Dec 17, 2013

European Parliament Human Rights Report Recognises Importance Of Minorities


Picture@European Union 2013 - European Parliament

On 11 December 2013, the European Parliament adopted its Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2012 and the European Union’s policy on the matter. By emphasising that respect for the rights of minorities is a crucial factor for peace, development and democracy, the report reaffirms the importance of UNPO’s mission to protect and promote the fundamental human rights of minorities and unrepresented peoples all over the world.

UNPO is pleased to note that the European Parliament’s report not only “encourages the EU to support inclusive efforts towards intercultural and interfaith dialogue and cooperation at various levels, involving community leaders, women, youth and ethnic minority representatives”, but also recommends that the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights – a position created in 2012 – enhance the visibility and effectiveness of EU human rights policy, especially women’s rights and the rights of all minorities.

Moreover, the report refers both directly and indirectly to UNPO’s Members. On the one hand, it “condemns the non-voluntary resettlement and relocation of Tibetan nomads which is a threat to the survival of a way of life that is integral to Tibetan identity”. On the other, it recalls the European Parliament resolution of 22 October 2013 on the situation of human rights in the Sahel region, in which it condemned the practice of slavery, particularly in Mauritania, where a sizeable minority of the population, including UNPO’s Haratin Member, is affected by this inhumane practice. The report also expresses grave concern regarding the human rights situation in Iran, a topic on which UNPO elaborated from a minority perspective, during a hearing organised by the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights in September this year.

Overall, the report concludes that the European Parliament wishes to see human rights and democracy mainstreamed through the EU’s relations with its partners, as well as more transparency on the matter. UNPO hopes to see a swift implementation of these recommendations.