European Parliament Condemns Human Rights Violations in Afghanistan, Belarus, and Cuba: Calls for Sanctions and Accountability

Violations of Human Rights in Afghanistan, Belarus, and Cuba

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Three resolutions addressing human rights concerns in Afghanistan, Belarus, and Cuba were passed by the European Parliament on Thursday.

The worsening conditions for women in Afghanistan following the recent enactment of the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” law have drawn strong condemnation from Parliament. The body criticizes the Taliban’s recent decrees enforcing Sharia law and denounces the exclusion of women and girls from public life in the country. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) highlight the forced early marriages, sexual violence, flogging, and stoning to death that women are subjected to, while praising the bravery of Afghan women and expressing their solidarity.

MEPs urge the European Union to advocate for the recognition of gender apartheid as a crime against humanity and call for the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to be held accountable through an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the creation of a UN Independent Investigative Mechanism. They also call for new EU sanctions against the Taliban and criticize governments that normalize relations with the group. The resolution appeals to the EU and donor countries to increase humanitarian aid and financial support to meet essential needs, sustain livelihoods, and bolster Afghan civil society.

The resolution passed with 565 votes in support, 8 opposed, and 43 abstentions. More information can be found in the complete document, which will be available on September 19, 2024. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are deeply troubled by the dire conditions faced by numerous political prisoners in Belarus. Many of these prisoners have not been heard from for several months, suffer from serious health issues, or endure isolation and torture. The MEPs are calling on the Belarusian authorities to provide updates on the prisoners' conditions and to allow them access to legal representation, family visits, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are urging the immediate and unconditional release of all detained individuals by Belarusian authorities. The resolution also highlights the MEPs' concerns regarding the 300,000 Belarusians who have been compelled to flee their country since 2020 due to political persecution and now face challenges abroad. They are calling on the European Union (EU) and its member countries to intensify sanctions against those responsible for the repression in Belarus and to pursue accountability for the crimes committed by the Lukashenka regime. The resolution passed with 549 votes in favor, 21 against, and 37 abstentions. More information can be found in the full version of the document available here (19;09).

In 2024, the situation surrounding José Daniel Ferrer García in Cuba has drawn significant attention. The Parliament is demanding that the Cuban government immediately and unconditionally release Ferrer along with all individuals who have been politically and arbitrarily detained for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have expressed strong support for the Cuban populace and human rights advocates in Cuba. They have condemned the Cuban authorities for systematic human rights abuses, including torture and inhumane treatment inflicted upon Ferrer and other political prisoners. The MEPs are urging the EU member states within the Council to enforce the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime and to impose sanctions on those accountable for ongoing human rights violations in Cuba. Additionally, the MEPs are advocating for the activation of the suspension clause in the political dialogue and cooperation agreement, citing continuous breaches of the agreement’s fundamental human rights provisions by the Cuban regime.

The resolution passed with 380 votes supporting it, 182 opposing it, and 51 abstaining. More information will be accessible in the complete version here on September 19, 2024.

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Elodie LABORIE

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