Evin Incir
Member of the European Parliament · S&D · SE
“Mr President, while Israel continues with oppression and occupation, generations of Palestinians are paying the price. Yet every time until now, our European Union has failed to act properly. Too many in this House, especially in the centre-right and the far-right side, chose to see nothing, hear nothing and say nothing.”
“Let me remind you: it has already done that. Can we start acting now and suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement? Commissioner, with all due respect, I don't know what steps you mean the Israeli Government has taken. The only steps I have seen until now are steps into other countries. 3-0233-0000”
“Mr President, Erdoğan's latest attacks on the CHP are another sign of Turkey's accelerating democratic backsliding. For years, journalists, opposition politicians, human rights defenders and civil society activists have been literally persecuted. While this trend did not begin with Erdoğan, it has intensified dramatically under his rule.”
“Turkiet som muslimskt land kommer aldrig att uppfylla Köpenhamnskriterierna, och då är det väl bättre om Socialdemokraterna här och i Sverige bestämmer sig för att avsluta den här medlemskapsprocessen – det är ingen idé att fortsätta den – och istället göra som Sverigedemokraterna, rösta för att avsluta det hela?”
“– Thank you very much, I only have a small question. Today, we all agree that Türkiye is not on the right way. However, there is a very important part of Turkish society that is really inclined to European values and they try to do something about it. What is your standpoint and opinion?”
“Uma posição que faz de conta que essa agressão não desestabilizou todo o Médio Oriente; que faz de conta que não foi essa agressão que levou, em todo o mundo, ao aumento do custo de vida, particularmente ao aumento dos preços da energia e dos combustíveis; que faz de conta que a abertura do estreito de Ormuz é uma novidade, como se não se…”
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Every one of 148 lines we hold for Evin Incir, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 3.
“Let me remind you: it has already done that. Can we start acting now and suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement? Commissioner, with all due respect, I don't know what steps you mean the Israeli Government has taken. The only steps I have seen until now are steps into other countries. 3-0233-0000”
“Mr President, while Israel continues with oppression and occupation, generations of Palestinians are paying the price. Yet every time until now, our European Union has failed to act properly. Too many in this House, especially in the centre-right and the far-right side, chose to see nothing, hear nothing and say nothing. And you play the fourth monkey, through crossing your arms and thinking that you are not doing any evil. Let me be clear: inaction is action, and that choice has consequences. You even attack vital organisations such as UNRWA with baseless allegations, making yourself Netanyahu's and Hamas's useful idiots. The EU does not suffer from a lack of solutions; the EU suffers from a lack of political courage. What more should Israel do for enough to be enough? Should it commit the genocide?”
“It is important to support journalists, human rights activists and other important actors to ensure that Türkiye once again becomes democratic and this time fully fledged and inclusive. 2-0374-0000”
“– Thank you very much, I only have a small question. Today, we all agree that Türkiye is not on the right way. However, there is a very important part of Turkish society that is really inclined to European values and they try to do something about it. What is your standpoint and opinion? What can we do more for these people to bring closer the whole society to our values? 2-0373-0000 Evin Incir (S&D), blue-card answer. – Thank you very much for that question. It actually goes in the line with the answer that I had to Dick Erixon. Under this current rule, it is impossible for Türkiye to be a Member of the European Union because of Erdoğan. What he has done is the opposite to respecting any kind of European values. So, it is important to support the democratic opposition in the country.”
“Turkiet som muslimskt land kommer aldrig att uppfylla Köpenhamnskriterierna, och då är det väl bättre om Socialdemokraterna här och i Sverige bestämmer sig för att avsluta den här medlemskapsprocessen – det är ingen idé att fortsätta den – och istället göra som Sverigedemokraterna, rösta för att avsluta det hela? 2-0371-0000 Evin Incir (S&D), svar ("blått kort"). – Jag vet inte vilken verklighet som kollegan Dick Erixon från Sverigedemokraterna lever i, men såvitt vi alla andra vet så har ju faktiskt förhandlingarna med Turkiet varit frysta sedan 2018. Du måste göra skillnad mellan Erdoğan och Turkiet. Under Erdoğans ledarskap och under den här utvecklingen finns det ingen plats för Turkiet i EU, men under ett demokratiskt ledarskap måste dörren vara öppen. 2-0372-0000 Vladimir Prebilič (Verts/ALE), blue-card question.”
“But under the new leadership of Özgür Özel, the situation has changed, and that is important. Cooperation between the democratic opposition, including the CHP and the DEM Party, offers hope for a more democratic and inclusive Turkey. Democracy will prevail and oppressors will be held accountable. And that includes Erdoğan. (The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question) 2-0370-0000 Dick Erixon (ECR), fråga ("blått kort"). – Du kritiserar Turkiet på olika sätt, men Socialdemokraterna har ju röstat konsekvent för att fortsätta medlemskapsförhandlingarna med Turkiet. Är det inte dags att sluta den här teatern?”
“Mr President, Erdoğan's latest attacks on the CHP are another sign of Turkey's accelerating democratic backsliding. For years, journalists, opposition politicians, human rights defenders and civil society activists have been literally persecuted. While this trend did not begin with Erdoğan, it has intensified dramatically under his rule. The cases of Selahattin Demirtaş, Osman Kavala and Ekrem İmamoğlu have become symbols of this democratic decline. Despite rulings by the European Court of Human Rights, Demirtaş and Kavala remain imprisoned while pressure on İmamoğlu and other opposition figures continues. I must also admit that it is important to mention that this year, ten years ago, the CHP unfortunately joined forces with Erdoğan and stripped HDP leaders of their immunity, which led to the escalation of the situation.”
“That does not give anyone around the world, and not the US either, to act in violation of international law. So, I believe that the US, the EU and other actors could have done much more, much earlier. For example, it took two years from the day we here in the Parliament demanded labelling the IRGC as a terrorist organisation to the day that the Member States actually said it is legally possible – two years! 2-0097-0000”
“Uma posição que faz de conta que essa agressão não desestabilizou todo o Médio Oriente; que faz de conta que não foi essa agressão que levou, em todo o mundo, ao aumento do custo de vida, particularmente ao aumento dos preços da energia e dos combustíveis; que faz de conta que a abertura do estreito de Ormuz é uma novidade, como se não se navegasse livremente no estreito de Ormuz antes da agressão. A pergunta que lhe faço é se esta posição de faz de conta pode levar a alguma solução de paz em algum ponto do Médio Oriente. 2-0096-0000 Evin Incir (S&D), blue-card answer. – Well, of course, there was an attack by the United States, I would say, at least. But we should not forget either that the regime in Iran was and is not whichever regime.”
“Too often, the EU has hidden behind procedures, claiming that unanimity preventing actions, whether on suspending the EU‑Israeli Association Agreement or designating the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, when what was really missing was the political will. It is time for the EU and the Member States to wake up and take action. (The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question) 2-0095-0000 João Oliveira (The Left), Pergunta segundo o procedimento «cartão azul». – Senhora Presidente, Senhora Deputada Evin Incir, nós ouvimos hoje da senhora comissária Kaja Kallas uma posição de faz de conta da União Europeia. Uma posição que faz de conta que os Estados Unidos e Israel não agrediram o Irão.”
“Madam President, colleagues, the Middle East is literally burning. In recent months, ordinary people in Iran, Gaza, Lebanon and beyond have paid a devastating price for the reckless policies pursued by Netanyahu, Trump, the Iranian regime and other autocrats and oppressors. We have now seen reports of a possible agreement between Iran and the United States. Any step that can, of course, prevent further bloodshed is good, but peace cannot mean forgetting responsibility. The Iranian people remain hostage to a brutal regime. Palestinians continue to endure immense suffering in Gaza by Israel. Across the region, civilians are paying the price for decisions made by autocrats and extremists, and Europe cannot pretend it has been powerless.”
“So to blame it only on migrants is actually doing each and every citizen of our Union the opposite of a favour, not a favour. And then it's also scapegoating constantly. So it's not an issue just related to migration. It is an issue related to each and every child that can become a victim nowadays. 3-0459-0000”
“A lot of young people who are underage are actually staying illegally in Europe, and they are used by organised crime to sell drugs or to perpetrate other kinds of crimes or become prostitutes. That is why we are working on a return regulation to make sure that this is no longer possible. What is your take on that? Do you see these young people also as victims, or not? 3-0458-0000 Evin Incir (S&D), blue-card answer. – Of course, everyone who is recruited by organised crime is a victim, but we also need to have the facts on the table when talking to Europol, the law enforcement that actually really works for these issues. And talking to Eurojust, they say one thing clearly and that is that all children, regardless of background, are nowadays targeted by organised crime.”
“It is therefore important that the EU act now – we need a strong EU action plan and preventive actions, digital literacy, age verification on social media platforms, strong cross-border cooperation, more support to law enforcement and zero tolerance for tech companies profiting while children are recruited. Every day we wait, another child is at risk. (The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question) 3-0456-0000 VORSITZ: SABINE VERHEYEN Vizepräsidentin 3-0457-0000 Assita Kanko (ECR), blue-card question. – Dear colleague, I really appreciate all your work on behalf of many people for human rights. That's why I would like to ask you this question, based on the situation in Brussels, which is also known in Sweden and other European countries.”
“Madam President, organised crime has moved into the digital world, into the very space where our children learn, play and build their lives. We cannot accept a digital 'Wild West', where criminal networks are free to hunt for our children online. In Sweden, since 2022, wherever Charlie Weimers from the Sweden Democrats now is – under your party and your party's friends, the far-right and the right government, we have witnessed a deeply disturbing reality: criminal gangs recruiting increasingly younger children to commit acts of violence through social media. Violence is commissioned with a click. And children are not only being recruited, they are being turned into recruiters. This is what political failure looks like when society does not protect children – organised crime steps in.”
“These are not technical measures, they are lifelines because one principle must always guide us: women's rights and victims' rights cannot depend on where you live in the European Union – justice must know no borders. 3-0420-0000”
“Madam President, around 50 million women in the European Union, nearly one in three, have experienced physical or sexual violence in adulthood. 50 million – these are not numbers on a page, they are lives marked by fear, trauma and injustice. And for too many women, the fight does not end with escaping violence, it continues in systems that question them instead of protecting them. This is unacceptable. That is why the Victims' Rights Directive matters. Strengthening victims' rights is not charity, and it's not bureaucracy either, it is our responsibility. As former rapporteur for the gender-based violence directive and the rapporteur for the Parliament's report calling for EU consent-based rape legislation, I strongly welcome the stronger protections, better support services and improved access to justice secured in this agreement.”
“The refusal to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement is a shame and undermines trust in the EU. Colleagues, let there be an end to the hypocrisy. Let's suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement. 3-0483-0000”
“Mr President, colleagues, the EU must urgently work for accountability and justice. The international community, including the EU, can't continue accepting the unlawful attacks of Netanyahu. Netanyahu will be remembered as one thing, and that is the prime minister of war – slaughtering innocent people. He claims he is attacking Hezbollah, Hamas and the mullahs of Iran. But, if that would be the case, how come so many innocent people are being killed? Because the vast majority in Palestine and in Lebanon are innocent people. What does international law mean when it's only implemented when it's convenient for some and not implemented when it's not convenient? International law came in place of the Second World War because we said that what happened then should never, ever happen to anyone.”
“Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, while digital spaces offer connection and learning, children and youngsters are also exposed to serious risks as cyberbullying and harassment. Cyberbullying and harassment harms mental health, confidence and safety. Tackling it must be one of our central works. We already have some of the necessary tools: we have the DSA, the Digital Services Act, we have the AI Act and the General Data Protection Regulation. They set clear protections, but they must be fully enforced. Online platforms must take responsibility and face consequences if they refuse. We also need effective age-verification systems on online platforms with a clear minimum age to better protect minors from harmful content, with strategies like Better Internet for Kids. We have a direction.”
“At a time when we should strengthen ties with Latin America and the Caribbean, we are weakening them. I would urge the Commission to reconsider it. Finally, colleagues, I do not understand how the far right here in this European Parliament keep being blind. We need more international cooperation for peace and security. Haven't you learned anything from the current global situation? 2-0072-0000”
“Madam President, Europe is no longer operating in a stable world. We face growing geopolitical competition and instability. The European Union must act with clarity and resolve. We must take global leadership for peace and security. Global Gateway is therefore not just another initiative: it is an important strategic tool to build strong, mutual, beneficial partnerships with Asia, Africa and Latin America. If we are serious about Europe's role, Global Gateway must become a cornerstone of our external action, positioning the EU as a credible, value‑driven partner while reducing some worrisome dependencies. This is about global leadership and it is about responsibility. Commissioner, I also want to take the opportunity to address the planned budget cut to the EU‑LAC Foundation.”
“For every child in Europe, we need strong and long-term legislation that protects what we should be able to agree on: the safety of our children. 3-0199-0000”
“Mr President, it is honestly difficult to understand how a debate on legislation about protecting children from sexual abuse has been turned into a debate dominated by the so-called 'chat control lobby'. Yes, I have seen colleagues back in 2021 who voted in favour of the temporary derogation and then changed their mind after the campaign kick started. Protecting privacy and protecting children's safety are not mutually exclusive goals. Online platforms cannot continue being a wild west. Right now, the strength of the chat control lobby has made many forget what this discussion is really about. It's about children being sexually abused online. The crimes are growing. Victims are increasing. Today's classrooms and schoolyards are not only physical spaces anymore; they are also digital spaces.”
“It should never take years to turn words into actions, as it did when it took over three years to label the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. That was shameful. We must now act forcefully with sanctions against this heinous regime to ensure that power ends up in the hands of the people. For Jina Amini and for all those who gave their lives for a dream that must finally become reality. 3-0058-0000”
“Madam President, international law is not optional. The rule of the jungle cannot rule. The actions of the United States and Israel are unlawful and the region urgently needs de‑escalation to prevent further suffering of innocent people, of innocent children. There is one person, however, that I do not shed a tear for and that is Khamenei. His death may mark the beginning of a new chapter. For decades, Iran has been ruled through fear, repression and violence, and the current regime's tentacles, through its proxies, have even spread fear onto European soil. But Iran is not only its regime. Iran is a country with Persians, Kurds, Baluchis, Azeris, Arabs and many other communities, all of them who deserve the right to shape their future. The European Union must act with unity and courage.”
“Mr President, for almost 50 years, the people of Iran have lived under an Islamic regime waging a war against its own population. It's not a metaphor; it's not rhetoric; it's a real war. And when bullets are not enough, the regime pulls the plug. It shuts down the internet to isolate the people, to erase evidence, to hide its crimes. Internet shutdowns are weapons of repression. Europe cannot continue acting like the three monkeys: seeing nothing, hearing nothing, saying nothing. It took three years to call the IRGC for what it is: a terrorist organisation. What was called impossible suddenly became possible. Now we must act decisively and ensure full internet access, fully enforce sanctions, prevent their circumvention and end impunity. Responsibility to protect – R2P – does not stop at declarations: it applies to us as well.”
“We cannot let our children be taught their worth through heinous words of others – sometimes even the words of grown-ups – on online platforms. Inaction would sentence our children to live lives in despair, and I know that we can do much better than that. 2-0388-0000”
“Mr President, colleagues, Commissioners, thank you for this action plan. Some act as if the internet is a safe space to act in a way that they would never, ever dare to do in the offline world. Honestly, I am shocked by the behaviour of some grown-ups – even grown-ups here in this parliament – and their actions on online platforms and social media. We need to act in defence of our societies and also in defence of our children. Preventing and combating cyberbullying is our joint duty. There is no one magical solution, there are many – but it is important to take a step towards age verification on social media platforms for all our Member States. And it should cost for social media to not act. Enforcement of the Digital Service Act is essential and so is an AI act in function.”
“For long, this dress that I am wearing today and this Kurdish flag was banned in Syria. For Syria to become truly inclusive and truly democratic, it must respect all its communities ... (the speaker used a slogan in a non-EU language) 2-0299-0000”
“Mr President, 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadî'. 'Women, Life, Freedom'. We have all heard these words. But too few know where they came from. They are the foundation of the Kurdish‑led administration in Rojava. They are the words shouted by Kurdish female guerrillas as they stood against ISIS. When others in Syria refused to fight, when the world hesitated, the Kurdish forces of Rojava stood their ground. In the midst of war, they built something rare: self‑rule instead of tyranny. Women's leadership instead of oppression, coexistence between Kurds, Arabs and Christians instead of sectarian hatred. Those who defended us must now be defended. Yes, integration matters, but so does respect for ceasefires, so do minority rights, and so does the dignity, culture and education, of course, and all other communities of Syria.”
“The threat is returning to even our streets here in the EU. These forces are committing war crimes, executions, torture, ethnic and religious persecutions. This is not stability. This is complicity. The EU must stop funding repression, start protecting minorities and defend Rojava. 2-0528-0000 Procedura "catch-the-eye" 2-0529-0000”
“Madam President, when we speak about human rights, I cannot accept that silence is still a choice in the Parliament, in our Member States and in the Commission, especially when it comes to the Kurds, whether in Turkey, Iran or Syria. The silence is constant. Right now, while we are debating global human rights, Kurds and other minorities are being slaughtered by Syrian regime forces with the support of Turkey. Thousands have been killed, more than 100 000 are displaced. And in the middle of it, the presidents of the Commission and Council travelled to Syria last week and pledged EUR 620 million to the regime, with no serious conditions on human rights or international law. If you do not care about the Kurds, then care about Europe. ISIS detainees are escaping from Kurdish jails right now.”
“We need to help people to take power, but not through violating the multilateral structures and international law that we put in place after the Second World War. International law is here to defend all of us and ensure that people like Trump cannot claim countries like Greenland either. 2-0419-0000”
“Madam President, Venezuela has long faced a deep political and humanitarian crisis rooted in years of authoritarian rule. Nicolás Maduro did not have democratic legitimacy, and yes, he is a dictator. The 2024 elections lacked basic guarantees, and his government has long been responsible for serious human rights violations. But this cannot justify abandoning international law and giving a green light to US unilateral military actions. Rule must always apply to all countries and in all situations, whether in Venezuela, Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Syria or elsewhere. Selective respect for international law undermines the very order meant to protect all of us. The EU must support the opposition, put pressure on the regime and use the sanction tools.”
“The day is coming when the prisons are silent, when the streets belong to the people, when children learn the name of the tyrants – the mullahs – only in history books. Justice will prevail, dignity will be restored, and Iran will once and for all stand in freedom and equality for its whole population – rich, poor, middle class, Persians, Kurds, Baluchis, Baha'is, Azeris, Arabs and all others. 2-0337-0000”
“Mr President, there is no force more powerful than a united people who refuse to kneel. From the streets of Tehran to the plains of Fars, from Kurdistan's mountains to the Baluchistan shores, from Khorasan to Azerbaijan province, the entire country is standing up. This brutal Islamic regime must not be managed, negotiated with or normalised. It must be ended. Casting it into the dustbin of history must be our shared responsibility. To the Commission: what are you waiting for? Label IRGC as a terrorist organisation, throw Iranian diplomats out of the EU, sanction the mullahs and support the opposition. Condemnations without real words are meaningless. Act now! And to those who are exhausted, wounded and grieving: we are with you.”
“Jag förstår därför ärligt talat inte EPP-gruppen och de svenska Moderaternas och Kristdemokraternas hållning när ni vurmar för avregleringar – eller, oops!, förenklingar, som ni låtsas att det handlar om – på det digitala området. Det är helt oförståeligt. Låt oss skydda Europas kvinnor och flickor, inte tech-oligarkerna! 2-0054-0000”
“Fru talman! Vad är det för galen värld vi lever i? Med AI-verktyg som Grok har tröskeln för att skapa fejkade nakenbilder med sexuellt övergreppsmaterial i praktiken raderats. Resultatet är en pandemi av ofrivilligt sexualiserade bilder som sprids okontrollerat på nätet. Vi ser att det är många som drabbats, inklusive politiker, men främst kvinnor och barn i vår union. Moraliska uppmaningar om att tänka efter biter varken på dem som vill skada andra eller på den industriella masspridningen av AI-porr. Särskilt inte när tech-oligarker som Musk och Zuckerberg tjänar miljarder på att deepfakes och bedrägerier frodas på deras plattformar. Det enda som kan stoppa detta är tydlig och tvingande lagstiftning.”
“With power should come accountability and responsibility, and this is something that these platforms refuse to understand and even accept. We need rapid crisis response tools, real oversight of platforms, algorithms and cooperation with fact‑checkers and civil society. Democracy will not defend itself. We must defend it and defend it now. (The President cut off the speaker) 4-0103-0000”
“Mr President, it is unacceptable that a handful of powerful online platforms shape what our citizens see, while their algorithms amplify lies, fuel polarisation and distort public debate. The Digital Services Act gives us, yes, the tools to hold them accountable, but without enforcements it is meaningless. It is also crazy that there are people in here from the far right who are defending these platforms and their super rich friends, instead of defending our democracies. Member States have even exposed coordinated disinformation campaigns designed to interfere in EU elections and undermine trust. The European Democracy Shield must protect our people, our democracies and our elections against threats coming from the platforms Meta, TikTok, X and other spaces.”
“Mr President, colleagues, first to the far right MEPs, yes, it is true that we have citizens in Europe that are worried about European democracy right now, but why they are afraid is actually because of you. Please stop crying over us not wanting to cooperate with you. Yes, in a democracy we are all elected, but in democracies we also choose who to cooperate with. Commissioner, frozen funds must stay frozen until real actions are taken. No bargaining, no excuses, no shortcuts. Whistleblowers must be safe. Civil societies, universities, local government must get support directly. Parliament must see everything on time, fully without delay. Europe's values are not negotiable. Our taxpayers' money must be protected at all times. No compromises and no delays. Hungary is a net recipient of EU funds, while my country, Sweden, is a net giver.”
“Colleagues, pro-European forces must unite. We must deepen our unity and take greater responsibility for our own security, not illegitimate ties with Putin's friends. 3-0050-0000”
“Madam President, colleagues, let's be absolutely clear. No decisions about Ukraine can be made over the heads of the Ukrainian people. The negotiations where Russia, with support from the United States, demand that Ukraine surrender territory it has defended with extraordinary courage, is shameful. And at the same time, there are calls to weaken Ukraine's military and deny its right to choose its own future, including NATO membership. It is important that Europe secures the resources Ukraine needs to continue defending itself, using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine is not only reasonable, it is justified given the immense destruction caused by Russian war, but it is not trustworthy to, as EPP on one hand echo the same words and amounts as us, and at the same time cooperate and legitimatise as the best friend of Putin.”
“And it is important to support the Palestinian Authority. But it is equally important to ensure that Israel stops committing its crimes; stops destroying Palestine; stops killing Palestinians; stops demolishing and confiscating EU-funded projects and structures. So I will not ask what more Netanyahu must do for the EU to act. The time for statements is over. The time for action is long overdue. 2-0594-0000”
“Mr President, colleagues, I am tired – tired of cherry picking and tired of hypocrisy. Debate after debate we talk, yet no concrete actions are taken against the Israeli far-right Government. The EU-Israel Association Agreement continues as business as usual after two years of genocide in Gaza. We are told there is a ceasefire. But let's be clear: there is no ceasefire when Palestinians are still being killed every day; when children are dying because they are denied food, water and medical care. Continuing calling this a ceasefire and refusing to act doesn't make it a ceasefire. It only masks ongoing crimes. Settlements expand. Severe violence and impunity is a fact. What business as usual is contributing to is complicity. Yes, Commissioner, it is important to help out to build up Gaza again.”
“Since 2011, the EU has in place restrictive measures related to serious human rights violations, which have been substantially expanded in recent years, and this approach will continue as long as necessary. We also express our solidarity and lend our support to civil society organisations working under challenging circumstances to advance human rights in Iran. Allow me, in conclusion, to stress that the EU will continue to be vocal and urge Iran to ensure respect for the fundamental freedoms for all, including members of the Baha'i and other ethnic and religious minorities in the country. 3-0516-0000”
“In the latest EU statement delivered at the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee Interactive Dialogue on 30 October 2025, we pointed to the continued discrimination against certain groups in Iran, urging the Iranian authorities to grant access to the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as the fact‑finding mission established in the context of the UN Human Rights Council. Moreover, the EU supported, in full unity of its 27 Member States, the UN Third Committee resolution on the human rights situation in Iran, which expressed serious concerns about violations and abuses against persons belonging to recognised and unrecognised religious minorities. The EU is using its entire toolbox, beyond diplomatic efforts.”
“Our message is clear: we call on the Iranian authorities to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms for everyone in Iran, including persons belonging to ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. It is also imperative for the Iranian authorities to uphold their international obligations under international law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to both of which Iran is a party. The EU's commitment to the human rights situation in Iran extends to UN fora as well, where the EU is a strong advocate of accountability mechanisms.”
“We are seriously concerned about the severe limitations and increasing restrictions on freedom of belief and religion affecting persons belonging to certain minorities in Iran, such as the Baha'is, who are also prevented from fully enjoying their economic and social rights. Moreover, the increased use of harsh sentences, including capital punishment, against individuals belonging to ethnic and religious minorities, is a matter of serious concern in this context. We are using every opportunity, both privately and publicly, to convey to the Iranian authorities our strong support for the fundamental aspiration of all Iranians for a future where their universal human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected, protected and fulfilled.”