unimelb-nlp/MultiEup-v2 huggingface dataset:
Debate: Burundi, notably the freedom of expression
Date: THURSDAY, 16 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: Juan Fernando López Aguilar
Political group: S-D
Country: Germany
Language: ES

Señora presidenta, el pasado mes de noviembre tuve el honor de participar en la Asamblea Parlamentaria Paritaria ACP-UE, que se celebró en Ruanda, para discutir el futuro de la relación de la Unión Europea con los países africanos, esencialmente después del Acuerdo de Cotonú. Pues bien, esa misma Asamblea Parlamentaria Paritaria, la Comisión Europea y el conjunto del Parlamento Europeo determinaron que Burundi ⸻país fronterizo con Ruanda, que padeció también el espantoso genocidio a mediados de los años noventa⸻ viola flagrantemente el Acuerdo de Cotonú, su artículo 96, por la situación represiva, que continúa. Burundi es uno de los países más pobres de la tierra. El 50 % de su presupuesto depende de la ayuda exterior y, aun en esas condiciones, la Unión Europea mantiene una ayuda financiera que se incrementa de 91 millones de euros a 120 millones de euros, esencialmente humanitaria. Por tanto, tenemos la autoridad y el deber de exigir que las elecciones inminentes en Burundi ⸻presidenciales, parlamentarias y locales⸻ tengan lugar en una atmósfera donde no sean tolerables la represión sistemática a los periodistas y a los defensores de los derechos humanos, el encarcelamiento, las detenciones arbitrarias, las desapariciones forzadas y las torturas sistemáticas. Tenemos toda la autoridad moral y apoyamos a la Comisión para que la ejerza.
Debate: Burundi, notably the freedom of expression
Date: THURSDAY, 16 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: Janez Lenarčič
Language: EN

The EU believes that the Burundi crisis should remain high on the international agenda and we will continue to work with our partners in the United Nations, the African Union and African regional organisations. There are signs that tensions could increase further in the run-up to elections that are now foreseen for 20 May. Violations and abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association, persist across the country.  The case of four journalists from Iwacu who have been imprisoned was mentioned by many here and I would like to assure you that the EU is keeping this issue very high on its agenda with the Burundi authorities. We have been raising this and coordinating with our like-minded partners. We will not let this issue just go away.  The Commission of Inquiry on Burundi, in its latest report in September, denounced the persistence of a climate of fear and intimidation of all persons who do not support the ruling party. The Commission also raised red flags at the serious human rights violations that were committed, some of them constituting international crimes. I do not, however, believe that we should just accept as inevitable that things can only get worse from now on. That is not in anybody’s interests and most certainly not in the interests of Burundi and its people.  I wish to assure you that the European Union has no intention of abandoning Burundi. Through its development cooperation, the European Union remains strongly engaged in the country, also working with civil society and human rights defenders and building up the resilience of the population. In the next four months, the time leading up to the elections, it will be crucial that Burundi strives to ensure a credible, transparent and inclusive electoral process, open up political and civic space and bring an end to human rights violations and impunity.  Respect for the spirit and the letter of the Arusha Agreement is key. I encourage Burundi to take this path, noting that there are elements to build on, such as a Code of Conduct broadly supported by political parties and the President’s reconfirmed announcements not to run for a fourth mandate. If Burundi chooses this path, it can count on the readiness of the European Union to accompany it.
Debate: Nigeria, notably the recent terrorist attacks
Date: THURSDAY, 16 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: Assita Kanko
Country: France
Language: EN

Nigeria has been subjected to sectarian and religious violence for far too long. It’s yet another country in sub-Saharan Africa that sees its economic and political potential wasting away. Nigeria with its oil wealth would be a leading example in the region. Instead, almost every day Nigerians are dying at the hands of violence and terror. Millions run for their lives. Millions more live every day in fear. Europe must continue to support the people of Nigeria and promote the regional cooperation and encourage further reforms like for security and in the army.  Our determination and efforts to end religious and sectarian violence and to protect women in the region must never waiver so we can stop the poisonous and destructive spread of terror.
Debate: Nigeria, notably the recent terrorist attacks
Date: THURSDAY, 16 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: Erik Marquardt
Country: France
Language: DE

Seit Beginn des Aufstands von Boko Haram sind 36 000 Menschen getötet worden, inzwischen steht das Land hinter Afghanistan und Irak auf Platz 3 des internationalen Terrorismusindex, und allein im Nordosten des Landes wurden 2 Millionen Leute vertrieben. 7 Millionen Menschen in Nigeria sind auf humanitäre Hilfe angewiesen, und ich glaube, es ist wichtig, dass wir auch sagen: Ja, in Nigeria werden Christen aufgrund ihrer Religion verfolgt. Ich glaube aber, dass wir gut daran tun, auch in unserer Entschließung klarzumachen – und das tun wir –, dass es in Nigeria eben kein Krieg der Religionen ist. Es geht um Ressourcenverteilung, und wir machen auch deutlich, dass die Klimakrise schon heute und nicht irgendwann einmal Einfluss auf die Lebensbedingungen haben wird, dass die Klimakrise schon heute entscheidenden Einfluss auf die wirtschaftliche Stabilität und die Konflikte vor Ort hat. Terrororganisationen treffen eben dort auf fruchtbaren Boden, wo Menschen keine Perspektiven, wenig Orientierung haben. Wir sollten uns auch klarmachen: Vielleicht können wir etwas besser dazu beitragen, vor Ort zu helfen. Ich habe das Gefühl, und ich glaube, man kann es an Zahlen deutlich machen, dass unsere Entwicklungspolitik vor Ort zu oft auch von unseren eigenen Interessen geprägt ist und nicht unbedingt nur von den Interessen der nigerianischen Bevölkerung. Deswegen ist es gut, dass wir in der Entschließung auch noch mal sagen, dass die Entwicklungszusammenarbeit vor Ort eben den Armutsbekämpfungszielen dienen soll und nicht irgendwelchen anderen Zielen. Es mag sein, dass wir wollen, das weniger Menschen aus Nigeria fliehen, aber ich halte es für verwerflich, wenn wir so tun, als könnten wir einfach die Grenzen in Nigeria abschotten, Druck auf das Land aufbauen.
Debate: Nigeria, notably the recent terrorist attacks
Date: THURSDAY, 16 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: Lars Patrick Berg
Country: Germany
Language: DE

Wir sollten über die schrecklichen Taten der Weihnachtszeit sprechen: Angriffe auf Christen im Namen des Islam. Diese Morde dürfen nicht wieder unter Hinweis auf allerlei andere Themen verschleiert werden. Die Verurteilung islamistischer terroristischer Aktionen gegen christliche Gemeinschaften muss klar benannt werden. Ich wiederhole: Diese Menschen wurden enthauptet, und zwar, weil sie Christen waren. Sie wurden von Mitgliedern einer Terrormiliz grausam und brutal hingerichtet. Ich begrüße eine Aussprache über die Sicherheitslage in Nigeria, aber das Augenmerk sollte sich auf die Notlage der bedrohten christlichen Gemeinschaften in Nigeria und Westafrika richten.
Debate: Nigeria, notably the recent terrorist attacks
Date: THURSDAY, 16 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: Carlos Zorrinho
Language: PT

Os recentes ataques terroristas reforçam a urgência da implementação da estratégia de combate ao terrorismo pelo Estado, estabilizando o território, protegendo os seus nacionais, muçulmanos e cristãos, dos radicalismos islâmicos e impedindo que as autoridades policiais continuem a ser cúmplices e autoras dos crimes contra a Humanidade. É urgente capacitar a sociedade civil e as ONG que trabalham no terreno para responder à malnutrição e assegurar cuidados de saúde básicos, sobretudo às mulheres grávidas e às crianças. As alterações climáticas agudizam a situação vivida pelas populações, sendo essencial trabalhar a médio prazo na criação de condições de acesso aos recursos naturais disponíveis do país, o que será parte essencial da construção da paz, bem como da estabilidade económica e social na região. Os movimentos migratórios na Nigéria e nos países vizinhos criam problemas suplementares, pelo que é necessária uma ação direcionada e coordenada por parte da comunidade internacional, assim como uma cooperação reforçada em matéria de medidas de combate ao terrorismo. O combate a todas as formas de radicalismo religioso e grupos terroristas a operarem na Nigéria deve ser uma prioridade nacional, mas também a nossa prioridade. A segurança interna na Nigéria é também a nossa segurança. Na aldeia global em que vivemos, o que se passa no continente africano tem influência direta em todo o mundo, e na União Europeia em particular. Temos, por isso, todos que unir esforços para combater este flagelo.
Debate: Nigeria, notably the recent terrorist attacks
Date: THURSDAY, 16 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: Miguel Urbán Crespo
Country: Belgium
Language: ES

Es necesario recordar a este Parlamento el respeto del Derecho humanitario internacional y los principios de la neutralidad de la ayuda oficial al desarrollo procedente de fondos europeos. Tenemos que exigir responsabilidad a nuestras empresas por las violaciones de derechos humanos y la destrucción del medio ambiente. Ahora, que tanto hablamos en este Parlamento del Pacto Verde Europeo, no podemos esconder que el delta del Níger es una de las regiones más contaminadas del mundo gracias a las multinacionales, también europeas. La pobreza, la violencia, el expolio económico están empujando a la gente a huir de Nigeria. Miles de personas arriesgan sus vidas en las rutas migratorias y son víctimas de esclavitud y explotación sexual. Abordamos los fenómenos migratorios únicamente desde sus consecuencias y con un enfoque securitario, levantando muros. Haríamos bien en poner el foco sobre las causas, las responsabilidades y la necesaria coherencia del conjunto de las políticas europeas y de las acciones de las multinacionales europeas en Nigeria y en otros países del sur global para comprender, justamente, estos flujos migratorios. No basta con aprobar fondos fiduciarios para África. Lo importante y urgente es dar un giro de 180 grados a las políticas económicas y geoestratégicas europeas en el continente africano.  Señorías, ni limosnas ni palabras vacías. Seamos consecuentes con nuestras políticas y coherentes con nuestras acciones. Cambiemos de rumbo. Tengamos otra política para África.
Debate: Nigeria, notably the recent terrorist attacks
Date: THURSDAY, 16 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: Phil Bennion
Language: EN

Decades of old communal conflict between nomadic herdsmen and settled farmers in the middle belt have recently intensified and further exacerbated the security situation in the country. Women and children are the most vulnerable in this conflict. Children often are recruited by the terrorist groups and used as child soldiers or suicide bombers. Farmers are getting killed and others are getting displaced as a result of all this violence. Civil society is left to lead the campaigns against arbitrary arrests, detention and torture, but it should be the Nigerian authorities themselves which guarantee the respect for human rights in the country and lead this fight. President Buhari was re-elected in 2019 on the promise of defeating violent extremism undertaken by terror groups such as Boko Haram. It’s high time to concentrate all of the government’s efforts to keep that promise, developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy. A strategy has been developed, but it’s not been implemented. The External Action Service of the EU and the Member States need to help through technical assistance. In this way we should strongly support Nigeria’s efforts in their fight against terrorism.
Debate: Nigeria, notably the recent terrorist attacks
Date: THURSDAY, 16 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: Željana Zovko
Political group: PPE
Language: EN

The latest reports date from last week, 8 January, when Fulani Muslim herdsmen attacked the predominantly Christian village of Kulben in central Nigeria and killed 13 civilians. Also at the end of December, we witnessed several attacks on Christian villages causing the death of over 30 people. Responsibility for these actions has been claimed by Islamic State in West Africa province as retaliation for the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakir Al-Baghdadi in Syria. Although the Nigerian President, a Muslim, condemned the atrocities, the announced governmental measures to prevent further violence lack efficiency. Nigerian security forces often seem to neglect the persecution of Christians.  We discuss case after case of violent actions against religious minorities. It is time that the international community recognised the persecution of Christians around the world. Africa is a deeply religious continent and it happens too often that misconceptions about other religions are used to instigate hate and terror. The European Union should use its financial instruments to invest in development of the region, leading to the protection of religious minorities. The EU should also increase its focus on inter-religious dialogue in its diplomatic relations with third countries.  A month ago, Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize to a Muslim martyr, and with a symbol like this we should encourage countries like Nigeria to recognise and recompense the damages done to a church in need that is left alone. We should not be ashamed to call the crime by its name.
Debate: Nigeria, notably the recent terrorist attacks
Date: THURSDAY, 16 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: Maria Arena
Political group: S-D
Country: Belgium
Language: FR

Le Nigeria fait face à de nombreuses tensions: Boko Haram qui tente d’occuper le nord-est et qui est l’auteur d’attaques terroristes qui ont fait, depuis plus de dix ans, des milliers de morts, mais aussi des millions de déplacés; tensions entre les bergers et les agriculteurs, qui n’est ni un conflit ethnique, ni un conflit religieux, mais le résultat des changements climatiques, qui poussent les bergers à occuper les terres plus fertiles, occupées actuellement par les agriculteurs. Ce conflit est également sanglant du fait de la circulation des armes en provenance de la Libye: le conflit libyen a donc des effets sur la région du Sahel et du Nigeria. La réponse doit donc être globale. Premièrement, le soutien à la solution libyenne et le contrôle de l’embargo des armes à destination de cette région. Deuxièmement, une garantie que l’exploitation des ressources naturelles au Nigeria (le pétrole, le gaz, mais aussi les métaux) permettra aux populations de se développer. Je rappellerai ici le cas de Shell qui a été attaqué par les populations locales parce que Shell était auteur de pollution importante et de vols par rapport aux ressources pétrolières. Troisièmement, une aide humanitaire urgente aussi pour les dix millions de personnes victimes de cette instabilité. Quatrièmement, un contrôle de la criminalité mondiale liée aux trafics: drogue, armes, ou prostitution, facilités par des systèmes financiers globaux qui permettent l’évasion fiscale au niveau du Nigeria. Et enfin, l’Union européenne doit considérer le Nigeria comme un partenaire prioritaire dans le cadre de sa stratégie Union-Afrique, car la stabilité du Nigeria est primordiale pour la région: pour le Sahel, le Tchad, le Cameroun, le Niger, qui sont ses voisins (4 000 kilomètres de frontières), mais aussi pour le Golfe de Guinée, qui est aujourd’hui le lieu de tous les trafics, et aussi pour l’ensemble du continent africain. Par conséquent, le Nigeria doit rester un partenaire privilégié.
Debate: Nigeria, notably the recent terrorist attacks
Date: THURSDAY, 16 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos
Political group: Renew
Country: France
Language: ES

En este contexto de emergencia de violencia en Nigeria, la situación se agrava para los más vulnerables, mujeres y niños. Las mujeres viven una situación de discriminación generalizada y de violencia, como la mutilación genital y los matrimonios infantiles. Pero permítanme que cite especialmente la situación de los niños y niñas, que viven una situación dramática. Son reclutados por los terroristas para ser utilizados en atentados suicidas, pero también detenidos por los militares en Nigeria, acusados de colaboración con el terrorismo sin apenas ninguna prueba. Según organizaciones internacionales, tres mil seiscientos niños ⸻la mitad, niñas⸻ han sido detenidos y el ejército ha denegado constantemente el acceso a los centros de internamiento militar. Pedimos, en este sentido, que las autoridades nigerianas pongan a estos niños a disposición de autoridades civiles. Recordamos que la respuesta en la lucha contra el terrorismo, así como su marco judicial y policial, debe proteger fundamentalmente los derechos humanos y a la población civil y, especialmente, a la más vulnerable. Y, en este sentido, animamos a la comunidad internacional, y especialmente a la Comisión y a los Estados miembros, a seguir apoyando técnicamente y con todos los esfuerzos la construcción de la paz en este país.
Debate: Nigeria, notably the recent terrorist attacks
Date: THURSDAY, 16 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: Susanna Ceccardi
Political group: ID
Country: France
Language: IT

Solo pochi giorni fa il gruppo jihadista Boko Haram ha diffuso un video dove vengono brutalmente uccisi 11 prigionieri cristiani: un brutale assassinio perpetuato il giorno di Natale, un vero e proprio gesto di sfida alla cristianità dell'Occidente. Secondo le agenzie umanitarie sono infatti almeno 30 000 i civili rimasti uccisi e 30 milioni gli sfollati dall'inizio dell'offensiva jihadista nel 2009. Da parte delle istituzioni europee, che promuovono pace, tolleranza e rispetto reciproco, niente è stato fatto di concreto per fermare questa continua barbarie, che ogni giorno mette in pericolo la vita di milioni di innocenti, la cui unica colpa è quella di essere cristiani. Il fanatismo islamista sta divorando il paese. Non solo il movimento Boko Haram, affiliato all'Isis, tiene in ostaggio la Nigeria settentrionale: negli ultimi anni guerriglieri mossi dal fanatismo religioso, come i pastori fulani, uccidono impunemente e fanno razzia di interi villaggi nel centro del paese, con l'obiettivo di islamizzare con l'uso della forza la Nigeria. Questa lunga scia di sangue deve essere fermata al più presto. L'Europa non deve abbassare la guardia. Difendere i cristiani in Nigeria significa difendere l'Occidente dalla brutalità del fanatismo islamista.
Debate: Nigeria, notably the recent terrorist attacks
Date: THURSDAY, 16 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: Peter van Dalen
Political group: PPE
Country: Italy
Language: NL

Voorzitter, de Europese Unie moet nu een streep trekken. De ellende die vooral christenen in Nigeria wordt toegebracht is onacceptabel. Dat is wat de hoge vertegenwoordiger voor het buitenlands beleid nú moet doen: duidelijk maken aan de regering in Abuja: dit kan niet langer zo. Geen woorden maar daden dus. Het is nu hoog tijd de handels- en andere betrekkingen met Nigeria in de ijskast te zetten wanneer de regering blijft nalaten christenen te beschermen en Boko Haram aan te pakken. Ook Europese bedrijven moet een spiegel worden voorgehouden. Het kan niet langer zo zijn geld te verdienen aan dit land waar corruptie en machtsmisbruik domineren. De tijd voor fraaie verklaringen en holle statements is voorbij.  Al jaren zijn christenen in Nigeria de pineut. We kennen allemaal de 270 christenmeisjes van Chibok die door Boko Haram in 2014 werden ontvoerd. 112 van hen zijn nog steeds niet terug en de meisjes die terugkwamen, waren vaak verkracht en zijn getraumatiseerd. De misdaden van Boko Haram gaan al jaren door. Ook christelijke voorgangers zijn regelmatig ontvoerd. De Nigeriaanse bisschop Matthew Hassan Kukah heeft afgelopen week het geweld tegen christenen in zijn land messcherp veroordeeld toen hij zei: “Het enige verschil tussen de regering en Boko Haram, is dat de laatste een bom heeft.” Snoeihard commentaar van deze bisschop. Premier Buhari zei inderdaad in 2015 dat hij het terrorisme zou gaan aanpakken. Het waren holle woorden. Nu moet de Europese Unie opstaan tegen dit onrecht. Haal alles uit de kast om de regering in Nigeria te bewegen Boko Haram aan te pakken, en help hen daarbij.
Debate: Nigeria, notably the recent terrorist attacks
Date: THURSDAY, 16 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: Jackie Jones
Political group: S-D
Language: EN

Madam President, we wholeheartedly condemn any terrorist attack regardless of where it happens but especially this one in Nigeria as well. Human rights abuses against women and children are the most pervasive in the world. They’re always the most vulnerable. They’re always the ones targeted right at the forefront of it and we must do everything we can to protect them throughout the world and especially in Nigeria. We saw lots of girls being trafficked many years ago and some of them are still missing. The Multinational Joint Task Force has to go forward and has to do its work in conjunction, in my view, with the African Union and all the actors that are on the African continent.  I want to just say, for the last speech in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, that I want to thank every single person who represented Wales very positively, sat in this seat throughout the time that the European Parliament had direct elections. I want to thank all staff members, past and present for all the work they’ve done on behalf of the Welsh people and the UK people and I want to thank all of those pro-European groups in Wales and around the UK who have sprung up as a result of this terrible referendum result. Keep up the good work. We will be back one day I hope and to the European Parliament and parliamentarians in particular, they’ve been fantastic colleagues, thank you very much and ‘
Debate: Nigeria, notably the recent terrorist attacks
Date: THURSDAY, 16 JANUARY 2020
Speaker: Dita Charanzová
Political group: Renew
Country: France
Language: EN

Madam President, Boko Haram has been terrorising Nigeria for over a decade now. More than 36 000 people have been killed and the power of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups is only increasing. While the attacks by these groups are already a serious cause for concern, Nigeria further faces ethnic, religious and communal violence. To make matters worse, these crimes are being carried out with impunity. Fearing for their lives, thousands of Nigerians are fleeing their homes and need aid. As the security risks involved have led to humanitarian organisations leaving, the Nigerian Government must step up to fulfil its duty towards its citizens to protect them, to guarantee their human rights and uphold the rule of law. In an already unstable situation, the government must also de—escalate religious and communal tensions immediately.  Terrorism, however, as we know, knows no borders. The EU and the international community must continue to do everything it can to support the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and the region as a whole.