Strasbourg, 17/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 16 December, the European Parliament in Strasbourg adopted three resolutions on human rights in Egyptian Sinaï, in Uganda and Malaysia.
Eritrean refugees held hostage by human traffickers in Sinaï. In their resolution, MEPs welcome the effort made by the Egyptian authorities to verify information mentioned in UNHCR reports regarding a group of some 250 Eritreans held hostage in Sinaï. The Parliament calls on Cairo to take every measure necessary to ensure the hostages are released, while avoiding the use of lethal force against illegal migrants crossing the borders of the country. It also calls for the protection of migrants' dignity and physical and psychological integrity, and for the guarantee that detained migrants can contact the UNHCR and allow the UNHCR access to all asylum seekers and refugees in state custody.
Stop to discrimination against LGTB in Uganda. In its resolution, the Parliament denounces discrimination against LGTB (Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals and Bisexuals) in Uganda, as well as the anti-LGTB bill put forward by Ugandan parliamentarian, David Bahati. The Parliament underlines that sexual orientation is a matter that comes under an individual's right to privacy, a right guaranteed by the international law on human rights, whereby the principle of equality and non-discrimination must be protected and freedom of expression guaranteed. The Parliament reminds the Ugandan authorities of their obligations under international law and the Cotonou Agreement on respect of universal human rights. The Parliament adds that one should not see defence of the fundamental rights of LGBT as a resolve to impose European values but rather as an intention to defend and promote universal human rights. Finally, condemning the “Bahati Bill”, MEPs underline that a law against homosexuality would also be extremely detrimental in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Caning in Malaysia. Despite the fact that under international law corporal punishment is illegal and “amounts to torture”, Malaysian law provides for punishment by caning for at least 66 offences including illegal entry into the country and drug abuse. Strongly condemning all forms of corporal punishment, including caning, as a “remnant of colonial rule”, MEPs call on Malaysia to enact a moratorium on caning and on all forms of corporal punishment in any circumstance, in order to abolish such punishment in law and in practice. Also, Parliament invites Malaysia as a member of the United Nations Council of Human Rights, to ratify the convention against torture and its optional protocol. (E.H./O.L./transl.jl)