### 4. notes that the institute cooperates with the fundamental rights agency and eurofound for research purposes and for disseminating activities; welcomes the fact that the institute is engaged in the network of the justice and home affairs agencies and that it explores further opportunities to share resources with other agencies; ### 4. notes that the institute cooperates with the fundamental rights agency and eurofound for research purposes and for disseminating activities; welcomes the fact that the institute is engaged in the network of the justice and home affairs agencies and that it explores further opportunities to share resources with other agencies; commends this cooperation as an example for other agencies worth following;


### — having regard to the 1949 united nations convention for the suppression of the traffic in persons and of the exploitation of the prostitution of others , ### deleted


### a. whereas gender equality in the eu has not yet been achieved and progress in this direction has recently been slowing down , stagnating or even regressing in certain regions and countries; whereas the struggle for gender equality and the promotion and protection of women’s rights is a truly collective responsibility; ### a. whereas women’s rights are human rights and hence universal and indivisible , and whereas gender equality in the eu has not yet been achieved and progress in this direction has recently been slowing down , stagnating or even regressing in certain regions and countries; whereas the struggle for gender equality and the promotion and protection of women’s rights is a truly collective responsibility;


### a. whereas gender equality in the eu has not yet been achieved and progress in this direction has recently been slowing down , stagnating or even regressing in certain regions and countries; whereas the struggle for gender equality and the promotion and protection of women’s rights is a truly collective responsibility; ### a. whereas gender equality in the eu has not yet been achieved and progress remains slow , stagnating or even regressing in certain regions and countries; whereas the struggle for gender equality and the promotion and protection of women’s rights is a truly collective responsibility;


### b. whereas , although female employment rates have risen , gender inequality on the labour market remains a fact of life; whereas the employment gap is particularly high in the case of single mothers , female caregivers , women with disabilities , women from ethnic minorities , migrant and refugee women , lbtiq+ women and young and elderly women; ### b. whereas , although female employment rates have risen , gender inequality on the labour market remains a fact; whereas the gender employment gap equals 11.7% for the eu27 and particularly high in the case of some specific categories such as single mothers , female caregivers , women with disabilities , women from ethnic minorities , migrant and refugee women , lbtiq+ women and young and elderly women;


### c. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing gender inequalities in almost every walk of life; ### c. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has greatly affected women’s lives and exacerbated existing gender inequalities in almost every aspect;


### d. whereas violence against women may be of differing appearance , intensity and form; whereas a society free of violence must be acknowledged as an absolute prerequisite for equality; ### d. whereas violence against women may be of differing appearance , intensity and form and is a violation of human rights and a an extreme form of discrimination against women; whereas a society free of violence against women must be acknowledged as an absolute prerequisite for gender equality;


### e. whereas women in the eu are more severely affected by poverty or social exclusion than men , being systematically placed at a disadvantage by structural and cultural factors; ### e. whereas women in the eu are disproportionally more affected and at risk of poverty or social exclusion than men , as at the heart of intersecting inequalities due to various factors;


### f. whereas the eu gender pay gap is 16% , with variations between the member states; whereas this gender pay gap has a number of implications , not least a 37% difference in corresponding pension entitlements , placing older women at greater risk of poverty and social exclusion; whereas the right to equal pay for equal work is not always guaranteed and remains one of the biggest challenges to be met in efforts to combat pay discrimination; ### f. whereas the eu gender pay gap is 16% , with variations between the member states; whereas this gender pay gap has a number of implications , not least a 37% difference in corresponding pension entitlements , leading to a gender pension gap placing older women at greater risk of poverty and social exclusion; whereas the right to equal pay for equal work or work of equal value is not always guaranteed and remains one of the biggest challenges to be met in efforts to combat pay discrimination;


### g. whereas their role as primary caregivers within the family imposes a disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work on women , who play a vital role in this respect; ### g. whereas their role as primary caregivers within the family imposes a disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work on women , who play a vital role in this respect; whereas covid-19 crisis has revealed the shocking state of european care homes and sector as a whole , and as women tend to live longer and require more care services and most of the carers are women this is an extremely gendered issue;


### g. whereas their role as primary caregivers within the family imposes a disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work on women , who play a vital role in this respect; ### g. whereas their role as primary caregivers within the family or in general the allocation of care responsibilities imposes a disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work on women , who play a vital role in this respect;


### h. whereas eu neoliberal policies are , in the long term , contributing to gender inequality , with women being disproportionately affected by rising unemployment , deregulation of the labour market and of working hours , increased precariousness and low pay , not to mention multiple forms of inequality and discrimination resulting from cuts to public services , particularly health , education and welfare benefits; ### h. whereas eu through its policies and programs and its relations with the member states , in close cooperation for the national recovery funds , should carefully assess that member states take into account the gender dimension of the covid crisis.


### 1. stresses that respect for the right to work is an essential precondition if women are effectively to enjoy equal rights , economic independence and career fulfilment and therefore insists that precarious employment should be eradicated through mandatory compliance with the principle that every permanent job must entail an effective employment relationship with recognition and enhancement of rights at the workplace; ### 1. stresses that respect for the right to work is an essential precondition if women are effectively to enjoy equal rights , economic independence and career fulfilment , as called by the eu pillar of social rights in its article 2 (equality of treatment and opportunities in the labour market , terms and conditions of employment , career progression and equal pay) and therefore reminds that women are overrepresented amongst low wage and minimum wage earners , in part-time work and in precarious working conditions ,


### 2. calls on the member states to take practical measures to ensure that women have equal access to work with rights and decent pay; stresses the need to promote collective bargaining as a determining factor in reversing and overcoming inequality and tackling discrimination against women and calls for de jure and de facto compliance with the principle of equal pay for equal work of equal value; ### 2. calls on the member states to take practical measures to ensure that women have equal access to labour market , employment and working conditions ; with a strong accent on collective bargaining and its effects and tackling discrimination against women and calls for de jure and de facto compliance with the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value;


### 3. urges member states to impose firm measures , including sanctions , where businesses fail to comply with labour legislation and where they actually encourage gender discrimination; ### 3. stresses the importance for member states to impose firm measures , and when foreseen sanctions , in the implementation of labour legislation in order to fight gender discrimination;


### 4. calls on the eu and its member states to further underpin maternity and paternity entitlements , for example by increasing periods of full leave with no loss of pay , taking into account the world health organization recommendation that children be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives; calls for the right to a reduction in working hours following maternity leave to be guaranteed in practice , enabling mothers to breastfeed their children until they are at least two years old , accompanied by investment in a public network of free childcare and education services; ### 4. calls on the eu and its member states to implement the ‘work life balance’ directive , noting as well the world health organization recommendation that children be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives therefore to further work on the promotion of breast feeding; , accompanied by the facilitation of the creation of modern ,high-quality , and local infrastructure , services and caregivers for quality early childhood education and childcare;


### 5. calls for measures to achieve work , employee and pay enhancement , effectively combat joblessness and promote full employment; calls for the creation and promotion of employment with rights , the defence of collective bargaining , the revitalisation of public sector employment and an end to job insecurity; calls in addition for a reduction in working hours without loss of pay; ### 5. calls for measures to achieve gender mainstreaming in the labour market to counter gender inequalities , eliminate the gaps in pay and employment , effectively combat joblessness and promote full employment; calls for the promotion of the existing national systems with a strong accent on social dialogue , collective bargaining and its binding effect; calls in addition for the eu and the member states to encourage employers to adopt family friendly measures , such as the possibility to use teleworking for parents and to temporarily reduce their working hours without significant pay reduction , and job mobility in order to guarantee their children's care and education


### 6. stresses the urgent need to counter the exploitation of women at work and combat the inequalities , discrimination and violence affecting them; ### 6. stresses the need to address , through preventing and combatting , violence against women , domestic violence as well as other types of gender based violence;


### 7. calls for women who suffer domestic violence to be afforded proper protection , ensuring the deployment of increased resources and more effective responses by the state; ### 7. calls for the member states to implement effective policies and measures to tackle domestic violence and proper protection and support of women suffering from it ,ensuring the deployment of adequate resources and means;


### 8. stresses that prostitution constitutes a serious form of violence and exploitation affecting mostly women and children; notes that the root causes of prostitution are inextricably intertwined with social and economic realities , particularly unemployment , financial need and poverty; stresses the need for member states to increase funding for social support and access to public services for victims of trafficking or sexual exploitation; ### 8. points out at the importance of the combatiing phenomenon trafficking of human beings for sexual exploitation , therefore stresses the need for member states to ensure adequate funding for the support for victims of trafficking or sexual exploitation and specialised services;


### 9. applauds the unambiguous defence of all freedoms anywhere in the world , while condemning measures that undermine rights , freedoms and guarantees and deprecating all forms of prejudice , including discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation; ### 9. applauds the unambiguous defence of all freedoms anywhere in the world , while condemning measures that undermine rights , freedoms and guarantees and deprecating all forms of prejudice , including discrimination on all grounds;


### 10. stresses that any strategy designed to achieve equality must get to grips with all forms of violence against women , including the erosion of healthcare entitlements and sexual and reproductive rights acquired by women and infringements thereof; ### 10. stresses that any strategy designed to achieve gender equality must get to grips with all forms of violence against women , including the erosion of rights acquired by women and infringements thereof;


### 12. stresses the need for member states to adopt a policy placing special emphasis on improved public health and the prevention of disease by guaranteeing free , universal and high-quality healthcare and ensuring the availability of the necessary resources to combat the main public health problems; ### 12. stresses the need for member states to promote policies placing special emphasis on improved health systems and subsequent services and the prevention of disease for instance in their gender specific aspects by guaranteeing accessible and high-quality healthcare and ensuring the availability of the necessary resources to combat the main public health problems , as the case in the current pandemic crisis;


### 13. stresses the need to create a public crèche and pre-school education network; points out that the provision of a universal public service that is genuinely accessible to all children and families wishing to avail themselves of it is an overarching social responsibility; ### 13. stresses the need to reach the barcelona targets and welcomes their upcoming review; points out that the provision of an accessible service of early childhood education and care for all children and families has an overarching role in helping women’s participation in the labour market , especially now after the experience of the covid pandemic;


### 14. urges the member states to take specific measures to combat the risk of poverty in old age and retirement , increasing pensions and boosting social benefits; ### 14. urges the member states to take specific measures to prevent and combat the risk of poverty for elderly women , following the population ageing , and the proportion of older women in disadvantaged or vulnerable situation;


### 15. recognises that it is essential to ensure a broad set of effective economic and social measures to combat discriminatory attitudes and practices and enabling women to exercise their civic and political rights on an equal basis; ### 15. recognises that it is essential to ensure a broad set of effective , appropriate and targeted economic and social measures to help progress gender equality and empower women , with a special focus on the effects of the covid-19 pandemic and its consequences , promoting as well the exchange of best practices in fighting discrimination , enabling women to fully participate in all aspects of our society;


### 1. is extremely concerned by the challenges to human rights and democracy , resulting in the weakening of the protection of democratic institutions and of universal human rights , as well as the shrinking space for civil society , observed around the world; calls for the eu and its member states to make stronger efforts to address the challenges to human rights , both individually and in cooperation with like-minded international partners; ### 1. is extremely concerned by the challenges to human rights and democracy , resulting in the weakening of the protection of democratic institutions and of universal human rights , as well as the shrinking space for civil society , observed around the world; underlines the link between the rule of law , democracy and human rights violations; calls for the eu and its member states to make stronger efforts to address the challenges to human rights , both individually and in cooperation with like-minded international partners;


### 1. is extremely concerned by the challenges to human rights and democracy , resulting in the weakening of the protection of democratic institutions and of universal human rights , as well as the shrinking space for civil society , observed around the world; calls for the eu and its member states to make stronger efforts to address the challenges to human rights , both individually and in cooperation with like-minded international partners; ### 1. is extremely concerned by the challenges to human rights and democracy , resulting in the weakening of the protection of democratic governance and of universal human rights , as well as the shrinking space for civil society , observed around the world; calls for the eu and its member states to make stronger efforts to address the challenges to human rights , both individually and in cooperation with like-minded international partners;


### 2. deplores the rise of violence against women and girls worldwide; calls for greater and targeted action to combat femicide; ### 2. deplores the rise of violence against women and girls worldwide; calls for greater and targeted action to combat femicide; stresses the fact that women are being killed based among others , on false accusation of witchcraft , on harmful stereotypes and their sexual orientation1a; stresses the fact that 137 women are killed everyday by a member of their family1b;


### 2. underlines the importance of both the new neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) – global europe and the eu action plan on human rights and democracy 2020–2024 for this goal; recalls that the use of the rule of qualified majority voting within the council on human rights issues would result in a more effective and proactive eu foreign and security policy , and would strengthen cooperation on matters of key strategic interest for the eu , while reflecting its fundamental values; ### 2. underlines the importance of both the new neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) – global europe and the eu action plan on human rights and democracy 2020–2024 for this goal;


### 2. underlines the importance of both the new neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) – global europe and the eu action plan on human rights and democracy 2020–2024 for this goal; recalls that the use of the rule of qualified majority voting within the council on human rights issues would result in a more effective and proactive eu foreign and security policy , and would strengthen cooperation on matters of key strategic interest for the eu , while reflecting its fundamental values; ### 2. underlines the importance of both the new neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) – global europe and the eu action plan on human rights and democracy 2020–2024 for this goal; recalls that the use of the rule of qualified majority voting within the council on human rights issues may result in a more effective and proactive eu foreign and security policy , and would strengthen cooperation on matters of key strategic interest for the eu , while reflecting its fundamental values; stresses , however , that unity among the member states is paramount to ensuring that eu external action is both effective and proactive;


### 2. underlines the importance of both the new neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) – global europe and the eu action plan on human rights and democracy 2020–2024 for this goal; recalls that the use of the rule of qualified majority voting within the council on human rights issues would result in a more effective and proactive eu foreign and security policy , and would strengthen cooperation on matters of key strategic interest for the eu , while reflecting its fundamental values; ### 2. underlines the importance of both the new neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) – global europe and the eu action plan on human rights and democracy 2020–2024 for this goal; recalls that the use of the rule of qualified majority voting in selected areas within the council on human rights issues would result in a more effective and proactive eu foreign policy , and would strengthen cooperation on matters of key strategic interest for the eu , while reflecting its fundamental values;


### 3. regrets the fact that women are still underrepresented in political and other leadership roles around the world; calls on the eu and partner countries to implement measures to ensure the full participation and inclusion of women; ### 3. regrets the fact that women are still underrepresented in political and other leadership roles around the world; stresses the fact that only 26 women serve as head of states and/or government in 24 countries and only 25% of all national parliamentarians are women2a; calls on the eu and partner countries to implement measures to ensure the full participation and inclusion of women as well as achieving the commitments entered into under the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the sdgs with special attention to sdg number 5 aiming at achieving gender equality and women empowerment;


### 3. is deeply concerned by increasing number of illiberal democracies and autocratic regimes , which are in the majority for the first time in 20 years; calls for the eu and the member states to make full use of the tools at their disposal to support good governance , democratic institutions and space for civil society worldwide; ### 3. is deeply concerned by the growing assertiveness of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes who seek to suppress their own people and to weaken freedom , democratic governance and international norms globally; calls for the eu and the member states to develop a more ambitious democracy support programme , together with our democratic allies , that makes full use of the tools at their disposal to support freedom , good governance , democratic institutions and space for civil society worldwide;


### 3. is deeply concerned by increasing number of illiberal democracies and autocratic regimes , which are in the majority for the first time in 20 years; calls for the eu and the member states to make full use of the tools at their disposal to support good governance , democratic institutions and space for civil society worldwide; ### 3. is deeply concerned by increasing number of totalitarian , autocratic and dictatorial regimes worldwide , which are in the majority for the first time in 20 years; calls for the eu and the member states to make full use of the tools at their disposal to support good governance , democratic institutions and space for civil society worldwide , including churches and religious communities and associations;


### 3. is deeply concerned by increasing number of illiberal democracies and autocratic regimes , which are in the majority for the first time in 20 years; calls for the eu and the member states to make full use of the tools at their disposal to support good governance , democratic institutions and space for civil society worldwide; ### 3. is deeply concerned by increasing number of illiberal democracies and autocratic regimes , which are in the majority for the first time in 20 years; calls for the eu and the member states to make full use of the tools at their disposal to support good governance , democratic institutions and space for civil society worldwide; calls on the eu to intensify cooperation with democracies worldwide and adopt new international tools and instruments for defending democracy , such as preventive sanctions for authoritarian leaders who intend to ‘steal’ elections and for oligarchs who finance these regimes , uncovering and freezing ‘dark’ money of vast corruption , and application of universal jurisdiction in cases of gross human rights violations;


### 4. condemns targeted violence against women and girls in situations of armed conflict; calls for decisive action to put an end to sexual violence as a weapon of war; ### 4. condemns targeted violence against women and girls in situations of armed conflict; notes that the un security council unanimously voted for a resolution describing rape as a tactic of war to dominate and instil fear and a threat to international security3a; reiterates the un security council resolution 1820 (2008)3b stating that rape and other forms of sexual violence can constitute crimes against humanity , war crimes or a fundamental act with respect to genocide; calls for decisive action to put an end to sexual violence as a weapon of war;


### 4. underlines the importance of the eu’s support to mediation and electoral processes through its assistance to domestic observers and through the election observations missions , in which parliament plays an active role; highlights the need for effective follow-up to the missions’ reports and recommendations , in order to strengthen democratic standards and facilitate future peaceful democratic transitions in the countries concerned; recalls parliament’s political mediation tools , which could be developed further to help in this overall approach; ### 4. underlines the importance of the eu’s support to mediation and electoral processes through its assistance to domestic observers and through the election observations missions , in which parliament plays an active role; urges the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy and the european external action service to send the reports drawn up by the exploratory missions in due time and in the prescribed manner; highlights the need for effective follow-up to the missions’ reports and recommendations , in order to strengthen democratic standards and facilitate future peaceful democratic transitions in the countries concerned; recalls parliament’s political mediation tools , which could be developed further to help in this overall approach;


### 4. underlines the importance of the eu’s support to mediation and electoral processes through its assistance to domestic observers and through the election observations missions , in which parliament plays an active role; highlights the need for effective follow-up to the missions’ reports and recommendations , in order to strengthen democratic standards and facilitate future peaceful democratic transitions in the countries concerned; recalls parliament’s political mediation tools , which could be developed further to help in this overall approach; ### 4. underlines the importance of the eu’s support to mediation and electoral processes through its assistance to domestic observers and through the election observations missions , in which parliament plays an active role; highlights the need for effective follow-up to the missions’ reports and recommendations , in order to strengthen democratic standards and facilitate future peaceful democratic transitions and development in the countries concerned; recalls parliament’s political mediation tools , which could be developed further to help in this overall approach;


### 5. calls on the member states and global actors to step up the fight against sexual exploitation , forced labour and human trafficking; ### 5. underlines that nearly half of all human trafficking victims are women and girls6a; calls on the member states and global actors to step up the fight against sexual exploitation , forced labour and human trafficking6b;


### 5. recalls that respect for human rights , democracy and the rule of law is a cross-cutting objective in the whole ndici – global europe instrument as stipulated in article 3 (objectives) of the regulation; underlines the importance of the human rights and democracy thematic programme adopted under the ndici – global europe instrument for the promotion of human rights around the world; ### 5. recalls that respect for human rights , democracy and the rule of law is a cross-cutting objective in the whole ndici – global europe instrument as stipulated in article 3 (objectives) of the regulation; underlines the importance of the human rights and democracy thematic programme adopted under the ndici – global europe instrument for the protection of human rights and promotion of freedom and democracy around the world;


### 6. stresses that children , particularly girls , continue to suffer offline and online violence and abuse , including female genital mutilation; ### 6. stresses that children , particularly girls , continue to suffer offline and online violence and abuse; calls on the eu and the global actors to specifically target those;


### 6. welcomes the strategic dialogue between the commission and parliament on all the components of the ndici , and calls on the commission to fully take into account parliament’s input concerning the human rights priorities , both in the thematic programme and in all the geographical programmes; stresses that the full impact of the instrument can only be achieved if the human rights agenda is streamlined into all the eu’s external policies and programmes , if it is coherent with its internal policies , and if the eu is perceived as a credible international actor committed to defending and advancing human rights; ### 6. welcomes the strategic dialogue between the commission and parliament on all the components of the ndici , and calls on the commission to fully take into account parliament’s input concerning the human rights priorities , both in the thematic programme and in all the geographical programmes; stresses that the full impact of the instrument can only be achieved if defending and advancing freedom and democracy plays a central role in the eu’s external policies and programmes , if it is coherent with its internal policies , and if the eu is perceived as a credible international actor committed to defending and protecting human rights and advancing freedom;


### 7. regrets the fact that millions of girls worldwide do not have access to education; ### 7. regrets the fact that millions of girls worldwide do not have access to education; calls on the global actors to ensure that women and girls have access to education , as only 49% of countries have achieved participation gender parity in primary education , and only 24% in upper secondary education4a; calls for paying due attention to those girls at risk of or living in poverty and girls who face a greater risk of early or forced marriage , and to ensure the well-being and development prospects of all children and communities;


### 8. notes that the visibility of the eusr’s role should be enhanced in order to have a meaningful impact on human rights; underlines that the eusr has a flexible mandate which could be adapted to evolving circumstances; is of the opinion that the eusr’s position could be made more effective by enhancing communication activities and developing a more public profile through , inter alia , the publication of public statements in support of human rights activists at risk , including sakharov prize laureates and finalists , and of human rights defenders imprisoned for long periods , thereby helping to protect their physical integrity and their essential work; ### 8. notes that the visibility of the eusr’s role should be enhanced in order to have a meaningful impact on human rights; underlines that , although , the eusr has a flexible mandate which could be adapted to evolving circumstances , the eusr should prioritise the fate of people living under oppressive authoritarian and totalitarian regimes; is of the opinion that the eusr’s position could be made more effective by enhancing communication activities and developing a more public profile through , inter alia , the publication of public statements in support of human rights activists at risk , people persecuted on grounds of their religion , belief or conscience , all those oppressed by authoritarian and totalitarian regimes around the world , sakharov prize laureates and finalists , and of human rights defenders imprisoned for long periods , thereby helping to protect their physical integrity and their essential work;


### 9. acknowledges that the eu human rights dialogues have the potential to promote human rights and democracy in bilateral relations with third countries , but underlines that in order to be effective , they need to be pursued in a results-oriented manner and based on clear benchmarks to evaluate their outcomes; regrets the fact that the revised eu guidelines on human rights dialogues with partner/third countries , while establishing specific objectives , fail to identify indicators which would allow a proper evaluation to be conducted; calls for the european external action service (eeas) to carry out such evaluations for each dialogue , in line with the eu guidelines and including follow-up on individual cases raised both in the context of human rights dialogues and by parliament; ### 9. acknowledges that the eu human rights dialogues have the potential to promote human rights and democracy in bilateral relations with third countries , but underlines that in order to be effective , they need to be pursued in a results-oriented manner and based on clear benchmarks to evaluate their outcomes; regrets the fact that the revised eu guidelines on human rights dialogues with partner/third countries , while establishing specific objectives , fail to identify indicators which would allow a proper evaluation to be conducted; calls for the european external action service (eeas) to carry out such evaluations for each dialogue , in line with the eu guidelines and including follow-up on individual cases raised both in the context of human rights dialogues and by parliament; is of the opinion that , in the case of human rights dialogues with regimes such as the people's republic of china (prc) , failure to achieve concrete results should have consequences for the wider conduct of bilateral relations , including the freezing of negotiations on any future investment or trade agreements;


### 28. reiterates its strong condemnation of discrimination , xenophobia , intolerance , persecution and killings linked to race , ethnicity , nationality , social class , disability , caste , religion , belief , age , sexual orientation and gender identity that continue to be a major problem in many countries; welcomes the launch of the eu’s anti-racism action plan 2020–2025 , which recognises not only the individual and social dimensions , but also the structural nature of this phenomenon; stresses that in spite of 20 years of work since the signing of durban declaration and programme of action in 2001 , racism , discrimination , xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a scourge around the world and calls for a zero-tolerance approach to them; ### 28. reiterates its strong condemnation of discrimination , xenophobia , intolerance , persecution and killings linked to race , ethnicity , nationality , social class , disability , caste , religion , belief , age , sexual orientation and gender identity that continue to be a major problem in many countries; notes that racism , discrimination , xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a scourge around the world and calls for a zero-tolerance approach to them;


### 28. reiterates its strong condemnation of discrimination , xenophobia , intolerance , persecution and killings linked to race , ethnicity , nationality , social class , disability , caste , religion , belief , age , sexual orientation and gender identity that continue to be a major problem in many countries; welcomes the launch of the eu’s anti-racism action plan 2020–2025 , which recognises not only the individual and social dimensions , but also the structural nature of this phenomenon; stresses that in spite of 20 years of work since the signing of durban declaration and programme of action in 2001 , racism , discrimination , xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a scourge around the world and calls for a zero-tolerance approach to them; ### 28. reiterates its strong condemnation of discrimination , xenophobia , intolerance , persecution and killings linked to race , ethnicity , nationality , social class , disability , caste , religion , belief , age or sex that continue to be a major problem in many countries; welcomes the launch of the eu’s anti-racism action plan 2020–2025 , which recognises not only the individual and social dimensions , but also the structural nature of this phenomenon; stresses that in spite of 20 years of work since the signing of durban declaration and programme of action in 2001 , racism , discrimination , xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a scourge around the world and calls for a zero-tolerance approach to them;


### 28. reiterates its strong condemnation of discrimination , xenophobia , intolerance , persecution and killings linked to race , ethnicity , nationality , social class , disability , caste , religion , belief , age , sexual orientation and gender identity that continue to be a major problem in many countries; welcomes the launch of the eu’s anti-racism action plan 2020–2025 , which recognises not only the individual and social dimensions , but also the structural nature of this phenomenon; stresses that in spite of 20 years of work since the signing of durban declaration and programme of action in 2001 , racism , discrimination , xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a scourge around the world and calls for a zero-tolerance approach to them; ### 28. reiterates its strong condemnation of discrimination , xenophobia , intolerance , persecution and killings linked to race , ethnicity , nationality , social class , disability , caste , religion , belief , age , sexual orientation and gender identity that continue to be a major problem in many countries; welcomes the launch of the eu’s anti-racism action plan 2020–2025 , which recognises not only the individual and social dimensions , but also the structural nature of this phenomenon; stresses that in spite of 20 years of work since the signing of durban declaration and programme of action in 2001 , racism , discrimination , xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a scourge in many countries of the world and calls for a zero-tolerance approach to them;


### 29. underlines the difficult situation , discrimination and threats to life faced by lesbian , gay , bisexual , trans , non-binary , intersex and queer (lgbtiq) people around the world; welcomes the fact that the lgbtiq equality strategy 2020–2025 includes the eu’s commitment to include lgbtiq issues in all its external policies , including support under the ndici – global europe instrument and instrument for pre-accession funds; ### 29. underlines the difficult situation , discrimination and threats to life faced by lesbian , gay , bisexual , trans , non-binary , intersex and queer (lgbtiq) people around the world;


### 29. underlines the difficult situation , discrimination and threats to life faced by lesbian , gay , bisexual , trans , non-binary , intersex and queer (lgbtiq) people around the world; welcomes the fact that the lgbtiq equality strategy 2020–2025 includes the eu’s commitment to include lgbtiq issues in all its external policies , including support under the ndici – global europe instrument and instrument for pre-accession funds; ### 29. underlines the difficult situation , discrimination and threats to life faced by lesbian , gay , bisexual , trans , non-binary , intersex and queer (lgbtiq) people in various countries of the world; is aware that the lgbtiq equality strategy 2020–2025 includes the eu’s commitment to include lgbtiq issues in its external policy , including support under the ndici – global europe instrument and instrument for pre-accession funds;


### 29. underlines the difficult situation , discrimination and threats to life faced by lesbian , gay , bisexual , trans , non-binary , intersex and queer (lgbtiq) people around the world; welcomes the fact that the lgbtiq equality strategy 2020–2025 includes the eu’s commitment to include lgbtiq issues in all its external policies , including support under the ndici – global europe instrument and instrument for pre-accession funds; ### 29. strongly condemns human rights breaches , discrimination and threats to life faced by lesbian , gay , bisexual , trans , non-binary , intersex and queer (lgbtiq) people around the world; welcomes the fact that the lgbtiq equality strategy 2020–2025 includes the eu’s commitment to include lgbtiq issues in all its external policies , including support under the ndici – global europe instrument and instrument for pre-accession funds;


### 30. fully supports the right to freedom of thought , conscience and religion , to hold a belief , or not to believe , and the right to manifest and to change or leave one’s religion or belief without fear of violence , persecution , or discrimination; deplores the persecution suffered by minorities on the grounds of belief or religion in many places in the world; condemns the abuse of blasphemy laws to perpetuate discrimination and deplores the use of religion and religious institutions to the detriment of human rights through the persecution , including by legal means , of belief or religious minorities , women and lgbtiq persons; ### 30. fully supports the right to freedom of thought , conscience and religion , to hold a belief , or not to believe , and the right to manifest and to change or leave one’s religion or belief without fear of violence , persecution , or discrimination; deplores the persecution suffered by religious communities on the grounds of belief or religion in many places in the world; condemns the abuse of blasphemy laws to perpetuate discrimination and deplores the misuse of religion and religious institutions for political , economic or other spurious goals: invites eu member states which are not yet part of the international religious freedom or belief alliance , to join it in order to increase the efforts to promote and protect this crucial human right; encourages member states to appoint a special representation or envoy for religious freedom in third countries and create a eu net that could work jointly with the eu special envoy on freedom of religion of belief;


### 30. fully supports the right to freedom of thought , conscience and religion , to hold a belief , or not to believe , and the right to manifest and to change or leave one’s religion or belief without fear of violence , persecution , or discrimination; deplores the persecution suffered by minorities on the grounds of belief or religion in many places in the world; condemns the abuse of blasphemy laws to perpetuate discrimination and deplores the use of religion and religious institutions to the detriment of human rights through the persecution , including by legal means , of belief or religious minorities , women and lgbtiq persons; ### 30. fully supports the right to freedom of thought , conscience and religion , to hold a belief , or not to believe , and the right to manifest one's religion publicly and to change or leave one’s religion or belief without fear of violence , persecution , or discrimination; deplores the persecution suffered by minorities on the grounds of belief or religion in many places in the world , especially in china , pakistan , and the countries of sub-saharan africa; condemns the activities of jihadist groups operating across africa , the middle east , afghanistan and beyond to establish new forms of the caliphate; condemns the abuse of blasphemy laws to perpetuate discrimination and deplores the use of religion and religious institutions to the detriment of human rights through the persecution , including by legal means , of belief or religious minorities , and those in vulnerable position;


### 30. fully supports the right to freedom of thought , conscience and religion , to hold a belief , or not to believe , and the right to manifest and to change or leave one’s religion or belief without fear of violence , persecution , or discrimination; deplores the persecution suffered by minorities on the grounds of belief or religion in many places in the world; condemns the abuse of blasphemy laws to perpetuate discrimination and deplores the use of religion and religious institutions to the detriment of human rights through the persecution , including by legal means , of belief or religious minorities , women and lgbtiq persons; ### 30. fully supports the right to freedom of thought , conscience and religion , to hold a belief , or not to believe , and the right to manifest and to change or leave one’s religion or belief without fear of violence , persecution , or discrimination; condemns the persecution suffered by minorities on the grounds of belief or religion in many places in the world; stresses that christians are the most persecuted group for their faith; condemns the abuse of blasphemy laws to perpetuate discrimination and deplores the use of religion and religious institutions to the detriment of human rights through the persecution , including by legal means , of belief or religious minorities , women and lgbtiq persons;


### eu global human rights sanctions regime (eu magnitsky act) ### eu global human rights sanctions regime ("eu magnitsky act")


### 32. welcomes the adoption of the eu global human rights sanctions regime (eu ghrsr-eu magnitsky act) as an essential addition to the eu’s human rights and foreign policy toolbox , which strengthens the eu’s role as a global human rights actor by allowing it to take restrictive measures against legal and natural persons involved in grave human rights violations in the world; condemns any arbitrary and unjustified retaliatory restrictive measures imposed on the eu or other entities as a response to the eu’s decisions under the eu ghrsr-eu magnitsky act; regrets the fact that the council has decided to apply unanimity instead of qualified majority voting when adopting sanctions on human rights issues; ### 32. welcomes the adoption of the eu global human rights sanctions regime (eu ghrsr-"eu magnitsky act") as an essential addition to the eu’s human rights and foreign policy toolbox , which strengthens the eu’s role as a global human rights actor by allowing it to take restrictive measures against legal and natural persons involved in grave human rights violations in the world; condemns any arbitrary and unjustified retaliatory restrictive measures imposed on the eu or other entities as a response to the eu’s decisions under the eu ghrsr-eu magnitsky act;


### 33. calls for the extension of the scope of the eu ghrsr-eu magnitsky act to include acts of corruption in order to ensure the effective targeting of the economic and financial enablers of human rights abusers; stresses the need for an effective strategy to implement the eu ghrsr-eu magnitsky act , consistent both with the eu’s other external policies , in particular with its human rights policies , and with the existing international frameworks on sanctions , international criminal law and international humanitarian law; welcomes the commission’s announcement that in 2021 , it will conduct a review of practices undermining sanctions and of the existing reporting obligations for member states on their implementation and enforcement; ### 33. stresses the need for an effective strategy to implement the eu ghrsr-"eu magnitsky act" , consistent both with the eu’s other external policies , in particular with its human rights policies , and with the existing international frameworks on sanctions , international criminal law and international humanitarian law; welcomes the commission’s announcement that in 2021 , it will conduct a review of practices undermining sanctions and of the existing reporting obligations for member states on their implementation and enforcement;


### 33. calls for the extension of the scope of the eu ghrsr-eu magnitsky act to include acts of corruption in order to ensure the effective targeting of the economic and financial enablers of human rights abusers; stresses the need for an effective strategy to implement the eu ghrsr-eu magnitsky act , consistent both with the eu’s other external policies , in particular with its human rights policies , and with the existing international frameworks on sanctions , international criminal law and international humanitarian law; welcomes the commission’s announcement that in 2021 , it will conduct a review of practices undermining sanctions and of the existing reporting obligations for member states on their implementation and enforcement; ### 33. calls for the extension of the scope of the eu ghrsr-eu magnitsky act to include acts of corruption in order to ensure the effective targeting of the economic and financial enablers of human rights abusers; stresses the need for an effective strategy to implement the eu ghrsr-eu magnitsky act , consistent both with the eu’s other external policies , in particular with its human rights policies , and with the existing international frameworks on sanctions , international criminal law and international humanitarian law; points out that the consistent and uniform application of restrictive measures in all member states is a precondition for the credibility and effectiveness of the eu’s external action; welcomes the commission’s announcement that in 2021 , it will conduct a review of practices undermining sanctions and of the existing reporting obligations for member states on their implementation and enforcement; urges the commission , in its role as guardian of the treaties , and the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy , as those responsible for the unity , consistency and effectiveness of the eu’s external policy , to ensure that national responses to infringements of restrictive measures adopted by the eu are effective , proportionate and dissuasive.


### migration ### migration and asylum


### 34. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants and refugees , and calls for the eu and its member states to fully uphold them in their cooperation with third countries , both in terms of the establishment of high legal standards and , equally importantly , their operationalisation in order to ensure the effective protection of these rights in practice; reiterates its call on the commission to carry out a review of the human rights impact of migration policy frameworks and of the eu’s cooperation on migration with third countries; underlines the risks related to informal arrangements on return and readmission , which are not subject to judicial scrutiny and therefore do not allow for effective redress for human rights violations suffered by migrants and asylum seekers; ### 34. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants and refugees , and calls for the eu and its member states to fully uphold them in their cooperation with third countries , both in terms of the establishment of high legal standards and , equally importantly , their operationalisation in order to ensure the effective protection of these rights in practice; reiterates its call on the commission to carry out a review of the human rights impact of migration policy frameworks and of the eu’s cooperation on migration with third countries;


### 34. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants and refugees , and calls for the eu and its member states to fully uphold them in their cooperation with third countries , both in terms of the establishment of high legal standards and , equally importantly , their operationalisation in order to ensure the effective protection of these rights in practice; reiterates its call on the commission to carry out a review of the human rights impact of migration policy frameworks and of the eu’s cooperation on migration with third countries; underlines the risks related to informal arrangements on return and readmission , which are not subject to judicial scrutiny and therefore do not allow for effective redress for human rights violations suffered by migrants and asylum seekers; ### 34. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants and refugees as recognised in international treaties , and calls for the eu and its member states to fully uphold them in their cooperation with third countries , both in terms of the establishment of high legal standards and , equally importantly , their operationalisation in order to ensure the effective protection of these rights in practice; reiterates its call on the commission to carry out a review of the human rights impact of migration policy frameworks and of the eu’s cooperation on migration with third countries; underlines the risks related to informal arrangements on return and readmission , which are not subject to judicial scrutiny and therefore do not allow for effective redress for human rights violations suffered by migrants and asylum seekers;


### 34. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants and refugees , and calls for the eu and its member states to fully uphold them in their cooperation with third countries , both in terms of the establishment of high legal standards and , equally importantly , their operationalisation in order to ensure the effective protection of these rights in practice; reiterates its call on the commission to carry out a review of the human rights impact of migration policy frameworks and of the eu’s cooperation on migration with third countries; underlines the risks related to informal arrangements on return and readmission , which are not subject to judicial scrutiny and therefore do not allow for effective redress for human rights violations suffered by migrants and asylum seekers; ### 34. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants and refugees , and calls for the eu and its member states to fully uphold them and include them in their cooperation with third countries , both in terms of the establishment of high legal standards and , equally importantly , their operationalisation in order to ensure the effective protection of these rights in practice; reiterates its call on the commission to carry out a review of the human rights impact of migration policy frameworks and of the eu’s cooperation on migration with third countries; underlines the risks related to informal arrangements on return and readmission , which are not subject to judicial scrutiny and therefore do not allow for effective redress for human rights violations suffered by migrants and asylum seekers;


### 35. equally , calls for independent , effective mechanisms to monitor formal readmission agreements , both at the eu’s borders and in partner countries in order to ensure full respect for human rights , including the principle of non-refoulement; recalls that the right to asylum is guaranteed by article 18 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union; expresses its hope that the new pact on migration and asylum , including the new european union agency for asylum , will help the eu member states in creating efficient , properly functioning asylum systems , improving protection for asylum seekers and respecting the principles of the fair sharing of responsibility and solidarity among member states; reiterates the need for a european agreement on a humanitarian visa or on the use of the european temporary protection directive; ### 35. equally , calls for independent , effective mechanisms to monitor formal readmission agreements , both at the eu’s borders and in partner countries in order to ensure full respect for human rights , including the principle of non-refoulement; recalls that the right to asylum is guaranteed by article 18 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union; reiterates the need for a european agreement on a humanitarian visa or on the use of the european temporary protection directive;


### 36. underlines that universal respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law is of the utmost importance , and calls for the parties in the world’s armed conflicts to ensure the full , timely and unhindered access of humanitarian aid agencies to vulnerable populations and areas , and to protect these civilian populations , particularly women and children , as well as humanitarian and medical workers; underlines the importance of contributing to the creation of humanitarian corridors for emergency situations , including those involving a risk or imminent risk of escalating into widespread and major human rights abuses; ### 36. underlines that universal respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law is of the utmost importance , and calls for the parties in the world’s armed conflicts to ensure the full , timely and unhindered access of humanitarian aid agencies to vulnerable populations and areas , and to protect these civilian populations , particularly women and children , as well as humanitarian and medical workers as guaranteed by the geneva conventions and their additional protocols; underlines the importance of contributing to the creation of humanitarian corridors for emergency situations , including those involving a risk or imminent risk of escalating into widespread and major human rights abuses;


### 36. underlines that universal respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law is of the utmost importance , and calls for the parties in the world’s armed conflicts to ensure the full , timely and unhindered access of humanitarian aid agencies to vulnerable populations and areas , and to protect these civilian populations , particularly women and children , as well as humanitarian and medical workers; underlines the importance of contributing to the creation of humanitarian corridors for emergency situations , including those involving a risk or imminent risk of escalating into widespread and major human rights abuses; ### 36. underlines that universal respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law is of the utmost importance , and calls for the parties in the world’s armed conflicts to ensure the full , timely and unhindered access of humanitarian aid agencies to vulnerable populations and areas , and to protect these civilian populations , particularly women and children , as well as humanitarian and medical workers as well as religious personnel; underlines the importance of contributing to the creation of humanitarian corridors for emergency situations , including those involving a risk or imminent risk of escalating into widespread and major human rights abuses;


### 38. stresses the multi-faceted threat to the enjoyment of human rights brought about by modern armed conflicts , which , in addition to states , often involve non-state agents and terrorist organisations; reiterates its call for the eu to strengthen its response to conflicts in collaboration with partner countries and regional organisations , including a strong focus on conflict prevention , mediation and good offices efforts , addressing the root causes of the conflicts , humanitarian aid , providing the necessary support to the international peacebuilding and peacekeeping missions , as well as eu missions in the framework of the common security and defence policy , and post-conflict reconstruction operations supporting and applying strong integration and scrutiny of human rights and a robust gender perspective; ### 38. stresses the multi-faceted threat to the enjoyment of human rights brought about by modern armed conflicts , which , in addition to states , often involve non-state agents and terrorist organisations; emphasises that victims of human rights violations have very limited access to justice in territories with uncertain legal status , especially in frozen conflict areas , where developed legal and institutionalised structures for protecting human rights are either lacking or are hardly fulfilling their tasks within fragile frameworks; reiterates its call for the eu to strengthen its response to conflicts in collaboration with partner countries and regional organisations , including a strong focus on conflict prevention , mediation and good offices efforts , addressing the root causes of the conflicts , humanitarian aid , providing the necessary support to the international peacebuilding and peacekeeping missions , as well as eu missions in the framework of the common security and defence policy , and post-conflict reconstruction operations supporting and applying strong integration and scrutiny of human rights and a robust gender perspective;


### 38. stresses the multi-faceted threat to the enjoyment of human rights brought about by modern armed conflicts , which , in addition to states , often involve non-state agents and terrorist organisations; reiterates its call for the eu to strengthen its response to conflicts in collaboration with partner countries and regional organisations , including a strong focus on conflict prevention , mediation and good offices efforts , addressing the root causes of the conflicts , humanitarian aid , providing the necessary support to the international peacebuilding and peacekeeping missions , as well as eu missions in the framework of the common security and defence policy , and post-conflict reconstruction operations supporting and applying strong integration and scrutiny of human rights and a robust gender perspective; ### 38. stresses the multi-faceted threat to the enjoyment of human rights brought about by modern armed conflicts , which , in addition to states , often involve non-state agents and terrorist organisations; reiterates its call for the eu to strengthen its response to conflicts in collaboration with partner countries and regional organisations , including a strong focus on conflict prevention , mediation and good offices efforts , as well as reconciliation , addressing the root causes of the conflicts , humanitarian aid , providing the necessary support to the international peacebuilding and peacekeeping missions , as well as eu missions in the framework of the common security and defence policy , and post-conflict reconstruction operations supporting and applying strong integration and scrutiny of human rights;


### 38. stresses the multi-faceted threat to the enjoyment of human rights brought about by modern armed conflicts , which , in addition to states , often involve non-state agents and terrorist organisations; reiterates its call for the eu to strengthen its response to conflicts in collaboration with partner countries and regional organisations , including a strong focus on conflict prevention , mediation and good offices efforts , addressing the root causes of the conflicts , humanitarian aid , providing the necessary support to the international peacebuilding and peacekeeping missions , as well as eu missions in the framework of the common security and defence policy , and post-conflict reconstruction operations supporting and applying strong integration and scrutiny of human rights and a robust gender perspective; ### 38. stresses the multi-faceted threat to the enjoyment of human rights brought about by wars and military conflicts , which , in addition to states , often involve non-state agents and terrorist organisations; reiterates its call for the eu to strengthen its response to conflicts in collaboration with partner countries and regional organisations , including a strong focus on conflict prevention , mediation and good offices efforts , addressing the root causes of the conflicts , humanitarian aid , providing the necessary support to the international peacebuilding and peacekeeping missions , as well as eu missions in the framework of the common security and defence policy , and post-conflict reconstruction operations supporting and applying strong integration and scrutiny of human rights and a robust gender perspective;


### due diligence ### due diligence and corporate responsibility


### 40. emphasises that the eu has a unique opportunity to exert leverage on businesses to uphold human rights at global level with the upcoming eu binding legislation on corporate due diligence and corporate accountability , obliging companies to prevent , identify , communicate , account for and remedy potential and/or actual adverse impacts on human rights , the environment and good governance in their value chain; calls for the strategy to apply to all large undertakings governed by the law of a member state , established in the territory of the union or operating in the internal market , as well as publicly listed small and medium-sized companies; stresses the need to establish and enforce sanctions to make the legislation effective; calls for companies’ due diligence strategies to be made public; welcomes the full entry into force in 2020 of the eu conflict minerals regulation and the eu taxonomy regulation as constructive steps in this field; ### 40. emphasises that the eu has a unique opportunity to exert leverage on businesses to uphold human rights at global level with the upcoming eu legislation on corporate due diligence and corporate accountability , obliging companies to prevent , identify , communicate , account for and remedy potential and/or actual adverse impacts on human rights , the environment and good governance in their value chain; welcomes the full entry into force in 2020 of the eu conflict minerals regulation and the eu taxonomy regulation as constructive steps in this field;


### importance of strong human rights clauses in international agreements ### importance of strong human rights clauses and clear benchmarks in international agreements


### importance of strong human rights clauses in international agreements ### importance of strong human rights recommendations in international agreements


### 42. reiterates its call for the systematic inclusion of human rights clauses in all international agreements between the eu and non-eu countries; calls for these clauses to be enforced through clear benchmarks and to be monitored , with the involvement of parliament , civil society and the relevant international organisations; underlines that the establishment of specific benchmarks could lead the eu to explore the introduction of proportionality into sanctions for non-compliance; underlines that breaches of agreements should trigger clear consequences , including , as a last resort , suspension or the withdrawal of the eu from the agreement; recommends the inclusion of monitoring mechanisms on human rights in trade and foreign investment agreements , as well as complaints mechanisms , in order to ensure effective recourse to remedy for affected citizens and local stakeholders; ### 42. reiterates its call on the commission for the inclusion of human rights clauses in all trade and association agreements between the eu and non-eu countries; calls for these clauses to be enforced and to be monitored , with the involvement of parliament , civil society and the relevant international organisations; underlines that breaches of agreements should trigger clear consequences; recommends the inclusion of monitoring mechanisms on human rights in trade and foreign investment agreements , as well as complaints mechanisms , in order to ensure effective recourse to remedy for affected citizens and local stakeholders;


### 42. reiterates its call for the systematic inclusion of human rights clauses in all international agreements between the eu and non-eu countries; calls for these clauses to be enforced through clear benchmarks and to be monitored , with the involvement of parliament , civil society and the relevant international organisations; underlines that the establishment of specific benchmarks could lead the eu to explore the introduction of proportionality into sanctions for non-compliance; underlines that breaches of agreements should trigger clear consequences , including , as a last resort , suspension or the withdrawal of the eu from the agreement; recommends the inclusion of monitoring mechanisms on human rights in trade and foreign investment agreements , as well as complaints mechanisms , in order to ensure effective recourse to remedy for affected citizens and local stakeholders; ### 42. reiterates its call for the systematic inclusion of human rights recommendations in all international agreements between the eu and non-eu countries; calls for these recommendations to be monitored , with the involvement of parliament , civil society , as well as churches and fbos , and the relevant international organisations; underlines that breaches of agreements should trigger clear consequences; recommends the inclusion of monitoring mechanisms on human rights in trade and foreign investment agreements , as well as complaints mechanisms , in order to ensure effective recourse to remedy for affected citizens and local stakeholders;


### 43. underlines the strong link between trade and human rights and the incentivising role played by access to trade on upholding human rights conditionality for third countries; notes the ongoing review of the gsp+ regulation , which is an opportunity to further strengthen this link; underlines that access to gsp+ is contingent on progress in the area of human rights and calls for the strict application of conditionality to partner countries including , if warranted , the swift revocation of gsp+ status; ### 43. underlines the strong link between trade and human rights and the incentivising role played by access to trade on upholding human rights conditionality for third countries; notes the recent proposal by the commission for a revised gsp regulation , which is an opportunity to further strengthen this link; underlines that access to gsp+ is contingent on progress in the area of human rights and calls for the strict application of conditionality to partner countries including , if warranted , the swift revocation of gsp+ status; calls upon the commission to be more transparent about the application of conditionality and to use clear and transparent benchmarks when assessing compliance with gsp+ obligations;


### 43. underlines the strong link between trade and human rights and the incentivising role played by access to trade on upholding human rights conditionality for third countries; notes the ongoing review of the gsp+ regulation , which is an opportunity to further strengthen this link; underlines that access to gsp+ is contingent on progress in the area of human rights and calls for the strict application of conditionality to partner countries including , if warranted , the swift revocation of gsp+ status; ### 43. underlines the strong link between trade and human rights and the incentivising role played by access to trade on upholding human rights conditionality for third countries; notes the ongoing review of the gsp+ regulation , which is an opportunity to further strengthen this link; underlines that access to gsp+ is contingent on progress in the area of human rights and calls for the consideration of a prudent application of conditionality to partner countries taking into account all potential impacts;


### 43. underlines the strong link between trade and human rights and the incentivising role played by access to trade on upholding human rights conditionality for third countries; notes the ongoing review of the gsp+ regulation , which is an opportunity to further strengthen this link; underlines that access to gsp+ is contingent on progress in the area of human rights and calls for the strict application of conditionality to partner countries including , if warranted , the swift revocation of gsp+ status; ### 43. underlines the strong link between trade and human rights and the incentivising role played by access to trade on upholding human rights conditionality for third countries; notes the ongoing review of the gsp+ regulation , which is an opportunity to further strengthen this link; underlines that access to gsp+ is contingent on progress in the area of human rights and calls for the application of recommendations to partner countries;


### 44. underlines the important role played by digital technologies , particularly during the covid-19 pandemic; stresses that these technologies will continue to be implemented around the world in the post-pandemic period and that that they should be appropriately regulated to leverage their strength while avoiding their negative effects on human rights; in particular , stresses the importance of effective safeguards to the right to privacy and data protection in the health-related systems of mass surveillance , and of their proportionate use which should also be limited in time; ### 44. underlines the important role played by digital technologies , particularly during the covid-19 pandemic; stresses that these technologies will continue to be implemented around the world in the post-pandemic period and that that they should be appropriately regulated to leverage their strength while avoiding their negative effects on human rights; in particular , stresses the importance of effective safeguards to the right to privacy and data protection in the health-related systems of mass surveillance , and of their proportionate use which should also be limited in time; emphasises that democracy is facing increasing threats through covert foreign funding , disinformation and other interference online;


### 46. stresses the vital role of social platforms in advancing freedom of expression and of organisation , but underlines the need for proper safeguards to prevent , on the one hand , the unjustified censorship of users’ content , including automated censorship , and , on the other , the spread of hate speech , fake news and disinformation; welcomes the adoption of the new eu rules on the control of exports , brokering , technical assistance , transit and transfer of dual-use technologies; ### 46. stresses the vital role of social platforms in advancing freedom of expression and of organisation , but underlines the need for proper safeguards to prevent , on the one hand , the unjustified censorship of users’ content , including automated censorship , and , on the other , the spread of hate speech , fake news and disinformation; welcomes the adoption of the new eu rules on the control of exports , brokering , technical assistance , transit and transfer of dual-use technologies; calls on member states to adopt a judicial or administrative mechanism that allows any user of social platforms to challenge the legality of any decision adopted by these platforms to censor the content posted by the user;


### 46. stresses the vital role of social platforms in advancing freedom of expression and of organisation , but underlines the need for proper safeguards to prevent , on the one hand , the unjustified censorship of users’ content , including automated censorship , and , on the other , the spread of hate speech , fake news and disinformation; welcomes the adoption of the new eu rules on the control of exports , brokering , technical assistance , transit and transfer of dual-use technologies; ### 46. stresses the vital role of social platforms in advancing freedom of expression and of organisation , but underlines the need for proper safeguards to prevent , on the one hand , the unjustified censorship of users’ content , including automated censorship , and , on the other , the spread of terrorist or hate speech , fake news and disinformation; welcomes the adoption of the new eu rules on the control of exports , brokering , technical assistance , transit and transfer of dual-use technologies;


### — having regard to the council of europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (hereinafter ‘the istanbul convention’) of 11 may 2011 , which not all member states have ratified , ### deleted


### — having regard to the eu action plan on gender equality and women’s empowerment in external action 2021–2025’ (gap iii) , ### deleted


### — having regard to the commission communication of 12 november 2020 entitled ‘union of equality: lgbtiq equality strategy 2020-2025’ (com(2020)0698) , ### deleted


### — having regard to the commission communication of 23 september 2020 on a new pact on migration and asylum (com(2020)0609) , ### deleted


### eu special representative for human rights ### eu special representative for human rights and eu special envoy for freedom of religion or belief


### 10. underlines that the dialogues should be one of the tools in the eu’s comprehensive engagement in human rights and that they should not be seen as a replacement for human rights-related discussions at high-level forums with all relevant actors and , in particular , with the eu’s strategic partners; calls on the eeas to share the information about envisaged dialogues – both bilateral and within international forums – sufficiently in advance with parliament’s subcommittee on human rights and with civil society organisations; ### 10. underlines that the dialogues should be one of the tools in the eu’s comprehensive engagement in human rights and that they should not be seen as a replacement for human rights-related discussions at high-level forums with all relevant actors and , in particular , with the eu’s strategic partners; calls on the eeas to share the information about envisaged dialogues – both bilateral and within international forums – sufficiently in advance with parliament’s committee on foreign affairs and subcommittee on human rights and with civil society organisations;


### 11. stresses that all civil society actors , in particular independent civil society organisations , have a vital role to play in the dialogues , in terms of providing input both to the dialogues and to evaluation of their outcomes; underlines that such organisations should therefore be consulted within the framework of official and informal dialogues , as well as exploratory talks; calls on the eeas and the commission to improve communication and transparency with regard to civil society organisations; to this end , calls on the eeas and the commission to appoint human rights focal points at the geographical divisions of their headquarters; ### 11. stresses that all civil society actors , in particular independent civil society , religious groups and church-based communities , have a vital role to play in the dialogues , in terms of providing input both to the dialogues and to evaluation of their outcomes; underlines that civil society should therefore be consulted within the framework of official and informal dialogues , as well as exploratory talks; calls on the eeas and the commission to improve communication and transparency with regard to civil society organisations; to this end , calls on the eeas and the commission to strengthen support to civil society , including through technical support , particularly in third countries where oppressive regimes seek to destroy or prevent the growth of organic civil society;


### 12. given the fact that human rights dialogues are intended to be a central part of the eu’s foreign policy toolbox , highlights that they cannot be an end in themselves; therefore calls on the eeas and the council to strike a better balance between diplomacy , interests and values , more in line with the human rights objectives guiding the eu’s external action with a greater focus on a long-term perspective; ### 12. given the fact that human rights dialogues are intended to be a central part of the eu’s foreign policy toolbox , stresses that they cannot be an end in themselves; therefore reiterates that , as per article 21 teu , the values on which the union has been founded must guide all aspects of our external policies , including the common foreign and security policy and international trade policy;


### 12. given the fact that human rights dialogues are intended to be a central part of the eu’s foreign policy toolbox , highlights that they cannot be an end in themselves; therefore calls on the eeas and the council to strike a better balance between diplomacy , interests and values , more in line with the human rights objectives guiding the eu’s external action with a greater focus on a long-term perspective; ### 12. given the fact that human rights dialogues are intended to be a central part of the eu’s foreign policy toolbox , highlights that they cannot be an end in themselves; therefore calls on the eeas and the council to strike a better balance between diplomacy , interests and values , more in line with the human rights objectives guiding the eu’s external action with a greater focus on a long-term perspective and therefore reiterates that respect for human rights must be an underlining conditionality of eu’s support towards partner countries;


### 13. notes that 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the united nations , an essential universal forum for international consensus-building on peace and security , sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the eu and its member states to maintain their vital support to the un and to continue their efforts to speak with one voice in the un and other multilateral forums; stresses that the challenges to the universal enjoyment of human rights call for even stronger multilateralism and international cooperation; highlights the vital role of un bodies as the forum for advancing peace , conflict resolution and the protection of human rights , and welcomes the un secretary-general’s call to action on human rights; ### 13. notes that 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the united nations , an essential universal forum for international consensus-building on peace and security , sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the eu and its member states to maintain their vital support to the un and to continue their efforts to speak with one voice in the un and other multilateral forums , while respecting their sovereignty; stresses that the challenges to the universal enjoyment of human rights highlights the need for more effective multilateralism and international cooperation; highlights the vital role of un bodies as the forum for advancing peace , conflict resolution and the protection of human rights , and welcomes the un secretary-general’s call to action on human rights;


### 14. condemns the increase in attempts to undermine the functioning of the un’s bodies , in particular the human rights council , and to obstruct the rules-based international order; calls on the eu member states and the eu’s democratic partners to decisively counter these attempts and to strengthen their response to serious violations of international human rights; stresses that state sovereignty cannot be used as a pretext to avoid human rights monitoring by the international community since , according to the founding charter of the united nations and un general assembly resolution 60/251 , all states , regardless of their political , economic and cultural systems , have the duty and the responsibility to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all , and the un human rights council should address situations of violations of human rights; ### 14. condemns the increase in attempts to undermine the functioning of the un’s bodies , in particular the human rights council (unhrc) , and to obstruct the rules-based international order; regrets the fact that countries with autocratic regimes and which have repeatedly breached human right have been able to join the unhrc; regrets venezuela’s involvement as a full member of the unhrc between 2020 and 2022 , when the un itself , in its 2020 report , has endorsed reports of crimes against humanity committed by the venezuelan government , and points out that there is a clear lack of consistency in this situation; calls on the eu member states and the eu’s democratic partners to decisively counter these attempts and to strengthen their response to serious violations of international human rights; stresses that state sovereignty cannot be used as a pretext to avoid human rights monitoring by the international community since , according to the founding charter of the united nations and un general assembly resolution 60/251 , all states , regardless of their political , economic and cultural systems , have the duty and the responsibility to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all , and the un human rights council should address situations of violations of human rights;


### 14. condemns the increase in attempts to undermine the functioning of the un’s bodies , in particular the human rights council , and to obstruct the rules-based international order; calls on the eu member states and the eu’s democratic partners to decisively counter these attempts and to strengthen their response to serious violations of international human rights; stresses that state sovereignty cannot be used as a pretext to avoid human rights monitoring by the international community since , according to the founding charter of the united nations and un general assembly resolution 60/251 , all states , regardless of their political , economic and cultural systems , have the duty and the responsibility to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all , and the un human rights council should address situations of violations of human rights; ### 14. condemns the increase attempts by authoritarian regimes to undermine the functioning of the un’s bodies , abuse the human rights council for their own ends , and to obstruct the rules-based international order; calls on the eu member states and the eu’s democratic partners to decisively counter these attempts and to strengthen their response to serious violations of international human rights; stresses that state sovereignty cannot be used as a pretext to avoid human rights monitoring by the international community since , according to the founding charter of the united nations and un general assembly resolution 60/251 , all states , regardless of their political , economic and cultural systems , have the duty and the responsibility to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all , and the un human rights council should address situations of violations of human rights in a balanced manner , and cease attempts to disproportionately target the state of israel; calls in this regard for a fundamental reform of the human rights council including the setting of clear criteria for members of the council;


### 15. reiterates its strong support for the international criminal court (icc) as the only international institution able to prosecute some of the world’s most heinous crimes and to bring justice to their victims; calls on the eu member states to provide adequate financial support to enable the icc to carry out its tasks; supports the universality of the rome statute and calls for the eu to include a specific clause on its ratification and access in agreements to be concluded with third countries; strongly condemns any attack on the staff or on the independence of the icc; is of the opinion that attempts to undermine the credibility and essential role of the icc constitute attacks on multilateralism and should be contested as such by the eu and its member states; stresses that the icc needs full access to the countries it investigates to be able to perform its tasks; underlines the potential of other innovative tools to bring perpetrators of international crimes to account , including universal jurisdiction at national-level judiciaries; underlines , in this context , the current discussions in the un international law commission on the immunity of state officials and calls for follow-up to them; calls for the eu to continue to strengthen capacity building at national level in third countries , while supporting international criminal tribunals and mechanisms , as well as platforms and organisations dedicated to the fight against impunity such as the coalition for the international criminal court; ### 15. reiterates its strong support for the international criminal court (icc) as the only international institution able to prosecute some of the world’s most heinous crimes and to bring justice to their victims , and highlights the importance of impartiality and independence of the court; calls on the eu member states to provide adequate financial support to enable the icc to carry out its tasks as well as to support alternative efforts to prosecute atrocity crimes in special chamber in national courts or hybrid courts; strongly condemns any attack on the staff or on the independence of the icc; is of the opinion that attempts to undermine the credibility and essential role of the icc constitute attacks on multilateralism and should be contested as such by the eu and its member states; stresses that the icc needs full access to the countries it investigates to be able to perform its tasks; underlines the potential of other innovative tools to bring perpetrators of international crimes to account; underlines , in this context , the current discussions in the un international law commission on the immunity of state officials and calls for follow-up to them; calls for the eu to continue to strengthen capacity building at national level in third countries , while supporting international criminal tribunals and mechanisms , as well as platforms and organisations dedicated to the fight against impunity such as the coalition for the international criminal court;


### 16. underlines that covid-19 has significantly strengthened the recent trends of authoritarian regimes weakening democracy; deplores the abuse of the epidemiological crisis by these regimes to further constrain the freedom of expression and of assembly through restricting the functioning of democratic institutions , the repression of dissent , including limiting media freedom both online and offline and targeting critics with defamation campaigns , the mass use of surveillance tools , disinformation campaigns , limiting access to information through blanket internet shutdowns , bandwidth throttling and content blocking , emergency measures implemented without clear criteria for their revocation and the restrictions placed on the democratic exercise of elections; ### 16. underlines that covid-19 has significantly strengthened the recent trends of totalitarian , dictatorial or authoritarian regimes to dilute weakening democracy; deplores the abuse of the epidemiological crisis by these regimes to further constrain the freedom of expression , religion and of assembly through restricting the functioning of democratic institutions , the repression of dissent , including limiting media freedom both online and offline and targeting critics with defamation campaigns , banning or heavily restricting worship and religious gatherings , the mass use of surveillance tools , disinformation campaigns , limiting access to information through blanket internet shutdowns , bandwidth throttling and content blocking , emergency measures implemented without clear criteria for their revocation and the restrictions placed on the democratic exercise of elections;


### 16. underlines that covid-19 has significantly strengthened the recent trends of authoritarian regimes weakening democracy; deplores the abuse of the epidemiological crisis by these regimes to further constrain the freedom of expression and of assembly through restricting the functioning of democratic institutions , the repression of dissent , including limiting media freedom both online and offline and targeting critics with defamation campaigns , the mass use of surveillance tools , disinformation campaigns , limiting access to information through blanket internet shutdowns , bandwidth throttling and content blocking , emergency measures implemented without clear criteria for their revocation and the restrictions placed on the democratic exercise of elections; ### 16. underlines that covid-19 has significantly strengthened the recent trends of authoritarian regimes weakening democracy; deplores the abuse of the epidemiological crisis by these regimes to further constrain the freedom of expression and of assembly through restricting the functioning of democratic institutions , the repression of dissent , including limiting media freedom both online and offline and targeting critics with defamation campaigns , the mass use of surveillance tools , disinformation campaigns , limiting access to information from pluralistic and independent media through blanket internet shutdowns , bandwidth throttling and content blocking , emergency measures implemented without clear criteria for their revocation and the restrictions placed on the democratic exercise of elections;


### 17. highlights the highly negative impact of covid-19 , which has disproportionately affected women , lgbtiq persons and vulnerable groups , including the poor , children , persons with disabilities , migrants , refugees , asylum seekers , minorities , informal workers and persons in prison or detention , among others; stresses that vulnerable groups are also more affected by the negative economic and social consequences of the pandemic , as well as the restrictions in access to healthcare and education; notes with concern the increase in hate speech against certain vulnerable groups , in particular minority groups; ### 17. highlights the highly negative impact of covid-19 , which has disproportionately affected groups in vulnerable situation , including women , lgbtiq persons , the poor , children , persons with disabilities , migrants , refugees , asylum seekers , religious and national minorities , informal workers and persons in prison or detention , among others; stresses that groups in vulnerable situations are also more affected by the negative economic and social consequences of the pandemic , as well as the restrictions in access to healthcare and education; notes with concern the increase in intolerance , discrimination and hate speech against certain vulnerable groups , and even persecution of religious communities and other minority groups;


### 17. highlights the highly negative impact of covid-19 , which has disproportionately affected women , lgbtiq persons and vulnerable groups , including the poor , children , persons with disabilities , migrants , refugees , asylum seekers , minorities , informal workers and persons in prison or detention , among others; stresses that vulnerable groups are also more affected by the negative economic and social consequences of the pandemic , as well as the restrictions in access to healthcare and education; notes with concern the increase in hate speech against certain vulnerable groups , in particular minority groups; ### 17. highlights the highly negative impact of covid-19 , which has disproportionately affected vulnerable groups , including the poor , children , persons with disabilities , migrants , refugees , asylum seekers , religious and other minorities , informal workers and persons in prison or detention , among others; stresses that vulnerable groups are also more affected by the negative economic and social consequences of the pandemic , as well as the restrictions in access to healthcare and education; notes with concern the increase in hate speech against certain vulnerable groups , in particular minority groups , as well as restrictions on the freedom of religion or belief;


### 17. highlights the highly negative impact of covid-19 , which has disproportionately affected women , lgbtiq persons and vulnerable groups , including the poor , children , persons with disabilities , migrants , refugees , asylum seekers , minorities , informal workers and persons in prison or detention , among others; stresses that vulnerable groups are also more affected by the negative economic and social consequences of the pandemic , as well as the restrictions in access to healthcare and education; notes with concern the increase in hate speech against certain vulnerable groups , in particular minority groups; ### 17. highlights the highly negative consequences of covid-19 , especially on women , lgbtiq persons and vulnerable groups , including the poor , children , persons with disabilities , migrants , refugees , asylum seekers , minorities , informal workers and persons in prison or detention , among others; stresses that vulnerable groups are also more affected by the negative economic and social consequences of the pandemic , as well as the restrictions in access to healthcare and education; notes with concern the increase in hate speech against certain vulnerable groups , in particular minority groups;


### 18. stresses that the eu should increase its support to tackle the negative consequences of covid-19 , particularly for vulnerable groups; to this end , calls for the eu to urgently strengthen its efforts to bring to an end the alarming imbalance in the global distribution of vaccines , thereby fulfilling its previous commitment to embrace the covid-19 vaccine as a global public good through , among other things , technological transfer and the ramping up of local production; stresses the importance of supporting the strengthening of education and healthcare systems to make them resilient to future threats; calls for greater support for innovative technologies to that end and welcomes team europe’s response in this regard; acknowledges the right to physical and mental health , which in many countries is still subject to stigma and discrimination , and underlines how the covid-19 pandemic has revealed enormous neglect in the provision of mental health care; ### 18. stresses that the eu should increase its support to tackle the negative consequences of covid-19 , particularly for vulnerable groups; to this end , calls for the eu to urgently strengthen its efforts to bring to an end the alarming imbalance in the global distribution of vaccines , thereby fulfilling its previous commitment to support the covid-19 vaccine as a global public good , among other things , through the ramping up of local production; stresses the importance of supporting the strengthening of education and healthcare systems to make them resilient to future threats; calls for greater support for innovative technologies to that end and welcomes team europe’s response in this regard; acknowledges the right to physical and mental health , which in many countries is still subject to stigma and discrimination , and underlines how the covid-19 pandemic has revealed enormous neglect in the provision of mental health care;