2018/2155(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1

– having regard to the international legal protection of freedom of ~~religion or belief~~thought, conscience and religion, guaranteed by Article 18 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 18 of the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination based on Religion or Belief, Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Articles 10, 21 and 22 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

Amendment 10 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion orand belief ~~(FoRB) is a~~, and the rights to apostasy and to espouse atheistics views are human rights inherent to all human beings and a fundamental right of individuals which should be subjected to no kind of discrimination, as enshrined by international and European founding texts, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Deplores the fact that some countries have, enforce or seek to introduce penal laws providing punishment for blasphemy, conversion or apostasy, including the death penalty; urges the EU to include a dialogue on respect for this freedom in any negotiations undertaken with a view to the conclusion of trade agreements, and to rule out the possibility of concluding such agreements with countries whose criminal law includes such provisions; also draws attention to the situation of some other countries facing or being at risk of conflicts of a religious dimension; calls for the EU to prioritise in its foreign policy efforts towards all the countries concerned with a view to the repeal of such discriminatory laws;

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Deplores the fact that some countries have, enforce or seek to introduce penal laws providing punishment for blasphemy, conversion or apostasy, including the death penalty; deplores the fact that such laws are often used as a form of anti-minority oppression, as well as political oppression, also draws attention to the situation of some other countries facing or being at risk of conflicts of a religious dimension; calls for the EU to prioritise in its foreign policy efforts towards all the countries concerned with a view to the repeal of such discriminatory laws;

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Deplores the fact that some countries have, enforce or seek to introduce penal laws providing punishment for blasphemy, conversion or apostasy, including the death penalty; also draws attention to the situation of some other countries facing or being at risk of conflicts ~~of a~~in which religious ~~dimension~~issues are most frequently exploited; calls for the EU to prioritise in its foreign policy efforts towards all the countries concerned with a view to the repeal of such discriminatory laws;

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Deplores the fact that some countries have, enforce or seek to introduce penal laws providing punishment for blasphemy, conversion or apostasy, including the death penalty; also draws attention to the situation of some other countries facing or being at risk of conflicts of a religious dimension; calls for the EU to prioritise in its foreign policy efforts towards all the countries concerned with a view to the repeal of such discriminatory laws and to put an end to the repression of human rights defenders and the shrinking of civil society space on religious grounds;

Amendment 104 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Sophia IN 'T VELD, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Denounces the recourse to blasphemy, apostasy or other accusations based on religious grounds, in order to crack-down on human rights defenders in relation to their legitimate activities, including on social media, and more broadly to restrict civil society space; condemns the continued detention of Sakharov Prize laureate Raif Badawi after an unlawful trial and presses the Saudi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release him;

Amendment 105 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2

Special Envoy ~~for~~on the promotion of freedom of ~~religion or belief~~thought, conscience and religion outside the EU

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the fact that the Special Envoy has developed effective working networks within the Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament, as well as with other stakeholders; deplores, however, the fact that the Special Envoy’s mandate was not established and consolidated with sufficient human and financial resources;deleted

Amendment 107 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Marietje SCHAAKE, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the fact that the Special Envoy has developed effective working networks within the Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament, as well as with other stakeholders; ~~deplores, however, the fact that the Special Envoy’s mandate was not established and consolidated with sufficient human and financial resources;~~

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the fact that the Special Envoy has developed effective working networks within the Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament, as well as with other stakeholders; ~~deplores, however, the fact that the Special Envoy’s mandate was not established and consolidated with sufficient human and financial resources;~~

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the fact that the Special Envoy has developed ~~effective~~ working networks within the Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament, as well as with other stakeholders; ~~deplores, however, the fact that~~calls on the Special Envoy to coordinate closely also with the European External Action Service and the EU Special ~~Envoy’s mandate was not established and consolidated wi~~Representative for Human Rights and to report annually on the countries visited and his thematic priorities; encourages the Special Envoy not to neglect the s~~ufficient human and financial resources~~ituation of non- believers and to enhance his outreach and advocacy in relation to the non- confessional dimension of his mandate;

Amendment 11 #

Dennis de JONG, Anne-Marie MINEUR, Marie-Christine VERGIAT

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the right to freedom of ~~religion or belief (FoRB)~~thought, conscience and religion is a human right inherent to all human beings and a fundamental right of individuals which should be subjected to no kind of discrimination, as enshrined by international and European founding texts, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the fact that the Special Envoy has developed effective working networks within the Commission, as well as with the Council, ~~and~~ the European Parliament, a~~s well as with~~nd other stakeholders; ~~deplo~~regrets, however, th~~e fact that the Special Envoy’s mandate was not established and consolidated with sufficient~~at due to his place within the Commission, and despite attempts to come to informal arrangements, co-operation between the Special Envoy and the EEAS was not optimal and made it difficult for the Special Envoy to draw upon the EEAS’ human and financial resources;

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the fact that the Special Envoy has developed effective working networks within the Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament, as well as with other stakeholders; ~~deplo~~regrets, however, the fact that the Special Envoy’s mandate was not established and consolidated with sufficient human and financial resources;

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Welcomes the Special Envoy’s actions based on work plans focusing support and engagement along geographical and thematic priorities and initiatives at bilateral and multilateral levels;

Amendment 113 #

Dennis de JONG, Anne-Marie MINEUR, Marie-Christine VERGIAT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

Amendment 114 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

Amendment 115 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Calls on the Council and the Commission to ~~strengthen~~make an assessment of the Special Envoy’s institutional mandate and capacity, by earmarking funding and human resources adequate to the Envoy’s duties, developing a systemic institutionalisation of working networks established by the Special Envoy within all relevant EU institutions or establishing the positionin order to establish if necessary adequate funding and human resources to carry out Envoy’s duties that should focus on promoting freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, and the rights to apostasy and to espouse atheistic views; calls ofn the EU Special ~~Representative for FoRB~~Envoy to annually report on his achievements and priorities;

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Calls on the Council and the Commission to strengthen the Special Envoy’s institutional mandate and capacity, by earmarking funding and human resources adequate to the Envoy’s duties, developing a systemic institutionalisation of working networks established by the Special Envoy within all relevant EU institutions or establishing the posicarry out a transparent and comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness and added value of the creation of the position of the Special Envoy, including in terms of possible duplication ofwith the EU Special Representative for ~~FoRB~~Human Rights, before considering to renew the mandate;

Amendment 117 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Calls on the Council and the Commission to ~~strengthen~~continue supporting the Special Envoy’s institutional mandate and capacity, by earmarking funding and human resources adequate to the Envoy’s duties, developing a systemic institutionalisation of working networks established by the Special Envoy within all relevant EU institutions or establishing the position of the EU Special Representative for FoRB;

Amendment 118 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Calls on the Council and the Commission to ~~strengthe~~maintain the Special Envoy’s institutional mandate and capacity, by earmarking funding and human resources adequate to the Envoy’s duties, developing a systemic institutionalisation of working networks established by the Special Envoy within all relevant EU institutions or establishing the position of the EU Special Representative for FoRB;

Amendment 119 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, commonly referred to as the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is a human right inherent to all human beings and a fundamental right of individuals which should be subjected to no kind of discrimination, as enshrined by international and European founding texts, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;

Amendment 120 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Calls on the Council and the Commission to reflect on creating the EU Special Representative for FoRB; considers that the competences and mandate of this Special Representative should include: (a) effectiveness, coherence and accountability of the EU’s FoRB policy outside the EU; (b) Parliament, the Council, the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission with an annual progress report and a comprehensideleted enhancing the visibility, providing the European being a high-level implementation report on the mandate at the end thereof; (c) working in close cooperation with the Council Working Group on Human Rights (COHOM); (d) his or her counterparts in third countries and at international organisations, also able to engage with the UN (UNGA, UNHRC, etc.) as well as relevant regional organisations; (e) FoRB and interreligious and intercultural issues and leading consultations with third countries on FoRB issues;nterlocutor for chairing high-level dialogues on

Amendment 121 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Marietje SCHAAKE, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, Patricia LALONDE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Calls on the Council and the Commission to reflect on creating the EU Special Representative for FoRB; considers that the competences and mandate of this Special Representative should include: (a) effectiveness, coherence and accountability of the EU’s FoRB policy outside the EU; (b) Parliament, the Council, the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission with an annual progress report and a comprehensive implementation report on the mandate at the end thereof; (c) the Council Working Group on Human Rights (COHOM); (d) his or her counterparts in third countries and at international organisations, also able to engage with the UN (UNGA, UNHRC, etc.) as well as relevant regional organisations; (e) FoRB and interreligious and intercultural issues and leading consultations with third countries on FoRB issues;deleted enhancing the visibility, providing the European working in close cooperation with being a high-level interlocutor for chairing high-level dialogues on

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Calls on the Council and the Commission to reflect on creating the EU Special Representative for FoRB; considers that the competences and mandate of this Special Representative should include: (a) effectiveness, coherence and accountability of the EU’s FoRB policy outside the EU; (b) Parliament, the Council, the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission with an annual progress report and a comprehensive implementation report on the mandate at the end thereof; (c) the Council Working Group on Human Rights (COHOM); (d) his or her counterparts in third countries and at international organisations, also able to engage with the UN (UNGA, UNHRC, etc.) as well as relevant regional organisations; (e) FoRB and interreligious and intercultural issues and leading consultations with third countries on FoRB issues;deleted enhancing the visibility, providing the European working in close cooperation with being a high-level interlocutor for chairing high-level dialogues on

Amendment 124 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – introductory part

12. Calls on the Council and the Commission to ~~reflect on creating the EU Special Representative for FoRB; considers that the compet~~avoid duplication of and to clarify the distribution of tasks and responsibilities between the Special Envoy for FoRB and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, noting that the mandate of the latter includes the promotion of freedom of thought, consciences and ~~mandate of this Special Representative~~belief and the EU policy in that field; considers that EU external action in this area should include:

Amendment 125 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – introductory part

12. ~~Calls on the Council and the Commission to reflect on creating the EU Special Representative for FoRB; considers that the competences and~~Suggests that the role of the Special Envoy should be expanded to include competences such as enhancing the visibility, effectiveness, coherence and accountability of the EU’s FoRB policy outside the EU, providing the European Parliament, the Council, the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission with an annual progress report and a comprehensive implementation report on the mandate ofat th~~is Special Representative should include:~~e end thereof and working in close cooperation with the Council Working Group on Human Rights (COHOM);

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – introductory part

12. Calls on the Council and the Commission to cre~~flect on creating the EU Special Representative for FoRB~~ate, beginning during the new legislative term a post for a truly EU Special Envoy on Religion or Belief and Society, working closely together with the EU Special Representative for Human Rights and acting as Special Advisor and in this capacity reporting directly to the High Representative/Vice-President; considers that the competences and mandate of this Special ~~Representative~~Envoy should include:

Amendment 127 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – introductory part

Amendment 128 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – point a

~~(a) enhancing the visibility, effectiveness, coherence and accountability of the EU’s FoRB policy outside the EU;~~deleted

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – point b

(b) providing the European Parliament, the Council, the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission with an annual progress report and a comprehensive implementation report on the mandate at the end thereof;deleted

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is a human right inherent to all human beings and a fundamental right of individuals, on a par with all others, which should be subjected to no kind of discrimination, as enshrined by international and European founding texts, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – point b

Amendment 131 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – point c

~~(c) working in close cooperation with the Council Working Group on Human Rights (COHOM);~~deleted

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – point c

(c) working in close cooperation with the Council Working Group on Human Rights (COHOM) and the European External Action Service;

Amendment 133 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – point d

(d) being a high-level interlocutor for his or her counterparts in third countries and at international organisations, also able to engage with the UN (UNGA, UNHRC, etc.) as well as relevant regional organisations;deleted

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – point e

~~(e) chairing high-level dialogues on FoRB and interreligious and intercultural issues and leading consultations with third countries on FoRB issues;~~deleted

Amendment 135 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – point e

(e) c~~hairing~~ontributing to high-level dialogues on ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion and interreligious and intercultural issues and ~~leading~~to consultations with third countries on FoRB issues;

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – point e a (new)

(ea) acting as focal point for all issues relating to religion or belief and society insofar as these emerge in the relations with third countries;

Amendment 137 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – point e b (new)

(eb) organising training and awareness-raising activities on religious and belief literacy for staff in the EEAS, including the EU Delegations, and in the Member States’ Ministries of Foreign Affairs, including their embassies;

Amendment 138 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

~~13. Calls for the term of office of the Special Envoy to be extended to a multi- year term, corresponding to the term of the Commission;~~deleted

Amendment 139 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Marietje SCHAAKE, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

~~13. Calls for the term of office of the Special Envoy to be extended to a multi- year term, corresponding to the term of the Commission;~~deleted

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is a human right inherent to all human beings and a fundamental right of individuals which should be subjected to no kind of discrimination, as enshrined by international and European founding texts, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;

Amendment 140 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

~~13. Calls for the term of office of the Special Envoy to be extended to a multi- year term, corresponding to the term of the Commission;~~deleted

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

~~13. Calls for the term of office of the Special Envoy to be extended to a multi- year term, corresponding to the term of the Commission;~~deleted

Amendment 142 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

~~13. Calls for the term of office of the Special Envoy to be extended to a multi- year term, corresponding to the term of the Commission;~~deleted

Amendment 143 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Calls for the term of office of the Special Envoy to be extended to a multi- year term, corresponding to the term of the Commission, subject to a mid-term review;

Amendment 144 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

~~14. Recommends that the title and mandate of the Special Envoy visibly include the promotion of interreligious dialogue and interfaith cooperation;~~deleted

Amendment 145 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

~~14. Recommends that the title and mandate of the Special Envoy visibly include the promotion of interreligious dialogue and interfaith cooperation;~~deleted

Amendment 146 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

~~14. Recommends that the title and mandate of the Special Envoy visibly include the promotion of interreligious dialogue and interfaith cooperation;~~deleted

Amendment 147 #

Dennis de JONG, Anne-Marie MINEUR, Marie-Christine VERGIAT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

~~14. Recommends that the title and mandate of the Special Envoy visibly include the promotion of interreligious dialogue and interfaith cooperation;~~deleted

Amendment 148 #

~~14. Recommends that the title and mandate of the Special Envoy visibly include the promotion of interreligious dialogue and interfaith cooperation;~~deleted

Amendment 149 #

Dobromir SOŚNIERZ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

~~14. Recommends that the title and mandate of the Special Envoy visibly include the promotion of interreligious dialogue and interfaith cooperation;~~deleted

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas everyone has the right to respect for all human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, without discrimination on grounds of race, ethnicity, ability, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or absence of religious beliefs;

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Recommends that the title and mandate of the Special Envoy visibly include the promotion of interreligious dialogue and interfaith and interphilosophical cooperation;

Amendment 151 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Recommends the setting up of a regular advisory working group of Member States’ FoRB institutions and European Parliament representatives together with experts, scholars, and representatives of civil society, including churches and other faith-based organisations, providing advice on FoRB issues to assist the Special Envoy;deleted

Amendment 152 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Recommends the setting up of a ~~regular~~n informal advisory working group of Member States’ FoRB institutions ~~and European Parliament representatives~~ together with experts, scholars, and representatives of civil society, including churches and other faith-based organisations~~, providing advice on FoRB issues to assist the Special Envoy~~ as well as non-confessional organisations, providing advice on freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief;

Amendment 153 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Recommends the setting up of a ~~regular~~n informal advisory working group of Member States’ FoRB institutions and European Parliament representatives together with experts, scholars, and representatives of civil society, including c~~hurches and other faith-based~~onfessional and non-confessional organisations, providing advice on FoRB issues ~~to assist the Special Envoy~~;

Amendment 154 #

Dennis de JONG, Anne-Marie MINEUR, Marie-Christine VERGIAT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Recommends the setting up of a regular advisory working group of ~~Member States’ FoRB institutions and European Parliament representatives~~European Parliament and national parliament representatives and Member States’ FoRB institutions, together with experts, scholars, and representatives of civil society, including churches and other faith-based organisations, providing advice on FoRB issues to assist the Special Envoy;

Amendment 155 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Recommends the setting up of a regular advisory working group of Member States’ FoRB institutions and European Parliament representatives together with experts, scholars, and representatives of civil society, ~~including churches and other faith-based organisations,~~ providing advice on FoRB issues to assist the Special Envoy;

Amendment 156 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Recommends the setting up of a regular advisory working group of Member States’ FoRB institutions and European Parliament representatives together with experts, scholars, and representatives of civil society, including churches and other faith-based and non-confessional organisations, providing advice on FoRB issues to assist the Special Envoy;

Amendment 157 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Recommends that the ~~Special Envoy further develop cooperation with counterparts outside the EU, in particular by~~Member States work~~ing~~ in close cooperation with the UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB, ~~as well as exploring the possibility of EU-UN joint annual reporting on discrimination against religious minorities,~~ also formulating common proposals on how to put an end to such acts;

Amendment 158 #

Dennis de JONG, Anne-Marie MINEUR, Marie-Christine VERGIAT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Recommends that the EU Special ~~Envoy~~Representative for Human Rights further develop cooperation with counterparts outside the EU, in particular by working in close cooperation with the UN Special Rapporteurs, including on FoRB, as well as exploring the possibility of EU-UN joint ~~annual reporting on discrimination~~initiatives on discrimination against non- believers (including atheists, apostats, agnostics, humanists etc.) as well as against religious minorities, also formulating common proposals on how to put an end to such acts;

Amendment 159 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Recommends that the EU Special Representative for Human rights in collaboration with the Special Envoy further develop cooperation with counterparts outside the EU, in particular by working in close cooperation with the different UN Special Rapporteurs and in particular the one on FoRB, as well as exploring the possibility of EU-UN joint ~~annual~~initiatives reporting on discrimination against religious minorities and non- believers, also formulating common proposals on how to put an end to such acts;

Amendment 16 #

Louis MICHEL

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas the principle of the separation of church and state is a prime constitutional principle worldwide and in Europe;

Amendment 160 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Recommends that the Special Envoy further develops cooperation with counterparts outside the EU, in particular by working in close cooperation with the UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB~~, as well as exploring the possibility of EU-UN joint annual reporting on discrimination against religious minorities, also formulating common proposals on how to put an end to such acts~~;

Amendment 161 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Recommends that the Special Envoy further develop cooperation with counterparts outside the EU, in particular by working in close cooperation with the UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB, as well as exploring the possibility of EU-UN joint annual reporting on discrimination against religious ~~minorities~~and non-confessional minorities, and also against non-believers and persons who change religion or criticise or leave a religion, also formulating common proposals on how to put an end to such acts;

Amendment 162 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3

~~EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief~~deleted

Amendment 163 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3

EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of ~~religion or belief~~thought, conscience and religion

Amendment 164 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Considers that the EU Guidelines present a clear set of political lines, principles, norms and themes for priority actions, as well as a toolkit for monitoring, assessing, reporting and demarches by any EU representatives in third countries, that constitute a solid strategic approach for the EU and its Member States to exert an efficient role in promoting FoRB outside the EU;deleted

Amendment 165 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

Amendment 166 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Urgently calls for the implementation of the EU Guidelines on FoRB to be increased in intensity and effectiveness; notes that further dedicated efforts need to be made by the EU and its Member States to implement more effectively the EU Guidelines and make the EU more influential in advancing FoRB worldwide; stresses that understanding how societies may be shaped and influenced by religions and other beliefs is instrumental to better comprehending the promotion of FoRB in EU foreign policy and international cooperation;deleted

Amendment 167 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, Patricia LALONDE, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

Amendment 168 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. ~~Urgently calls for the implementation of the EU Guidelines on FoRB to be increased in intensity and effectiveness; n~~Notes that further dedicated efforts need to be made by the EU and its Member States to implement more effectively ~~the~~all thematic EU Guidelines and make the EU more influential in advancing ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief worldwide; stresses that understanding how societies may be shaped and influenced by thoughts, religions and other beliefs, including non-belief, is instrumental to better comprehending the promotion of ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief in EU foreign policy and international cooperation; calls for a particular attention to be paid to the situation of non-believers facing discrimination and violence;

Amendment 169 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Urgently calls for the implementation of all EU thematic Guidelines on Human Rights, including the EU Guidelines on FoRB to be increased in intensity and effectiveness; notes that further dedicated efforts need to be made by the EU and its Member States to implement more effectively the EU Guidelines and make the EU more influential in advancing ~~FoRB~~them worldwide; stresses that understanding how societies may be shaped and influenced by religions and other beliefs, including non-belief, is instrumental to better comprehending the promotion of FoRB in EU foreign policy and international cooperation; calls for a particular attention to be paid to the situation of non-believers facing discrimination and violence;

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas secularism is a characteristic of certain states and cultures that must be preserved and is defined as the emancipation of society and State from all religious control and vice versa, guaranteeing to all, whether believers, agnostics or atheists, equal freedom of not only conscience but also public expression of belief (especially worship), subject only to public order in a democratic society and respect for the freedom of others.

Amendment 170 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Urgently calls for the implementation of the EU Guidelines on FoRB to be increased in intensity and effectiveness; notes that further dedicated efforts need to be made by the EU and its Member States to implement more effectively the EU Guidelines and make the EU more influential in advancing FoRB worldwide; calls for special attention to be paid to the persecution of atheists, apostates and non-religious people, as these are poorly or inaccurately documented; stresses that understanding how societies may be shaped and influenced by religions and other beliefs is instrumental to better comprehending the promotion of FoRB in EU foreign policy and international cooperation;

Amendment 171 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Urgently calls for the implementation of the EU Guidelines on FoRB to be increased in intensity and effectiveness; notes that further dedicated efforts need to be made by the EU and its Member States to implement more effectively the EU Guidelines and make the EU more influential in advancing ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion worldwide; stresses that understanding how societies may be shaped and influenced, in particular by religions and other cultures and beliefs is instrumental to better comprehending the promotion of ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion in EU foreign policy and international cooperation;

Amendment 172 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Commends, in this respect, the efforts made to date by the EEAS and the Commission to provide training on religious literacy to EU officials and national diplomats; stresses, however, the need for broader and more systematic training programmes which would raise awareness of and increase the use of the EU Guidelines among the EU’s and Member States’ officials and diplomats and strengthen cooperation with the Special Envoy; asks for churches and religious communities and associations to be involved in this training process; calls on the Commission and the Council to earmark resources for establishing such training programmes;deleted

Amendment 173 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

Amendment 174 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Marietje SCHAAKE, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART

19. ~~Commends, in~~Underlines thise resp~~ect, the efforts made to date by the EEAS and the Commission to provide training on relig~~onsibilities fulfilled by human rights focal points within all EU Delegatiouns ~~literacy to EU officials and national diplomats; stresses, however, the need for broader and more systematic training programmes which would rais~~and CSDP Missions and calls for the strengthening of knowledge on freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief to increase the awareness of and ~~increase the~~ use of the EU Guidelines among the EU’'s and Member States’ officials and diplomats ~~and strengthen cooperation with the Special Envoy; asks for churches and religious communities and associat~~; notes, in this respect, the efforts made to date by the EEAS and the Commissions to ~~be involved in this training process; calls on the Commission and the Council to earmark resources for establishing such training programme~~provide training on the situation of religious minorities as well as non-believers to EU officials and national diplomats;

Amendment 175 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. ~~Commends, in this respect, the efforts made to date by the EEAS and the Commission to provide training on religious literacy to EU officials and national diplomats; stresses, however,~~Stresses the need for broader and more systematic training programmes which would raise awareness of and increase the use of the EU Gthematic human rights guidelines among the EU’s and Member States’ officials and diplomats and strengthen cooperation with the Special Envoy; asks for churches and religious communities and associations to be involved in this training process; calls on the Commission and the Council to earmark resources for establishing such training programmes;

Amendment 176 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Commends, in this respect, the efforts made to date by the EEAS and the Commission to provide training on religious and non-confessional literacy to EU officials and national diplomats; stresses, however, the need for broader and more systematic training programmes which would raise awareness of and increase the use of the EU Guidelines among the EU’s and Member States’ officials and diplomats and strengthen cooperation with the Special Envoy; asks for churches and religious communities and associations to be involved in this training process; calls on the Commission and the Council to earmark resources for establishing such training programmes while respecting the principles of pluralism and neutrality;

Amendment 177 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Commends, in this respect, the efforts made to date by the EEAS and the Commission to provide training on in religious ~~literac~~history to EU officials and national diplomats; stresses, however, the need for broader and more systematic training programmes which would raise awareness of and increase the use of the EU Guidelines among the EU’s and Member States’ officials and diplomats and strengthen cooperation with the Special Envoy; asks for ~~churche~~academics and religious communities and associations from across the spectrum to be involved in this training process, which should also be extended to non-believers; calls on the Commission and the Council to earmark resources for establishing such training programmes;

Amendment 178 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Commends, in this respect, the efforts made to date by the EEAS and the Commission to provide training on religious and belief literacy to EU officials and national diplomats; stresses, however, the need for broader and more systematic training programmes which would raise awareness of and increase the use of the EU Guidelines among the EU’s and Member States’ officials and diplomats and strengthen cooperation with the Special Envoy; asks for ~~churches and religious communities and association~~organisations based on religions or beliefs to be involved in this training process; calls on the Commission and the Council to earmark resources for establishing such training programmes;

Amendment 179 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Commends, in this respect, the efforts made to date by the EEAS and the Commission to provide training on religious literacy to EU officials and national diplomats; stresses, however, the need for broader and more systematic training programmes which would raise awareness of and increase the use of the EU Guidelines among the EU’s and Member States’ officials and diplomats and strengthen cooperation with the Special Envoy; asks for churches and religious communities and associations, as well as non-confessional organisations, human rights and civil society organisations to be involved in this training process; calls on the Commission and the Council to ~~earmark resources for establishing~~provide adequate resources to such training programmes;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)

Ab. whereas the European Parliament has defined secularism as strict separation between religious and political authority, which implies rejection of any religious interference in the functioning of public institutions and of any public interference in religious affairs, except to uphold the rules governing the preservation of public safety and order (including respect for the freedom of others) and guarantee to all, whether believers, agnostics or atheists, the same freedom of conscience;

Amendment 180 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Calls on the Co~~mmission and the EEAS~~uncil and Member States to produce EU Annual Reports on FoRB in the world, to be communicated to the European Parliament and the Council; notes that the EU Guidelines provide for an evaluation of their implementation by COHOM after a period of three years, and that no such evaluation has been communicated or made public; calls for the evaluation to be made public without delay; considers that the evaluation should highlight best practices, identify areas for improvement, and provide concrete recommendations on implementation in accordance with a specified timeline and milestones subject to regular annual evaluation; calls for the evaluation to be included in the EU Annual Reports on FoRB in the world;

Amendment 181 #

Dennis de JONG, Anne-Marie MINEUR, Marie-Christine VERGIAT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. ~~Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to produce EU Annual Reports on FoRB in the world, to be communicated to the European Parliament and the Council;~~ notes that the EU Guidelines provide for an evaluation of their implementation by COHOM after a period of three years, and that no such evaluation has been communicated or made public; calls for the evaluation to be made public without delay; considers that the evaluation should highlight best practices, identify areas for improvement, and provide concrete recommendations on implementation in accordance with a specified timeline and milestones subject to regular annual evaluation; calls for the evaluation to be included in the EU Annual Reports on FoRB in the world;

Amendment 182 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Calls on the ~~Commission and the EEAS to produce EU Annual Repo~~HR/VP to submit annual progress reports in respect of the implementation of the EU Guidelines, as parts o~~n FoRB in the world, to be communica~~f the general human rights report , to be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council; notes that the EU Guidelines provide for an evaluation of their implementation by COHOM after a period of three years, and that no such evaluation has been communicated or made public; calls for the evaluation to be made public without delay; considers that the evaluation should highlight best practices, identify areas for improvement, and provide concrete recommendations on implementation in accordance with a specified timeline and milestones subject to regular annual evaluation; calls for the evaluation to be ~~includ~~submitted into the E~~U Annual Reports on FoRB in the world~~uropean Parliament and the Council;

Amendment 183 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to ~~produc~~ensure a FoRB-dedicated chapter in the EU Annual Reports on ~~FoRB~~Human Rights and Democracy in the world, to be communicated to the European Parliament and the Council; notes that the EU Guidelines on FoRB provide for an evaluation of their implementation by COHOM after a period of three years, and that no such evaluation has been communicated or made public; calls for the evaluation to be made public without delay; considers that the evaluation should highlight best practices, identify areas for improvement, and provide concrete recommendations on implementation in accordance with a specified timeline and milestones subject to regular annual evaluation; calls for the evaluation to be included in the EU Annual Report~~s on FoRB~~ on Human Rights and Democracy in the wWorld;

Amendment 184 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, Patricia LALONDE, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to ~~produce EU Annual Reports on FoRB~~continue including a chapter on freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief within the EU Annual Reports on human rights and democracy in the world, to be communicated to the European Parliament and the Council; notes that the EU Guidelines on FoRB provide for an evaluation of their implementation by COHOM after a period of three years, and that no such evaluation has been communicated or made public; calls for the evaluation to be made public without delay; considers that the evaluation should highlight best practices, identify areas for improvement, and provide concrete recommendations on implementation in accordance with a specified timeline and milestones subject to regular annual evaluation; calls for the evaluation to be included in the EU Annual Reports on ~~FoRB~~Human rights and democracy in the world;

Amendment 185 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Underlines the responsibilities fulfilled by human rights focal points within all EU Delegations and CSDP Missions; calls for the designating of FoRB-specific focal points in every EU Delegation and CSDP Mission; calls for more resources to be allocated to EU Delegations and CSDP Missions so as to allow them to carry out their work of promoting FoRB;deleted

Amendment 186 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE, Renate WEBER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

Amendment 187 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

Amendment 188 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Underlines the responsibilities fulfilled by human rights focal points ~~within all EU Delegations and CSDP Missions; calls for the designating of FoRB-specific focal points in every~~, including in relation to FoRB, within all EU Delegations and CSDP Missions; calls for more resources to be allocated to EU Delegations and CSDP Missions so as to allow them to carry out their work ~~of promoting FoRB~~;

Amendment 189 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Underlines the responsibilities fulfilled by human rights focal points within all EU Delegations and CSDP Missions; calls for the designating of ~~FoRB-~~specific focal points for freedom of thought, conscience and religion in every EU Delegation and CSDP Mission; calls for more resources to be allocated to EU Delegations and CSDP Missions so as to allow them to carry out their work of promoting ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including non-belief;

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)

Ac. whereas, under Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union, the Union's actions on the international scene shall be guided by the principles that have led to its creation; whereas, under Article 2 of the Treaty, the Union is founded on societies in which pluralism and tolerance prevail;

Amendment 190 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

Amendment 191 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Recalls the importance of human rights country and democracy strategies (HRDCSs), which tailor EU action to each country’s specific situation and needs; calls for adequate attention to be paid to FoRB-related issues, with lines for EU action being drawn up so that they can be tackled under the HRDCSs wherever respect for FoRB is endangered; reiterates its call for Members of the European Parliament to be given access to the content of HRDCSs;deleted

Amendment 192 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Recalls the importance of human rights country and democracy strategies (HRDCSs), which tailor EU action to each country’s specific situation and needs; calls for adequate attention to be paid to ~~FoRB-~~issues related ~~issues~~to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, with lines for EU action being drawn up so that they can be tackled under the HRDCSs wherever respect for ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion is endangered; reiterates its call for Members of the European Parliament to be given access to the content of HRDCSs;

Amendment 193 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Recalls the importance of human rights country and democracy strategies (HRDCSs), which tailor EU action to each country’s specific situation and needs; calls for adequate attention to be paid to FoRB- related issues, with lines for EU action being drawn up so that they can be tackled under the HRDCSs wherever respect for FoRB is endangered; ~~reiterates its call for Members of the European Parliament to be given access to the content of HRDCSs;~~

Amendment 194 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Stresses that the efficient implementation of the EU Guidelines requires that the Parliament, the Council, the Commission, the EEAS, the EU Delegations and CSDP Missions, work together, while involving representatives of Churches, and religious associations, philosophical and non-confessional organisations, experts, scholars and representatives of civil society, in a transparent, open and regular manner;

Amendment 195 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)

22b. Calls for enhanced cooperation and joint and mutual effort between the EU Delegations and the Member States’ embassies to ensure a consistent and united voice in the promotion of FoRB outside the EU and to support communities and individuals facing violations of FoRB; in this regard, welcomes that a number of Member States have recently created new posts of responsibility for FoRB, akin to the Special Envoy role, and encourages the creation of similar position in other Member States; underscores the need for a consistent approach that deals with the rights of all religious communities as well as non-believers; encourages cooperation between the national officials in charge of FoRB outside their country and the Special Envoy, as well as the COHOM and the Parliament;

Amendment 196 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4

EU actions on ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion in multilateral fora

Amendment 197 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Welcomes the EU commitment of the Member States to promoting FoRB in multilateral fora, in particular within the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE and with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); supports, in this respect, EU cooperation with the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; recommends that the Member States continu~~ing~~e the EU practice of taking the lead on resolutions at the UNGA and UNHRC on FoRB and seeking to build alliances and defend common positions with third countries and international organisations; ~~calls on the EEAS and the OIC to consider preparing a joint resolution on FoRB within the UN framework;~~

Amendment 198 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, Patricia LALONDE, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Welcomes the EU commitment to promoting ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief in multilateral fora, in particular within the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE and with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); supports, in this respect, EU cooperation with the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; recommends continuing the EU practice of taking the lead on resolutions at the UNGA and UNHRC on ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion and seeking to build alliances and defend common positions with third countries and international organisations; calls on the E~~EAS~~U and the OIC to consider preparing a joint resolution on ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief within the UN framework;

Amendment 199 #

Dennis de JONG, Anne-Marie MINEUR, Marie-Christine VERGIAT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Welcomes the EU commitment to promoting ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion in multilateral fora, in particular within the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE and with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); supports, in this respect, EU cooperation with the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of ~~religion or belief~~thought, conscience and religion, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; recommends continuing the EU practice of taking the lead on resolutions at the UNGA and UNHRC on FoRB and seeking to build alliances and defend common positions with third countries and international organisations; calls on the EEAS and the OIC to consider preparing a joint resolution on ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion within the UN framework;

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1

– having regard to the international legal protection of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief guaranteed by Article 18 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 18 of the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination based on Religion or Belief, Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Articles 10, 21 and 22 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas FoRB implies the unlimited right of B. the individual to ~~choos~~have what toever belie~~ve, the right to change one’s religion and convictions without any constraints, and the right to practise and manifest the religion of one’s choice, whe~~f, including theistic, non- theistic and atheistic beliefs, and the right to change one’s religion or belief; whereas FoRB also includes the freedom, either individually or in community ~~and whether~~with others and in private or in public~~; whereas the~~, to manifest~~ation of~~ one’s religion or belief ~~can be expressed~~ in worship, ~~teaching~~observance, practice and observance; whereas FoRB entails the right of believers’ communities to preserve their ethos and to act in accordance with it, and the entitlement for their religious organisations to have recognised legal personality; whereas protecting individuals adhering to any religion or none and effectively addressing violations of FoRB, such as discrteaching; whereas no one shall be subject to coercion which would impair one’s freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of one’s choice; whereas freedom to manifest one’s religion or belief may be subject only to such limintation ~~or legal restrictions based on religion or belief, are primordial conditions to ensure that individuals may enjoy FoRB on an equal basi~~s as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others;

Amendment 200 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Welcomes the EU commitment to promoting FoRB in multilateral fora, in particular within the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE and with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); supports, in this respect, EU cooperation with the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; recommends ~~continuing the EU practice of taking~~that the EU take the lead on resolutions at the UNGA and UNHRC on FoRB and seeking to build alliances and defend common positions with third countries and international organisations; calls on the EEAS and the OIC to consider preparing a joint resolution on FoRB within the UN framework;

Amendment 201 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Welcomes the EU commitment to promoting FoRB in multilateral fora, in particular within the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE and with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); supports, in this respect, EU cooperation with the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; recommends continuing the EU practice of taking the lead on resolutions at the UNGA and UNHRC on FoRB and seeking to build alliances and defend common positions with third countries and international organisations; ~~calls on the EEAS and the OIC to consider preparing a joint resolution on FoRB within the UN framework;~~

Amendment 202 #

Dennis de JONG, Anne-Marie MINEUR, Marie-Christine VERGIAT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

~~23.~~ Welcomes the EU commitment to ~~23.~~ promoting FoRB in multilateral fora, in particular within the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE and with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); supports, in this respect, EU cooperation with the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; recommends continuing the EU practice of taking the lead on resolutions at the UNGA and UNHRC on FoRB and seeking to build alliances and defend common positions with third countries and international organisations; calls on the E~~EAS~~U and the OIC to consider preparing a joint resolution on FoRB within the UN framework;

Amendment 203 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23a. Recommends the EU Special Representative for Human Rights and the Special Envoy to pursue their efforts to bring forward the Istanbul Process on promoting tolerance and inclusion, ending violence and discrimination based on religion or belief, following the UN Rabat Plan of Action and to offer hosting the next round of this process; welcomes the ‘Faith for Rights’ initiative of March 2017 of the OHCHR, that led to the adoption by religious leaders and civil society actors of the Beirut Declaration and its eighteen commitments; recommends the EU institutions to support and mobilise all the actors of the ‘Faith for Rights’ initiative to promote the universal and uniform goals of the Declaration, across the world;

Amendment 204 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23a. Calls on the EU and Member States to undertake all necessary steps to establish an official annual UN-led international day commemorating the victims and survivors of religious persecution;

Amendment 205 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Expresses its satisfaction that FoRB is identified as a priority of the European Instrument of Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR); welcomes the significant increase of EIDHR funding allocated to FoRB-related projects since the adoption of the EU Guidelines; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to ensure that EU diplomatic work for the promotion of FoRB and EIDHR-funded projects is mutually reinforcing; stresses that FoRB can also be supported by other instruments than human rights- oriented funds, among others those dedicated to the conflict prevention dimension or to education and culture; calls on the Commission and the Council to maintain sufficient funding for FoRB-related projects under the EU external financial instruments, within the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021- 2027;deleted

Amendment 206 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Sophia IN 'T VELD, Patricia LALONDE, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Expresses its satisfaction that ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief is identified as a priority of the European Instrument of Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR); ~~welcom~~notes the significant increase of EIDHR funding allocated to FoRB-related projects since the adoption of the EU Guidelines; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to ensure that EU diplomatic work for the promotion of ~~FoRB~~human rights, including freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief and EIDHR-funded projects is mutually reinforcing; stresses that ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief can also be supported by other instruments than human rights- oriented funds, among others those dedicated to the conflict prevention dimension or to education and culture; calls on the Commission and the Council to maintain sufficient funding for ~~FoRB-~~human rights related projects, including equal treatment of all convictions, under the EU external financial instruments, within the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021-2027;

Amendment 207 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Expresses its satisfaction that ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion is identified as a priority of the European Instrument of Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR); welcomes the significant increase of EIDHR funding allocated to ~~FoRB-related projects~~projects related to freedom of thought, conscience and religion since the adoption of the EU Guidelines; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to ensure that EU diplomatic work for the promotion of FoRB and EIDHR-funded projects is mutually reinforcing; stresses that ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion can also be supported by other instruments than human rights- oriented funds, among others those dedicated to the conflict prevention dimension or to education and culture; calls on the Commission and the Council to maintain sufficient funding for ~~FoRB-related projects~~projects related to freedom of thought, conscience and religion under the EU external financial instruments, within the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021-2027;

Amendment 208 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Expresses its satisfaction that FoRB is identified as a priority of the European Instrument of Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR); ~~welcomes the significant~~notes the increase of EIDHR funding allocated to FoRB-related projects since the adoption of the EU Guidelines; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to ensure that EU diplomatic work for the promotion of human rights, including FoRB, and EIDHR-funded projects is mutually reinforcing; insists that funds allocated to FoRB-related projects be fairly distributed among confessional and non-confessional groups; stresses that FoRB can also be supported by other instruments than human rights- oriented funds, among others those dedicated to the conflict prevention dimension or to education and culture; calls on the Commission and the Council to maintain sufficient funding for ~~FoRB~~human rights-related projects under the EU external financial instruments, within the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021-2027;

Amendment 209 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)

24a. Calls for a ban on any funding for the religious activities of religious organisations by virtue of the necessary separation of religious and political authorities, the rejection of any religious interference in the functioning of public institutions and any public interference in religious affairs, except to uphold the rules regarding the safety of believers, atheists, or agnostics and preserve public order;

Amendment 21 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief implies the right of the individual to choose what to believe or to not believe, the right to change and quit one’s religion and convictions without any constraints, and the right to practise and manifest the religion of one’s choice, whether individually or in community and whether in private or in public; whereas the manifestation of religion or belief can be expressed in worship, teaching, practice and observance; whereas ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief entails the right of believers’ and non- believers' communities to preserve or quit their ethos and to act in accordance with it, and the entitlement for their religious and non-confessional organisations to have recognised legal personality; whereas protecting individuals adhering to any religion or none and effectively addressing violations of ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, such as discrimination or legal restrictions based on thought, conscience, religion or belief, are primordial conditions to ensure that individuals may enjoy ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief on an equal basis;

Amendment 210 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)

2b. Calls for an effort to ensure transparency in the allocation of funding and to monitor the use thereof by religions and their activities;

Amendment 211 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)

24c. Calls on the Commission to respect the principles of pluralism, neutrality and fairness in allocating funds;

Amendment 212 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 d (new)

24d. Call for the EIDHR also to be given the means to finance the protection or extraction of free thinkers and human rights activists who are threatened or persecuted in their country of origin;

Amendment 213 #

25. Stresses that the EU’s policies in the fields of peace, security and conflict prevention and development and cooperation face challenges, for which solutions can be devised with the participation of churches, religious leaders, academics, religious communities and associations or faith-based organisations that are a critical part of civil society; acknowledges the importance of being mindful of the diversity of churches, religious communities and associations and faith-based organisations which perform actual development and humanitarian work for and with communities; ~~calls on the Council and the Commission to incorporate~~stresses the inconsistency between, on the one hand, wthere relevant, objectives and activities relating to the promotion and protection of FoRB into the programming of funding instruments linked to those policies, namely the EDF, the DCI, the ENI, the IcSP and the IPA lip service paid by the Union and certain Member States to religious freedom and, on the other, foreign policy actions conducted in alliance with extremist Islamist groups perpetrating massacres of Christian populations in Syria and Iraq;

Amendment 214 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Stresses that the EU’s policies in the fields of peace, security and conflict prevention and development and cooperation face challenges, for which solutions can be devised with the participation of ~~churches, religious leaders, academics, religious communities and associations or faith-based organis~~religious and belief communities and their associations that are a critical part of civil society; acknowledges the importance of being mindful of the diversity of ~~churches, religious~~religious and belief communities and associations ~~and faith-based organisations~~ which perform actual development and humanitarian work for and with communities; calls on the Council and the Commission to incorporate, where relevant, objectives and activities relating to the promotion and protection of FoRB into the programming of funding instruments linked to those policies, namely the EDF, the DCI, the ENI, the IcSP and the IPA;

Amendment 215 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Patricia LALONDE, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Marietje SCHAAKE, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Stresses that the EU’s policies in the fields of peace, security and conflict prevention and development and cooperation face challenges, for which solutions can be devised among others with the participation of secular and non- confessional groups and activists, churches, religious leaders, academics, religious communities and associations or faith-based organisations ~~that are a critical part of civil society~~; acknowledges the importance of being mindful of the diversity of non-confessional organizations, churches, religious communities and associations and faith- based organisations which perform actual development and humanitarian work for and with communities; calls on the Council and the Commission to incorporate, where relevant, objectives and activities relating to the promotion and protection of FoRB into the programming of funding instruments linked to those policies, namely the EDF, the DCI, the ENI, the IcSP and the IPA;

Amendment 216 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Stresses that the EU’s policies in the fields of peace, security and conflict prevention and development and cooperation face challenges, for which solutions can be devised with the participation among others of churches, religious leaders, academics, religious communities and associations or faith- based organisations ~~that are a critical part of civil society~~as well as non- confessional organisations; acknowledges the importance of being mindful of the diversity of churches, religious communities and associations and faith- based and secular organisations which perform actual development and humanitarian work for and with communities; calls on the Council and the Commission to incorporate, where relevant, objectives and activities relating to the promotion and protection of FoRB into the programming of funding instruments linked to those policies, namely the EDF, the DCI, the ENI, the IcSP and the IPA;

Amendment 217 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Stresses that the EU’s policies in the fields of peace, security and conflict prevention and development and cooperation face challenges, for which solutions can be devised with the participation of churches, religious leaders, academics, religious communities and associations or faith-based organisations, as well as non-confessional organisations, and human rights organisations that are a critical part of civil society; acknowledges the importance of being mindful of the di~~versity of churches, religious communities and associations and faith-based~~fferent religious identities of the organisations which perform actual development and humanitarian work for and with communities; calls on the Council and the Commission to incorporate, where relevant, objectives and activities relating to the promotion and protection of FoRB into the programming of funding instruments linked to those policies, namely the EDF, the DCI, the ENI, the IcSP and the IPA;

Amendment 218 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Stresses that the EU’s policies in the fields of peace, security and conflict prevention and development and cooperation face challenges, for which solutions can be devised with the participation of churches, religious leaders, academics, religious communities and associations or faith-based and non- confessional organisations that are a critical part of civil society; acknowledges the importance of being mindful of the diversity of churches, religious communities and associations and faith- based and non-confessional organisations which perform actual development and humanitarian work for and with communities; calls on the Council and the Commission to incorporate, where relevant, objectives and activities relating to the promotion and protection of FoRB into the programming of funding instruments linked to those policies, namely the EDF, the DCI, the ENI, the IcSP and the IPA;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas FoRB implies the right of the individual to choose what to believe and not to believe, the right to change or abandon one’s religion and convictions without any constraints, and the right to practise and manifest the religion or theistic, non-theistic or atheistic belief of one’s choice, whether individually or in community and whether in private or in public, the right to not to profess any religion or belief, and the right to express critical or satirical opinions on religions and religious authorities as a legitimate expression of freedom of thought or artistic creation; whereas the manifestation of religion or belief can be expressed in worship, teaching, practice and observance; whereas FoRB entails the right of believers’ and non-believers’ communities to preserve their ethos and to act in accordance with it, and the entitlement for their religious and non- confessional organisations to have recognised legal personality; whereas protecting individuals adhering to any religion or none and effectively addressing violations of FoRB, such as discrimination or legal restrictions based on religion or belief, are primordial conditions to ensure that individuals may enjoy FoRB on an equal basis;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas FoRB implies the right of the individual to choose what to believe or not to believe, the right to change or renounce one’s religion and convictions without any constraints, and the right to practise and manifest the religion of one’s choice or refuse to do so, whether individually or in community and whether in private or in public; whereas the manifestation of religion or belief can be expressed in worship, teaching, practice and observance as well as by apostasy and criticism of dogma; whereas FoRB entails the right of believers’ or lay communities to preserve their ethos and to act in accordance with it, and the entitlement for their religious or secular organisations to have recognised legal personality; whereas protecting individuals adhering to any religion or none and effectively addressing violations of FoRB, such as discrimination or legal restrictions based on religion or belief, are primordial conditions to ensure that individuals may enjoy FoRB on an equal basis; whether or not they are believers;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas FoRB implies the right of the individual to choose what to believe or the right not to believe, the right to change one’s religion and convictions without any constraints, and the right to practise and manifest the religion of one’s choice, whether individually or in community and whether in private or in public; whereas the manifestation of religion or belief can be expressed in worship, teaching, practice and observance; whereas FoRB entails the right of believers’ communities to preserve their ethos and to act in accordance with it, with due regard for the constitutional arrangements of each democratic order, and the entitlement for their religious organisations to have recognised legal personality; whereas protecting individuals adhering to any religion or none and effectively addressing violations of FoRB, such as discrimination or legal restrictions based on religion or belief, are primordial conditions to ensure that individuals may enjoy FoRB on an equal basis;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas FoRB implies the right of the individual to choose ~~what to believe~~their beliefs or lack of them, the right to leave or change one’s religion and convictions without any constraints, and the right to practise and manifest the religion of one’s choice, whether individually or in community and whether in private or in public; whereas the manifestation of religion or belief can be expressed in worship, teaching, practice and observance; whereas FoRB entails the right of believers’ communities to preserve their ethos and to act in accordance with it, and the entitlement for their religious organisations to have recognised legal personality; whereas protecting individuals adhering to any religion or none and effectively addressing violations of FoRB, such as discrimination or legal restrictions based on religion or belief, are primordial conditions to ensure that individuals may enjoy FoRB on an equal basis;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital Β

B. whereas FoRB implies the right of the individual to choose what to believe, the right to change one’s religion and convictions without any constraints, and the right to practise and manifest the religion of one’s choice, whether individually or in community and whether in private or in public; whereas the manifestation of religion or belief can be expressed in worship, teaching, practice and observance, provided that the expression of religious beliefs does not involve the commission of criminal offences and is not used for proselytism; whereas FoRB entails the right of believers’ communities to preserve their ethos and to act in accordance with it, and the entitlement for their religious organisations to have recognised legal personality; whereas protecting individuals adhering to any religion or none and effectively addressing violations of FoRB, such as discrimination or legal restrictions based on religion or belief, are primordial conditions to ensure that individuals may enjoy FoRB on an equal basis;

Amendment 27 #

Dennis de JONG, Anne-Marie MINEUR, Marie-Christine VERGIAT

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)

Ba. whereas theistic, non-theistic and atheistic beliefs, as well as the right not to profess any religion or belief are also protected under Article 18 ICCPR, whereas holding or not holding a religion or belief is an absolute right and may not be limited under any circumstances;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas ~~FoRB is~~all human rights and fundamental freedoms are indivisible, is interdependent on and interrelated ~~to fundamental freedoms~~ , and freedom to manifest one’s religion or belief includes and is dependent on elements of mandy other human rights, and ~~is a cornerstone~~fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly and association and should be considered a basic human right ~~that~~ protect~~s the core of human dignity~~ing one’s fundamental outlook on life;

Amendment 29 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas FoRB is indivisible, is interdependent on and interrelated to f~~undamental freedoms~~reedom of expression and other human rights, and ~~is a cornerstone human right that protects the core of human dignity~~together they play an important role in the fight against all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2

– having regard to the United Nations Human Rights Council Comment No 22 of 30 July 1993 on Article 18 of the 1948 UDHR and to its Resolution 16/18 of 12 April 2011 on combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatisation of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against, persons based on religion or belief, NB: HORIZONTAL AMENDMENT droits de l'Homme ( H upper case - does not apply to English version)

Amendment 30 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief is indivisible, is interdependent on and interrelated to fundamental freedoms and other human rights, and is a cornerstone human right ~~that protects the core of human dignity~~;

Amendment 31 #

Louis MICHEL

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas freedom of religion must cease at the point where its practice would violate the rights and freedoms of others, and whereas the practice of a religion or pursuit of a conviction can never, under any pretext, justify violent extremism or mutilation, nor can it give anybody free rein to act in ways detrimental to the inherent dignity of the individual;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. ~~whereas FoRB directly contributes to democracy, development, the rule of law, peace and stability;~~ whereas violations of FoRB are ~~increasingly~~ widespread, affect people in all parts of the world and may exacerbate intolerance, often constituting early indicators of potential violence and conflicts;

Amendment 33 #

Dennis de JONG, Anne-Marie MINEUR, Marie-Christine VERGIAT

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas the unfettered exercise of FoRB directly contributes to democracy, development, the rule of law, peace and stability; whereas violations of FoRB are increasingly widespread, affect people in all parts of the world and may exacerbate intolerance, often constituting early indicators of potential violence and conflicts;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas ~~FoRB directl~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief may contributes to democracy, development, the rule of law, peace and stability; whereas violations of ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief are increasingly widespread, affect people in all parts of the world and may exacerbate intolerance, often constituting early indicators of potential violence and conflicts;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas respect for FoRB directly contributes to democracy, development, the rule of law, peace and stability; whereas violations of FoRB are increasingly widespread, affect people in all parts of the world and may exacerbate intolerance, often constituting early indicators of potential violence and conflicts;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion directly contributes to democracy, development, the rule of law, peace and stability; whereas violations of ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion are increasingly widespread, affect people in all parts of the world and may exacerbate intolerance, often constituting early indicators of potential violence and conflicts; NB: HORIZONTAL AMENDMENT Etat de droit (E upper case - does not affect English version)

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas FoRB directly contributes to democracy, development, the rule of law, peace and stability; whereas violations of FoRB are increasingly widespread, affect people in all parts of the world and ~~may exacerbate~~are among the most odious human rights abuses, as they encroach upon the most intimate areas of human life, inevitably give rise to intolerance, and often constitut~~ing~~e early indicators of potential violence and conflicts;

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas states have a primary role in ensuring FoRB, and must ensure that their legal system provide adequate and effective guarantees of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief to all, and that these provisions are properly enforced; whereas states must exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate and punish acts of violence, or the threat thereof, against persons based on their religion or belief, as well as ensure accountability in case such violations occur;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas 22 countries still criminalise apostasy, including 12 where it is punishable by death; whereas blasphemy is criminalized in 43 countries and is punishable by death in 6 countries; whereas at least 14 EU Member States maintain criminal blasphemy or religious insult laws; whereas the UN-sponsored Rabat Plan of Action on the prohibition of advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence of 2013, recommends that "States that have blasphemy laws should repeal them, as such laws have a stifling impact on the enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief, and healthy dialogue and debate about religion;"

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 3

– having regard to ~~Article 21 of~~ the Treaty on European Union, in particular Articles 2 and 21 thereof,

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)

Db. whereas the non-religious, and secular and humanist organizations are facing growing persecution, including unprecedented waves of incitement and hatred and killings, in a number of countries; whereas countless individuals and civil society organisations are under assault for peacefully questioning, criticizing or satirizing religious beliefs; whereas this ongoing violation of their freedom of thought and of expression occurs across geographic and cultural borders, including within EU Member States;

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)

Ea. whereas religious restrictions and hostilities, imposed by governments or societies, still persist in many countries; whereas certain religious minorities have faced heightened threat and persecution from state and non-state actors; whereas human rights defenders around the world fighting for FoRB are coming under increasing threat and attacks;

Amendment 42 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas, in pursuit of the objective of advancing ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion through the EU’s foreign policy, the Council adopted in June 2013 the EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of fre~~ligion or belief,~~edom of thought, conscience and religion and in May 2016 the Commission appointed the first Special Envoy for the promotion of ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion outside the EU, for a one-year mandate which has since been twice renewed on a yearly basis;

Amendment 43 #

Dennis de JONG, Anne-Marie MINEUR, Marie-Christine VERGIAT

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas the EU ~~has~~must promoted FoRB, at international level and through multilateral fora, in particular by taking the lead on thematic resolutions on FoRB at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and supporting the mandate of and engaging with the UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB, but also through cooperation with those third countries that have similar FoRB guidelines and special envoys, such as the United States;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas the EU has promoted FoRB, at international level and through multilateral fora, in particular by taking the lead on thematic resolutions on FoRB at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and supporting the mandate of and engaging with the UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB, but also through cooperation with ~~those third countries that have similar FoRB guidelines and special envoys, such as the United Stat~~like-minded third countries;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital H

H. whereas the promotion of ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion , including through civil society support for the protection of the rights of believers and non-believers, individuals belonging to religious and belief minorities in particular, support for human rights defenders (HRDs) and the fight against discrimination on grounds ofsuch as religion and belief , as well as the promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, is a funding priority under the 2014-2020 European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR); whereas the European Development Fund (EDF) and EU financial instruments such as the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI), the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) and the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) have also supported projects that are conducive to improving the environment for ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion ;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital H

H. whereas the promotion of ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, including through civil society support for the protection of the rights of individuals belonging to religious and belief minorities and non-believers, support for human rights defenders (HRDs) and the fight against discrimination on grounds of religion and belief , as well as the promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, is a funding priority under the 2014-2020 European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR); whereas the European Development Fund (EDF) and EU financial instruments such as the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI), the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) and the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) have also supported projects that are conducive to improving the environment for FoRB;

Amendment 47 #

Louis MICHEL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses that religion or belief ~~is an important undeniable pillar of human identity, greatly impacting individuals and societie~~, as well as the right not to be religious, is an element in the personal development of any individual, and that the individual must be allowed the individual freedom to organise his personal life in accordance with his or her own convictions, and is therefore ~~a reality that must not be neglected or denied in policies but requires proper recognition and addressing~~the public authorities must in an appropriate manner anticipate the reality that societies will develop in the direction of greater pluralism of philosophies of life;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses that religion or belief ~~is an important undeniable pillar of human identity, greatly impacting individuals and societies, and is therefore a reality that~~for anyone who professes either, is one of the fundamental elements in one conception of life and must not be neglected or denied in policies but requires proper recognition and addressing;

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses that ~~religion or belief is an important undeniable pillar of human identity~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief is a universal human right, greatly impacting all individuals and societies, and is therefore a ~~reality~~principle that must not be neglected or denied in policies but requires proper recognition and addressing;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 7

– having regard to the EU Guidelines of 24 June 2013 on the promotion and protection of freedom of ~~religion or belief~~thought, conscience and religion,

Amendment 50 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, Patricia LALONDE, Javier NART, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Ivo VAJGL, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses that religion or belief ~~is an import~~or non-belief continues to represent ant undeniable ~~pillar~~aspect of human identity, ~~greatly~~ impacting individuals and societies~~, and is therefore a reality that must not be neglected or denied in policies but requires proper recognition and addressing~~; observes that atheism and the non- religious population are growing rapidly worldwide and should not be neglected in the EU policy framework on freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses that freedom of thought, conscience, religion orand belief ~~is an important undeniable pillar of human identity, greatl~~or to not believe is a pillar of personal identity impacting individuals and societies, and is therefore a reality that must not be neglected or denied in policies ~~but requires proper recognition and addressing~~;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses that religion or belief is an important undeniable pillar of democracy and human ~~ident~~dignity, greatly impacting individuals and societies, and is therefore a reality that must not be neglected or denied in policies but requires proper recognition and addressing;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses that religion or belief is an important undeniable pillar of human identity, greatly impacting individuals and societies, and is therefore a reality that must not be neglected or denied in policies but requires proper recognition and addressing, in line with the humanitarian values of the European Union such as those enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights;

Amendment 54 #

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses that religion or belief is an important undeniable pillar of human identity, greatly impacting individuals and societies, and is therefore a reality that must not be neglected or denied in policies but requires proper recognition and addressing; affirms that freedom of religion and conscience includes the fundamental role of parents in the education of their children, a role that must be protected from state interference;

Amendment 56 #

Andi CRISTEA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Calls for the promotion of religious tolerance, respect for diversity and mutual understanding in order to create an environment conducive for exercising individuals' right to freedom of religion or belief;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Considers that secularism, defined as strict separation between religious and political authority, implies rejection of any religious interference in the functioning of public institutions and of any public interference in religious affairs, except to uphold the rules governing the preservation of public safety and order, ensure respect for the freedom of others and guarantee to all, whether believers, agnostics or atheists, the same freedom of conscience;

Amendment 58 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Affirms that the right to freedom of thought, conscience ~~and~~, religion~~, commonly referred as freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), as a fundamental~~ and belief or to not believe, and the rights to apostasy and to espouse atheistic views are an important human right and a ~~founding~~ value of the EU, and has to be duly protected, promoted and safeguarded by all actors~~; underscores the duty of states to guarantee FoRB~~ as well as enhanced through interreligious and intercultural dialogue; underscores the duty of states to guarantee freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief in order to preserve peaceful, democratic and pluralistic societies that are respectful of diversity and beliefs;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Affirms that the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, commonly referred as freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), as a fundamental human right and a founding value of the EU, has to be duly protected, promoted and safeguarded ~~by all actor~~everywhere, including in EU member states; underscores the duty of states to guarantee FoRB and treat all individuals equally, without discrimination on the basis of their religion or belief; including persons holding non-theistic or atheistic beliefs, religious minorities and indigenous people; in order to preserve peaceful, democratic and pluralistic societies that are respectful of diversity and beliefs;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8

– having regard to the European Parliament recommendation of 13 June 2013 on the draft EU Gguidelines on the Ppromotion and Pprotection of Ffreedom of ~~Religion or Belief~~thought, conscience and religion1, _________________ 1 OJ C 65, 19.2.2016, p. 174.

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Affirms that the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, ~~commonly referred as freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), as a fundamental human right and a founding value of the EU, has to~~is a fundamental human right that must be duly protected, promoted and safeguarded by all actors; underscores the duty of states to guarantee ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion in order to preserve peaceful, democratic and pluralistic societies that are respectful of diversity and beliefs;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Affirms that the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, commonly referred as freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), as a fundamental human right and a founding value of the EU, has to be duly protected, promoted and safeguarded by all actors; underscores the duty of states to guarantee FoRB in order to preserve peaceful, democratic and pluralistic societies that are respectful of diversity and beliefs, but not to allow the imposition of a religion on their nationals by emotional pressure but also by force;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Affirms that the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, commonly referred as freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), as a fundamental human right and a founding value of the EU, has to be duly protected, promoted and safeguarded by all actors; underscores the duty of states to guarantee FoRB in order to preserve peaceful, democratic and pluralistic societies that are respectful of diversity and beliefs; points out that conscientious objection is, legally speaking, encompassed by freedom of conscience;

Amendment 64 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Expresses its deep concern at the fact that recent years have seen a dramatic rise in violations of ~~FoRB worldwide, including persecution base~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, and persecution of believers and non r-beli~~gion or belief~~evers worldwide; stresses that these violations are frequently at the root of or increasingly exacerbate wars or other forms of armed conflict, resulting in violations of humanitarian law, including mass murders or genocide; stresses that violations of ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief undermine democracy, impede development, and negatively affect the enjoyment of other fundamental freedoms and rights; emphasises that this obligates the international community, the EU and its Member States to reaffirm their determination and strengthen their actions in promoting ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief and the rights to apostasy and to espouse atheistic views;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Expresses its deep concern at the fact that recent years have seen ~~a dramatic rise in~~widespread violations of FoRB worldwide, including persecution based on thought, conscience, religion or belief; stresses that these violations are frequently at the root of or increasingly exacerbate wars or other forms of armed conflict, resulting in violations of humanitarian law, including mass murders or genocide; ~~stresses that violations of FoRB undermine democracy, impede develop~~deplores in particular the ongoing rollback and regression on sexual and reproductive rights of woment, and negatively affect the enjoyment of other fundamental freedoms and rights; emphasises that this obligates the international community, the EU and its Member States to reaffirm their determination and strengthen girl and rights of LGBTI persons, notably under the guise of religious principles or doctrine; stresses that violations of individual rights, including FoRB, negatively affect the enjoyment of otheir ~~actions in promoting FoRB~~fundamental freedoms and rights;

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Expresses its deep concern at the fact that recent years have seen a dramatic rise in violations of ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion worldwide, including persecution based on religion or belief; condemns the exploitation of religious issues for political ends in numerous countries in recent years; stresses that these violations are frequently at the root of or increasingly exacerbate wars or other forms of armed conflict, resulting in violations of humanitarian law, including mass murders or genocide; stresses that violations of ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion undermine democracy, impede development, and negatively affect the enjoyment of other fundamental freedoms and rights; emphasises that this obligates the international community, the EU and its Member States to reaffirm their determination and strengthen their actions in promoting FoRB;

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Expresses its deep concern at the fact that recent years have seen a dramatic rise in violations of FoRB worldwide, including persecution based on religion or belief, with alarming data of over 215 million persecuted Christians being the most numerous persecuted denomination around the world, persecuted Muslims of different denominations including Rohingya people, Yazidis and persecuted Buddhist, Falun Dafa and Bahá'ís; stresses that these violations are frequently at the root of or increasingly exacerbate wars or other forms of armed conflict, resulting in violations of humanitarian law, including mass murders or genocide; stresses that violations of FoRB undermine democracy, impede development, and negatively affect the enjoyment of other fundamental freedoms and rights; emphasises that this obligates the international community, the EU and its Member States to reaffirm their determination and strengthen their actions in promoting FoRB for all;

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Expresses its deep concern at the fact that recent years have seen a dramatic rise in violations of FoRB worldwide, including persecution based on religion or belief; stresses that these violations are frequently at the root of or increasingly exacerbate wars or other forms of armed conflict, resulting in violations of humanitarian law, including mass murders or genocide; stresses that violations of FoRB undermine democracy, impede development, and negatively affect the enjoyment of other fundamental freedoms and rights; emphasises that this obligates the international community, the EU and its Member States to reaffirm their determination and strengthen their actions in promoting FoRB; at the same time, is deeply concerned about the attempts made by the followers of some religions to impose the rites and customs of their own religion in the areas in which they reside;

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Reaffirms that freedom of thought, conscience and religion includes the freedom to believe or not to believe, to practice or not the religion of one's choice, to give up or change religion; considers, therefore, that the right to apostasy and the right to espouse atheistic views, must be enhanced unconditionally through interreligious and intercultural dialogue; deplores that certain state actors are taking measures such as the adoption and implementation of blasphemy laws in order to limit freedom of thought, conscience and religion and freedom of expression; requests that further action be taken to protect religious and cultural minorities, non-believers and atheists and calls for support to be given to the victims of blasphemy laws; and calls on the EU and its Member States to step up their engagement in political discussions in a bid to repeal such laws;

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)

– having regard to the European Parliament recommendation of 13 June 2013 on the draft EU guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief,

Amendment 70 #

Dennis de JONG, Anne-Marie MINEUR, Marie-Christine VERGIAT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Denounces the recourse to blasphemy, apostasy or other accusations based on religious grounds , in order to crack-down on human rights defenders in relation to their legitimate activities, including on the Internet and social media, and more broadly to restrict civil society space; in this context, denounces the continued detention of Sakharov Prize laureate Raif Badawi after an unlawful trial and presses the Saudi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release him;

Amendment 71 #

4. Stresses that, in accordance with Article 21 TEU, the EU and its Member States have pledged to enhance respect for human rights, as a principle guiding EU foreign policy; strongly welcomes the fact that the 2013 EU Guidelines mainstream th~~is fundamental freedom~~e promotion and protection of FoRB into EU foreign policy and external actions, and in this regard calls for ~~its~~ further strengthening activities aimed at awareness raising and implementation of the Guidelines;

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Stresses that, in accordance with Article 21 TEU, the EU and its Member States have pledged to enhance respect for human rights, as a principle guiding EU foreign policy; strongly welcomes the fact that the 2013 EU Guidelines mainstream this fundamental freedom into EU foreign policy and external actions~~, and in this regard calls for its further strengthening~~;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that, in accordance with Article 17 TEU, the EU is committed to maintaining open, transparent and regular dialogues with ~~churches and~~ religious, philosophical and non-confessional organisations; highlights the supporting effect of these dialogues for respect for other human rights, equal rights for women, children’s rights, as well as for democracy, development, the rule of law, good governance, peace and stability, and environmental and labour standards; stresses that such interreligious and intercultural dialogues are often met by greater openness by some EU international partners and create a starting-point for progress in other areas;

Amendment 74 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Urmas PAET, Louis MICHEL, Ivo VAJGL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that, in accordance with Article 17 TFEU, the EU is committed to maintaining open, transparent and regular dialogues with churches and religious, philosophical and non-confessional organisations; highlights the supporting effect of these dialogues for respect for other human rights, equal rights for women, children’s rights, as well as for democracy, development, the rule of law, good governance, peace and stability, and environmental and labour standards; stresses that such interreligious and intercultural dialogues are often met by greater openness by some EU international partners and create a starting-point for progress in other areas;

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that, in accordance with Article 17 TEU, the EU is committed to maintaining open, transparent and regular dialogues with churches and religious, philosophical and non-confessional organisations; highlights the supporting effect of these dialogues for respect for other human rights, equal rights for women, children’s rights, as well as for democracy, development, the rule of law, good governance, peace and stability, and environmental and labour standards; stresses that such interreligious and intercultural dialogues are often met by greater openness by some EU international partners and can create a starting-point for progress in other areas;

Amendment 76 #

Dennis de JONG, Anne-Marie MINEUR, Marie-Christine VERGIAT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses that, in accordance with Article 17 TEU, the EU is committed to maintaining open, transparent and regular dialogues with churches and religious, philosophical and non-confessional organisations; highlights the supporting effect of these dialogues for respect for other human rights, equal rights for women, children’s rights, as well as for democracy, development, the rule of law, good governance, peace and stability, and environmental and labour standards; ~~stresses that such interreligious and intercultural dialogues are often met by greater openness by some EU international partners and create a starting-point for progress in other areas;~~

Amendment 77 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Sophia IN 'T VELD, Louis MICHEL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Condemns the persecution of and attacks under religious basis against ethnic, religious groups, non-believers, atheists, women or other minorities such as LGBTI and calls for immediate accountability of such violations; condemns forced conversions and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, forced marriages and certain other practices associated with or perceived as manifestations of a religion or belief; opposes such practices that often affect women and girls, members of religious minorities and persons on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity and stresses that they may constitute violations of international human rights standards;

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5b. Stresses the importance of reaching out to non-believers in countries where they cannot organise and cannot benefit from the freedom of assembly;

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13

– having regard to the mandate of the Special Envoy on the promotion of freedom of ~~religion or belief~~thought, conscience and religion outside the EU,

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Stresses the need to include a human rights clause in all agreements on trade or cooperation with non-EU countries stipulating the importance of human rights and the necessity to enforce them and to ensure that respect for human rights and democratic development is mainstreamed across development cooperation;

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1

EU strategy to promote and protect ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion through international relations and cooperation

Amendment 82 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Welcomes the enhancement of the promotion of ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief in EU foreign policy and external actions over recent years, in particular through the EU Global Strategy for foreign policy and security and the 2015-2019 EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy; welcomes the fact that this enhancement is being met with an increased commitment on the part of many partner countries to comply with the respective Articles 18 of the UDHR and ICCPR;

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Welcomes the enhancement of the promotion of FoRB in EU foreign policy and external actions over recent years, in particular through the EU Global Strategy for foreign policy and security and the 2015-2019 EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy; ~~welcomes the fact that this enhancement is being met with an increased commitment on the part of many partner countries to comply with the respective Articles 18 of the UDHR and ICCPR~~refers in this respect to the activities of the EU Special Representative for Human Rights who consistently raised FoRB, inter alia, during High Level Human Rights Dialogues with third countries;

Amendment 84 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Renate WEBER, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Commend~~Notes the creation of the post of Special Envoy for the promotion of ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion outside the EU in 2016 by the President of the Commission, in response to the resolution of Parliament of 4 February 2016; considers the appointment of the Special Envoy as an important step forward and a clear recognition of FoRB as one of the core parts of the human rights agenda of EU foreign policy and external actions, both bilateral and multilateral, and within development cooperation; praises the Special Envoy for his continuous engagement and cooperation and complementarity of actions with the EU Special Representative for Human Rights on this issue, including the promotion of the EU Guidelines; commends the Commissioner on International Cooperation and Development, together with the Commission’s DG DEVCO, for actively supporting the Special Envoy;

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Commend~~Notes the creation of the post of Special Envoy for the promotion of FoRB outside the EU in 2016 by the President of the Commission, in response to the resolution of Parliament of 4 February 2016; considers the appointment of the Special Envoy as an important step forward and a clear recognition of ~~FoRB as one of the core parts of~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief within the human rights agenda of EU foreign policy and external actions, both bilateral and multilateral, and within development cooperation; ~~praises~~affirms that the Special Envoy for his continuous engagement and cooperation and complementarity of actions with the EU Special Representative for Human Rights on this issue, including the promotion of the EU Guidelines; commends the Commissioner on International Cooperation and Development, together with the Commission’s DG DEVCO, for actively supporting the Special Envoyshould clearly advocate for freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief that also includes the rights to not belief, apostasy and to espouse atheistic views; in this sense also stresses the need to pay a particular attention to the situation of non-believers at risks; supports the Special Envoy continuous engagement and cooperation of actions with the EU Special Representative for Human Rights on this issue, including the promotion of the EU Guidelines;

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Commends~~Takes note of the creation of the post of Special Envoy for the promotion of FoRB outside the EU in 2016 by the President of the Commission, in response to the resolution of Parliament of 4 February 2016; ~~considers~~yet regrets that the appointment of ~~the~~Mr Figel as Special Envoy was an ~~important step forward and~~nounced by European Commission President Juncker from Vatican City; considers the appointment of the Special Envoy as a clear recognition of FoRB ~~as one of the core parts of~~within the human rights agenda of EU foreign policy and external actions, both bilateral and multilateral, and within development cooperation; ~~prai~~stresses the ~~Special Envoy for his continuous engagement and cooperation and complementarity of actions~~importance of the Special Envoy's engagement and cooperation with the EU Special Representative for Human Rights on this issue, including the promotion of the EU Guidelines; ~~commends the Commissioner on International Cooperation and Development, together with the Commission’s DG DEVCO, for actively supporting the Special Envoy;~~

Amendment 87 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Commends the creation of the post of Special Envoy for the promotion of FoRB outside the EU in 2016 by the President of the Commission, in response to the resolution of Parliament of 4 February 2016; considers the appointment of the Special Envoy as an important step forward and a clear recognition of FoRB as ~~one of the core~~ parts of the human rights agenda of EU foreign policy and external actions, both bilateral and multilateral, and within development cooperation; ~~prais~~encourages the Special Envoy ~~for his~~to continuoue his engagement and cooperation and complementarity of actions with the EU Special Representative for Human Rights on this issue, including the promotion of the EU Guidelines; ~~commends the Commissioner on International Cooperation and Development, together with the Commission’s DG DEVCO, for actively supporting the Special Envoy;~~

Amendment 88 #

Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS, Beatriz BECERRA BASTERRECHEA, Renate WEBER, Jozo RADOŠ, Sophia IN 'T VELD, Patricia LALONDE, María Teresa GIMÉNEZ BARBAT, Ivo VAJGL, Louis MICHEL, Javier NART, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Stresses the importance of linking up efforts to promote FoRB ~~and inter- and intra-religious dialogues with~~with religious and belief literacy in general; recognises in this respect the positive role religious and belief communities and their organisations can play for the pr~~even~~omotion of ~~violent extremism on a complementary and mutually reinforcing basis, in particular within neighbouring and other countries with which the EU has special relations~~development, good governance, humanitarian aid and peace-keeping through reconciliation activities; is convinced of the usefulness of inter- and intra-religious and belief dialogues for the prevention of violent extremism;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Stresses the importance of linking up efforts to promote ~~FoRB and inter- and intra-religious~~freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief and inter- and intra-religious, inter-convictional and cultural dialogues with the prevention of violent extremism on a complementary and mutually reinforcing basis, in particular within neighbouring and other countries with which the EU has special relations; underlines that non-confessional, humanist and "laique" organisations are also key actors in preventing violent extremism;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)

– having regard to the granting of the European Parliament Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought and Expression to Saudi blogger and activist Raif Badawi in 2015 for his remarkable efforts to foster open discussion of religion and politics in his country; having regard to his continued detention following his sentencing to 10 years in jail, 1000 lashes and a large fine for supposedly "insulting Islam",

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Stresses the importance of linking up efforts to promote ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion and intercultural and inter- and intra-religious dialogues with the prevention of violent extremism on a complementary and mutually reinforcing basis, in particular within neighbouring and other countries with which the EU has special relations;

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Stresses the importance of linking up efforts to promote ~~FoRB~~freedom of thought, conscience and religion and interphilosophical and inter- and intra- religious dialogues with the prevention of violent extremism on a complementary and mutually reinforcing basis, in particular within neighbouring and other countries with which the EU has special relations;

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Stresses the importance of linking up efforts to promote FoRB and inter- and intra-religious as well as inter-convictional dialogues with the prevention of violent extremism on a complementary and mutually reinforcing basis, in particular within neighbouring and other countries with which the EU has special relations;

Amendment 93 #

Andi CRISTEA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Highlights the importance of interfaith dialogue and dialogue between cultures as a significant way to advance freedom of religion in the world;

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Stresses the need to further engage in an open, regular and transparent manner with a wide range of representatives to promote and protect FoRB, including religious leaders and actors, scholars, Churches and other faith-based organisations, non-believers’ groups, national human rights institutions, human rights defenders, women’s rights and youth organisations, civil society representatives and the media;

Amendment 95 #

Andi CRISTEA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)

8b. Calls for increased cooperation to prevent the persecution of religious minorities, create conditions for peaceful coexistence in diverse societies, and ensure ongoing dialogue between majority and minority churches and communities;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)

8b. Encourages the Commission to reflect on new ways to promote and protect FoRB, and address FoRB violations, in particular through human rights conditionality clauses in trade agreements and cooperation agreements;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)

8c. Emphasises the importance of enhancing the promotion and protection of FoRB into human rights dialogues; calls on the EEAS and the EU Delegations to identify with their local interlocutors a set of common objectives to advance FoRB through human rights dialogue;

Amendment 98 #