About: human rights
Russia shuts down second rights group, drawing EU concern
A Moscow court has ruled to dissolve an indigenous peoples' rights group, the second decision of its kind in less than a week that was criticized by European authorities on Thursday (7 November).
Macron to raise ‘taboo’ topics in China
French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in China on Monday (4 November) to drum up new business deals, but under warning from his hosts to keep off thorny issues such as the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
Jailed Uighur Tohti wins European Parliament Sakharov Prize
The European Parliament on Thursday (24 October) awarded the Sakharov Prize for human rights to Uighur intellectual Ilham Tohti, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment in China for "separatism".
Bulgaria PM will ask EU leaders to stop criticising Erdogan
European Council President Donald Tusk strongly opposed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday (11 October), warning him to stop blackmailing Europe. That has prompted Bulgaria’s prime minister to reveal he will ask EU chiefs to tone down their stance against Erdoğan.
The EU must fully support civil society at home
Human rights defenders are essential to democracy. Yet, the intimidation of human rights defenders in the European Union has become a serious problem and the implications for democracy are profound. Decision-makers at all levels have a responsibility to protect civic space in the European Union, writes Birgit Van Hout.
US blacklists Chinese AI firms in reprisal against repression of Muslim minorities
The US government expanded its trade blacklist to include some of China’s top artificial intelligence startups, punishing Beijing for its treatment of Muslim minorities and ratcheting up tensions ahead of high-level trade talks in Washington this week.
The EU needs to drive for democracy in Cuba openly
Agreements with governments that do not intend to respect the principles laid down in the texts are just cynical tools that undermine an international order built on trust, and the current Cuban government is a case in point, write Manuel Cuesta Morúa and Erik Jennische.
Thousands rally in Moscow to demand release of jailed protesters
More than 20,000 Russians took to the streets of Moscow on Sunday (29 September) to demand the release of protesters jailed over the summer in what opponents of the Kremlin say is a campaign to stifle dissent.
25 years fighting racism and intolerance across Europe
As the Council of Europe’s European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) marks its 25th anniversary. Maria Pejčinović Burić takes stock of its successes and future priorities.
EU takes Hungary to court over ‘Stop Soros’ migrant law
The European Union on Thursday (25 July) took Hungary to the EU's highest court over controversial legislation against assisting migrants, known as the "Stop Soros" laws.
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.