kfajdsl/voxpopuli huggingface dataset:
this year will be of significant importance for guatemala with the preparation of the twenty eighth session of the human rights council universal periodic review. numerous legislative initiatives are being discussed in the congress inter alia the constitutional reforms that many of you referred to in the justice sector the policy of the protection of human rights defenders the abolishment of the death penalty which if properly designed and adopted and effectively implemented may constitute significant progress for human rights.
mr president impunity violence and security threats have hindered progress towards more efficient law enforcement in guatemala whereas human rights defenders have been subjected to numerous forms of abuse and even murder as has been outlined by some of my colleagues one of whom actually visited guatemala. this is not acceptable and we have to speak out against it.
also the participation of guatemalans in the drug supply and illegal migration route between central america and the united states is a matter of major concern leading to all kinds of corruption violence murders and misery for thousands of people.
the travel and tourism sector makes a very substantial contribution to european economies.
we must continue to work on the issue of overregulation and cut down red tape where possible.
we should also follow market trends and enable the development of new innovative business models and take on board the advantages of the digital revolution.
we have to address important challenges competition from emerging destinations is increasing.
for this to happen we need to strengthen our promotional activities.
we should invest more in joint promotion in close collaboration with member states regions and the industry.
tourism has also significant spillover benefits for the cultural and creative industries including fashion and high end products agrifoods transport construction shipbuilding or retail. therefore tourism has a huge potential to generate economic growth and create jobs.
american and asian tourists want to come to europe and visit more than one country.
to compete with new emerging destinations were must invest in high quality offerings and improve infrastructure resource efficiency and skills.
the commission adopted the new single market strategy just two days ago.
we have to fully capitalise on the potential offered by this strategy ensuring effective enforcement of single market principles and rules extending also to tourism services.
we wish to embrace the opportunities created by the sharing economy including for the eu tourism industry. at the same time we must create a level playing field for all actors and make sure that public and consumer interests are properly reflected.
two thousand and thirty to attract new investment and ensure faster growth we must increase the number of travellers from key markets such as china india or the us.
we should preserve and capitalise on our unique cultural and natural heritage and diversity.
twenty five tourism is therefore an important entry point to the labour market.
to that end it is essential to ensure better access to finance. there is a serious mismatch between the demand for and the supply of skilled labour in the sector. erasmus and the european social fund play a key role in the upgrading of skills including digital skills as well as in training and workforce mobility.
at the same time we must ensure that the principles of the small business act are fully implemented in the tourism sector.
i fully share your views on the importance of the eu tourism sector.
it resulted in a tax on pensions which was not very popular at the time.
we consider that it must be done via joint promotional efforts in cooperation with member states regions and the industry.
two thousand and sixteen i would point out at the same time that in two thousand and sixteen the budget for tourism is eur.
we all agree that tourism is an important economic sector and we need to explore its potential. the commission member states and the industry should join forces and work together to keep europe as the world's number one tourist destination. let me be more specific now and respond to a couple of the points made.
this allows projects from two thousand and fifteen to be continued and to be evaluated in order to build on their results.
third on taxes the commission will analyse the impact of taxes both national and regional on tourism.
we will organise a highlevel event on this topic in april.
last but not least on safety aspects related to the safety of services will be looked at in the context of the consumer protection regulation.
the report recognises the importance of cultural heritage in that all of our different languages can themselves be a driving force for good quality tourism.
the industry as we know has huge potential and developed correctly and responsibly could provide many long term benefits to communities right across the european union.
for us too it was vital that the call for accessibility for people with reduced mobility was included.
also important is the inclusion of climate change and the urgent need to act on this particularly for coastal island and mountainous areas.
four five billion a year for the economy and supports nearly eighty nine zero full time jobs.
a simple carbon monoxide device like the one i have here could have saved their lives.
safety.
the coroner who investigated the deaths of the children has called for action at european level.
public opinion wants action firefighters consumer associations and travel agencies.
in iran the women human rights defender atena daemi has been in prison for years for her work on women and children's rights.
mr president women human rights defenders face genderspecific threats and obstacles and need to be protected accordingly.
eleven five years in prison for her work with mothers of imprisoned or executed people.
so the eu and all member states must push for all these women to be set free.
the multiplication of feminicides against women human rights defenders in the last few years has been a devastating example of the need for safety measures to protect them.
after years of harassment and imprisonment she now faces a heavier sentence.
staff in eu delegations around the world regularly meet with women defenders and consult with them both on human rights and on the conditions of their daily work.
gender equality and women's empowerment including support for women defenders are identified among the main priorities in the eu action plan on human rights and democracy.
we know that many of them are constantly risking their life and their freedom but women defenders are suffering very specific threats and obstacles on account of their gender as much as their fight for human rights.
we have seen attacks against women defenders working on sexual and reproductive health and rights promoting gender equality in schools or advocating for the rights of women victims of sexual and gender based violence including domestic violence and the most harmful practices.
another example of such targeted financial support is the emergency grants fund for human rights defenders at risk provided by the european instrument for democracy and human rights.
they are of course particularly active in advocating for progress on gender equality.
i would like to mention in particular our mechanism to protect defenders.
they also make an essential contribution in promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.
in two thousand and seventeen more than two hundred women defenders were supported by this mechanism.
when women are recognised as full and equal citizens the whole society is more stable and democracies get stronger.
when women including young women are empowered the benefits are perceived by their entire community.
when they have access to good education and good jobs social and economic inequality is easier to overcome.
the plan recognises and supports the critical role of human rights defenders and women's organisations in relation to achieving fair and inclusive societies.
yet women defenders play an increasingly prominent role in many partner countries.
this is a unique mechanism that can be used to provide targeted assistance to human rights defenders.
the commitment is turning into practice on a daily basis and in recent times we have stepped up our engagement in order to react to growing threats against women defenders.
women defenders are targeted in particular when they challenge traditional patterns and perceptions of gender roles and other social stereotypes.
our contacts with human rights defenders on the ground have also become more constant. the embassies of eu member states and eu delegations are at the forefront of this work.
our work for women and women defenders is for them and it is for all of us women and men alike.
our external action has always focused strongly on the protection of women's rights and of women defenders.
the eu strongly encourages governments to engage with women defenders and ensure their active free and meaningful participation.
we are living in extremely difficult times for civil society and human rights defenders all around the world. we are collectively facing a situation where the space for civil society is shrinking.
however let me be clear that the european union will never leave human rights defenders alone and we will continue to work together with you and civil society to defend human rights defenders around the world.
may i close by signalling once again my appreciation of parliament's role in keeping this important issue on the agenda.
the rising sectarian violence poses a real risk of genocide and threatens to destabilise the whole region.
the international community has reacted.
however the security presence has thus far been insufficient to control the crisis and urgent intervention is needed to restore peace and order in the country.
mr president the escalating situation in the central african republic continues to be a source of concern for this house and indeed the entire international community.
i think that should be left to the high representative and the high representative alone. i would however like someone who has a serious and unparalleled record of working in human rights and human rights law with high level legal qualifications in human rights to be appointed to this
a person who will pursue the truth.
may i say also that i disagree with those colleagues who put forward the view that the special representative for human rights should be a lawyer.
i do not hear anybody mentioning this in this house.
i think the person who is appointed will have plenty of advice available to him or her and what i want is a person who has a good heart who is impartial who has courage who will show good judgment who has energy and above all who is not politically correct;
human rights are indivisible;
madam president human rights or no human rights will the special representative still get the twelve weeks' paid holiday a year which is standard in the shambles that is the external action service?
in the meantime you could not care less when it comes to the victims of the european arrest warrant.
i would suggest calmly and politely although this is a subject that makes me angry that on human rights you get your own house in order before posturing elsewhere. as i was about to say before i was inappropriately interrupted in march two thousand and ten the high representative like the bourbons has forgotten nothing and has learned nothing.
we know that what the eu calls human rights has the consequence that we in the uk cannot protect ourselves from abu qatada and his kind.
the european arrest warrant has caused the surrender of over seven hundred uk citizens or residents to harsh and alien legal systems in continental europe.
it is the first time ever that the european union will have appointed a thematic eu special representative so i believe it is important that the mandate should be long enough to start delivering on issues that are inherently long term issues. i believe that the special representative will have significant experience and expertise. i am looking for somebody with an established track record
i hope that these contacts will continue and become a regular feature of our inter institutional discussions on a more effective and comprehensive approach to human rights and democracy.
on human rights and democracy too. preparation for this has taken account of input from members of this house in line with my undertaking to engage this house throughout the process.
communications and public diplomacy will be key.
you have my full commitment that he or she will be able to brief parliament regularly fitting in line with existing arrangements.
and of course to work closely with the european external action service.
over the past few months my services have been canvassing opinions from this house from member states commission services and from ngos and that has helped to ensure that the thinking of this house is reflected in the draft mandate which i presented to the council. honourable members the mandate will be broad and flexible.
madam president first of all can i say that i agree with mr salafranca that this is in our dna and i am really pleased to have the opportunity to speak again in this house on the subject of human rights.
as honourable members know this is one of my top priorities and i really value the opportunities to continue our discussions.
i want the new special representative to work with me to set priorities to be able to develop the themes that mr salafranca has so ably put before us abolition of the death penalty combating the use of torture women's rights children's rights and to ensure that they are able to do that in the context of working collaboratively with the institutions of the european union
the recommendation that is before this house today is a welcome contribution to the preparations for the appointment of a special representative on human rights.
two thousand and ten we have now reached the point where it commands a broad consensus across the political spectrum.
the special representative will also add considerable value to our existing work and that may take the form of leading our human rights dialogues and consultations where it is obvious that the special representative should be a natural interlocutor for our partners.
the mandate will be longer than usual two years instead of one.
they need to help us to be more visible and to promote human rights across the whole range of the european union's external policies.
the latest of these exchanges took place today just before this debate began when my deputy secretary general maciej popowski met with the contact group in parliament under the chairmanship of mrs lochbihler.
i have always intended this process to be inclusive and to give the opportunity for all stakeholders in eu policy to contribute to defining our future priorities.
i do want to be clear that the special representative will be an important interlocutor for this parliament.
real experience in human rights and a strong understanding of european union policy.
madam president i come from a country in which hundreds of thousands of people work and live in third world circumstances even though that country hungary is not in the third world it is in the european union.
in my country great britain human rights matters come under the auspices of the ministry of justice but these models are apparently not good enough for the european union.
in one thousand seven hundred and seventy six thomas jefferson institutionalised the concept of human rights in the us declaration of independence and today's us ambassadors around the world have the responsibility for projecting that concept wherever they may be.
one aspect of the report i do agree with is that if a special representative for human rights should be appointed they should have the necessary professional qualifications extensive experience and a proven track record in the field of human rights as well as personal and professional integrity and an international reputation.
many member states prosecute and imprison people for publishing heretical opinions in speech written word or in electronic form.
the freedom to express oneself is important but not as important as the freedom to hear or read what has been said or written by others. the british government is currently proposing a law the communications data bill which will provide the security services with access to all of the internet sites visited by everyone in the united kingdom.
if somebody in a sensitive government job were just out of curiosity to log onto a website disapproved of by a party that person's job would be at risk.
freedom of association is mentioned in the report but there have been bans or attempted bans on parties in belgium and germany.
perhaps the person appointed as a special representative will pay attention to these matters.
would you say that the appointment of the high representative herself was a political appointment or not?
most importantly the new special representative should have an independent and flexible mandate allowing him or her to act swiftly and effectively.
the fact of the matter is that with these european institutions there is not proper transparency and there is not proper accountability.
i am extremely conscious that in the course of this debate many attributes have been suggested for this paragon of virtue the candidate who will become the special representative.
i agree with a great deal of what has been said.
as so many honourable members have said this is the first thematic special representative and so it will be important to find ways to engage properly.
that will i am sure be an ongoing debate.
i want to pay tribute to the many men and women of the european union in delegations across the world some of whom work in the most difficult conditions and to thank them for putting this issue at the heart of the work that they do.
it is our hope that such a position will help to ensure that human rights feature even more prominently in our external action and will help further consolidate our credibility in this field.
despite the plethora of competing issues i hope that the case of tibet will feature prominently among the priority issues to be tackled.
also in anticipation of this afternoon's debate i must emphasise that the human rights situation in tibet deserves particular attention.
freedom of conscience and belief is very close to my group's heart.
from an institutional perspective the recommendation that there should be an eu special representative on human rights is obviously only one part of the ongoing review of the eu's overall human rights strategy where we are mobilising our potential and political will and increasing interinstitutional preparations to become even more effective on the world stage.
meps from a wide spectrum of political groups desire to work towards some form of joint interinstitutional document an ambitious and united declaration much like the european consensus on development which defines the framework of common principles within which the eu and its member states implement their development policies.
we need to strive towards a european consensus on human rights which will set out our common vision on the promotion of human rights in the world with concrete steps on how to achieve our goals.
especially when a commission is coming to the end of its life and is now of course beyond some might say the end of its life it is important to reflect back on what has not yet been completed.
the point about openness and free trade and transparency is that you face that and actually deal with it appropriately.
i think for many consumers this has been an important part of the way in which they interact with the market.
if in the end i have a proposal that i simply do not have the capacity to put through the council i think it is beholden on me to look again and ask whether there are there things we could do not to water down but to recognise the legitimate concerns and see whether we can put this through perhaps in a pilot model or a more
i would like to but i am in the hands of the council inevitably on that.
i will come on to what i think and why i think that is so important.
that is part of the discussion as you know that is currently going on.
it is about clarity and transparency for consumers.
for most of the countries from which one would buy the kind of products we have listed you already know where you buy from.
honourable members will know that i have made much about the difference between protectionism and support for industry support for jobs and consumers and so on.
i hope parliament will engage with this and help refine this further so that we actually have something extremely positive to take back.
narrow model in order to test that what i say is true and in order that we can then hopefully broaden out later because we have actually got an understanding of what it is we are trying to do.
this is not the only issue by any means but it did occur to me that this is an opportunity to try and bring this back.
we did consult industry and consumers on that.
that means when it is clear that there is not a solid majority for a particular idea thinking again about what it is that might make the difference between failing to get something through where clearly there is a very strong set of views and success.
what i tried to do while i was talking to member states about all of these aspects of trade was to pick up either by the work i had been doing and specifically talking to small businesses across europe where i have a great concern that they should have real opportunities so that more than three of them will start trading beyond the european union
there was a concern that that would be expensive.
it seemed to me that we had the opportunity by refining what we were describing in order to address the concerns that member states had to promote this yet again because it still rests within the commission.
we have simply tried to put forward what we believe is a realistic list but are very comfortable in actually discussing that further.
but as other members have said the reality of political life is that i have to get any proposal through the council.
it is important that if you are going to have free trade in the world you also have to have clarity and transparency for consumers to make the kinds of choices that go alongside free trade.
we are looking at the whole euromed issues as well.
it is not about any link to anything.
it did not find favour.
i am trying to be realistic.
but i do make my commitment to carry on with this because there is a strength of feeling.
a number of honourable members have raised the particular issues about consumers and the opportunity that this would afford for transparency and clarity to give information to consumers.
it is about saying that we need to move forward.
we have got to be clear that trade is not about ignoring all of those things. they go hand in hand. mr fjellner i have got to deal with your particular point because you described what i was doing as an improper way of acting.
very finally i was asked specifically about the question of made in the european union'.
i cannot give time guarantees;
we should not be frightened of it because if we are frightened of it there is something wrong.
the opportunity to say that we will make sure that we have that transparency i would argue is very important.
one specific question i had a call from a manufacturer who works within the european union asking me if the commission council and parliament are looking at a made in the european union' label which would enable them to promote the fact that they are producing within the european union.
the european parliament has repeatedly called for the conclusion of this negotiation which started in.
instead of repealing it as previously announced they have strengthened it.
this has had serious implications for freedom of expression with several people arrested charged or investigated as a result of this.