Human rights: Cambodian NGO law, DRC activists, Nabeel Rajab, Sudan

MEPs call, in four separate resolutions, for the withdrawal of the Cambodian government's law on NGOs and trade unions; the release of Yves Makwambala and Fred Bauma in the DRC; the release of human rights defender Nabeel Rajab in Bahrain; and of two Christian pastors detained in Sudan, Michael Yat and Peter Yen Reith.

Cambodia: Draft law on NGOs and trade unions

In a response to the Cambodian government's approval of the draft Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organisations (LANGO) on 5 June 2015, Parliament urges the government to withdraw the law and to "recognise the legitimate and useful role played by civil society, trade unions and the political opposition" in Cambodia's development. It encourages the government to strengthen democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights and freedom of expression and assembly, and urges that all draft legislation should respect fundamental freedoms of speech, association and assembly recognized internationally.

The resolution was adopted by a show of hands.

DRC: detained human rights activists Yves Makwambala and Fred Bauma

Parliament addresses the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the government crackdown on opposition politicians and human rights after protests in January 2015 over a draft electoral law allowing the presidential term to be extended, in which at least 27 people died and 350 were arrested. The resolution "deplores the loss of lives and the arbitrary violence" against demonstrators during the protests, as well as the targeting of political activists and opponents, notably in the March 2015 launch of the Filimbi movement.

It specifically calls for the release of Yves Makwambala and Fred Bauma along with Filimbi leaders and activists, urging authorities to ensure that detainees are not subject to torture. It underlines the targeting of opposition leaders and youth movements, and expresses strong concern regarding attempts to limit freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. MEPs press the DRC's governing bodies to "implement all necessary measures to consolidate democracy"

The resolution was adopted by a show of hands.

Bahrain: the case of Nabeel Rajab

Parliament calls for the dropping of charges and immediate release of all human rights defenders, including Nabeel Rajab, Sheikh Ali Salman, and the "Bahrain 13", along with other individuals charged and detained as a result of alleged violations related to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. The resolution expresses "grave concern" at the misuse of counter-terrorism laws to violate human rights, and condemns the government's use of torture.

Parliament urges the authorities to make all efforts to guarantee a fair judicial system and due process, and calls on them to pursue the national consensus dialogue and engage the Shia majority. Further, the resolution proposes the creation of an EU-Bahrain human rights working group, and calls for an EU ban on tear gas and crowd-control equipment until investigations on improper use are conducted.

The resolution was adopted by a big majority.

Sudan: situation of two detained Christian pastors

Parliament calls on the Sudan authorities to release and drop all charges against Pastor Michael Yat of the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church, who was detained in December 2014 on a visit to Sudan, and against Pastor Peter Yen Reith, who was arrested in January 2015, after inquiring into Pastor Michael's arrest. Both men were held incommunicado until March 1, and have been charged with offences that carry the death penalty in the case of a guilty verdict. Parliament also condemns the arrest of 12 Christian girls in June.

The resolution asks the EU Delegation to Sudan to monitor court proceedings and exercise leadership in condemning human rights violations in the country. It also reminds authorities of their national and international obligations to protect freedom of religion and calls on the government to repeal all discriminatory legislation concerning religious beliefs, to stop closing churches, and to reform Sudan's legal system in order to meet international standards. Finally, MEPs reiterate their condemnation of the death penalty "in all circumstances" and call on the Government of Sudan to abolish the death penalty and the practice of flogging.

The resolution was adopted by a big majority.

Procedure: Non-legislative resolutions

REF. : 20150703IPR73921