unimelb-nlp/MultiEup-v2 huggingface dataset:
Debate: The Media freedom crackdown in Myanmar, notably the cases of Htet Htet Khine, Sithu Aung Myint and Nyein Nyein Aye
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Anna Fotyga
Country: Denmark
Language: EN

Four rounds of our sanctions and numerous resolutions of the European Parliament may be in vain without strict international broader coordination with like-minded partners, in particular transatlantic ones and countries like UK. Within the Global Press Freedom Index of Article 19, Myanmar holds now the fifth lowest position among 180 in terms of media freedom. We have to push and exert pressure for immediate release of detained journalists and for stopping the violence.
Debate: The Media freedom crackdown in Myanmar, notably the cases of Htet Htet Khine, Sithu Aung Myint and Nyein Nyein Aye
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Miguel Urbán Crespo
Country: Belgium
Language: ES

Tenemos que reforzar las sanciones contra todas las empresas vinculadas a la Junta y eliminar la excepción que permite, por ejemplo, que cuando las empresas europeas salen del país puedan transferir sus acciones a la Junta, tal y como pasó con la salida de Total, que transfirió sus acciones a una empresa controlada por los militares.  Además, hay que promover la congelación de activos específicos y la prohibición de las transferencias financieras internacionales a los dos bancos estatales controlados por la Junta.  El apoyo incondicional a las fuerzas prodemocráticas debe pasar por reconocer al Gobierno de unidad nacional, al que aprovecho la ocasión para solicitarle que exprese claramente su posición sobre el estatuto de los rohinyá y en particular, sobre su derecho a la ciudadanía y al reconocimiento como grupo étnico de Myanmar y su derecho a regresar al país.  Una vez más, el pueblo birmano nos está dando un ejemplo de lucha y dignidad. No podemos seguir limitándonos a observar mientras lo masacran.  Hay que actuar.
Debate: The Media freedom crackdown in Myanmar, notably the cases of Htet Htet Khine, Sithu Aung Myint and Nyein Nyein Aye
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Svenja Hahn
Political group: Renew
Country: Finland
Language: EN

Human rights and democracy in Myanmar have eroded in a landslide since the military coup. In fact, Myanmar is now the world’s second largest jailer of journalists. This is seriously a list you don’t want to be so high on. Colleagues, the conflict of our time is autocracy versus democracy. The autocrats and despots of the world terrorise and murder in their fear of freedom and democracy. And that is why, to be very frank, it’s so unbearable to me that the Commission has done so little to support Myanmar. In fact, we’re discussing it the fourth time, and Mr Borrell is not even here for the fourth time.  But, nevertheless, I’m going to call on the Commission for a fourth time – hopefully the last time – to ensure that none of the military companies are benefiting from the preferential access to our single market. Suspend the trade benefits because as the European Union, we must live up to our responsibilities as an economic and democratic power. We need to stay strong and united by the side of freedom and democracy in Europe and the world.
Debate: The Media freedom crackdown in Myanmar, notably the cases of Htet Htet Khine, Sithu Aung Myint and Nyein Nyein Aye
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Fabio Massimo Castaldo
Political group: NI
Country: France
Language: EN

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, ‘the only security of all is in a free press’. These were the words of Thomas Jefferson, and they are more appropriate than ever to describe the appalling situation in Myanmar. Indeed, abolishing media freedom the military junta has razed whatever level of security for the people of Myanmar, granting itself liberty and impunity for committing barbarian acts such as those described in the resolution presented today. What is even more impressive, yet very far from surprising, is that this brutal junta enjoys support from those authoritarian states we constantly criticise from this House, namely Russia and China, who are blocking every action potentially taken by the UN Security Council. From this House, we must be absolutely firm in condemning the behaviour of the Tatmadaw and those who stand on their side. We should suspend the preferential status for commerce and every privilege they have and encourage the EU delegation and the diplomatic missions of the Member States to offer all practical support to those who risk their lives every day. We call for an immediate arms embargo on Myanmar. The people of Myanmar have been forced to silence. We must be their spokespersons. Otherwise, also our freedom will result void and useless.
Debate: The Media freedom crackdown in Myanmar, notably the cases of Htet Htet Khine, Sithu Aung Myint and Nyein Nyein Aye
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Jordi Cañas
Political group: Renew
Country: Portugal
Language: ES

Señor presidente, señor comisario, la dramática situación de los periodistas en Myanmar no es más que el reflejo de la sistemática violación de los derechos humanos en este país. Torturas, asesinatos, desapariciones.  Ante esto, ¿qué hacemos, aparte de resoluciones y bla, bla, bla? ¿Qué podemos hacer? ¿Qué instrumento tenemos para impulsar y, yo diría, forzar a este gobierno dictatorial a asumir sus compromisos en materia de respeto de los derechos humanos? Tenemos un instrumento: «Todo menos armas». ¿Les suena? «Todo menos armas». ¿A cambio de qué? Del respeto de los derechos humanos fundamentales. Entonces, teniendo este instrumento, ¿por qué no lo utilizamos?  Esa es la pregunta: ¿por qué no utilizamos ese instrumento para forzar a ese gobierno a respetar las normas mínima de derechos humanos? Conseguir este esquema y formar parte de «Todo menos armas» tiene una condición. Y si la condición no se cumple podemos hacer una cosa, y no solo podemos, sino que debemos: suspenderlo.
Debate: The Media freedom crackdown in Myanmar, notably the cases of Htet Htet Khine, Sithu Aung Myint and Nyein Nyein Aye
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Clare Daly
Political group: The Left
Country: France
Language: EN

Mr President, the situation in Myanmar is appalling. Mass arrests, detention of critics, beatings and deaths in custody, the use of the death penalty – all indefensible – and, in particular, attacks on freedom of expression, with journalists and activists charged with incitement and sedition for criticising the military; with the crime of causing fear and spreading fake news. This is an abomination, and we are right to condemn them, but they also hold up a mirror for us to see ourselves.  This Parliament voted in March for the Kalniete report, which calls for the use of sanctions against so-called disinformation, including targeted individuals. We had calls this morning for sanctioning journalists, and even musicians. This report was against the advice we heard from expert lawyers, who made clear that sanctions have too low a burden of proof, no trial, no defence, no due process, no way to appeal and none of the rights to a normal defence. This has a chilling effect on freedom of expression.  So see Myanmar and learn the lessons. Policing political speech is incompatible with democratic freedoms. The idea of using sanctions to combat disinformation disgraces us. It should be abandoned.
Debate: The Media freedom crackdown in Myanmar, notably the cases of Htet Htet Khine, Sithu Aung Myint and Nyein Nyein Aye
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Janusz Wojciechowski
Language: EN

Shrinking media freedom is, amongst others, an issue of serious concern given the systematic and sustained crackdown on journalists since the coup.  Nyein Nyein Aye and Htet Htet Khine were the 24th and 25th journalists to receive a prison sentence. This sentencings have the potential to deter other journalists and bloggers and this is another step towards restricting media freedom and freedom of expression in Myanmar.  To date, 67 journalists have been imprisoned in Myanmar, according to the Reporters Sans Frontières Press Freedom Index. Other sources, such as Detained Journalists Information Myanmar mention 142 journalists.  This said, the regime has also targeted civil society organisations and human rights activities. Many have had to flee or have seen their bank accounts frozen and office offices raided. Overall, the situation on human rights in Myanmar is in freefall since the coup. However, the recent executions of the four civil society activists in August and the further verdicts against former state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as three former ministers, are further signs of the escalation of violence and the deterioration of the situation in Myanmar since the coup.  The European Union has stepped up its diplomatic engagement with key regional countries and organisations – for example ASEAN and the United Nations – and continued supporting ASEAN’s Five Points consensus. However, we are concerned about the lack of progress in working towards a solution to the crisis in Myanmar. At the multilateral level, in coordination with like—minded partners, we regularly present resolutions at the UN Human Rights Council and the UN G8 Committee.  Following the recent executions, which constitute another escalation of violence in Myanmar, we stepped up monitoring the situation together with the European Union and the Member States, and are maintaining our sanctions regime under constant review.  We will continue to support Myanmar human rights activities, journalists and civil society, as we do worldwide. As a fundamental principle of the European Union, we hear from those activists and opponents that consider our support important – be it public statements, financial support or meeting with them. It all matters.  We will keep monitoring developments in Myanmar, calling the authorities to account when they do not respect fundamental rights.
Debate: The recent humanitarian and human rights situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, notably that of children
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Michal Šimečka
Country: Italy
Language: SK

Ďalším bodom programu je rozprava o šiestich návrhoch uznesenia na tému Nedávna humanitárna situácia a situácia v oblasti ľudských práv v etiópskom Tigraji, najmä situácia detí (
Debate: The recent humanitarian and human rights situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, notably that of children
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Michaela Šojdrová
Country: Greece
Language: EN

The civil war in Ethiopia between the Federal Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front has been going on for two years. The recent deterioration of human rights is of utmost concern. On 24 August, the truce was broken and hostilities in the region culminated. As a result, one of the federal air raids hit a kindergarten in Mekelle, killing several children. We want to emphasise the alarming situation of children. One out of three Tigrayan children under the age of five is malnourished. We are shocked by news about the killing of children based on ethnicity. We are concerned about children being used as child soldiers. These actions constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. We should act.  We call on the Commission to step up its effort to ensure the safety of children. Besides the danger of war, Ethiopia is expecting the worst drought, and millions of people will suffer from hunger, including children. That’s why we call for an immediate ceasefire and condemn the invasion of Eritrean forces into the region of Tigray.  This week, a promising step might be the peace talks between Ethiopia and Tigray leaders in South Africa. Parliament welcomes the renewal of the mandate of Olusegun Obasanjo as the African Union’s High Representative for the Horn of Africa. His role is crucial for facilitating peace talks.  Parliament urges the EU and its Member States to request the UN Security Council to hold regular public meetings on Ethiopia, to ensure humanitarian aid access, and to protect civilians. Dear colleagues, thank you for your support on this resolution.
Debate: The recent humanitarian and human rights situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, notably that of children
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Maria Arena
Country: Belgium
Language: FR

Les annonces du gouvernement éthiopien relatives à l’ouverture d’un passage pour les convois humanitaires doivent être concrétisées et renforcées, à l’heure où plus de 5 millions de personnes n’ont plus accès aux services de base, pas plus qu’aux soins de santé ou aux médicaments.  Les experts des Nations unies ont, dans un rapport d’abus, fait état de violations des droits de l’homme commises par toutes les parties au conflit, lesquelles pourraient être qualifiées de crimes de guerre et de crimes contre l’humanité. Ces violations doivent immédiatement cesser. Dans les deux camps les auteurs de ces crimes doivent être tenus responsables de leurs actes, par la mise en place de mécanismes d’enquête et de justice indépendants. L’Union européenne doit soutenir avec force les efforts de l’Union africaine pour l’ouverture des négociations de paix et saluer l’engagement du gouvernement éthiopien, qui a déjà accepté cette invitation. Le TPLF doit lui aussi s’engager dans ces négociations, qui sont fondamentales: elles doivent conduire, à très court terme, à une nouvelle trêve, qui ouvre l’accès aux convois humanitaires et le renforce, en soutien à toutes les populations. Mais elles sont également nécessaires à l’instauration d’un dialogue inclusif, qui doit pouvoir conduire à une solution politique durable à ce conflit.
Debate: The recent humanitarian and human rights situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, notably that of children
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Jan-Christoph Oetjen
Country: France
Language: DE

Denn das Ergebnis von zwei Jahren Krieg in Tigray und den angrenzenden Regionen ist verheerend für die Bevölkerung. Es sind die Schwächsten, die am stärksten darunter leiden, insbesondere Kinder. In einer Situation, in der der Krieg dazu geführt hat, dass humanitäre Hilfe nicht ausgeliefert werden konnte, leiden Kinder am stärksten. Kinder werden missbraucht als Kindersoldaten, um in diesem Krieg zu kämpfen, als Jugendliche, als Kleine mit der Waffe in der Hand. Es ist eine schreckliche Vorstellung, dass so etwas zugelassen wird. Frauen werden systematisch vergewaltigt, und sexuelle Gewalt wird als Kriegswaffe eingesetzt – etwas, was wir nicht dulden dürfen. Und wir müssen hier klar sagen: Das sind Kriegsverbrechen, das sind Verbrechen gegen die Menschheit, die auf jeden Fall geahndet werden müssen. Deswegen ist es sehr, sehr wichtig, dass wir hier in dieser Entschließung auch deutlich machen, dass eben diese Kriegsverbrechen aufgearbeitet werden müssen. Es ist richtig, dass jetzt ein Friedensprozess auf den Weg gebracht wird. Aber zu jedem Friedensprozess muss auch gehören, dass diejenigen, die sich auf beiden Seiten des Konfliktes menschenverachtend verhalten haben, auch zur Rechenschaft gezogen werden. Und wir wünschen den Äthiopierinnen und Äthiopiern, dass sie diesen Weg als ein Land gemeinsam gehen können.
Debate: The recent humanitarian and human rights situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, notably that of children
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Katrin Langensiepen
Country: Poland
Language: DE

Die vorliegende Entschließung greift natürlich viele Punkte, die auch schon in den letzten Entschließungen angesprochen wurden, auf. Der Fokus auf das Wohlergehen von Kindern bleibt aber natürlich mehr als richtig. Denn sie sind in hohem Maße die Leidtragenden und Opfer. Fakt bleibt auch, dass dieser Krieg auf medialem Weg geführt wird, um Deutungshoheit über die Entwicklungen zu erlangen. Gerade deswegen ist es gut, dass wir am Ende auf einen ausbalancierten Text schauen können, der alle Parteien dieses Krieges angemessen adressiert und entsprechend verurteilt. Die Rekrutierung von Kindern als Soldaten ist und bleibt ein Kriegsverbrechen. Kriegsverbrechen gegen Frauen und Kinder als mittlerweile gängige Mittel sind und bleiben verachtenswert. Die Unterstützung von Notfall-Rehazentren für Frauen und Kinder, einschließlich der Kinder, die nach einer Vergewaltigung geboren wurden, ist das Mindeste, was Europa leisten muss. Die schweren Fälle geschlechtsspezifischer Gewalt, die von allen Krieg führenden Parteien begangen wurden, müssen vollständig aufgeklärt werden. Auch deswegen muss das Mandat der UN-Kommission von Menschenrechtssachverständigen verlängert werden, und zwar ohne zeitliche und geografische Begrenzung. Außerdem zeigt die Praxis, dass es nicht nur darum gehen kann, Hilfsgelder zu suspendieren, sondern die Kommission muss ihre Begrenzung der Budgethilfe überdenken, um die Durchführung von Entwicklungsprojekten außerhalb der Konfliktzone weiterhin zu ermöglichen. Auch davon hängt der Erfolg eines nachhaltigen Friedens im Lande und in der Region ab, eines Friedens, den wir uns alle so inständig wünschen.
Debate: The recent humanitarian and human rights situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, notably that of children
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Mick Wallace
Country: Germany
Language: EN

What is clear is that one of the worst humanitarian crises on earth is unfolding in Ethiopia because of the war. Yet, sadly, we couldn’t get agreement from the main groups here for action on humanitarian visas for those at risk. Nor would they agree to an arms embargo on weapons to Ethiopia and Eritrea. Why?  What they could agree on was calls for sanctions on an area where millions are facing starvation. Sanctions that will hit the poorest and the weakest on both sides the most, as usual. It is good that we do agree on the need to work for peace and to call for peace. And it’s a pity that we don’t call for peace in Ukraine as well.
Debate: The recent humanitarian and human rights situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, notably that of children
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Carlos Zorrinho
Political group: S-D
Language: PT

Uma situação que não se resume àquela região, tendo em conta que o conflito se tem vindo a alastrar e a criar bolsas de risco humanitário e de direitos em toda a Etiópia. Lamento, profundamente, que em final de agosto o cessar-fogo tenha sido quebrado. As consequências humanitárias da quebra do cessar-fogo estão à vista nos números brutais que vão sendo divulgados pelas agências internacionais e, em particular, pelos relatórios das Nações Unidas.  Os crimes de guerra têm que ser denunciados, julgados e punidos à luz do Direito Internacional. Apelo a um cessar-fogo permanente. É fundamental que a comunidade internacional incentive o diálogo para a paz que decorre sob os auspícios da União Africana. É fundamental que, em particular, todos os esforços sejam feitos para proteger as crianças dos riscos de violência e separação das suas famílias.  Enquanto União Europeia, o nosso lugar é ao lado do povo etíope, na procura de uma solução pacífica para o conflito.
Debate: The recent humanitarian and human rights situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, notably that of children
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos
Political group: Renew
Country: France
Language: ES

No solamente Tigré, sino Afar, Amhara tienen una situación donde más de 20 millones de personas necesitan ayuda humanitaria, una ayuda que no llega porque ha sido utilizada como un arma de guerra.  También la violencia contra las mujeres. Sí, pero permítanme que les diga que es una especial violencia. Hay objetos lacerantes que se introducen en la vagina de las mujeres para causar un daño permanente y causar la infertilidad del enemigo. Terrible.  Pero Etiopía tiene 110 millones de habitantes. La Unión Europea ha acortado su ayuda al desarrollo, su apoyo presupuestario, para, efectivamente, condicionar lo que está sucediendo ahí con la violación de los derechos humanos.  Pero tenemos que saber que el 40 % del presupuesto de educación en Etiopía son fondos comunitarios y en el ministerio de Salud representa también un 40 %.  En un país de 110 millones de personas, hay una situación de extrema gravedad, sobre todo entre las niñas que, si no van al colegio, tendrán posiblemente un 90 % de posibilidades de ser mutiladas.  Muchas gracias.  Hay que hacer un esfuerzo por la paz.
Debate: The recent humanitarian and human rights situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, notably that of children
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Malte Gallée
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: Spain
Language: EN

What is going on there? I think it’s one of the biggest humanitarian crisis on this planet at the moment. There are some experts who talk about 500 000 deaths in the last two years already due to the war, but also because of famine and stuff like this. The Tigray region is completely isolated, like there’s no way to get humanitarian aid there. There are reports of rape, of torture, of children being recruited for the army, and I think we cannot watch this.  But the conflict parties had already declared a ceasefire. So a ceasefire is possible, and I think this is something we really have to push for also as the European Union – push for a ceasefire for all the parties and also offer all the support to the African Union for the peace talks.
Debate: The recent humanitarian and human rights situation in Tigray, Ethiopia, notably that of children
Date: WEDNESDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Patricia Chagnon
Political group: ID
Country: Italy
Language: FR

Une fois en Europe, les exilés se retrouvent souvent à vivre dans des conditions déplorables et inhumaines, sans travail, sans perspective d’avenir et totalement déracinés. Alors que nous sommes confrontés à la guerre au Tigré et aux ravages de cette guerre sur des enfants, force est de constater que les politiques de gestion des crises d’hier doivent être réécrites pour faire face aux crises d’aujourd’hui.  La construction de villes d’accueil – les «Asilia», comme les appelait Pacasse – près des zones touchées permettrait un déploiement rapide et efficace des moyens de secours aux populations. La santé, l’école et la formation des adultes y seraient prioritaires. La vie quotidienne dans une ville Asilia, gérée dans le cadre de partenariats internationaux, offrirait à tous la possibilité d’anticiper l’avenir: en préparant, pour la grande majorité, le retour sur les terres de leurs ancêtres; en formulant, pour d’autres, une demande d’asile ailleurs.  Alors que le nombre d’enfants déplacés et se trouvant sur la route de l’immigration fait froid dans le dos, le funeste pacte d’immigration et d’asile, que la Commission a présenté au mois de septembre 2021, fait justement de l’immigration vers l’Union européenne le cœur de son projet. Mais quelle erreur! Force est de constater que la solution des crises sur le continent africain ne se trouve pas en Europe, elle se trouve en Afrique. Une gestion de proximité intracontinentale ou intrarégionale permettrait d’éviter aux familles et aux enfants des traumatismes inutiles et les préserverait des dangers liés à l’émigration, qui dépend souvent de réseaux mafieux.  Cette effroyable crise au Tigré offre à l’Union européenne l’occasion de rompre avec sa sacralisation de l’émigration vers la distante Union européenne en mettant la proximité au cœur d’un projet politique d’aide aux populations.