13 Amendments of Ádám KÓSA related to 2016/2324(INI)
Amendment 4 #
1. Deplores the fact that in certain states often limit or restrictdeveloping countries the freedom of expression is often limited in order to silence dissent or criticism; recalls that the long-term stability and resilience of a society can only be achieved and maintained by ensuring openness of the civic space and the rights to freedom of expression, opinion, peaceful assembly and association; notes that NGOs representing people with disabilities often face even stronger challenges;
Amendment 16 #
2. Considers that the EU should use its foreign policy instruments, including human rights and development instruments, to deal with the structural roots of the shrinking space problem and to design a multifaceted approach, since some regimes are now using not only draconian NGO laws but also a wide range of direct and indirect tactics to limit the operation or financing of civil society organisations (CSOs),in developing countries are using restrictions such as arbitrary registration and reporting requirements, distorted criminal charges, raids and audits, and counterterrorism measures;
Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas civil society encompasses among other civil society organisations (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), human rights and community groups, faith-based organisations, organisations protecting the interests of the disabled, social movements and trade unions, indigenous peoples and foundations;
Amendment 28 #
3. Calls on the Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Member States and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to be more vocal, consistent and timely in expressing objections to restrictive CSO laws and to exert effective and tailored pressure on the host governments in question and raise this issue systematically in political and human rights dialogues; considers that EU actors could exert more positive conditionality by allocating additional funds to those governments allowing a wider space for civil societyraise this issue systematically in political and human rights dialogues;
Amendment 46 #
5. Requests the establishment of a ‘Shrinking Space Early Warning’' mechanism, with the involvement of the relevant EU institutions, capable of issuing an alert when a given governmentdeveloping country is preparing serious new restrictions against civil society so that the EU is able to respond begin negotiations with the government in question to better understand the problem and to find a solution together with the government in timelier, coordinated and tangible and democratic manner;
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas there has been a worrying increase in the number of reports of CSOs, human right defenders and journalists being persecuted, harassed, arbitrarily arrested or detained, and in the number of victims of abuse and violence, in developing countries in recent years; whereas in a number of countries, this is being done with complete impunity, and at times with the support or compliance of the authorities;
Amendment 55 #
6. Calls on the Commission to increase the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) funds relevant to the shrinking space, since the annual sums per country are at an extremely low level; calls on the Commission to identify new forms of activism to be funded by the EIDHR and to put in place a more flexible and simplified procedure for accessing EIDHR funding, including more significant exceptions for those CSOs in particular danger and support for unregistered groups; considers that greater emphasis should be put on local groups and actors, since human rights issues are often experienced in a more real and acute way at local level;
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that a genuinely independent, pluralistic and vibrant civil society is pivotal to a country’sthe development and stability of developing countries, to ensuring democracy and respect for human rights, and to building inclusive societies; further recalls that civil society is a key actor in achieving the SDGs;
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that tackling shrinking civil society space requires a unified and consistent approach in the EU’s relationship with developing countries, and calls for the EU and Member States to proactively address the root causes of shrinking civil society space in developing countries, in particular by mainstreaming the promotion of civil society organisations and their participation in bilateral and multilateral cooperation at all stages, including in political dialogues at the highest level;
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the EU to strengthen its support for the full participation of minorities, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in cultural, social, economic and political processes;
Amendment 139 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the EU Country Roadmaps for Engagement with Civil Society as an effective tool, and as the possible new EU framework for engagement with civil society in developing countries; considers it paramount that CSOs be involved not only in the consultation process leading to the drafting of the roadmaps, but also in their implementation, monitoring and review;
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Strongly encourages synergies among the EU’s External Financing Instruments in support of civil society in developing countries, and calls for a comprehensive mapping exercise at country level of all EU civil society funding, so as to avoid duplications and overlap, and to help identify possible funding gaps and needs;
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the increased flexibility provided by a number of EU financing instruments relevant to development cooperation, allowing among other things easier registration of grant applicants, and, where needed, confidentiality for recipients; considers, however, that more can be done to provide the most appropriate and tailored response to specific country situations in developing countries, including more up-stream information on upcoming calls for proposals and updates of the roadmaps, the harmonisation and simplification of funding modalities, and support to CSOs in their administrative procedures;