Brussels, 18/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 17 June, the European Parliament approved the resolution drafted by the chairman of the subcommittee on human rights, Heidi Hautala (Greens/EFA, Finland), who underlines the importance of raising the profile of the activity of human rights defenders. To achieve this, the EU high representative and the commissioners with responsibility in the field of external relations should, for example, systematically meet human rights defenders when they travel to third countries.
MEPs also call on member states to develop a coordinated policy on emergency visa issuance so that human rights defenders and members of their families may take refuge in Europe. Practical support could include the granting of financial means, help with human rights activities, and opportunities to lecture in universities and attend language courses. The EU high representative for foreign policy and security policy is invited to finalise a European protection and shelter programme by the end of 2010, to be implemented in 2011.
The resolution also underlines that the EU should “systematically denounce and reprimand international companies that provide oppressive regimes with surveillance technology, thereby facilitating persecution and arrests of human rights defenders”. In the hope that the issue of human rights might play a more important role in trade policies and trade agreements between the EU and third countries, MEPs suggest “assessment of third countries that engage in trade relations with the EU”. Also on Thursday, a resolution was adopted on banning the trade in instruments that could be used for torture.
During Wednesday's debate, the Parliament rapporteur, Heidi Hautala, placed particular emphasis on the protection of persons who dedicate their lives to defending human rights, often at great cost and great risk. Without such people, there would quite simply be no policy for the defence of human rights. The Lisbon Treaty gives the Union new possibilities, which must be exploited, but there are also ideas going round at the moment, Hautala pointed out, including that floated under Czech EU Presidency to create a network of safe havens for human rights defenders who are in serious danger.
Gabriele Albertini (EPP, Italy), the author of the oral question, deplored the very partial application (only seven EU states present an annual report) of the 2005 regulation against torture. Albertini invites his colleagues to verify correct application of this regulation on the spot whenever the opportunity presents itself. Portuguese Socialist Vital Moreira, who is author of the question on the 2005 regulation banning the trade in goods used for torture, admits that this is a model to be followed and represents great progress but also regrets the failings in its follow-up.
High Representative and European Commission Vice-President Catherine Ashton shared the European Parliament's attachment to respect of human rights. Figures prove this attachment - in 18 months, the Union has granted €250 million to 900 NGOs in 100 different countries. However, Baroness Ashton acknowledges that one could intervene in a more “intelligent” way in many areas. Abolition, in time, of the death penalty, is a “personal priority” for Catherine Ashton. The future European External Action Service, with its integrated structure, will allow the Union to achieve its potential in the field of defending human rights, a battle that must be led all together, she concluded, calling on each member state of the Union.
Respect of human rights is a priority in relations with all third countries, affirmed Lazlo Tokés of Romania, speaking for the EPP Group. Véronique de Keyser of Belgium agreed with this on behalf of the Socialist Group, albeit regretting the limits to Union action. One example of this is that European observers often report on fraud during elections but do not report on the concrete consequences of this. The imperfect working of the regulation against imports of goods used for torture was denounced by Metin Kazak (ALDE, Bulgaria) and the spokesperson for the Greens, Barbara Lochbihler of Germany, who asked why the resolution does not cite, in particular, the states that do not meet their obligations in this field. The Union must be realistic on what it can do for respect of human rights and this regulation is a good example of this, says Charles Tannock (ECR, UK). What, however, can be said about the fact that the EU maintains economic and trading relations with a country like China, which has brutally suppressed fundamental freedoms? More generally, Marie-Christine Vergiat (GUE/NGL, France) confirmed that the idea held by the EU of human rights corresponds to that held by the United Nations, based on the notion of universal and indivisible rights. The highly respectable human rights agenda is all too often “highjacked by greedy lawyers and political opportunists”, regretted David Campbell Bannerman (EFD, UK).
Some representatives took a stance in favour of extending the concept of human rights. According to Vittorio Prodi (S&D, Italy), they must include the right of access to natural resources. Violation of human rights in Iran was denounced by Marietje Schaake (ALDE, NL), who hopes there will be a demonstration of solidarity at European level towards those who defend democracy in this country. Marek Migalski (ECR, Poland) considers the EU should be at least able to defend those to which it has attributed the Sakharov Prize (citing the case of the prize winners who have undergone ill treatment in their countries). Others still, in particular Charles Goerens (ALDE, Luxembourg) invited the members of the Union to set an example in their own countries, and the rapporteur, Heidi Hautala, admitted that conditions in many European prisons are not acceptable.
The fight for respect of human rights does not aim to obtain “special rights”, concluded Baroness Ashton, but to give individuals access to the rights to which they are entitled. Respect of human dignity, freedom, rule of law, and respect of minorities should fall within the remit of the External Action Service. Meetings with those who defend human rights on the ground must also be an integral part of EEAS activity. For election observation, follow-up once elections are over must be improved. (A.B./L.G./transl.jl)