On Wednesday, the European Parliament adopted its 2024 annual report on human rights and democracy on a global scale, signalling concern over the deteriorating human rights situation worldwide. Each year, Parliament produces three reports addressing foreign, security, defence, and human rights policies, which serve as a foundation for developing the European Union’s foreign policy.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) strongly condemn the escalating rise of authoritarianism, totalitarianism, and populism. They indicate significant concern regarding the increasing violations of democratic values and the disregard for international humanitarian law.
“Our world is entering a new era, one where international courts, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights are being constantly undermined. The EU must stand its ground and reaffirm these values, which are central to creating a world built on justice and respect,” the rapporteur Isabel Wiseler-Lima (EPP, Luxembourg) stated. Â
The report condemns the erosion of protective measures for democratic institutions and procedures, alongside the frequent political attacks on international organisations. Furthermore, MEPs deplore the censorship and threats against independent media, as well as the shrinking space available for civil society on a global scale.
The report reaffirms the EU’s unwavering support for the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court (ICC), regarded as essential, independent, and impartial judicial entities during a particularly challenging period for international justice. MEPs also convey serious concerns regarding the sanctions imposed on the ICC, characterising these actions as a significant threat to the international judicial framework, and they call upon the European Commission to urgently activate the blocking statute.
Additionally, Parliament acknowledges the potential threats artificial intelligence (AI) poses to democracy and human rights if left unregulated. MEPs raise concerns about the misuse of the internet to curtail political freedoms and undermine the integrity of electoral processes. The report further emphasises the necessity of safeguarding women’s rights, which are currently facing decline, and MEPs express dismay over the discrimination and violence that women and girls endure, particularly in conflict situations.
The text underscores the responsibility of the EU to advocate for universal democratic principles and values, human rights, international justice, and peace. It delineates the mechanisms available for fulfilling this mandate, including the suspension of European Neighbourhood policy projects that may contribute to human rights violations in non-EU countries, the inclusion of human rights clauses in trade agreements with third-party nations, and the enforcement of the EU’s global human rights sanctions regime—the EU Magnitsky Act. MEPs assert that the EU has the requisite resources to promote and protect universal values and emphasise the need for immediate action.
The report recommends increasing the financial resources allocated to the EU’s Special Representative for Human Rights and urges European institutions and member states to collaborate more closely in promoting and protecting human rights. The text received approval with 390 votes in favour, 116 against, and 126 abstentions.
