The European Parliament has made a significant move, adopting a resolution on the human rights situation in three countries: Thailand, Sudan, and Azerbaijan. This decision comes after intense debate on democracy and human rights issues in Thailand, particularly with regards to the country’s criminal code, Article 112, and the push to return Uyghur refugees to China.
In the case of Thailand, the European Parliament has taken a strong stance against the return of Uyghur refugees to China, urging the country to cease the practice of forced returns that could put lives at risk. Moreover, members of the Parliament are advocating for the European Commission to use the negotiation of a free trade agreement (FTA) as leverage to pressure Thailand into reforming its laws, specifically Article 112, releasing political prisoners, halting the return of Uyghur refugees, and ratifying core International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
Furthermore, the European Parliament is calling on the Thai government to allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) access to all detained Uyghur asylum seekers, and to provide clear information regarding their status. The Parliament also proposes suspending the extradition treaty with China, emphasizing that China must respect the fundamental rights of returned Uyghurs, ensure transparency regarding their whereabouts, allow UNHCR access, and release those detained. This resolution was passed with 482 votes in favor, 57 against, and 68 abstentions.
Regarding the situation in Sudan, the European Parliament is urging an end to the political, humanitarian, and human rights crises, particularly the issue of sexual violence and child rape. The Parliament is pushing for all parties to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue, and for humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, to reach the millions of displaced people.
The members of the European Parliament condemned the attacks on civilians and sexual violence, particularly the alarming rise in child rape, committed by both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and emphasized that perpetrators must be held accountable. They also called for stricter measures to protect women and children, and an end to child soldier recruitment. This resolution was passed with 575 votes in favor, 7 against, and 35 abstentions.
In the case of Azerbaijan, the European Parliament condemned the detention and unfair trial of Armenian hostages, as well as high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh. The Parliament is calling for EU diplomats to observe the trials and visit those detained. They are also demanding the immediate release of these individuals and an independent investigation into the alleged misconduct, as well as sanctions against officials who have committed human rights abuses. Furthermore, they are asking the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the forced displacement and genocide of Armenians.
The European Parliament also proposed that the EU suspend its Memorandum of Understanding on energy with Azerbaijan and condition future bilateral agreements on improvements in human rights, the release of political prisoners, and the achievement of a fair peace agreement. This resolution was passed with 523 votes in favor, 3 against, and 84 abstentions.
These resolutions reflect the European Parliament’s commitment to promoting human rights and democracy worldwide, and its willingness to take a firm stance on critical issues affecting the global community. As the international landscape continues to evolve, such actions by the European Parliament serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of upholding human dignity and the rule of law.
