/ALE) appointed as rapporteur in AFET
Documents
- Results of vote in Parliament: Results of vote in Parliament
- Decision by Parliament: T9-0086/2023
- Debate in Parliament: Debate in Parliament
- Committee report tabled for plenary: A9-0034/2023
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE738.617
- Committee draft report: PE736.464
- Committee draft report: PE736.464
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE738.617
Activities
- Heidi HAUTALA
Plenary Speeches (3)
- Rainer WIELAND
Plenary Speeches (2)
- Miguel URBÁN CRESPO
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Clare DALY
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Katalin CSEH
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Isabel SANTOS
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Ivan Vilibor SINČIĆ
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Mick WALLACE
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Salima YENBOU
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Janina OCHOJSKA
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Carles PUIGDEMONT I CASAMAJÓ
Plenary Speeches (1)
Votes
Orientations de l'Union européenne concernant les défenseurs des droits de l'homme - The EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders - Die Leitlinien der EU zum Schutz von Menschenrechtsverteidigern - A9-0034/2023 - Hannah Neumann - § 20, partie introductive - Am 3 #
2023/03/16 Outcome: -: 420, +: 119, 0: 6
ID
NI
The Left
PPEA9-0034/2023 - Hannah Neumann - § 26/1 #
2023/03/16 Outcome: +: 456, 0: 62, -: 23
A9-0034/2023 - Hannah Neumann - § 26/3 #
2023/03/16 Outcome: +: 388, -: 115, 0: 41
A9-0034/2023 - Hannah Neumann - § 28 - Am 5S #
2023/03/16 Outcome: -: 402, +: 119, 0: 14
A9-0034/2023 - Hannah Neumann - Considérant N - Am 2 #
2023/03/16 Outcome: -: 411, +: 118, 0: 6
A9-0034/2023 - Hannah Neumann - Proposition de résolution (ensemble du texte) #
2023/03/16 Outcome: +: 400, 0: 86, -: 43
| Amendments | Dossier |
| 199 |
2021/2204(INI)
2022/11/21
AFET
199 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 16 Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas consistent, coherent EU action to support and protect HRDs can have a significant impact, such as when Member States’ missions and EU delegations coordinate their action, including by raising specific cases both bilaterally and in multilateral fora;
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 – indent 9 a (new) - The promotion of training for HRDs on such matters as reporting on human rights abuses and attacks on HRDs, local and international legal mechanisms of protection against human rights violations, and procedural rights in such cases where HRDs face criminal charges for their legitimate activities;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 – indent 9 a (new) - Assistance to develop adequate protection mechanisms against new threats against HRDs, including cyberattacks or online harassment;
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18 a. Reiterates its call on the Commission to refrain strictly from providing budget support to governments from third countries responsible for widespread violations of human rights and the repression of HRDs; conversely, calls on the Commission to step up its assistance to authorities genuinely committed to establishing an enabling environment for HRDs;
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18 a. Reiterates its call on the Commission to refrain strictly from providing budget support to governments from third countries responsible for widespread violations of human rights and the repression of HRDs; conversely, calls on the Commission to step up its assistance to authorities genuinely committed to establishing an enabling environment for HRDs;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18 a. the development of a strategy for action and to support the families and loved ones of HRDs in long-term detention;
Amendment 105 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 b (new) 18 b. Calls on the Commission to ensure that funding via the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other development and investment banks and vehicles is only given to entities implementing a sound and strictly monitored human rights policy, and which only funds businesses and operations committed to safeguarding HRDs and taking a zero- tolerance stance on threats or violence against them, identifying and assessing adverse impacts in operations, value chains and business relationships, preventing, mitigating or ceasing adverse impacts, and providing remediation;
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 b (new) 18 b. Calls on the Commission to ensure that funding via the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other development and investment banks and vehicles is only given to entities implementing a sound and strictly monitored human rights policy, and which only funds businesses and operations committed to safeguarding HRDs and taking a zero-tolerance stance on threats or violence against them, identifying and assessing adverse impacts in operations, value chains and business relationships, preventing, mitigating or ceasing adverse impacts, and providing remediation;
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 c (new) 18 c. Calls on the EU Delegations and Member States’ missions to build a genuine and comprehensive dialogue with HRDs in third countries, covering their funding, modalities for dialogue and needs for diplomatic action, and moving, where possible, to core funding of their activities;
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Stresses the importance of joining
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Stresses the importance of joining forces with UN agencies and Special Procedures, particularly the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of HRDs; asks for a greater follow-up to the recommendations made by the EU and its Member States in the framework of the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR); calls for the EU to provide financial and political support for existing regional protection mechanisms for HRDs, including the UN Economic Commission for Europe’s Special Rapporteur on environmental defenders, the Escazú Agreement and the Inter-American, African and Council of Europe regional mechanisms on HRDs; calls on the EU delegations and Member States’ missions in Geneva and New York to take effective action in response to reprisals by third countries against HRDs for their cooperation with UN bodies and to facilitate HRDs’ accreditation and interaction with multilateral forums; welcomes the practical collaboration on HRD cases between EU delegations, Member States’ missions and like-minded third countries, such as Switzerland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Canada and the USA;
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) C a. whereas the adoption of the 2012 Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy and the three successive Action Plans have provided a vision, principles and actionable measures for the EU’s support to the promotion of human rights globally and the implementation of the Guidelines;
Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Stresses the importance of joining forces with UN agencies and Special Procedures, particularly the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of HRDs; calls
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Welcomes the recent efforts by EU delegations and Member States’ missions in some third countries to reach out to activists who do not match the traditional notion of HRDs; encourages the EU to pursue a broad approach to HRDs, particularly by engaging with and providing support for local and grassroots HRDs and especially marginalised and vulnerable HRDs, such as those operating in remote areas and women, all of whom are at greater risk of experiencing violence and restrictions; calls on the EU to take advantage of online technologies, where possible and bearing in mind digital security, as well as to enhance coordination of efforts and resources of EU missions, to connect with more marginalised HRDs;
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Welcomes the recent efforts by EU delegations and Member States’ missions in some third countries to reach out to activists who do not match the traditional notion of HRDs; encourages the EU to pursue a broad approach to HRDs, particularly by engaging with and providing support for local and grassroots HRDs and especially marginalised and vulnerable HRDs, such as those operating in remote areas and women, all of whom are at greater risk of experiencing violence and restrictions; affirms the importance of ensuring a comprehensive and all- encompassing working definition of HRDs that strengthens their protection by all relevant actors;
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Welcomes the recent efforts by EU delegations and Member States’ missions
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 a (new) 20 a. Acknowledges the multiple and intersecting forms of violence and discrimination faced by women human rights defenders, including sexual and gender-based violence; urges countries to adopt effective measures to protect women defenders and to consider integrating a gender perspective into their efforts to investigate threats and attacks against human rights defenders;
Amendment 115 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Calls on the Commission to prioritise women HRDs’ access to
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Calls on the Commission to prioritise women HRDs’ access to protection mechanisms and resources, and provide increased funding to
Amendment 117 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 a (new) 21 a. Stresses the European Parliamentary Research Service European Implementation Assessment of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders which affirms that WHRDs working on SRHR represent one of the most dramatically repressed strands of global activism, and as such calls on the EU and its Member States to publicly and privately condemn attacks and threats against human rights defenders working in this area, proactively ensure adequate representation of SRHR defenders in consultations, and financially support their work;
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 a (new) 21 a. Calls on the EEAS and the Member States to support women HRDs politically and to adopt as an annex to the Guidelines, a toolkit that would provide practical steps for the EU to better meet the needs of women HRDs worldwide;
Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) C a. whereas women human rights defenders are more at risk of being subjected to certain forms of violence and other violations, prejudice, exclusion, and repudiation than their male counterparts;
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Stresses that the EU should address climate activism as an integral human rights issue under its HRD policy and step up its action in support of those defending the environment, especially those environmental and indigenous peoples’ rights defenders who are most at risk; highlights the need to integrate HRD issues into EU climate diplomacy and assistance, including by promoting the genuine involvement of HRDs in the implementation and monitoring of climate cooperation programmes, projects and schemes and by vocally addressing restrictions to their effective participation and monitoring activities;
Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Stresses that the EU should address climate activism as an integral human rights issue under its HRD policy and step up its action in support of those defending the environment, especially those environmental and indigenous peoples’ rights defenders who are most at risk
Amendment 122 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Stresses that the EU should address climate activism as an integral human rights issue under its HRD policy and step up its action in support of those defending the climate and the environment, especially those environmental and indigenous peoples’ rights defenders who are most at risk;
Amendment 123 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Calls on the EEAS, the Commission and the Member States to address the threats against and attacks on HRDs by non-governmental actors, including criminal groups and local communities, as well as threats in conflict and transition settings; urges the EU to integrate violence against HRDs into its crisis management policy and provide an effective protection response to HRDs in need of relocation in crisis situations; in this regard, calls on the EU to draw lessons from the lacklustre European response to the evacuation needs of Afghan HRDs and their families following the takeover by the Taliban; calls in particular for a more rapid reaction of the Commission to funding HRDs in sudden crises where needs are both urgent and massive, in both supplementing funding for initiatives such as ProtectDefenders.eu and on reorienting country funding and diplomatic efforts to help HRD relocation; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to consider HRDs as key actors and partners of any effective and sustainable post- conflict response;
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Calls on the EEAS, the Commission and the Member States to address the threats against and attacks on HRDs by non-governmental actors, including businesses or groups mandated by them, criminal groups and local communities, as well as threats in conflict and transition settings; underlines that it is always the state’s responsibility to ensure the safety of HRDs and their ability to work in an enabling environment, including when the threats and reprisals come from non-state actors; urges the EU to integrate violence against HRDs into its crisis management policy and provide an effective protection response to HRDs in need of relocation in crisis situations;
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Calls on the EEAS, the Commission and the Member States to address the threats against and attacks on HRDs by non-governmental actors, including criminal groups and local communities, as well as threats in conflict and transition settings; urges the EU to integrate violence against HRDs into its crisis management policy and provide, where possible, an effective protection response to HRDs in need of relocation in crisis situations;
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Calls on the EEAS, the Commission and the Member States to address the threats against and attacks on HRDs by
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Calls on the EEAS, the Commission and the Member States to address the threats against and attacks on HRDs by non-governmental actors, including criminal groups and
Amendment 128 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 a (new) 24 a. Notes that social networks are also being used to attack and/or silence HRDs; calls on the EU to urgently devise a robust regulatory framework in this field to guarantee that the use of these technologies is compliant with international human rights standards;
Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Calls on the EEAS, the Commission and the Member States to prioritise the fight against the misuse of surveillance technology to undermine the work of HRDs, particularly through the development of robust national and international legislation and, in the immediate future, the adoption of a global moratorium on the sale and transfer of such technology; reiterates its call on the Commission to support initiatives relating to the development and dissemination of digital security technologies to empower HRDs by providing secure collection, encryption and storage mechanisms in order to avoid monitoring by repressive governments;
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas the EU has developed a wide range of instruments to support HRDs, from coordination tools to financial aid; whereas the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) was previously the main EU financial instrument used to support HRDs, including through both emergency grants and the EU’s HRD protection mechanism, ProtectDefenders.eu; whereas the EIDHR has been replaced by a thematic programme on human rights and democracy as part of the Global Europe: Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI); whereas the EP has called for greater transparency regarding human rights provisions in financing agreements under the NDICI and clarification on the mechanism and criteria for suspending such agreements in the event of a breach of human rights, democracy principle and the rule of law;
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Calls on the EEAS, the Commission and the Member States to prioritise the fight against the misuse of surveillance technology to undermine the work of HRDs, particularly through the development of robust national and international legislation
Amendment 131 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Calls on the EEAS, the Commission and the Member States to prioritise the fight against the misuse of surveillance technology to undermine the work of HRDs, particularly through the development of robust national and international legislation and, in the immediate future, the adoption of a global moratorium on the sale and transfer of such technology to countries with a poor human rights track record;
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 26. Believes that, in the light of the large and growing number of threats and attacks faced by HRDs who raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations, the EU should coherently integrate the promotion and protection of the rights of HRDs, particularly trade union representatives and defenders of land, indigenous peoples’ rights and the environment, into its trade agreements and instruments, such as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences; considers that systematic and widespread attacks against HRDs should lead to the triggering of the human rights and democracy clause of a trade and investment agreement or of the overarching framework agreement with the given country, and in case of a manifest failure of the national authorities to improve the situation, the Commission should take appropriate measures, including leading to the suspension of the said agreement;
Amendment 133 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 26. Believes that, in the light of the large and growing number of threats and attacks faced by HRDs who raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations, the EU should coherently integrate the promotion and protection of the rights of HRDs, particularly trade union representatives and defenders of land, indigenous peoples’ rights and the environment, into its trade agreements and instruments, such as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences; calls for the EU to make more and coherent use of clauses in trade agreements that protect human rights, including closer monitoring and adequate enforcement of human rights commitments, and to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries;
Amendment 134 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 26. Believes that, in the light of the large and growing number of threats and attacks faced by HRDs who raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations, the EU should coherently integrate the promotion and protection of the rights of HRDs, particularly trade union representatives and defenders of land, indigenous peoples’ rights and the environment, into its corporate sustainability due diligence directive, and its trade agreements and instruments, such as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP);
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 26. Believes that, in the light of the large and growing number of threats and attacks faced by HRDs who raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations, the EU should coherently integrate the promotion and protection of the rights of HRDs, particularly trade union representatives and defenders of land, indigenous peoples’ rights and the environment, into its trade agreements and instruments, such as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences and to ensure efficient monitoring mechanism;
Amendment 136 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 26. Believes that, in the light of the large and growing number of threats and attacks faced by HRDs who raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of certain business operations, the EU should coherently integrate the promotion and protection of the rights of HRDs, particularly trade union representatives and defenders of land, indigenous peoples’ rights and the environment, into its trade agreements and instruments, such as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences;
Amendment 137 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 a (new) 26 a. Underlines the role of the Domestic Advisory Groups(DAGs) in the monitoring of TSD commitments in trade agreements; is concerned about reports that Human Rights and Environmental Rights Defenders have been barred from joining DAGs by governments of preferential trade partners; calls for sufficient financial resources and technical assistance to be allocated to DAGs to enable them to properly carry out their tasks;
Amendment 138 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 b (new) 26 b. Stresses that attacks on and harassment of HRDs by public authorities of GSP beneficiaries must be taken into account when assessing compliance with the obligations imposed by the Scheme and therefore when deciding on the continuation of trade preferences;
Amendment 139 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Calls for the EU to align its HRD strategies with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; underlines that EU delegations and Member States should prioritise engaging with the business community, and particularly European companies and their subsidiaries abroad, in order to protect HRDs working on land, extraction
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas the EU has developed a
Amendment 140 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27.
Amendment 141 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Calls for the EU to align its HRD strategies with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; underlines that EU delegations and Member States should
Amendment 142 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 a (new) 27 a. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to ensure HRDs, notably those working on labour and women’s rights, to be consistently involved in the civil society monitoring mechanisms attached to EU trade agreements; requests the Commission to ensure that they are compensated for such work and protected from the risks they face in exposing human rights violations;
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 28. Calls on the Commission to ensure that
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 a (new) 28 a. Calls on the Commission to closely monitor the mainstreaming of protection and prevention mechanisms for HRDs within sectoral projects, programmes and investment schemes, at least in the areas most at risk for HRDs such as land and environmental projects, extractive industries, manufacturing, as well as in the other risk areas to be identified in the future Corporate Sustainability and Due Diligence Directive, and across all security-related policies; insists on the importance for Parliament to carry out its oversight role over this matter;
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29. Highlights the increasing phenomenon of transnational threats against HRDs by their national authorities or proxies, including in Member States; calls on the Commission and the Member States to identify and tackle these threats within the EU as a priority and as an integral aspect of the Guidelines; urges the Commission and the Member States to provide foreign HRDs residing in the EU with adequate financial and other means
Amendment 146 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29. Highlights the increasing phenomenon of transnational threats against HRDs by their national authorities or proxies, including in Member States; calls on the Commission and the Member States to identify and tackle these threats within the EU as a priority and as an integral aspect of the Guidelines; urges the Commission and the Member States to provide foreign HRDs residing in the EU with adequate financial and other means to enable them to continue their human rights work remotely and without fearing retaliation;
Amendment 147 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29. Highlights the increasing
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 a (new) 29 a. Calls on the Commission to investigate particularly concerning cases of third countries persecuting human rights defenders in EU Member States through operating unlawful overseas representations of their domestic authorities without the knowledge or consent of Member States authorities;
Amendment 149 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 30 30. Notes the improvement of EU support for relocating HRDs at risk and the adoption of best practice in some Member
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) E a. whereas the European Consensus on Development commits the EU and its Member States to implementing a human rights-based approach to development cooperation, encompassing all human rights, and hence also those who defend them;
Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 30 30. Notes the improvement of EU support for relocating HRDs at risk and the adoption of best practice in some Member States, such as Ireland and Spain,
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 30 30. Notes the improvement of EU support for relocating HRDs at risk and the adoption of best practice in some Member States,
Amendment 152 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 31. Stresses that
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 31. Stresses that
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 31. Stresses that visas are a key protection tool and that, in order to effectively assist HRDs at risk, the Commission should take a proactive role towards the establishment of an EU-wide scheme for issuing short-term visas for such HRDs; believes that, in particular, Member States should facilitate the issuance of visas 1) procedurally, by ensuring that their embassies’ and consulates’ processes are swift, comprehensible, accessible and achievable, and 2) structurally, by creating a specific
Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 32. Calls on EU delegations’ human rights focal points to identify and raise particular emergency relocation needs with Member States’ missions and make recommendations on the issuance of visas to individual HRDs; believes that providing space for a cooling period can help HRDs avoid risks; calls on the EEAS to report back annually on the number of emergency visas delivered by EU Member States to HRDs;
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 32. Calls on EU delegations’ human rights focal points to identify and raise particular emergency relocation needs with Member States’ missions
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 Amendment 158 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 33. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up their provision of temporary protection and shelter for HRDs at risk and their families; highlights initiatives in France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain and encourages further efforts on relocation, particularly through the involvement of regional and local authorities; welcomes the growing number of shelter initiatives at local level across the EU; calls for DG HOME to establish a special fund for practical support to facilitate the temporary stay, work and mobility of HRDs and their families in the EU;
Amendment 159 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 a (new) 33 a. In cases where a HRD returns to their countries, calls on the Commission and the Member States, to follow up on the return and security situation of the HRDs;
Amendment 16 #
F. whereas the EU, as a powerful economic actor, has the capacity to influence the situation of human rights and HRDs worldwide by integrating a human rights-based approach into its trade and investment policies in a coherent manner; whereas the 2021 trade policy review commits the EU to take a more assertive stance in defending its interests and values, ‘notably the promotion and protection of human rights’;
Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 34 34. Calls on the Member States to facilitate the issuance of
Amendment 161 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 34 34. Calls on the Member States to facilitate the issuance of temporary
Amendment 162 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 34 a (new) 34 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to encourage and facilitate active engagement and consultation with HRDs already relocated to Europe on designing and implementing HRDs relocation programs, aid and regional initiatives according to the specific realities and needs faced by HRDs in third countries;
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 34 a (new) 34 a. Calls on Member States authorities to set up protection mechanisms for HRDs who are at risk of continued harassment and persecution by their home countries even after being granted visas in a Member State;
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 35 Amendment 165 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 37 37. Stresses that, as an integral member of Team Europe, Parliament should be fully integrated into the EU policy on HRDs, including through regular dialogue, when needed in a confidential setting, on key issues and policy developments in relation to the Guidelines, as well as through the Commission and Member States acting swiftly on its requests to initiate targeted sanctions for severe repression against HRDs; suggests that the concerns and recommendations expressed in its urgency resolutions be included in local strategies; calls on EU delegations to pay special attention to Sakharov Prize laureates;
Amendment 166 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 38 – indent 6 - systematic efforts by its missions to meet with arbitrarily jailed HRDs and their immediate family members, or to carry out trial observation, when deemed helpful for HRDs and their family members;
Amendment 167 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 38 – subparagraph 1 (new) - instructing the European Parliament's Research Service to regularly collect and publicize information on the situation and needs of HRDs worldwide, including statements and reports by HRDs;
Amendment 168 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 40. Resolves to ensure that its key resolutions on human rights, in particular urgency resolutions, are translated into the local languages of the countries concerned
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 40. Resolves to ensure that its key resolutions on human rights, in particular urgency resolutions, are translated into the local languages of the countries concerned and published and distributed accordingly; calls for adequate follow-up of EP resolutions;
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas the EU, as a powerful economic actor, has
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 41 41. Calls for more strategic coordination between EU institutions in relation to urgent HRD cases; is convinced that parliamentary diplomacy may prove an effective and complementary mechanism
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 41 a (new) 41 a. Underlines the need to develop an integrated and comprehensive approach in post-conflict situations in third countries, which should focus on strengthening the capacities of human rights organisations, as well as their relations with the authorities; calls for further efforts in the protection of HRDs being targeted by armed groups in third countries; calls to strengthen accountability and for third countries to explore criminal measures to address crimes against HRDs; calls on the Commission to consider linking EU support to HRDs to aspects of EU development cooperation such as the protection of the environment or support for the private sector;
Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 41 a (new) 41 a. Regrets the failure of the Commission to respond in writing on the actions it has taken in response to specific requests addressed to it in Parliamentary resolutions, notably in the field of human rights; calls on the Commission to abide by the inter-institutional agreement and systematically provide a written response to all resolutions by the AFET committee/DROI subcommittee, including this one;
Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 41 a (new) 41 a. Calls for the creation of a new EU mechanism to check the rightful usage and allocation of EU funding conducted so far as well as upcoming funding to support human rights and HRDs.
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 41 b (new) Amendment 175 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 41 c (new) 41 c. Commits to revise the Statute of the Sakharov Prize towards its prioritisation of HRDs as laureates; regrets the under-utilisation by the EEAS and Member States of the Sakharov Prize as a tool for improving the livelihood of human rights defenders and more globally of human rights worldwide; calls on the EU missions in the countries of origin of Sakharov laureates to engage more effectively with them, particularly when the latter are in danger or imprisoned;
Amendment 176 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 42 42. Regrets the lack of an in-depth, specific analysis by the EEAS and the Commission of the implementation of the Guidelines since 2008; calls for a comprehensive assessment of EU action on HRDs in the framework of the mid-term
Amendment 177 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 42 42. Regrets the lack of an in-depth, specific analysis by the EEAS and the Commission of the implementation of the Guidelines since 2008; calls for a comprehensive assessment of EU action on HRDs in the framework of the mid-term review of the implementation of the action plan on human rights and democracy 2020- 2024, scheduled for June 2023; calls on the Commission to follow and monitor regularly the short- and long term implementation of the EU Guidelines with the participation of civil society in Europe and in third countries;
Amendment 178 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 42 42. Regrets the lack of an in-depth, specific analysis by the EEAS and the
Amendment 179 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 42 a (new) 42 a. Affirms that compliance with the Guidelines should not be voluntary but mandatory and that their implementation by EU delegations and Member States' embassies should be the direct responsibility of the Ambassadors, even if their execution depends on other staff;
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas the EU, as a powerful
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 43 43. Underlines the need for the Guidelines to be updated in view of the evolving challenges and risks faced by HRDs, particularly digital transformation and threats, as well as to better reflect the groups of HRDs in the current global
Amendment 181 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 44 44. Stresses that the revision of the Guidelines should also expand the scope of EU engagement with HRDs beyond the traditional interlocutors in capitals to include individuals and groups in remote or rural areas, and those working to defend the rights of refugees and migrants; considers it timely to allow for a broader and innovative approach to the notion of HRDs that encompasses more fluid and temporary groups, including whistle- blowers;
Amendment 182 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 44 44. Stresses that the revision of the Guidelines should also expand the scope of EU engagement with HRDs beyond the traditional interlocutors in capitals to include individuals and groups in remote
Amendment 183 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 45 a (new) 45 a. Calls for the revised Guidelines to address the persisting impunity for human rights violations committed against human rights defenders and to promote the duty to investigate promptly, thoroughly and effectively allegations of violations by State and non-State actors, based on the regulatory framework on the right to access to justice, including due diligence in investigations by the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders;
Amendment 184 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 46. Calls for the inclusion of a specific
Amendment 185 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 46. Calls for the inclusion of a specific section in the Guidelines on
Amendment 186 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 a (new) 46 a. Emphasises the need for a gender perspective in the implementation of the Guidelines, with targeted actions in favour of women human rights defenders; calls on the EU and the Member States to adopt as an annex to the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders, a toolkit on women human rights defenders that would provide practical steps for the EU to better meet the needs of women human rights defenders worldwide;
Amendment 187 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 47 47. Recognises that silent diplomacy may be an effective tool to improve the situation of some HRDs in third countries; stresses, however, that EU actors need to be vocal about urgent and serious cases and strike an appropriate balance between private and public diplomacy, particularly when silent diplomacy has proven ineffective; regrets in this regard the limited recourse by the EU executive to public statements, which remain largely weak in tone, primarily focused on high- profile cases and are often inconsistent in tone and messaging depending on the level and forum at which they are delivered; further regrets the insufficient consideration of alternative communication strategies or options in cases where an EU statement is impeded, including possible recourse to media, social media or other interventions;
Amendment 188 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 47 47. Recognises that silent diplomacy
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 47 a (new) 47 a. Notes with regret that EU Delegations are not present in some countries where HRDs are facing risks and danger in conducting their activities; acknowledges that EU delegations’ presence in such thirds countries is essential for the implementation of these Guidelines and effective engagement on individual urgent and serious HRD cases and other local actions; calls on the EEAS to continue exploring possibilities of establishing the EU presence in the form of a delegation in the countries with serious human rights concerns;
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F a (new) F a. whereas the European Commission’s Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) review foresees an increased monitoring of the TSD commitments in trade agreements, a strengthened role for civil society, and the strengthening of enforcement of trade agreements by means of trade sanctions;
Amendment 190 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 49 a (new) 49 a. Calls for the merger of the human rights and HRD focal points in EU delegations and for facilitated access to these interlocutors by HRDs and other civil society actors; insists that their tasks be clarified and dedicated exclusively to this responsibility;
Amendment 191 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 49 a (new) 49 a. Considers necessary to improve, and systematically follow up on, contacts with independent civil society, as well as access for human rights defenders to EU delegations and missions on the ground;
Amendment 192 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 50 50. Calls for systematic and strategic monitoring of trial observation in order to improve the overall visibility and outcomes of trial observation by EU missions, and
Amendment 193 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 50 a (new) 50 a. Demands to raise the level of EU ambition to secure the release of long term jailed human rights defenders, including emblematic cases; call on EU Delegations and Member States’ embassies to regularly visit human rights defenders in prison;
Amendment 194 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 50 b (new) 50 b. Considers that the visits to communities and organizations in the countryside should not be an exception and would be necessary to do more frequently, especially in the context of specific attacks against land and environmental defenders;
Amendment 195 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 52 52. Calls on the EEAS and the Commission to systematically consult civil society representatives and HRDs prior to any human rights dialogue, for the consultation to be genuine, and for these interlocutors to be debriefed thereafter; furthermore, calls on the EEAS and Commission to engage in a more results- oriented approach in relation to individual cases and effective follow-up in-between sessions; calls for the systematic holding of a civil society segment to any bilateral and regional human rights dialogue, as well as the establishment of a civil society advisory body with all countries benefiting from the GSP arrangement and other preferential trade arrangements with the EU; reiterates the need for a systematic and firm EU response to any act of reprisal against HRDs that occurs after they have attended EU events or that is connected to contact with EU interlocutors;
Amendment 196 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 52 52. Calls on the EEAS and the Commission to systematically consult civil society representatives and HRDs prior to
Amendment 197 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 52 52. Calls on the EEAS and the Commission to systematically consult civil society representatives and HRDs prior to any human rights dialogue, for the consultation to be genuine, a
Amendment 198 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 54 Amendment 199 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 54 54.
Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 17 a (new) — Having regard to the EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief of 24 June 2013, in those aspects where the Guidelines address support for and engagement with human rights defenders on behalf of religious groups, philosophical, non-confessional or other civil society organisations,
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the new EU global human rights sanctions regime allows the EU to target serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide; whereas the fate of HRDs should be an integral dimension of the EU’s global monitoring of human rights abuse worldwide, including in relation to the designation of sanctions;
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the new EU global human rights sanctions regime allows the EU to target serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide; whereas the European Commission has announced its extension to include targeted sanctions for corruption crimes;
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the new EU global human rights sanctions regime allows the EU to target serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide; whereas the use of this tool could be enhanced by making it subject to qualified majority voting;
Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the new EU global human rights sanctions regime (EU Magnitsky Act) allows the EU to
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H a (new) H a. whereas human rights defenders are increasingly targeted worldwide by abusive lawsuits brought forward by powerful actors such as companies or public officials in their private capacity, in order to censor their work, silence and harass them; whereas these so-called Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) have seen a significant increase worldwide and risk having a severe ‘chilling effect’ on those seeking to exercise their rights freely;
Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H b (new) H b. whereas human rights defenders are increasingly targeted on the territories of Member States, where they have found shelter or asylum, by authoritarian regimes, through the latter's embassies, diplomatic missions and staff, law enforcement officials and other proxies operating to intimidate and threaten human rights defenders; whereas this illegal transnational repressive mechanism violates the territorial integrity of EU Member States and threatens their sovereignty;
Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I I. whereas there has been a substantial increase in the number, range and severity of attacks on HRDs and their families and lawyers in recent years including killings, death threats, abductions and kidnappings, arbitrary arrest and detention, and other actions of harassment and intimidation, for example through defamation campaigns; whereas the global analysis published by the NGO Front Line Defenders reported that 358 HRDs had been killed across 35 countries in 2021 alone, and since under-reporting is common, the actual figure is likely to be much higher; whereas 227 environmental defenders were killed in 2020, with more than half of those killings occurring in only three countries, Colombia, Mexico and the Philippines, according to the NGO Global Witness; whereas a large number of HRDs are under threat and attack because they raise concerns about the adverse human
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I I. whereas there has been a substantial increase in the number, range and severity of attacks on HRDs and their families and lawyers in recent years; whereas the global analysis published by the NGO Front Line Defenders reported that 358 HRDs had been killed across 35 countries in 2021 alone, and since under-reporting is common, the actual figure is likely to be much higher; whereas 227 environmental defenders were killed in 2020, with more than half of those killings occurring in only three countries, Colombia, Mexico and the Philippines, according to the NGO Global Witness; whereas a large number of HRDs are under threat and attack because they raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations, often in the context of large development projects that affect access to land and livelihoods; whereas in recent years, the majority of the murdered HRDs were working on land, environmental and indigenous peoples’ rights;
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I I. whereas there has been a substantial increase in the number, range and severity of attacks on HRDs and their families and lawyers in recent years; whereas the global analysis published by the NGO Front Line Defenders reported that 358 HRDs had been killed across 35 countries in 2021 alone, and since under-reporting is common, the actual figure is likely to be much higher; whereas 227 environmental defenders were killed in 2020, with more than half of those killings occurring in only three countries, Colombia, Mexico and the Philippines, according to the NGO Global Witness; whereas a large number of HRDs are under threat and attack because they raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations, often in the context of large development projects that affect access to land and livelihoods; whereas according to several sources land and environmental rights defenders are the most targeted HRD groups;
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 20 a (new) — having regard to its recommendation of 17February 2022 to the Council and the Vice-President of the Commission/High-Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy concerning corruption and human rights,
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I I. whereas there has been a substantial increase in the number, range and severity of attacks on HRDs and their families and
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I a (new) I a. whereas women human rights defenders (WHRD) face gender-specific threats, needs and challenges; whereas they face gender-based violence and suffer from a lack of access to adequate resources and protection mechanisms; whereas according to UN Annual report on Human rights defenders, the rise in misogynistic, sexist and homophobic speech by political leaders in recent years has normalised violence against women human rights defenders;
Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I a (new) I a. whereas repressive governments but also a worrying number of long- established democratic countries across the world, including within the EU, increasingly adopt new kinds of tactics and restrictive measures against HRDs; whereas such attacks increasingly also target the families and communities of these defenders; whereas most under- reported cases are those who face gender- specific or sexual orientation-specific barriers;
Amendment 33 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I a (new) I a. whereas, according to the World Organisation Against Torture, 331 HRDs were killed in 2020, while the total number is unknown due to lack of access or limited information;
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I b (new) I b. whereas other groups and categories of defenders who are particularly exposed to attacks and human rights violations as a result of the work they carry out include defenders working to promote civil and political rights - notably those investigating or defending victims of state crimes, enforced disappearances or torture, as well as economic, social and cultural rights, notably collective rights such as the right to food and access to natural resources, including trade-unionists, and also those working for minorities’ and community rights, children’s rights, indigenous peoples’ rights and LGBTIQ+ rights, and people fighting against corruption;
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I b (new) I b. whereas journalists are most frequently exposed to attacks in connection with their work; whereas organisations defending journalists report that more than 100 were killed and hundreds imprisoned between 2021 and 2022, according to official figures;
Amendment 36 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I c (new) I c. whereas increasingly sophisticated means are used to persecute human rights defenders, through new technologies, but also through restrictive NGO laws and administrative obstacles severely limiting the space and the possibilities to operate for an independent civil society; whereas human rights defenders are also restricted and sometimes directly targeted by policies, legislation and procedures described as ‘security’ measures, often combined with stigmatisation and accusation of terrorism;
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I c (new) I c. whereas, at a time when democracy is in crisis and authoritarian regimes are strengthening, the number of HRDs, in particular journalists, who are suffering persecution is increasing year on year;
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I d (new) I d. whereas the climate of impunity for violations committed against HRDs is prevailing in numerous countries of the world;
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Praises and thanks all human rights defenders for their courageous and crucial work for humanity and the planet; acknowledges that they have to do their work under increasingly difficult circumstances and face new challenges, often at a heavy cost for them, their families and their communities;
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 20 b (new) — having regard to its resolution of 28 September 2022 on the outcome of the Commission’s review of the 15-point action plan on trade and sustainable development,
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Praises and thanks all human rights defenders for their courageous and crucial work for humanity
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Praises and thanks all human rights defenders for their courageous and crucial work
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Praises and thanks all human rights defenders for their courageous and crucial work for humanity and the planet; acknowledges that they have to do their work under increasingly difficult circumstances and often at a heavy personal cost for them, their families and their communities;
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4.
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Considers, however, that the overall application of the Guidelines by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Commission and the Member States has been uneven, largely focusing on reactive measures, lacking a consistent overall implementation of the strategy and being characterised by insufficient visibility of EU action and channels of support for HRDs;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4 a. Considers that the lack of coherence between human rights policy and guidelines implementation with other fields of relations, namely trade, investments and cooperation agreements reduce the impact of the guidelines; condemns that there is a lack of mainstreaming of human rights into trade policy as well as a lack of knowledge of the impacts of trade policy on basic human rights, as well as on security of HRDs;
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Calls for the EU to put its ambitious rhetoric and HRD policy framework into practice through concrete and effective action, in particular in its relations with authoritarian regimes in places where the EU and the Member States have substantial commercial, energy, security, migratory and other interests; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure their financial support to HRDs is also matched by sustained political engagement with the authorities of the countries concerned;
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Calls for the EU to
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Calls for the EU to put its ambitious rhetoric and HRD policy framework into practice through concrete and effective action, in particular in its relations with authoritarian regimes and in places where the EU and the Member States have substantial commercial, energy, security, migratory and other interests;
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Calls for the Guidelines to be linked to the EU global human rights sanctions regime extended to corruption abuses, and for systematic attacks on HRDs
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) A a. Whereas the Declaration on human rights defenders adopted by consensus by the UN General Assembly in 1998, identifies human rights defenders as individuals or groups who act to promote, protect or strive for the protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms through peaceful means;
Amendment 50 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Calls for the Guidelines to be linked to the EU global human rights sanctions regime (EU Magnitsky Act) and for systematic attacks on HRDs to lead to listing under this regime;
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6 a. Calls for the Guidelines to become a central pillar of the EU’s diplomatic agenda towards third countries and to include them among the EU’s wider strategic goals when defending and protecting human rights and democratic values worldwide;
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Calls for the EU to implement a genuine Team Europe approach to HRDs, encouraging those Member States not yet active on HRD issues to develop a
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Believes that such an approach, through which all EU institutions
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Believes that such an approach, through which all EU institutions
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Welcomes the efforts by many EU delegations and Member States’ missions to give visibility and recognition to HRDs, in particular by establishing local human rights working groups with staff from EU missions, proactively reaching out to and holding regular meetings with HRDs, conducting systematic field visits to areas where HRDs are at risk
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Welcomes the efforts by many EU delegations and Member States’ missions to give visibility and recognition to HRDs, equally among all Member States, in particular by establishing local human rights working groups with staff from EU missions, proactively reaching out to and holding regular meetings with HRDs, conducting systematic field visits to areas where HRDs are at risk (such as in Mexico and Colombia), developing rosters of diplomats for trial monitoring (for example in Russia), recognising outstanding contributions by HRDs through annual awards (for example in Uganda and Honduras), providing emergency support to HRDs, challenging laws that criminalise HRDs and supporting the development of HRD protection networks; highlights, as an example of best practice, the innovative #DefendamosLaVida initiative launched by the EU delegations and Member States’ missions in Colombia and, most recently, Mexico;
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Welcomes the efforts by many EU delegations and Member States’ missions to give visibility and recognition to HRDs, in particular by establishing local human rights working groups with staff from EU missions, proactively reaching out to and holding regular meetings with HRDs, conducting systematic field visits to areas where HRDs are at risk
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Regrets, however, the fact that, due
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Regrets, however, the fact that, due to the voluntarist nature of the Guidelines, the intensity and quality of EU delegations’ engagement with and on HRDs vary considerably from country to country and are in practice largely dependent on the local political context or the individual dedication and political will of the specific EU ambassador or staff in question, or of the officials at the EEAS and Commission headquarters; calls for greater consistency and a strategic overall approach in this regard and for a firm personal commitment by the VP/HR to ensuring the consistent implementation of the Guidelines across all delegations, particularly in the countries
Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) A a. whereas restrictive government policies, negative discourse and intimidation or violence are common manifestations of threats to HRDs; whereas these factors are often interlinked;
Amendment 60 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Regrets, however, the fact that, due to the voluntarist nature of the Guidelines, the intensity and quality of EU delegations’ engagement with and on HRDs vary considerably from country to country and are in practice largely dependent on the local political context or the individual dedication and political will of the specific EU ambassador or staff in question, or of the officials at the EEAS and Commission headquarters; calls for greater consistency and a strategic overall approach in this regard and for a firm personal commitment by the VP/HR to ensuring the consistent implementation of the Guidelines across all delegations, particularly in the countries where HRDs are most at risk; calls for qualitative and quantitative indicators related to the implementation of the Guidelines and engagement with HRDs to be included in performance review mechanisms of EU delegations and staff;
Amendment 61 #
10. Regrets, however, the fact that, due to the voluntarist nature of the Guidelines, the intensity and quality of EU delegations’ engagement with and on HRDs vary considerably from country to country and are in practice largely dependent on the local political context or the individual dedication and political will of the specific EU ambassador or staff in question, or of the officials at the EEAS and Commission headquarters; calls for greater consistency and a strategic overall approach in this regard and for a firm
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10 a. Calls on the EU to step up its institutional capacity, both in Brussels and in delegations, in order to be able to adequately respond to the worsening environment faced by HRDs; in particular, calls for more staff dedicated to dealing with the provision of small grants, notably in the area of emergency assistance, and with diplomatic support on the ground; further insists on the need to strengthen the human and financial capacity of EU Delegations to protect HRDs and build coordination with Member States, as a core task of each mission, particularly in countries where the civil society space is shrinking; highlights the importance of EU Delegation premises serving as a safe place for HRDs to meet, particularly in hostile environments;
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10 a. Reaffirms the need to increase human rights focal points’ visibility in the EU Delegations, as well as their accessibility, which would entail, among other things, guaranteeing the direct access of HRDs to EU Delegations' human rights focal points; considers of utmost importance to provide EU Delegations and their staff with the necessary protection when carrying out their functions;
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10 a. Considers necessary to provide more information on protection mechanisms and facilitate access to human rights focal points;
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Is encouraged by reports of improved coordination between EU delegations and Member States in the area of HRD protection, particularly through the practice of burden sharing and joint public diplomacy; remains concerned, however, that less than half of the Member States are in practice actively engaged in this area and selective engagement remains the norm; regrets the fact that only a few Member States, such as Ireland and Finland, have adopted their own national HRD guidelines; calls on Member States to step up their efforts to achieve broader and more consistent engagement on the protection of HRDs;
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Is encouraged by reports of improved coordination between EU delegations and Member States in the area of HRD protection, particularly through the practice of burden sharing and joint public diplomacy; remains concerned, however, that less than half of the Member States are in practice actively engaged in this area and selective engagement remains the norm; regrets the fact that only a few Member States, such as Ireland and Finland, have adopted their own national HRD guidelines; calls on Member States to step up their efforts to achieve broader and more consistent engagement on the protection of HRDs;
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Is encouraged by reports of improved coordination between EU delegations and Member States in the area of HRD protection, particularly through the practice of burden sharing and joint public diplomacy; regrets the fact that only a few Member States
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11 a. Strongly regrets that some Member States' embassies seem to rely on EU Delegations for the main protection of human rights and HRDs, which is a shared responsibility; calls on the Member States to play a similar role to the one played by EU Delegations in human rights matters in third countries and to increase their support for HRDs as well as their level of support in this regard;
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Welcomes the regular training on human rights, including on HRD policy, for staff members working as focal points in both the political and cooperation sections of EU delegations; is, however, concerned by reports that awareness and knowledge of the Guidelines remain inadequate; calls for this training to be expanded; suggests to consider building EU and Member States' commitments on HRDs into job profiles of relevant staff members of the EEAS and the EU delegations, and Member States' missions, with a view to ensuring a systematic approach on HRDs and that knowledge and practice on HRD protection is institutionalised, and thus avoiding a person-dependent approach and minimising the effects of staff rotation;
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) A a. Whereas corruption and the harassment, intimidation and discrimination towards HRDs are often interlinked;
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Welcomes the regular training on
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Welcomes the regular training on human rights, including on HRD policy, for staff members working as focal points in both the political and cooperation sections of EU delegations; is, however, concerned by reports that awareness and knowledge of the Guidelines remain inadequate; calls for this training to be expanded to stakeholders;
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Calls for more public engagement by the VP/HR and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights with regard to individual HRDs; encourages the
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Calls for more public engagement by the VP/HR and the EU Special Representative for the safeguarding of Human Rights, including with regard to individual HRDs; encourages the VP/HR and the Commissioners to commit to systematically meeting with HRDs during their visits abroad and to raise at the highest level the plight of HRDs under attack, including those persecuted, intimidated, detained, arbitrarily imprisoned or forced to flee their country, including through public statements when appropriate;
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Calls for more public engagement
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 Amendment 76 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13 a. Highlights the importance of overall political support in addition to financial aid; calls on EU Delegations and Member States’ embassies to take more active steps for the protection of HRDs and make their support more visible; considers that the abovementioned steps could include visits to HRDs in remote and rural areas, the organisation of events in their support, and follow-up of specific cases of attacks against HRDs; calls on the European Commission to use the human rights clause in its trade agreements in a more robust way;
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13 a. Calls upon the Council and the Commission to raise the climate of impunity for violations committed against HRD in their bilateral contacts, urging all states to ensure that perpetrators, regardless of their position or function, are brought to justice through independent and effective disciplinary and criminal procedures;
Amendment 78 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Highlights the importance of continuing to break down silos in EU external relations; welcomes the increased
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Welcomes the EU’s substantial and steadily increasing financial contribution to supporting HRDs worldwide, which makes it the lead donor in this regard, as well as its efforts to heighten flexibility and the development of various programmes to support human rights and HRDs, including when HRDs work in exile; emphasises the unique role of the civil society-run ProtectDefenders.eu mechanism in providing invaluable practical support for HRDs at risk; calls for a qualitative jump to a more holistic approach aiming at the integral security of whole communities mobilised to defend rights; calls on the Commission to fund local and regional networks and gatherings of HRDs where these can share experiences, learn from each other’s strategies, successes and best practices, and build alliances; calls on the Commission to strictly refrain from supporting, including financially, GONGOs;
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Welcomes the EU’s substantial and steadily increasing financial contribution to supporting HRDs worldwide, which makes it the lead donor in this regard, as well as its efforts to heighten flexibility and the development of various programmes to support human rights and HRDs, including when HRDs work in exile; emphasises the unique role of the civil society-run ProtectDefenders.eu mechanism in providing invaluable practical support for HRDs at risk; welcomes the work of the European Endowment for Democracy and stresses upon importance for the EU and its Member States to continue further strengthening its activities by using flexible financial support instruments to support the activities and needs of HRDs;
Amendment 81 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Welcomes the EU’s substantial and steadily increasing financial contribution to supporting HRDs worldwide, which makes it the lead donor in this regard, as well as its efforts to heighten flexibility and the
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Welcomes the EU’s substantial and steadily increasing financial contribution to supporting HRDs worldwide, which makes it the lead donor in this regard, as well as its efforts to heighten flexibility and the development of various programmes to support human rights and HRDs, including when HRDs work in exile; emphasises the unique role of the civil society-run ProtectDefenders.eu mechanism in providing invaluable practical support for HRDs at risk; stresses that the fact that the ProtectDefenders.eu mechanism is managed by civil society does not exempt the EU from its political obligations regarding the protection of HRDs;
Amendment 83 #
15 a. Calls for a qualitative jump to a more holistic approach aiming at the integral security of whole communities mobilised to defend rights; calls on the Commission to fund local and regional networks and gatherings of HRDs where these can share experiences, learn from each other’s strategies, successes and best practices, and build alliances; calls on the Commission to strictly refrain from supporting, including financially, government-organized non-governmental organization (GONGOs);
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15 a. Warns of the active role of numerous government-organised non- governmental organisations (GONGOs) that present themselves as legitimate civil society organisations and calls on the EU and its Member States to avoid any promotion of these organisations or any form of association with them;
Amendment 85 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16.
Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16 a. Highlights the differential impacts suffered by women human rights defenders and the lack of protection mechanisms with a gender perspective; urges EU institutions to guarantee the access of WHRDs to specific protection mechanisms with an intersectional and gender perspective; stresses the need for the EU to politically support, increasingly protect and raise financial allocations for independent civil society organisations that promote the rights of women and girls in all areas as well as for WHRDs;
Amendment 87 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Underlines the need to invest more in HRDs’ overall long-term protection and psychosocial welfare, including by taking a more preventative approach in order to anticipate serious problems,
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 a (new) 17 a. Stresses that special emphasis should be put on long-term and transparent funding regarding the protection of HRDs and their families; underlines the increasing demand for EU assistance and protection by HRDs and calls for additional capacities and resources to meet such demands;
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 a (new) 17 a. Asks for a specific budget be assigned for the implementation of the operational actions provided for by the guidelines so that the lack of economic and human resources is not a reason for non-implementation or for its partial implementation as mentioned by some EU delegations;
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas the Guidelines, adopted in 2004 and revised in 2008, have gradually become the framework of reference for EU institutions, EU delegations, Member States’ diplomatic missions and EU leaders to promote and ensure respect for the rights of HRDs and to protect HRDs at risk of attacks and threats from state and non-state actors; whereas the European Parliament constantly calls for a proper and coordinated implementation of the EU Guidelines;
Amendment 90 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 – introductory part 18. Underlines the importance of
Amendment 91 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 – introductory part 18. Underlines the importance of putting
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 – indent 2 - increased financial support for the establishment and strengthening of national human rights institutions, particularly as regards their capacity to engage and protect HRDs and act independently; this increased financial support would be subject to monitoring mechanisms to ensure the proper use of funds and tangible results;
Amendment 93 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 – indent 2 a (new) - increased support to international mechanisms fighting impunity;
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 – indent 3 - the strengthening of domestic legislation and policies on HRDs, in line with HRDs´ requests and with the UN framework on HRDs, and legislative and policy frameworks with a view to establishing national protection programmes for HRDs;
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 – indent 4 - the promotion of national campaigns, networks and structures to recognize the invaluable contribution human rights defenders make to the protection and promotion of human rights and to effectively support the protection of HRDs;
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 – indent 5 - the systematic challenging of laws that criminalise or restrict the legitimate work of HRDs, and/or are frequently used to harass and intimidate HRDs, including through strategic law suits against public participation (SLAPPs);
Amendment 97 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 – indent 7 - assistance to develop independent mechanisms to investigate complaints of threats or violations against HRDs and prosecute those responsible in a prompt and effective manner;
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 – indent 9 - the development of a strategy to work for the release of
Amendment 99 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 – indent 9 source: 738.617
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History
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