EU Parliament Condemns Human Rights Violations in Türkiye, China, and Iraq: Calls for Urgent Reforms and Accountability

Violations of Human Rights in Turkey, China, and Iraq

Spread the word:

On Thursday, the Parliament passed three resolutions addressing human rights concerns in Turkey, China, and Iraq.

In the situation involving Bülent Mumay in Turkey, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have voiced significant concerns about the ongoing decline in democratic norms in the country. They highlight the targeting of independent journalists, activists, and opposition figures. The MEPs have condemned the ruling against Bülent Mumay and urge officials to abandon the charges against him, as well as against all media personnel, political adversaries, human rights advocates, public servants, and scholars who are being held arbitrarily. They strongly criticize a complicated set of laws designed to suppress and control journalists, and they oppose the impending "foreign agent regulation" set to be implemented by the end of 2024. The Parliament is calling on Turkish authorities to re-establish judicial independence, uphold freedom of the press, and adhere to international human rights standards. This resolution was passed through a show of hands.

The complete version of this document will be accessible here on October 10, 2024. European Parliament members are calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Ilham Tohti, a recipient of the 2019 Sakharov Prize, and Gulshan Abbas, along with all individuals unjustly incarcerated in China. They express strong disapproval of the human rights abuses faced by the Uyghur population, as well as the inhabitants of Tibet, Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China. The resolution demands the closure of all internment camps and criticizes the oppressive practices, including strict surveillance, forced labor, sterilization, birth suppression methods, and the erasure of Uyghur cultural identity. These actions are deemed crimes against humanity and are considered a significant threat of genocide. Members of the European Parliament support the EU's regulation on forced labor and urge companies with operations in China to adhere to human rights due diligence requirements.

The European Parliament has urged the European Union and its member countries to implement further sanctions against top officials and organizations complicit in human rights abuses in China. This includes addressing the global suppression of Chinese dissidents and Uyghurs, and holding those responsible accountable. The resolution received strong support, passing with 540 votes in favor, 23 against, and 47 abstentions. The comprehensive text will be accessible on October 10, 2024.

In Iraq, there is significant concern about women's rights, particularly in light of a recent proposal to amend the Personal Status Law. Members of the European Parliament have called on Iraq’s Parliament to completely and promptly dismiss these proposed changes, warning that they breach Iraq’s international commitments to uphold fundamental rights for women. The MEPs commend the women, including those within the Iraqi Parliament, for opposing the reform, as well as the NGOs, activists, and civil society members who are striving to maintain one of the region’s most progressive laws.

They emphasize that the current penal code does not provide legal protection for women and children who are victims of domestic violence in the nation. They express concern that if the proposed changes to the law are passed, they would result in a more extreme implementation of Sharia law. The resolution calls on Iraq to create a national strategy aimed at ending child marriage, making marital rape a crime, combating domestic violence, and enhancing the rights of women and girls, in accordance with the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Members of the European Parliament urge the EU delegation in Iraq to tie development grants to the requirement of judicial training focused on sexual and gender-based violence, and the creation of shelters for women. They also call on member states to boost their support for defenders of women’s and children’s rights in Iraq. The resolution was passed through a show of hands. The complete document will be accessible here on October 10, 2024.

Get in Touch:

Elodie LABORIE

Additional Details

Details on Products

Distribute this Page:

Updates

National Parliament

Resources

Leader of the European Parliament

European Legislative Body

Parliamentary Presence on Social Platforms

Resource Links