Brussels, 29/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 26 October, MEPs condemned the Taliban attack on the young girl, Malala Yousafzai, and spoke of their “admiration” for “her courage and determination” in defending the right of girls to education. They also welcomed the condemnation of this attack by most of Pakistani society. In a joint resolution MEPs call on the authorities to guarantee Malala's security and to bring those responsible for the attack to justice. Deeply concerned by the increase in extremist violence and by the violation of women's and children's rights, the European Parliament calls on the government to fight against discrimination and violence against women. MEPs also call on the Pakistani authorities to increase the means of state schools. In addition, they call on the Commission to draw up teaching programmes for women - together with Pakistan. During the discussion before the vote, MEPs spoke of their concerns with regard to violence against schools.
Human rights violations in the United Arab Emirates and Cambodia. In another resolution on the United Arab Emirates, MEPs say they are very concerned by the aggression, repression and intimidation against human rights activists. Stressing the importance of improving the living and working conditions of migrant workers in the country, the European Parliament calls on the government to immediately reform its legal and regulatory system in order to put an end to the continuing abuse.
In a final resolution, the Parliament denounces the politically motivated sentences against political critics, land activists and human rights defenders in Cambodia. It calls on the authorities to put an end to forced land evictions and to put in place a transparent legal framework. During their discussion MEPs also said they wanted the EU to react if European businesses or businesses which export to the EU are established on despoiled land. The Parliament additionally calls for a reform of the electoral system. (CG/transl.fl)