The European Parliament has made full use of its powers to contribute to shaping the EU's policies and instruments in advancing human rights both inside and outside the EU. To renew this unshakeable commitment to the subject, the European Parliament will hold a High Level Conference to reflect on the core principles of human rights as set out in the UDHR: universality, inter-dependence and indivisibility, while at the same time addressing new challenges in a global and digital world
The President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani will open the conference in the presence of Vice President/High Representative Federica Mogherini, United Nation High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, General Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Fatou Bensouda, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Mr Thorbjørn Jagland, Chair of the African Commission on Human and People's Rights Ms Soyata Maiga, and several other dignitaries.
On the occasion of the 16th World Day against the Death Penalty on 10 October, Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D, IT), Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, stated:
"I would like to recall the EU's unwavering and united stance against the Death Penalty in all cases and under all circumstances.
Following the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Kashoggi, the Chair of the EP Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI), Pier Antonio Panzeri, stated:
"A journalist, Jamal Kashoggi is a staunch defender of human rights who in the past constantly denounced human rights violations in Saudi Arabia. He disappeared a week ago after having entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Statement in full below.
Following an Egyptian high-instance court's recent decision to uphold the final death sentence rulings against the defendants in the 2013 Kerdasa massacre, the Chair of Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights, Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D, IT), made the following statement:
"I am dismayed by the Kerdasa and Rabaa Dispersal case verdicts. The Egyptian courts continue to hand down death sentences in mass trials that are indefensible both on procedure and on the merits of the cases against defendants.
A delegation of subcommittee on human rights members visited Turkey (Ankara and Istanbul) on 17-19 September.
In meetings with various parliament and government representatives, members of the European Parliament listened to renewed ambitions to strengthen Turkey's ties with the EU.
Following the decision by the Guatemala's authorities not to renew the mandate of the international UN-led International Commission against Impunity (CICIG), DROI chair Panzeri stated:
"I am deeply disappointed by this decision, which also prevents CICIG Head Ivan Velazquez to enter the country and is a blow in the strengthening process of the Guatemala justice system and the rule of law. In addition, there is serious concerns over the ongoing waves of police intimidations against human rights defenders and dissidents' voices. This worrying trend could trigger a serious human rights crisis in Guatemala in a time of acute difficulties across the region..." Full text below