MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2001

Human Rights in the World / Fundamental Rights in the Union

Karamanou (PSE). – Mr. President, it is truly sad, in 21st century Europe, to have such serious issues of human rights violations as described in the excellent Cornillet report. A fundamental condition for respecting human rights in practice and not just in declarations is the strong defense of these rights against reactionary and obscurantist forces that despise and obstruct dialogue, freedom of thought, and conscience. Finally, the Union must find the policies and means to eliminate all forms of discrimination based on gender, national origin, color, religion, or sexual orientation.

No cultural tradition can be legitimized to stand above fundamental human rights and gender equality. It is urgent to eliminate xenophobia, fundamentalism, and racist violence, to combat slavery, trafficking, and sexual exploitation of women and children, which stigmatize our culture. Additionally, we need to create mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing the Charter of Fundamental Rights, as well as to morally and financially support organizations that fight for human rights, such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims.