About: human rights
UN expert describes Hungarian migrant camps as places of detention and deterrence
A United Nations human rights expert has expressed concerns about the detention conditions of migrants in Hungarian transit zones, urging authorities to move families and children to other centres with better health and sanitary facilities.
Tusk hopes for ‘higher level’ of EU-Azerbaijan ties
On a visit to Baku on Tuesday (9 July), Council President Donald Tusk said the EU and Azerbaijan were “coming closer to each other every year”, and expressed the Union’s readiness to further deepen our cooperation with Azerbaijan, including in fields such as human rights. VideoPromoted content
The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU at 10
In 2009 the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU entered into force, making human rights a prominent part of EU law. But has the European human rights project developed robustly?
EU warns Turkey over ‘illegal’ drilling off Cyprus
The European Union on Tuesday (18 June) hit out at Turkey for its "illegal drilling activities" off Cyprus and warned of possible retaliation over the controversial gas exploration bid.
Council of Europe turns 70 amid Russia crisis
The Council of Europe, a pan-continental rights watchdog, on Sunday (5 May) marked its 70th anniversary at a time of mounting populism and a standoff with Russia as well as doubts over its own role in the modern world.
Brunei accused of ‘abusive lobbying’ before critical EU vote
EU officials on Wednesday (17 April) accused Brunei of "rude" and "abusive" lobbying against a resolution condemning the Muslim-majority sultanate for imposing the death penalty for gay sex and adultery.
Setback for Macron as court vetoes key plank of anti-protest law
French President Emmanuel Macron's crackdown on anti-government protests with tougher police tactics hit a fresh snag on Thursday (4 April) as France's Constitutional Court canned one of the central elements of the new rules.
Human rights must not be forgotten from EU-African dialogue
The new African Union-European Union ministerial meetings are a valuable new innovation. They should not ignore human rights work, writes Carlo Perrotta. VideoPromoted content
Responsible Business Conduct: Gearing up EU action
The debate in the EU on responsible business conduct has evolved significantly in the past 5 years. Before the European elections in May, it is time to take stock of where the EU is.
Table human rights due diligence law, MEPs tell Commission
MEPs have launched ambitious plans for an EU law requiring companies to carry out human rights due diligence in their supply chains.
MEPs must shun calls to weaken curbs on environmental and human rights abuses
MEPs face a crucial decision. Will they take heed of the global outcry from the climate strikes, or will they water down key financial regulation to tackle environmental and human rights abuses, ask Rachel Owens and Lis Cunha.
Gearing up for fair globalisation and accountable business
Every day goods produced by European companies abroad enter the internal market, tainted by serious human rights violations. Things will not change unless Europe moves to change them, argue Heidi Hautala and Jude Kirton-Darling.
Time for truth, recognition and reconciliation for Roma in Europe
EU leaders must show that they take Roma rights and anti-Roma discrimination seriously. That means recognising their cultural identity and contribution to Europe, truth and reconciliation, argue a group of political leaders and campaigners.
Companies will support EU law on due diligence, but need assurances on liability
Companies will support EU law on human rights due diligence, but want assurances that it will not expose them to increased risk of lawsuits, argues Virginie Mahin.
Six years after Rouhani’s election, moderation is as far away as ever for Iran
EU Governments and Institutions should severe their ties with Iranian businesses and diplomats, pending serious reforms in order to implement human rights and freedoms, writes Julio Terzi.
Lukashenko seeks better ties with West despite Russian ‘hysteric’ reactions
Belarus will seek better ties with the West even though this provokes “hysterics” from its traditional ally Russia, long-serving President Alexander Lukashenko said on Tuesday (5 March), a day after lifting a cap of five US diplomats in his country....
France’s ‘Rana Plaza’ law delivers few results
France wants to be at the forefront of efforts to regulate multinationals’ responsibility towards workers in developing countries, but is having difficulty enforcing its own law on duty of care, according to a report published on 21 February. EURACTIV France reports.
Trans-Europe Express – Songs about land and ice
Northern Europe's indigenous Arctic people battle to maintain traditions as their culture and age-old way of life is increasingly threatened by climate change and globalisation.
MEPs scold Nicaragua over ‘democratic crisis’
A European Parliament delegation on Saturday (26 January) urged Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega to release political prisoners, permit the return of banned human rights groups and to restart dialogue with the opposition to end a months-long political crisis.
Austria’s far-right puts into question international rights conventions
Austria’s far-right Interior Minister Herbert Kickl was accused by the opposition of threatening the rule of law Wednesday (23 January) after he appeared to call into question Austria’s commitment to international rights conventions. In comments on Austrian public television on Tuesday evening Kickl,...
Azerbaijan drops assault charges against jailed blogger
Azerbaijan has dropped fresh charges against a jailed anti-corruption blogger who has denounced his prosecution as politically motivated, prosecutors said Tuesday (22 January).
Azeri parliamentary cooperation chair: MEPs should check facts before they vote
Some events in Azerbaijan are treated in the EU with prejudice and intentional bias, and some MEPs have a clear agenda to make obstacles to the rapprochement of EU-Azerbaijan relations, Javanshir Feyziyev told EURACTIV in a written interview.
Russian MPs prolong payments freeze to Council of Europe
Russia's parliament voted Thursday (17 January) against sending delegates or paying contributions to the Council of Europe, increasing the risk of ultimate exclusion from the rights body and the European Court of Human Rights.