a
what was at stake
b
green position
c
what we achieved
d
what we did not achieve

EU Annual Reports on Human Rights in the World (2009, 2010, 2011)

Refugee resettlement, human rights strategy in the wake of the Arab Spring, and a coherent approach to human rights in relations with international partners are all aspects of the EU's human rights policy.

Each year, Parliament evaluates the Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World, published by the European External Action Service (EEAS), and draws up recommendations on how to improve the EUÂ’s human rights policy.

 

What was the Greens' position?

Human rights are core values of the EU, and ensuring that they are respected and protected, both within and outside the EU, is of the utmost importance to the Greens.

We already make a substantial contribution towards improving the quality and scope of this annual exercise, but also want Parliament to be systematically involved in human rights dialogues with partner countries, because we fear that the Commission might sideline human rights in some negotiations.

We are also calling for a human-rights based assessment before goods that can be used for either military or civilian purposes are exported.

 

Did other MEPs accept the Greens' position?

Over the years, the Greens have managed to ensure that these human rights reports contain an extensive chapter on ParliamentÂ’s expectations regarding human rights, their place within the EEAS and the review of the EU's human rights policy.

We have also shored up the sections of the report devoted to the International Criminal Court, the global fight against impunity, and the link between human rights and the fight against terrorism.

Furthermore, we have successfully secured the adoption of amendments on the EU's role in refugee resettlement and managed to bring about the establishment of a civil society consultation mechanism.

In the counter-terrorism domain, we have stressed the importance of guaranteeing accountability with relation to secret detention.

We helped to bolster the EU's commitments regarding LGBT rights, children's rights, womenÂ’s rights, sexual and reproductive rights, and support for human rights defenders.

 

Which points did the Greens lose?

Generally speaking, the Greens were satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations.

Reference(s)
Committee:DROI

Procedure:Own-initiative procedure

Reference(s):2010/2202(INI), 2011/2185(INI), 2012/2145(INI)

Lead MEP:Laima Liucija Andrikiene (EPP), Richard Howitt (S&D), Leonidas Donskis (ALDE)

Green MEP responsible:Nicole Kiil-Nielsen, Rui Tavares,

Voted:13/12/2012

Staff contact:Raphael Fisera (Email)