Brussels, 18/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Union cannot have double standards when it is a matter of defending human rights both outside and within the European Union. Such is the message sent by MEPs who, on Wednesday 17 December, discussed the 10th EU annual report on human rights published on 27 November. The document, which states “real progress” has been made in this field but which also points a finger of blame at certain countries where the situation gives rise to concern, was the subject of EU Council and European Commission declarations.
“In all the simplicity of its 30 articles”, the Declaration of Human Rights, which has now reached its 60th years of existence, has “not a single wrinkle”, said Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, who opened the debate on the annual report on human rights at the European Parliament. Ms Ferrero-Waldner notes “two positive developments”: - the consolidation of instruments allowing the combat of discrimination and violence against women, which is “in addition to the emblematic case of eastern Congo, a global scourge”; - dialogue on human rights, which has been extended this year to four countries of Central Asia, and which will soon be enlarged to five countries of Latin America. The experience of dialogue with China shows how difficult this can be but one must persevere, she said. The commissioner also notes “two challenges”: - depenalisation of homosexuality: the Commission supports the French Presidency's initiative on sexual leaning; - and effectiveness and consistency in defence of human rights in the world and within the Union.
On behalf of the EPP, Lithuanian elected representative Laima Andrikiené (whose report on the role of the EU within the United Nations will be presented in the January plenary) stressed a series of themes that must be a priority subject of reflection, including the role of the UN Human Rights Council, which must be able to fully exercise its mandate, and the guidelines on capital punishment. Ramon Obiols i Germa of Spain, speaking on behalf of the Socialist Group, believes the fundamental problem lies in consistency between what one says and does within and outside the Union. Europe is not credible if it demands respect of human rights in the world but takes the pretext of terrorism to apply measures which are not exemplary on its own soil. Hélène Flautre (Greens/EFA, France) calls for a fair asylum and immigration policy. Speaking for the ALDE, Marco Cappato of Italy denounced the attempts to block the initiative on depenalisation of homosexuality on the part of the representatives of the Vatican at the UN, supported by his compatriot Vittorio Agnoletto (GUE/NGL), who considers it necessary to call on the representative of the Holy See to give an explanation to the sub-committee on human rights. The practice of torture for which Guantanamo has become a striking symbol has been condemned by several representatives from all sides, by the British Liberal member, Sarah Ludford, and Portuguese Socialist Ana Maria Gomes, as well as by Eoin Ryan (UEN) of Ireland, who all invite the Union to help Barack Obama to put an end to this shameful practice. The Commission, Ms Ferrero-Waldner said, welcomes the declarations of the president-elect and will contribute as far as it possibly can.
In response to MEPs, Ms Ferrero-Waldner mentioned the following themes: - Capital punishment: despite the United Nations resolution in favour of a moratorium, a small number of countries continue to practice the death penalty and pressure should be put on them to stop; - Human rights and China: a man was executed in China the same day as a meeting was being held in Beijing within EU-China dialogue; - Commission concern at the toughening of China's attitude. It will reflect on the meaning of these negative signs, but it is now up to China to send a positive sign; - Human rights clause in relations and agreements with third countries: a balance must be struck between respect of principles and the necessary flexibility for negotiation; - Consistency between the Union's external and internal action. With Jacques Barrot, the commissioner said, they have tried to tackle the treatment of migrants by placing greater emphasis on human rights, but many decisions are still taken by national governments; - and the consequences of colonisation: one Cypriot representative had spoken of the case of the former British and French colonies. Ms Ferrero-Waldner replied that this question does not come under the scope of competence of member states.
Council representative Rama Yade also spoke of the death penalty (with adoption of a new resolution, essentially a follow-up resolution), the role of the Union within the UN, and the fight against impunity. “There cannot be peace without justice”, Ms Yade said on this point, recalling the Union's support for efforts undertaken by international criminal justice. Ms Yade will shortly be in New York to defend the text on depenalisation of homosexuality. In 9 countries of the world, homosexuality is a crime, and in six countries it is punishable with death, Ms Yade pointed out, expressing the hope that the French Presidency's initiative would be more successful than a similar one put forward by Norway two years ago. (L.G./B.C./transl.jl)