It is shameful that the EU’s six million Roma still face systematic discrimination, and are often targets of racially motivated violence. Lithuania now can and must ensure that the expected Council recommendations on Roma integration measures tackle discrimination and guarantee Roma participation at all levels of decision-making

29/10/2013 – In July, Amnesty International issued recommendations as to how the Lithuanian EU presidency might maximise its potential to promote human rights both within and beyond EU borders.

The Council conclusions on migration painfully show that the expressions of sadness and solidarity were nothing more than crocodile tears. Europe’s priority clearly is not to save lives or to protect people along the borders. Instead it is to prevent people from arriving in Europe at all costs, even if those people are in need of safety and protection. 

25/10/2013 – In view of your participation in the upcoming European Parliament (EP) delegation to Laos on October 28,we call on you to maintain your efforts to secure the safe return of prominent Lao civil society leader Sombath Somphone, a victim of enforced disappearance.

Today we went to the Schuman roundabout laden with banners, placards and lifejackets to set up a visual display ahead of the EU summit. We’re hoping to send an SOS Europe message to leaders attending the summit which is being held in Brussels today and tomorrow. Following the recent Lampedusa tragedy and countless other incidents, we’re asking for a fundamental change in EU migration policy. EU leaders must protect migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers’ lives. Watch Carmen Dupont, our European Campaign Coordinator on Migration, explaining why the EU must act now. 

EU and member states must do more to prevent further loss of life. Now is the time for action!

22/10/2013 – Further to our statement to the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 8 October in the wake of the shipwreck off the coast of Lampedusa which cost the lives of 360 people, we are reiterating our concerns on European migration policy to heads of state and governments meeting at the European Council on 24-25 October.

Given the deplorable detention and deportation measures, it’s not surprising that so many refugees from Syria are leaving Egypt and risking their lives again at sea to reach Europe. What is surprising and shocking is that EU member states appear to be turning a blind eye to the human rights violations by third countries. By closing the borders and preventing the arrival of refugees on European shores, member states are further aggravating the plight of refugees.