Brussels, 07/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 7 February, MEPs welcomed the EU's emphasis on Syria, Burma/Myanmar, the People's Republic of Korea, and Mali, as well as the EU's support for extending the mandate of the special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran, for the 22nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. In its resolution, the Parliament approves the focus on thematic issues, such as the freedom of thought, religion and conviction, the abolition of the death penalty, children's rights, business and human rights, violence against women and LGBTI rights.
MEPs also call on the European External Action Service and on the member states to affirm “clearly that human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent”. They again call categorically for the active participation of the EU in the United Nations mechanisms for human rights, and encourage the member states to take action on this by supporting resolutions, by actively taking part in the debates and interactive dialogues, and by publishing statements. The Parliament recalls that the EU's effectiveness is much greater when it joins forces with the member states, and calls for action that is “more courageous and more ambitious” and for real commitment “instead of being resigned to accepting the lowest common denominator”.
MEPs also stress the importance of defining the position of the EU's special representative for human rights, Stavros Lambrinidis, and they encourage him to improve the effectiveness, coherence and visibility of the EU policy as part of the United Nations Human Rights Council, and to develop close cooperation with the high commissioner on human rights. (CG/transl.fl)