On the occasion of the EP plenary debate on Egypt on 3 October 2017, Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D, IT) stated: "I consider it worthwhile stating that at the basis of any bilateral dialogue there should be a clear commitment to the values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, as set out in the preamble to the Association Agreement". (Full text below)
"Individuals should be guaranteed the right to freedom of expression in line with basic democratic values and with Russia's international obligations as a member of the Council of Europe and the OSCE. Demonstrators and civil society organisations should be allowed to carry out their legitimate and peaceful activities in all circumstances.
I call for the immediate release of Mr Navalny".
Unfortunately, more than 75 countries worldwide still criminalise homosexuality with at least five using death penalty. The European Parliament remains committed to equality of treatment including for LGBTI individuals and is actively encouraging states to repeal discriminatory legislation and adopt practices that respects individual Human Rights.
The next meeting of the Subcommittee on Human Rights will take place on Wednesday 11 October from 9.00 - 12.30 and 14.30 - 18.30 and on Thursday 12 October from 9.00 - 12.30 in meeting room PHS 4B001.
Informed of the death of Chinese Nobel Peace Prize laureate LIU Xiaobo, the Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, Mr Pier Antonio Panzeri, and the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China, Mr Jo Leinen, made the following statement:
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the death today in Shenyang, China, of Nobel Prize laureate LIU Xiaobo. The European Parliament has expressed solidarity with his peaceful actions and initiatives in favour of democratic reforms and the protection of human rights, and has repeatedly urged his immediate and unconditional release, and the lifting of restrictions on his wife LIU Xia, since 2010....."