The European Parliament resolution on
Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director (
The EU should articulate specific and concrete human rights improvements to guide further negotiations with the
“The European Parliament resolution on
The European Parliament resolution makes recommendations to the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, and the European External Action Service (EEAS) on the negotiations for the cooperation agreement. The resolution recognizes areas of mutual interest, but notes the marked decline in
The resolution drew attention to intensified repression of “opposition parties, independent media, trade unions, activists, and human rights defenders” following the December 2011 violence in the western town of Zhanaozen; unfair trials that “cannot be considered as compliant with fair trial standards” in part because of uninvestigated allegations of torture; violations of workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively; and criminal trials of opposition activists and oil workers that appear to be politically motivated.
The resolution also calls on
In adopting the resolution, the European Parliament sent a clear message to the Council, the Commission, and the High Representative/Vice President that enhanced relations with
The External Action Service, the Commission, and EU member states should be sending this message to the
In June, EU foreign ministers adopted a new EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy, pledging that human rights, democracy, and the rule of law will be promoted “in all areas of the EU’s external actions without exception,” and that the EU will “place human rights at the center of its relations with all third countries, including strategic partners.”
On the basis of the European Parliament resolution, the EU should press
•Promptly and impartially investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment in connection with the Zhanaozen violence and hold those responsible accountable;
•Repeal or amend the vague criminal charge of “inciting social discord” under article 164 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code and release from detention anyone held on this basis;
•Amend legislation on freedom of assembly to bring it into conformity with
•Amend the recently adopted restrictive law on religion and put an end to the arbitrary raids, interrogations, threats, and fines directed against peaceful minority religious groups;
•Amend labor legislation to bring workers’ rights, including right to associate, organize, bargain collectively, and strike fully, in line with international human rights and labor standards.
Should the EU ignore the rampant rights violations in
“The European Parliament resolution sends a strong message that it intends to scrutinize
SOURCE:
Human Rights Watch
www.hrw.org/news/2012/11/23/kazakhstan-eu-should-act-resolution