### 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 around the world and calls for a zero-tolerance approach to them; recalls that christians are by a very large margin the most persecuted religious group in 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; ### deleted


### 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; calls on the eu to play a leading role in defending the rights of lgbtiq people in international fora , including working towards the decriminalisation of sexual orientation , gender identity , gender expression and sex characteristics (sogiesc) and the elimination of intersex genital mutilation (igm) , so-called “conversion therapy” and the forced sterilisation of trans people; 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. points out that christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world , since , according to the world watch list , in 2020 340 million christians were victims of discrimination , unequal treatment and persecution , while 4 761 christians were killed because of their faith;


### 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 minorities on the grounds of belief or religion in many places in the world; is deeply concerned about the increase in desecration and vandalism of sacred and religious sites; calls on the eu and its member states to condemn all such actions and stand in defence of the christian heritage;


### 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 minorities on the grounds of belief or religion in many places in the world; condemns the abuse of blasphemy laws to perpetuate discrimination;


### 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 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; reiterates its condemnation of any attempt by authorities or governments to deny or interfere in the choice of religious or belief leaders;


### 31. considers that corruption also constitutes a major violation of human rights and that the eu and its member states must address it as such in their external action by applying the highest transparency standards to their funding to third countries , as well as by supporting anti-corruption civil society organisations , journalists and whistle-blowers; ### 31. considers that corruption also constitutes a major violation of human rights and that the eu and its member states must address it as such in their external action by applying the highest transparency standards to their funding to third countries , as well as by supporting anti-corruption civil society organisations , journalists and whistle-blowers; reiterates its call for abuses and acts of systemic corruption related to grave human rights violations to be also considered within the eu global human rights sanctions regime;


### 31. considers that corruption also constitutes a major violation of human rights and that the eu and its member states must address it as such in their external action by applying the highest transparency standards to their funding to third countries , as well as by supporting anti-corruption civil society organisations , journalists and whistle-blowers; ### 31. considers that corruption also constitutes a major violation of human rights and that the eu and its member states must address it as such in their external action by applying the highest transparency standards to their funding to third countries , as well as by supporting anti-corruption civil society organisations , journalists and whistle-blowers; reiterates its concern over the use of slapps to silence journalists , activists , whistle-blowers and human rights defenders who investigate and expose corruption;


### 31. considers that corruption also constitutes a major violation of human rights and that the eu and its member states must address it as such in their external action by applying the highest transparency standards to their funding to third countries , as well as by supporting anti-corruption civil society organisations , journalists and whistle-blowers; ### 31. considers that corruption also constitutes a major violation of human rights and that the eu and its member states must address it as such in their external action by applying the highest transparency standards to their funding to third countries , as well as by supporting anti-corruption whistle-blowers;


### 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; ### deleted


### 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. reiterates that the eu cannot legitimately play the role of global custodian of human rights , particularly if it does not tackle its own internal problems;


### 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; indicates that the application of the eu global human rights sanctions regime does not prevent or exclude the adoption of other eu’s instruments for human rights’ protection , thus these can be combined and complementary; 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; 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) 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; regrets the fact that the council has decided to apply unanimity voting and reiterates its call for the introduction of qualified majority voting when adopting sanctions on human rights issues;


### 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; ### deleted


### 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. recalls that any human rights sanctions regime against a third country must be based exclusively on national regulatory provisions , since it qualifies as a foreign policy prerogative;


### 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 restriction of the scope of the eu ghrsr-eu magnitsky act to 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;


### 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 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 , 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;


### 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; ### deleted


### 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. stresses that the eu has taken in an enormous number of illegal migrants and asylum seekers and that these are overstretching its capacities , both economically and demographically;


### 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. argues that the reception of nationals in a member state must be governed by national laws and regulations , and that the eu cannot require a member state , as a matter of principle , to receive a third-country national , especially one in an irregular situation;


### 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 , but emphasises that these rights have to be balanced with the rights of citizens of member states; calls for the eu member states to interpret the geneva convention as was originally intended and insists on a policy of regional placement of refugees;


### 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 , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , 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; recalls that the eu and its member states , in their external and extraterritorial actions , agreements and cooperation in the areas of migration , borders and asylum , shall respect and protect human rights , notably those enshrined in the charter of fundamental rights , including the right to life , liberty , and the right to asylum , notably the individual assessment of asylum applications; 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; reiterates its call on the commission to ensure a transparent ex ante risk assessments , performed by independent eu-bodies and experts on the impact of any formal , informal or financial eu cooperation with third countries on the rights of migrants , refugees , and forcibly displaced persons;


### 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; ### deleted


### 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. urges the eu and its member states to make aid granted to developing countries conditional on agreements on the effective readmission of illegal migrants present in the eu; stresses the importance of blocking funding to civil society groups that act as an illegal shuttle service to smuggle migrants;


### 37. reiterates that the eu and its member states should actively support the un secretary-general’s and un security council’s appeal for a global ceasefire; deplores the fact that the covid-19 pandemic and its effects have increased political violence , intensified competition between armed groups and exacerbated long-simmering tensions , while leaving victims more unprotected; expresses grave concern about the increase in conflict-related sexual violence in this context , despite 2020 being the 20th anniversary of un security council resolution 1325 on women , peace and security; ### 37. reiterates that the eu and its member states should actively support the un secretary-general’s and un security council’s appeal for a global ceasefire , including through effective measures against illicit arms trade and enhancing the transparency and accountability of member states' arms exports; deplores the fact that the covid-19 pandemic and its effects have increased political violence , intensified competition between armed groups and exacerbated long-simmering tensions , while leaving victims more unprotected; expresses grave concern about the increase in conflict-related sexual violence in this context , despite 2020 being the 20th anniversary of un security council resolution 1325 on women , peace and security;


### 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 , for which the union should fully develop and be able to autonomously implement its own instruments , also 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 , 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;


### 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 and have disastrous humanitarian consequences; 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 accountability


### 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; ### deleted


### 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 binding legislation on corporate due diligence and corporate accountability , obliging companies to prevent , identify , communicate , account for and effective remedy potential and/or actual adverse impacts on human rights , the environment and good governance throughout their value chain and provide for access to justice for victims and corporate liability regimes; calls for the legislation to apply to all 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 administrative controls and sanctions to make the legislation effective; calls for the introduction of civil liability for harm caused or that a company has contributed to by failing to perform due diligence; calls for companies’ due diligence strategies to be defined and implemented through meaningful and regular consultation with stakeholders , including workers , workers representatives , trade unions , human rights defenders , local communities including vulnerable ones such as dalits , indigenous groups , migrant workers , informal workers and home workers and 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;


### 41. notes that 2021 is the 10th anniversary of the un guiding principles on business and human rights , a genuine framework whose guidelines , in particular those in the third pillar focused on respect for human rights defenders , provides an essential framework to cooperate with third countries on prevention , as well as on access to complaint and redress mechanisms for victims; calls for the eu and its member states to continue to play an active role in the ongoing negotiations for a un binding treaty on business and human rights , as a means to help secure a level playing field for eu companies; ### 41. notes that 2021 is the 10th anniversary of the un guiding principles on business and human rights , a genuine framework whose guidelines , in particular those in the third pillar focused on access to remedy and respect for human rights defenders , provides an essential framework to cooperate with third countries on prevention , as well as on access to judicial and non-judicial complaint and redress mechanisms for victims; stresses the importance for all countries to fully implement the un guiding principles on business and human rights , and calls on those eu member states that have not yet adopted national action plans on business rights to do so as soon as possible; stresses the need to establish an international binding instrument to regulate , in international human rights law , the activities of transnational corporations and other companies; encourages the eu and its member states to participate constructively in the work of the un intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights; considers this to be a necessary step forward in the promotion and protection of human rights;


### 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 clauses in all international agreements between the eu and non-eu countries , including free trade agreements and standalone investment protection agreements; calls for a better use of these clauses , including by the setting of dedicated monitoring and problem solving mechanisms; 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; calls for the inclusion of monitoring mechanisms on human rights in all trade and foreign investment agreements , as well as complaints mechanisms , in order to ensure effective recourse to remedy for affected citizens and local stakeholders; calls that no trade or investment agreement be negotiated without enforceable human rights clauses;


### 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 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 for the most severe cases of human rights violations; 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 ongoing review of the gsp+ regulation , which is an opportunity to further strengthen this link; underlines that access to gsp+ is contingent on respect to international conventions and 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;


### 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; stresses the evident risks of surveillance techniques to be used against human rights defenders , journalists , civil society and others in particular as they represent a serious obstacle to the defence of human rights , a risk to privacy and freedom of expression , and a serious threat to democratic institutions;


### 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 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 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 must also be limited in time;


### 45. notes the benefits brought about by the increased use of artificial intelligence , but stresses that the technologies must be developed , deployed and used under meaningful human supervision , in full transparency and ensuring accountability and non-discrimination , in particular to avoid both bias in automated decisions and data protection violations; ### 45. notes the benefits brought about by the increased use of artificial intelligence , but stresses that the technologies must be developed , deployed and used in conformity with human rights , adopting a human rights based approach and under meaningful human supervision , in full transparency and ensuring accountability and non-discrimination , in particular to avoid both bias in automated decisions and data protection violations;


### 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 limitation , curation or manipulation of users’ content , including automated censorship , and , on the other , the spread of hate speech , fake news , disinformation and intentional harmful content; calls the eu to propose ways to facilitate the human rights defenders work online and the recognition that debate on human rights should be promoted and protected in any circumstances; 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; ### 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; 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; ### 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 welcomes the adoption of the new eu rules on the control of exports , brokering , technical assistance , transit and transfer of dual-use technologies;


### 47. reiterates its strong opposition to the death penalty in view of its cruel and irreversible nature and calls for the eu to intensify its efforts to advocate universal abolition; underlines that a positive trend emerged in 2020 towards a moratorium on executions with a view to fully abolishing the death penalty , with 123 states voting in favour of the un general assembly’s resolution on this matter; is extremely concerned , however , about the dramatic increase in executions in certain countries; ### 47. reiterates its strong opposition to the death penalty in view of its cruel and irreversible nature and calls for the eu to intensify its efforts to advocate universal abolition; underlines that a positive trend emerged in 2020 towards a moratorium on executions with a view to fully abolishing the death penalty , with 123 states voting in favour of the un general assembly’s resolution on this matter; is extremely concerned , however , about the dramatic increase in executions in certain countries; urges the eu and its member states to defend abolition in all international forums and advocate for the widest possible support for this position;


### 48. deplores the fact that torture and inhuman or degrading treatment continue to be widespread in many countries and calls for the eu to strengthen its efforts aimed at eradicating these practices , while supporting victims and promoting mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable; ### 48. deplores the fact that torture and inhuman or degrading treatment continue to be widespread in many countries and calls for the eu to strengthen its efforts aimed at eradicating these practices , while supporting victims and promoting mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable; urges all member states and other countries which have not done so to ratify the un convention against torture and other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and its optional protocol (opcat); recognises the importance of civil society organisations and hrds in the fight against torture and other forms of ill-treatment;


### — 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


### — having regard to its sakharov prize for freedom of thought , which in 2020 was awarded to the democratic opposition in belarus , ### deleted


### 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; ### deleted


### 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; ### deleted


### 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. recalls that in a democracy , the legitimacy of representation is based on the expression of the popular vote , establishing the exercise of power by a majority that emerges from an election , and on a political opposition which is properly represented and which enjoys the right to exercise its mandate; stresses that the european union’s continuous calls to build links with ‘civil societies’ demonstrate a subjective and biased approach which is far removed from the principles of respect for democratic representation;


### 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 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 the eu and its member states should ensure genuine consultation and participation of such organisations 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 and ensure that the consultations are accessible and inclusive of all most excluded groups in society; 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 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 organisations , trade unions , community-led organisations and human rights defenders , 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;


### 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; stresses that the challenges to the universal enjoyment of human rights call for even stronger , inclusive and 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; calls to attribute more competences , resources and capacity of intervention to the un bodies;


### 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; calls on member states to make the eu’s foreign and security policy more effective by using the rule of qualified majority voting in the council , especially in relation to human rights-related matters and for the adoption of sanctions; 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; 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 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;


### 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 , and to obstruct the rules-based international order; strongly condemns all attacks against special procedure mandate holders and against the independence of their mandates; 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; highlights the need for an adequate funding of all un human rights bodies including the treaty bodies and calls on the un secretary-general to provide appropriate resources from the regular budget and on eu member states to increase their voluntary contributions; 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 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; urges to reinvigorate un bodies and make them more capable of making decisions , ensuring also the consistency and agility of its implementation; 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;


### 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 revealed the eu’s inability to react and thus weakened democracy; deplores the abuse of the epidemiological crisis by democratic and authoritarian 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 who express a different opinion 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 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 discrimination against marginalized populations and particularly indigenous populations and other minorities , 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;


### 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; ### deleted


### 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 women and vulnerable groups , including the poor , children , persons with disabilities , 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;


### 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 make clear to all member states that vaccines are a medical procedure which should not be mandatory and that vaccines should be advised or advised against individually for each person on the basis of their medical history; considers that any sanction applied against unvaccinated citizens constitutes a brutal violation of their human rights;


### 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 for all groups; 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;


### 19. is seriously concerned at the precarious situation of human rights defenders and deplores the fact that they are the victims of increasing violence , including targeted killings; underlines the particularly severe situation , further aggravated by covid-19 , of female , environmental , labour , environmental and indigenous human rights defenders; deplores the increased use of techniques such as harassment , criminalisation and defamation campaigns , arbitrary arrests and unlimited detention in inhumane conditions used to silence human rights defenders , often on the basis of ill-defined terrorism charges; reiterates its call to eu delegations and member states’ embassies in third countries to regularly visit activists in prison , monitor their trials and advocate their access to justice and protection; ### 19. is seriously concerned at the precarious situation of human rights defenders and deplores the fact that they are the victims of increasing violence , including targeted killings; praises the important work undertaken by all human rights defenders around the world , sometimes at the highest of costs , and takes this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of all human rights defenders to the human rights movement; underlines the particularly severe situation , further aggravated by covid-19 , of female , environmental , labour , environmental and indigenous human rights defenders; deplores the increased use of techniques such as harassment , criminalisation and defamation campaigns , arbitrary arrests and unlimited detention in inhumane conditions used to silence human rights defenders , often on the basis of ill-defined terrorism charges; reiterates its call to eu delegations and member states’ embassies in third countries to regularly visit activists in prison , monitor their trials and advocate their access to justice and protection;


### 19. is seriously concerned at the precarious situation of human rights defenders and deplores the fact that they are the victims of increasing violence , including targeted killings; underlines the particularly severe situation , further aggravated by covid-19 , of female , environmental , labour , environmental and indigenous human rights defenders; deplores the increased use of techniques such as harassment , criminalisation and defamation campaigns , arbitrary arrests and unlimited detention in inhumane conditions used to silence human rights defenders , often on the basis of ill-defined terrorism charges; reiterates its call to eu delegations and member states’ embassies in third countries to regularly visit activists in prison , monitor their trials and advocate their access to justice and protection; ### 19. is seriously concerned at the precarious situation of human rights defenders and deplores the fact that they are the victims of increasing violence , including targeted killings; underlines the particularly severe situation , further aggravated by covid-19 , of women , environmental , labour , environmental and indigenous human rights defenders; deplores the increased use of techniques such as harassment , criminalisation and defamation campaigns , arbitrary arrests and unlimited detention in inhumane conditions used to silence human rights defenders , often on the basis of ill-defined terrorism charges; reiterates its call to eu delegations and member states’ embassies in third countries to study developments and challenges on the right to promote and protect human rights and seek , receive and respond to information on the situation of human rights defenders , regularly visit activists in prison , monitor their trials and advocate their access to justice and protection;


### 20. strongly condemns the killing of human rights defenders around the world and stresses that most of them were engaged in the protection of their land and the environment and the defence of the rights of indigenous peoples; reiterates its call to ensure that the principle of free , prior and informed consent is fully respected , in line with international labour organization (ilo) convention no. 169 on indigenous and tribal peoples; stresses the need to improve access to justice throughout the world with a view to combating the widespread impunity for such killings; notes , however , that greater efforts are needed not only on reparation and redress , but also in prevention through , inter alia , the strengthening of national plans for the protection of human rights defenders in third countries; ### 20. strongly condemns the killing of human rights defenders around the world and demands justice and accountability at the highest level of decision making for those attacks; stresses that most of them were engaged in the protection of their land and the environment and the defence of the rights of indigenous peoples; reiterates its call to ensure that the principle of free , prior and informed consent is fully respected , in line with international labour organization (ilo) convention no. 169 on indigenous and tribal peoples; stresses the need to improve access to justice throughout the world with a view to combating the widespread impunity for such killings; notes , however , that greater efforts are needed not only on reparation and redress , but also in prevention through , inter alia , the strengthening of national plans for the protection of human rights defenders in third countries;


### 20. strongly condemns the killing of human rights defenders around the world and stresses that most of them were engaged in the protection of their land and the environment and the defence of the rights of indigenous peoples; reiterates its call to ensure that the principle of free , prior and informed consent is fully respected , in line with international labour organization (ilo) convention no. 169 on indigenous and tribal peoples; stresses the need to improve access to justice throughout the world with a view to combating the widespread impunity for such killings; notes , however , that greater efforts are needed not only on reparation and redress , but also in prevention through , inter alia , the strengthening of national plans for the protection of human rights defenders in third countries; ### 20. strongly condemns the killing of human rights defenders around the world and stresses that most of them were engaged in the protection of their land and the environment and the defence of the rights of indigenous peoples; reiterates its call to ensure that the principle of free , prior and informed consent is fully respected , in line with international labour organization (ilo) convention no. 169 on indigenous and tribal peoples; stresses the need to improve access to justice throughout the world with a view to combating the widespread impunity for such killings; notes , however , that greater efforts are needed not only on reparation and redress , but also in prevention through , inter alia , the strengthening of national plans for the protection of human rights defenders in third countries; stresses , however , that it is neither the duty nor the mandate of eu institutions to actively support self-appointed , undemocratic and subjective organisations and individuals engaged in defending democracy and human rights;


### 21. expresses its serious concern about the restriction of academic freedom and the increase in the censorship and imprisonment of scholars worldwide , which has important consequences for the right to education; ### 21. expresses its serious concern about the restriction of academic freedom and the increase in the censorship and self-censorship also in the so-called democracies of european states , where there is strong pressure for political correctness and inadmissibility of debate if opinions go beyond that , especially in the field of the humanities , neoliberal trends and the requirements of cancel culture;


### 22. highlights the interdependence between human rights , a healthy environment and combating climate change , and welcomes the un’s call for global recognition of the right to a safe , clean , healthy and sustainable environment; underlines the vital role played by environmental human rights defenders and local and indigenous populations in preserving such an environment , despite the threats of violence that they often face from those responsible for , and profiting from , environmentally harmful practices; encourages the eu and the member states to promote the recognition of ecocide as an international crime under the rome statute of the icc , and requests that the commission study the relevance of ecocide to eu law and eu diplomacy; ### deleted


### 22. highlights the interdependence between human rights , a healthy environment and combating climate change , and welcomes the un’s call for global recognition of the right to a safe , clean , healthy and sustainable environment; underlines the vital role played by environmental human rights defenders and local and indigenous populations in preserving such an environment , despite the threats of violence that they often face from those responsible for , and profiting from , environmentally harmful practices; encourages the eu and the member states to promote the recognition of ecocide as an international crime under the rome statute of the icc , and requests that the commission study the relevance of ecocide to eu law and eu diplomacy; ### 22. acknowledges that climate change is one of the greatest threats to human rights of our generation , posing a serious risk to the fundamental rights to life , health , food and an adequate standard of living of individuals and communities; highlights the interdependence between human rights , a healthy environment and combating climate change , and welcomes the un’s call for global recognition of the right to a safe , clean , healthy and sustainable environment; underlines the vital role played by environmental human rights defenders and local and indigenous populations in preserving such an environment , despite the threats of violence that they often face from those responsible for , and profiting from , environmentally harmful practices; encourages the eu and the member states to promote the recognition of ecocide as an international crime under the rome statute of the icc , and requests that the commission study the relevance of ecocide to eu law and eu diplomacy;


### 22. highlights the interdependence between human rights , a healthy environment and combating climate change , and welcomes the un’s call for global recognition of the right to a safe , clean , healthy and sustainable environment; underlines the vital role played by environmental human rights defenders and local and indigenous populations in preserving such an environment , despite the threats of violence that they often face from those responsible for , and profiting from , environmentally harmful practices; encourages the eu and the member states to promote the recognition of ecocide as an international crime under the rome statute of the icc , and requests that the commission study the relevance of ecocide to eu law and eu diplomacy; ### 22. highlights the interdependence between human rights , a healthy environment biodiversity and combating climate change , and welcomes the un’s call for global recognition of the right to a safe , clean , healthy and sustainable environment; underlines the vital role played by environmental human rights defenders and local and indigenous populations in preserving such an environment , despite the threats of violence that they often face from those responsible for , and profiting from , environmentally harmful practices; encourages the eu and the member states to promote the recognition of ecocide as an international crime under the rome statute of the icc , and requests that the commission study the relevance of ecocide to eu law and eu diplomacy; recommends that the scope of the serious human rights violations covered by the eu global human rights sanctions regime be extended to include environmental crimes;


### 23. underlines the crucial importance of advancing women’s rights and welcomes the eu action plan on gender equality and women’s empowerment in external action 2021–-2025 (gap iii) as a sign of the eu’s commitment in this field; commends the important role played by female civic activists in political , social and environmental movements , and deplores the fact that women often become targets of violence as a result of both their gender and their activities , even paying for them with their lives; ### 23. deplores the fact that , across the world , as islamic law becomes more widespread , women in the countries in question are seeing their rights curtailed and sometimes even their safety jeopardised;


### 23. underlines the crucial importance of advancing women’s rights and welcomes the eu action plan on gender equality and women’s empowerment in external action 2021–2025 (gap iii) as a sign of the eu’s commitment in this field; commends the important role played by female civic activists in political , social and environmental movements , and deplores the fact that women often become targets of violence as a result of both their gender and their activities , even paying for them with their lives; ### 23. underlines the crucial importance of advancing women’s rights and welcomes the eu action plan on gender equality and women’s empowerment in external action 2021–2025 (gap iii) as a sign of the eu’s commitment in this field; commends the important role played by mothers who hold in their hands the future of societies and nations , and deplores the fact that women often become targets of violence as a result of both their gender and their activities , even paying for them with their lives;


### 24. deplores the fact that women continue to make up the majority of victims of gender-based violence , such as domestic violence and sexual violence and abuse , including female genital mutilation , and that they face discrimination in political and professional life , as well as in access to education and healthcare; stresses that the provision of care , protection and access to justice for victims of gender-based violence and trafficking has significantly decreased as a result of the pandemic , and calls for the eu to promote the development of emergency assistance plans and protocols both at un level and in partner countries , with the aim of adapting assistance programmes to the circumstances of the pandemic , its aftermath and future crises; ### 24. acknowledges the disproportionate impact that the pandemic has had on women , particularly in regard to the increase in domestic violence as a result of covid-19 lockdown measures; deplores the fact that women continue to make up the majority of victims of gender-based violence , such as domestic violence and sexual violence and abuse , including female genital mutilation , and that they face discrimination in political and professional life , as well as in access to education and healthcare; stresses that the provision of care , protection and access to justice for victims of gender-based violence and trafficking has significantly decreased as a result of the pandemic , and calls for the eu to promote the development of emergency assistance plans and protocols both at un level and in partner countries , with the aim of adapting assistance programmes to the circumstances of the pandemic , its aftermath and future crises;


### 24. deplores the fact that women continue to make up the majority of victims of gender-based violence , such as domestic violence and sexual violence and abuse , including female genital mutilation , and that they face discrimination in political and professional life , as well as in access to education and healthcare; stresses that the provision of care , protection and access to justice for victims of gender-based violence and trafficking has significantly decreased as a result of the pandemic , and calls for the eu to promote the development of emergency assistance plans and protocols both at un level and in partner countries , with the aim of adapting assistance programmes to the circumstances of the pandemic , its aftermath and future crises; ### 24. deplores the fact that , especially in muslim countries , women continue to make up the majority of victims of gender-based violence , such as domestic violence and sexual violence and abuse , including female genital mutilation , and that they face discrimination in political and professional life , as well as in access to education and healthcare; stresses that the provision of care , protection and access to justice for victims of gender-based violence and trafficking has significantly decreased as a result of the pandemic , and calls for the eu to promote the development of emergency assistance plans and protocols both at un level and in partner countries , with the aim of adapting assistance programmes to the circumstances of the pandemic , its aftermath and future crises;


### 25. regrets the fact that the overall progress in women’s rights is far below the un countries’ commitments included in the beijing convention in 1995 and is concerned at the trend of backsliding in progress achieved; in this regard , is extremely concerned about the deterioration of the right of every individual to have full control over matters related to their sexuality , as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights , without coercion and discrimination , in particular with regard to safe and free access to abortion; calls for the eu and its member states to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights as part of their international commitments and alignment with the sustainable development goals (sdgs); ### deleted


### 25. regrets the fact that the overall progress in women’s rights is far below the un countries’ commitments included in the beijing convention in 1995 and is concerned at the trend of backsliding in progress achieved; in this regard , is extremely concerned about the deterioration of the right of every individual to have full control over matters related to their sexuality , as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights , without coercion and discrimination , in particular with regard to safe and free access to abortion; calls for the eu and its member states to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights as part of their international commitments and alignment with the sustainable development goals (sdgs); ### 25. is extremely concerned about the instrumentalisation of the female body through the practice of surrogacy , which makes women ‘reproductive machines’ in exchange for money ,


### 25. regrets the fact that the overall progress in women’s rights is far below the un countries’ commitments included in the beijing convention in 1995 and is concerned at the trend of backsliding in progress achieved; in this regard , is extremely concerned about the deterioration of the right of every individual to have full control over matters related to their sexuality , as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights , without coercion and discrimination , in particular with regard to safe and free access to abortion; calls for the eu and its member states to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights as part of their international commitments and alignment with the sustainable development goals (sdgs); ### 25. regrets the fact that the overall progress in women’s rights is far below the un countries’ commitments included in the beijing convention in 1995 and is concerned at the trend of backsliding in progress achieved; is extremely concerned about the deterioration of the right of every individual to have full control over matters related to their sexuality , as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights (srhr) , without coercion and discrimination , in particular with regard to safe and free access to abortion; condemns the ongoing backlash against gender equality and women’s rights , including all attempts to roll back existing entitlements and protections in the area of srhr , as well as legislation , policies and practices that continue to deny or restrict these rights in many countries in the world; calls for the eu and its member states to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights as part of their international commitments and alignment with the sustainable development goals (sdgs);


### 26. notes that in 2020 , the situation of the victims of trafficking , the majority of whom are women , has worsened considerably , since the covid-19 pandemic has left the victims of trafficking in an even more vulnerable position; welcomes the launch of the eu’s strategy on combating trafficking in human beings (2021–2025); underlines that the identification of the victims of trafficking has become even more complicated during the covid-19 pandemic , and therefore calls for the eu and its member states to intensify their efforts in international judicial and law enforcement cooperation to prevent trafficking and identify victims , avoiding their criminalisation , in close cooperation with the un office on drugs and crime , ngos and civil society organisations dedicated to the protection of victims; ### 26. notes that in 2020 , the situation of the victims of trafficking , the majority of whom are women , has worsened considerably , since the covid-19 pandemic has left the victims of trafficking in an even more vulnerable position; welcomes the launch of the eu’s strategy on combating trafficking in human beings (2021–2025); underlines that the identification of the victims of trafficking has become even more complicated during the covid-19 pandemic , and therefore calls for the eu and its member states to intensify their efforts in international judicial and law enforcement cooperation to prevent trafficking and identify victims , avoiding their criminalisation , in close cooperation with the un office on drugs and crime;


### 27. reiterates its call for the eu and its member states to step up their efforts to eliminate all forms of abuse against children; welcomes the new eu strategy on the rights of the child adopted by the commission , but stresses that children continue to be victims of violence , early and forced marriage , sexual abuse , including genital mutilation , trafficking , child labour and recruitment as child soldiers , and that they suffer from a lack of access to education and healthcare , and from malnutrition and poverty , in particular in humanitarian crises and armed conflicts; stresses that 2021 is the international year for the elimination of child labour; calls for the streamlining of the rights of the child and the children and armed conflicts (caac) agenda in all the eu’s external policies; calls on the member states to uphold their responsibilities with regard to the protection of foreign fighters’ children who are eu citizens; ### 27. reiterates its call for the eu and its member states to step up their efforts to eliminate all forms of abuse against children and to recognise a child’s right to life from the moment it is conceived; stresses that children continue to be victims of violence , early and forced marriage , sexual abuse , including genital mutilation , trafficking , child labour and recruitment as child soldiers , and that they suffer from a lack of access to education and healthcare , and from malnutrition and poverty , in particular in humanitarian crises and armed conflicts; stresses that 2021 is the international year for the elimination of child labour; calls for the streamlining of the rights of the child and the children and armed conflicts (caac) agenda in all the eu’s external policies; calls on the member states to uphold their responsibilities with regard to the protection of foreign fighters’ children who are eu citizens;