Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024

Amendments tabled for the plenary sitting on this text, in their own numbering series. This is a different set from the committee amendments tracked elsewhere on AmendEU, and is not counted in any of the site’s amendment totals.

1. Amendment 1ESNMotion for a resolution · Recital E
   Current text

   E. whereas the rise in authoritarianism, totalitarianism and populism threatens the global rules-based order, the protection and promotion of freedom and human rights in the world, as well as the values and principles on which the EU is founded;

   Amendment

   E. whereas left-wing policies, over-regulation and the Commission’s attempts to manipulate public opinion and interfere in the internal affairs of the Member States and non-EU countries pose a growing threat to democracy and freedom, as well as the values and principles on which the EU is founded;

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2. Amendment 2ESNMotion for a resolution · Recital F
   Current text

   F. whereas in December 2023, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrated its 75th anniversary; whereas today, more than ever since the UN’s foundation, totalitarian regimes challenge the UN Charter’s basic principles, seek to rewrite international norms, undermine multilateral institutions and threaten peace and security globally;

   Amendment

   F. whereas in December 2023, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrated its 75th anniversary; whereas today, more than ever since the UN’s foundation, ideological agendas and political interference by EU institutions challenge the UN Charter’s basic principles, distort international norms, weaken multilateral institutions and threaten peace and security globally;

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3. Amendment 3ESNMotion for a resolution · Recital I
   Current text

   I. whereas the legitimacy and functioning of the international rules-based order are dependent on compliance with the orders of, and respect for, international bodies, such as United Nations General Assembly and Security Council resolutions and orders and decisions of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court (ICC); whereas multilateralism is being challenged by increasing global threats, such as terrorism and extremism, which threaten compliance with such orders and decisions, as well as, generally, with provisions of international law, human rights law and international humanitarian law in emerging and ongoing conflict situations; whereas international institu…

   Amendment

   I. whereas the legitimacy and functioning of the international rules-based order are dependent on genuine respect for international law, international bodies, such as United Nations General Assembly and Security Council resolutions and orders and decisions of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court (ICC); whereas EU institutions and political elites increasingly manipulate international norms to serve their ideological interests, undermining trust in multilateralism; whereas political interference in the internal affairs of individual countries weakens the credibility of supranational institutions; whereas multilateralism is being challenged by ideological ext…

   Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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4. Amendment 4ESNMotion for a resolution · Recital N a (new)
   Amendment

   Na. whereas EU institutions and certain actors use financial support as a tool for exerting political influence over CSOs and media outlets, fostering tensions and undermining democratic decision-making in sovereign states;

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5. Amendment 5ESNMotion for a resolution · Recital R a (new)
   Amendment

   Ra. whereas Boualem Sansal, a French citizen and winner of the Grand Prix de l’Académie française, is arbitrarily imprisoned for his political opinions by the Algerian regime;

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6. Amendment 6ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 1
   Current text

   1. Reasserts the universality, interdependence, interrelatedness and indivisibility of human rights and the inherent dignity of every human being; reaffirms the duty of the EU and its Member States to promote and protect democracy and the universality of human rights around the world; calls for the EU and its Member States to lead by example, in line with its values, to promote and strictly uphold human rights and international justice;

   Amendment

   1. Reasserts the universality, interdependence, interrelatedness and indivisibility of human rights and the inherent dignity of every human being; reaffirms the duty of the EU and its Member States to promote and protect democracy and fundamental freedoms worldwide; emphasises that the EU and its institutions must lead by example by respecting national sovereignty, ensuring true democratic principles within their own structures, and avoiding double standards in the application of human rights and international justice;

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7. Amendment 7ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 1 a (new)
   Amendment

   1a. Calls for the EU and its Member States to lead by example, in line with its values, in particular by refraining from the anti-democratic practices referred to in recital L, such as censorship, silencing, harassment of journalists and the use of SLAPPs;

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8. Amendment 8ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 2
   Current text

   2. Insists that respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights and fundamental freedoms must be the cornerstone of the EU’s external policy, in line with its founding principles; strongly encourages the EU and its Member States, to that end, to strive for a continued ambitious commitment to make freedom, democracy and human rights and their protection a central part of all EU policies in a streamlined manner and to enhance the consistency between the EU’s internal and external policies in this field, including through all of its international agreements;

   Amendment

   2. Insists that the promotion of the economic and political interests of the Member States must be the cornerstone of the EU’s external policy; notes that the world is enormously diverse in terms of political and economic systems, religions and social and economic developments; is of the opinion that states are often prone to human rights interventionism as a means of launching political attacks against other states and drawing attention away from their own human rights violations in the process; rejects any policy that weaponises human rights;

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9. Amendment 9ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 3
   Current text

   3. Stresses that the EU must be fully prepared to counter the rise of authoritarianism, totalitarianism and populism, as well as the increasing violations of the principles of universality of human rights, democracy and international humanitarian law;

   Amendment

   3. Stresses that the EU must be fully prepared to fight against mass migration, which poses a serious risk to prosperity and undermines the public security and social stability of the Member States, and also to fight against international organised crime and international terrorism, supported and controlled by states or organisations that represent a threat to the security of the Member States and their citizens;

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10. Amendment 10ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 14
    Current text

    14. Welcomes the increasing use of the EU GHRSR as a key political tool in the EU’s defence of human rights and democracy across the world; regrets, however, that its use has continued to be limited, especially in the current geopolitical landscape; notes, however, the challenges that the requirement of unanimity poses in the adoption of sanctions and reiterates its call on the Council to introduce qualified majority voting for decisions on the GHRSR; recalls, in this regard, the formal request submitted by Parliament to the Council in 2023, on calling an EU reform convention, with the aim, among others, of increasing the number of decisions taken by qualified majority; calls for a stronger…

    Amendment

    14. Is concerned about the increasing use of the EU GHRSR across the world; emphasises that unanimity voting must remain the norm in the field of foreign policy and human rights and opposes qualified majority voting for decisions on the GHRSR; supports the possibility of imposing targeted anti-corruption sanctions within the EU framework;

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11. Amendment 11ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 23 a (new)
    Amendment

    23a. Notes that the UN has not succeeded to the extent hoped for in promoting international cooperation and maintaining international security and global peace, because most UN member states refuse to engage in international cooperation; notes that in 2022 the EU Member States contributed around EUR 14.1 billion to the UN system, while the EU alone contributes around EUR 3 billion each year; notes that the EU and its Member States jointly account for the single largest contribution; notes that the UN member states are increasingly calling into question the added value of UN peacekeeping operations; is concerned about the politicisation of UN human rights mechanisms and committees such as the…

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12. Amendment 12ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 29 a (new)
    Amendment

    29a. Is deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC); notes that an estimated 7 million Congolese people are now displaced within the country, and that child military recruitment, abductions, killings and sexual violence are rising; is deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, which has been plunged into the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, with over 11 million people displaced; notes that in Sudan acute food insecurity is affecting over 25 million people and that violence has targeted, in particular, women and girls, non-Muslim Africans in Darfur and the Nuba people; is appalled by the lack…

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13. Amendment 13ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 32
    Current text

    32. Recognises the potential for stronger alignment in approaches to human rights protection and promotion between EU institutions, Member States’ embassies and EU delegations in non-EU countries, particularly in encouraging those countries to comply with their international obligations and to refrain from harassment and persecution of critical voices; emphasises the opportunity for Member States’ embassies to take an increasingly active role in advancing and safeguarding human rights, while also supporting civil society in these countries; calls for the EU and its Member States to use all possible means to urge countries to release political prisoners; highlights the importance of shared re…

    Amendment

    32. Recognises the potential for stronger alignment in approaches to human rights protection and promotion between EU institutions, Member States’ embassies and EU delegations in non-EU countries, particularly in encouraging those countries to comply with their international obligations and to refrain from harassment and persecution of critical voices; emphasises the opportunity for Member States’ embassies to take an increasingly active role in advancing and safeguarding human rights, while also supporting civil society in these countries; calls for the EU and its Member States to use all possible means to urge countries to release political prisoners, starting with nationals of the Member…

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14. Amendment 14ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 40 a (new)
    Amendment

    40a. Is appalled by the complete lack of public and media attention across the EU for the child sexual exploitation scandal in the United Kingdom; recalls that, over a decade ago, many thousands of young girls in England were raped, sexually exploited and trafficked by gangs of mostly Pakistani men and that this large-scale child sexual exploitation was facilitated by grave systemic failures within law enforcement, social services and local government; emphasises that this child sexual exploitation scandal illustrates the danger that uncontrolled mass immigration poses for women and girls; encourages the Member States to launch a comprehensive debate on the link between mass migration and th…

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15. Amendment 15ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 43
    Current text

    43. Stresses that women’s rights and gender equality are indispensable and indivisible human rights, as well as a basis for the rule of law and inclusive resilient democracies; deplores the fact that millions of women and girls continue to experience discrimination and violence, especially in the context of conflicts, post-conflict situations and displacements, and are denied their dignity, autonomy and even life; condemns the impunity with which perpetrators commit violations against women HRDs; is appalled by the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war and stresses the need to shed light on these instances, and for better international cooperation on fighting impunity for these…

    Amendment

    43. Stresses that women’s rights are indispensable and indivisible human rights; deplores the fact that millions of women and girls continue to experience discrimination and violence, especially in the context of conflicts, post-conflict situations and displacements, and are denied their dignity, autonomy and even life; condemns the impunity with which perpetrators commit violations against women HRDs; is appalled by the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war and stresses the need to shed light on these instances, and for better international cooperation on fighting impunity for these crimes; stresses that women in most Islamic countries are treated unequally to men and that this…

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16. Amendment 16ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 45 a (new)
    Amendment

    45a. Notes with concern that the EU’s external borders are under constant and growing pressure; stresses that the current challenges in the area of migration and asylum have become unmanageable because of the sharp rise in illegal migration; stresses that the inefficiency of the EU’s return system encourages illegal migration and that the refusal of many migrants’ countries of origin to cooperate is one of the most important reasons for the low return rate of illegal migrants; notes the lack of a strong and consistent policy of repatriation of migrants at the level of the Member States; pleads for the promotion of regional protection and the externalisation of asylum policy; argues in favour…

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17. Amendment 17ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 50
    Current text

    50. Reiterates its condemnation of all forms of racism, intolerance, antisemitism, Islamophobia, persecution of Christians, xenophobia and discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation or gender identity; condemns the growing international threat of hate speech and speech that incites violence, including online; reiterates the crucial role of education and dialogue in promoting tolerance, understanding and diversity; calls for the adoption or the strengthening of mechanisms for reporting discriminatory behaviours as well as access to effective legal remedies, to help end the impunity of those who engage…

    Amendment

    50. Reiterates its condemnation of all forms of racism, intolerance, antisemitism, persecution of Christians, xenophobia and discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation or gender identity; notes with concern that allegations of ‘hate speech’ are increasingly being used across the EU and other regions of the world to criminalise dissenting opinions; is deeply concerned, in this regard, about the impact of the UN’s proposals in connection with its Global Principles for Information Integrity and its Pact for the Future on the freedom of expression;

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18. Amendment 18ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 52 a (new)
    Amendment

    52a. Recalls that the only common denominator for Europe is its Christian heritage, and that this heritage led to individual freedom, democratic institutions and the traditional rule of law; notes with concern, therefore, that, according to the Open Doors organisation, more than 380 million Christians worldwide suffer high levels of persecution for their faith; is deeply concerned about the continued violence against Christians across sub-Saharan Africa and in the Middle East;

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19. Amendment 19ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 54
    Current text

    54. Emphasises the critical significance of freedom of expression and access to trustworthy and diverse sources of information for sustaining democracy and a thriving civic space; recalls that democracies can only function when citizens have access to independent and reliable information, making journalists key players in the safeguarding of democracy; is therefore seriously concerned about the increasing restrictions on freedom of expression in numerous countries worldwide, particularly for journalists, through censorship, enforced self-censorship, so-called foreign agents laws and the misuse of counter-terrorism or anti-corruption laws to suppress journalists and civil society groups; is c…

    Amendment

    54. Emphasises the critical significance of freedom of expression and access to trustworthy and diverse sources of information for sustaining democracy and a thriving civic space; recalls that democracies can only function when citizens have access to independent and reliable information, making journalists key players in the safeguarding of democracy; is therefore seriously concerned about the increasing restrictions on freedom of expression in numerous countries worldwide, including in the EU, particularly for journalists, through censorship, enforced self-censorship, so-called foreign agents laws and the misuse of counter-terrorism or anti-corruption laws to suppress journalists and civil…

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20. Amendment 20ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 55
    Current text

    55. Calls urgently for the EU to back trustworthy media and information outlets that promote the accountability of authorities and support democratic transitions, while stressing the need to preserve the principles of pluralism, transparency and independence; highlights the role played by fact checkers in the media landscape, ensuring that the public can trust the information they receive; is concerned that they are therefore major targets for attacks by illiberal regimes that originate and disseminate disinformation, propaganda and fake news; condemns the extensive use of SLAPPs to silence journalists, activists, trade unionists and HRDs globally; welcomes, in this context, the directive de…

    Amendment

    55. Calls urgently for the EU to back trustworthy media and information outlets that promote the accountability of authorities and support democratic transitions, while stressing the need to preserve the principles of pluralism, transparency and independence; highlights the role played by fact checkers in the media landscape, ensuring that the public can trust the information they receive; is concerned that they are therefore major targets for attacks by illiberal regimes that originate and disseminate disinformation, propaganda and fake news; condemns the extensive use of SLAPPs to silence journalists, activists, trade unionists and HRDs globally, including in the EU; welcomes, in this cont…

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21. Amendment 21ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 61
    Current text

    61. Deplores that the right to participate in free and fair elections is not respected in authoritarian, illiberal, and totalitarian regimes; highlights that these regimes conduct fake elections with the aim of entrenching their power, as they lack real political contestation and pluralism; is alarmed by current trends in electoral processes, such as the increasing decline in electoral participation and democratic performance or the growing disputes concerning the credibility of elections; highlights with deep concern the growing interference by some states in other countries’ elections through hybrid tactics; reaffirms the necessity of increasing political representation of women, young peo…

    Amendment

    61. Deplores that the right to participate in free and fair elections is not respected in authoritarian, illiberal, and totalitarian regimes; highlights that these regimes conduct fake elections with the aim of entrenching their power, or annul election results that are unfavourable to them, as they lack real political contestation and pluralism; is alarmed by current trends in electoral processes, such as the increasing decline in electoral participation and democratic performance or the growing disputes concerning the credibility of elections; highlights with deep concern the growing interference by some states in other countries’ elections through hybrid tactics; reaffirms the necessity o…

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22. Amendment 22Renew, S&DMotion for a resolution · Recital D a (new)
    Amendment

    Da. whereas gender equality is paramount to the development of free and equal societies; whereas the human rights of women, girls and non-binary people are still not guaranteed throughout the world, and the space for civil society organisations, especially women’s rights, indigenous and grassroots organisations, is shrinking in many countries;

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23. Amendment 23Renew, S&DMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 15
    Current text

    15. Reiterates its concern regarding the increasing attacks by authoritarian and illiberal regimes on democratic principles, values and pluralism; stresses that the defence and support of democracy around the world is increasingly becoming of geopolitical and strategic interest; emphasises the importance of Parliament’s efforts in capacity-building for partner parliaments, promoting mediation and encouraging a culture of dialogue and compromise, especially among young political leaders, and empowering women parliamentarians, HRDs and representatives from civil society and independent media; reiterates its call on the Commission to continue and expand its activities in these areas by increasi…

    Amendment

    15. Reiterates its concern regarding the increasing attacks by authoritarian and illiberal regimes on democratic principles, values and pluralism; stresses that the defence and support of democracy around the world is increasingly becoming of geopolitical and strategic interest; emphasises the importance of Parliament’s efforts in capacity-building for partner parliaments, promoting mediation and encouraging a culture of dialogue and compromise, especially among young political leaders, and empowering women parliamentarians, HRDs and representatives from civil society and independent media; reiterates its call on the Commission to continue and expand its activities in these areas by increasi…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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24. Amendment 24Renew, S&DMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 15 a (new)
    Amendment

    15a. Underlines the importance of strengthening the participation of women in democratic systems order to tackle the discrepancy in the representation of women in decision-making; calls for the EU’s external action to facilitate better participation of women in politics, business and civil society;

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25. Amendment 25Renew, S&DMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 43
    Current text

    43. Stresses that women’s rights and gender equality are indispensable and indivisible human rights, as well as a basis for the rule of law and inclusive resilient democracies; deplores the fact that millions of women and girls continue to experience discrimination and violence, especially in the context of conflicts, post-conflict situations and displacements, and are denied their dignity, autonomy and even life; condemns the impunity with which perpetrators commit violations against women HRDs; is appalled by the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war and stresses the need to shed light on these instances, and for better international cooperation on fighting impunity for these…

    Amendment

    43. Stresses that women’s rights and gender equality are indispensable and indivisible human rights, as well as a basis for the rule of law and inclusive resilient democracies; deplores the fact that millions of women and girls continue to experience discrimination and violence, especially in the context of conflicts, post-conflict situations and displacements, and are denied their dignity, autonomy and even life; condemns the impunity with which perpetrators commit violations against women HRDs; is appalled by the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war and stresses the need to shed light on these instances, and for better international cooperation on fighting impunity for these…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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26. Amendment 26PPEMotion for a resolution · Recital P
    Current text

    P. whereas the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) warns of a decline in the intent of states and other political forces to protect press freedom; whereas, according to RSF, 47 journalists and media workers have been killed, most of them in conflict zones, and 573 have been imprisoned since 1 January 2024;

    Amendment

    P. whereas the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) warns of a decline in the intent of states and other political forces to protect press freedom; whereas, according to the RSF’s 2024 Round-up, 54 journalists and media workers were killed, most of them in conflict zones, 550 were being detained, 55 were being held hostage, and 95 were missing in 2024;

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27. Amendment 27PPEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 54
    Current text

    54. Emphasises the critical significance of freedom of expression and access to trustworthy and diverse sources of information for sustaining democracy and a thriving civic space; recalls that democracies can only function when citizens have access to independent and reliable information, making journalists key players in the safeguarding of democracy; is therefore seriously concerned about the increasing restrictions on freedom of expression in numerous countries worldwide, particularly for journalists, through censorship, enforced self-censorship, so-called foreign agents laws and the misuse of counter-terrorism or anti-corruption laws to suppress journalists and civil society groups; is c…

    Amendment

    54. Emphasises the critical significance of freedom of expression and access to trustworthy and diverse sources of information for sustaining democracy and a thriving civic space; recalls that democracies can only function when citizens have access to independent and reliable information, making journalists key players in the safeguarding of democracy; is therefore seriously concerned about the increasing restrictions on freedom of expression in numerous countries worldwide, particularly for journalists, through censorship, enforced self-censorship, so-called foreign agents laws and the misuse of counter-terrorism or anti-corruption laws to suppress journalists and civil society groups; is c…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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28. Amendment 28PPEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 58 a (new)
    Amendment

    58a. Underlines the indispensable work of organisations such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in their promotion of democracy, media pluralism and access to neutral information; draws attention to the fact that where the voice of democracy is cancelled, it is easy for propaganda against democratic values to take over; highlights the need to ensure the consistent financing of such institutions, and calls for the EU to step up the financing of such organisations and fill researching gaps that may occur;

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29. Amendment 29S&DMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 24 a (new)
    Amendment

    24a. Strongly regrets the decision of some countries to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council;

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30. Amendment 30S&DMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 26 a (new)
    Amendment

    26a. Expresses its utmost concern over the sanctions against the ICC, its prosecutors, judges and staff, which constitute a serious attack on the international justice system; calls on the Commission to urgently activate the Blocking Statute and on the Member States to increase their diplomatic efforts in order to protect and safeguard the ICC as an indispensable cornerstone of the international justice system;

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31. Amendment 31S&DMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 56
    Current text

    56. Welcomes the Commission’s plan to finance initiatives that support journalists on legal and practical matters, including beyond the EU, through the European Democracy Action Plan; calls for the EU to strengthen its efforts to aid targeted journalists globally, recalling that independent journalists are on the frontline of the fight against disinformation, which undermines democracies; acknowledges the contribution to achieving this goal of programmes such as the now-defunct Media4Democracy and other EU-funded activities, including those of the European Endowment for Democracy; urges the EU to help make reliable news sources available to more people living in countries that restrict press…

    Amendment

    56. Welcomes the Commission’s plan to finance initiatives that support journalists on legal and practical matters, including beyond the EU, through the European Democracy Action Plan; calls for the EU to strengthen its efforts to aid targeted journalists globally, recalling that independent journalists are on the frontline of the fight against disinformation, which undermines democracies; acknowledges the contribution to achieving this goal of programmes such as the now-defunct Media4Democracy and other EU-funded activities, including those of the European Endowment for Democracy; strongly regrets the decision to halt funding to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia and Voice of A…

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32. Amendment 32The LeftMotion for a resolution · Recital A a (new)
    Amendment

    Aa. whereas rulings of the European Court of Human Rights are an essential part of the human rights architecture in Europe;

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33. Amendment 33The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 4 a (new)
    Amendment

    4a. Strongly condemns and is deeply concerned by the ongoing genocide being committed by the Israeli authorities in the Gaza Strip; denounces the atrocities, war crimes and serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed by the Israeli authorities in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Syria; condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the Israeli indiscriminate attacks with air strikes and the use of chemical weapons against civilians, the forced expulsion of populations, the use of sexual violence and torture, the attacks on hospitals, schools and basic infrastructure and the denial of humanitarian aid access; underlines that these attacks are…

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34. Amendment 34The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 4 b (new)
    Amendment

    4b. Strongly rejects the US and Israeli plans to expel Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and recalls that any deportation or forcible transfer of persons from occupied territory is strictly prohibited; reaffirms the fundamental right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, as recognised by the UN Charter; calls for a reparation process for the Palestinian State; demands the restitution of occupied territories and the return of the Palestinians who have been forced to flee their lands since 1948, to their homes;

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35. Amendment 35The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 5 a (new)
    Amendment

    5a. Deplores the lack of action by the European Union and the United States in the face of the Israeli authorities’ continuous attempts to undermine and discredit the UN, its Secretary-General and, especially, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA); deplores the legislation adopted by the Knesset banning the activities of UNRWA and ceasing its relations with Israeli authorities; deplores the dire consequences this will have for the region, as UNRWA is the main humanitarian assistance structure in Gaza and the West Bank, on which millions of people depend for vital services; recalls that this legislation infringes international law; rejects…

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36. Amendment 36The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 12 a (new)
    Amendment

    12a. Stresses that the EU-Israel Association Agreement is, according to Article 2 of that agreement, based on the fulfilment of human rights and emphasises these as a guiding principle; notes that Israel stands accused of genocide and calls, therefore, for the immediate termination of the EU-Israel Association Agreement;

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37. Amendment 37The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 25 a (new)
    Amendment

    25a. Welcomes the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Case 192 – Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel), as well as the Advisory opinion of the ICJ on the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), including East Jerusalem, and from the illegality of Israel’s continued presence in the OPT; calls on the Member States to support the ICJ and demand that Israel immediately comply with the legally binding orders issued by the ICJ;

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38. Amendment 38The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 25 b (new)
    Amendment

    25b. Welcomes the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court on 21 November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif; reminds the EU and its Member States that this decision is binding on all EU Member States by virtue of the Rome Statute to which they are party and that is part of the EU acquis;

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39. Amendment 39The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 25 c (new)
    Amendment

    25c. Reiterates the strong support of the EU for the European Court of Human Rights; urges all signatory states to the European Convention on Human Rights to fully abide by rulings of the Court;

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40. Amendment 40The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 29 a (new)
    Amendment

    29a. Is seriously concerned by the persistence of the scourge of protracted occupation or annexation of territories; calls for special attention to be paid to the human rights situation in the illegally occupied territories, including in cases of protracted occupation such as in Palestine and Western Sahara, and the multiple frozen conflicts and invisible conflicts such as the conflict in Sudan and the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and for effective measures to be taken with the aim of preventing grave human rights abuses on the ground, including the violation of right to life, restriction of freedom of movement, and discrimination;

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41. Amendment 41The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 29 b (new)
    Amendment

    29b. Strongly condemns Israel’s colonial settlement and its continued expansion, which violates international law and fuels Palestinian resentment; notes that, according to national and international NGOs, the system of oppression and domination that the Israeli Government imposes on the Palestinian population in all areas under its control and on Palestinian refugees, constitutes apartheid and is prohibited by international law; recalls the opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on 19 July 2024, which concluded that the State of Israel ‘is under an obligation to immediately cease all new settlement activities and to evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory…

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42. Amendment 42The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 29 c (new)
    Amendment

    29c. Calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza;

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43. Amendment 43The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 29 d (new)
    Amendment

    29d. Deplores the flagrant human rights violations committed in the occupied territories of Western Sahara, from the violation of freedom of expression and assembly, the torture and ill treatment reported by political prisoners, the unfair trials, the repression during demonstrations (including cases of torture and killings), and the prohibition of free entry to the occupied territories for observers and the international press; stresses that Western Sahara is a separate and distinct territory in relation to any State, including Morocco; urges the EU and the Member States to support the self-determination and decolonisation efforts of Sahrawi people by ensuring an urgent, just and lasting so…

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44. Amendment 44The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 30 a (new)
    Amendment

    30a. Calls for the Member States to immediately stop arms exports to Israel in line with Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP of 8 December 2008 defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment; warns that states which support Israel with arms shipments can now be sued in the International Court of Justice for aiding and abetting genocide against Palestinians in violation of Article 3(e) of the Genocide Convention, which criminalises complicity;

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45. Amendment 45The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 42
    Current text

    42. Stresses that education represents the starting point for cultivating principles and values that contribute to the personal development of children, as well as to social cohesion and democracy, and the rule of law around the world; to that end calls for the EU to promote its values through supporting access to education and learning for women and girls;

    Amendment

    42. Stresses that education represents the starting point for cultivating principles and values that contribute to the personal development of children, as well as to social cohesion and democracy, and the rule of law around the world; to that end calls for the EU to promote its values through supporting access to education and learning for women and girls; stresses that access to mandatory comprehensive sexuality education is a human right and a key tool to preventing gender-based discrimination, violence and exploitation and to equipping young people with knowledge to protect their health and empower them;

    official amendment document ↗
46. Amendment 46The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 43 a (new)
    Amendment

    43a. Recognises that the promotion and protection of SRHR is essential to achieving gender equality and affirms the right to access comprehensive SRHR services, including modern contraception, free, safe and legal abortion, maternal, prenatal and postnatal healthcare, assisted reproduction and access to education and information on SRHR, including comprehensive sexuality education, without any form of discrimination, coercion or violence; echoes human rights bodies’ recognition that banning abortion may subject women to suffering amounting to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment;

    official amendment document ↗
47. Amendment 47The LeftMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 47
    Current text

    47. Deplores the human rights violations, including discrimination, persecution, violence and killings, against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) persons around the world; is extremely concerned by the spreading of hatred and anti-LGBTIQ+ narratives and legislation that target LGBTIQ+ persons and HRDs; calls for the adoption of policies that protect LGBTIQ+ people and give them the tools to safely report a violation of their rights, in line with the EU Guidelines to Promote and Protect the Enjoyment of all Human Rights by LGBTI Persons; expresses special concern over LGBTIQ+ people living under non-democratic regimes or in conflict situations, and calls…

    Amendment

    47. Condemns the human rights violations, including discrimination, persecution, violence and killings, stigmatisation, hate crimes, hate speech, conversion therapies, intersex genital mutilation and sexual violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) persons around the world; calls for the EU and its Member States to denounce these injustices and commit to protecting the rights, dignity and safety of LGBTIQ+ individuals; is extremely concerned by the spreading of hatred and anti-LGBTIQ+ narratives and legislation that target LGBTIQ+ persons and HRDs; denounces, in this regard, conversion practices targeting LGBTIQ+ persons aimed at changing, repre…

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48. Amendment 48PfEMotion for a resolution · Citation 41
    Current text

    – having regard to the EU anti-racism action plan 2020-2025 (COM(2020)0565),

    Amendment

    deleted

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49. Amendment 49PfEMotion for a resolution · Recital S a (new)
    Amendment

    Sa. whereas, according to Open Doors, more than 360 million Christians face persecution, harassment or discrimination;

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50. Amendment 50PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 1
    Current text

    1. Reasserts the universality, interdependence, interrelatedness and indivisibility of human rights and the inherent dignity of every human being; reaffirms the duty of the EU and its Member States to promote and protect democracy and the universality of human rights around the world; calls for the EU and its Member States to lead by example, in line with its values, to promote and strictly uphold human rights and international justice;

    Amendment

    1. Urges Member States to prioritise the promotion and protection of democracy and human rights within the EU; emphasises that the EU does not have a mandate to act as a human rights watchdog and often employs human rights as a pretext for interference in the internal affairs of non-EU countries; emphasises that the rights of Europeans should be prioritised, particularly in the light of the many challenges our continent currently faces, such as the rise in insecurity and Islamism;

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51. Amendment 51PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 3
    Current text

    3. Stresses that the EU must be fully prepared to counter the rise of authoritarianism, totalitarianism and populism, as well as the increasing violations of the principles of universality of human rights, democracy and international humanitarian law;

    Amendment

    3. Stresses that the EU must be fully prepared to confront the rise of authoritarianism and religious extremism, including Islamism, which is spreading across Europe due to mass illegal immigration, as well as the growing threats to human rights, democracy and international humanitarian law; recalls and strongly condemns the recent tragic attacks in France, Germany and Austria perpetrated by fraudulent asylum seekers; underscores the EU’s responsibility in enabling these incidents through its failed migration policies;

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52. Amendment 52PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 5 a (new)
    Amendment

    5a. Rejects the idea of offsetting the suspension of US Agency for International Development (USAID) funding to human rights organisations, as such a commitment would lead to a further increase in budgetary expenditures for the Union and its Member States, in favour of entities, most of which make no tangible contribution;

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53. Amendment 53PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 5 b (new)
    Amendment

    5b. Is extremely concerned about the influence of non-EU countries and their interference and influence-buying in the European Parliament through a network of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as revealed in the so-called Qatargate scandal; notes with deep concern the active involvement of the left-wing members of the Subcommittee on Human Rights in the Qatargate scandal;

    official amendment document ↗
54. Amendment 54PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 23
    Current text

    23. Reaffirms that promoting the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights around the world requires strong international cooperation at a multilateral level; underlines the particularly important role of the UN and its bodies as the main forum which must be able to effectively advance efforts for peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the work of the UN, its agencies and special procedures, both politically and financially, to ensure that it is fit for purpose, and to push back against the influence of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes; stresses that the curre…

    Amendment

    23. Reaffirms that promoting the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights around the world requires strong international cooperation at a multilateral level; underlines the particularly important role of the UN and its bodies as the main forum which must be able to effectively advance efforts for peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the work of the UN, its agencies and special procedures, both politically and financially, to ensure that it is fit for purpose, and to push back against the influence of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes; stresses that the curre…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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55. Amendment 55PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 41
    Current text

    41. Stresses the importance of closing the financing gap that would enable countries to meet their SDG 4 targets on quality education and ensure access to education for all children and young people; reiterates its calls to address cultural norms and gender biases that prevent girls and women from receiving an education and urges the creation of gender-responsive education systems worldwide;

    Amendment

    41. Stresses the importance of closing the financing gap that would enable countries to meet their SDG 4 targets on quality education and ensure access to education for all children and young people, including access to education in their mother tongue; deplores any initiatives by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and media organisations that violate children’s rights to healthy and natural development through the promotion of so-called affirmative care; calls on the EU institutions to defend the healthy and natural development of minors across the world;

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56. Amendment 56PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 43
    Current text

    43. Stresses that women’s rights and gender equality are indispensable and indivisible human rights, as well as a basis for the rule of law and inclusive resilient democracies; deplores the fact that millions of women and girls continue to experience discrimination and violence, especially in the context of conflicts, post-conflict situations and displacements, and are denied their dignity, autonomy and even life; condemns the impunity with which perpetrators commit violations against women HRDs; is appalled by the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war and stresses the need to shed light on these instances, and for better international cooperation on fighting impunity for these…

    Amendment

    43. Stresses that women’s rights and gender equality are indispensable and indivisible human rights, as well as a basis for the rule of law and inclusive resilient democracies; deplores the fact that millions of women and girls continue to experience discrimination and violence, especially in the context of conflicts, post-conflict situations and displacements, and are denied their dignity, autonomy and even life; condemns the impunity with which perpetrators commit violations against women HRDs; is appalled by the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war and stresses the need to shed light on these instances, and for better international cooperation on fighting impunity for these…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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57. Amendment 57PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 43 a (new)
    Amendment

    43a. Calls for the EU to defend girls, women and women’s rights based on the individual’s biological sex;

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58. Amendment 58PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 44 a (new)
    Amendment

    44a. Reiterates its condemnation of the practice of surrogacy, a global phenomenon that exposes women worldwide to exploitation and human trafficking, while targeting financially and socially vulnerable women in particular; highlights its severe impact on women, women’s rights, and women’s health, and underlines its cross-border implications;

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59. Amendment 59PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 45 a (new)
    Amendment

    45a. Emphasises that continued migration from radical Islamic countries, such as Afghanistan, to Europe risks importing fundamentalist Sharia laws, thus undermining women’s rights in Europe; urges Member States to halt the mass influx from these countries, primarily composed of young adult males; calls for the rapid and effective implementation of measures to readmit migrants posing a threat to European security and the enforcement of readmission agreements for illegal migrants;

    official amendment document ↗
60. Amendment 60PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 45 b (new)
    Amendment

    45b. Highlights the duplicity and complicity of certain NGOs in facilitating human smuggling within the European Union; stresses that private entities should not be involved in conducting search and rescue operations, as well as all other activities in support of illegal entry into the Member States, as this constitutes a violation of national laws; reiterates calls to block EU funding to these so-called civil society groups that act as illegal shuttle services for smuggling migrants and demands that these NGOs be held criminally accountable for their involvement in migrant smuggling and human trafficking;

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61. Amendment 61PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 45 c (new)
    Amendment

    45c. Urges the Member States and the EU to apply diplomatic, economic, and political pressure on third countries to promptly readmit their nationals who have committed crimes in the European Union, particularly those under legal and administrative expulsion orders; emphasises that cooperation agreements, trade relations, visa policies, and financial assistance to third countries should be contingent upon compliance with readmission obligations and calls for enhanced cooperation among Member States in this regard;

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62. Amendment 62PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 52 a (new)
    Amendment

    52a. Expresses grave concern that Christians remain the most persecuted religious group in the world, primarily due to Islamist persecution; condemns, in the strongest terms, all attacks against Christian communities around the world; recalls that the EU shares a Christian heritage and is therefore obliged to confront these assaults; deplores the lack of a specific strategy from the Commission to combat ‘Christianophobia’; notes, however, that the Commission has appointed a coordinator to address Islamophobia;

    official amendment document ↗
63. Amendment 63PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 52 b (new)
    Amendment

    52b. Deeply regrets the desecration and vandalism of sacred and religious sites; calls on the EU and its Member States to condemn all such actions and to defend and protect our Christian heritage;

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64. Amendment 64PfEMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 52 c (new)
    Amendment

    52c. Notes with concern and condemns the rise of antisemitism in the world;

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65. Amendment 65Motion for a resolution · Paragraph 58 a (new)
    Amendment

    58a. Notes with concern that so-called ‘wokeism’ and the resulting cancel culture widens societal divisions, discourages open and frank discourse, leads to a reductionist view of history, promotes censorship, historical revisionism, and inevitably curtails freedom of expression;

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66. Amendment 66ECRMotion for a resolution · Recital D
    Current text

    D. whereas the EU strongly believes in and fully supports multilateralism, a rules-based global order and the set of universal values, principles and norms that guide the UN member states and that the UN member states have pledged to uphold, in accordance with the UN Charter; whereas a world of democracies, understood as a world of political systems that defend and protect human rights worldwide, is a safer world, as democracies have significant checks and balances in place to prevent the unpredictability of autocracies;

    Amendment

    D. whereas the EU strongly believes in and fully supports multilateralism, a rules-based global order and the set of universal values, principles and norms that should guide every UN member state and that UN member states have pledged to uphold in accordance with the UN Charter; whereas a growing number of UN member states, including permanent members of the Security Council, such as Russia, as well as members of the Human Rights Council, such as Nicaragua and Venezuela, continue to blatantly violate these values and principles; whereas a world of democracies – understood as a world of political systems that defend and protect human rights worldwide – is a safer world, as democracies have si…

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67. Amendment 67ECRMotion for a resolution · Recital J a (new)
    Amendment

    Ja. whereas international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, mandates the humane treatment of prisoners of war, ensuring their rights to dignity, medical care and communication with their families; whereas numerous reports from international organisations, human rights groups, journalists and Ukrainian authorities provide evidence of executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian forces; whereas those held are subjected to severe mistreatment, including torture, forced labour, psychological abuse and inhumane detention conditions; whereas Russia’s systematic violations of these legal obligations constitute war crimes under international law;

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68. Amendment 68ECRMotion for a resolution · Recital L
    Current text

    L. whereas human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) are crucial partners in the EU’s efforts to safeguard and advance human rights, democracy and the rule of law, as well as to prevent conflicts globally; whereas state and non-state actors around the world are increasingly censoring, silencing and harassing, among others, HRDs, CSOs, journalists, religious communities, opposition leaders and other vulnerable groups in their work, shrinking the civil space ever further; whereas this behaviour includes measures encompassing strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), restrictive government policies, transnational repression, defamation campaigns, discr…

    Amendment

    L. whereas human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) are crucial partners in the EU’s efforts to safeguard and advance human rights, democracy and the rule of law, as well as to prevent conflicts globally; whereas state and non-state actors around the world are increasingly censoring, silencing and harassing, among others, HRDs, CSOs, journalists, religious communities, opposition leaders and other vulnerable groups in their work, shrinking the civil space ever further; whereas this behaviour includes measures encompassing strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), restrictive government policies, transnational repression, defamation campaigns, discr…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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69. Amendment 69ECRMotion for a resolution · Recital M
    Current text

    M. whereas gender equality is a core EU value, and the human rights of women and girls, including their sexual and reproductive rights, continue to be violated across the world; whereas women experience unique and disproportionate impacts from conflicts, climate change and migration, including increased risks of gender-based violence, economic marginalisation and barriers to accessing resources; whereas women HRDs and CSOs continue to experience shrinking space for their critical work, as well as threats of violence, harassment and intimidation;

    Amendment

    M. whereas equality between men and women is a core EU value, and the human rights of women and girls continue to be violated across the world; whereas women experience unique and disproportionate impacts from conflicts, climate change, and migration, including increased risks of gender-based violence, economic marginalisation, and barriers to accessing resources; whereas women HRDs and CSOs continue to face a shrinking space for their critical work, as well as threats of violence, harassment and intimidation;

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70. Amendment 70ECRMotion for a resolution · Recital R a (new)
    Amendment

    Ra. whereas, according to Article 21 TEU, the Union must seek to develop relations and build partnerships with third countries based, among other principles, on democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity, and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law; whereas numerous EU partners, despite benefiting for years from various preferences and advantages stemming from agreements with the EU, fail to comply with their obligations, as exemplified by the case of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement with Cuba;

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71. Amendment 71ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 4
    Current text

    4. Condemns the increasing trend of violations and abuses of human rights and democratic principles and values across the world, such as, among others, threats of backsliding on human rights, notably women’s rights, as well as executions, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture and ill treatment, gender-based violence, clampdowns on civil society, political opponents, marginalised and vulnerable groups including children and elderly people, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and ethnic and religious minorities; condemns, equally, slavery and forced labour, excessive use of violence by public authorities, including violent crackdowns on peaceful protests and othe…

    Amendment

    4. Condemns the increasing trend of violations and abuses of human rights and democratic principles and values across the world, such as, among others, threats of backsliding on human rights, notably women’s rights, as well as executions, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture and ill treatment, gender-based violence, clampdowns on civil society, political opponents, marginalised and vulnerable groups including children and elderly people, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and ethnic and religious minorities; condemns, equally, slavery and forced labour, excessive use of violence by public authorities, including violent crackdowns on peaceful protests and othe…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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72. Amendment 72ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 5
    Current text

    5. Notes with deep concern the ongoing international crisis of accountability and the challenge to the pursuit of ending impunity for violations of core norms of international human rights and humanitarian law in conflicts around the world; reaffirms the neutrality and importance of humanitarian aid in all conflicts and crises; underlines the serious consequences of discrediting and attacking the organisations of multilateral forums, such as the UN, which can foster a culture of impunity and undermine the trust in and functioning of the UN system; calls for the EU to uphold the international legal system and take effective measures to enforce compliance;

    Amendment

    5. Notes with deep concern the ongoing international crisis of accountability and the challenge to the pursuit of ending impunity for violations of core norms of international human rights and humanitarian law in conflicts around the world; reaffirms the neutrality and importance of humanitarian aid in all conflicts and crises; underlines the serious consequences of discrediting and attacking the organisations of multilateral forums, such as the UN, which can foster a culture of impunity and undermine the trust in and functioning of the UN system; stresses, however, that justified criticism of the inefficiency of international organisations and their failure to fulfil key responsibilities –…

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73. Amendment 73ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 8 a (new)
    Amendment

    8a. Calls on the Commission to cease all funding to Islamist organisations and any entities with ties to Islamism, as well as campaigns that glorify or legitimise the hijab;

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74. Amendment 74ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 10 a (new)
    Amendment

    10a. Calls for the prioritisation of the readmission of illegal migrants in relations with third countries and emphasises the application of conditionality in development aid;

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75. Amendment 75ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 15
    Current text

    15. Reiterates its concern regarding the increasing attacks by authoritarian and illiberal regimes on democratic principles, values and pluralism; stresses that the defence and support of democracy around the world is increasingly becoming of geopolitical and strategic interest; emphasises the importance of Parliament’s efforts in capacity-building for partner parliaments, promoting mediation and encouraging a culture of dialogue and compromise, especially among young political leaders, and empowering women parliamentarians, HRDs and representatives from civil society and independent media; reiterates its call on the Commission to continue and expand its activities in these areas by increasi…

    Amendment

    15. Reiterates its concern regarding the increasing attacks on democratic principles, values and pluralism; stresses that the defence and support of democracy around the world is increasingly becoming of geopolitical and strategic interest; emphasises the importance of Parliament’s efforts in capacity-building for partner parliaments, promoting mediation and encouraging a culture of dialogue and compromise, especially among young political leaders, and empowering women parliamentarians, HRDs and representatives from civil society and independent media; reiterates its call on the Commission to continue its activities in these areas by allocating adequate funding and support to EU bodies, agen…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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76. Amendment 76ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 19
    Current text

    19. Insists that the EEAS, the Commission and the EU delegations pay particular attention to the situation of the Sakharov Prize laureates and finalists at risk and take resolute action, in coordination with the Member States and Parliament, to ensure their well-being, safety or liberation;

    Amendment

    19. Insists that the EEAS, the Commission and the EU delegations pay particular attention to the situation of Sakharov Prize laureates and finalists at risk and take resolute action, in coordination with the Member States and Parliament, to ensure their well-being, safety or liberation; pays tribute to the Sakharov Prize laureates and finalists who have lost their lives in the fight for human rights, democracy and freedom, including Oswaldo Payá, who was killed by the communist regime in Havana and whose case has recently been brought to light; calls for such cases to be duly considered when shaping policies towards the relevant regimes;

    official amendment document ↗
77. Amendment 77ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 21
    Current text

    21. Underlines that both impunity and corruption enable and aggravate human rights violations and abuses and the erosion of democratic principles; welcomes the anti-corruption actions in EU external policies in the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 3 May 2023 on the fight against corruption (JOIN(2023)0012); supports the anti-corruption provisions included in the EU trade agreements with non-EU countries; stresses the important role of civil society and journalists in non-EU countries in the oversight of the fight against impunity and corruption; calls for the EU and its Member States to increase their…

    Amendment

    21. Underlines that both impunity and corruption enable and aggravate human rights violations and abuses and the erosion of democratic principles; welcomes the anti-corruption actions in EU external policies in the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 3 May 2023 on the fight against corruption (JOIN(2023)0012), which should be followed by the implementation of a strict anti-corruption framework into law, such as through the EU’s Anti-Corruption Directive, and by comprehensively addressing this issue within the EU’s anti-corruption strategy; supports the anti-corruption provisions included in the EU trade a…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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78. Amendment 78ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 23
    Current text

    23. Reaffirms that promoting the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights around the world requires strong international cooperation at a multilateral level; underlines the particularly important role of the UN and its bodies as the main forum which must be able to effectively advance efforts for peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the work of the UN, its agencies and special procedures, both politically and financially, to ensure that it is fit for purpose, and to push back against the influence of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes; stresses that the curre…

    Amendment

    23. Reaffirms that promoting the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights around the world requires strong international cooperation at a multilateral level; underlines the particularly important role of the UN and its bodies as the main forum which must be able to effectively advance efforts for peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the work of the UN, its agencies and special procedures, both politically and financially, to ensure that it is fit for purpose, and to push back against the influence of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes; stresses that the curre…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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79. Amendment 79ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 24
    Current text

    24. Is deeply concerned by growing attacks against the rules-based global order by authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, including through unprovoked and unjustified aggression against peaceful neighbours and through the undermining of the functioning of UN bodies, namely the abuse of veto power at the UN Security Council; underlines that the diminished effectiveness of these bodies brings with it real costs in terms of conflicts, lives lost and human suffering, and seriously weakens the general ability of countries to deal with global challenges; calls on the Member States and like minded partners to develop a robust strategy and to intensify their efforts to reverse this trend and to sen…

    Amendment

    24. Is deeply concerned by growing attacks against the rules-based global order by authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, including through unprovoked and unjustified aggression against peaceful neighbours and through the undermining of the functioning of UN bodies, namely the abuse of veto power at the UN Security Council; underlines that the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) require greater scrutiny, as the UNHRC has enabled human rights abusers to shield themselves from accountability, rather than fulfilling its mandate to protect fundamental freedoms; stresses the need for a thorough evaluation of whether these bodies are e…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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80. Amendment 80ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 27
    Current text

    27. Recognises universal jurisdiction as an important tool of the international criminal justice system to prevent and combat impunity and promote international accountability; calls on the Member States to apply universal jurisdiction in the fight against impunity;

    Amendment

    27. Recognises universal jurisdiction as an important tool of the international criminal justice system to prevent and combat impunity and promote international accountability; calls on the Member States to actively apply universal jurisdiction in the fight against impunity, particularly in cases of systematic human rights violations, state-sponsored terrorism and repression, such as the acts committed by the Lukashenka regime in Minsk; emphasises that universal jurisdiction should serve as a vital legal mechanism to prosecute perpetrators when national or international judicial avenues are obstructed or ineffective; urges enhanced cooperation between national and international judicial bodi…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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81. Amendment 81ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 28
    Current text

    28. Calls for the EU and its Member States to lead the global fight against all forms of extremism and welcomes the adoption of an EU strategy to this end; demands that the fight against terrorism be at the top of the EU’s domestic and foreign affairs agenda;

    Amendment

    28. Calls for the EU and its Member States to lead the global fight against all forms of extremism and welcomes the adoption of an EU strategy to this end; demands that the fight against terrorism, especially Islamic terrorism, be at the top of the EU’s domestic and foreign affairs agenda;

    official amendment document ↗
82. Amendment 82ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 29
    Current text

    29. Notes with concern the increasing disregard for international humanitarian law and international human rights law, particularly in the form of ongoing conflicts around the world; strongly condemns the increase in deliberate, indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks on civilians and civilian objects in multiple conflict settings; underlines that it is of the utmost importance that all UN and humanitarian aid agencies are able to provide full, timely and unhindered assistance to all people in vulnerable situations and calls on all parties to armed conflicts to fully respect the work of these agencies and ensure they can meet the basic needs of civilians without interference; denounces a…

    Amendment

    29. Notes with concern the increasing disregard for international humanitarian law and international human rights law, particularly in the form of ongoing conflicts around the world; strongly condemns the increase in deliberate, indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks on civilians and civilian objects in multiple conflict settings; underlines that it is of the utmost importance that all UN and humanitarian aid agencies are able to provide full, timely and unhindered assistance to all people in vulnerable situations and calls on all parties to armed conflicts to fully respect the work of these agencies and ensure they can meet the basic needs of civilians without interference; denounces a…

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83. Amendment 83ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 30 a (new)
    Amendment

    30a. Urges reliable, like-minded third countries to strengthen their defence, resilience and civil preparedness capabilities, in order to effectively deter aggression and uphold human rights globally;

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84. Amendment 84ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 31
    Current text

    31. Given the gendered impacts of armed conflicts, deplores the insufficient priority and focus given to sexual and gender-based violence and to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the EU’s humanitarian and refugee response; reiterates that humanitarian crises intensify SRHR- and gender-related challenges and recalls that in crisis zones, particularly among vulnerable groups such as refugees and migrants, women and girls are particularly exposed to sexual violence, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual exploitation, rape as a weapon of war and unwanted pregnancies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to give high priority to gender equality and SRHR in their hum…

    Amendment

    31. Given the gendered impacts of armed conflicts, deplores the insufficient priority and focus given to sexual and gender-based violence and health across the EU’s humanitarian and refugee response; reiterates that humanitarian crises intensify gender-related challenges and recalls that in crisis zones, particularly among vulnerable groups such as refugees and migrants, women and girls are particularly exposed to sexual violence, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual exploitation, rape as a weapon of war and unwanted pregnancies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to give high priority to gender equality in their humanitarian aid and refugee response, as well as accountability an…

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85. Amendment 85ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 32
    Current text

    32. Recognises the potential for stronger alignment in approaches to human rights protection and promotion between EU institutions, Member States’ embassies and EU delegations in non-EU countries, particularly in encouraging those countries to comply with their international obligations and to refrain from harassment and persecution of critical voices; emphasises the opportunity for Member States’ embassies to take an increasingly active role in advancing and safeguarding human rights, while also supporting civil society in these countries; calls for the EU and its Member States to use all possible means to urge countries to release political prisoners; highlights the importance of shared re…

    Amendment

    32. Recognises the potential for stronger alignment in approaches to human rights protection and promotion between EU institutions, Member States’ embassies and EU delegations in non-EU countries, particularly in encouraging those countries to comply with their international obligations and to refrain from harassment and persecution of critical voices; emphasises the opportunity for Member States’ embassies to take an increasingly active role in advancing and safeguarding human rights, while also supporting civil society in these countries; calls for the EU and its Member States to use all possible means to assess detention conditions, and observe trials and court procedures, to increase pre…

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86. Amendment 86ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 33
    Current text

    33. Condemns any action or attempt to legalise, instigate, authorise, consent or acquiesce to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment methods under any circumstances; condemns the increasing reports of the use of torture by state actors in many different contexts, including in custodial and extra-custodial settings – of political prisoners, among others – and in conflict situations around the world, notably in violation of the Geneva Convention on Prisoners of War, as well as the killing of prisoners of war, which amounts to a war crime, and reiterates the non-derogable nature of the right to be free from torture or other forms of inhuman or degrading treatment;…

    Amendment

    33. Condemns any action or attempt to legalise, instigate, authorise, consent or acquiesce to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment methods under any circumstances; condemns the increasing reports of the use of torture by state actors in many different contexts, including in custodial and extra-custodial settings – of political prisoners, among others – and in conflict situations around the world, notably in violation of the Geneva Convention on Prisoners of War, as well as the killing of prisoners of war, which amounts to a war crime, and reiterates the non-derogable nature of the right to be free from torture or other forms of inhuman or degrading treatment;…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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87. Amendment 87ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 40
    Current text

    40. Calls for a systematic and consistent approach to promoting and defending children’s rights, including for those most marginalised and those in the most vulnerable situations, through all of the EU’s external policies; calls for more concerted efforts to promote the respect, protection and fulfilment of children’s rights in crisis or emergency situations; condemns the decline in respect for the rights of the child and the increasing violations and abuses of these rights, including through violence, early and forced marriage, sexual abuse including genital mutilation, trafficking, child labour, honour killings, recruitment of child soldiers, lack of access to education and healthcare, mal…

    Amendment

    40. Calls for a systematic and consistent approach to promoting and defending children’s rights, including for those most marginalised and those in the most vulnerable situations, through all of the EU’s external policies; calls for more concerted efforts to promote the respect, protection and fulfilment of children’s rights in crisis or emergency situations; condemns the decline in respect for the rights of the child and the increasing violations and abuses of these rights, including through violence, early and forced marriage, sexual abuse including genital mutilation, trafficking, child labour, honour killings, recruitment of child soldiers, lack of access to education and healthcare, mal…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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88. Amendment 88ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 40 a (new)
    Amendment

    40a. Emphasises the urgent necessity to uphold the rights of pregnant women, ensuring that they receive comprehensive support for their health, safety and dignity that includes guaranteed access to maternal healthcare services, availability of childcare facilities such as nurseries, and the establishment of fair workplace policies that protect their well-being, income and career advancement;

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89. Amendment 89ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 43
    Current text

    43. Stresses that women’s rights and gender equality are indispensable and indivisible human rights, as well as a basis for the rule of law and inclusive resilient democracies; deplores the fact that millions of women and girls continue to experience discrimination and violence, especially in the context of conflicts, post-conflict situations and displacements, and are denied their dignity, autonomy and even life; condemns the impunity with which perpetrators commit violations against women HRDs; is appalled by the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war and stresses the need to shed light on these instances, and for better international cooperation on fighting impunity for these…

    Amendment

    43. Stresses that women’s rights and gender equality are indispensable and indivisible human rights, as well as a basis for the rule of law and inclusive resilient democracies; deplores the fact that millions of women and girls continue to experience discrimination and violence, especially in societies that follow Sharia law and in the context of conflicts, post-conflict situations and displacements, and are denied their dignity, autonomy and even life; condemns the impunity with which perpetrators commit violations against women HRDs; is appalled by the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war and stresses the need to shed light on these instances, and for better international coo…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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90. Amendment 90ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 43 a (new)
    Amendment

    43a. Condemns the practice of surrogacy, which undermines the human dignity of women by reducing their bodies and reproductive functions to commodities; highlights its severe impact on women, their rights and their health, and underlines its significant cross-border implications; stresses that surrogacy is a phenomenon that exposes women worldwide to exploitation and human trafficking, particularly targeting those who are financially and socially vulnerable; believes that surrogacy, as a practice that exploits women’s bodies for reproductive purposes, should be banned, including in the case of vulnerable women in developing countries;

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91. Amendment 91ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 45
    Current text

    45. Denounces the erosion of the human rights and the safety of refugees, asylum seekers and forcibly displaced persons; reaffirms their inalienable human rights and fundamental right to seek asylum; recalls the obligation of states to protect them in accordance with international law; underlines the importance of identification and registration of individuals, including children, as a key tool for protecting refugees and ensuring the integrity of refugee protection systems, preventing human trafficking and the recruitment of children into armed militias; calls for the EU and its Member States to effectively uphold their rights in the EU’s asylum and migration policy and in the EU’s cooperat…

    Amendment

    45. Denounces the erosion of the human rights and the safety of refugees, asylum seekers and forcibly displaced persons; reaffirms their inalienable human rights and fundamental right to seek asylum; recalls the obligation of states to protect them in accordance with international law; underlines the importance of identification and registration of individuals, including children, as a key tool for protecting refugees and ensuring the integrity of refugee protection systems, preventing human trafficking and the recruitment of children into armed militias; calls for the EU and its Member States to effectively uphold their rights in the EU’s asylum and migration policy and in the EU’s cooperat…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
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92. Amendment 92ECRMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 56 a (new)
    Amendment

    56a. Notes that the EU’s imposition of far-reaching digital and tech regulations on businesses in partner countries has negative trade and security consequences; therefore, rejects calls for strict enforcement of the Digital Services Act and instead calls for dialogue with transatlantic partners on safeguarding free speech;

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93. Amendment 93ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 7
    Current text

    7. Notes with concern the increasing divide worldwide; stresses the shared responsibility of the EU to continue defending democratic values and principles and human rights, international justice, peace and dignity around the world, which are even more important to defend in the current volatile state of global politics; calls upon the EU to keep communication channels open with different stakeholders and to continue to develop a comprehensive toolbox to strengthen human rights and democracy globally;

    Amendment

    7. Emphasises the importance of maintaining open diplomatic channels with all relevant stakeholders; stresses that the EU should focus on fostering constructive international relations while respecting the sovereignty of other nations;

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94. Amendment 94ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 17
    Current text

    17. Raises serious concerns over the increasing phenomenon of transnational repression against HRDs, journalists and civil society; calls for the formulation of an EU strategy harmonising national responses to transnational repression;

    Amendment

    17. Raises serious concern over the increasing phenomenon of transnational repression, including the suppression of dissenting opinions that do not align with globalist narratives in the European Parliament; stresses the importance of protecting fundamental freedoms and ensuring that responses to such threats remain within the competence of individual Member States;

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95. Amendment 95ESNMotion for a resolution · Paragraph 18
    Current text

    18. Expresses deep concern regarding the increasingly precarious financial landscape faced by HRDs and communities advocating for rights, particularly within a global context characterised by intensifying repression; notes that, as a result of the current geopolitical context, HRDs’ need for support has increased; calls, therefore, for the EU and its Member States to make full use of their financial support for HRDs, ensuring the establishment of flexible, accessible and sustained funding mechanisms that enable these defenders to continue their vital work in the face of mounting challenges;

    Amendment

    18. Calls for the EU and its Member States to refrain from manipulating public opinion; condemns, in this regard, the Commission’s practice of funding NGOs to lobby on behalf of the Green Deal and other green policies;

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