### 23. calls for specific measures to assist women in prostitution with their social and professional reintegration; calls for such exit programmes to work gradually , for women to be supported on their personal paths and for people’s potential to be recognised , with and professional training and further education programmes being adapted to take account of this; ### 23. calls for specific measures to assist women and lgbtiq+ persons selling sex with their social and professional reintegration if they wish so; calls for such exit programmes to work gradually , for women to be supported on their personal paths and for person’s potential to be recognised , with and professional training and further education programmes being adapted to take account of this;


### 24. calls for comprehensive psychological , medical and socio-economic support for victims and survivors; ### 24. calls for comprehensive psychological , medical and socio-economic support for victims and survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking;


### a. whereas the principle of equality between women and men is a core value of the eu , and gender mainstreaming should therefore be implemented and integrated into all eu activities and policies; whereas the eu should contribute to creating a world in which all people , regardless of gender , sexual orientation , race and ability can live peacefully , enjoying equal rights and the same opportunity to realise their potential; ### a. whereas the principle of equality between women and men is a core value of the eu , and gender mainstreaming should therefore be implemented and integrated into all eu activities and policies; whereas the eu should contribute to creating a world in which all people , regardless of gender , sexual orientation , gender identity , race and ability can live peacefully , enjoying equal rights and the same opportunity to realise their potential;


### b. whereas women and girls are particularly affected by violence , poverty , armed conflicts and the impact of the climate emergency; whereas there is a growing global trend towards authoritarianism and an increasing number of fundamentalist groups , both of which are clearly linked to a backlash against women’s and lgbtiq+ rights; whereas any understanding of security that focuses on states rather than human beings is defective and will not lead to peace; ### b. whereas women and girls are particularly affected by violence , poverty , armed conflicts and the impact of the climate emergency and their empowerment is essential to tackle these issues; whereas there is a growing global trend towards authoritarianism and an increasing number of fundamentalist groups , both of which are clearly linked to a backlash against women’s and lgbtiq+ rights; whereas any understanding of security that focuses on states rather than human beings is defective and will not lead to peace;


### j. whereas progress has been made in the realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights (srhr) across the world , but important shortcomings continue to exist and threats of regression persist; whereas in 2018 the number of eu actions on srhr decreased and the lowest number of global actions by commission services on gender equality pertained to srhr; ### j. whereas progress has been made in the realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights (srhr) across the world , but substantial shortcomings in the provision of and access to srhr continue to exist and threats of regression persist; whereas in 2018 the number of eu actions on srhr decreased and the lowest number of global actions by commission services on gender equality pertained to srhr;


### k. whereas the work of gender advisers and focal points is central to translating eu policies on gender equality and wps into analysis , planning , conduct and evaluation , as well as to facilitating the integration of a gender perspective into daily tasks and operations; whereas gender advisers and focal points face numerous challenges in the performance of their duties; ### k. whereas the work of gender advisers and focal points is central to translating eu policies on gender equality and wps into analysis , planning , implementation and evaluation , as well as to facilitating the integration of a gender perspective into daily tasks and operations; whereas gender advisers and focal points face numerous challenges in the performance of their duties;


### 1. calls on the eu and its member states to commit to advancing towards a foreign and security policy that incorporates a gender-transformative vision , putting the need to address unequal structures and power relations at its centre; stresses the need for such policy to be grounded in rigorous gender analysis and systematic gender impact assessments , and for a meaningful and equitable role at all levels and stages of decision-making to be secured for women and for people from diverse backgrounds; ### 1. calls on the eu and its member states to commit to advancing towards a foreign and security policy that mainstreams a gender-transformative vision , putting the need to address unequal structures and power relations at its centre; stresses the need for such policy to be grounded in rigorous gender analysis and systematic gender impact assessments , and for a meaningful and equitable role at all levels and stages of decision-making to be secured for women and for people from diverse backgrounds;


### 1. calls on the eeas , the commission and the eu member states to systematically integrate gender mainstreaming into the eu’s foreign and security policy; ### 1. calls on the eeas , the commission and the eu member states to systematically integrate gender mainstreaming , empowerment of women and girls and women's representation into the eu’s foreign and security policy and for gender-responsive leadership to be part of middle and senior management job descriptions; calls on the eu to lead by example and make the eu's commitment to gender equality visible in all policy areas , in particular at international level;


### 1. calls on the eeas , the commission and the eu member states to systematically integrate gender mainstreaming into the eu’s foreign and security policy; ### 1. calls on the eeas , the commission and the eu member states to systematically integrate gender mainstreaming into the eu’s foreign and security policy; recalls that one of the primary strategic goals of eu foreign and security policy is to promote peace and development; underlines that more gender-equal societies are more resilient healthier , and more prosperous , therefore more secure and better suited for peacebuilding and peacekeeping efforts;


### 2. welcomes the commission’s proposal to carry out a review and present a new eu gender action plan iii in 2020; stresses that this document needs to take the form of a communication in order to ensure its effective implementation; welcomes the eu action plan on women , peace and security , and calls for its robust implementation; welcomes the decision to renew the eu action plan on human rights and democracy , and calls for gender mainstreaming and targeted actions for gender equality and women’s rights , including srhr , to be included in the action plan; ### 2. welcomes the commission’s proposal to carry out a review and present a new eu gender action plan iii in 2020; stresses that this document needs to take the form of a communication in order to ensure its effective implementation; welcomes the eu action plan on women , peace and security , and calls for its robust implementation; welcomes the decision to renew the eu action plan on human rights and democracy , and calls for gender mainstreaming and targeted actions for gender equality and women’s rights , including on srhr , to be included in the action plan; further welcomes the eu action plan on gender equality and women empowerment in external relations for 2021-2025 and a new eu strategy towards the eradication of trafficking in human beings foreseen this year;


### 2. calls on the vp/hr to make substantial and highly visible progress on gender equality in terms of leadership and management , staffing , training , financial resources and organisational hierarchy; calls in this regard for mandatory training on gender equality; ### 2. calls on the vp/hr to make substantial and highly visible progress on gender equality in terms of leadership and management , staffing and recruitment , training , financial resources and organisational hierarchy; calls in this regard for mandatory and recurrent training on gender equality;


### 2. calls on the vp/hr to make substantial and highly visible progress on gender equality in terms of leadership and management , staffing , training , financial resources and organisational hierarchy; calls in this regard for mandatory training on gender equality; ### 2. calls on the vp/hr to make substantial and highly visible progress on gender equality in terms of leadership and management , staffing , organisational hierarchy , training , financial resources and pay gap , and work-life balance; calls in this regard for mandatory training on gender equality;


### 2. calls on the vp/hr to make substantial and highly visible progress on gender equality in terms of leadership and management , staffing , training , financial resources and organisational hierarchy; calls in this regard for mandatory training on gender equality; ### 2. calls on the vp/hr to make substantial and highly visible progress on gender equality in terms of leadership and management , staffing , training , financial resources and organisational hierarchy; calls in this regard for mandatory training on gender equality and gender mainstreaming;


### 3. calls for further policy coherence and coordination in the implementation of the range of commitments on gender equality included in the eu’s external action; stresses that the eu strategic approach should be linked to and synchronised with the new gap iii , and calls for the 2019 eu action plan on wps to be included in gap iii as a separate chapter; ### 3. calls for further policy coherence and coordination in the implementation of the range of commitments on gender equality included in the eu’s external action; stresses that the eu strategic approach should be linked to and synchronised with the new gap iii , and calls for the 2019 eu action plan on wps to be included in gap iii as a separate chapter; stresses the importance of the existing normative framework pertaining to the women , peace and security agenda , insists that this framework should be the baseline for all actions at eu and international level and that any attempts to resile from or roll back established commitments in this field must be firmly rejected;


### 3. calls on the vp/hr to ensure that the heads of eu delegations abroad have a formal responsibility to ensure that gender equality is mainstreamed throughout all aspects of the delegation’s work and are required to report on it; further calls on the vp/hr to ensure that there is one full-time gender focal point in the eu delegations; ### 3. calls on the vp/hr to ensure that the heads of eu delegations abroad have a formal responsibility to ensure that gender equality is mainstreamed throughout all aspects of the delegation’s work , including mandatory consultations with women’s rights defenders and activists as experts in third countries , and are required to report on it; further calls on the vp/hr to ensure that there is one full-time gender focal point in the eu delegations;


### 4. regrets that not a single one of the 12 civilian csdp missions is headed by a woman; calls on the vp/hr to draw up a gender strategy for csdp missions with specific targets; ### 4. regrets that not a single one of the 12 civilian csdp missions is headed by a woman and only two out of eight eu special representatives are women; calls on the vp/hr to draw up a gender strategy for csdp missions with specific targets; believes that advancing women's rights and gender equality should be horizontal priorities for all eu special representatives and should therefore be a cornerstone of their mandate , in particular for the eu special representative on human rights;


### 4. regrets that not a single one of the 12 civilian csdp missions is headed by a woman; calls on the vp/hr to draw up a gender strategy for csdp missions with specific targets; ### 4. regrets that not a single one of the 12 civilian csdp missions is headed by a woman; calls on the vp/hr to draw up a gender strategy for csdp missions with specific targets; invites the member states to pursue active recruitment strategies and to identify and address specific obstacles limiting women’s participation , through mission reports that include relevant statistics;


### 5. stresses that developing and using gender analysis and the systematic integration of a gender perspective constitutes one of the foundations of effective and lasting conflict prevention and resolution; ### 5. stresses that developing and using gender analysis and the systematic integration of a gender perspective strongly contributes to effective and lasting conflict prevention , management and resolution; notes in this regard the crucial role played by female human rights defenders and activists , civil society and community-based women’s organisations in peace building and the need for adequate capacity building and financial support to maintain and foster their work;


### 5. stresses that developing and using gender analysis and the systematic integration of a gender perspective constitutes one of the foundations of effective and lasting conflict prevention and resolution; ### 5. stresses that developing and using gender analysis and the systematic integration of a gender perspective constitutes one of the foundations of effective and lasting conflict prevention and resolution; underlines that countries where women are empowered are more secure in terms of food security , combating violent extremism , and conflict resolution; recalls that states with higher levels of gender equality are less likely to resort to violent means to settle disputes and conflict;


### 5. stresses that developing and using gender analysis and the systematic integration of a gender perspective constitutes one of the foundations of effective and lasting conflict prevention and resolution; ### 5. stresses that developing and using gender analysis and the systematic integration of a gender perspective constitutes one of the foundations of effective and lasting conflict prevention and resolution; insists on the importance of women’s full participation in the rebuilding of their countries in line with sustainable development goals , and highlights the unique contribution that women make to peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts;


### 5. stresses that developing and using gender analysis and the systematic integration of a gender perspective constitutes one of the foundations of effective and lasting conflict prevention and resolution; ### 5. stresses that developing and using gender analysis and including it in decision making and the systematic integration of a gender perspective constitutes one of the foundations of effective and lasting conflict prevention and resolution;


### 6. welcomes the eu strategic approach to women , peace and security (wps) and the eu action plan on wps adopted in 2019; regrets , however , that translating this policy commitment into action remains a challenge; ### 6. welcomes the eu strategic approach to women , peace and security (wps) and the eu action plan on wps adopted in 2019; insists on gender perspectives to be systematically addressed , together with gender balance and specific actions to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment , throughout all relevant policy frameworks of foreign and security policy; regrets , however , that translating this policy commitment into action remains a challenge;


### 6. welcomes the eu strategic approach to women , peace and security (wps) and the eu action plan on wps adopted in 2019; regrets , however , that translating this policy commitment into action remains a challenge; ### 6. welcomes the eu strategic approach to women , peace and security (wps) and the eu action plan on wps adopted in 2019; regrets , however , that translating this policy commitment into action remains a challenge; highlights that while inclusive peace processes are the most sustainable , women are generally underrepresented; calls for increased involvement of women in peace efforts and peacebuilding by closing the gender gap in workforce participation;


### 6. welcomes the eu strategic approach to women , peace and security (wps) and the eu action plan on wps adopted in 2019; regrets , however , that translating this policy commitment into action remains a challenge; ### 6. welcomes the eu strategic approach to women , peace and security (wps) and the eu action plan on wps adopted in 2019; regrets , however , that despite clear objectives and indicators translating this policy commitment into action remains a challenge and calls for its robust implementation;


### 7. calls for specific earmarked funding on gender equality in the framework of the proposed neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) regulation , and for reduced administrative constraints to allow access to funding for local and small csos; stresses the importance of ensuring that partners can count on receiving sufficient financial resources for gender mainstreaming; ### 7. recalls the essential work done by csos on the ground to sustain peace and promote women’s engagement in peace processes , politics , governance , institution-building , the rule of law and the security sector and stresses the need to ensure significant funding and capacity building to maintain and support these efforts; calls for specific earmarked funding on gender equality in the framework of the proposed neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) regulation , and for reduced administrative constraints to allow access to funding for local and small csos; stresses the importance of ensuring that partners can count on receiving sufficient financial resources for gender mainstreaming;


### 7. welcomes the work done by the eeas principal advisor on gender; regrets , however , the limited capacity of this role and calls for the advisor to report directly to the vp/hr; ### 7. welcomes the work done by the eeas principal advisor on gender; regrets , however , the limited capacity of this role and calls for the advisor’s role to be significantly strengthened as well as reporting directly to the vp/hr;


### 8. calls on the member states to create a formal council working group on gender equality; ### 8. calls on the member states to create a formal council configuration on gender equality to provide ministers and secretaries of state in charge of gender equality with a dedicated forum for discussion and to better facilitate gender mainstreaming across all eu policies , including foreign and security policy;


### 9. recognises that gender equality is a prerequisite for efficient management of climate challenges. ### 9. recognises that gender equality is a prerequisite for efficient management of climate challenges; highlights the vulnerability of women and girls living in poverty to climate change; calls for gender-responsive climate action , so that women’s and men’s specific needs and priorities are identified and addressed.


### 9. recognises that gender equality is a prerequisite for efficient management of climate challenges. ### 9. stresses that gender equality is a prerequisite for efficient management of climate challenges due to the important contributions of women as decision makers , stakeholders , educators , carers and experts across sectors and at all levels.


### 9. recognises that gender equality is a prerequisite for efficient management of climate challenges. ### 9. recognises that gender equality is a prerequisite for efficient management of climate challenges and for the sustainable development of our societies.


### — having regard to the oviedo convention , and articles 3 and 4 of the eu charter of fundamental rights (cfr) , ### deleted


### — having regard to the annual report on human rights and democracy in the world 2015 , ### — having regard to the annual report on human rights and democracy in the world 2018 ,


### a. whereas the right to life is paramount under article 2 of the cfr; ### a. whereas the right to the integrity of the person is paramount under article 3 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union;


### a. whereas the celebration in 2019 of the 10th anniversary of the eu charter of the fundamental rights has stimulated the union to resolutely pursue actions to protect , promote and fulfil human rights , both inside and outside its borders; whereas on this occasion , the eu reaffirmed its commitment to remain an influential player on the world stage and to keep playing a leading role as a global defender of democracy and human rights; ### a. whereas the celebration in 2019 of the 10th anniversary of the eu charter of the fundamental rights has reminded the union of its stated commitment and treaty-based obligation to resolutely pursue actions to protect , promote and fulfil human rights , both inside and outside its borders; whereas on this occasion , the eu reaffirmed its commitment to remain an influential player on the world stage and to keep playing a leading role as a global defender of democracy and human rights;


### b. whereas member states must adhere to all rule of law standards for justice , truth and democracy to flourish in all societies; ### b. whereas the eu continued to provide support to non-eu countries , civil society , social actors for the implementation of democracy , rules of law and human rights principles;


### c. whereas surrogacy is condemned in the annual report on human rights and democracy in the world 2015; ### deleted


### c. whereas the crisis triggered by the global covid-19 pandemic , the outbreak of which was first identified in december 2019 , the ways in which states have responded to it , the hardship it has caused and its impact on international relations and conflicts have long-term implications on all matters involving respect for human rights; ### c. whereas the crisis triggered by the global covid-19 pandemic , the outbreak of which was first identified in december 2019 , the ways in which states have responded to it , the hardship it has caused , notably for the most vulnerable and marginalized groups , and its impact on international relations and conflicts have long-term implications on all matters involving respect for human rights;


### 1. expresses concern at the global population outlook , with under-population forecast to bring economic crises , instability and social upheaval; urges member states to address this danger with demography-friendly policies encouraging gender complementarity and a positive image of the family; ### deleted


### 1. expresses concern at the global population outlook , with under-population forecast to bring economic crises , instability and social upheaval; urges member states to address this danger with demography-friendly policies encouraging gender complementarity and a positive image of the family; ### 1. stresses the need for universal access to quality and affordable comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care and information , including comprehensive sexuality education and adequate health-care services;


### 1. welcomes the responses to the covid-19 pandemic of those states which have placed the rights to life and health as their first imperatives , on the basis of the principle that precautionary measures , including lockdowns , must prevail over economic considerations; ### 1. welcomes the responses to the covid-19 pandemic of those states which have placed the rights to life and health as their first imperatives , on the basis of the principle that precautionary measures , including lockdowns , must prevail over economic considerations and underscores that all responses must comply with human rights;


### 2. notes that feminicide , where born and unborn baby girls are discarded , robs the world of their contribution , and creates imbalances between the sexes , which can lead to violence against women , rape and forced prostitution; ### 2. notes that feminicide robs women of their lives and robs the world of their contribution;


### 2. notes that feminicide , where born and unborn baby girls are discarded , robs the world of their contribution , and creates imbalances between the sexes , which can lead to violence against women , rape and forced prostitution; ### 2. stress the need for a guaranteed access to safe and legal abortion , both within and beyond the european union;


### 2. expresses very serious concerns , however , about the decline in democratic and human rights standards that the crisis has caused in some countries; is of the opinion that this pushback primarily results from the devastating economic and social consequences of the crisis and their use as a pretext to manipulate state institutions and electoral timelines , suppress the activities of human rights defenders , political opponents , media or civil society representatives , and restrict fundamental freedoms for purposes unrelated to the pandemic; also stresses in this regard the rise of hate speech , the targeting of vulnerable groups accused of spreading the virus , and the widespread use , in violation of human rights , of digital technologies aimed at containing the pandemic by tracking citizens and retrieving their private data; ### 2. expresses very serious concerns , however , about the decline in democratic and human rights standards and in the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms that the crisis has caused in some countries; is of the opinion that the devastating economic and social consequences of the crisis have served as a pretext to manipulate state institutions and electoral timelines , suppress the activities of human rights defenders , political opponents , media or civil society representatives , and restrict fundamental freedoms for purposes unrelated to the pandemic; also stresses in this regard the rise of hate speech , the targeting of vulnerable groups accused of spreading the virus , the increase in domestic violence , and the widespread use , in violation of human rights , of digital technologies aimed at containing the pandemic by tracking citizens and retrieving their private data; recalls that the pandemic has also led to a decrease in the visibility and reporting of human rights violations at global level;


### 2. expresses very serious concerns , however , about the decline in democratic and human rights standards that the crisis has caused in some countries; is of the opinion that this pushback primarily results from the devastating economic and social consequences of the crisis and their use as a pretext to manipulate state institutions and electoral timelines , suppress the activities of human rights defenders , political opponents , media or civil society representatives , and restrict fundamental freedoms for purposes unrelated to the pandemic; also stresses in this regard the rise of hate speech , the targeting of vulnerable groups accused of spreading the virus , and the widespread use , in violation of human rights , of digital technologies aimed at containing the pandemic by tracking citizens and retrieving their private data; ### 2. expresses very serious concerns , however , about the decline in democratic and human rights standards that the crisis has caused in some countries; is of the opinion that this pushback primarily results from the devastating economic and social consequences of the crisis and their use as a pretext to manipulate state institutions and electoral timelines , suppress the activities of human rights defenders , political opponents , media or civil society representatives , and restrict fundamental freedoms for purposes unrelated to the pandemic; is worried about the fact that covid-19-related emergency measures are often not paired with clear obligations to revoke them once the crisis ended; also stresses in this regard the rise of hate speech , the targeting of vulnerable groups accused of spreading the virus , and the widespread use , in violation of human rights , of digital technologies aimed at containing the pandemic by tracking citizens and retrieving their private data;


### 3. calls on global actors and member states to end the plight of women and girls throughout the world subjected to human trafficking and sexual abuse; supports efforts to rescue and rehabilitate victims , and to prosecute and reform offenders; ### 3. calls on global actors and member states to end the plight of women and girls throughout the world subjected to human trafficking and sexual exploitation; supports efforts to rescue and rehabilitate victims , and to prosecute and reform offenders; calls on global actors to protect and prevent gender based violence and domestic violence against women , and protect marginalised groups , children , single parents and minority groups , lgbtqi+ and refugee and migrant women;


### 3. calls on global actors and member states to end the plight of women and girls throughout the world subjected to human trafficking and sexual abuse; supports efforts to rescue and rehabilitate victims , and to prosecute and reform offenders; ### 3. calls on global actors and member states to end the plight of women and girls throughout the world subjected to human trafficking and sexual exploitation; supports efforts to rescue and rehabilitate victims , and to prosecute and reform offenders;


### 3. strongly denounces the many cases of discrimination and persecution linked to ethnicity , nationality , social class , caste , religion , belief , language , age , sex , sexuality and gender identity that continue to occur in many countries and societies; deplores the targeting of individuals or communities with intolerant and hate-filled declarations and actions; considers the prevalence of racism and xenophobia in many countries to be unacceptable; ### 3. strongly denounces the many cases of discrimination and persecution linked to ethnicity , race , nationality , social class , caste , religion or lack thereof , belief , language , age , sex , sexual orientation , gender identity and sex characteristics that continue to occur in many countries and societies; deplores the targeting of individuals or communities with intolerant and hate-filled declarations and actions; considers the prevalence of racism and xenophobia in many countries to be unacceptable;


### 3. strongly denounces the many cases of discrimination and persecution linked to ethnicity , nationality , social class , caste , religion , belief , language , age , sex , sexuality and gender identity that continue to occur in many countries and societies; deplores the targeting of individuals or communities with intolerant and hate-filled declarations and actions; considers the prevalence of racism and xenophobia in many countries to be unacceptable; ### 3. strongly denounces the many cases of discrimination and persecution linked to ethnicity , nationality , social class , caste , religion , belief , language , age , sex , sexual orientation , gender identity , gender expression and sex characteristics that continue to occur in many countries and societies; deplores the targeting of individuals or communities with intolerant and hate-filled declarations and actions; considers the prevalence of racism and xenophobia in many countries to be unacceptable;


### 4. calls on the commission and member states to promote healthcare practices that benefit patients; notes that in this context abortion causes injury , infertility and mortality every year; urges member states and international courts to prosecute medical professionals who fail to clinically demonstrate the benefit of the treatment they are providing; ### 4. recalls the eu commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment and the necessity of equal representation of women and men in leadership and in the decision-making; calls for the increase the presence and contribution of women in the artificial intelligence , digital and science , technology , engineering and mathematics (stem) in the world;


### 4. underlines the tremendous and increasing threat to human rights that climate change , environmental destruction and loss of biodiversity entail by depriving people of the fundamental right to life , due in particular to a higher level of global hunger , restrictions on access to water and additional deaths from malnutrition and the increased spread of diseases; draws attention , furthermore , to the risks posed by climate change to peace and security , as food insecurity and water scarcity can lead to competition over natural resources and then to instability and conflicts within and between fragile states; highlights that least developed countries are the most vulnerable to climate change , as they find it hardest to withstand its devastating impacts; ### 4. underlines the tremendous and increasing threat to human rights that climate change , environmental destruction and loss of biodiversity entail by depriving people of the fundamental right to life , due in particular to a higher level of economic and social inequalities and also of global hunger , restrictions on access to water and additional deaths from malnutrition and the increased spread of diseases; whereas climate change also undermines the enjoyment of other human rights , including the right to food security , safe drinking water and sanitation , health , adequate housing , self-determination , work and development; draws attention , furthermore , to the risks posed by climate change to peace and security , as food insecurity and water scarcity can lead to competition over natural resources and then to instability and conflicts within and between fragile states; highlights that least developed countries are the most vulnerable to climate change , as they find it hardest to withstand its devastating impacts;


### 4. underlines the tremendous and increasing threat to human rights that climate change , environmental destruction and loss of biodiversity entail by depriving people of the fundamental right to life , due in particular to a higher level of global hunger , restrictions on access to water and additional deaths from malnutrition and the increased spread of diseases; draws attention , furthermore , to the risks posed by climate change to peace and security , as food insecurity and water scarcity can lead to competition over natural resources and then to instability and conflicts within and between fragile states; highlights that least developed countries are the most vulnerable to climate change , as they find it hardest to withstand its devastating impacts; ### 4. underlines the tremendous and increasing threat to human rights that climate change , environmental destruction and loss of biodiversity entail by depriving people of the fundamental right to life , due in particular to a higher level of global hunger , restrictions on access to water and additional deaths from malnutrition and the increased spread of diseases; draws attention , furthermore , to the risks posed by climate change to peace and security , as food insecurity and water scarcity can lead to competition over natural resources and then to instability and conflicts within and between states; highlights that least developed countries are the most vulnerable to climate change , as they find it hardest to withstand its devastating impacts;


### 4. underlines the tremendous and increasing threat to human rights that climate change , environmental destruction and loss of biodiversity entail by depriving people of the fundamental right to life , due in particular to a higher level of global hunger , restrictions on access to water and additional deaths from malnutrition and the increased spread of diseases; draws attention , furthermore , to the risks posed by climate change to peace and security , as food insecurity and water scarcity can lead to competition over natural resources and then to instability and conflicts within and between fragile states; highlights that least developed countries are the most vulnerable to climate change , as they find it hardest to withstand its devastating impacts; ### 4. underlines the tremendous and increasing threat to human rights that climate change , environmental destruction and loss of biodiversity entail by depriving people of the fundamental right to life , due in particular to a higher level of global hunger , restrictions on access to water , and additional deaths from malnutrition and the increased spread of diseases; draws attention , furthermore , to the risks posed by climate change to peace and security , as food insecurity and water scarcity can lead to competition over natural resources and then to instability and conflicts within and between fragile states; highlights that least developed countries are the most vulnerable to climate change , as they find it hardest to withstand its devastating impacts , despite producing fewer greenhouse gases than richer countries which are less likely to be as impacted by climate change;


### 5. stresses the need to respect women and girls’ reproductive capacity , and hence to condemn surrogacy; ### 5. calls on the global actors to take into account the increased risk and specific challenges of lgbti+ people , who are victims of discrimination and violence , and to prevent , investigate and punish acts of violence and hate crimes; furthermore calls global actors to take all necessary steps , legislative and administrative measures to ensure that sexual orientation and gender identity may under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties;


### 5. affirms that the promotion and protection of human rights and climate and environmental action are interlinked , because , in particular , human rights international law provides access to remedies and legal means to redress the damage caused by climate change , to implement measures to combat climate change and to hold states and businesses accountable for their responses to climate change; underlines the need to pay particular attention to aid to environmentally and climate-displaced persons; ### 5. affirms that the promotion and protection of human rights and climate and environmental action are interlinked , because , in particular , human rights international law provides access to remedies and legal means to redress the damage caused by climate change , to implement measures to combat climate change and to hold states and businesses accountable for their responses to climate change; stresses that biodiversity and human rights are interlinked and interdependent and recalls the human rights obligations of states to protect the biodiversity on which those rights depend , including by providing for the participation of citizens in biodiversity-related decisions and providing access to effective remedies in cases of biodiversity loss and degradation; expresses its support to the nascent normative efforts at international level in relation to environmental crimes; in this regard , encourages the eu and the member states to promote the recognition of ecocide as an international crime under the rome statute of the international criminal court; underlines the need to pay particular attention to aid to environmentally and climate-displaced persons;


### 6. calls on the commission to address the phenomenon of young women in particular from christian minorities being forced to marry older men from outside their religion in certain parts of the world. ### 6. recalls the eu commitment for the improvement of the functioning of the eu internal market for certain accessible products and services by removing barriers to facilitate the work and businesses for persons with disabilities;


### 6. expresses major concern over deforestation , in particular in the amazon in 2019 , given that forests contribute to mitigating climate change by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide; stresses that indigenous peoples have often been the first victims of deforestation , which endangers their rights to land and access to vital resources; ### 6. expresses major concern over deforestation , illegal mining , production of illicit drugs in particular in the amazon in 2019 , given that forests contribute to mitigating climate change by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide; stresses that indigenous peoples have often been the first victims of deforestation , which endangers their rights to land and access to vital resources;


### 30. underlines the complexity of modern conflicts , which often develop domestically at national or regional level , involve many parties , including terror organisations and non-state agents , and have disastrous humanitarian consequences; calls for the eu to strengthen its response to conflicts , addressing their root causes , investing in conflict prevention and mediation efforts , seeking and maintaining space for political solutions , creating partnerships and alliances with like-minded countries and regional organisations to build bridges between belligerents and draw up peace plans , getting more women involved in peace work , and providing further support to civilian or military missions aimed at keeping peace; ### 30. underlines the complexity of modern conflicts , which often develop domestically at national or regional level , involve many parties , including terror organisations and non-state agents , and have disastrous humanitarian consequences; calls for the eu to strengthen its response to conflicts , addressing their root causes , investing in conflict prevention and mediation efforts , seeking and maintaining space for political solutions , creating partnerships and alliances with like-minded countries and regional organisations to build bridges between belligerents and draw up peace plans , and providing further support to civilian or military missions aimed at keeping peace; emphasises the need for an increased role of women in conflict prevention and resolution , in peacekeeping , humanitarian aid and post-conflict reconstruction operations and in the promotion of human rights and democratic reforms;


### 30. underlines the complexity of modern conflicts , which often develop domestically at national or regional level , involve many parties , including terror organisations and non-state agents , and have disastrous humanitarian consequences; calls for the eu to strengthen its response to conflicts , addressing their root causes , investing in conflict prevention and mediation efforts , seeking and maintaining space for political solutions , creating partnerships and alliances with like-minded countries and regional organisations to build bridges between belligerents and draw up peace plans , getting more women involved in peace work , and providing further support to civilian or military missions aimed at keeping peace; ### 30. underlines the complexity of modern conflicts , which often develop domestically at national or regional level , sometimes in form of hybrid or cyber-attacks , involve many parties , including terror organisations and non-state agents , and have disastrous humanitarian consequences; calls for the eu to strengthen its response to conflicts , addressing their root causes , investing in conflict prevention and mediation efforts , seeking and maintaining space for political solutions , creating partnerships and alliances with like-minded countries and regional organisations to build bridges between belligerents and draw up peace plans , getting more women involved in peace work , and providing further support to civilian or military missions aimed at keeping peace;


### 30. underlines the complexity of modern conflicts , which often develop domestically at national or regional level , involve many parties , including terror organisations and non-state agents , and have disastrous humanitarian consequences; calls for the eu to strengthen its response to conflicts , addressing their root causes , investing in conflict prevention and mediation efforts , seeking and maintaining space for political solutions , creating partnerships and alliances with like-minded countries and regional organisations to build bridges between belligerents and draw up peace plans , getting more women involved in peace work , and providing further support to civilian or military missions aimed at keeping peace; ### 30. underlines the complexity of modern conflicts , which often develop domestically at national or regional level , involve many parties , including terror organisations and non-state agents , and have disastrous humanitarian consequences; calls for the eu to strengthen its response to conflicts , addressing their root causes , investing in conflict prevention and mediation efforts , seeking and maintaining space for political solutions , creating partnerships and alliances with like-minded countries and regional organisations to build bridges between belligerents and draw up peace plans , getting more women involved in peace work , and providing further support to civilian or military missions aimed at keeping peace; insists on the importance of ensuring coherence of eu policy towards situations of occupation or annexation of territory; recalls that international humanitarian law should guide eu policy towards all such situations , including in cases of protracted occupation such as in palestine , western sahara , northern cyprus and the multiple frozen conflicts in the eastern partnership countries;


### 31. calls on the member states to strictly abide by the provisions of the article 7 of the un arms trade treaty on export and export assessment and of the eu code of conduct on arms exports , by refusing any transfer of arms which would result in the risk that the importing state may commit or facilitate serious violations of human rights or international humanitarian law; ### 31. calls on the member states to strictly abide by the provisions of the article 7 of the un arms trade treaty and of the eu criteria on arms exports , by refusing any transfer of arms which would result in the risk that the importing state may commit or facilitate violations of human rights or international humanitarian law; recalls that criterion two of common position 944/2008/cfsp obliges member states to examine each arms export licence against the country of destination's respect for human rights; deplores the numerous cases of non-respect by member states of this criterion during the period under reference; calls for a reform of the assessment process of arms exports projects , notably by the introduction of a risk assessment based on the overall situation in the country , therefore introducing the precautionary principle; also recommends to initiate discussions on the extension of criterion two to include democratic governance indicators , that could help establish further safeguards against unintended negative consequences of arms exports; insists on the need for full transparency and regular reporting by member states on their arms transfers; calls in this respect for the eight criteria of the common position to be transformed into enforceable eu law via a new regulation , similar to the existing dual-use regulation;


### 32. reaffirms its unwavering support for the international criminal court (icc) and calls on the states parties to the rome statute to provide the icc with proper financial resources in order to enable it to fulfil its tasks within its mandate; considers the attacks against the icc to be deeply regrettable and lastly condemns the individual sanctions imposed by the us on its staff , notably those against the icc chief prosecutor , which are unacceptable; stresses that the icc is the only international institution that has the ability to prosecute some of the world’s most horrific crimes and to defend victims that have no other recourse; asks the eu to continue to protect the icc’s independence and impartiality against attacks that aim at obstructing the functioning of international criminal justice; reiterates its recommendation to establish a european observatory on prevention , accountability , and combating impunity; ### 32. reaffirms its unwavering support for the international criminal court (icc) and calls on the states parties to the rome statute to provide the icc with proper financial resources in order to enable it to fulfil its tasks within its mandate; considers the attacks against the icc to be deeply regrettable and lastly condemns the individual sanctions imposed by the us on its staff , notably those against the icc chief prosecutor , which are unacceptable; stresses that the icc is the only international institution that has the ability to prosecute some of the world’s most horrific crimes and to defend victims that have no other recourse; asks the eu and all its member states , to continue to protect the icc’s independence and impartiality against attacks that aim at obstructing the functioning of international criminal justice; urges the commission to contribute to the fight against international crimes by developing an ambitious programme to build the capacity of member states but also of third countries to apply the principle of universal jurisdiction in their domestic legal systems;


### 33. welcomes un security council (unsc) resolution 2467 on conflict-related sexual violence and all related unsc resolutions beginning with unsc 1325 on women , peace and security , which affirms the commitment of the unsc to preventing the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war and terrorism through the use of all means at its disposal , including sanctions and other targeted measures against persistent perpetrators; welcomes , furthermore , the creation on 30 october 2019 by the un of a global fund for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence , with a view to helping them accede to reparations; ### 33. welcomes un security council (unsc) resolution 2467 on conflict-related sexual violence and all related unsc resolutions beginning with unsc 1325 on women , peace and security , which affirms the commitment of the unsc to preventing the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war and terrorism through the use of all means at its disposal , including sanctions and other targeted measures against perpetrators; stresses the need to ensure that all necessary safe medical and psychological assistance and services are provided to female war rape victims , including safe abortion , as foreseen under ihl; welcomes , furthermore , the creation on 30 october 2019 by the un of a global fund for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence , with a view to helping them accede to reparations;


### 34. calls for the adoption and implementation of a global eu human rights sanctions mechanism as an essential part of the eu existing human rights and foreign policy toolbox which would strengthen the eu’s role as a global human rights actor , allowing for targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for or complicit in serious human rights violations; stresses the importance of allocating sufficient resources to enable its effective implementation; calls for the establishment of an eu-level advisory committee with parliament’s participation; ### 34. calls for the adoption and implementation of a global eu human rights sanctions mechanism , the european magnitsky act , as an essential part of the eu existing human rights and foreign policy toolbox which would strengthen the eu’s role as a global human rights actor , allowing for targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for or complicit in serious human rights violations , including corruption crimes; stresses the importance of allocating sufficient resources to enable its effective implementation; calls for the establishment of an eu-level advisory committee with parliament’s participation;


### 34. calls for the adoption and implementation of a global eu human rights sanctions mechanism as an essential part of the eu existing human rights and foreign policy toolbox which would strengthen the eu’s role as a global human rights actor , allowing for targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for or complicit in serious human rights violations; stresses the importance of allocating sufficient resources to enable its effective implementation; calls for the establishment of an eu-level advisory committee with parliament’s participation; ### 34. calls for the adoption and implementation of a global eu human rights sanctions mechanism or eu magnitsky act as an essential part of the eu existing human rights and foreign policy toolbox which would strengthen the eu’s role as a global human rights actor , allowing for targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for or complicit in serious human rights violations; stresses the importance of allocating sufficient resources to enable its effective and swift implementation; calls for the establishment of an eu-level advisory committee with parliament’s participation;


### 36. condemns the killings , arbitrary detention , torture , persecution , harassment , remote digital surveillance of and smear campaigns against hrds; notes with great concern the high number of land and environmental hrds that were murdered or violently attacked in 2019 for standing up to protect natural resources and the rights of individuals to live in a safe and healthy environment; ### 36. condemns the killings , arbitrary detention , torture , persecution , harassment , intimidation , blackmail , remote digital and physical surveillance of and smear campaigns against hrds; notes with great concern the high number of land and environmental hrds that were murdered or violently attacked in 2019 for standing up to protect natural resources and the rights of individuals to live in a safe and healthy environment; urges eu delegations and member states’ representations to continue using public diplomacy and demarches to raise individual cases of human rights defenders , and , where appropriate , to facilitate the issuing of emergency visas , and provide temporary shelter in the eu member states;


### 36. condemns the killings , arbitrary detention , torture , persecution , harassment , remote digital surveillance of and smear campaigns against hrds; notes with great concern the high number of land and environmental hrds that were murdered or violently attacked in 2019 for standing up to protect natural resources and the rights of individuals to live in a safe and healthy environment; ### 36. condemns the killings , arbitrary detention , torture , persecution , harassment , remote digital surveillance of and smear campaigns against hrds; notes with great concern the high number of land and environmental hrds that were murdered or violently attacked in 2019 for standing up to protect natural resources and the rights of individuals to live in a safe and healthy environment; calls for the end of all attacks , the release of all those arbitrarily detained and to make those responsible accountable;


### 37. calls on the eu institutions to strengthen their support for hrds as a key and integral part of the union’s external policy on human rights; stresses that political dialogue with authorities of non-eu countries , trial observation , visits to detained hrds , relocation support and public statements are essential implementing instruments of this policy; calls on the eu and its member states to step up their efforts by acting in a more united way and using these instruments in a coherent and uniform manner , regardless of the country concerned , in cases where the rights of hrds have been violated; highlights the continuous action in 2019 of parliament and its subcommittee on human rights to support and draw attention to the situation of hrds , including sakharov prize laureates and nominees , in particular when they are in danger or face violations of their rights; ### 37. calls on the eu institutions to strengthen their support for hrds as a key and integral part of the union’s external policy on human rights; stresses that political dialogue and engagement with authorities of non-eu countries , trial observation , visits to detained hrds , relocation support and public statements are essential implementing instruments of this policy; calls on the eu and its member states to step up their efforts by acting in a more united way and using these instruments in a coherent and uniform manner , regardless of the country concerned , in cases where the rights of hrds have been violated; highlights the continuous action in 2019 of parliament and its subcommittee on human rights to support and draw attention to the situation of hrds , including sakharov prize laureates and nominees , in particular when they are in danger or face violations of their rights; regrets the need , but welcomes the decision to suspend sakharov prize laureate aung san suu kyi from the sakharov prize community as a response to her failure to act and her acceptance of the ongoing crimes against the rohingya community in myanmar;


### 39. calls for the adoption of an ambitious eu action plan for gender equality and women’s empowerment in external relations for 2021-2025 (gender action plan iii); calls in this regard for the reinforcement of eu support for non-eu countries that are implementing new policies and legislative changes with a view to aligning national legal frameworks to international and sdg commitments concerning women’s rights and gender equality , to protecting women hrds , to advancing women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights , to providing young people with science-based and comprehensive sexual education and to preventing sexual and gender-based violence and female genital mutilation; ### 39. calls for the adoption of an ambitious eu action plan for gender equality and women’s empowerment in external relations for 2021-2025 (gender action plan iii); calls in this regard for the reinforcement of eu support for non-eu countries that are implementing new policies and legislative changes with a view to aligning national legal frameworks to international and sdg commitments concerning women’s rights and gender equality , to protecting women hrds , to advancing women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights , to providing young people with science-based and comprehensive sexual education and to preventing and putting an end to sexual and gender-based violence and female genital mutilation;


### 42. considers regrettable the growing divergent developments between countries which are moving towards a better protection of the rights of lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender and intersex (lgbti) persons , notably by de-criminalising homosexuality , and those which undermine them and leave the field free for persecution , discrimination and stigmatisation against lgtbi persons; believes that practices and acts of violence against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation should not go unpunished and must be eradicated; calls for the eu to play a leading role in defending the human rights of lgbti persons and to set an example in tackling violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and develop a new and ambitious lgbti+ equality strategy; ### 42. considers regrettable the growing divergent developments between countries which are moving towards a better protection of the rights of lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender and intersex (lgbti) persons , notably by de-criminalising homosexuality , and those which undermine them and leave the field free for persecution , discrimination and stigmatisation against lgtbi persons; believes that practices and acts of violence against individuals on the basis of their real or perceived sexual orientation , gender identity , gender expression and sex characteristics should not go unpunished and must be eradicated; calls for the eu to play a leading role in defending the human rights of lgbti persons , including the use of all diplomatic tools at its disposal to advocate towards de-criminalisation of sexual relations between consenting same-sex partners , to set an example in tackling violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation , gender identity , gender expression and sex characteristics , and to develop a new and ambitious lgbti+ equality strategy; calls on the eu and member states to thoroughly and consistently apply the eu guidelines on protection of human rights of lgbti persons across its external policy1a;


### 42. considers regrettable the growing divergent developments between countries which are moving towards a better protection of the rights of lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender and intersex (lgbti) persons , notably by de-criminalising homosexuality , and those which undermine them and leave the field free for persecution , discrimination and stigmatisation against lgtbi persons; believes that practices and acts of violence against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation should not go unpunished and must be eradicated; calls for the eu to play a leading role in defending the human rights of lgbti persons and to set an example in tackling violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and develop a new and ambitious lgbti+ equality strategy; ### 42. condemns the arbitrary detention , torture , persecution and killings of lgbti persons; considers regrettable the growing divergent developments between countries which are moving towards a better protection of the rights of lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender and intersex (lgbti) persons , notably by de-criminalising homosexuality , and those which undermine them and leave the field free for persecution , discrimination and stigmatisation against lgtbi persons; underlines that practices and acts of violence against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation should not go unpunished and must be eradicated; calls for the eu to play a leading role in defending the human rights of lgbti persons and to set an example in tackling violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and develop a new and ambitious lgbti+ equality strategy;


### 43. is seriously concerned at the suffering and vulnerability of indigenous communities that results from the consequences of climate change and the covid-19 pandemic , which are worsened by the loss of their lands and livelihoods due to corporate activities and related damages; regrets the fact that indigenous peoples continue to face widespread and systematic discrimination and persecution worldwide , including forced displacements , arbitrary arrests and the killing of human rights defenders; recommends that the eu and its member states include references to indigenous peoples and the rights contained in the un declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples in the relevant and emerging frameworks for due diligence , and ensure that eu-based companies be held to account in the event of a breach of their obligations; ### 43. is seriously concerned at the suffering and vulnerability of indigenous communities that results , among others , from the consequences of climate change and the covid-19 pandemic , which are worsened by the loss of their lands and livelihoods due to corporate activities and related damages; regrets the fact that indigenous peoples continue to face widespread and systematic discrimination and persecution worldwide , including forced displacements , arbitrary arrests and the killing of human rights defenders; recommends that the eu and its member states include references to indigenous peoples and the rights contained in the un declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples in the relevant and emerging frameworks for due diligence , and ensure that eu-based companies be held to account in the event of a breach of their obligations;


### 45. welcomes the adoption in 2019 by the council of the eu human rights guidelines on non-discrimination in external action; calls on the eu and its member states to use all the tools at their disposal to ensure that those responsible for violations of rights on the grounds of racism , discrimination or xenophobia are held accountable; ### 45. welcomes the adoption in 2019 by the council of the eu human rights guidelines on non-discrimination in external action; calls on the eu and its member states to use all the tools at their disposal to ensure that those responsible for violations of rights on the grounds of racism , discrimination or xenophobia are held accountable; recalls the importance of actively supporting inclusive and anti-racist initiatives , especially given the rise of xenophobic and racist attacks worldwide , in the context of increased calls for social justice which inspired a wave of worldwide protests and calls for action following the murders of george floyd and breonna taylor;


### 46. is appalled by the number of killings , attacks and acts of persecution , discrimination , harassment and incitation to antagonism that took place , and the number of restrictions on rights that were imposed in 2019 against individuals and groups targeted because of their religion or belief; reaffirms its support for victims of violence based on religion or belief and its commitment to eradicating such violence; welcomes the global exchange on religion in society , launched by the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy (vp/hr) in brussels on 6 september 2019; recommends , however , that equal attention be paid to both intra-religious and inter-religious relationships; calls in this regard for the development of eu support to intra-religious dialogue at local level with the aim of fighting extremism and hate speech; calls furthermore for the objectives of promoting and protecting freedom of thought , conscience , religion or belief to be mainstreamed into a wider range of eu activities related to human rights; ### 46. is appalled by the number of killings , attacks and acts of persecution , discrimination , harassment and incitation to antagonism that took place , and the number of restrictions on rights that were imposed in 2019 against individuals and groups targeted because of their religion , belief , atheism or agnosticism; reaffirms its support for victims of violence based on religion or belief and its commitment to eradicating such violence; welcomes the global exchange on religion in society , launched by the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy (vp/hr) in brussels on 6 september 2019; recommends , however , that equal attention be paid to both intra-religious and inter-religious relationships; calls in this regard for the development of eu support to intra-religious dialogue at local level with the aim of fighting extremism and hate speech; calls furthermore for the objectives of promoting and protecting freedom of thought , conscience , religion or belief to be mainstreamed into a wider range of eu activities related to human rights;


### 46. is appalled by the number of killings , attacks and acts of persecution , discrimination , harassment and incitation to antagonism that took place , and the number of restrictions on rights that were imposed in 2019 against individuals and groups targeted because of their religion or belief; reaffirms its support for victims of violence based on religion or belief and its commitment to eradicating such violence; welcomes the global exchange on religion in society , launched by the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy (vp/hr) in brussels on 6 september 2019; recommends , however , that equal attention be paid to both intra-religious and inter-religious relationships; calls in this regard for the development of eu support to intra-religious dialogue at local level with the aim of fighting extremism and hate speech; calls furthermore for the objectives of promoting and protecting freedom of thought , conscience , religion or belief to be mainstreamed into a wider range of eu activities related to human rights; ### 46. is appalled by the number of killings , attacks and acts of persecution , discrimination , harassment and incitation to antagonism that took place , and the number of restrictions on rights that were imposed in 2019 against individuals and groups targeted because of their religion or belief; reaffirms its support for victims of violence based on religion or belief and its commitment to eradicating such violence; welcomes the global exchange on religion in society , launched by the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy (vp/hr) in brussels on 6 september 2019; recommends , however , that equal attention be paid to both intra-religious and inter-religious relationships; calls in this regard for the development of eu support to intra-religious dialogue at local level with the aim of fighting extremism and hate speech; calls furthermore for the objectives of promoting and protecting freedom of thought , conscience , religion or belief to be mainstreamed into a wider range of eu activities related to human rights; deplores the fact that some countries have , enforce or seek to introduce penal laws providing for the punishment of blasphemy , conversion or apostasy; stresses that the freedom of religion and belief includes the rights not to believe , to espouse theistic , non-theistic , agnostic or atheistic views and the right to apostasy;


### 47. denounces the attempts of some regimes and authorities to annihilate or restrict the rights to freedom of expression or media freedom , which they illegitimately justify as being necessary for the purposes of strengthening security or public health , or fighting terrorism , defamation , insult or blasphemy; recalls that any limits on freedom of expression or media freedom must serve a legitimate aim in line with the international obligations enshrined in article 19 of the international covenant on civil and political rights; ### 47. strongly denounces and condemns the killing , kidnapping , imprisonment and intimidation of and attacks against , including by physical and judicial means , many journalists , bloggers and whistle-blowers; recalls that freedom of expression and freedom of the media are essential components of the foundations of a democratic society; denounces the attempts of some regimes and authorities to annihilate or restrict the rights to freedom of expression or media freedom , which they illegitimately justify as being necessary for the purposes of strengthening security or public health , or fighting terrorism , defamation , insult or blasphemy; recalls that any limits on freedom of expression or media freedom must serve a legitimate aim in line with the international obligations enshrined in article 19 of the international covenant on civil and political rights;


### 48. highlights the continuing change in media landscapes and the increasing use of social networks; underlines the challenges and risks that this evolution poses regarding violations of freedom of offline and online expression , censorship , data protection , hate speech and the safety of journalists , among others; calls on the commission to review social media companies’ policies and practices , in particular their self-regulatory tools , which have implications on the exercise of freedom of expression worldwide , and present proposals for policy or legislation changes where appropriate; ### 48. highlights the continuing change in media landscapes and the increasing use of social networks; underlines the challenges and risks that this evolution poses regarding violations of freedom of offline and online expression , censorship , data protection , hate speech , harassment and the safety of journalists , among others; calls on the commission to review social media companies’ policies and practices , in particular their self-regulatory tools , which have implications on the exercise of freedom of expression worldwide , and present proposals for policy or legislation changes where appropriate;


### 48. highlights the continuing change in media landscapes and the increasing use of social networks; underlines the challenges and risks that this evolution poses regarding violations of freedom of offline and online expression , censorship , data protection , hate speech and the safety of journalists , among others; calls on the commission to review social media companies’ policies and practices , in particular their self-regulatory tools , which have implications on the exercise of freedom of expression worldwide , and present proposals for policy or legislation changes where appropriate; ### 48. highlights the continuing change in media landscapes and the increasing use of social networks; underlines the challenges and risks that this evolution poses regarding violations of freedom of offline and online expression , censorship , data protection , hate speech and the safety of journalists and whistle-blowers , among others; calls on the commission to monitor social media companies’ policies and practices , in particular their self-regulatory tools , which have implications on the exercise of freedom of expression worldwide , and present proposals for policy or legislation changes where appropriate;


### 48. highlights the continuing change in media landscapes and the increasing use of social networks; underlines the challenges and risks that this evolution poses regarding violations of freedom of offline and online expression , censorship , data protection , hate speech and the safety of journalists , among others; calls on the commission to review social media companies’ policies and practices , in particular their self-regulatory tools , which have implications on the exercise of freedom of expression worldwide , and present proposals for policy or legislation changes where appropriate; ### 48. highlights the continuing change in the media landscapes and the increasing use of social networks; underlines the challenges and risks that this evolution poses regarding violations of freedom of offline and online expression , censorship , data protection , hate speech and the safety of journalists , among others; calls on the commission to review social media companies’ policies and practices , in particular their self-regulatory tools , which have implications on the exercise of freedom of expression worldwide , and present proposals for policy or legislation changes where appropriate; calls for the adoption of an instrument to fight the spread of disinformation and fake news , given its detrimental consequences on issues such as public health , social cohesion and democracy;


### 49. welcomes the positive development in 2019 of the weakening of political support for maintaining death penalty in some countries which have not abolished it; deplores however the decisions of some national judicial authorities which led to an increase in executions compared to previous years; calls on the eu to continue to condemn systematically the use of the death penalty and to implement communication campaigns against the death penalty worldwide; urges the eu and its member states to defend abolition in all international forums and advocate for the widest possible support for this position; ### 49. condemns the use of torture , inhuman or degrading treatment and the death penalty , which continue to be applied in many countries all over the world; calls on countries that have not already done so to establish an immediate moratorium on the death penalty as a step towards its abolition; calls on the eu to continue to condemn systematically the use of the death penalty and to implement communication campaigns against the death penalty worldwide; urges the eu and its member states to defend abolition in all international forums and advocate for the widest possible support for this position;


### 49. welcomes the positive development in 2019 of the weakening of political support for maintaining death penalty in some countries which have not abolished it; deplores however the decisions of some national judicial authorities which led to an increase in executions compared to previous years; calls on the eu to continue to condemn systematically the use of the death penalty and to implement communication campaigns against the death penalty worldwide; urges the eu and its member states to defend abolition in all international forums and advocate for the widest possible support for this position; ### 49. welcomes the positive development in 2019 of the weakening of political support for maintaining death penalty in some countries which have not abolished it; deplores however the decisions of some national judicial authorities which led to an increase in executions compared to previous years; calls on the eu to continue to condemn systematically the use of the death penalty and to implement communication campaigns against the death penalty worldwide; urges the eu and its member states to defend abolition in all international forums and advocate for the widest possible support for this position; calls for the reintroduction of the moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its abolition;


### 52. calls for the eu to strengthen its efforts for the promotion and protection of economic , social and cultural rights through eu foreign policy and external action , in particular by making effective use of the human rights clauses of international agreements , including provisions on labour; welcomes the adoption of the ilo convention on violence and harassment , which contains new and binding international labour standards which are essential to banish these scourges from the field of work and protect victims; ### 52. calls for the eu to strengthen its efforts for the promotion and protection of economic , social and cultural rights through eu foreign policy and external action , in particular by making effective use of the human rights clauses of international agreements , including provisions on labour , and by investing in culture and education as vectors for durable change; welcomes the adoption of the ilo convention on violence and harassment , which contains new and binding international labour standards which are essential to banish these scourges from the field of work and protect victims;


### 53. calls for the setting up of an eu mandatory human rights due diligence instrument that requires companies to engage actively in the identification , assessment , mitigation , prevention and notification of any adverse impacts of their businesses and supply chains on human rights , setting civil and criminal liability for corporate bodies , business leaders and executives in the event of a breach and providing victims with access to justice and remedy; recommends that a legal duty of care be included as a specific element of this instrument in order to prevent the use of modern slavery and child labour by businesses in their overseas supply chains; ### 53. calls for the setting up of an eu mandatory human rights due diligence instrument that requires companies to engage actively in the identification , assessment , mitigation , prevention and notification of any adverse impacts of their businesses and supply chains on human rights , setting civil and criminal liability for corporate bodies , business leaders and executives in the event of a breach and providing victims with access to justice and remedy; recommends that a legal duty of care be included as a specific element of this instrument in order to prevent the use of modern slavery and child labour by businesses in their overseas supply chains; recommends a transparency requirement to be part of the due diligence instrument to facilitate victims’ ability to access grievance redress; calls for effective mechanisms to protect those advancing grievances from retaliation , including legislation to deter so-called ‘slapp’ (strategic litigation against public participation) suits;


### 53. calls for the setting up of an eu mandatory human rights due diligence instrument that requires companies to engage actively in the identification , assessment , mitigation , prevention and notification of any adverse impacts of their businesses and supply chains on human rights , setting civil and criminal liability for corporate bodies , business leaders and executives in the event of a breach and providing victims with access to justice and remedy; recommends that a legal duty of care be included as a specific element of this instrument in order to prevent the use of modern slavery and child labour by businesses in their overseas supply chains; ### 53. calls for the setting up of an eu mandatory human rights due diligence instrument that requires companies to engage actively in the identification , assessment , mitigation , prevention and notification of any adverse impacts of their businesses and supply chains on human rights , setting civil and criminal liability for corporate bodies , business leaders and executives in the event of a breach and providing victims with access to justice and remedy; recommends that a legal duty of care be included as a specific element of this instrument in order to prevent the use of modern slavery and child labour by businesses in their overseas supply chains; recalls the manifold violations of human rights that may occur in relation to the exploitation of natural resources; welcomes the establishment of the independent canadian ombudsman for responsible enterprise , with a mandate to investigate allegations of human rights abuses linked to canadian corporate activity abroad; calls for the eu and its member states to consider emulating this encouraging initiative;


### 54. is concerned at the use in response to the covid-19 pandemic of a variety of data-based and new technology-driven tools; underlines the risks they pose in terms of enjoyment of fundamental freedoms , abuse of power and increased vulnerability to cyberattacks when effective technical and legal safeguards are not in place; calls for the eu , as a leader in global standard setting on privacy and data protection , to establish new norms and best practices both for intra-eu use and as solutions to be emulated worldwide , in order to prevent potentially harmful effects of new data-based tools; ### 54. is concerned at the use in response to the covid-19 pandemic of a variety of data-based and new technology-driven tools; underlines the risks , often difficult to perceive , they pose in terms of enjoyment of fundamental freedoms , abuse of power and increased vulnerability to cyberattacks when effective technical and legal safeguards are not in place; calls for the eu , as a leader in global standard setting on privacy and data protection , to establish new norms and best practices both for intra-eu use and as solutions to be emulated worldwide , in order to prevent potentially harmful effects of new data-based tools;


### 58. calls on the eu to increase its support for democratic civic activism , which has grown since 2019 in the context of the rise of populism and authoritarian regimes; highlights , in this regard , democracy support activities implemented by parliament , including election monitoring , mediation , training and mentoring programmes , that need to be adapted to the evolving situation of partner countries; ### 58. calls on the eu to increase its support for democratic civic activism , which has grown since 2019 in the context of the rise of populism and authoritarian regimes; highlights , in this regard , democracy support activities implemented by parliament , including election monitoring , mediation , training and mentoring programmes , that need to be adapted to the evolving situation of partner countries; endorses the call in the council conclusions of 14 october 2019 on democracy and in the 2020-2024 eu action plan on human rights and democracy to promote a more flexible , innovative , long term and conflict-sensitive approach to supporting democracy; welcomes and , in this context , encourages and supports the work of independent organisations which operate on the basis of the european union’s core values and foster democratic transition in the world;


### d. whereas , by way of illustration , the crisis caused by the pandemic has led most countries to adopt emergency measures , curtailing freedoms to enjoy many human rights , foremost among which are the freedoms of movement and of assembly , or to establish new means of surveillance in order to prevent the transmission of the covid-19 virus; whereas those measures have legitimately raised questions as to their necessity , legality , proportionality , non-discriminatory nature and duration , in the spirit of safeguarding fundamental freedoms in the short and longer terms; ### d. whereas the pandemic has seen the furthering of the global negative trend of democratic backsliding and shrinking of the space for civil society; whereas , by way of illustration , the crisis caused by the pandemic has led most countries , both within and outside the eu , to adopt emergency measures , curtailing freedoms to enjoy many human rights , foremost among which are the freedoms of movement and of assembly , or to establish new means of surveillance in order to prevent the transmission of the covid-19 virus; whereas those measures have legitimately raised questions as to their necessity , legality , proportionality , non-discriminatory nature and duration , in the spirit of safeguarding fundamental freedoms in the short and longer terms;


### 7. welcomes the growing aspirations and mobilisations of citizens , in particular the youngest citizens , for political and societal changes favourable to respect for human rights , democratic governance , equality and social justice , more ambitious climate action and better protection of the environment; highlights the emergence in 2019 of massive protest movements in every region in the world reflecting these aspirations , calling into question institutional and economic orders of societies and supporting the development of a more equitable global society; ### 7. welcomes the growing aspirations and mobilisations of citizens , in particular the younger generations , for political and societal changes favourable to respect for human rights , democratic governance , equality and social justice , more ambitious climate action and better protection of the environment; highlights the emergence in 2019 of massive protest movements in every region in the world reflecting these aspirations , calling into question institutional and economic orders of societies and supporting the development of a more equitable global society;


### 8. deems essential the political responses to the legitimate demands of societies and individuals that are based on inclusive dialogue; condemns , on the other hand , the repression of peaceful movements , in particular through the excessive use of force by security agents , which certain governments have inflicted on their populations with a view to stifling democratic voices; ### 8. deems essential the political responses to the legitimate demands of societies and individuals , both within and outside the eu , that are based on inclusive dialogue; condemns , on the other hand , the repression of peaceful movements , in particular through the excessive use of force by security agents , which certain governments have inflicted on their populations with a view to stifling dissenting or critical voices; welcomes the fact that the excessive use of force by law enforcement officers , both in and outside the eu , is increasingly being denounced and identified as a major human rights issue , and calls on governments concerned to take urgent corrective action to prevent such occurrences and to hold the perpetrators to account;


### 9. stresses that physical attacks , imprisonments , death threats , harassment , intimidation and restrictions on freedom of expression remain tools systematically used around the world against human rights defenders (hrds) , non-governmental organisations (ngos) and civil society activists and journalists; underlines the existence of political trends towards deeper nationalism and the misuse of religion for political gain , which are conducive to intolerance , in particular towards hrds , women , lgbti people and migrants; ### 9. stresses that physical attacks , imprisonments , death threats , harassment , intimidation and restrictions on freedom of expression remain tools systematically used around the world against human rights defenders (hrds) , non-governmental organisations (ngos) and civil society activists , local communities , indigenous groups , whistle-blowers , and journalists; underlines the existence of political trends towards deeper nationalism and the misuse of religion for political gain , which are conducive to intolerance , in particular towards hrds , women , lgbti people and migrants;


### 10. stresses that it is the duty of eu institutions to actively support organisations and individuals engaged in defending democracy and human rights; underlines in this regard the importance of parliament’s action in making their voice heard and in obtaining the release of hrds detained as a result of their activism; ### 10. stresses that it is the duty of eu institutions to actively support organisations and individuals engaged in defending democracy and human rights; underlines in this regard the importance of parliament’s action in making their voices heard and in obtaining the release of hrds detained as a result of their activism;


### 11. is seriously concerned at the persistence of the scourge of wars and military conflicts which give way to grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights , in particular mass killings and forced displacements of civilian populations; strongly condemns the engagement of authoritarian powers in proxy wars and stresses that political solutions are a prerequisite for sustainable peace; expresses deep concerns at heightened international political tensions , and in certain regions of the world , at the increased activity of non-state armed groups and terrorist organisations and the development of communal violence; ### 11. is seriously concerned at the persistence of the scourge of wars , military conflicts and of protracted occupation or annexation of territories which give way to grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights , in particular mass killings and forced displacements of civilian populations; strongly condemns the engagement of authoritarian powers in proxy wars and stresses that political solutions are a prerequisite for sustainable peace; expresses deep concerns at heightened international political tensions , and in certain regions of the world , at the increased activity of non-state armed groups and terrorist organisations and the development of communal violence;


### 11. is seriously concerned at the persistence of the scourge of wars and military conflicts which give way to grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights , in particular mass killings and forced displacements of civilian populations; strongly condemns the engagement of authoritarian powers in proxy wars and stresses that political solutions are a prerequisite for sustainable peace; expresses deep concerns at heightened international political tensions , and in certain regions of the world , at the increased activity of non-state armed groups and terrorist organisations and the development of communal violence; ### 11. is seriously concerned at the persistence of the scourge of wars and military conflicts which give way to grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights , in particular mass killings , forced displacements of civilian populations , and the use of sexual violence against civilians , in particular women and children; strongly condemns the engagement of authoritarian powers in proxy wars and stresses that political solutions are a prerequisite for sustainable peace; expresses deep concerns at heightened international political tensions , and in certain regions of the world , at the increased activity of non-state armed groups and terrorist organisations and the development of communal violence;


### 12. deplores the fact that while the un marked its seventy-fifth anniversary in 2020 , a number of governments inspired by inward-looking attitudes have taken action to counter international cooperation efforts in favour of peace , conflict resolution and the protection of human rights based on the purposes and principles of the undhr , international law , the un charter and the helsinki final act; criticises the lack of joint international leadership from democratic countries to respond consistently to serious violations of international human rights law and to join forces to advance human rights , democracy and worldwide rules-based systems; ### 12. deplores the fact that while the un marked its seventy-fifth anniversary in 2020 , a number of governments inspired by inward-looking attitudes have taken action to counter multilateralism and international cooperation efforts in favour of peace , conflict resolution and the protection of human rights based on the purposes and principles of the undhr , international law , the un charter and the helsinki final act; criticises the lack of joint international leadership from democratic countries to respond consistently to serious violations of international human rights law and to join forces to advance human rights , democracy and worldwide rules-based systems and urges the eu and member states to fill this leadership void; stresses that human rights are universal and indivisible and condemns any attempt to relativise them;


### 14. welcomes the fact that efforts to advance the rights of women and girls have gained further prominence worldwide; stresses , however , the persistence of widespread gender-specific violence and discrimination in every region of the world , which often arises from cultural habits or long-established discriminatory legal systems; highlights , furthermore , the use of sexual violence targeting women because of their opinions , faith , philosophical orientation or their activism in defence of human rights; condemns authoritarian regimes that are opposing or fanning a negative backlash against women’s demands for equal rights; underlines the prominent role that women play through their activism in political and social movements and deplores the heavy toll they have paid by being victims of violence caused by brutal repression; ### 14. welcomes the fact that efforts to advance the rights of women and girls have gained further prominence worldwide; stresses , however , the persistence of widespread gender-specific violence and discrimination in every region of the world , including within the european union , which arises from gender inequality , unequal gender norms and power dynamics , cultural habits or long-established discriminatory legal systems , policies and practices , but also re-emerging patriarchal and reactionary movements; condemns the ongoing backlash on gender equality and women’s rights , including all attempts to roll back existing entitlements and protections in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights , as well as legislation , policies and practices that continue to deny or restrict these rights in many countries in the world; highlights , furthermore , the use of sexual violence targeting women because of them being women or because of their opinions , faith , philosophical orientation or their activism in defence of human rights; calls for concerted action to put an end to the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war; condemns governments that are opposing or fanning a negative backlash against women’s demands for equal rights; underlines the prominent role that women play through their activism in political and social movements and deplores the heavy toll they have paid by being victims of violence caused by brutal repression;


### 14. welcomes the fact that efforts to advance the rights of women and girls have gained further prominence worldwide; stresses , however , the persistence of widespread gender-specific violence and discrimination in every region of the world , which often arises from cultural habits or long-established discriminatory legal systems; highlights , furthermore , the use of sexual violence targeting women because of their opinions , faith , philosophical orientation or their activism in defence of human rights; condemns authoritarian regimes that are opposing or fanning a negative backlash against women’s demands for equal rights; underlines the prominent role that women play through their activism in political and social movements and deplores the heavy toll they have paid by being victims of violence caused by brutal repression; ### 14. welcomes the fact that efforts to advance the rights of women and girls have gained further prominence worldwide; stresses , however , the persistence of widespread gender-specific violence , including femicide , and discrimination in every region of the world , which often arises from cultural habits or long-established discriminatory legal systems; expresses concern over the widespread ongoing attacks on women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights; highlights , furthermore , the use of sexual violence targeting women because of their opinions , faith , philosophical orientation or their activism in defence of human rights; condemns authoritarian regimes that are opposing or fanning a negative backlash against women’s demands for equal rights; underlines the prominent role that women play through their activism in political and social movements and deplores the heavy toll they have paid by being victims of violence caused by brutal repression and war;