unimelb-nlp/MultiEup-v2 huggingface dataset:
Debate: Human rights situation in North Korea, including the persecution of religious minorities
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Michaela Šojdrová
Political group: PPE
Country: Greece
Language: EN

Mr President, 15 April in North Korea, the so-called ‘day of the sun’, is overshadowed by the repressive regime committing widespread violations of human rights. North Korea is, according to the Freedom House Index, one of the least free countries, with zero political rights and almost no civil liberties. It is a country with the most persecuted Christians, with an approximate 70 000 people in prison just for their beliefs. Moreover, there are reports of Christians being executed while hiding and worshipping in secret.  The European Parliament strongly condemns the state repression and systematic human rights violation against its own people, including persecution of Christians. Their recently shown willingness towards using nuclear weapons is most concerning and should be met with a strong effort of the EU for reconciliation and denuclearisation.  We ask the EU Commission to take efficient diplomatic steps forward. Thank you all, colleagues, for the negotiation and for the support.
Debate: Human rights situation in North Korea, including the persecution of religious minorities
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Carlo Fidanza
Political group: ECR
Country: Greece
Language: IT

Signor Presidente, signora Commissaria, onorevoli colleghi, sterminio, omicidio, schiavitù, tortura, imprigionamento, stupro, aborti forzati e altre violenze sessuali, esili forzati di intere categorie etniche, sparizioni di persone, digiuni forzati, persecuzioni per i motivi più vari, politici, religiosi, razziali e di genere: questo è quello di cui abbiamo notizia dall'inferno della Corea del Nord. Pensate che la recente relazione dell'intergruppo per la libertà religiosa, che ho l'onore di copresiedere, ha evidenziato le dieci nazioni nelle quali la situazione si è deteriorata negli ultimi anni per la libertà religiosa e la Corea del Nord non è tra queste. Non perché non sia grave la situazione ma perché era già talmente compromessa che, persino per un dittatore sanguinario, è stato praticamente impossibile peggiorarla. Si stimano tra i 50 000 e i 70 0000 cristiani vittime del regime nei sistemi di prigioni e nei campi di lavoro con l'unica colpa di essere credenti, così come altre minoranze religiose. Raramente si trova una via d'uscita, qualche volta verso la Cina e, quando si arriva in Cina, si vuole scappare anche da lì perché non c'è pace neanche in Cina per chi vuole esercitare la propria fede. Ecco, allora, Commissaria, noi non dobbiamo arrenderci: dobbiamo usare tutto il nostro peso economico e politico per far comprendere a questi Paesi che non siamo disposti ad arretrare nella difesa dei diritti umani e della libertà religiosa...
Debate: Human rights situation in North Korea, including the persecution of religious minorities
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Stanislav Polčák
Political group: PPE
Country: Czechia
Language: CS

Pane předsedající, vážená paní komisařko, vidíme ohromující válečné zločiny na Ukrajině a neměli bychom zapomínat ale na zločiny v totalitních státech, jakým je např. Severní Korea. Zabíjení, mučení, věznění, samozřejmě nelidské zacházení a nyní také zabití všech příslušníků náboženské menšiny. To jsou skutečné státní vraždy. O nějaké náboženské svobodě nemůže být ani řeči v Severní Koreji. My víme, že nás dnes asi občané Koreji neslyší, ale určitě se jim ta zpráva o naší podpoře jednou dostane. Ale ten, kdo nás slyší, jsou nepochybně představitelé režimu a my jim musíme jednoznačně vzkázat, že budou pohnáni k odpovědnosti, že sankce Rady bezpečnosti jsou nedotknutelné a budeme na nich trvat. Naši podporu musí mít samozřejmě všichni stíhaní a bezprávím utlačovaní lidé v Severní Koreji.
Debate: Human rights situation in North Korea, including the persecution of religious minorities
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Michiel Hoogeveen
Political group: ECR
Country: Sweden
Language: EN

Mr President, in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, stories about its leaders are often told in epic biblical proportions. The ‘eternal president’ Kim Il Sung and his sons not only fulfil the role of political leader to the Korean people, but also of liberator, saviour, reformer, spiritual guide and even Saint Nicholas. This is the reason why religion is almost non—existent in North Korea and why remaining religious minorities are persecuted. For the North Korean state, religion is a rival and a threat to its Juche ideology.  The sanctions on North Korea, while justified under international law, have also increasingly isolated the people. One could ask the question whether a ban on fisheries, for example, helps or worsens the situation in the country. Let us not forget that the common folk of North Korea never asked for their government, nor should they be the ones punished for their government’s actions.
Debate: Human rights situation in North Korea, including the persecution of religious minorities
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Helena Dalli
Language: EN

I welcome the Parliament’s decision to highlight violations of the freedom of religion or belief in the DPRK. Promoting the freedom of religion or belief is a priority for the European Union. Credible and multiple sources of information point to serious human rights violations against individuals for expressions of Christian faith or engagement in shamanist practices. A particular concern is the treatment of people forcibly sent back to North Korea who have had contact with faith-based organisations while outside the country.  The EU keeps both the freedom of religion or belief and the overall human rights situation in the DPRK high on the international agenda. The EU leads resolutions at the Human Rights Council and the United Nations General Assembly. The latest Human Rights Council resolution on North Korea was adopted by consensus on 1 April. The EU global human rights sanctions regime has already brought consequences to senior individuals responsible for human rights violations in North Korea.  The Union works with UN human rights mechanisms and civil society mechanisms. I salute the work of the civil society organisations in building repositories of information on human rights violations. These contributions open up avenues to potentially hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable for their actions.  It does not have to be this way. For 25 years, the EU has urged North Korea to recognise that the respect for human rights is the road to sustainable security and economic development. The EU keeps the door to dialogue firmly open. The DPRK has a choice to make. I hope it will be the right one for the sake of the North Korean people.
Debate: The situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Rainer Wieland
Country: Germany
Language: DE

Als nächster Punkt der Tagesordnung folgt die Aussprache über sechs Entschließungsanträge zur Lage in Bezug auf die Rechtsstaatlichkeit und die Menschenrechte in der Republik Guatemala ( _______________ * Siehe Protokoll.
Debate: The situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Bernd Lange
Country: Portugal
Language: DE

Da gibt es ein Land, mit dem wir sehr eng verbunden sind – Guatemala –, mit einem Assoziierungsabkommen und einem Abkommen über politischen Dialog und Kooperation. In diesem Land wird die Geltung des Rechts ständig gebrochen, und zwar auch institutionell gebrochen. Insofern ist es an der Zeit, dass wir uns als Europäisches Parlament hier deutlich positionieren und die Geltung des Rechts auch in Guatemala – gerade weil wir so eng verbunden sind – einfordern. Im Mai dieses Jahres wird ein neuer Generalanwalt gewählt, und wir wollen sicherstellen, dass das unter fairen Bedingungen stattfindet und kein Kandidat gewählt wird, der für das Brechen des Rechts steht. Wir treten ein für die Geltung des Rechts in der Europäischen Union, aber auch in anderen Ländern wie Guatemala.
Debate: The situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos
Country: France
Language: ES

Mujeres al frente de la lucha contra la corrupción, como la jueza Erika Aifán, se han visto obligadas a huir del país; también Juan Francisco Sandoval, antiguo fiscal especial contra la Impunidad, precisamente destituido por la actual fiscal general, Consuelo Porras, sancionada por corrupción por los Estados Unidos —fiscal que hoy se presenta también a la reelección—. Por eso este Parlamento no podía permanecer en silencio: lanzamos un mensaje a las autoridades guatemaltecas para que reviertan de forma inmediata esta deriva, no solo con promesas, sino con acciones y resultados.
Debate: The situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Tilly Metz
Country: France
Language: EN

We are deeply concerned over the legal action initiated by authorities in Guatemala against independent judges, lawyers and prosecutors, who have been involved in investigating anti—corruption cases. More than 20 of them have already left the country out of fear for their safety. We urge the Guatemalan authorities to put an end to the criminalisation of justice operators, to ensure the independence of the justice system and to guarantee a transparent process when selecting the new Attorney General. We also see that the attacks and the criminalisation of land and environmental defenders are increasing. We Greens defend the rights of the citizens, and not of a corrupted elite who sacrifices people and natural resources for their own profit. I remember Lolita Chavez, our Sakharov Prize finalist in 2017, she warned us that ‘various EU companies are violating rights of the people in Guatemala’.  Therefore, we must call on the EU companies to apply strict due diligence to ensure human rights compliance. We should continue the constructive dialogue that we have built with Guatemala and its embassy in Brussels. In this dialogue, the EU has to promote democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.
Debate: The situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Seán Kelly
Country: Greece
Language: EN

Guatemala is an important like-minded partner of the EU in Central America. There is a growing trade cooperation between the EU and Guatemala. And Guatemala has shown great solidarity with Ukraine and the EU, which had strong condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. And, of course, many of the offenses here mentioned occurred before the present government was elected in January 2020.  Nevertheless, we have to be concerned about reports of recent legal actions against Guatemalan prosecutors and judges who played a prominent role in anti-impunity and anti-corruption efforts. This is also combined with the detention of human rights defenders, particularly environmentalists and indigenous people. There must be full respect for the country’s constitutional order and judicial independence. We call on the government to root out corruption and impunity, and improve the human rights situation.
Debate: The situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Miguel Urbán Crespo
Country: Belgium
Language: ES

En Guatemala, quienes se oponen a los intereses del capitalismo extractivista, la impunidad y la corrupción son cada vez más perseguidos. Megaproyectos de empresas transnacionales europeas, como el proyecto hidroeléctrico Renace o el minero Fénix, son responsables de esta situación y también de esta persecución.  Exigimos que ninguna ayuda europea permita proyectos extractivistas que no cumplan la consulta libre previa informada de las comunidades indígenas, que se suspenda inmediatamente la aplicación provisional del pilar comercial del Acuerdo de Asociación...
Debate: The situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Fulvio Martusciello
Political group: PPE
Country: Bulgaria
Language: IT

Basta pensare a quello che ha detto il Segretario generale Guterres lo scorso giovedì, quando si è espresso in maniera netta sulle persecuzioni che oltre 15 funzionari di giustizia stanno subendo in Guatemala. Tra questi 15 funzionari c'è anche la grande Erika Dávila, che ha scritto pagine memorabili nella lotta alla corruzione in Guatemala e che non trova una giusta difesa ed è costretta all'esilio, è costretta a dover andare via dal Paese che ha cercato sempre di difendere.  La sua è una storia, quella di Dávila, di difficoltà continua e proprio perché donna. Non dimentichiamoci che il Guatemala ha approvato in questi giorni una legge violenta contro l'aborto, a favore delle discriminazioni sessuali e probabilmente Dávila paga il fatto di essere una donna. La sua storia, le difficoltà della sua carriera dimostrano quanto ha dovuto lottare ogni volta per superare queste difficoltà. Allora chiediamo alla Commissione una presenza forte, una posizione forte contro queste ingiustizie che subiscono i giudici.
Debate: The situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Maria-Manuel Leitão-Marques
Political group: S-D
Country: Italy
Language: PT

Este sistema, conduzido pela atual procuradora, que o governo guatemalteco se prepara para reconduzir em maio próximo, mina qualquer confiança que poderia ainda existir na separação de poderes na Guatemala, que corre o risco de tornar-se o país onde é mais fácil ameaçar e processar juízes do que lutar contra a corrupção. Apelamos, assim, às autoridades da Guatemala para que ponham fim a estas práticas persecutórias, restaurando a confiança dos cidadãos num sistema independente de justiça que é uma condição essencial de qualquer democracia.
Debate: The situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Izaskun Bilbao Barandica
Political group: Renew
Country: Slovakia
Language: ES

La Guatemala de Alejandro Giammattei baja ya por esa cuesta a lomos de la corrupción y de la impunidad. Pero este deterioro lo cataliza además la desesperación. Cerca de la mitad de la población vive bajo el umbral de la pobreza. Las tormentas Eta e Iota y la pandemia no han hecho sino agravar esta situación. Demasiada gente en Guatemala, debido a estos factores, ya tiene muy poco que perder.  Por eso, los esfuerzos deben centrarse en restaurar la democracia, además de en acabar con la injusticia y la miseria. Ojalá las Comisiones Presidenciales contra la Corrupción y por la Paz y los Derechos Humanos tengan éxito, pero con la misma urgencia hay que impulsar medidas contra la pobreza en favor del crecimiento inclusivo y la igualdad. La Unión Europea debe utilizar las cláusulas del Acuerdo de Diálogo Político y Cooperación para estimular esos decisivos cambios.
Debate: The situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Hermann Tertsch
Political group: ECR
Country: France
Language: ES

No se ha hecho esa resolución y se inventan una resolución para castigar a uno de los pocos países que está avanzando en su institucionalidad, que tiene una cooperación con Occidente, que tiene una cooperación positiva continua con la Unión Europea, como es Guatemala. Con un país que sí está dentro de nuestra órbita, quiere estarlo y avanza en ello, y no quiere estar como los otros países que apoyan aquí muchos de ustedes, como está El Salvador, como está Nicaragua, como está Cuba o como está Venezuela. Eso es realmente lo que ustedes parece que quieren en Centroamérica para todos. Guatemala, con Costa Rica, es el único país que avanza y ustedes intentan destruirlo aquí con unas acusaciones ridículas.
Debate: The situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Carles Puigdemont i Casamajó
Political group: NI
Country: Portugal
Language: FR

Monsieur le Président, nous sommes d’accord sur le besoin de réformer le système judiciaire du Guatemala, sur la critique de son gouvernement, sur la nécessité de défendre les journalistes, les défenseurs de droits de l’homme. Cependant, il est surprenant que le cas de Bernardo Caal n’ait pas été inclus, un leader social q’eqchi qui a passé quatre ans en prison pour une affaire inventée, un cas de
Debate: The situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Stanislav Polčák
Political group: PPE
Country: Czechia
Language: CS

Pane předsedající, vážená paní komisařko, základní lidská práva jsou nepochybně zaručena pro všechny, a to i v Guatemale. Vidíme zde porušování těchto základních lidských práv a mnozí lidé v Guatemale trpí. Nesmíme před tím zavírat oči, jsou to novináři, jsou to zastánci lidských práv. Obzvlášť výjimečné jsou porušování práv představitelů justice. Před tím skutečně nesmíme zavírat oči a vyvolává to v nás zásadní obavy. Já nechci relativizovat tvrzení, která jsou uvedena v návrhu usnesení, ale některá z těchto tvrzení jsou přeci jen staršího data. A obrázek Guatemaly nepochybně není černobílý. Perzekuce není přípustná, to chci zde zdůraznit, ale Guatemalu stále vnímám jako stát, s nímž je smysluplné vést dialog.
Debate: The situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Javi López
Political group: S-D
Country: Belgium
Language: ES

Señor presidente, hoy el Parlamento Europeo quiere expresar su honda preocupación por la situación que está padeciendo Guatemala: desde el año 2019, en que se decidió liquidar unilateralmente el mandato de la Comisión Internacional contra la Impunidad en Guatemala, el país vive un constante desmantelamiento de su Estado de Derecho y obstrucción y acoso al trabajo de jueces y fiscales. Lo cierto es que se ha criminalizado con falsos cargos y detenciones arbitrarias a varios de ellos; esto no es algo que digamos nosotros, es algo que acaba de denunciar el secretario general de las Naciones Unidas. Algunos casos famosos, como los de la jueza Erika Aifán y las fiscales generales Claudia Paz y Paz y Thelma Aldana, han llevado a más de veinte jueces y fiscales al exilio. Al mismo tiempo, se ve una preocupante situación en términos de violencia y extorsión a defensores de derechos humanos, periodistas, mujeres y personas LGTBI; por eso, reclamamos y exigimos al país que cambie la situación que está padeciendo el pueblo de Guatemala.
Debate: The situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Jordi Cañas
Political group: Renew
Country: Portugal
Language: ES

Señor presidente, las autoridades de Guatemala están deslizando al país por la pendiente de la corrupción, el ataque y la independencia judicial y del Estado de Derecho. Una pendiente que acaba en el precipicio. Las autoridades de Guatemala tienen que decidir si dan un paso hacia adelante o dan un paso hacia atrás, retroceden y orientan las políticas públicas en Guatemala hacia la senda de la recuperación del Estado de Derecho y la independencia del Poder Judicial. Esa es una decisión clave, porque de ella dependerá su futuro.  Esta Resolución busca dar una señal de alerta, que se suma a la de muchos otros, porque nos interesa la democracia en Guatemala, porque nos interesa el futuro de los guatemaltecos y lo que queremos es que las autoridades de Guatemala reflexionen y se den cuenta de que están a tiempo. Si lo hacen, si en vez de dar un paso hacia adelante y caer hacia Nicaragua dan un paso hacia atrás, encontrarán allí a la Unión Europea, trabajando codo con codo por garantizar un futuro de prosperidad y de libertad para el conjunto de los ciudadanos de Guatemala.
Debate: The situation of the rule of law and human rights in the Republic of Guatemala
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Helena Dalli
Language: EN

In general, EU relations with Guatemala are positive, in particular on alignment in international fora. We extend our gratitude and appreciation for Guatemala’s strong condemnation of the Russian invasion in Ukraine and active role in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty in the UN General Assembly, the Organization of American States and the International Atomic Energy Agency.  Nevertheless, the EU clearly voiced its preoccupation regarding the rule of law on 11 February, following legal action against independent judges, lawyers and prosecutors, resulting in arrests and loss of judicial immunity. We called on the authorities to ensure the safety of those detained and to safeguard their right to due process.  Most recently, we also reacted on 23 March following the resignation of Judge Erika Aifán and the decision by the Supreme Court of Justice to suspend Judge Pablo Xitumul from his function. The proliferation of legal proceedings undertaken by the authorities in Guatemala against a number of independent judges, prosecutors and lawyers follows a deeply troubling pattern. These are generally individuals who have been involved in investigating anti-corruption cases and often former staff of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala or the Special Prosecutor’s Office against Corruption and Impunity. These actions have been preceded by a lengthy campaign of intimidation and threats, including on social media. As a consequence, over 20 Guatemalan judges, lawyers and prosecutors have fled abroad.  In the context of our development work in Guatemala, engagement with civil society is essential. The EU remains highly vigilant regarding any negative consequences related to the implementation of the NGO law that entered into force last year. Civil society actors are key stakeholders worldwide for the promotion of inclusive and sustainable development. Human rights defenders, in particular, face continuous threats in Guatemala. Their adequate protection is thus crucial.  Additionally, good governance, solid institutions and respect for the rule of law have tangible, beneficial effects on prosperity and sustainable economic development. Strengthening institutions will accordingly be an indispensable part of our cooperation with Guatemala for the period of 2021–2027.  The EU, in close coordination with Member States and through its delegation in Guatemala, will continue to monitor the situation closely, including through observation of judicial proceedings. We will continue to make our concerns clear to the Guatemalan authorities. Once again, we call on them to ensure that human rights and the rule of law in Guatemala are upheld.
Debate: Increasing repression in Russia, including the case of Alexey Navalny
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Rainer Wieland
Country: Germany
Language: DE

Als nächster Punkt der Tagesordnung folgt die Aussprache über sechs Entschließungsanträge zur zunehmenden Unterdrückung in Russland, einschließlich des Falls von Alexei Nawalny ( _______________ * Siehe Protokoll.