24/01/2022 | 20:05:48 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) Dear Colleagues, I should like to thank the Rapporteur for his Report that illustrates the many different problems linked to the current European migration policy. In reshaping the Union’s Pact on Migration and Asylum we must focus on making it more efficient whilst fully encompassing a human rights approach. These two parameters are interlinked: if we allow weaknesses in its structure and functioning to persist, then it will be much harder... 30/09/2021 | 10:24:27 Dear President, dear colleagues. I should like first to thank the rapporteur Sir Tony LLOYD for his report which highlights our main concerns as regards the recent developments in Afghanistan. We have all witnessed the tragic and disturbing images and the pressure and anxiety thousands of people have experienced fleeing the country. Our main aim should be to protect human life and fundamental human rights, ensure freedom and dignity for all, access to education and culture without... 23/06/2021 | 13:08:15 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) Dear President, dear Colleagues, The promotion of the Istanbul Convention in many member states has fostered more resilient societies against gender based human rights abuses that directly impact the dignity and welfare of women and girls. As a result, our societies have become less tolerant to such abuses and more assertive in upholding women’s rights. It is truly regrettable therefore, that Turkey has withdrawn from this landmark Convention... 22/06/2021 | 10:36:23 Thank you very much, Mister Chairman. Dear colleagues, allow me first to thank our rapporteur Mr Roberto RAMPI for his excellent report. The ability of journalists to report freely and carry out their research on fact-based and valid information, as well as the right of civil society to access, analyse free and trusted media is a critical indicator of the quality of our democracies. Attempts to throttle the independence of the media sector and the continued persecution of journalists are... 25/01/2021 | 19:27:02 Written question A responsible leadership that citizens respect and trust is a crucial element of a properly functioning democracy. International organisations, such as the Council of Europe and its Parliamentary Assembly are the observers and defenders of democracy, human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law as enshrined in the European Convention of Human Rights. However, as we have witnessed, (in the United States most recently), assaults on democracy may take many forms. Do... 20/11/2020 | 10:12:16 Thank you very much, Mr President. Dear Chairman, I wish you a very successful chairmanship, first of all. Many challenges remain. Of serious concern are Turkish illegal actions in the Eastern Mediterranean, the recent moves of Mr Erdogan in the city of Famagusta are unacceptable and deplorable. Greek Cypriots, but also many Turkish Cypriots, have condemned this act. Turkey must abandon its expansionist policies in Cyprus and let the two communities build their common future on the basis of...