What Evin spoke about.

14

Jun

2023

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Torture and criminal prosecution of Ukrainian minors Tihran Ohannisian and Mykyta Khanhanov by the Russian Federation

Madam President, colleagues, it is horrible how someone can prosecute and torture minors. No one with a right mind would even think of committing such a crime. But then again, Putin is a tyrant and doesn’t see any limits. Two innocent Ukrainian minors – Tihran and Mykyta – are facing charges under the Russian regime. Born in 2006, these young boys are now confronted with up to 20 years in prison without even proper legal assistance or any kind of support. Their place is not in imprisonment; their place is in freedom. Their situation is not an isolated incident. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused the death of at least 488 Ukrainian children, more than 1 016 injured, over 19 500 deported to Russia and 3 924 reported missing. Children must never be targets. Only a barbarian treats and uses children in such a way.

14

Jun

2023

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Investigation of the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware - Investigation of the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware (draft recommendation) (debate)

Mr President, colleagues, it is unbelievable how spyware programs are being used against innocent people. Imagine a spyware program that, in secrecy, reads your messages, listens to your phone calls, collects your passwords, follows your every move, has access to your microphone – and camera for that sake – and steals information from your phone. Well, since some time back, we know that we do not need to imagine it. The spyware from the Israeli cyber—intelligence firm Pegasus is here and has been used, and that is what the recommendations in the report are very, very clearly stating. But on what grounds the license access is given, to whom it’s given and who it is being used against we have less knowledge on. Illegal and totally groundless surveillance is one of the biggest threats against our democratic European Union. It is therefore unacceptable that Pegasus and other equivalent systems are being used against civil society organisations, opposition journalists and dissidents so, unfortunately, I am not surprised that the situation is worse in Hungary and Poland. The situation is alarming to the extent that all of us MEPs were encouraged to check our phones. We need to take total control over these systems to ensure integrity and privacy.

31

May

2023

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Order of business

Madam President, we were actually asking for the floor in case the Left would put forward their proposal. But since they withdraw, we will also withdraw ours and then we will come back to it during the next session.

10

May

2023

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Myanmar, notably the dissolution of democratic political parties

Madam President, colleagues, I must say that I am very shocked and it is a shame that the EPP Group refused to take part in the negotiations of this very important resolution and that they have been refusing to take part in the discussion. And this while the people of Myanmar are suffering. The political situation in Myanmar brings to light how fragile democratic development is. The claws of the military are getting longer and longer and pushing deeper and deeper into the power. The dissolution of over 40 parties and arbitrary arrests of politicians are horrific. When addressing the oppressive junta regime in Myanmar our demands are clear. We condemn and reject the military junta’s illegitimate rule. We demand an immediate end to their attacks on civilians, labour unions, journalists, religious representatives and peaceful democratic protesters, including the opposition. We demand an immediate end to their air strikes and use of rape as a weapon. The international community must now stand ready with all its available political tools. We must sanction the military junta and all those affiliated with it.

9

May

2023

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Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence – EU accession: institutions and public administration of the Union - Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence - EU accession: judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement (debate)

Madam President, I think it’s tragic that on the extreme right side there are a bunch of men who are telling us women that the Istanbul Convention doesn’t have any effect on our lives, on saving our lives, while on this side, on the left and centre side, on the bench, we are a bunch of women and allies who are clearly saying we need to do everything that we can to save women and girls all around the Union. Have you thought about how come that you think on the extreme right side that you know best what women need?

9

May

2023

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Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence – EU accession: institutions and public administration of the Union - Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence - EU accession: judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement (debate)

Madam President, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. I can continue until I reach over 50 before I stop, because that’s how many women that are killed in domestic violence in Europe every week. That is how many lives that are extinguished every day. Their crime: just because they are born female. For all those women and girls and for all survivors, we have a responsibility to prevent, protect and act. It is therefore essential that the EU ratifies the Istanbul Convention, the first international tool to combat violence against women and domestic violence. I am glad that we have a majority of the Member States on board now to ratify some part of the convention. Even if I would have hoped that we would have ratified the whole convention, and I hope that we will in the near future be able to do that. There is nothing clearer remaining from the Stone Age than gender—based violence. All through history, silence has, sometimes even encouragement has, even by people in here, has been the reaction of society. Even today, even in our Union, violence against women and domestic violence is seen as a family matter by right—wing conservatives, right—wing extremists, and others with Stone Age mentality. Gender—based violence and domestic violence is no family matter. It is a matter of crime, and crime must result in consequences. It is time to end the impunity that exists. As a continuation of the important work on combating gender—based violence and domestic violence, I, together with my co—rapporteur Francis Fitzgerald, look also forward to also adopt a strong directive on the area this summer. Today, we celebrate the first steps that are taken, and tomorrow we continue taking further steps until we end this heinous violence against women and girls across our whole Union.

9

May

2023

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Discharge 2021 (continuation of debate)

Madam President, colleagues, it’s essential that we ensure that all our finances are used in a correct way. No single cent should go where it shouldn’t go to and every single cent should go to the purpose. All our efforts should therefore go to ensuring this. However, I am amazed how some people in this Parliament has made it their purpose in life to spread disinformation and year after year bring the same issues up; every year, the same issues related to UNRWA and the Palestinian authorities are put on the table. Even when they have received an EU-funded independent report as the one by Georg Eckert Institute that clearly contradicts their claims, they don’t give up. I seriously wonder if they really want to see a peaceful two-state solution or they are trying to undermine it through weakening the Palestinian authorities, through freezing the support. There is, of course, a lot we should demand from the Palestinian side as well as from the Israeli side, but to weaken the Palestinian Authority will for sure not lead to a peaceful two-state solution. Colleagues, I hope we are more people in this Parliament that want to see a peaceful two—state solution than those struggling for polarisation.

19

Apr

2023

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Repression in Russia, in particular the cases of Vladimir Kara-Murza and Alexei Navalny

Madam President, thank you very much. Putin's claws are getting longer and longer, pushing deeper and deeper. While he is currently guilty of crimes against humanity in Ukraine, he is trying to stifle opposition figures into silence in Russia. The sentencing of human rights activist Vladimir Kara-Murza and the treatment of democracy activist Alexei Navalny are disgusting. I admire the champions of democracy and human rights in the country, who stand up to a tyrant like Putin. With their lives at stake, they refuse to be silenced. But our admiration is not enough. We must also act in their defence. We must support the opposition and impose sanctions on those who constantly violate human rights and freedoms in Putin's regime. The political prisoners must be released immediately.

19

Apr

2023

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Universal decriminalization of homosexuality, in light of recent developments in Uganda (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. whereas the attacks against LGBTIQ people in Uganda are an attack on human rights and freedoms; Love should be free and no one should ever be forced to refrain from expressing their feelings to another human being. Life in prison for expressing your love for another human being is beyond comprehension. In Uganda, it even means the death penalty in some cases. Attacks on LGBTIQ people and human rights defenders are cruelty. Stone age mentality belongs in the trash, not in legislation. Wherever LGBTIQ people and human rights defenders are under attack, it is our responsibility to increase support for them. We need to review our agreements with countries where we are seeing backsliding, and respect for LGBTIQ rights must be at the heart of both the EU’s domestic policy and its foreign policy. We need to end the witch hunt for LGBTIQ people once and for all. And to my friend Sam Muyizzi, who lives in Uganda and is a human rights defender, I would like to say: ‘Your freedom is our freedom’.

18

Apr

2023

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EU relations with Iraq (debate)

Madam President, colleagues, peace, security, stability, prosperity, human rights, equality and unity in Iraq are vital objectives. The people in the country have suffered for long, previously by a dictator and currently by division. We should also have in mind that the danger posed by ISIS has not totally vanished. A positive development in Iraq is crucial for the people in the country to at last be able to enjoy a decent life beyond war and conflicts. It is also important for peace and stability in the region at large, as well as in the interest of the European Union. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 3 million people – among them, 1.3 million children – affected by the protracted conflict continued to need humanitarian assistance and 1.2 million were internally displaced in December 2022. The support by the international community is imperative. We need to support those in need with humanitarian aid, but also backing the country with development support to build democratic, functioning and resilient institutions. Fighting corruption and respect for democratic principles are a must for a country that serves the need of the people. For an Iraq that stands up for all its population, the Iraqi constitution – that clearly emphasises the right of minorities – must be respected. The KRG, the Kurdistan Regional Government, should be ensured support by the Iraqi central government as well as the European Union. It should also be defended by attacks from the neighbouring countries as Turkey and Iran. The Kurds in different parts of Kurdistan, including the Iraqi part, have led the struggle against ISIS. They sacrificed their lives also for our freedom here in the European Union. To forget that would be one of today’s greatest sins against humanity, because ISIS was and is one of the biggest threats.

18

Apr

2023

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Guidelines for the 2024 budget - Section III (debate)

Mr President, colleagues, let’s talk the talk so that we can walk the walk. Let’s talk about the challenges that the EU and the whole world is facing – attacks on fundamental rights, including on women, LGBTQI and minority rights; dismantling of democracy; violation of international law; climate emergency; poverty and hunger; conflicts. The challenges are many, but human beings created the current situation and therefore we can change it. The Agenda 2030 should not be forgotten with its 17 development goals. It is an important toolbox to save humanity. A feminist foreign policy is essential for a gender-equal world, especially during a time the whole world are chanting ‘Women, life, freedom!’ Let’s not forget the women and girls in Iran, Afghanistan and different parts of Kurdistan. Let’s not forget the people of Ukraine that are under Putin’s attack. Let’s not forget the women and children, victims of sexual violence by Russian soldiers. And let’s take leadership for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. It is essential, therefore, that we continue supporting both the Palestinian authorities and UNRWA. Defence of international law and fundamental rights must stand at the heart of the EU budget.

17

Apr

2023

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Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System - Monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport - Carbon border adjustment mechanism - Social Climate Fund - Revision of the EU Emissions Trading System for aviation (debate)

Mr President, colleagues, Commissioner, the next time you turn your head up towards the blue sky and white clouds and are stroked by its beauty, the next time you wander around in the forest to find yourself admiring creatures and the greenery surrounding you, the next time you breathe in fresh air, remember what we might, with our current behaviour and lack of actions, deprive generations after us. We have more knowledge than any other generation before us to save the future from poisoning, but yet have been too comfortable to act until now. How long can we go on like this? No longer, colleagues. The more days that pass, the faster we need to run to stop a catastrophic future from becoming a reality. We need to act within the EU borders and beyond. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, CBAM, is one of the most important tools for us, in the EU, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, also in non-EU countries. The emission culprits must pay and those affected must be supported. In this way we can invest in the next generation also through new climate protection measures in developing countries. The reinvestments of revenue in climate resilience would set a precedent for future CBAM systems. It is in the interest of our planet. The future is created here and now.

15

Mar

2023

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Iran: in particular the poisoning of hundreds of school girls

Mr President, into this debate I am taking the words of the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Shirin Ebadi, who was with us today. Speak to your respective Foreign Affairs Minister on how to listen to the people in Iran. I would have loved to do that but, unfortunately, the Swedish Presidency, so to say, the Swedish Government just left. I therefore want, however, to turn to the Swedish government through, I guess, they are listening to me wherever they are, but I’m going to do it in Swedish. Både kvinnor och skolflickor i Iran är modiga. Med risk för sina liv har de tagit sig ut inte bara på gator och torg utan även i skolor. Ropen fortsätter att skalla: ”Kvinna! Liv! Frihet! Zan! Zendegi! Azadi! Jin! Jiyan! Azadî!” Som följd av detta förgiftades hundratals skolflickor. Den straffrihet som förövarna bakom dessa brutala attacker åtnjuter är oacceptabel. Vi måste säkerställa en FN-ledd utredning om dessa brott och stödja skolflickorna i landet. Till Sveriges regering, till Sveriges utrikesminister Tobias Billström och deras stödparti Sverigedemokraterna vill jag avslutningsvis återigen säga: Sluta hitta ursäkter för regimen i Iran och stämpla i stället revolutionsgardet IRGC som en terroristorganisation nu. Ni sitter på EU-ordförandeskapet.

15

Mar

2023

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Women activism – human rights defenders related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) (debate)

Madam President, colleagues, banning abortion is not saving anyone, as the ultra-conservatives here in Parliament are claiming. It is rather depriving women and girls their lives. Sexual reproductive health and rights are an essential part of ensuring women’s emancipation. Women are literally dying because of lack of access to sexual reproductive health and rights right now, even in our own Union. Imagine you are fleeing a war, being a victim of rape also, coming to a country that claims that they will help you and there not having access to abortion after being raped. This is the reality that Ukrainian women are facing in Poland. Women are once again literally dying in our own Union. Those brave women, however, that every day dedicate their life to fight for these essential rights are subjected to threats, harassment, violence and stigma. Also, once again, in our own Union: Poland yesterday. We must politically, legislative-wise and economically support human rights defenders working on SRHR. Let’s ensure all women and girls have the right to their own bodies. Let’s defend human rights defenders. My body, my choice. It’s not harder than that.

15

Mar

2023

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Women activism – human rights defenders related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) (debate)

My question concerns Izabela, who was deprived of her life last summer in Poland because of no access to abortion. She was pregnant, but everybody in the healthcare system knew that the child that she was carrying would not make it. But even if they knew that, the legislation in Poland didn’t allow them to help her, didn’t allow them to save her life. My question is to you, as talking so harshly against the women’s right to our own bodies, what’s your message to the family of Izabela and all those women in Poland that are being deprived of what should be a human right – the right to their own body?

15

Mar

2023

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Women activism – human rights defenders related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) (debate)

I would like to ask a question that concerns Izabela, who died last summer in Poland. Let’s talk about who is defending who. What would you say to the family of Izabela who lost her life? She knew that the child that she was carrying would not make it. But even if they all knew, there in the healthcare system, that the child that she was caring would not make it, they were not allowed to give her the access to abortion, which led to her being deprived of her life. So my question is, what’s your message to her, her family and all those going through the same violations, and to all those who are not having access to what should be a fundamental right – abortion and the right to their own body?

14

Mar

2023

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Deterioration of democracy in Israel and consequences on the occupied territories (debate)

Mr President, colleagues, history will judge us not based on our thoughts, but merely on our actions. The Israeli democracy is right now at stake, it is in danger. And the international community, this includes the EU, has an obligation to act in defence of the people. Democracy, rule of law and human rights are not up for negotiation. It is about respect for international law. So to the colleague that was speaking previously, we need to, together, ensure the respect for international law. In the biggest demonstration in Israeli history, over half a million citizens have taken to the streets to protest against the extreme right wing government and their attempt to throw the country into an authoritarian one. The judicial reforms and the government illiberal policies are perpetrated against the Israeli people as well as the Palestinian people. It is used as a tool to expand settlements and annex the West Bank. For years already, the EU has demanded a stop to and compensation for Israeli demolition and confiscation of EU-funded structures and projects. For decades, the EU has demanded an end to the occupation and of the expansion of illegal settlements in Palestine. Enough already! My question to the High Representative and Vice-President Josep Borrell is what appropriate measures will the Commission take?

15

Feb

2023

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The erosion of the rule of law in Greece: the wiretapping scandal and media freedom (topical debate)

Madam President, Greece embodies many of the challenges we are facing right now. I am always amazed by how short a memory we human beings have. We live in an era when we cannot expect progress in the fields of democracy, human rights and rule of law anymore, because all energy goes to defending previous battles that have been won. Our MEP colleagues from Nea Demokratia are asking why we asked for this debate. Let me take one example that might not be important for you, but it is for us. According to Reporters Without Borders’ yearly Press Freedom Index of 2022, the situation for journalists in Greece has deteriorated dramatically to the extent that it fell from 70th place to 108th, becoming the lowest-ranking EU country. Nobody has missed the wiretapping scandal – a scandal with serious consequences – as surveillance of the phones of journalists and opposition political figures. One of the victims is our own MEP colleague, Nikos Androulakis, the President of the Social Democratic Party in Greece, PASOK. When faced with this situation, the right-wing Nea Demokratia government replied by trying to downplay it. It is a shame. The Commission must act quickly. Building democracies takes years and decades, but destroying them take can take seconds.

14

Feb

2023

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Response to the situation in Tunisia (debate)

Mr President, the revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa brought light into the tunnel for the people that were suffering under dictatorships. However, the light went out as quickly as it appeared, but in one place it remained, Tunisia. I remember it very well when walking around in the streets of Tunis, after the regime of the dictator Ben Ali fell. I remember it also very well in the discussions with Mustapha Ben Jaafar, the former speaker of the Constituent Assembly of Tunisia. The light in the tunnel was there. It is therefore regrettable the path that current regime has decided to take. Many hope Tunisia will deepen its democratic transition, but unfortunately it not only remains, it also regresses. I met the current President Kais Saied myself once in 2021. Back then it was many nice words expressed by him, but today we know that the words seem to have been only words. Opposition and dissidents are under attack to the extent that civilians are being put before military courts. Freedom of expression is not anything in sight anymore. It remains today as a dream that could have been, but never was because of President Kais Saied. European Union has a bilateral assistance that is supposed to go to promoting good governance and rule of law, but the reality speaks for itself. Deterioration on the ground is a fact. My question to the Commission and to the Council is how are we ensuring that no single cent of our money goes to human rights violations in Tunisia?

14

Feb

2023

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Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence: EU accession (continuation of debate)

I’m not going to say I’m shocked because I’m not shocked about what is coming from the far right, but I’m getting a bit tired of the constant demonisation of migrants and people of certain colours. Well, when you are standing up there, the only thing that you are doing is trying to undermine constantly the work against gender—based violence, against the violence that is occurring against women and girls. So I don’t really understand, on the one hand, the hypocrisy of demonising certain people, who don’t have anything to do with this, and on the other hand, how you refuse to take responsibility for the crimes that are taking place against women and girls all over the European Union. What is your purpose here? What do you want with all of this demonisation?

14

Feb

2023

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Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence: EU accession (continuation of debate)

To combat gender-based violence is not any kind of poetry or anything. It is real. Women and girls are being deprived of their lives. Either we can send a clear message that we take the situation seriously or we can just play that we live on another planet and not do anything. We know that, unfortunately, there are too many countries within the European Union that don’t have sufficient legislation in place. When refusing to ratify the most important regional legislation, then you send a very clear message to women and girls all around the Union that their problems, that their lives don’t matter. So if you really want to stand up for women and girls all across the Union, you should every day, during the whole year, be prepared to say ‘ratify the Istanbul Convention now’.

14

Feb

2023

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Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence: EU accession (continuation of debate)

Madam President, 50 women per week. 2600 women per year are murdered in domestic violence. While this horrific violence takes place in Europe, we are discussing whether or not we should ratify the most important regional legislation to combat violence against women and domestic violence: The Istanbul Convention. For a union that claims to stand up for all peoples fundamental rights. This is a shame. It shouldn't be whether or not we should ratify it. It should be how fast we can ratify it. Women and girls in the Union do not have time for our indecisiveness. The upcoming weeks will be crucial on the decision on which side of history the Council will be standing: the right or the wrong side. Let's send a clear message to them from the Parliament. No one is free before all women and girls are also free in our Union. I also finally want to thank the rapporteurs for the great job and the Commissioner for the leadership in order to ensure that the Council ratifies the convention. (The speaker agreed to respond to a blue-card speech)

13

Feb

2023

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EU response to the humanitarian situation following the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, my thoughts are with all those affected by the earthquakes. One week has passed since the earthquakes deprived thousands of people in Turkey and Syria, especially in the Kurdish regions, of their lives and millions of people of their safety and security, among them many of my family members. The force of nature is strong. But let’s not fool ourselves that the force of humans hasn’t anything to do with the humanitarian catastrophe. For many years, the regime has looked the other way when refusing to enforce building regulations in those areas that were affected by the earthquakes. For us with roots in the region it didn’t come as a surprise. It doesn’t come as a surprise either that the regimes in Ankara and Damascus have prevented help and aid from reaching many of affected areas. Because what is a human life worth when refusing to send and when preventing help to reach people in need and letting more life extinguish? What is a child’s life worth while letting them spend days under rubble? A week has passed for us, but a lifetime has passed for many of those affected. Instead of sending condolences to the regimes in Ankara and Damascus, the EU heads of state should send their condolences to the people affected through ensuring that help and aid reaches them.

18

Jan

2023

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Criminalisation of humanitarian assistance, including search and rescue (debate)

Mr President, thank you very much. Colleagues! “All people are born free and equal in value and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards each other in a spirit of community.” As stated in Article 1 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I wonder how the criminalisation of saving lives at sea goes hand in hand with the need to act in a spirit of community. I wonder most of all how short memory we humans have, and how some can become so empathetic that they prefer people to be deprived of their lives than to be saved. It is often the same people who preach that embryos are indeed life, but the existing man does not seem to have a human value. No man leaves his house, home, friends, family to risk his life at sea just ‘for fun’. When the bombs fall and oppression knocks on the door, you have no choice. Empathy and humanity – and perhaps most of all our human duty to help each other – can and must never be criminalised. The actions of the governments of Italy, Greece and other countries are shameful. We need a common, functioning, sustainable and humane migration and asylum policy that respects international law. I understand why the Right is afraid of international law, namely because... (The President takes the floor.)

18

Jan

2023

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Terrorist threats posed by far-right extremist networks defying the democratic constitutional order (debate)

Madam President, Commissioner, Minister, democracy is in danger. The coup d’état attempt in Germany in December by far—right extremists goes back decades in history. This development has not happened over one night. It hasn’t happened over a week. It has happened step by step. We Social Democrats, have been warning for this development for a long while. Conservatives and, unfortunately, also some liberals have tried to undermine our warnings, claiming we imitated the boy who cried wolf. We never imitated anyone because the wolf in sheep’s clothing was easy to detect. There has never existed such a thing as ‘far right only’, because the far right are in their nature extremists. They might dress like me and you, but the sound of their boots hitting the ground is just as audible today as it was in 1930s and 1940s Europe. Normalisation of right—wing extreme parties also mean normalisation of their ideologies. When these kind of ideologies normalise, the distance between their words and their actions shrinks. That’s when the rule of law starts to get attacked. And our democratic constitutions are in danger. In Germany, the US and Brazil we have seen these extremist forces in actions. Some of their friends, unfortunately, also sit in this Parliament, whether they are representing Sweden, Italy, Germany, France or any other Member State, their mission is the same. As democrats, we should know better than normalising them. Shame on all of those even cooperating with them. Colleagues, remember that their words are not only words. Their words can smash our democracies into rubble. Democracies must be fought for and defended by every generation.