What Evin spoke about.

8

Mar

2022

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The deterioration of the situation of refugees as a consequence of the Russian aggression against Ukraine (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Colleagues! All of a sudden, Olof Palme’s words ‘those satanic murderers’ become highly topical again in Europe, when Putin’s fascism is embodied by the invasion of Ukraine. Putin's place is neither in the Kremlin nor on the streets of Russia. He is a member of the International War Tribunal. As in many other conflicts, including in Ukraine, women and girls are subjected to sexual violence by Russian soldiers. Women refugees and child refugees are currently in the grip of hallicos and traffickers. Putin's barbarism sees no limits. Millions of people from Ukraine are currently fleeing. We must act together to support them. Humanitarian corridors must be established immediately. The situation is alarming, but I am proud of the shared responsibility shown by all our Member States to Ukrainian women, children and others in urgent need of assistance, through the immediate activation of the Mass Exodus Directive. The EU and all Member States must also continue to increase humanitarian aid. Wherever you come from, live or are, know that our solidarity knows no bounds. Slava Ukraini.

7

Mar

2022

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Shrinking space for civil society in Europe (debate)

Mr President, civil society organisations are under attack and democracy is in danger. We see it globally when the dictator Putin is challenging our multilateral structures and international law, and we see it in our own Union, where governments – in Poland, Hungary, Slovenia – are severely undermining our fundamental rights and attacking organisations promoting those rights: women’s rights, LGBTI rights, migrant and refugee rights. And these governments are fuelling hatred and racism. We also see it through the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation. A free and vivid society is a civil society, is the ultimate sign of a society where freedom is both a goal but also a means to reach the democratic values the EU is built on. Civil society organisations have all through history taken the leadership for more democracy and constituted a counter force against those wanting to dismantle our core values. We also see the importance of civil society organisations during the current humanitarian crisis in Ukraine with providing humanitarian aid to people in need. Almost a decade ago, we went from progress to backlash in our Union. The Fundamental Rights Agency points out in its annual report that the COVID—19 pandemic has further accentuated many of the already existing challenges faced by the European civil society. These challenges include limitations on the freedom of association, thought and expression, and not to forget to mention constant cutting of funding for the civil society organisations for them not to be able to survive. Colleagues, democracy is in danger right now, and it is crucial that we strengthen civil society organisations and turn around the negative spiral and to ensure that we defend democracy in our Union and beyond.

17

Feb

2022

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Political crisis in Burkina Faso

Madam President, almost eight years after the democratic revolution in Burkina Faso, we see today an unfortunate backlash with a military junta that forcefully grabbed power and imprisoned the democratically elected president Roch Marc Christian Kaboré. In late spring 2014, I was in Burkina Faso as Secretary—General of the International Union of Socialist Youth to support the newly emerged party MPP, with its leader Kaboré, who today is the elected and legitimate leader of Burkina Faso. I remember the hope and joy that a better future can actually be possible after decades of dictatorship. I am glad that my proposal for a resolution reached all the way to this session because the people of Burkina Faso cannot afford a silent world, and I have been in contact with many friends in Burkina Faso who are very thankful for us having the debate of today. During the past two years, we have seen four military coups in West Africa, and the European Union must immediately act forcefully. And the first step is to never, ever legitimatise the military junta and demand that they immediately give power back to the people and release President Kaboré and all other political prisoners. Any upcoming government should and must understand that the universal rights are not for few to enjoy, they are the rights of all people. As long as a fully—fledged democratic Burkina Faso is not ensured, long lasting peace will not be possible. And the struggle for democracy is crucial for and must go hand in hand with the struggle against terrorists and anti—democratic forces. We need to act. The Commission and the EEAS must put the need of the people, protection and safety of civilians in the centre of actions. Democracy, rule of law and human rights, along with social rights must be respected and upheld by any government. The actions of the EU Commission, unfortunately, and the Member States have been far from sufficient until now. Today and tomorrow, the EU and African Union Summit should be used as a platform to address the people of West Africa’s right to their fundamental rights and together ensuring democracy and rule of law in the region. If any time, now is the time to also use our global human rights sanctions regime towards the coup makers because condemning is important, but actions are even more important.

17

Feb

2022

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The death penalty in Iran

Mr President, thank you very much. Colleagues! The right to life is the most basic form of right. Depriving a man of his life is the gravest form of violation of human rights. In Iran, this irreversible punishment is being imposed, even on children. From 2009 to September 2020, at least 67 executions of juveniles have been reported. In January this year, 85 young people awaited the execution of the death penalty. The death penalty is also used to suppress minorities. It applies disproportionately to Baluches, Arabs, Bahá'ís and especially to the ethnic group to which I myself belong, Kurds, simply because they demand the right to their own language, culture and identity. Women's right to their own bodies and the rights of LGBTQ people are also the worst enemy of dictatorships and oppressive regimes because they symbolize freedom to be who you are, love who you want and have total bodily autonomy. In Iran, this is the basis for the death penalty. In 2017, Swedish Iranian scientist Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali was sentenced to death on baseless charges of being a spy. The oppressive regime in Tehran must release all, all, prisoners of conscience and abolish the heinous death penalty immediately. We must continue to use all the tools at our disposal in the European Union and increase sanctions, rather than withdraw them as some in this Parliament want, in order to force the Iranian regime to introduce democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The suffering of the people of Iran must end. The Iranian people's cause is our cause.

17

Feb

2022

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The recent human rights developments in the Philippines

Mr President, since 2016, the Philippines has been experiencing a democratic crackdown. The government, led by President Duterte, has constantly intensified its attacks on the human rights of its people. The people are suffering today in a way almost unimaginable half a decade ago. Civilians are being subjected to extrajudicial killings justified by the government’s despicable war-on-drugs policy. Civil society organisations, human rights activists and aid workers are blacklisted and labelled as terrorists. Freedom of expression is continuously violated and journalists cannot do their work without fear, at the same time as the opposition is continuously being targeted. Not even foreigners, who are throwing light on the government and its policies are able to move freely in the country, or even enter. I visited the Philippines in 2018, together with my friend, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Party of European Socialists but, to my surprise, he was deported back to Belgium just because of a statement made a couple of months before. The Duterte regime must constantly be reminded that the world is watching, and we must never let ourselves be silenced, because what is going on right now is impunity of the worst kind. I hope that we will get rid of the horrific Duterte era in the upcoming elections, but for that to be possible, free and fair elections must be ensured. The International Criminal Court, at the same time, must continue its work on the investigations of crimes against humanity in the context of the killings during the war on crimes.

16

Feb

2022

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EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine (debate)

Madam President, thank you very much. We are in the worst security situation in decades. Russian soldiers, tanks and missiles have surrounded Ukraine. The country is in urgent need of help. whereas Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is a matter of our right to self-determination – young people, children and peoples of Europe and the world as a whole; The EU must therefore act together to push back the oppressive regime in Moscow. whereas the failure to vote in favour of macro-financial assistance to Ukraine is an act that poses a threat to peace and security in Europe and worldwide; Sustainable peace and security also require the involvement of all sections of the population. My question to you, High Representative and Vice-President, is therefore: How do we ensure that we live up to our commitments to include both young people and women in the peace processes, as set out in UN resolutions 1325 and 2250? The only thing I've seen so far are men, men and more men.

15

Feb

2022

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Human rights and democracy in the world – annual report 2021 (continuation of debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Colleagues! History must not repeat itself. Democratic and human rights must never be the privilege of the few again. However, the report on human rights and democracy in the world speaks for itself. Something bad is happening right now. We see a regression. The decline is as present in our Union as it is globally, and the antidote is leadership and political will. Leadership by repressing negative developments in our own Union by cutting off financial support for rogue governments. Otherwise, we will not be credible globally. Political will by increasing the toolbox globally. The EU's new global sanctions mechanism is certainly a good thing, but there is still a lot to be done. All our Member States must meet the UN's global target of at least 0.7% of GNI for aid. Work to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda must be intensified and qualified majority must apply in the European Council on issues of human rights and freedoms violations.

20

Jan

2022

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Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in the European Union (continuation of debate)

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, My body, my choice. These four words should suffice, but in today's Europe we must once again fight for and defend the rights for which generations of progressive women and girls before us risked their lives. In recent years, we have seen how countries with conservative and nationalist governments, such as Hungary and Poland, are trying to restrict the right to information, sexuality education and health care in the form of abortion. In my own country, Sweden, right-wing conservatives dress their opposition to abortion in terms of freedom of conscience, as if there is any conscience in denying any healthcare and the right to their own body. SRHR hatred has a devastating effect on young people, as knowledge and education have a decisive effect on sexuality, relationships and norm-making. One might think that these conservatives with medieval ideas should have been confronted with the reality of women and girls with the powerful stories of the me too movement, but the reality seems difficult for them to understand. As far as the right to abortion is concerned, extreme abortion laws in Poland have already claimed lives. Let us never forget Izabela, who lost her life in the hands of the right-wing conservatives in Poland. Let us introduce Lex Izabela in the EU to ensure that not a single woman or girl has to pay the ultimate price: his life. Today it is Poland, but tomorrow it may be Sweden. No one is safe when right-wing conservatives and nationalists spread their tentacles. Colleagues, let’s step up the struggle against conservatism and nationalism and defend women’s rights and freedom.

19

Jan

2022

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Situation in Kazakhstan

Mr President, freedom, democracy and social justice are core values of the European Union. We need to stand up for them within our Union, as well as defend them beyond. In recent weeks, we have witnessed the people of Kazakhstan take to the streets to protest against social and economic inequalities, corruption and authoritarian governance. A president that instructs his military to fire live ammunition against his own people does not respect human rights. A president that shuts down the internet in order to limit the voice of his journalists and his citizens does not respect freedom of expression. A president that prohibits mass gatherings to silence his population violates the right to assembly. It is our duty as political leaders to listen to the voice of the Kazakh people, to call for an independent investigation into recent events, and to sanction the authorities behind the actions. Silence may not cost us anything, but for the people of Kazakhstan, it costs everything. Let’s act now.

15

Dec

2021

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Plans to undermine further fundamental rights in Poland, in particular regarding the standards of the European Convention of Human Rights and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (debate)

Madam President, thank you very much. Colleagues! We are at a crossroads: a Europe that stands up for the fundamental values of the EU or a Europe that dreams itself back to a time we promised each other never to go back to. We stand here today in a Union that has not seen war and misery for over 70 years, thanks to a handshake to protect ordinary people from history being able to repeat itself. While EU cooperation embodies the struggle for freedom, equality and equality for generations before us, the government-run Law and Justice Party in Poland embodies the exact opposite. In today's Poland, governed by Law and Justice, women and girls seeking freedom are silenced. Among other things, they have taken away women's right to their own bodies and banned abortion in practice. Now there are even proposals to monitor women who are pregnant and who have had a miscarriage. These fascist phenomena have no place in our modern Europe. The persecution of women in Poland is disgusting and frightening. In the shadow of this, the Slovenian Presidency chooses not to hold a hearing under Rule 7, but comes with a small State of Play. Since taking office, the Slovenian Presidency has completely ignored its mission of representing ordinary people. The freedom of women and girls has been left to one side. However, I am not surprised. Right-wing conservatives always have and will always limit our freedom when given the chance. Women's and girls' rights are human rights. In our Union, women and girls are now dying because they do not have access to the most basic things, such as the right to their own bodies.

15

Dec

2021

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The European Commission Guidelines on inclusive language (topical debate)

Madam President, the EU is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. No matter how much I would like to be the author of this sentence, I am not. But the people of our Union are because it is how we have formulated the EU values enriched in Article 2 in our Treaty on the European Union. I do not seriously understand the controversy of the Commission guidelines that ensure that we fully live up to our own EU slogan: ‘United in diversity’. Today’s debate is an echo from another time. Lies do not become true just because they are repeated. No one wants to cancel Christmas – that I can assure you – in here, but one thing is clear. The right and the far-right part of the political spectrum in here once again is showing their real face. It is scary for me to see how far we are from even starting our struggle to ensure all people in our Union are seen as full citizens. No other quote than the one from George Orwell’s novel Animal Farm can summarise today’s discussion: ‘All people are equal, but some are more equal than others’, and I am ashamed.

14

Dec

2021

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Outcome of Global Summit Nutrition for Growth (Japan, 7-8 December) and increased food insecurity in developing countries (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Colleagues! The World Bank warns that the number of people in extreme poverty is expected to increase for the first time in decades. whereas COVID-19 and the rapidly escalating climate change are contributing to increased hunger and food insecurity worldwide; Conference Tokyo Nutrition for Growth It has been important for how the international community works together best against food insecurity. Among other things, the conference has mobilised $27 billion to meet the increasing hunger and food crisis in the world. The common resources on which humanity sits are sufficient for each of us on this planet, but so far we have a distribution policy on the global level that makes food a privilege for few, when food should really be a right for all. The tools for an equal world, where not a single child should have to lose his or her life due to famine, we have already created. These include Agenda 2030 and the UN target of 0.7% of GNI for aid. We all know what can be done to save lives. Let us also be brave enough to do so.

14

Dec

2021

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Cooperation on the fight against organised crime in the Western Balkans (continuation of debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Colleagues! We have to turn over every stone in order to get at organised crime, which is plaguing the lives of ordinary people. This includes the Western Balkans. We must combat the causes of crime, as well as the root causes of crime, otherwise the consequences risk being even worse. Today, people pay the ultimate price – their lives – when organised crime is allowed to operate. Cooperation is the basis for development. The same applies to the fight against organised crime. Today, the EU, its Member States and the Western Balkan countries work together in areas of common interest. However, this cooperation can and should be deepened in the fight against corruption and organised crime. The Western Balkans are a very important region for the EU, and our shared responsibility for safety and security must continue to improve. The EU's calls for reform under the Association Agreements are important tools. It is through continued exchanges of knowledge and dialogue that a safer future is secured. Crime and its causes must be fought together and with full vigour.

14

Dec

2021

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New orientations for the EU’s humanitarian action (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Colleagues! Humanitarian aid saves lives. It helps alleviate distress and uphold the human value of the people who lost everything: in wars, in natural disasters, in the wake of global climate change. In these situations, existing inequalities are amplified, especially for women and girls. More than 70% of those affected by chronic hunger are women and girls. However, humanitarian aid is not only a temporary relief for the most affected. It is also a prerequisite for global development and prosperity. The lack of progress on the 2030 Agenda is therefore worrying. Our humanitarian work and the global goals are closely interlinked. The need for aid has probably never been this great, and we need to act now. This is the case in the EU, but it is also the case that every Member State of our Union assumes its responsibilities by starting to respect the UN's 0.7% target, which we have jointly pledged will be allocated to aid. It is unacceptable that only six Member States are currently living up to it.

13

Dec

2021

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Combating gender-based violence: cyberviolence (debate)

Madam President, thank you very much. Colleagues, Commissioner Dalli! whereas men’s violence against women is classified by the EU’s own Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) as one of the most serious human rights violations in recent years; When crises strike, existing problems are amplified and structures are further consolidated. The COVID-19 pandemic is such a splendid example, as men’s violence against women in all its forms has increased throughout our Union. Unfortunately, it is not surprising that when new media are introduced, such as the internet, violence also accompanies it. The link between words and actions is clear. Sure, digital platforms are used for a lot of good, but there is another, darker side too that we have to fight with full force. whereas women and girls are controlled, harassed, humiliated and silenced through social media messages, revenge porn, hatred, threats; grooming It's called NetStalking. It is estimated that seven out of ten women have been victims of online stalking. The Internet should not be a lawless macho country, but an inclusive and feminist place for all of us. The new legislative proposal to make hate crime an EU crime and the directive on men's violence against women, as promised by the Commission, must also include online violence.

10

Nov

2021

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The escalating humanitarian crisis on the EU-Belarusian border, in particular in Poland (debate)

Mr President, humanitarian catastrophe: that is what this is about. People are stuck in no man’s land. We have the dictatorship of Lukashenko on one side, and then on the other side we have the authoritarianism of Kaczyński. The tool of dictatorship is the same regardless of if we talk about Lukashenko in Belarus or Erdoğan in Turkey. Using human beings who are already in vulnerable situations is a disgrace. Lukashenko’s dictatorship doesn’t have very long tentacles beyond its own borders, and we should therefore not show any mercy. It’s all about sanctions, sanctions, sanctions. And we also need to continue supporting the democratic opposition of Belarus. It is people’s lives we are talking about. The even sadder part is the action of our own Member State. The Polish national conservative party in government, we already know, knows no borders. And they do not know how to spell rule of law, nor democracy, and nor do they know how to spell human rights. It’s not acceptable that journalists, Frontex and the UNHCR are banned from working in the border area. And finally we need a common migration and asylum policy in place so that no dictators can dictate our way of acting.

21

Oct

2021

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2019 Discharge: European Border and Coast Guard Agency (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Colleagues! Commissioner, thank you very much. In April this year, this Parliament decided that Frontex did not do what can be expected from what is the EU's largest and best-funded authority, but also one of the most important authorities we have. A large number of very worrying shortcomings were raised and therefore the discharge decision was postponed. The agency, headed by Director Fabrice Leggeri, was given an additional six months to rectify these shortcomings, but unfortunately with too poor results. Since then, the Court of Auditors has confirmed the picture we have had here in Parliament. Since then, too little has happened in a positive direction. That is why the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs concluded that neither Frontex nor Leggeri should now be given discharge. Frontex is an important authority. Without effective external border control, we cannot have free internal movement as it works today. That is precisely why it is so important that Frontex lives up to the great expectations we actually have. It is about treating taxpayers' money with respect. It is about respecting people and their rights and about having the strength and courage to deal with the problems that de facto exists. Director Leggeri has been given a long time, great resources and countless chances to redo and do the right thing. For a few years, Frontex has been burdened by allegations of involvement in operations in which human rights have been violated, with: pushbacks and violence against migrants. Instead of focusing on fully developing effective complaint mechanisms, time and, above all, a lot of money has been spent on chasing citizens in order to pay legal costs related to requests to obtain documents from the authority. In addition, we still lack 20 human rights monitors. They would be 40 and 20 are finished, but another 20 are missing. Where is the responsibility of Director Leggeri? In order to get a discharge, it is necessary to actually take responsibility. I have higher demands than this on the EU, our authorities and their top officials. Colleagues! I wish, like many of you here, that Frontex should be able to get discharge, but not this time either, and on this occasion it is a reasonable answer.

21

Oct

2021

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The outcome of the Western Balkans summit (continuation of debate)

Mr President, regional cooperation and European integration is very important, especially during a time when we see a backlash of our core values. I welcome that the Western Balkans Summit reaffirms the mutual interest and goals of the European Union and its Western Balkan partners. But the actions are absent. Yes, some of the countries, such as Serbia with its authoritarian President Aleksandar Vučić, have a long way to go before the common values are respected. But other countries are making serious efforts towards our common values. Some of the successful examples are Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo. Two of the countries showing that they not only by words but also by deed, want to be a part of the European family had elections last weekend; one is North Macedonia and the other is Kosovo. It is impressive to see the democratisation process of, especially, Kosovo, where I was last weekend during the elections, as well as it’s important for them to continue the reform processes that must continue. But when genuine steps are taken and achieved, processing the cooperation must be made, also from the side of the European Union. The next step in the case of Kosovo must be celebration and for North Macedonia and Albania it must be accession process, to not lose credibility.

20

Oct

2021

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The rise of right-wing extremism and racism in Europe (in light of recent events in Rome) (debate)

Madam President, thank you very much. Colleagues! The attacks on 9 October against the trade union CGIL in Italy are an attack on democracy and the fundamental values of the EU. I fear history will repeat itself. The first concentration camps in Germany were intended, among other things, for trade unionists. During Mussolini's time, the fascists waged war against the trade union movement in Italy, and on October 9 this year CGIL was attacked by the same old dark men. When the normalization of right-wing extremism occurs, words quickly lead to action. Fascism, Nazism or whatever we choose to call it is not an opinion. It's a crime! To all those who claim to be Democrats. I hope that you will not normalise these disgusting views by entering into cooperation with these far-right extremists, either in this Parliament or at home at national level. Unfortunately, in my country, Sweden, there is a dangerous development in which traditional conservative parties, including the liberal party, have embraced the far-right Sweden Democrats. Let us protest loudly in both words and deeds, because today it is the trade union movement in Italy and tomorrow it is each of us in here.

19

Oct

2021

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EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation (debate)

Mr President, democracy, human rights and the rule of law are core values of the European Union. Agreements and cooperation are primarily done with the like—minded, or at least with those with the same goals and intentions. Taiwan is a role model in its region. Through deeper cooperation, we will acknowledge the leadership for fundamental rights it takes, including social, economic, political and cultural rights, but also LGBTI rights and the rights of the indigenous population. While we see improvements in Taiwan, we see the total opposite in China. The Chinese oppressive communist regime does not fear to take measures against anyone, in China and beyond. A few months ago, I received a threatening letter from the Chinese Embassy in Sweden, stating, ‘We express strong discontent and firm opposition to your support to the so—called ‘EU—Taiwan political relations and cooperation report’. We hope that you withdraw your support immediately and do not pursue this course of action. Otherwise, you shall be held responsible for all consequences’. My conviction is clear. I will proudly vote in favour of the report today in defence of democracy and freedom, regardless of the threats of consequences by the oppressive communist regime.

19

Oct

2021

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General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2022 - all sections (debate)

Madam President, colleagues, I’m going to focus on one thing today, Peace between Israel and Palestine. In the heart of peace lays the well-being of the people directly affected. UNRWA is a UN agency that I hope we will not need in the future, since I hope we will be able to provide also the Palestinian people with statehood through a two state solution with two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, side by side in peace and security. But today, millions of Palestinians are living under catastrophic conditions, and many are refugees, internally displaced in Palestine, in Syria, in Lebanon and Jordan. UNRWA has been lifesaving for many of them. Every person in this Parliament should want to support UNRWA, but instead I’m shocked to hear that so many, especially from the right wing groups here, believe in lies spread about the Palestinian textbooks and the work of UNRWA. At least trust in the EU funded report by the Georg Eckert Institute, which clearly states that the Palestinian textbooks adhere to UNESCO standards. I hope that all of us contribute to stability, solidarity and peace. I hope you all vote for the amendment tabled by the S&D Group that ensures continued support for UNWRA.

7

Oct

2021

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The state law relating to abortion in Texas, USA

Madam President, thank you very much. Colleagues! My body, my choice. How hard can it be to understand? Men's violence against women and girls seems to see no boundaries. The fact that we may not even have our uterus and ovaries in peace is a clear example of how far violence extends in some countries and what conservative forces want to throw us back to when they gain power. Texas lawmakers are shunning any means in their quest for total control over women's and girls' lives and bodies. And now they want the help of the vigilante guards in an alert system. It wants to reward those who are prepared to violate women's and girls' right to their health and punish doctors, taxi drivers and nurses who do their job. I'm pissed off. It is also a class issue. Those with thick enough wallets can go outside the state to get access to abortion care, but working women and everyone else suffer in conservative Texas. But what is happening in the United States is also happening in our Union. The most recent example is Poland. Colleagues, what we don't need right now is more men and men to decide over us women and girls.

7

Oct

2021

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Human rights situation in Myanmar, including the situation of religious and ethnic groups

Mr President, a country that in previous years had taken important steps towards democracy is once again in the hands of the military junta and facing violence and constant oppression every day. That is what the people of Myanmar are living under. The illegitimate regime of the military junta is committing horrendous crimes against its own population. Continuous violent attacks are being reported against dissidents, civilians, labour unions, journalists, religious representatives, and peaceful democratic protesters. Additionally, the humanitarian crisis is worsening every day. More than 210 000 people have been internally displaced only this year; 3 000 000 people are in need of urgent humanitarian aid, and approximately 20 000 000 people risk living below the poverty line. With these deteriorating circumstances, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights now warns the situation in the country is at serious risk of escalating into a widespread civil war. The international community has to step up its demand for an immediate end to the military junta and its violence towards the civilian population, including all ethnic and religious minorities, such as the Rohingya. Colleagues, let us ensure that silence is not an option and action becomes a reality. We must continue to implement targeted sanctions against those who are behind the coup earlier this year, those people, entities and companies behind human rights violations and those responsible for crimes against the Rohingya. EU companies must ensure that they by no means support the military junta to conduct their human rights violations, directly or indirectly. In line with the wishes of the people of Myanmar, we must also support the National Unity Government as the only legitimate representative.

5

Oct

2021

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Disinformation and the role of social platforms (debate)

Madam President, thank you very much. Friends, knowledge is power and the power of knowledge must belong to everyone in full-fledged democracies. The new digital tools and social media platforms have enabled access to knowledge in a way never before possible. It is not just the few but the many who have access to information today. But with new opportunities, we also see new challenges. That is why we need to step up our efforts to respect democracy in our society and our integrity as individuals, and to combat lies, hatred, intimidation and violence. For we see today that democracy is in decline in some countries of the European Union, while at the same time we see attempts at more and more foreign interference in the European Union, through manipulation of information and, in a lot of cases, even outright containing lies and fabrications spread through social media. In parallel, we see how hatred and threats and violence spread online without the social media platforms taking their responsibility. Women's and girls' bodies are censored. We also see how our privacy is violated when information is sold to third parties. Everything can be summed up with the economic interests of the owners of the social media platforms. But the people are the ones who suffer the consequences. It is time for Europe to stand with the common people and not let the platforms play the Wild West. Yesterday, when Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp were down, it was an indication of how the platforms are in the hands of a few players. This means that a few actors are currently playing the Wild West with our democracy and our life.

5

Oct

2021

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Implementation report on the EU Trust Funds and the Facility for Refugees in Turkey (continuation of debate)

Madam President, thank you very much. Friends, I am proud that we are the world's largest donor for a better world, but in an increasingly turbulent world, we need to increase and improve the toolbox for us to become empowered and for people to be able to live a good life where they are. An important tool is humanitarian aid. In recent years, unfortunately, we have gone from improvements globally to seeing a regression and more crises in many places. Crises in the world sometimes come suddenly and therefore our ability to act quickly must also be improved. Trust funds in different countries and the Facility for Refugees in Turkey are important, but they are far from working well to ensure that human rights are effectively respected. The recently adopted Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI), Global Europe, is a good instrument and offers to a greater extent the flexibility previously lacked to respond to sudden crises in the world. At the same time, however, we need to ensure transparency in how the Trust Funds and the Facility for Refugees in Turkey are used, to ensure that the purpose is fulfilled and people receive the support they need.