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Gay Rights in Russia: European Parliament Says All Human Rights Integral to EU-Russia Relations

A resolution by Parliament calls for EU institutions to give practical support
 

Commentary from GayRussia.ru

MOSCOW, January 11, 2009  –  In a resolution on democracy and human rights adopted unanimously at the end of the Strasbourg plenary session last December, the European Parliament firmly condemned attacks on human rights defenders in Russia.

The resolution stresses the importance of the continuous exchange of views on human rights with Russia as part of the EU-Russia human rights consultations, and calls for the format of such meetings to be improved so as to involve relevant ministries, the judiciary and representatives of Russian civil society.

Only by coming to terms with its tragic past can Russia establish a true democratic culture.

“Human rights, the rule of law and democracy must remain core issues for the further development of EU-Russia relations,” reads the resolution.

Last autumn, the Moscow Pride organising committee wrote to the President of the European Commission:

“Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of association is breached every day by Russian authorities. Russian gays have no other rights than silence. We refuse this silence” said the letter.

The reply from the European Commission confirmed:

“European Union held discussions regarding human rights with Russia in Paris on October 21st.  It emphasised the necessity for Russia to keep the respect of its engagement on this matter”

Further to the adoption of its December resolution, the European Parliament takes the view that respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law should be an integral part of the new framework agreement.

Finally, Parliament strongly encourages the EU institutions to give practical expression to their support for human rights defenders by setting up a focal point for defenders in all three institutions, so as to better coordinate their actions with the other international and European organisations.
 

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