Schulz: Zelfs in Europa liggen fundamentele mensenrechten onder vuur; publieke organisaties slagen niet altijd de kloof tussen arm en rijk te dichten (en)
Marking the international human rights day 10 December, the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz stated:
"On the day of Nelson Mandela's memorial service, we pay tribute to one of the greatest human rights fighters of all time. Madiba emancipated millions of people in South Africa and set an example for the whole world.
Whether we look at our Sakharov Prize or our funding for human rights actions in the EU budget, the inclusion of human rights clauses in trade agreements or the creation of the post of EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights, the European Parliament has always strived to set an ambitious human rights agenda for the European Union.
Nevertheless, even in Europe, fundamental rights are under attack. The economic and financial crisis has thrown millions of Europeans into poverty. It has dented the capability of public institutions to provide basic services and widened the gap between rich and poor.
Human rights violations continue unabated throughout the world and in Europe's neighbourhoods both East and South. Young people, the driving force behind the Arab Spring, are targeted, intimidated and even jailed. Civic freedoms are once again being restricted.
Human rights violations are more blatant in conflict areas: from Syria to the Central African Republic, citizens, children and women are paying the heaviest price for the breakdown in security and increased lawlessness.
The EU foreign policy must move-up one gear in its human rights agenda and find more innovative and direct ways to support those who advance human rights and civil freedoms worldwide.
On this day, and on the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, I pay tribute to all the workers and volunteers in international organisations and civil society who strive to advance the cause of human rights, in Europe and beyond.