On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted three emergency resolutions addressing human rights concerns in Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, and China.
In Equatorial Guinea, MEPs condemned serious human rights violations, including torture, inhumane prison conditions, political persecution, and restrictions on freedom of expression under Teodoro Obiang’s regime. The Parliament highlighted the arbitrary detention of Spanish citizens Javier Marañón Montero and David Rodríguez Ballesta, calling for immediate and unconditional actions to ensure their fair trial rights, access to legal counsel, and medical care, particularly for Mr. Marañón Montero, who has undertaken a hunger strike. MEPs urged the European Commission and the European External Action Service to intensify diplomatic efforts in coordination with Spanish authorities and emphasized that these violations undermine international relations, investment, and cooperation with Equatorial Guinea.
Regarding Haiti, Parliament strongly condemned the ongoing gang violence, including the recent massacre in Labodrie, Cabaret, and systematic sexual violence. MEPs called for international support to rebuild judicial capacity, hold perpetrators accountable, and assist survivors. They urged Haitian stakeholders to agree on a transitional governance roadmap, prevent arms and funding for gangs, and increase EU humanitarian assistance. The Parliament stressed the need for proper support to the newly approved Gang Suppression Force, enhanced backing for Haitian security forces, continued targeted sanctions against gang leaders, and strengthened border control to enforce arms embargoes.
In China, Parliament marked the forthcoming 10th anniversary of the detention of Swedish publisher Gui Minhai, calling for his immediate and unconditional release. MEPs expressed concern that his case exemplifies broader violations of fundamental freedoms in China, including restrictions on journalists, human rights defenders, artists, and ethnic and religious minorities. The resolution emphasized that respect for human rights, freedom of expression, and press freedom should be central to EU-China relations, urging the European External Action Service, the Commission, and Member States to continue advocating for Gui Minhai and ensure the protection of EU citizens abroad.
Related Posts
