Fri Sep 20 09:13:47 UTC 2024: ## European Parliament Condemns Human Rights Abuses in Afghanistan, Belarus and Cuba

**Brussels, September 19, 2024** – The European Parliament has adopted three resolutions condemning human rights violations in Afghanistan, Belarus and Cuba. The resolutions call for action from the EU and its member states to address the deteriorating situations in these countries.

**Afghanistan:** The Parliament strongly criticized the Taliban’s recent decree enforcing Sharia law, which has led to the erasure of women and girls from public life. MEPs condemned the forced marriages, sexual violence, and harsh punishments such as flogging and stoning. They called for the EU to recognize gender apartheid as a crime against humanity and urged the ICC to investigate the Taliban’s actions. The resolution also demanded new EU sanctions against the Taliban and condemned governments that normalize relations with the regime. MEPs emphasized the need for increased humanitarian aid and support for Afghan civil society.

**Belarus:** The Parliament expressed deep concern over the situation of political prisoners in Belarus, many of whom have been unheard from for months and face severe health problems and torture. MEPs urged the Belarusian authorities to release all political prisoners and provide access to legal representation and family members. The resolution also addressed the plight of 300,000 Belarusians forced to flee the country since 2020 due to political persecution. The Parliament called for stronger sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for repression in Belarus and for holding the Lukashenka regime accountable.

**Cuba:** The Parliament demanded the immediate and unconditional release of José Daniel Ferrer Garcia and other political prisoners in Cuba. MEPs condemned the Cuban regime’s systematic human rights violations and called for the EU to apply sanctions against those responsible for these abuses. The resolution also reiterated the Parliament’s stance that the suspension clause in the EU-Cuba political dialogue and cooperation agreement should be activated due to the Cuban regime’s continuous violation of human rights.

The resolutions were adopted with significant majorities, demonstrating the European Parliament’s unwavering commitment to promoting human rights and holding perpetrators accountable.

Read More