2013/2020(INI) Human rights situation in the Sahel region
Lead committee dossier:
Progress: Procedure completed
| Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | AFET |
TANNOCK Timothy Charles Ayrton ( ECR)
|
ROATTA Jean ( PPE),
ARLACCHI Pino ( S&D),
WEBER Renate ( ALDE),
KIIL-NIELSEN Nicole ( Verts/ALE)
|
| Committee Opinion | DEVE |
ROATTA Jean ( PPE)
|
Nirj DEVA ( ECR),
Judith SARGENTINI ( Verts/ALE),
Ivo VAJGL ( ALDE)
|
| Committee Opinion | FEMM |
GABRIEL Mariya ( PPE)
|
Norica NICOLAI ( ALDE)
|
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54
Legal Basis:
RoP 54Events
2013/10/22
EP - Results of vote in Parliament
Documents
2013/10/22
EP - Decision by Parliament
Details
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the situation of human rights in the Sahel region.
Parliament recalled that the Sahel is one of the poorest regions of the world, which confronts grave problems regarding human rights, the rule of law, security and armed conflict, as well as economic and social development. The countries identified by the EU Sahel Strategy are Mauritania, Mali, Niger and relevant parts of Burkina Faso and Chad.
Parliament emphasised the important role played by the EU, as the world’s largest aid donor , in addressing the development challenges faced by the Sahel region and stressed the importance of engaging other international actors in efforts such as eradicating poverty and hunger, promoting gender equality and reducing child mortality rates.
Human rights in armed conflict situations : Parliament attached particular urgency to the human rights situation in Mali and urged the EU and the Sahel countries to implement fully the following UN Security Council resolutions, in particular, Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, which calls for women’s participation in all aspects and at all levels of conflict resolution and Resolution 1820 on sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations. Parliament affirms that the EU must treat these situations as fundamental problems. They deplored the grave violations and brutal acts of violence perpetrated against children in Mali. They called on all the Sahel countries to embark on a policy of prevention and protection aimed at ensuring that children will not be recruited by force by armed groups. Parliament considers that these States should be condemned.
Welcoming the French military operation ‘Serval’ and the role played by the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), Parliament called for strengthened aid in this country. It also stressed that to ensure lasting peace and stability in Mali, it is necessary to tackle impunity , providing redress to victims and prosecuting all perpetrators of serious human rights violations.
Parliament also deplored the large population displacements resulting from armed conflict and the fate of thousands of Darfuri refugees in eastern Chad. It called on the EU, the Sahel countries, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the African Union and ECOWAS to coordinate their refugee policies in order to provide assistance to refugees and to guarantee human security for the most vulnerable groups.
It encourages host countries to work with the UN and other actors to improve the situation of refugees and displaced persons so that, wherever possible, they can return to their home regions.
Accountability and reform of governmental, judicial and security institutions : Parliament considered that the current human rights challenges in the Sahel cannot be disaggregated from a general crisis of governance , encompassing widespread corruption in public office, weak provision of basic services, poor implementation of social and economic rights, and particularly in the vast and often sparsely populated Saharan regions, profound challenges in upholding the rule of law and maintaining effective border controls.
It expressed particular alarm at the ‘trafficking highways’, which, helped by the porousness of the borders, stretch across Africa from west to east, and south to north from the West African coast, facilitating the transport of firearms, narcotics, cigarettes, oil, counterfeit medicine and people. Parliament called for a comprehensive anti-trafficking strategy , including the collection and analysis of data, the prosecution and punishment of traffickers, and measures for the rehabilitation and social integration of all those, who are victims of trafficking.
Parliament also condemned the increased incidences of kidnapping and hostage-taking in the region and warned against a perceived spread of extremism in the Arab Spring countries . It invited the VP/HR to provide leadership in the process of cooperation with these countries’ governments, institutions and civil society organisations in such a way as to support truly democratic transition processes.
Faced with these reports, Parliament considered it crucial to encourage the reform of institutions responsible for the judiciary, security and basic services in the Sahel countries, in order to help restore the rule of law and create better conditions for democratic transition, human rights, sustainable development and institutional legitimacy. It encouraged Sahel governments to continue the process of decentralisation , to transfer more power and resources to local authorities and to boost their capacity, legitimacy and accountability. Moreover, it pointed to the imperative in Mali, in particular, of ensuring adequate human and financial resourcing of the Ministry of Justice, as well as the professional training of its staff and that the governments of the Sahel countries respect the independence and the impartiality of the courts.
It also called on the Sahel countries to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC), cease all arbitrary arrests and improve living conditions for prisoners.
Civic freedoms and democratic governance : Parliament considered it essential to create conditions conducive to the holding of free, fair and democratic elections, in keeping with international standards. It welcomed the use of an EU election observation mission (EOM) in the Malian elections but recalled the need for the EEAS to ensure adequate follow-up to the EOM recommendations.
It deeply regrets restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association in the Sahel. It called on these countries to cease all arbitrary arrests and intimidation campaigns aimed at the press and the media, human rights defenders, or opposition activists.
Development, humanitarian aid and human rights : Parliament reiterated that human security and development in the Sahel countries are inextricably linked, as stated in the EU’s 2011 Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel .It stressed that a stable security situation, economic and political stability, and stability as regards respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are necessary in this region.
Parliament noted with due seriousness the extreme and pervasive poverty across the Sahel, particularly in Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso, but also in Mauritania. It acknowledged the interdependence of development, democracy, human rights, good governance and security in the Sahel and reiterated its support for the human rights-based approach and democratic ownership in development co-operation, based on harnessing local participation and knowledge to achieve development goals on the ground.
Members also reiterated that the allocation of European development aid funding can be effective only if the Union is in a position to carry out proper scrutiny of the way in which that funding is used, in order to satisfy itself that it is not being diverted from its intended purpose.
Parliament also called on the EU to support all measures being taken by Sahel countries, NGOs, and civil society to improve access to care, especially for the most vulnerable populations.
At the same time, the governments of the Sahel countries are called on to address the root causes of the crisis on the basis of a sustainable economic development strategy that takes account of their citizens’ political, economic and social concerns, such as access to food, education, health care, employment and housing, wealth redistribution and decent living conditions. Parliament stressed the urgent need to grant EU humanitarian aid to help achieve the Millennium Goals, especially for women.
Faced with a new imminent food crisis in the Sahel , Parliament called on the Commission to make optimum use of the funds earmarked for combating malnutrition (EUR 123.5 million in 2012) in order to meet the needs of the people concerned and support local capacity‑building. Measures have also been called to improve access to drinking water and strengthen the principle of universal access to education and improve basic infrastructures.
Human rights situation of women, children and minorities : Parliament condemned in the strongest terms the ongoing slavery, often by inheritance, in the Sahel region, and particular in Mauritania, where it reportedly affects a sizeable minority of the population. It expressed deep concern about evidence of child labour in Malian gold mines, agriculture, forestry and other sectors of the economy as well as child abduction for ransom and sale in Chad.
In general, Parliament called on the Sahel states to promote access to education for all children, both boys and girls, and for nomad peoples, with no discrimination on the grounds of race, caste or ethnicity.
As regards women, Parliament called for measures to combat the discrimination faced by women and girls in much of this region, the manifestations of which include forced marriage, child marriage, sexual exploitation, under-education and widespread female genital mutilation. It called in particular for the adoption of general anti-discrimination laws in all of the countries concerned. It encouraged development partners to allocate financial support to projects which seek specifically to empower women in the region.
Western Sahara and the Tuareg people : Parliament reaffirmed its support for the UN resolutions on Western Sahara and called for full respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Sahrawi people.
It emphasises the need for human rights in Western Sahara and in the Tindouf camps to be addressed, even without anticipating any final political settlement or expressing a view on such a settlement. It recalled that Western Sahara remains one of the world’s most-mined areas which represented a major obstacle to the resolution of the dispute. Consequently, Parliament called on Morocco to sign up to the Mine Ban Treaty. It stressed the opportunity deriving from the political and democratic reforms undertaken in Morocco and welcomed the Moroccan Government’s endorsement of the National Council for Human Rights. The plenary moreover encouraged the governments of Morocco and Algeria to develop and enhance their political dialogue to improve regional dynamics and avoid increasing tensions, and for the benefit of the wider international community.
Parliament otherwise believed that a rights-based approach to the situation and development of the Tuareg people , which honestly addresses historic grievances, while bearing in mind the fact that the Tuareg people live in areas with other ethnic groups as well, is essential for peace and development in the Sahel region. In general, Parliament takes the view that all these peoples should once again be given the chance to live peacefully side by side, on the basis of a better dialogue involving them in the processes of decision-making.
To conclude, Members made a series of proposed EU Policy recommendations for the Sahel . These can be summarised as follows:
address the plight of refugees and IDPs throughout the region; tackle the scourge of slavery, human trafficking and other forms of trafficking and smuggling in the region; improve the situation of women, children and minorities; channel aid in an effective and efficient manner, offering added support to governments on the ‘more for more’ principle; end the culture of impunity, including by supporting measures already being proposed or put in place in Mali and elsewhere; protect civic freedoms and improving democratic governance through inclusive electoral processes and credible representation, and by supporting civil society; protect cultural diversity and heritage.
Members also recommended that the EU consider the possibility of targeted sanctions , through asset freezes, visa bans or other instruments, of the most serious violators of human rights, both in Mali and elsewhere in the region.
Documents
2013/10/22
EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2013/10/21
EP - Debate in Parliament
Documents
2013/10/08
EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Details
The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted the own-initiative report by Charles TANNOCK (ECR, UK) on the situation of human rights in the Sahel region.
Members recalled that the Sahel is one of the poorest regions of the world, which confronts grave problems regarding human rights, the rule of law, security and armed conflict, as well as economic and social development. The countries identified by the EU Sahel Strategy are Mauritania, Mali, Niger and relevant parts of Burkina Faso and Chad.
The report emphasised the important role played by the EU, as the world’s largest aid donor , in addressing the development challenges faced by the Sahel region and stressed the importance of engaging other international actors in efforts such as eradicating poverty and hunger, promoting gender equality and reducing child mortality rates.
Human rights in armed conflict situations : Members attached particular urgency to the human rights situation in Mali and urged the EU and the Sahel countries to implement fully the following UN Security Council resolutions. They deplored the grave violations and brutal acts of violence perpetrated against children in Mali. They called on all the Sahel countries to embark on a policy of prevention and protection aimed at ensuring that children will not be recruited by force by armed groups.
Welcoming the French military operation ‘Serval’ and the role played by the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), Members called for strengthen aid in this country. They also stressed that efforts to tackle impunity , including in connection with gender-based violence in conflicts, which is an affront to women’s dignity, are key to restoring stability and building lasting peace.
The report called on the EU, the Sahel countries, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the African Union and ECOWAS to coordinate their refugee policies in order to provide assistance to refugees, guarantee human security for the most vulnerable groups and establish self-sufficiency programmes.
Accountability and reform of governmental, judicial and security institutions : Members considered that the current human rights challenges in the Sahel cannot be disaggregated from a general crisis of governance , encompassing widespread corruption in public office, weak provision of basic services, poor implementation of social and economic rights, and particularly in the vast and often sparsely populated Saharan regions, profound challenges in upholding the rule of law and maintaining effective border controls.
They expressed particular alarm at the ‘trafficking highways’, which, helped by the porousness of the borders, stretch across Africa from west to east, and south to north from the West African coast, facilitating the transport of firearms, narcotics, cigarettes, oil, counterfeit medicine and people. Members called for a comprehensive anti-trafficking strategy , including the collection and analysis of data, the prosecution and punishment of traffickers, and measures for the rehabilitation and social integration of all those, mostly women and girls, who are victims of trafficking.
The report condemned the increased incidences of kidnapping and hostage-taking in the region and warned against a perceived spread of extremism in the Arab Spring countries . They invited the VP/HR to provide leadership in the process of cooperation with these countries’ governments, institutions and civil society organisations in such a way as to support truly democratic transition processes.
Members considered it crucial to encourage the reform of institutions responsible for the judiciary, security and basic services in the Sahel countries, in order to help restore the rule of law and create better conditions for democratic transition, human rights, sustainable development and institutional legitimacy. They encouraged Sahel governments to continue the process of decentralisation , to transfer more power and resources to local authorities and to boost their capacity, legitimacy and accountability. Moreover, they pointed to the imperative in Mali, in particular, of ensuring adequate human and financial resourcing of the Ministry of Justice, as well as the professional training of its staff. They also called on the Sahel countries to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC), cease all arbitrary arrests and improve living conditions for prisoners.
Civic freedoms and democratic governance : Members considered it essential to create conditions conducive to the holding of free, fair and democratic elections, in keeping with international standards. They welcomed the use of an EU election observation mission (EOM) in the Malian elections but recalled the need for the EEAS to ensure adequate follow-up to the EOM recommendations.
Members deeply regret restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association in the Sahel. They expressed particular concern at reports in Chad of the harassment, intimidation and arrest of journalists, political opponents, etc.
Development, humanitarian aid and human rights : Members reiterated that human security and development in the Sahel countries are inextricably linked, as stated in the EU’s 2011 Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel .They stressed that a stable security situation, economic and political stability, and stability as regards respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are necessary in this region.
They noted with due seriousness the extreme and pervasive poverty across the Sahel, particularly in Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso, but also in Mauritania. They acknowledged the detrimental impact of poverty on the prospects of realising human rights and the interdependence of development, democracy, human rights, good governance and security in the Sahel. They also reiterated that the allocation of European development aid funding can be effective only if the Union is in a position to carry out proper scrutiny of the way in which that funding is used, in order to satisfy itself that it is not being diverted from its intended purpose.
Members also called on the EU to support all measures being taken by Sahel countries, NGOs, and civil society to improve access to care, especially for the most vulnerable populations.
Members called on the governments of the Sahel countries to address the root causes of the crisis on the basis of a sustainable economic development strategy that takes account of their citizens’ political, economic and social concerns, such as access to food, education, health care, employment and housing, wealth redistribution and decent living conditions. Members stressed the urgent need to grant EU humanitarian aid to help achieve the Millennium Goals. In order to alleviate the food crisis, the Commission is called upon to make optimum use of the funds earmarked for combating malnutrition (EUR 123.5 million in 2012) in order to meet the needs of the people concerned and support local capacity‑building.
Measures have also been called to improve access to drinking water and strengthen the principle of universal access to education and improve basic infrastructures.
Human rights situation of women, children and minorities : Members condemned in the strongest terms the ongoing slavery, often by inheritance, in the Sahel region, and particular in Mauritania, where it reportedly affects a sizeable minority of the population. They expressed deep concern about evidence of child labour in Malian gold mines, agriculture, forestry and other sectors of the economy as well as child abduction for ransom and sale in Chad.
Members called on the Sahel states to promote access to education for all children, both boys and girls, and for nomad peoples, with no discrimination on the grounds of race, caste or ethnicity.
As regards women, Members called for measures to combat the discrimination faced by women and girls in much of this region, the manifestations of which include forced marriage, child marriage, sexual exploitation, under-education and widespread female genital mutilation. They called in particular for the adoption of general anti-discrimination laws in all of the countries concerned.
The report emphasised the need for human rights in Western Sahara and in the Tindouf camps to be addressed, even without anticipating any final political settlement or expressing a view on such a settlement.
To conclude, Members made a series of proposed EU policy recommendations to :
address the plight of refugees and IDPs throughout the region, tackle the scourge of slavery, human trafficking and other forms of trafficking and smuggling, which have proved so detrimental to human rights and security in the region, improve the situation of women, children and minorities, channell aid in an effective and efficient manner, offering added support to governments on the ‘more for more’ principle, end the culture of impunity, including by supporting measures already being proposed or put in place in Mali and elsewhere, protect civic freedoms and improving democratic governance through inclusive electoral processes and credible representation, and by supporting civil society, protect cultural diversity and heritage.
Members also recommended that the EU consider the possibility of targeted sanctions , through asset freezes, visa bans or other instruments, of the most serious violators of human rights, both in Mali and elsewhere in the region.
Documents
2013/09/24
EP - Vote in committee
2013/09/23
EP - Committee opinion
Documents
2013/09/04
EP - Committee opinion
Documents
2013/07/04
EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2013/05/21
EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2013/03/11
EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2013/03/06
EP - GABRIEL Mariya (PPE) appointed as rapporteur in FEMM
2013/01/22
EP - ROATTA Jean (PPE) appointed as rapporteur in DEVE
2012/11/27
EP - TANNOCK Timothy Charles Ayrton (ECR) appointed as rapporteur in AFET
Documents
- Results of vote in Parliament: Results of vote in Parliament
- Decision by Parliament: T7-0431/2013
- Debate in Parliament: Debate in Parliament
- Committee report tabled for plenary: A7-0325/2013
- Committee opinion: PE510.830
- Committee opinion: PE513.183
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE514.662
- Committee draft report: PE510.774
- Committee draft report: PE510.774
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE514.662
- Committee opinion: PE513.183
- Committee opinion: PE510.830
Activities
- Gilles PARGNEAUX
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Jean ROATTA
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Inês Cristina ZUBER
Plenary Speeches (1)
| Amendments | Dossier |
| 413 |
2013/2020(INI)
2013/06/26
DEVE
25 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Asserts that
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Emphasises that the various conflicts in the Sahel region have led not just to greater population displacement within those states, but also to an increase in the number of refugees; calls on the EU, the Sahel countries, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the AU and ECOWAS to coordinate their refugee policies with a view to ensuring healthy and dignified living conditions for refugees, guaranteeing the safety of the most vulnerable refugee groups and establishing self
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Emphasises that the various conflicts in the Sahel region have led not just to greater population displacement within those states, but also to an increase in the number of refugees; calls on the EU, the Sahel countries, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the AU and ECOWAS to coordinate their refugee policies with a view to ensuring healthy and dignified living conditions for refugees, guaranteeing the personal safety of the most vulnerable refugee groups and establishing self- sufficiency programmes;
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4 a. Observes that there are alarming signs that the Sahel region as a whole will be hit by a severe food and nutrition crisis this year and calls on the Commission to adequately fund its humanitarian aid to the region;
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Calls on the countries of the Sahel and the local and regional authorities to introduce policies aimed at ensuring the safety of refugees,
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Calls on the countries of the Sahel and the local and regional authorities to introduce policies aimed at ensuring the personal safety of refugees, at combating the trafficking of drugs, weapons
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Expresses its support for the International Support Mission to Mali, the
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Stresses the need for all the countries of the Sahel to introduce policies establishing
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Stresses the need for all the countries of the Sahel to introduce policies establishing intra-Sahel networks (transport, telecommunications, etc.) to ensure the successful and efficient channelling of humanitarian aid in a neutral fashion and to all concerned without restriction; expects those countries and local and regional authorities to ensure the permanency and accessibility of those networks;
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7 a. Highlights the negative effect of the Western Sahara conflict on the wider region and, paralleling the UN sponsored political negotiations, calls on the conflict parties and neighbouring states to undertake confidence building measures in good faith, such as fostering MINURSO's family visit programme and extending its mandate to include human rights monitoring, accelerating Morocco's promised regionalisation, including the permission of regional political parties as a first step to achieving self-determination of the Saharawi people and, in general, ending repression and political, social or economic discrimination, particularly affecting people with dissenting political views;
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Acknowledges the important role which women play in stabilising and developing the Sahel, and calls for a strengthening of their leadership function in conflict prevention, peace-keeping and peace-building, and in the security field, politics and economic development; encourages development partners to allocate financial support for projects with the specific aim of empowering women in the region;
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Asserts that the addressing of security- related concerns across the Sahel region as defined in the European Union Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel of 2011 is a precondition for the framing of development policies; points out, however, that in order to make the region secure it is essential to invest in development assistance so that the population is given sufficient resources allowing increased stability in the area; states that this would prevent much of the trafficking and illegal activities which stem from the extreme poverty and lack of resources and alternatives there;
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Invites the EU to introduce, in cooperation with the countries of the Sahel, priority development policies aimed at alleviating the food crisis and the problems of malnutrition and famine, at ensuring drought resistance and at providing responses to natural disasters; calls on the Commission to
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Invites the EU to introduce development policies, based on an approach rooted in human rights and fundamental freedoms, which are aimed at alleviating the food crisis and the problems of malnutrition and famine, at ensuring drought resistance and at providing responses to natural disasters; calls on the Commission to make optimum use of the funds earmarked for combating malnutrition (EUR 123.5 million in 2012);
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Points out that a long-term commitment is necessary in order to build resistance to drought in the Sahel and thus prevent recurring food crises and not have to provide large-scale humanitarian assistance whenever drought returns; stresses that such a commitment requires a lasting partnership - along similar lines to the European Union's 'AGIR Sahel' initiative - between governments, regional institutions, donors and financial institutions;
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 b (new) 8b. Stresses that a long-term approach based on universal access to education is necessary in order to improve the everyday lives of the Sahel’s inhabitants and support the development of what will be a region with 150 million people in 2040;
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 9 9. Calls for the introduction of, and follow- up to, effective health and education policies for the most vulnerable groups, such as women and children, which are geared towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): universal primary education, improved maternal health, universal access to health care, and the combating of HIV/AIDS and
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 10 10. Calls on the Commission to ensure
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Asserts that the addressing of
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2.
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Points out that the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights are essential to ensuring the stability of states, security and respect for fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Calls on the international community and local, regional and national authorities, in association with civil society, to continue to strengthen civil and/or military arrangements for the security of population groups, including responses to humanitarian emergencies;
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Calls on local and regional authorities, in association with civil society, to establish reliable security conditions and respect for human rights within the
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3 a. Recalls that since the 1980s, African countries have been pressured by international financial institutions, such as the IMF, the World Bank and the World Trade Organisation, to implement policies such as dismantling tariffs, removing price control and removing subsidies on agricultural inputs, which has contributed to weakening the capacity to provide public services for the population, such as education and access to health.
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 b (new) 3 b. Calls on the governments of the Sahel countries to address the root causes of the crisis, with a sustainable economic development strategy that responds to their citizens' political, economic and social concerns, such as access to food, education, health care, employment , housing, redistribution of wealth, decent livelihoods, etc.
source: PE-514.681
2013/07/04
AFET
341 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution Heading 1 Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 8 b (new) - having regard to the high-level Conference on Women's Leadership in the Sahel held on 9 April 2013, in Brussels, at the initiative of the European Union, the Office of the UN Secretary- General's Special Envoy for the Sahel and UN Women,
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Attaches particular urgency to the human rights situation in Mali, with reports of serious human rights violations in northern Mali by armed groups; notes that alleged crimes include mass rape, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture, ethnic-based violence, summary executions, illegal arrests and passing of sentences without due process, forced disappearances, the use of child soldiers, forced marriages, intentionally directing attacks against protected objects, and destruction and looting of property; notes that, since January 2013, there have also been reports of human rights violations by elements of the Malian security forces and vigilante groups against the Tuareg and Arab communities, and other groups perceived to have cooperated or been associated with rebel groups;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Attaches particular urgency to the human rights situation in Mali, with reports of serious human rights violations in northern Mali by armed groups; notes that alleged crimes include mass rape, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture, ethnic-based violence, summary executions, illegal arrests and passing of sentences without due process, forced disappearances, the use of child soldiers, forced marriages, intentionally directing attacks against protected objects, and destruction and looting of property; notes that, since January 2013, there have also been reports of human rights violations by elements of the Malian security forces and vigilante groups against the Tuareg and
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Attaches particular urgency to the human rights situation in Mali, with reports of serious human rights violations in northern Mali by armed Islamic extremist groups; notes that alleged crimes include mass rape, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture,
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Urges the Malian authorities and their international partners to pay close attention to the new patterns of human rights violations, particularly reprisals based on ethnicity, that have emerged since the recovery of certain parts of northern Mali, and could constitute a grave obstacle to peace-building and reconciliation if not properly addressed; calls upon the Malian Government to facilitate the reporting of abuses both in their current operations and in any future offensives, including through support to the National Human Rights Commission, and to respect due process when interrogating suspected militants; reiterates its condemnation of the atrocities committed against the civilian population, prisoners and soldiers; recalls the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor's determination of a reasonable basis to believe that atrocities committed in the Mali conflict constitute war crimes; believes moreover that some atrocities could constitute crimes against humanity;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Notes with grave concern that a further reason for the escalating destabilization in Mali is the growing level of corruption, leaving the population of the North, such as Tuareg, Songhai, Arabs and others out of the range of the international aid; emphasises that one of the most dangerous effects of corruption is the creation of cultural and ethnic separation between northern and southern Mali;
Amendment 105 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Welcomes the fact that a peace accord was signed in Mali on 18 June 2013 in order to pave the way for the presidential election and for peace negotiations between the Malian authorities and non- terrorist armed groups in northern Mali and that the signatories have all promised to end human rights violations in every form; urges the Malian authorities and their international partners to pay close attention to the new patterns of human rights violations, including reprisals based on ethnicity, which could constitute an obstacle to peace-building and reconciliation if not properly addressed; welcomes the fact that the Malian Government has set up units to monitor military operations in northern Mali and opened investigations into the human rights violations allegedly committed by certain elements of the Malian armed forces; calls on the Government to redouble its efforts and respect due process when interrogating suspected militants;
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Notes with grave concern the UNHCR's estimate of almost 300 000 internally displaced persons in Mali, in addition to over 175 000 refugees in neighbouring
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Notes with grave concern the UNHCR’s estimate of almost 300 000 internally displaced persons in Mali, in addition to over 175 000 refugees in neighbouring countries; calls for immediate action in those refugee camps
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6.
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Emphasises that women have borne the brunt of the violence against civilians in Mali; specifically condemns as a war crime
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 9 – having regard to the UN Secretary- General's report to the UN Security Council on Western Sahara, dated 8 April 2013,
Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Emphasises that women have borne the brunt of the violence against civilians in Mali; specifically condemns as a war crime the use of abduction and rape as weapons of war; expects the EU and other international partners of Mali to cooperate closely with the Malian authorities to implement the commitments inherent in the UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 and in the EU Comprehensive Approach; draws attention on the importance of establishing transitional justice mechanisms to end impunity for perpetrators of gender-based violence;
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Abhors the grave violations against children in Mali, including the reported use of child soldiers by all of the armed groups active in the north; is deeply concerned about the findings of the UN latest report on children and armed conflicts, which deplores the fact that the character and tactics of conflict in Mali create unprecedented threats for children, as parties of the conflict engage in the recruitment and use of children, sexual violence against children, the killing and maiming of children in contravention of international law, recurrent attacks on schools and/or hospitals or recurrent attacks or threats of attack against protected personnel; emphasises the importance of allocating sufficient recourses to the tasks of demobilisation and rehabilitation of child soldiers; condemns in the strongest terms the sexual violence against girls, forced marriages, abductions and attacks on schools and hospitals that have occurred during the Mali conflict; draws attention to the capture and detention of children for intelligence purposes as a worrying emerging trend that needs to be addressed as a matter of the utmost urgency;
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Abhors the grave violations perpetrated against children in Mali, including the
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Abhors the grave violations against children in Mali, including the reported use of child soldiers by all of the armed groups active in the north; emphasises the importance of allocating sufficient recourses to the tasks of demobilisation and rehabilitation of child soldiers; welcomes the draft agreement being drawn up between the Malian Government and the United Nations whereby child soldiers involved in the armed groups are to be handed over to UN representatives; condemns in the strongest terms the sexual violence against girls, forced marriages, abductions and attacks on schools and hospitals that have occurred during the Mali conflict; draws attention to the capture and detention of children for intelligence purposes and to the cases of abandonment of children born as a result of rape crimes in northern Mali as a worrying emerging trend t
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Abhors the grave violations against children in Mali, including the reported use of child soldiers by all of the armed groups active in the north; applauds the action of UNICEF, which is assisting in the social reintegration of demobilised Malian child soldiers; emphasises the importance of allocating sufficient recourses to the tasks of demobilisation and rehabilitation of child soldiers; condemns in the strongest terms the sexual violence against girls, forced marriages, abductions and attacks on schools and hospitals that have occurred during the Mali conflict; draws attention to the capture and detention of children for intelligence purposes as a worrying emerging trend that needs to be addressed as a matter of the utmost urgency;
Amendment 115 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Abhors the grave violations against children in Mali, including the reported use of child soldiers by
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Abhors the
Amendment 117 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Calls on all the Sahel countries to embark on a policy of prevention and protection aimed at ensuring that children will not be recruited by force by armed groups; calls on the Sahel countries to refrain from recruiting children to their regular armies and to condemn any person guilty of this war crime;
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Deplores the attempted obliteration of northern Mali's precious cultural heritage, with armed groups destroying ancient Sufi shrines and other cherished monuments in Timbuktu and Gao, along with approximately
Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Deplores the attempted obliteration of northern Mali’s precious cultural heritage, with armed Islamic extremist groups destroying ancient Sufi shrines and other cherished monuments in Timbuktu and Gao, along with approximately 3 000 ancient manuscripts; considers that the cultural desecration witnessed in northern Mali constitutes a war crime; welcomes and calls for EU support to the UNESCO Action Plan for the Rehabilitation of Cultural Heritage and the Safeguarding of Ancient Manuscripts in Mali;
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 9 – having regard to the UN Secretary- General’s report to the UN Security Council on Western Sahara, dated 8 April 2013, in particular its reference to the inter- connectedness between Western Sahara and the situation in the Sahel, and having regard to the Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel drawn up by the European External Action Service, in particular its statement that the problems in the Sahel are cross-border in nature and closely intertwined, and that only a regional focus and a holistic strategy that also includes neighbouring Maghreb countries will enable progress to be made in the region,
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Welcomes the
Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Welcomes the strong human rights direction in UN Security Council Resolution 2100, adopted on 25 April 2013, and the instruction in the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to monitor, help investigate and report to the Security Council on any abuses or violations of human rights or violations of international humanitarian law; welcomes the integration of a human rights training component into the
Amendment 122 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Welcomes the strong human rights direction in UN Security Council Resolution 2100, adopted on 25 April 2013, and the instruction in the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to monitor, help investigate and report to the Security Council on any abuses or violations of human rights or violations of international humanitarian law; welcomes the integration of a human rights training component into the EU CSDP Training Mission (EUTM) in Mali; hopes that particularly searching scrutiny will be brought to bear on the use of the funding granted for the mission; points out that the cost of the operation is estimated at EUR 12.3 million and that many international as well as local observers are sceptical about the effectiveness of the above-mentioned training component;
Amendment 123 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Welcomes the substantial African contingent within the MINUSMA mission, and in particular the AU's decision to send human rights observers embedded within it; welcomes their deployment in Gao and Timbuktu and hopes that it will soon be possible to also deploy observers in Kidal, as it is important to investigate the allegations of human rights abuses in the North by all sides of the Mali conflict; welcomes furthermore the European Commission's endeavour to train additional local observers within the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights; urges the EU to learn lessons from this experience and to explore appropriate ways to have available pools of trained
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Welcomes the important role played by the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA), which has laid the foundations for MINUSMA; further welcomes the substantial African contingent within the MINUSMA mission, and in particular the AU's decision to send human rights observers embedded within it; hopes that both these features continue as standard in African operations; welcomes furthermore the European Commission's support to these observers, and its endeavour to train and deploy additional local and regional civil society observers
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Welcomes the substantial African contingent within the MINUSMA mission, and in particular the AU’s decision to send human rights observers embedded within it; welcomes the fact that the armed groups and the Malian authorities which signed the interim peace accord of 18 June have promised to facilitate the phased deployment of human rights observers in northern Mali; welcomes furthermore the European Commission’s endeavour to train additional local observers within the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights; urges the EU to learn lessons from this experience and to explore appropriate ways to have available pools of trained experts, who could be quickly deployed on the ground in urgent situations to give professional advice to EU policy-
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Welcomes the substantial African contingent within the MINUSMA mission, and in particular the AU’s decision to send human rights observers embedded within it; welcomes furthermore the European
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Draws attention to the urgent need to enhance compliance with the international human rights and humanitarian law norms in armed conflict situations; calls on the High Representative to learn lessons from the tragic events in Mali and other recent conflicts to review the EU guidelines on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), seek more effective implementation of those guidelines, and support the ongoing initiative of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Swiss government to reform the current international governance framework regarding IHL;
Amendment 128 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Welcomes the conclusions of the International Donors Conference ‘Together for a New Mali’, held in May 2013;
Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Welcomes the conclusions of the International Donors Conference
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 9 a (new) - having regard to the Report of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, dated 28 February 2013, regarding his mission to Morocco, including Western Sahara,
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Welcomes the conclusions of the International Donors Conference ‘Together for a New Mali’, held in May 2013; commends the Malian Government’s Plan for the Sustainable Recovery of Mali (PRED); reiterates the need to link aid with institutional reform and discernible social and political development; furthermore commends the constructive involvement of regional a
Amendment 131 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Welcomes the recent peace agreement signed by the Malian government and rebel groups; recognizes that this is a preliminary agreement which must be followed by action on both sides to bring the conflict to a definitive end; furthermore urges the Malian military to show professionalism as it returns to formerly rebel controlled areas of the North; welcomes the conclusions of the International Donors Conference
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Reiterates the importance of EU's human rights clause in any agreement with third countries, including those of the Sahel region; considers that the clause is one of EU's most efficient instruments that can lead one the one hand to the sustainable development of least developed countries, as well as to a proper respect and protection of human rights in those countries;
Amendment 133 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Considers the need to fight impunity and hold all perpetrators of serious human rights violations accountable, irrespective of affiliation and status, as key to ensuring lasting peace and stability in Mali; welcomes therefore the Malian Government's referral of the situation to the ICC and the ICC Prosecutor's opening of formal investigations; calls on the EU and other international partners of Mali to help the government to pursue its objective of investigating and prosecuting perpetrators of abuses;
Amendment 134 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Considers the need to fight impunity and hold all perpetrators of serious human rights violations accountable, irrespective of affiliation and status, as key to ensuring lasting peace and stability in Mali; welcomes therefore the Malian Government’s referral of the situation to the ICC and the ICC Prosecutor’s opening of formal investigations;
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Considers the need to fight impunity, provide redress to victims, and hold all perpetrators of serious human rights violations accountable, irrespective of affiliation and status, as key to ensuring lasting peace and stability in Mali; welcomes therefore the Malian Government's referral of the situation to the ICC and the ICC Prosecutor's opening of formal investigations
Amendment 136 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Considers the need to fight impunity and hold all perpetrators of serious human rights violations accountable, irrespective of affiliation and status, as key to ensuring lasting peace and stability in Mali; welcomes therefore the Malian Government
Amendment 137 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Considers the need to fight impunity
Amendment 138 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Considers
Amendment 139 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Expresses grave concern about the multiple refugee crises and situation of refugees in the region, including many unrelated to the Mali crisis; draws particular attention to the thousands of Darfuri refugees in eastern Chad, and Chadian returnees from Darfur, who lack clean water, adequate shelter and healthcare, and notes that the semi-arid climate risks heightening competition for resources with the host populations, and thus also the potential for instability; moreover draws attention to the plight of many thousands of refugees from CAR in southern Chad, where flooding threatens homes and agriculture; thus echoes the UNHCR's call to increase financial and logistical support to Chad's security forces protecting the camps, particularly in light of reported attacks on humanitarian compounds; expresses further concern for those in Niger fleeing the recent fighting in northern Nigeria; calls on the international community in general to increase the proportion of aid to the Sahel's refugee camps where necessary, and to help avoid further humanitarian crises among the region's refugee populations; encourages host countries to work with the UN and other actors to improve, in particular, access to shelter, sanitation, healthcare, water, nutrition and education, and to protect at-risk children; moreover calls for action to boost refugees' economic security and links with separated families, and to improve documentation for refugees while they await conditions favourable for their return;
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 9 a (new) - having regard to its previous resolutions on Western Sahara, in particular the resolution of 25 November 2010, in the light of the report by the European Parliament ad hoc delegation to Western Sahara (PE 422.290),
Amendment 140 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Considers that the current human rights challenges in the Sahel cannot be disaggregated from a general crisis of governance, encompassing widespread corruption in public office, weak provision of basic services, poor implementation of social and economic rights, and
Amendment 141 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes with great concern the role of these factors in facilitating the regional surge in international organised crime and jihadi networks; emphasises the serious threats that they pose to human rights and regional stability, and the need to confront such threats for the benefit of Sahelian populations; expresses particular alarm at the ‘trafficking highways’ across Africa from west to east, and south to north from the West African coast, transporting arms, narcotics, cigarettes, and people; notes that the Sahel risks further destabilisation from the proliferation of light weaponry originating in Libya;
Amendment 142 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes with great concern the role of these factors in facilitating the regional surge in international organised crime and jihadi networks; emphasises the serious threats that they pose to human rights and regional stability, and the need to confront such threats for the benefit of Sahelian populations; expresses particular alarm at the
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes with great concern the role of these factors in facilitating the regional surge in international organised crime and jihadi networks; emphasises the serious threats that they pose to human rights and regional stability, and the need to confront such threats for the benefit of Sahelian populations; expresses particular alarm at the ‘trafficking highways’, which, helped by the porousness of the borders, stretch across Africa from west to east, and south to north from the West African coast, transporting arms, narcotics, cigarettes, and people;
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes with great concern the role of these factors in facilitating the regional surge in international organised crime, such as trafficking of human beings and trafficking of drugs and arms, and jihadi networks; emphasises the serious threats that they pose to human rights
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes with great concern the role of these factors in facilitating the regional surge in international organised crime and
Amendment 146 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14a. Further condemns the region’s increased incidences of kidnapping and hostage-taking, which have proved highly lucrative for criminal and terrorist groups, and welcomes the work of the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Group on the impact of terrorist hostage-taking on human rights; draws attention to the impact of these activities on the wider region, as well as on the EU, which is being targeted by this hostage-taking; notes that the hostage-taking is intended to offer a show of force in relation to European countries;
Amendment 147 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14a. Notes that the Sahel risks further destabilisation from the proliferation of light weaponry originating in Libya; further condemns the region's increased incidences of kidnapping and hostage- taking, which have proved highly lucrative for criminal and terrorist groups, and welcomes the work of the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Group on the impact of terrorist hostage-taking on human rights; draws attention to the impact of these activities on the wider region, as well as the EU, which is the destination for much of the illicit traffic; therefore calls for much greater cooperation among Sahel governments, and with the governments of such key regional states as Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Sudan, as well as with the EU and other supranational bodies, to ensure effective and coordinated responses to these problems by political, security and judicial institutions;
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14a. Considers that the residual effects of the situation in Libya have a severe impact on the stability of the Sahel; urges the swift deployment of EUBAM, which will provide support to the Libyan authorities in securing the country's borders; underlines that institutional and governance frailty in Libya, its tradition as a passage for illegal migrants heading for Europe, a trend exacerbated during the political instability in the region, the porous nature of Libya's land and sea borders, the protracted detention without due process of alleged Sub-Saharan African mercenaries in Libya, many of whom are underage boys, call for Libya to be prioritised in DDR/SSR support efforts, in the framework of the CSDP and the ENP; stresses that instability and poor governance in Libya aggravates regional arms trafficking and SALW proliferation, drugs trafficking and illicit trade; highlights that further deterioration of the situation in Libya will have devastating human rights consequences for the neighbouring Sahel region;
Amendment 149 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 b (new) 14b. Points out that terrorist operations know no borders and organisations are joining forces to pursue them; notes that the Boko Haram group is established in much of Nigeria and threatening the stability of Niger and that AQMI, led by three Algerians (Abou Zeid, Yahya Abou Al-Hammam, and Mokhtar Belmokhtar), is attempting to destabilise southern Algeria; welcomes the EUBAM Libya mission, aimed at securing Libyan borders; calls on the Sahel countries, therefore, to coordinate their efforts to make the entire region secure, starting with the borders, and to intensify counterterrorism cooperation with all the countries concerned, including Algeria, Nigeria, Morocco, and Libya; calls on the EU, the AU, ECOWAS, and the international community to provide the Sahel countries with every necessary form of technical, material, and human support;
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 9 b (new) - having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 25 November 2010 on the situation in Western Sahara,
Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 b (new) 14b. Warns against a perceived spread of extremism in the Arab Spring countries, Tunisia, Egypt and Libya and invites the HR/VP to provide leadership in the process of cooperation with these countries´ governments, institutions, civil society organisations in a way as to support truly democratic transition processes, so as to simultaneously ensure the stabilisation of the conflict-prone neighbouring regions, namely the Sahel;
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 c (new) 14c. Calls on the Sahel countries to establish intensive cooperation with Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, and Ghana, which are transit ports for drugs originating from Latin American criminal groups and bound for Europe; calls on the EU to help the Sahel countries fight this trafficking;
Amendment 152 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 d (new) 14d. Notes that organised crime engenders corruption that permeates every sphere of state; calls on the Sahel countries, therefore, roundly to condemn all forms of corruption;
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Considers it crucial, therefore, to encourage the reform of institutions
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Considers it crucial, therefore, to encourage the reform of institutions responsible for the judiciary, security and basic services in the Sahel countries, in order to help restore the rule of law and create better conditions for democratic transition, human rights, sustainable development and institutional legitimacy; encourages Sahel governments to continue the process of decentralisation, to transfer more power and resources to local authorities and boost their capacity, legitimacy and accountability; stresses, in
Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15a. Points to the imperative in Mali, in particular, of ensuring adequate human and financial resourcing of the Ministry of Justice, as well as the professional training of its staff; moreover encourages the Malian authorities to prosecute officials involved in corruption and organised crime, as crucial measures in restoring confidence and reducing the potential for future instability;
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 b (new) 15b. Welcomes the emphasis in the new UN integrated strategy for the Sahel on the need to design and support truth- seeking processes, national consultations on transitional justice, judicial accountability mechanisms, and reparation programmes, including for victims of sexual violence; calls for the EU to work with relevant UN agencies to assist Sahel governments in implementing these reforms;
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Applauds
Amendment 158 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Applauds Senegal's decision to try
Amendment 159 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Applauds Senegal
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 9 c (new) - having regard to the numerous resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly on the question of Western Sahara, adopted on the basis of the reports of the Fourth Committee - Special Political and Decolonisation Committee, in particular resolutions 34/37 and 35/19, as well as the European Parliament resolution of 27 May 1993 on the fate of the disappeared Saharans, which define Morocco as the occupying power in Western Sahara, given that this description of Morocco's status was confirmed by the UN Legal Counsel's opinion S/2002/161 of January 2002,
Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16a. Welcomes the peaceful settlement of the border dispute between Niger and Burkina Faso brought by those two countries before the International Court of Justice, which handed down its ruling on 16 April 2013, and calls on the Sahel countries to follow this example;
Amendment 161 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 b (new) 16b. Urges the governments of the Sahel countries to respect the independence and the impartiality of the courts, since these are essential guarantees of democracy and the rule of law; calls on the Sahel countries to continue their efforts to improve judicial training; and calls on the EU to support NGO projects aimed at raising human rights awareness among judicial practitioners;
Amendment 162 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 c (new) 16c. Calls on the Sahel countries to cooperate with the ICC so as to enable it to conduct investigations freely and with complete impartiality; calls on states parties to execute international arrest warrants issued by the ICC and enforce its decisions with all due dispatch; proposes that the UN should help the Sahel countries to set up impartial and independent judicial bodies to try international crimes, following the example of the Special Court for Sierra Leone;
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16a. Notes that Mauritania is the only Sahelian country, and one of the very few African countries, not to have acceded to the Rome statute of the ICC; encourages it to do so, as a strong signal of rejecting the culture of impunity; emphasises in this context the importance of developing an EU policy on transitional justice as specified in the EU Action Plan on Human Rights;
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Encourages all countries in the region to tackle the persistent reports of alleged arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment and abuses,
Amendment 165 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Encourages all countries in the region to tackle the persistent reports of alleged arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment and abuses, even torture, despite legislation prohibiting
Amendment 166 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17.
Amendment 167 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Encourages all countries in the region to tackle the persistent reports of alleged arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment and abuses, even torture, despite legislation prohibiting such practices; expresses concern over the reports of alleged forced disappearances of convicted prisoners in Mauritania; is troubled by reports of extremely poor conditions in some of the region’s prisons, which
Amendment 168 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Stresses that the security imperative in the current Mali conflict should not detract from the primacy across the region of inclusive national dialogue, good governance and democratic reforms as the engine of political stability and sustainability;
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Stresses that the
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 9 d (new) - having regard to its resolution of 13 December 2012 on the Annual report on human rights and democracy in the world 2011 and the European Union's policy on the matter (2012/2145(INI)),
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Supports the UN Security Council resolution commitment to assist the transitional authorities of Mali to implement the road map towards the full restoration of constitutional order, democratic governance and national unity; considers it essential to create conditions conducive to the holding of
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Supports the UN Security Council resolution commitment to assist the transitional authorities of Mali to implement the road map towards the full restoration of constitutional order, democratic governance and national unity; considers it essential to create conditions conducive to the holding of credible elections, in keeping with international standards; stresses the need to overcome challenges related to the voting arrangements in the IDP and refugee camps, to avoid further political marginalisation; calls for immediate action on this issue by the Malian Government and its international partners; emphasises the need to ensure the safe participation of women in the electoral process, considers further that the elections should not be held during celebration of religious holidays, therefore calls on the government to take under consideration the concerns raised by the Azawad community in the northern parts of the country and postpone the elections until the conclusion of religious fasting;
Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Supports the UN Security Council resolution commitment to assisting the transitional authorities of Mali to implement the road map towards the full restoration of constitutional order, democratic governance and national unity; considers it essential to create conditions conducive to the holding of
Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Supports the UN Security Council resolution commitment to assist the transitional authorities of Mali to implement the road map towards the full restoration of constitutional order, democratic governance and national unity; considers it essential to create conditions conducive to the holding of credible elections, in keeping with international standards; underlines that the organization of a democratic and fair electoral process is key in gaining the trust of the civil society and prevent in the future further tensions; stresses the need to overcome challenges related to the voting arrangements in the IDP and refugee camps, to avoid further political
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Supports the UN Security Council resolution commitment to assist the transitional authorities of Mali to implement the road map towards the full restoration of constitutional order, democratic governance and national unity; considers it essential to
Amendment 175 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Supports the UN Security Council resolution commitment to assisting the transitional authorities of Mali to implement the road map towards the full restoration of constitutional order, democratic governance and national unity; considers it essential to create conditions conducive to the holding of credible elections, in keeping with international standards; expresses disquiet at the recent arrests and disappearances – however brief – of political figures and civil society representatives; stresses the need to overcome challenges related to the voting arrangements in the IDP and refugee camps, to avoid further political marginalisation; calls for immediate action on this issue by the Malian Government and its international partners; emphasises the need to ensure the safe participation of women in the electoral process;
Amendment 176 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 a (new) 19a. Welcomes the use of an EU election observation mission (EOM) in the Malian elections; recalls, however, the need by the EEAS to ensure adequate follow-up to the EOM recommendations and their longer-term integration into EU policy more broadly; in particular, believes that the EOM could add value to elections in the Sahel through an ability to monitor aspects of human rights, and report back to EU delegations to trigger appropriate demarches, if necessary;
Amendment 177 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 b (new) 19b. Welcomes the Malian Government's establishment of a National Commission for Dialogue and Reconciliation, and the preliminary agreement on 18 June 2013 between the Malian Government and key groups in the north; embraces their commitment to unity, dialogue and the restoration of constitutional order; to this extent, expresses the sincere hope that the post-electoral landscape in Mali will facilitate enhanced dialogue and trust between communities as a pre-requisite for peace and stability; in particular, encourages the Commission to explore the issues which gave rise to the Malian crisis, to investigate openly and comprehensively allegations of abuses and discrimination against Tuareg communities since Malian independence, and to make recommendations for meaningful improvements; hopes, to this end, that all Malian communities will commit to educating children about mutual tolerance and respect;
Amendment 178 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Calls on the Malian Government and the international community to learn lessons from the democratic transition in Niger and its constitutional process in 2010-2011, in particular regarding the extensive consultation with civil society and other stakeholders, the efforts to promote women's political participation as candidates, and the support of civil society partners to conduct citizen election observation, voter education and activities; emphasises the importance for the whole Sahel region of continued support to Niger in order to consolidate citizens' confidence in the democratic system, and to follow up on the new constitution's requirement to increase transparency and fight corruption in extractive industries management, including by publishing all sizeable mining contracts and information on the revenues generated from them;
Amendment 179 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21.
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 9 e (new) - having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 13 December 2012 on the Annual report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2011 and the European Union's policy on the matter,
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Stresses the importance in the Sahel of supporting human rights defenders, independent civil society, including women’s organisations, and a free media as key actors in the life of a democratic society, particularly in times of elections;
Amendment 181 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 a (new) 21a. Considers that the protection and promotion of freedom of speech is essential in developing an active and engaged civil society that can properly contribute to the development of the entire region; condemns in this regard any attempt of censorship, intimidations of journalists or human rights activists and any type of direct or indirect pressure exerted on private or state media;
Amendment 182 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 a (new) 21a. Calls on the Sahel countries to cease all arbitrary arrests and intimidation campaigns aimed at the press and the media, human rights defenders, or opposition activists; calls on the Sahel- Sahara countries, including the North African countries, fully to respect the freedom of expression of non-violent groups and their freedom to demonstrate; calls on the judicial authorities to try imprisoned opposition figures fairly and in accordance with the law in force; calls on the Sahel countries to promote a multiparty system and both to allow political groupings which abide by the rule of law to contest elections without fear of reprisals and to enable the people to participate in elections;
Amendment 183 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Notes with due seriousness the extreme and pervasive poverty
Amendment 184 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Notes with due seriousness the extreme and pervasive poverty of Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso, and acknowledges its detrimental impact on the prospects of realising human rights; expresses grave concern over the high maternal and under- five child mortality rates in the region; draws attention to the inverse relationship between the level of education among mothers and the infant mortality rate and accordingly points to the importance of promoting schooling for girls; stresses the UN’s findings of lower mortality rates among better educated mothers as a rallying call for universal education; points out that fast population growth puts additional pressure on governments’ capacity to protect even the most basic economic and social rights; considers it necessary, therefore, to provide better access to health services and – as far as sexual and reproductive rights are concerned – to family planning services in particular;
Amendment 185 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Notes with due seriousness the extreme and pervasive poverty of Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso, and acknowledges its detrimental impact on the prospects of realising human rights; expresses grave concern over the high maternal and under- five child mortality rates in the region; stresses the UN
Amendment 186 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Notes with due seriousness the extreme and pervasive poverty of Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso, and acknowledges its detrimental impact on the prospects of realising human rights; expresses grave concern over the high maternal and under- five child mortality rates in the region; stresses the UN’s findings of lower mortality rates among better educated mothers
Amendment 187 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Notes with due seriousness the extreme and pervasive poverty
Amendment 188 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 a (new) 22a. Calls on the EU to support all measures being taken by Sahel countries, NGOs, and civil society to improve access to care, especially for the most vulnerable populations; calls on international organisations to continue the efforts to eradicate HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and meningitis, which cause numerous deaths; points out that some Sahel populations are nomadic and cannot easily gain access to care, and calls for support to be given to care- related awareness and training campaigns;
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Emphasises the interdependence of development, democracy, human rights, good governance and security in the Sahel; reiterates its support for the human rights- based approach and democratic ownership in development cooperation, based on harnessing local participation and knowledge to achieve development goals
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 9 f (new) - having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 7 February 2013 on the 22nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council,
Amendment 190 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Emphasises the interdependence of development, democracy, human rights, good governance and security in the Sahel; reiterates its support for the human rights- based approach and democratic ownership in development cooperation, based on harnessing local participation and knowledge to achieve development goals on the ground, and for strong, effective and independent follow-up enforcement mechanisms, involving parliaments, other genuinely representative bodies and local and regional civil society at both national and international level; equally emphasises the necessity of combating corruption to enhance institutional legitimacy and tackle the mounting development challenges in the region; further stresses the importance of a free, organised civil society and media to monitor and report abuses;
Amendment 191 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 a (new) 23a. Draws attention once again to the need to make development aid for States contingent on respect for fundamental rights; reiterates that the allocation of European development aid funding can be effective only if the Union is in a position to carry out proper scrutiny of the way that funding is used, in order to satisfy itself that it is not being diverted from its intended purpose; reaffirms the need, if human rights are to be safeguarded effectively, to make the EU’s external and internal policies more consistent, in keeping with the EU’s development aims;
Amendment 192 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 a (new) 23 a. Emphasises the necessity of combating corruption to enhance institutional legitimacy and tackle the mounting development and human rights challenges in the region; notes that access to basic healthcare and education has been gravely harmed by various forms of corruption; further stresses the importance of a free, organised civil society and media to monitor and report abuses;
Amendment 193 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Notes, with due gravity, the frequent food crises and other humanitarian emergencies in the Sahel region, and their effect on the most fundamental human rights; welcomes the strong involvement of the EU and its Member States in the humanitarian crisis efforts in the Sahel; emphasises, however, the need for humanitarian action to be coordinated with longer term EU support in the context of development cooperation and human rights protection, focusing mainly, in order to ensure food self-sufficiency, the infrastructure improvements, clarification of land tenure and increased fight against speculation of prices; notes that priority should be also given to improvement of resources' mobility, which is, due to social and political unrest in the Sahel, disrupted and thus hinders the functioning of markets;
Amendment 194 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Notes, with due gravity, the frequent food crises and other humanitarian emergencies in the Sahel region, and their effect on the most fundamental human rights; welcomes the strong involvement of
Amendment 195 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Notes, with due gravity, the frequent food and nutrition crises and other humanitarian emergencies in the Sahel region, and their effect on the most fundamental human rights; welcomes the strong involvement of the EU and its Member States in the humanitarian crisis efforts in the Sahel, and underlines that tackling food insecurity is key to both facilitating peace and enhancing human rights; emphasises, however, the need for humanitarian action to be coordinated with longer term EU support in the context of development cooperation and human rights protection;
Amendment 196 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Notes, with due gravity, the frequent food crises and other humanitarian emergencies in the Sahel region, and their effect on the most fundamental human rights;
Amendment 197 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Notes, with due gravity, the frequent food crises and other humanitarian emergencies in the Sahel region, and their effect on the most fundamental human rights; welcomes the strong involvement of the EU and its Member States in the humanitarian crisis efforts in the Sahel;
Amendment 198 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 a (new) 24a. Emphasize the pressing issues of famines, draughts, persistent hunger, and the inability of the national government to provide for basic food security which are driving forces for local disillusionment; reaffirms the need to improve the national government's ability to provide for food security through increased funding and political support for the AGIR-Sahel initiative also as a regional and Comprehensive Approach to tackle the root cause of food security;
Amendment 199 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 a (new) 24a. Notes, with particular concern, that access to drinking water still represents a problem in all the Sahel region; reiterates that in order to achieve the development of the region the main focus should be placed on ensuring the basic needs of the population of this area; underlines that an important part of the development aid provided by the EU must address this issue; welcomes in this respect all international initiatives that aim at reducing water scarcity in the Sahel region;
Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 1 – having regard to the key UN and African human rights conventions and treaties
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 9 g (new) - having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 16 February 2012 on Parliament's position on the 19th Session of the UN Human Rights Council,
Amendment 200 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 a (new) 24a. Encourages the Sahelian states and regional actors, in conjunction with the UN, to mobilize new resources for development; welcomes the consultations started by the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Sahel with the African Development Bank, and recommends that these consultations be widened to the World Bank and other international financial institutions in order to create a Sahel Action Fund; applauds this proposed fund's integrated platform for resources, coordinating regional development projects with the specific needs of Sahel countries, and encourages the EU to adapt and coordinate its own strategy accordingly;
Amendment 201 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 b (new) 24b. Expresses concern about the general situation of uranium mining in the Sahel, particularly in light of the attack by MUJAO on a mine in Arlit in northern Niger on 23 May 2013; stresses that major breaches of security around Niger's uranium mines could prove disastrous for local populations and regional stability, and thus calls for security to be given the utmost attention by the Nigerien authorities and their international partners; moreover highlights the importance of guaranteeing safety in uranium mining; further calls on mining companies to ensure that uranium is mined responsibly, with the full consent of local communities, and with minimal detrimental impact to nearby populations and their environment;
Amendment 202 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the
Amendment 203 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Condemns in the strongest terms the ongoing slavery in Mauritania
Amendment 204 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 a (new) 25a. Declares itself extremely shocked by evidence that 20 % of Mauritania's population reportedly lives in slavery, trapped in a rigid caste system, despite the country's official abolition of slavery in 1981 and its criminalisation in 2007; expresses deep concern at the institutionalised nature of this practice, which reaches as far as the civil service; deplores the fact that the Mauritanian Government is extremely reluctant to acknowledge the continued widespread existence of slavery, and that to date only one successful prosecution has been brought against a slave owner; urges the Mauritanian Government to honour its national and international legal commitments and obligations to end all forms of slavery; urges, further, the Mauritanian authorities to stop harassing local civil society organisations campaigning for an end to slavery and to waive all the charges brought against their members and representatives; calls on the Commission and the Member States to continue to support the work of Mauritanian and international anti- slavery organisations, including the UN Special Rapporteur (UNSR) on contemporary forms of slavery;
Amendment 205 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 a (new) 25a. Expresses deep concern at the allegations of discrimination against the black population of Mauritania in the context of the current census;
Amendment 206 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 26. Notes, furthermore, with great concern, that slavery persists across the wider Sahel region, with large numbers of people in bonded labour in Mali, Niger and elsewhere; urges the responsible national and international authorities to take action in this regard, by monitoring the due implementation of the legislation, which prohibits and criminalises slavery, with particular attention to the position and vulnerability of women and girls
Amendment 207 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 26. Notes, furthermore, with great concern, that slavery persists across the wider Sahel region, with large numbers of people in bonded labour in Mali, Niger and elsewhere; urges the responsible national and international authorities to take action in this regard, with particular attention to the position and vulnerability of women and girls,
Amendment 208 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 26. Notes, furthermore, with great concern, that
Amendment 209 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 26 a (new) 26a. Expresses concern at the violation of fundamental children's rights in the Sahel, in particular, gender-based violence and discrimination, prevalent child labour, the alleged detention of minors in adult jails in Mauritania, Mali and elsewhere, and Chad's recruitment of child soldiers into its regular army; calls for the EU to work closely with Sahelian governments to ensure the eradication of these practices;
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 9 h (new) - having regard to the Annual report on the Common Foreign and Security Policy from the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to the European Parliament, endorsed by the Council on 4 October 2012,
Amendment 210 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Expresses deep concern about evidence of child labour in Malian gold mines, agriculture and forestry, reportedly involving children as young as six years old; notes
Amendment 211 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Expresses deep concern about evidence of child labour in Malian gold mines, agriculture and forestry, reportedly involving children as young as six years old; notes
Amendment 212 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Expresses deep concern about evidence of child labour in Malian gold mines, agriculture and forestry, as well as in other sectors of the economy, reportedly involving children as young as six years old; notes Malian laws prohibiting child labour, and the particularly hazardous nature of gold mining; calls, therefore, on the Malian authorities to implement the policy proposals in its Action Plan for the Fight against Child Labour (PANETEM) of June 2011, and to promote universal education more actively; calls on the EU to work with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and other national and international organisations, to eradicate fully child labour in Mali;
Amendment 213 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 27. Expresses deep concern about evidence of child labour in Malian gold mines, agriculture
Amendment 214 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 a (new) 27a. Notes, with great concern, that according to NGO's statistics, over 3 million children under the age of 17 are working in Mali; deplores this situation, especially because this comes at the expense of reduced education rate and a low literacy rate;
Amendment 215 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 27 a (new) 27a. Points out that the European Union endorses the principles underpinning the Kimberley Process, implements the FLEGT programmes and endeavours wherever possible to encourage compliance with basic international standards in the areas of social protection, employment and the environment and corporate social responsibility (CSR); calls on the European Union and the Sahel States to consider introducing a gold traceability process along the lines of the Kimberley Process for diamonds; emphasises the need for European firms which have subsidiaries in the countries of the region to satisfy themselves that these basic standards and international guidelines on CSR are being complied with; points out that the European Union is shortly to introduce the principle of country-by-country reporting;
Amendment 216 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 28. Is greatly concerned about reports of child abduction for ransom and sale in Chad; notes that children are trafficked internally and abroad for forced labour, forced marriage and sexual exploitation; notes, furthermore, that in some cases children have been abducted and sold to international adoption agencies;
Amendment 217 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 28. Is greatly concerned about reports of child abduction for ransom and sale in Chad, as well as other countries in the region; notes that children are trafficked internally and abroad for forced labour and sexual exploitation; notes, furthermore, that in some cases children have been
Amendment 218 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 28 a (new) 28a. Calls on the Sahel States to promote access to education for all children, both boys and girls, and for nomad peoples, with no discrimination on the grounds of race, caste or ethnicity; calls on the States to promote policies on vocational training and access to higher education and employment, in order to offer young people in the Sahel a future and thus keep them out of the clutches of terrorist groups; emphasises that conditions for children in schools must meet minimum criteria as regards health, safety and dignity and that steps must be taken to ensure that children are not mistreated or forced to engage in begging by their tutors;
Amendment 219 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29. Notes the discrimination faced by women and girls
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas the Sahel is one of the poorest regions of the world, which confronts grave problems regarding human rights, the rule of law, security and armed conflict, as well as economic and social development, and whereas the extreme poverty in the region is reflected in the UN Human Development Index for 2012, ranking Niger (186th), Chad (184th), Burkina Faso (183rd) and Mali (182nd) among the six least developed countries in the world;
Amendment 220 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29. Notes the discrimination faced by women and girls in much of the region, the manifestations of which include forced marriage, child marriage, sexual exploitation, under-education and, particularly in Chad, widespread female genital mutilation, including infibulation; calls on the EU to assist local women's groups and civil society to tackle oppression, and enable women to lead lives that they have freely chosen; underlines that more efforts are necessary in order to guarantee that reforms related to governance and rule of law respond to the specific needs of women;
Amendment 221 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29. Notes the discrimination faced by women and girls in much of the region, the manifestations of which include forced marriage, child marriage, sexual exploitation, under-education and, particularly in Chad, widespread female genital mutilation, including infibulation; calls on the EU to assist local women's groups and civil society to tackle oppression and gender inequality, and enable women to lead lives that they have freely chosen;
Amendment 222 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29. Notes the discrimination and violence faced by women and girls in much of the region, the manifestations of which include forced marriage, child marriage, sexual exploitation, under-education and, particularly in Chad, widespread female genital mutilation, including infibulation; calls on the EU to
Amendment 223 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 29. Notes the discrimination faced by women and girls in much of the region, the manifestations of which include forced marriage, child marriage, sexual exploitation, under-education and, particularly in Chad, widespread female genital mutilation, including infibulation; draws particular attention, however, to the situation of Sahrawi women, the significant decline in literacy levels among Sahrawi women in recent decades and the key social role that they play in the refugee camps, their key contribution to the organisation of Sahrawi institutions and their high rate of participation in political life; deplores, however, the human rights violations suffered by Sahrawi women in the territories occupied by Morocco, including humiliating treatment and sexual violence against women, which are used by the occupying forces in an attempt to intimidate the Sahrawi population; calls on the EU to assist local women’s groups and civil society to tackle oppression, and enable women to lead lives that they have freely chosen;
Amendment 224 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 29 a (new) 29a. Calls on the EU to work with regional actors to promote the education of girls, and to support measures boosting the financial security and potential of women, as key to securing female social, political and economic empowerment; furthermore encourages a policy emphasis on improving women's healthcare;
Amendment 225 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 30 30. Welcomes the legal status of same-sex relationships in Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso; regrets, however, the societal discrimination still present; hopes that those oppressed during the insurgency in northern Mali may safely re-integrate into their society; expresses deep concern over the continuing criminalisation of LGBT relationships in Mauritania, which, for men, nominally carry the punishment of death by public stoning, though notes that there are no documented incidences of this punishment ever having been applied; urges the Mauritanian Government nevertheless to work with civil society to reform its legislation and help to improve the lives of LGBT citizens;
Amendment 226 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 31. Believes that a rights-based approach to the situation and development of the Tuareg people, which honestly addresses historic grievances, is essential for peace and development in the Sahel region, bearing in mind that other peoples live in the region, in particular in northern Mali, where the Tuareg account for only 12 % of the population; takes the view that all these peoples should once again be given the chance to live peacefully side by side, as they did for centuries; welcomes developments in Niger on this issue, but urges all countries with significant Tuareg populations to work with community representatives to resolve, politically and institutionally, the problems of underdevelopment and animosity; notes, furthermore, the variety of cultures across the Sahel; encourages the region's governments to include all of them in social and political dialogues;
Amendment 227 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 31. Believes that a rights-based approach to the situation and development of the Tuareg people, which honestly addresses historic grievances, is essential for peace and development in the Sahel region; welcomes developments in Niger on this issue, but urges all countries with significant Tuareg populations, including non-Sahel countries such as Algeria and Libya, to work with community representatives to resolve, politically and institutionally, the problems of underdevelopment and animosity; notes,
Amendment 228 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 31. Believes that a rights
Amendment 229 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 a (new) 31a. Points out that the Sahel population consists of transfrontier ethno-cultural communities and that the continuing tensions between these communities and the exploitation of those tensions are making the establishment of democratic States and a lasting peace more difficult; takes the view that it is time to consolidate the close links between these groups and to put an end to the conflicts between them; calls on the Sahel States to arrange inclusive inter-ethnic dialogues;
Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) Aa. whereas one of the defining characteristics of the region, mostly generated by political instability, poverty and unsecured borders, is the spill-over effect, which inherently causes shared human rights challenges in the entire Sahel; whereas this characteristic outlines the need for a well-coordinated and holistic approach towards the entire eco- geographic region of Sahel;
Amendment 230 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 31 a (new) 31a. Observes that many of the crimes committed in Mali had their origin in the Islamic extremist view that freedom of religion is not permissible; considers that the EU should therefore fundamentally emphasise that everyone has the right to abandon a religion, choose a different one or espouse none;
Amendment 231 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 32. Welcomes the appointment of the
Amendment 232 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 32 32. Welcomes the appointment of the EUSR for the Sahel, and the strong human rights element in his mandate; expects the new EUSR to cooperate closely with the EUSR for Human Rights, the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the human rights defenders and observers in the region, in promoting respect for human rights and international humanitarian law;
Amendment 233 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 33 33. Stresses the importance of implementing the EU's human rights policy commitments, including its guidelines on children and armed conflict, on violence against women and girls and combating all forms of discrimination against them, on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law, on the protection of civilians in CSDP missions and operations, as well as the EU comprehensive approach policy regarding implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 on Women, Peace and Security, including by monitoring and reporting on developments in this regard;
Amendment 234 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 34 34.
Amendment 235 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 34 34.
Amendment 236 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 34 34. Notes that the EU Sahel Strategy still does not adequately mainstream human rights, the rule of law and support for democracy as key elements to support the development-security nexus at the heart of the strategy; takes the view that the strategy still places too much emphasis on security issues, to the detriment of development, and considers that it is primarily by means of development policies which focus on the needs of local people that the EU Sahel Strategy will ensure that democracy, the rule of law and human rights are more effectively upheld in the region; urges the EU institutions to work together soon in revising the strategy accordingly;
Amendment 237 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 34 a (new) 34a. Recommends that the EU consider the possibility of targeted sanctions, through asset freezes, visa bans or other instruments, of the most serious violators of human rights, both in Mali and elsewhere in the region;
Amendment 238 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 35 35. Welcomes the
Amendment 239 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 35 35. Welcomes the strong human rights dimension in the proposed UN comprehensive integrated strategy, and calls on the EU to continue its support;
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) Aa. whereas establishing democracy, peace and good governance is a crucial challenge for the Sahel states, whereas these states must embark on the process of promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, eradicating discrimination against women and minorities and promoting education and ethnic reconciliation;
Amendment 240 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 35 35. Welcomes the strong human rights
Amendment 241 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 35 a (new) 35a. Urges Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco to play a leadership role in the Sahel region and in so doing create a genuine regional dynamic which will boost the economic development of the region and safeguard human rights;
Amendment 242 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 35 a (new) 35a. Emphasises the continuing crucial importance of increased EU engagement with African regional actors such as the AU, ECOWAS, the Arab Maghreb Union, and the African regional human rights instruments, to generate sustained progress in the human rights and democracy initiatives in the Sahel; recognises that the lasting solutions to the Sahel's problems must come from within that region and be fully owned by its own people; nevertheless calls on the EU to continue its commitment to working with and assisting Sahelian partners with all appropriate means at its disposal to improve the quality of life for the people in that region, and to strengthen ties with their democratic governments;
Amendment 243 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 35 a (new) 35a. Emphasises once again the need for the Union and its Member States to respect the right of asylum and the rights of refugees, in particular in accordance with the Convention of 28 July 1951 on the status of refugees; calls on the EU and its Member States to facilitate the resettlement on their territory of refugees living in the Sahel region, and criticises the fact that so few Member States have agreed to take in refugees who fled Libya during and after the war in that country; reiterates its opposition to the policy of closing almost systematically the borders of the EU and its Member States to nationals of the Sahel countries and refugees living on the territory of those countries; calls, therefore, for the implementation in this area of new policies which take account of real needs, not those imagined both by the EU and its Member States and the countries concerned; considers that there is an urgent need to relax the procedures for issuing visas, in particular to students, artists, intellectuals, leaders of civil society organisations and craftsmen and women, who are increasingly being denied authorisation to make even short visits to the EU;
Amendment 244 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 36 36. Notes the April 2013 report of the UN Secretary-General on the situation concerning Western Sahara, which stresses 'the critical importance of addressing the Western Sahara conflict as part of a broader strategy for the Sahel', and that 'the issue of human rights remains important for any resolution of the conflict'; further notes that the
Amendment 245 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 36 36. Notes the April 2013 report of the UN Secretary-General on the situation concerning Western Sahara, which stresses 'the critical importance of addressing the Western Sahara conflict as part of a broader strategy for the Sahel', and that 'the issue of human rights remains important for any resolution of the conflict'; further notes that the
Amendment 246 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 36 36. Notes the April 2013 report of the UN Secretary-General on the situation concerning Western Sahara, which stresses 'the critical importance of addressing the Western Sahara conflict as part of a broader strategy for the Sahel', and that 'the issue of human rights remains important for any resolution of the conflict'; further notes th
Amendment 247 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 36 36. Notes the April 2013 report of the UN Secretary-General on the situation concerning the non-self-governing territory of Western Sahara, which stresses
Amendment 248 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 36 36. Notes the April 2013 report of the UN Secretary-General on the situation concerning Western Sahara, which stresses ‘the critical importance of addressing the Western Sahara conflict as part of a broader strategy for the Sahel’, and that ‘the issue of human rights remains important for any resolution of the conflict’; further notes the conclusions of many observers that Western Sahara risks becoming destabilised by the conflict in the Sahel and the groups participating in it; welcomes the Swedish Parliament's decision to urge the Swedish Government to recognise the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and considers that a corresponding initiative by the European Union would be a positive step and would help to provide a way out of the impasse in which the conflict is now caught; points out that Spain remains the de facto administering power in the non-self- governing territory of Western Sahara under international law, and that if Spain does not shoulder its historical responsibilities, then the EU must push for the completion of the final process of decolonisation in Africa; nevertheless deeply regrets the European policy of complicity with Morocco and urges the European Union to freeze the advanced status granted to Morocco and suspend negotiations on the fisheries agreement and the free trade agreement for as long as Morocco continues its systematic policy of human rights violations in the occupied territories of Western Sahara; demands an immediate end to the Moroccan occupation;
Amendment 249 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 36 a (new) 36a. Reaffirms its support to the UN resolutions on Western Sahara; calls for full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Sahrawi people, including freedom of association, freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate peacefully;
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas the scope of this resolution encompasses the countries identified by the EU Sahel Strategy, specifically Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and relevant parts of Burkina Faso and Chad; whereas the broader geographic and ecological definition of the Sahel also remains crucial with regard to the region’s shared human rights challenges; whereas this report will
Amendment 250 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 37 Amendment 251 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 37 37. Emphasises the need for human rights in Western Sahara to be considered without anticipating any final political settlement or expressing a view on such a settlement;
Amendment 252 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 37 37. Emphasises the need for human rights in Western Sahara and in the Tindouf camps to be considered without anticipating any final political settlement or expressing a view on such a settlement; reiterates, nevertheless, that self- determination is a fundamental human right, as specified by Article 1 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; moreover, recalls UN Security Council Resolution 1754,
Amendment 253 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 37 37. Emphasises the need for human rights in Western Sahara to be considered without anticipating any final political settlement or expressing a view on such a settlement; reiterates, nevertheless, that self- determination is a fundamental human right, as specified by Article 1 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and that territorial integrity is a principle enshrined in international law; moreover, recalls UN Security Council Resolution 1754, urging the parties to enter into negotiations in good faith, without preconditions, 'with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which would provide for the self- determination of the people of Western Sahara'; fears that the 25-year delay in arranging a referendum is increasing Sahrawi alienation and the potential for violence, particularly amongst the young;
Amendment 254 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 37 37. Emphasises the need for human rights in Western Sahara to be considered without anticipating any final political settlement or expressing a view on such a settlement; reiterates, nevertheless, that self- determination is a fundamental human
Amendment 255 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 37 37. Emphasises the need for human rights in Western Sahara to be considered without anticipating any final political settlement or expressing a view on such a settlement; reiterates, nevertheless, that self- determination is a fundamental human right, as specified by Article 1 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; moreover, recalls UN Security Council Resolution 1754, urging the parties to enter into negotiations in good faith, without preconditions, 'with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which would provide for the self- determination of the people of Western Sahara';
Amendment 256 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 37 37.
Amendment 257 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 37 37. Emphasises the need for human rights in Western Sahara to be
Amendment 258 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 37 37. Emphasises the need for human rights in Western Sahara to be considered without anticipating any final political settlement or expressing a view on such a settlement; reiterates, nevertheless, that self- determination is a fundamental human right, as specified by Article 1 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; moreover, recalls UN Security Council Resolution 1754, urging the parties to enter into negotiations in good faith, without preconditions, 'with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which would provide for the self- determination of the people of Western Sahara'; fears that the 25-year delay in arranging a referendum is increasing Sahrawi alienation and the potential for violence, particularly amongst the young; calls on the European Union to become more closely involved and to support the United Nations in its efforts to encourage the parties to resume direct negotiations with a view to securing a peaceful and lasting resolution of the conflict;
Amendment 259 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 37 a (new) 37a. Notes that reports of excess use of force against demonstrators, alleged torture in detention and restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association continue to emerge in Western Sahara; remind that in several occasion the European Parliament condemned the ongoing repression of the Sahrawi people in the occupied territories; regrets that there are no independent human rights observers currently operating on these territories, leaving the residents vulnerable to abuses;
Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas the scope of this resolution encompasses the countries identified by the EU Sahel Strategy, specifically Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and relevant parts of Burkina Faso and Chad; whereas the broader geographic and ecological definition of the Sahel also remains crucial with regard to the region’s shared human rights challenges; whereas this report will
Amendment 260 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 37 a (new) 37a. Regards the Moroccan Autonomy Plan for the Southern Provinces proposed to the United Nations in 2007, which provides for the transfer of powers and resources to local authorities, steps to take account of the specific cultural characteristics of the Sahara region and a genuine division of powers between the Moroccan authorities and local institutions, as an appropriate response to the claims made by the Sahrawi peoples; takes the view that the autonomy plan can provide for effective monitoring of borders in a region where the problems inherent in their management are fuelling terrorist activity;
Amendment 261 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 37 a (new) 37a. Since the political solution of the Western Sahara conflict, reconciliation and the human rights situation are closely linked, calls on the Commission and Member States to be more active in Western Sahara conflict resolution, not only supporting the UN negotiations but also using its various external policy instruments (e.g. strengthening human rights monitoring and awareness among police and security forces, supporting democratic reforms, including decentralisation, fighting discrimination in the region) to promote much needed confidence building between the conflict parties;
Amendment 262 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 38 38. Expresses deep concern at the recent report from the UNSR on torture
Amendment 263 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 38 38.
Amendment 264 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 38 38. Expresses deep concern at the recent report from the UNSR on torture, who
Amendment 265 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 38 38. Expresses deep concern at the recent report from the UNSR on torture, who
Amendment 266 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 38 38.
Amendment 267 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 38 38. Expresses deep concern at the recent report from the UNSR on torture, who
Amendment 268 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 38 38. Expresses deep concern at the recent report from the UNSR on torture, who found evidence that Moroccan officials have detained individuals on political grounds, inflicted torture and rape on Sahrawi inmates, kidnapped and abandoned protesters in the desert to intimidate them, and deliberately and frequently targeted pro-independence advocates, including in their homes; notes further widespread allegations of forced disappearances and unfair trials; draws particular attention to the dismantling of the Gdeim Izik protest camp in November 2010, where significant violence claimed
Amendment 269 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 38 38. Expresses deep concern at the recent report from the UNSR on torture, who found evidence that Moroccan officials have detained individuals on political grounds, inflicted torture and rape on Sahrawi inmates, kidnapped and abandoned protesters in the desert to intimidate them, and deliberately and frequently targeted pro-independence advocates, including in their homes; notes further widespread allegations of forced disappearances and unfair trials; draws particular attention to the dismantling of the Gdeim Izik protest camp in November 2010, where significant violence claimed Moroccan and Sahrawi lives, and the subsequent trial of 25 Sahrawis, many of them known human rights activists, in
Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas the scope of this resolution encompasses the countries identified by the EU Sahel Strategy, specifically Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and relevant parts of Burkina Faso and Chad; whereas the broader geographic and ecological definition of the Sahel, which encompasses as well parts of Gambia, Senegal, Algeria, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan, South Sudan and Eritrea, also remains crucial with regard to the region's shared human rights challenges; whereas this report will also discuss the human rights situation in Western Sahara and the Tindouf camps;
Amendment 270 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 38 38. Expresses deep concern at the recent report from the UNSR on torture, who found credible evidence that Moroccan officials have detained individuals on political grounds, inflicted torture and rape on Sahrawi inmates, kidnapped and abandoned protesters in the desert to intimidate them, and deliberately and frequently targeted pro-independence advocates, including in their homes; notes further widespread allegations of forced
Amendment 271 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 38 38. Expresses deep concern at the recent report from the UNSR on torture, who
Amendment 272 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 38 38. Expresses deep concern at the recent report from the UNSR on torture, who found evidence that Moroccan officials have detained individuals on political grounds, inflicted torture and rape on Sahrawi inmates, kidnapped and abandoned protesters in the desert to intimidate them, and deliberately and frequently targeted pro-independence advocates, including in their homes; notes further widespread allegations of forced disappearances and unfair trials; draws particular attention to the dismantling of the Gdeim Izik protest camp in November 2010, where significant violence claimed Moroccan and Sahrawi lives, and the subsequent trial of 25 Sahrawis, many of them known human rights activists, in February 2013; notes Morocco's insistence regarding the trial's fairness and due process, and the positive conclusions of some international observers, but also recalls the UNSR's concern at the use of a military court, the allegations of torture, and the Moroccan authorities' failure to investigate them; notes the conclusions by some NGOs and human rights observers relating to the case's alleged politicised prosecutions, deficient evidence and excessive sentences; calls therefore on the Moroccan authorities to immediately release all Sahrawi political prisoners, to work with civil society and other actors to guarantee the transparency and fairness of its judicial processes, and to investigate and prosecute security officials alleged to have been involved in arbitrary detentions, torture and other abuses of power;
Amendment 273 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 38 a (new) 38a. Draws attention to the dismantling of the Gdeim Izik protest camp in November 2010, where significant violence claimed the lives of 11 Moroccan security forces and 2 Sahrawi men, one of them a minor;
Amendment 274 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 38 a (new) 38a. Condemns the fact that on Wednesday 6 March 2013 Morocco expelled a delegation of four Members of the European Parliament; notes that the aim of the delegation was to visit the territories of Western Sahara, to inquire about the situation of human rights and to meet with representatives of the MINURSO; condemn Morocco's authorities behaviour and demands the Kingdom of Morocco to permit free access and free movement in Western Sahara to independent observers, members of parliaments, to the press and to humanitarian organisations;
Amendment 275 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 39 39. Re
Amendment 276 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 39 39.
Amendment 277 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 39 39. Reiterates the concerns of the 2006 OHCHR report about restrictions on freedom of speech, assembly and association in Western Sahara; notes Morocco's claim to allow sit-ins and other forms of protest;
Amendment 278 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 39 39. Reiterates the concerns of the 2006 OHCHR report about restrictions on freedom of speech, assembly and association in Western Sahara; notes Morocco’s claim to allow sit-ins and other forms of protest; regrets Morocco’s apparent institutional obstruction of
Amendment 279 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 39 39. Reiterates the concerns of the 2006 OHCHR report, as well as those voiced by the UNSR on torture, about restrictions on freedom of speech, assembly and association in Western Sahara; notes Morocco's claim to allow sit-ins and other forms of protest but points out that, according to local NGOs and international observers, Sahrawi demonstrators have been beaten, abducted and tortured by Moroccan forces; regrets Morocco's
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas the scope of this resolution encompasses the countries identified by the EU Sahel Strategy, specifically Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and relevant parts of Burkina
Amendment 280 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 39 39. Reiterates the concerns of the 2006 OHCHR report about restrictions on freedom of speech, assembly and association in Western Sahara; notes Morocco's claim to allow sit-ins and other forms of protest; regrets Morocco's
Amendment 281 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 39 a (new) 39a. Recalls the finding of the UN Independent Expert on cultural rights that the Moroccan authorities suppress certain aspects of Sahrawi culture, and repeats her call to overturn such measures and promote full cultural diversity;
Amendment 282 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 39 a (new) 39a. Expresses deep concern about the continuing discrimination and sexual violence against Sahrawi women and girls; urges Moroccan authorities to end impunity for violations of Sahrawi women and girls human rights, to address the serious shortcomings in the Penal Code and to adopt new provisions which criminalize sexual violence in all its forms, to adopt the recommendation under the UN Universal Periodic Review to revise the Family Code to give women the same inheritance rights as men, to comply with their obligations under Article 5 of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), by taking the necessary measures to "modify the social and cultural patterns of conduct of men and women, with a view to achieving the elimination of prejudices and customary and all other practices which are based on the idea of the inferiority or the superiority of either of the sexes or on stereotyped roles for men and women"; these measures should include training of police and the judiciary on how to deal sensitively with complaints of violence against women and girls, and protect victims themselves, not their so-called "honour" or "morals";
Amendment 283 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 Amendment 284 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 Amendment 285 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 Amendment 286 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 40. Welcomes the significant economic and infrastructural development implemented by the Moroccan Government in Western Sahara; remains concerned, however, by the ongoing dispute over the exploitation of the territory's natural resources, particularly relating to phosphate mines, fisheries, and preliminary oil exploration;
Amendment 287 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 40. Welcomes the significant economic
Amendment 288 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 40. Welcomes the significant economic and infrastructural development implemented by the Moroccan Government in Western Sahara; welcomes the regional development model for the southern provinces drawn up by Morocco's Economic, Social and Environmental Council, which would allow the people of the area to exercise their economic, social and cultural rights to the full; believes that the proactive measures taken by the Moroccan authorities, who have taken account of the reports submitted by the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, offer a solution to the governance crisis, the problems with the provision of basic services and the artificial side to the Saharan economy, and will do much to reassure the local population; remains concerned, however, by the ongoing dispute over the exploitation of the territory's natural resources, particularly relating to phosphate mines, fisheries, and preliminary oil exploration; recalls the UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs' advice in 2002, which stressed the Western Saharan people's 'inalienable rights' to their territory's natural resources, and determined that further exploitation 'in disregard of the interests and wishes of the people of Western Sahara' would be illegal;
Amendment 289 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 40.
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas the Sahel states are rich in natural resources, particularly oil, gold and uranium, but whereas the income from the extraction of these resources is not fed back into the local economy to enable these states to develop;
Amendment 290 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 40. Welcomes the significant economic and infrastructural development implemented by the Moroccan Government in Western Sahara; notes, however, that it fails to benefit the urban living conditions and to provide job opportunities, reinforcing the feeling of discrimination in the Sahrawi population, who also bitterly complain of corruption within the Administration of the territories´ resources; remains concerned, however, by the ongoing dispute over the exploitation of the territory's natural resources, particularly relating to phosphate mines, fisheries, and preliminary oil exploration; recalls the UN Under- Secretary-General for Legal Affairs' advice in 2002, which stressed the Western Saharan people's
Amendment 291 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 40.
Amendment 292 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 40.
Amendment 293 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 40. Welcomes the significant economic and infrastructural development implemented by the Moroccan Government in Western Sahara; remains concerned, however, by the ongoing dispute over the exploitation of the territory's natural resources, particularly relating to phosphate mines, fisheries, and
Amendment 294 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 a (new) 40a. Welcomes the decentralisation efforts made by the Moroccan authorities through the advanced regionalisation programme, under which proper account may be taken of the concerns and cultural specificities of the Saharawi people; points out that the principle of decentralisation is now enshrined in the Moroccan constitution; welcomes the additional work carried out by Morocco’s Economic, Social and Environmental Council for the reports it submitted in January and March 2013, which stressed the importance of good governance and that the Sahrawi population needs to see the local institutions as legitimate and representative if it is to be brought into the social and political mainstream;
Amendment 295 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 a (new) 40a. Believes that the current situation in Western Sahara should not be used as a pretext for scuppering trade agreements between the EU and Morocco, in particular the fisheries agreement currently under negotiation, given that such agreements are of benefit to the Moroccan population as a whole, including the people living in Western Sahara;
Amendment 296 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 40 b (new) 40b. Stresses that the Sahara autonomy plan that Morocco submitted to the United Nations in 2007 is the only realistic proposal currently on the table and is a sound and credible basis for a negotiated solution; reiterates its confidence in the United Nations’ efforts to facilitate progress towards a solution to a conflict that has continued for too long and is holding up the Maghreb regional integration process;
Amendment 297 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 41 41.
Amendment 298 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 41 41. Notes that landmines in Western Sahara have tragically caused at least 2 500
Amendment 299 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 41 41. Notes that landmines in Western Sahara have tragically caused at least 2 500 casualties since 1975, continuing to threaten many thousands of
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 1 a (new) Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B b (new) Ba. whereas part of these countries’ populations do not have access to care and suffer from numerous endemic diseases such as cholera, meningitis, measles and HIV/AIDS; whereas the death toll from HIV/AIDS is high, with 11 000 dying every year in Chad, 7 100 in Burkina Faso, 4 400 in Mali and 4 300 in Niger;
Amendment 300 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 41 a (new) 41a. Highlights the existence of the wall which divides the territories of Western Sahara from north to south, comprising a set of eight defensive walls over 2 720 km long, built by Morocco from the 1980s onwards; condemns what has become known as the 'Wall of Shame', a military zone with bunkers, barriers and minefields guarded by 160 000 Moroccan soldiers, the daily cost of maintaining which is estimated at around 2 million euros;
Amendment 301 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 41 b (new) 41b. Expresses its total repudiation of a criminal wall that separates Sahrawi families; protests at the fact that, despite the ceasefire, Morocco is continuing to place mines in the area around the wall, repeatedly causing deaths and injuries among the Sahrawi population, and draws attention to the complete impunity enjoyed by Moroccan soldiers, who even fired shots at young Sahrawis who were demonstrating against the wall on 31 December 2012, in the presence of around 20 Spanish witnesses and in the absence of MINURSO forces, a serious incident which could recur at any time and that might be considered a de facto breach of the ceasefire;
Amendment 302 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 42 42. Expresses deep concern about the chronic poverty, and lack of basic services and adequate housing in the Polisario Front-administered refugee camps near Tindouf; repeats the recommendations of the UNSR on adequate housing that sufficient international funding be directed for this purpose; notes in this regard the lack of clear documentation about the precise number of inhabitants in Tindouf, and
Amendment 303 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 42 42. Expresses deep concern about the
Amendment 304 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 42 42. Expresses deep concern about the chronic poverty, and lack of basic services and adequate housing in the Polisario Front-administered refugee camps near Tindouf; repeats the recommendations of the UNSR on adequate housing that sufficient international funding be directed for this purpose; notes in this regard the
Amendment 305 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 42 42. Expresses
Amendment 306 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 42 42. Expresses deep concern about the chronic poverty, and
Amendment 307 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 42 42. Expresses deep concern about the chronic poverty, and lack of basic services and adequate housing in the Polisario Front-administered refugee camps near Tindouf; repeats the recommendations of the UNSR on adequate housing that sufficient international funding be directed for this purpose; notes in this regard the lack of clear documentation about the precise number of inhabitants in Tindouf, and urges the authorities to conduct or facilitate regular censuses or formal registrations; notes that despite the harsh living conditions and the heavy dependence on international humanitarian aid of the inhabitants of Tindouf, children's education and empowerment of women remains a priority in the camps.
Amendment 308 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 42 42. Expresses deep concern about the chronic poverty, and lack of basic services and adequate housing in the Polisario Front-administered refugee camps near Tindouf; repeats the recommendations of the UNSR on adequate housing that sufficient international funding be directed for this purpose; notes in this regard the lack of clear documentation about the precise number of inhabitants in Tindouf, and urges the authorities to conduct or facilitate regular censuses or formal
Amendment 309 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 43 43. Expresses concern that the poverty in Tindouf, coupled with an absence of long- term prospects for many refugees, leaves them vulnerable to radicalisation along religious fundamentalist lines; draws attention to the region's porous borders, which risk facilitating deeper infiltration of the camps by jihadi groups from northern Mali and elsewhere; stresses, therefore, the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and security of the camps; voices grave concerns about reports from various sources, including official statements, to the effect that some Polisario members have joined up with terrorist organisations operating in the Sahel region, including the MUJAO; condemns in the strongest possible terms the kidnapping in October 2011 of three EU nationals working for humanitarian NGOs in the Tindouf camps; voices grave concern about the deterioration in the security situation in the region, in particular following the terrorist attack on the In Amenas gas plant, in which dozens of people, including 37 foreign nationals from eight EU and non-EU countries, died;
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B c (new) Bc. whereas civil wars and ethnic conflicts are leading to population movements and the establishment of refugee camps such as those in Mentao (Burkina Faso), Mangaize (Niger), M’Bera (Mauritania) and Breijing (Chad); whereas living conditions and hygiene in these camps are deplorable;
Amendment 310 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 43 43. Expresses concern that the poverty in Tindouf, coupled with an absence of long- term prospects for many refugees, leaves them vulnerable to radicalisation along religious fundamentalist lines; points to the danger of young people being recruited by criminal or terrorist organisations and draws attention to the region's porous borders, which risk facilitating deeper infiltration of the camps by jihadi groups from northern Mali and elsewhere; voices concern at the allegations made by the Malian authorities about young people from the Tindouf camps having joined up with terrorist organisations involved in the conflict in Mali; stresses, therefore, the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and security of the camps;
Amendment 311 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 43 43. Expresses concern that the poverty in Tindouf, coupled with an absence of long- term prospects for many refugees, leaves them vulnerable to radicalisation along religious fundamentalist lines; points to the danger of young people being recruited by criminal or terrorist organisations and draws attention to the region's porous borders, which risk facilitating deeper infiltration of the camps by jihadi groups from northern Mali and elsewhere; stresses, therefore, the
Amendment 312 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 43 43. Expresses concern that the poverty in Tindouf, coupled with an absence of long- term prospects for many refugees, leaves them vulnerable to radicalisation along religious fundamentalist lines; points to the danger of young people being recruited by criminal or terrorist organisations and draws attention to the region's porous borders, which risk facilitating deeper infiltration of the camps by jihadi groups from northern Mali and elsewhere; stresses, therefore, the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and security of the camps;
Amendment 313 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 43 43. Expresses concern that the poverty in Tindouf, coupled with an absence of long- term prospects for many refugees, leaves them vulnerable to radicalisation along
Amendment 314 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 43 43. Expresses concern that the poverty in the Tindouf camps, coupled with an absence of long-
Amendment 315 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 43 43. Expresses concern that the poverty in Tindouf, coupled with an absence of long- term prospects for many refugees, leaves
Amendment 316 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 43 43. Expresses concern that the poverty in Tindouf, coupled with an absence of long- term prospects for many refugees, leaves them vulnerable to radicalisation along religious fundamentalist lines; draws attention to the region's porous borders, which risk facilitating deeper infiltration of the camps by jihadi groups from northern Mali and elsewhere; stresses, therefore, the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and security of the camps; expresses full support for the UNHCR programme aimed at fostering confidence-building by facilitating family exchanges between Tindouf and Western Sahara;
Amendment 317 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 44 44. Notes that
Amendment 318 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 44 44. Notes that while most recent observers, and reports from the OHCHR, Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, and Human Rights Watch, have identified little evidence of systemic and institutional human rights violations in the camps,
Amendment 319 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 44 44. Notes that while most recent observers, and reports from the OHCHR, Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, and Human Rights Watch, have identified little evidence of systemic and institutional human rights violations in the camps, multiple actors, including the Moroccan Government, Moroccan NGOs and some former inhabitants of Tindouf, have alleged that the Polisario authorities restrict inhabitants’ freedom of expression and freedom of movement
Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C.
Amendment 320 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 44 44. Notes that while most
Amendment 321 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 44 44.
Amendment 322 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 44 a (new) 44a. Calls on the Moroccan authorities in the occupied territories of Western Sahara to allow and facilitate regular contacts, exchanges and visits of Sahrawi families between the refugee camps and the occupied territories;
Amendment 323 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 45 45. Welcomes efforts to improve the documentation of alleged human rights abuses in Western Sahara, in particular through the institution of the Moroccan
Amendment 324 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 45 45. Welcomes efforts to improve the documentation of alleged human rights abuses in Western Sahara, in particular through the institution of the Moroccan National Council for Human Rights (CNDH), with offices in Laayoune and Dakhla; notes the positive work of the CNDH, and calls on the Moroccan Government to help strengthen its independence and remit, and to ensure the implementation of its recommendations; welcomes the adoption in 2012 of five recommendations on the human rights situation in Western Sahara; furthermore welcomes Moroccan invitations to, and acceptances of, ad-hoc international delegations, including the UNSR on torture, and urges all relevant parties to continue such engagement with UN human rights bodies;
Amendment 325 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 45 45. Welcomes efforts to improve the documentation of alleged human rights abuses in Western Sahara, in particular through the institution of the Moroccan National Council for Human Rights (CNDH), with offices in Laayoune and Dakhla; notes the positive work of the CNDH, and calls on the Moroccan Government to help strengthen its independence and remit, and to ensure the implementation of its recommendations; welcomes the adoption in 2012 of five recommendations on the human rights situation in Western Sahara; furthermore welcomes Moroccan invitations to, and acceptances of, ad-hoc international delegations, including the UNSR on torture, and urges all relevant parties to continue such engagement with UN human rights bodies;
Amendment 326 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 45 45. Welcomes efforts to improve the documentation of alleged human rights
Amendment 327 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 45 45. Welcomes efforts to improve the documentation of alleged human rights abuses in Western Sahara, in particular through the institution of the Moroccan National Council for Human Rights (CNDH), with offices in Laayoune and Dakhla; notes the positive work of the CNDH, and calls on the Moroccan Government to help strengthen its independence and remit, and to ensure the implementation of its recommendations; furthermore welcomes Moroccan invitations to
Amendment 328 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 Amendment 329 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 46. Notes, nevertheless, the serious and contested allegations against both the Moroccan and Polisario administrations, and recalls the UN Secretary-General's recent emphasis on 'independent, impartial, comprehensive and sustained monitoring of the human rights situation in both Western Sahara and the camps';
Amendment 33 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas the extreme poverty in the region is reflected in the UN Human Development Index for 2012, ranking Niger (186th), Chad (184th), Burkina Faso (183rd) and Mali (182nd) among the six least developed countries in the world; whereas the maternal mortality rate in Mali, estimated to be 1 100 deaths per 100 000 live births, is the highest in the world according to UN data; whereas the UN Human Development Report 2013 singles out Niger and Mali as having particularly high under-five child mortality rates, rising above 200 deaths per 1 000 live births where mothers are lacking any education; whereas the World Bank estimate of the primary school enrolment rates for Niger and Mali are among the worst in the world, at 62 and 63 % respectively; whereas the European Commission estimates that, in all, 10.3 million people are at risk of hunger in the Sahel region in 2013, among them 4.2 million
Amendment 330 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 46. Notes, nevertheless, the serious and contested allegations against both the Moroccan and Polisario administrations, and recalls the UN Secretary-General's recent emphasis on 'independent, impartial, comprehensive and sustained monitoring of the human rights situation in both
Amendment 331 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 46. Notes, nevertheless, the serious and contested allegations against both the Moroccan and Polisario administrations, and recalls the UN Secretary-General's recent emphasis on 'independent, impartial, comprehensive and sustained monitoring of the human rights situation in both Western Sahara and the camps'; notes, in this regard, that
Amendment 332 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 46.
Amendment 333 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 46. Notes, nevertheless, the serious and
Amendment 334 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 46. Notes, nevertheless, the serious and contested allegations against both the Moroccan and Polisario administrations, and recalls the UN Secretary-General's recent emphasis on 'independent, impartial, comprehensive and sustained monitoring of the human rights situation in both Western Sahara and the camps'; notes with dismay, in this regard, that the UN
Amendment 335 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 46. Notes, nevertheless, the serious and contested allegations against both the Moroccan and Polisario administrations, and recalls the UN Secretary-General's recent emphasis on
Amendment 336 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 46. Notes, nevertheless, the serious and contested allegations against both the Moroccan and Polisario administrations, and recalls the UN Secretary-General’s recent emphasis on ‘independent, impartial, comprehensive and sustained monitoring of the human rights situation in both Western Sahara and the camps’; notes, in this regard, that the UN did not upgrade the mandate of MINURSO in April 2013 to incorporate a component relating to the defence and protection of human rights
Amendment 337 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 b (new) 46b. Urges the HR/VP and the EUSR for Human Rights to offer the Moroccan authorities and the Polisario human rights training programmes in Western Sahara and in Tindouf, which would target police and other security agents, the judiciary, local administration officers, media and civil society organisations, building on the political reforms towards democracy, the rule of law and human rights initiated by Morocco, and without prejudice to a negotiated political settlement on the Western Sahara conflict but aiming at encouraging that negotiation;
Amendment 338 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 a (new) 46a. Encourages the governments of Morocco and Algeria to further develop and enhance their political dialogue in order to avoid increasing tensions in the region; welcomes the development and follow-up of programmes between Morocco and Algeria that aim at facilitating the access and movement of relatives from both sides;
Amendment 339 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 a (new) 46a. Calls upon the governments of Morocco and Algeria to further improve their relations as to avoid increasing the tensions in the region;
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas the European Commission estimates that, in all, 10.3 million people are suffering from hunger in the Sahel region in 2013, of whom 4.2 million are Malians; whereas according to the AGIR- Sahel programme, 18 million people are affected by hunger in the Sahel and West Africa, one million of whom are children; whereas the European Union must continue its efforts to improve the resilience of these countries; whereas the humanitarian aid provided by the European Union for the Sahel totals EUR 650 million;
Amendment 340 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 46 a (new) 46a. Points to the need for the Western Sahara conflict to be addressed as part of a broader strategy for the Sahel region;
Amendment 341 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 47 47. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the EUSRs for Human Rights and for the Sahel, the EU Member States, the governments and parliaments of the Sahel countries, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Morocco, Algeria, and
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas in the last 20 years elections have been held on a regular basis in Mali, and that prior to the coup d'état this country was considered as a success story for democracy in Africa;
Amendment 36 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas Tuareg resentments in northern Mali were exploited by extremist groups who in early 2012 allied with, and subsequently displaced, the secular National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) in their rebellion; whereas these groups, in particular Ansar Dine, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), further benefited from the instability arising from the subsequent coup in Bamako; whereas the systematic violations of human rights in the north, combined with the impending existential threat to the Malian state itself, precipitated the armed interven
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas the Malian crisis is manifold and cannot be reduced to an ethnic conflict; whereas Tuareg resentments in northern Mali were exploited by extremist groups who in early 2012 allied with, and subsequently displaced, the secular National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) in their rebellion; whereas these groups, in particular Ansar Dine, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas Tuareg resentments
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas Tuareg resentments in northern Mali were exploited by extremist groups who in early 2012 allied with, and subsequently displaced, the secular National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) in their rebellion; whereas these groups, in particular Ansar Dine, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), further benefited from the instability arising from the subsequent coup in Bamako, as well as from the wider regional instability and fuelled by the uncontrolled arsenals in Libya; whereas the systematic violations of human rights in the north, combined with the impending existential threat to the Malian state itself, precipitated the international interventions to help shore up democracy, restore the rule of law and improve the situation of human rights;
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 1 b (new) - having regard to the Cotonou Agreement of 23 June 2000, revised on 22 June 2010,
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas Tuareg resentments in northern Mali were exploited by extremist groups who in early 2012 allied with, and subsequently displaced, the secular National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) in their rebellion; whereas these groups, in particular Ansar Dine, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), further benefited from the instability arising from the subsequent coup in
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas Tuareg resentments in northern Mali were exploited by Islamic extremist groups who in early 2012 allied with, and subsequently displaced, the secular National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) in their rebellion; whereas these groups, in particular Ansar Dine, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), further benefited from the instability arising from the subsequent coup in Bamako; whereas the systematic violations of human rights in the north, combined with the impending existential threat to the Malian state itself, precipitated the international interventions to help shore up democracy, restore the rule of law and improve the situation of human rights;
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas the presence of terrorist groups in the Sahel causes serious instability and insecurity in the region, with hostage-taking and violent attacks; whereas the Sahel is a transit zone for drug-trafficking by criminal gangs from Latin America, and whereas drug- traffickers are often linked to terrorist groups which provide security for them while in transit; whereas the presence of these traffickers is a source of instability both for the Sahel and for the European Union, which is often the final destination of this trade;
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D b (new) Dc. whereas the intervention of NATO forces in Libya in 2011 brought into circulation more than 20 million weapons which have ended up in the hands of Tuaregs or mercenaries who have joined terrorist groups; whereas the head of the MNLA, Mohamed Ag Najim, is a former colonel in the Libyan army;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas the governments of the Sahel region need to involve the populations concerned in order to reach a durable solution to the crisis; whereas, in particular, the participation of women to the resolution of the Sahel crisis is a necessary condition for reaching long- term stability;
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D b (new) Db. whereas fight against impunity, including for gender-based violence during conflict, is fundamental for the stability of the region and building lasting peace;
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas the EU has
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas the EU
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas the EU has recently paid increased attention to the Sahel, as evidenced by the adoption of the EU Sahel Strategy in 2011, the launching of EU Capacity Building (EUCAP S
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 2 – having regard to the Council Conclusions of 25 June 2012 on the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy and the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy, and the Council Decisions of 25 July 20121 and 18 March 20132 appointing the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights, and the EUSR for the Sahel,
Amendment 50 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas complex and interdependent problems require
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas complex and interdependent problems require efficient coordination of different EU policies, linking EU efforts in the areas of human rights, democracy support and the rule of law, to EU objectives on crisis management, the security sector, development co-operation and ecological sustainability; whereas an effective solution to the actual crisis must encompass economic and social policies that aim to improve the living standard of the population;
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas complex and interdependent problems require efficient coordination of different EU policies, linking EU efforts in the areas of human rights, democracy support and the rule of law, to EU objectives on crisis management, the security sector, development co-operation and ecological sustainability; whereas a comprehensive strategy to the region should encompass effective coordination via HR/VP among relevant Commissioners, such as Development and Humanitarian Aid, and the EEAS, the EUSR for Human Rights, the EUSR for the Sahel and other relevant EUSRs, and the EU Counter-terrorism Coordinator, as well as EU Member States;
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas complex and interdependent problems require efficient coordination of different EU policies, linking EU efforts in
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F a (new) Fa. whereas the European Commission in partnership with UNOCHA, UNICEF and UNHCR and the WFP among others launched the AGIR-Sahel initiative aspiring to increase inter-organisational cooperation, part of the EU's Comprehensive Approach, in dealing with the food crisis in the Sahel, the partners identified a minimum investment of €750 million to provide a social safety net to protect the most vulnerable if and when drought hits again in the future;
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F a (new) Fa. whereas the Sahel countries are parties to the Cotonou Agreement, and whereas partnership with the European Union is based on development aid, good governance, promotion of human rights and humanitarian aid;
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas EU co-operation with the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Arab Maghreb Union, regional human rights institutions and UN human rights bodies remains a pre- requisite for productively advocating the protection and advancement of human rights in the Sahel;
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas EU co-operation with the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), regional human rights institutions
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas EU co-operation with the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), regional human rights institutions and UN human rights bodies remains a pre-requisite for productively advocating the protection and advancement of human rights in the Sahel; whereas no policy in this area can be effective without the close cooperation of civil society;
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G a (new) Ga. whereas on 14 June 2013 the UN Secretary General has proposed, in its report to the UN Security Council, the adoption of an integrated strategy for the Sahel built around three strategic goals: enhancing inclusive and effective governance throughout the region, building national and regional security mechanisms capable of addressing cross- border threats and integrating humanitarian and development plans and interventions in order to build long-term resilience;
Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 3 – having regard to
Amendment 60 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas a ceasefire in Western Sahara between the Moroccan Government and the Polisario Front has been in place since 1991; whereas the UN
Amendment 61 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas a ceasefire in Western Sahara between the Moroccan Government and the Polisario Front has been in place since 1991; whereas the
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas a ceasefire in Western Sahara between the Moroccan Government and the Polisario Front has been in place since 1991; whereas the UN considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory;
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas a ceasefire in Western Sahara between the Moroccan Government and the Polisario Front has been in place since 1991; whereas the UN considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory; whereas no country recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara; whereas the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is currently recognised by the AU and over 45 UN states, but not by the UN collectively or by any EU Member State; whereas
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas a ceasefire in Western Sahara between the Moroccan Government and the Polisario Front has been in place since 1991; whereas the UN considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory; whereas no country recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara; whereas the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is currently recognised by the AU and over 45 UN states, but not by the UN collectively or by any EU Member State; whereas
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas a ceasefire in Western Sahara between the Moroccan Government and the Polisario Front has been in place since 1991; whereas the UN considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory; whereas no country recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara; whereas the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is a full member of the AU and currently recognised by
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas a ceasefire in Western Sahara between the Moroccan Government and the Polisario Front has been in place since 1991; whereas the UN considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory; whereas no country recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara; whereas the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is currently recognised by the AU and over 45 UN states, but not by the UN collectively or by any EU Member State; whereas the UN
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas a ceasefire in Western Sahara between the Moroccan Government and the Polisario Front has been in place since 1991; whereas the UN considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory; whereas no country recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara; whereas the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is currently recognised by the AU and over 45 UN states, but not by the UN collectively or by any EU Member State; whereas the UN and EU do not explicitly consider Morocco to be an occupying
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas a ceasefire in Western Sahara between the Moroccan Government and the Polisario Front has been in place since 1991; whereas the UN considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory; whereas no country recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara; whereas the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is currently recognised by the AU and over 45 UN states, but not by the UN collectively or by any EU Member State; whereas the UN and EU do not explicitly consider Morocco to be an occupying power; whereas a referendum on the status of Western Sahara, first agreed on principle in 1988, has still not taken place; whereas the Kingdom of Morocco proposed a draft autonomous status for the Southern Provinces in 2007;
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas a ceasefire in Western Sahara between the Moroccan Government and the Polisario Front has been in place since 1991; whereas the UN considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory; whereas no country recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara; whereas the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is currently recognised by the AU and over
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 6 a (new) - having regard to the UN Secretary- General's report to the UN Security Council on the situation in the Sahel region, dated 14 June 2013, and the attached UN integrated strategy for the Sahel,
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H a (new) Ha. whereas according to recent report from the UNSR on torture, the human rights violations by the Moroccan law- enforcement officials in Western Sahara are alarming; whereas Morocco has signed and ratified several international and human rights treaties such as the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture (CAT), the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the United Nations Declaration on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (UNPHRD); whereas in view of the principle of international humanitarian law spelled out in the 1907 Hague Regulations (arts 42-56) and the Fourth Geneva Convention (GC IV, art. 27-34 and 47-78) as well as in the additional Protocol I, the EU should ensure that those partner falling under the category of occupying power respect their duties towards the population in occupied territories;
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H a (new) Ha. whereas the various resolutions of the UN Security Council, including Resolution 2099(2013), call on ‘the neighbouring States to cooperate more fully with the United Nations and with each other and to strengthen their involvement to end the current impasse and to achieve progress towards a political solution’;
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H a (new) Ha. whereas the various resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations, including the Resolution 2099, have called upon the neighbouring states to cooperate fully with the United Nations and with each other and to strengthen their involvement to end the current impasse and to achieve progress towards a political solution;
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H a (new) Ha. whereas Security Council Resolutions 1754, 1783, 1871, 1920, 1979, 2044 and 2099 call on the neighbouring States to cooperate fully with the United Nations and with each other and to strengthen their involvement to end the current impasse and to achieve progress towards a political solution;
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I I. whereas the refugee camps near Tindouf in Algeria, having first been established thirty-seven years ago, remain the second longest-operating in the world; whereas
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I I. whereas the refugee camps near Tindouf in Algeria, having first been established thirty-seven years ago, remain the second longest-operating in the world; whereas a
Amendment 76 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I I. whereas the refugee camps near Tindouf in Algeria, having first been established thirty-seven years ago, remain the second
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I I. whereas the refugee camps near Tindouf in Algeria, having first been established thirty-seven years ago, remain the second longest-operating in the world; whereas a political stalemate precludes any realistic prospect of their dissolution, or the resettlement or repatriation of their inhabitants, in the near future; whereas no population register has ever been drawn up of the people in the Tindouf camps, in spite of numerous calls by the Security Council and by the HCR on Algeria to comply with its international legal obligations by authorising the HCR to carry out registration and a census of the people in the Tindouf camps;
Amendment 78 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I I. whereas the refugee camps near Tindouf in Algeria, having first been established thirty-seven years ago, remain the second longest-operating in the world; whereas a political stalemate precludes any realistic prospect of their dissolution, or the resettlement or repatriation of their inhabitants, in the near future; whereas no population register has ever been drawn up of the people in the Tindouf camps, in spite of calls by the HCR on the host country for this to be done;
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I I. whereas the refugee camps near Tindouf in Algeria, having first been established thirty-seven years ago, remain the second longest-operating in the world and still house between 170 000 and 200 000 Sahrawis; whereas a political stalemate precludes any realistic prospect of their dissolution, or the resettlement or repatriation of their inhabitants, in the near future;
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 6 b (new) - having regard to the UN Secretary General Report of 14 June 2013 on the situation in the Sahel region (S/2013/354),
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J Amendment 81 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J J. whereas Resolution 2099 extending the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J J. whereas the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) is not the only UN mission not to include a human rights
Amendment 83 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J J. whereas the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) is the only UN mission not to include a human rights dimension in its mandate, and offers no mechanism for alleged human rights violations to be reported; whereas the UN Security Council rejected the proposal to include human rights in MINURSO’s mandate its Resolution 2099 (2013) of 25 April 2013; whereas both the Moroccan Government and the Polisario Front have been accused of human rights violations;
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J J. whereas both the Moroccan Government and the Polisario Front have been accused of human rights violations; whereas the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) is the only UN mission not to include a human rights dimension in its mandate, and offers no mechanism for alleged human rights violations to be reported; whereas
Amendment 85 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J J. whereas the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) is the only UN mission not to include a human rights dimension in its mandate, and offers no mechanism for alleged human rights violations to be reported; whereas
Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J a (new) Ja. whereas the report of the UN Secretary General of 8 April 2013 on the Western Sahara situation devotes a 3 pages section on Human Rights;
Amendment 87 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Expresses its deep concern over the human rights situation in the Sahel region, which has been aggravated by multiple crises in the political, social, economic and ecological spheres; stresses that deeply enmeshed challenges require a
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes that the situation of human rights in the Sahel has acquired greater international prominence as a result of the armed conflict in Mali and the interven
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes that the situation of human rights in the Sahel has acquired greater international prominence as a result of the armed conflict in Mali and the international response to it; acknowledges that this conflict has created specific problems in that country, as well as exacerbating fundamental underlying challenges already present in Mali
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 8 a (new) - having regard to the Joint Chairs' Conclusions of the International Donors Conference 'Together for a New Mali', held in Brussels on 15 May 2013,
Amendment 90 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes that the situation of human rights in the Sahel has acquired greater international prominence as a result of the armed conflict in Mali, the French intervention to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and the international response to it;
Amendment 91 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes that the situation of human rights in the Sahel has acquired greater international prominence as a result of the armed conflict in Mali and the international response to it; acknowledges that this conflict has created specific problems in that country, as well as exacerbating fundamental underlying challenges already present in Mali and elsewhere in the region; stresses the need of a political solution that includes all the parties to the conflict and which aims to tackle the root causes of it, such as poverty, inequality, under-development and arms trafficking in the region; stresses, however, that the immediate concerns in Mali should not deflect attention from the chronic and pervasive problems that seriously impact on human rights in the rest of the Sahel, in particular, slavery and human trafficking, jihadi extremism and radicalisation, fragile governance and institutional corruption, and systemic and debilitating poverty;
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes that the situation of human rights in the Sahel has acquired greater international prominence as a result of the armed conflict in Mali and the international response to it; acknowledges that this conflict has created specific problems in that country, as well as exacerbating fundamental underlying challenges already
Amendment 93 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Notes that the recent military events in Mali have highlighted the recurrent problems of the Sahel, in particular the role of the disintegration of the State in the spread of terrorism and poverty; notes that Morocco is one of the few countries with a Sahel connection to have supported economic development and the presence of strong public institutions in its Sahara region with a view to resolving the issue of the permeability of borders, which is a besetting problem for the region, as the European Union stressed in its 2011 Strategy for the Sahel;
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Points out that the permeability of borders is a characteristic feature of the countries in the region; stresses that the worsening of the situation in the Sahel is closely linked to the massive influx of weapons into Northern Mali following the war in Libya, whereas in other countries in the region Libyan rebels were routinely disarmed at the borders; renews its call for regulation and strict checks on arms sales so as to ensure that Member States do not become involved in the proliferation of conflicts;
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Welcomes the increased attention to human rights in EU policy; notes that the UN has
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Welcomes the increased attention to human rights in EU policy; notes that the UN has also taken steps to develop a comprehensive strategy on the Sahel with a strong human rights dimension; recalls that the EU and the countries of the Sahel, as signatories to the Cotonou Agreement, have assumed mutual obligations to protect human rights and democratic principles, based on the rule of law and transparent and accountable governance; points out that the Sahel states are parties to most international treaties for the protection of human rights, women’s rights and the rights of the child;
Amendment 97 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Emphasises the important role played by the EU, as the world's largest donor, in addressing the development challenges faced by the Sahel region; stresses the importance of engaging other international actors, in efforts such as eradicating poverty and hunger, promoting gender equality and reducing child mortality rates, according to the Millennium Development Goals;
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Attaches particular urgency to the human rights situation in Mali, with reports of serious human rights violations in northern Mali by armed Tuareg and jihadi groups; notes that alleged crimes include mass rape, torture, mutilation
Amendment 99 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Attaches particular urgency to the human rights situation in Mali, with reports of serious human rights violations in northern Mali by armed groups; notes that alleged crimes include mass rape, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture, ethnic-based violence, summary executions, illegal arrests and passing of sentences without due process, forced disappearances, the use of child soldiers, forced marriages, intentionally directing attacks against protected objects, and destruction and looting of property; is deeply concerned about the new trends in the terrorist and criminal techniques, such as suicide bombers, kidnapping and hostage-taking and use of children as human shield; notes that, since January 2013, there have also been reports of human rights violations by elements of the Malian security forces and vigilante groups against the Tuareg and Arab communities, and other groups perceived to have cooperated or been associated with rebel groups; urges the Malian authorities and their international partners to pay close attention to the new patterns of human rights violations, including reprisals based on ethnicity, that have emerged since the recovery of certain parts of northern Mali, and could constitute an obstacle to peace- building and reconciliation if not properly addressed; calls upon the Malian Government to facilitate the reporting of abuses in any
source: PE-514.662
2013/07/17
FEMM
47 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Paragraph A A. whereas infringements of human rights and a political, environmental, developmental and humanitarian crisis in the Sahel region affect women in particular, who are often victims of discrimination, exceptional physical and human insecurity, chronic poverty and marginalization;
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that where more women are regularly engaged in conflict resolution and peace-
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Expresses concern at the discrimination suffered by women and girls in much of this region, particularly in terms of access to education, jobs with rights and health, and in relation to issues such as forced marriage, sexual exploitation and genital mutilation;
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Expresses its grave concern over the use of "public indecency" laws and laws prohibiting association for "an immoral purpose" when dealing with the LGBT community in Mali and the wider region; notes that whilst same-sex relationships are legal in the region, reports of discrimination are widespread;
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Urges the EU and the countries of the Sahel region to fully implement the UN Security Council’s resolutions 1325, on women, peace and security, calling for women’s participation in all aspects and at all levels of conflict resolution, 1820 on sexual violence in conflict and post- conflict situations, and its subsequent resolutions 1888, 1889 and 1960, which build on the above-mentioned resolutions; therefore asks for women’s participation in peace processes to be emphasised and guaranteed and for the need to include gender mainstreaming in conflict prevention, peace-keeping operations, humanitarian aid and post-conflict reconstruction to be recognised; deplores the extreme suffering inflicted on women, simply because they are women, in conflict zones; maintains that action of this kind, including the rape of girls by soldiers, forced prostitution, forced impregnation of women, sexual slavery, rape and sexual harassment, and consensual abduction (by means of seduction), are crimes which must not be ignored; asserts that the EU must treat these as fundamental problems to be taken into account; emphasises that it is essential to ensure access to abortion for women and girls who have been raped in situations of armed conflict;
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Stresses that efforts to tackle impunity, including in connection with gender- based violence in conflicts, which is an affront to women's dignity, are key to restoring stability and building lasting peace; welcomes, therefore, the application to the ICC by the Malian Government and the establishment of an international commission of inquiry into the crimes and human rights violations committed in Mali;
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Welcomes the adoption in 2012 of five recommendations on the human rights situation in the Western Sahara; also welcomes the fact that Morocco has been invited and has agreed to participate in ad-hoc international delegations, including that of the UN Special Rapporteur on torture, in particular because women constitute a specific group which is more vulnerable to mistreatment, and urges all relevant parties to continue this cooperation with UN human rights bodies;
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Highlights the case of Sahrawi women and their important role in Sahrawi society, particularly in the refugee camps, where illiteracy has decreased sharply from 95 % immediately after the Spanish colonial period to the present-day 5 %; emphasises the crucial role of women in organising Sahrawi institutions and their high level of participation in decision- making at all levels, from local committees to the parliament and government.
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Recognises the positive role played by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) in the protection of women’s rights and in the consolidation of democracy in third countries
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Recognises the positive role played by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) in the protection of women's rights and in the consolidation of democracy in third countries and recalls that democracy entails the full participation of women in public life and their greater participation in all international fora and in peace talks to resolve the crises in the Sahel;
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Condemns the human rights abuses, principally involving harassment and sexual violence, inflicted on Sahrawi women in the Moroccan-occupied territories, and used by the occupying forces as a mechanism for intimidating the Sahrawi people in their struggle for their legitimate right to self determination;
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph A a (new) Aa. whereas women in the Sahel region make up the majority of small-scale farmers and yet they are penalised in terms of land rights; whereas this lack of ownership over land contributes to poverty amongst women;
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Urges the States of the Sahel region to revise their laws regarding women and property rights; stresses the importance of women's ownership over land that they farm and live on;
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Draws attention to the role played by the women of Western Sahara in peace- keeping and promoting dialogue and conflict resolution, as well as in maintaining Sahrawi society and structures;
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 b (new) 2b. Condemns the interference in the internal affairs of third countries by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) and reaffirms the right of all peoples to sovereignty and self determination without outside interference; considers that the defence of women’s rights and the promotion of policies to encourage the active participation of women in all aspects of social life is essential to democracy in all countries;
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Calls for the development of policies which take into account the specific situation of vulnerable groups, such as women, children and persons with disabilities, and, by extension, for the provision of relevant infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools and educational equipment, and the necessary social, psychological and administrative support; highlights the importance of cooperating and consulting with local women’s organisations;
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 b (new) 3b. States that special attention needs to be paid to educating both sexes about gender issues from the start of schooling onwards, so that attitudes and social stereotypes change gradually and gender equality becomes a basic principle of society in the Sahel region;
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Calls on the Commission, the EEAS and the Council to encourage more countries in the region to make explicit statutory provision for women’s and girls’ rights and to prioritise programmes that would ensure those rights,
Amendment 26 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Calls on the Commission, the EEAS and the Council to encourage more countries in the region to make explicit statutory provision for women's and girls' rights
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Calls on the Commission, the EEAS and the Council to encourage more countries in the region to make explicit statutory provision for women’s and girls’ rights and
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Calls on the Commission, the EEAS and the Council to encourage more countries in the region to make explicit statutory provision for women's and girls' rights and to prioritise programmes that would ensure those rights, in particular, access to education, the financial independence of women, the participation of women in political and economic decision-making and the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls including the eradication of early forced marriage and the barbaric practice of female genital mutilation;
Amendment 29 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Calls on the Commission, the EEAS and the Council to encourage more countries in the region to make explicit statutory provision for women’s and girls’ rights and to prioritise programmes that would ensure those rights, in particular, access to
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph A a (new) Aa. whereas an increasingly restrictive social environment limits the mobility and productivity and ultimately the capacities of women to function as effective leaders and defenders of women's rights;
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Stresses that domestic violence is not a private family matter, nor are excuses for violence entrenched in cultural or religious belief acceptable;
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Urges the Commission, the EEAS and partner countries to prioritize the issue of impunity during peace negotiations and to ensure that perpetrators of crimes of sexual violence are brought to justice;
Amendment 32 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Calls on the countries of the Sahel region to adopt laws and concrete measures prohibiting and establishing penalties for all forms of violence against women, including domestic and sexual violence, sexual harassment and harmful traditional practices, such as female genital mutilation and forced marriages, especially in the case of underage girls; highlights the importance of protecting the victims and providing specifically- targeted services, while combating the impunity of attackers and ensuring that these crimes are investigated, tried and properly punished, as well as making justice fully available to all women, without any form of discrimination on religious and/or ethnic grounds;
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Draws attention to the need to involve local women's associations in setting up and implementing projects, taking account of their knowledge and experience and making it easier for them to access national and international public funding;
Amendment 34 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 b (new) 4b. Calls on states of the Sahel region to ensure that all girls are registered at birth and all girls are enrolled in primary school education;
Amendment 35 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Calls on the Special Representatives of the EU for the Sahel and for human rights to develop joint actions to ensure women’s rights in the region more effectively, by tackling impunity in connection with gender-based violence and all other forms of violence which are an affront to the dignity of women; urges that the European Commission, the EEAS
Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Calls on the Special Representatives of the EU for the Sahel and for human rights to develop joint actions to ensure women’s rights in the region more effectively; urges that the European Commission, the EEAS and partner states make women’s rights and gender equality a priority for bilateral aid programmes
Amendment 37 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Calls on the Special Representatives of the EU for the Sahel and for human rights to develop joint actions to ensure women’s rights in the region more effectively; urges that the European Commission, the EEAS
Amendment 38 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Calls on the Special Representatives of the EU for the Sahel and for human rights to develop joint actions to ensure women’s rights in the region more effectively; urges that the European Commission, the EEAS and partner states make women’s rights and gender equality a priority for bilateral aid programmes
Amendment 39 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Urges the international community to dedicate more funds to advance women's rights and empowerment in the region;
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph A a (new) Aa. whereas gender equality, the political and economic empowerment of women, promotion of gender equality and the defence of women’s rights are crucial to reducing poverty and encouraging sustainable development;
Amendment 40 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Notes that human trafficking is part of a wider organised crime problem which includes the illicit trafficking of drugs, oil, cigarettes, counterfeit medicine and firearms; urges leaders of the Sahel region countries to work in cooperation to strengthen law enforcement systems with a view to eradicating all forms of illicit trafficking but particularly that of human beings, which effects some of the youngest and poorest women in the region;
Amendment 41 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Deplores the fact that neither the EU Strategy for security and development in the Sahel, adopted on 21 March 2011, nor the conclusions on this strategy adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council of 23 March 2012 contain any reference to the promotion of gender equality, the situation of women or the defence of women’s rights;
Amendment 42 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Calls on the Sahel countries to step up their cooperation with a view to launching awareness campaigns on women's rights with NGOs, civil society, the UN and the EU;
Amendment 43 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 b (new) 5b. Regrets the Commission’s failure to place adequate emphasis on the gender dimension of poverty; believes the EU must invest in the specific needs of women and design social protection packages that address the challenges faced by women; emphasises that gender equality and the political and economic empowerment of women are of crucial importance when it comes to meeting the development and poverty reduction goals in the Sahel; urges the Commission to ensure that gender equality and the empowerment of women will be mainstreamed in all EU development policies and programmes relating to the Sahel region;
Amendment 44 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 c (new) 5c. Condemns the fact that budget cuts in areas such as food security, health and education, which are of key importance in achieving the Millennium Goals, continue to exacerbate food and humanitarian crises in the Sahel; emphasises the fundamental need for structural action in the fields of agriculture, food security and nutrition, as well as specific measures to eradicate land-grabbing, in order to promote inclusive and sustainable growth and to prevent the annual recurrence of food crises in the Sahel region;
Amendment 45 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 d (new) 5d. Notes that women have an essential role to play in the development of the Sahel region, particularly in terms of nutrition, food security and food production, as they are the ones principally engaged in agriculture, although women still have almost no access to ownership of the land they cultivate; calls on the Commission to recognise the fundamental role of women, as smallholder farmers, in food security, and to invest in programmes which specifically support them; insists that the EU strategy should also focus on the implementation of actions to ensure that the most vulnerable, especially in rural areas, are able to benefit from agricultural training opportunities, education on nutrition, good health and working conditions, and a safety net in times of need; emphasises that for smallholder farmers, and particularly women farmers, to be able to not only farm sustainably but also develop their productive potential, they need to have increased access to microcredit loans, so that they can invest in better seeds, fertilisers and irrigation methods and obtain the tools needed to protect their crops from pests and disease;
Amendment 46 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 e (new) 5e. Highlights the urgent need to grant EU humanitarian aid to help achieve the Millennium Goals; underlines the importance of the goal of improving maternal health in order to reduce maternal mortality and ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and family planning; stresses the importance of education and awareness- raising in the area of sexual and reproductive health as an integral part of the women’s health agenda;
Amendment 47 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 f (new) 5f. Underlines the need to design and implement health programmes in order to strengthen health systems, taking into account the fact that the global economic crisis has undermined progress on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other diseases;
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph A a (new) Aa. whereas at the London summit of July 2012 more than a hundred governments, international agencies and NGOs set themselves the objective of investing an additional USD 4 billion by 2020 in increasing the number of women using contraception in the world's 69 poorest countries, which include the Sahel countries, by 120 million on top of the current figure of USD 10 billion;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph A b (new) Ab. whereas studies show that if women are educated and can earn and control income, a number of good results follow: maternal and infant mortality declines, women and child health and nutrition improve, agricultural productivity rises, climate change can be mitigated, population growth slows, economies expand and cycles of poverty are broken1;
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1.
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that where more women are engaged in decision-making, conflict resolution and peace-
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that where more women are engaged in conflict resolution and peace- building processes, they play a key role in peace negotiations, broadening the scope of reconstruction, rehabilitation and
source: PE-514.746
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History
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2020-01-19Show (8) Changes | Timetravel
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2019-07-06Show (16) Changes | Timetravel
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Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 150New
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AFET/7/11930New
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2015-11-04Show (1) Changes | Timetravel
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2014-11-09Show (31) Changes | Timetravel
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PE514.662New
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Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 150
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Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 048New
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Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 138
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2013-10-23Show (3) Changes | Timetravel
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2013-10-23Show (2) Changes | Timetravel
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2013-10-19Show (1) Changes | Timetravel
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2013-10-18Show (2) Changes | Timetravel
| procedure/Modified legal basis |
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 138
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Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 138
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2013-10-16Show (1) Changes | Timetravel
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http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A7-2013-0325&language=EN
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2013-10-14Show (2) Changes | Timetravel
| procedure/?!oeil-proposed_legal_basis!? |
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 138
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| procedure/Modified legal basis |
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 138
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2013-10-12Show (3) Changes | Timetravel
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Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 138
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Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 138
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2013-10-11Show (1) Changes | Timetravel
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2013-10-08Show (2) Changes | Timetravel
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2013-10-04Show (2) Changes | Timetravel
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Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 138
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2013-09-26Show (2) Changes | Timetravel
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Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 138
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2013-09-25Show (2) Changes | Timetravel
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Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 138
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2013-09-13Show (4) Changes | Timetravel
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2013-09-17T00:00:00New
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Vote scheduled in committee, 1st reading/single readingNew
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2013-08-28Show (1) Changes | Timetravel
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2013-09-16T00:00:00New
2013-09-17T00:00:00 |
2013-08-10Show (1) Changes | Timetravel
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http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE514.662
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2013-07-05Show (1) Changes | Timetravel
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2013-06-25Show (3) Changes | Timetravel
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Women’s Rights and Gender EqualityNew
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Women’s Rights and Gender EqualityNew
Women's Rights and Gender Equality |
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Awaiting Parliament 1st reading / single reading / budget 1st stageNew
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2013-05-30Show (1) Changes | Timetravel
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http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE510.774
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2013-05-22Show (1) Changes | Timetravel
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2013-05-18Show (4) Changes | Timetravel
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2013-05-17Show (10) Changes | Timetravel
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2013-04-13Show (2) Changes | Timetravel
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Human rights situation in the Sahel and Western Sahara regionNew
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2013-03-13Show (5) Changes
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