Photo by Thiago Rocha on Unsplash MEPs say that any counter-measures targeting the EU taken by what they call the “brutal regime of Iran” will not stop them from denouncing the “lack of democracy, freedom and respect of human rights in the country.” Deputies have again “strongly condemned” the Iranian authorities’ decision to impose sanctions against EU and…
Human Rights
Sanctions Against Iran
Photo by Tianlei Wu on Unsplash EU member states have decided to add 18 individuals and 19 entities to the list of those subject to restrictive measures in the context of the existing Iran human rights sanctions regime. This is in view of their role in what the EU calls the “widespread and disproportionate use of force against non-violent protestors following the death…
European Parliament Adopts Resolutions on the Respect for Human Rights in Brazil and Morocco
Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash Parliament said it expresses solidarity with democratically elected President Lula Da Silva, his government and Brazilian institutions and condemns in the strongest terms the criminal actions perpetrated by supporters of ex-president Bolsonaro, urging them to accept the democratic outcome of the elections. MEPs said they welcome the efforts to ensure a prompt…
Equal Rights
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash Political debate across the EU has recently been dominated by the cost-of-living crisis, the rising cost of health and social care and the cost of supplying additional weaponry to combat Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In the UK a new issue has risen to the top of the agenda: what should be the…
EU Statement on the Execution of Alireza Akbari
Photo by Tianlei Wu on Unsplash The EU has joined the chorus of criticism of Iran over the execution of a British national. On Sunday the EU issued a statement which reads: “The European Union condemns in the strongest terms the execution in Iran of Iranian-British national Alireza Akbari and recalls yet again its strong opposition against the…
International solidarity paves way for release of Somali refugee
MEPs have welcomed the release from jail of Somali refugee Mohammad Hanad Abdi. He was sentenced to 142 years in prison in 2021 for “people smuggling” but has now won his appeal in Greece. Abdi, a 29-year-old Somali political refugee, reportedly saved 31 people during a deadly crossing in a dinghy from Turkey to the…
Equal Recognition of Parenthood
The European Commission has published their proposal on the Equal recognition of parenthood. The proposal has been long awaited and is aimed at ensuring the right of every child to each of their parents MEPs have said they welcome the proposal of the Commission which aims at prioritising the best interest of the child and safeguarding…
Iran Targets Hannah Neumann MEP
A Green MEP has reacted angrily to news that she has been “targeted” by the Iranian regime Hannah Neumann is Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula and Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights. Following the Iranian regime’s announcement to add her to its list of the sanctioned individuals, she issued a statement….
Asylum and Rescue in the Mediterranean
Members of the European Parliament will this week debate the need for a European solution on asylum and migration including search and rescue in the Mediterranean sea.On Tuesday, the International Organisation for Migration’s project reported that nearly 6,000 people have died in the Med trying to reach Europe since the start of last year and…
People of Ukraine Win Sakharov Prize
The people of Ukraine are the winners of the 2022 Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought. The decision, made on Wednesday, was broadly welcomed. S&D members said the European Parliament’s choice of this year’s final laureate. “reaffirms our wholehearted support to Ukrainians in the war waged by Russia, the most brutal attack on peace in…