Activities of Marietje SCHAAKE related to 2015/2229(INI)
Plenary speeches (2)
Annual report on human rights and democracy in the world 2014 and the EU policy on the matter (debate)
Annual report on human rights and democracy in the world 2014 and the EU policy on the matter (debate)
Amendments (37)
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to the EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline, adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 12 May 2014,
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 11 December 2012 on a Digital Freedom Strategy in EU Foreign Policy,
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19 b (new)
Citation 19 b (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 8 September 2015 on human rights and technology: the impact of intrusion and surveillance systems on human rights in third countries,
Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 b (new)
Citation 24 b (new)
- having regard to the letter with reference 3757306 sent by Federica Mogherini, Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on 11 September 2015 on the reviewed EU humanitarian aid policy,
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas increased coherence between EU internal and external policies stands as an indispensable requirement for a successful and effective EU human rights policy;
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas engaging with third countries' responsible leaders and authorities, in all bilateral and multilateral fora, is one of the most effective tools for addressing human rights issues in third countries;
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas human rights and democracy support policy is being mainstreamed through other EU policies with an external dimension, such as trade, enlargement and development;
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas migration represents an important EU external policy challenge requiring immediate and effective solutions, particularly to ensure the human rights of people fleeing war and violence are respected;
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas children and women face increasing and specific threats, especially in war zones;
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas the freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief must be unconditionally enhanced through inter- religious and inter-cultural dialogues;
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates the crucial importance of ensuring increased coherence between the EU’s internal and external policies with regard to respect for human rights and democratic values; emphasises in this context that, while this report deals with the EU’s external policies for advancing human rights, Parliament also adopts an annual report on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union, drawn up by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs; underlines that for the EU's foreign policy to be credible and coherent in the field of human rights, equality and anti- discrimination, the Council should adopt the directive on equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises, moreover, the importance of enhanced cooperation between the Commission, the Council, the EEAS, Parliament and the EU Delegations forto improving the overall coherence of the EU’s policy on human rights and democracy and its centrality among all the EU’s policies with an external dimension;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Draws attention to ithe European Parliament's long-term commitment to promoting human rights and advancing democratic values, as reflected, inter alia, in the annual award of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, in the work of the Subcommittee on Human Rights and in the monthly plenary debates and resolutions on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law;
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Recalls that the EU enlargement policy is one of the strongest tools for reinforcing respect for human rights and democratic principles; regrets the explicit freeze on enlargement by the Juncker Commission, yet welcomes, therefore, the implementation of the new approach during accession negotiations of the chapters covering the judiciary and fundamental rights, and justice, freedom, and security, which duly takes into account the time needed for these reforms to be properly implemented;
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Deplores the fact that the proper implementation of legal frameworks for the protection of minorities remains a challenge, as stated in the Commission’s Enlargement Strategy for 2014-2015; welcomes the Strategy's focus on homophobia, discrimination and hate crimes on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity; stresses that this is a recurring problem in all enlargement countries; invites the enlargement countries to step up their efforts to forge a culture of acceptance of minorities through, for example, improved inclusion of minorities in the education system;
Amendment 201 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 d (new)
Paragraph 44 d (new)
44d. Further recommends that, whenever a gross breach of human rights occurs by a partner country with which an agreement has been concluded, the EU takes more effective steps in carrying out the appropriate sanctions as stipulated in the human rights clauses of the agreement, including possible (temporary) suspension of the agreement;
Amendment 277 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 58
Paragraph 58
58. Reaffirms its strong support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in bringing justice to the victims of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole, such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression; considers it regrettable that no state ratified the Rome Statute in 2014; expresses serious concern that several arrest warrants have still not been executed, including those concerning the President of Sudan, Mr Omar Al Bashir; calls on the EU, member states' delegations and EU Special Representatives to actively promote the ICC, the enforcement of its decisions, and the fight against impunity for Rome Statute crimes;
Amendment 300 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61
Paragraph 61
61. Calls on the EU and the Member States to step up their efforts to enhance respect for freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief and to promote inter- religious dialogue when engaging with third countries; requests concrete actions to protect religious minorities, non- believers and atheists that are victims of blasphemy laws and calls on the EU and member states to engage in political discussions to repeal such laws; fully supports the EU practice of taking the lead on thematic resolutions at the UNHRC and at the UNGA on freedom of religion and belief; requests concrete action towards the effective implementation of the EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief, both in international and regional forums and in bilateral relations with third countries with particular attention for the vulnerable situation of apostates and non- believers, and including by ensuring systematic and consistent training of EU staff at Headquarters and in Delegations;
Amendment 313 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63
Paragraph 63
63. Expresses its concern at the growing number of death sentences worldwide; considers it regrettable that Belarus has resumed executions after a two-year pause; reiterates therefore its call on Belarus to implement a moratorium on the death penalty, which should ultimately lead to its abolition; is concerned that 8 states legislate death penalty for homosexuality (Mauritania, Sudan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Qatar) and provinces of Nigeria and Somalia officially implement death penalty for same-sex sexual acts; calls on these states to stop criminalising homosexuality and calls on Brunei Darussalam not to activate the death penalty for homosexuality in 2016, as is currently foreseen; urges the EEAS to maintain fighting criminalization of LGBTI people a key priority;
Amendment 320 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65 a (new)
Paragraph 65 a (new)
65a. Reiterates the importance of effective export control mechanisms for certain drugs that can be used for executions and equipment that can be used for torture; calls on the Commission to tackle the remaining loopholes in the Regulation by introducing an end-use catch-all clause that would prohibit the export of any drug that could be used for torture or execution;
Amendment 326 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 66
Paragraph 66
66. Condemns in the strongest terms all forms of discrimination, including those based on race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, language, culture, social origin, caste, birth, age, disability or any other status; urges the EU to intensify its efforts to eradicate all types of discrimination, racism and xenophobia through human rights and political dialogues, the work of the EU Delegations and public diplomacy; urges the EU also to continue promoting the ratification and full implementation of all UN Conventions that support this cause, such as the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination or the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;
Amendment 328 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 66 a (new)
Paragraph 66 a (new)
66a. Welcomes the continued efforts of the EU on the rights of LGBTI persons in its foreign policy, in line with the EU Guidelines to Promote and Protect the Enjoyment of all Human Rights by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Persons; calls for thorough implementation of the guidelines, including through training of diplomats, staff and interpreters;
Amendment 330 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 66 c (new)
Paragraph 66 c (new)
66c. Expresses its strong support for the work of the United Nations on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people; welcomes, in this regard, the UNHRC resolution on combating violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, adopted on 26 September 2014 (A/HRC/RES/27/32), and the High Commissioner's report on Discrimination and violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity published 5 May 2015 (A/HRC/19/41); reaffirms its support for the Secretary General and High Commissioner's work to promote and protect the enjoyment of all human rights by LGBTI people, in particular through statements, reports and the Free & Equal campaign; encourages the Secretary General and High Commissioner to continue fighting discriminatory laws and practices;
Amendment 333 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 66 f (new)
Paragraph 66 f (new)
66f. Calls on the EU and the Member States to continue their efforts to work to enhance respect for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people, in line with the EU Guidelines to Promote and Protect the Enjoyment of all Human Rights by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Persons; calls for thorough implementation of the guidelines, and for adequate training of diplomats and staff on issues of sexual orientation and gender identity;
Amendment 335 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 66 h (new)
Paragraph 66 h (new)
66h. Is severely concerned about the regrettable trend to enact laws restricting freedom of expression and assembly for those who support the human rights of LGBTI persons; calls in this regard on Russia, Algeria, Nigeria and Lithuania to repeal their laws criminalizing the 'propaganda of homosexuality', which curtail human rights, notably freedom of expression and assembly in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity; remains concerned that Kyrgyzstan may soon provide one year imprisonment for the "promotion of non-traditional sexual relations in open or indirect way" and calls on the Kyrgyz parliament to withdraw this proposal; is concerned over the negative consequences of these laws on society, with discrimination and violence against LGBTI individuals increasing; welcomes the withdrawal of Ukraine's "homosexuality anti- propaganda" bill; calls on the EU Delegation to increase its support for defenders of the human rights of LGBTI people, in line with the relevant guidelines;
Amendment 351 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 69
Paragraph 69
69. Encourages the EU to continue mainstreaming support for women and girls within CSDP operations and to pursue its efforts towards the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325(2000) and 1820 on women, peace and security; welcomes in this context the reviewed EU humanitarian aid policy, announced in the letter with reference 3757306 sent on 11 September 2015 by VP/HR Mogherini and urges for quick implementation;
Amendment 365 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72
Paragraph 72
72. Welcomes the Council conclusions on the promotion and protection of the rights of the child, adopted in December 2014, and calls for the EU to continue supporting partner countries in combatting all forms of violence against children and reinforcing their capacities to protect children’s rights; supports the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights' statement of May 2014 regarding the rights of intersex children; calls accordingly upon all states to recognize the right to self-determination and physical integrity of intersex children and repeal any law allowing for genital- normalizing surgery to be conducted without free and informed consent of the person concerned;
Amendment 387 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 77 b (new)
Paragraph 77 b (new)
77b. Calls for increased support in the areas of promoting freedom of media, protecting independent journalists and bloggers, reducing the digital divide and facilitating unrestricted access to information and communication and uncensored access to Internet (digital freedom);
Amendment 388 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 77 c (new)
Paragraph 77 c (new)
77c. Calls for an effective use of new technologies and the world wide web to make information about human rights and democracy, as well as EU programs, as accessible as possible to people all around the world;
Amendment 394 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78 a (new)
Paragraph 78 a (new)
78a. Expresses its deep concern about the repression of civil society organisations worldwide: calls for renewed efforts to challenge the restrictions and intimidation that people working for civil society organisations face, particularly in countries where these organisations fight to improve respect for human rights of all people;
Amendment 395 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78 b (new)
Paragraph 78 b (new)
78b. Expresses its concern at the proliferation and spread of monitoring, surveillance, censoring and filtering technologies, which represent a growing threat to human rights and democracy activists in autocratic countries and also pose troubling questions regarding privacy rights in democratic countries, even when used with the pretext of legitimate aims such as counter-terrorism or law enforcement;
Amendment 396 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78 c (new)
Paragraph 78 c (new)
78c. Recognises that important producers of ready-made intrusive surveillance systems are located in Europe, which can be used for human rights violations and to attack European digital infrastructure; calls on the Commission to revise the European export control system in order to prevent these intrusive systems from falling into the wrong hands;
Amendment 397 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 79
Paragraph 79
79. Positively notes that in the new Action Plan the VP/HR reiterated the EU’s commitment to empowering local actors and civil society organisations, and stresses that, given the significant shrinking of its space, civil society, and in particular human rights defenders working on women's rights and the rights of LGBTI people, requires increased attention and efforts from the EU; urges the EU and its Member States, therefore, to elaborate a coherent and comprehensive response to the major challenges that civil society, including human rights defenders, faces worldwide;
Amendment 399 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 79 a (new)
Paragraph 79 a (new)
79a. Deplores that persecution and marginalisation of human rights defenders remains a widespread tendency all over the world, particularly in countries that do not accept the universality of human rights;
Amendment 402 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 80
Paragraph 80
80. Calls on the EU and its Member States to constantly monitor and raise cases of violations of freedom of assembly and association, including through various forms of bans and limitations on civil society organisations and their activities; points out that this happens in Russia through the 'Foreign Agents law' and 'Undesirable Organizations Law'; notes that these legal restrictions aim to demonise and marginalise independent civil society and human rights activism; is deeply concerned that over 100 NGOs have faced or are facing court cases, or have been forced to register as a foreign agent; regrets that other countries follow the Russian example, including Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, where authorities have imposed or are seeking to impose legal restrictions, and encourages close monitoring of these countries; finds it regrettable that there are cases of shrinking space for civil society within the EU as well; stresses the importance that the EU should lead by example in protecting these rights;
Amendment 406 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 81
Paragraph 81
81. Calls also on the EU and its Member States to use all available means, such as human rights dialogues, political dialogues and public diplomacy, to systematically raise individual cases of human rights defenders and civil society activists at risk, particularly those concerning persons that are imprisoned; encourages the EU Delegations and the Member States’ diplomatic staff to continue to actively support human rights defenders, by systematically monitoring trials, visiting detained activists and issuing statements on individual cases, where appropriate; highlights also the importance of silent diplomacy tools when defending human rights defenders; calls on the VP/HR to systematically meet with human rights defenders when traveling to third countries;
Amendment 417 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 90 a (new)
Paragraph 90 a (new)
90a. Calls on the EU to pro-actively work with the private sector to help them challenge corrupt practices;