13/10/2005 – The establishment of the Agency will mark a highly significant step in the process whereby the EU is shaping its policy with regard to observance and fulfilment of human rights within its own borders. However, it is precisely for that reason that Amnesty International is at the same time very critical of the proposals – not for what the Agency will be able to do, but for what it will be precluded from dealing with.

European Commission should put pressure on Greece

05/10/2005 – The Greek current legislative framework relating to refugee protection presents a number of gaps. As a result, the application of the law often results in violations of human rights, including the right of refugees not to be returned to a country where they face being subjected to torture or other serious human rights violations.

23/09/2005 – The European Commission’s Communication of 2 September 2005 on regional protection programs defined new tools to enhance the protection capacity of transit and host countries and to improve Europe’s contribution to global refugee protection. This new strategic document comes at the very moment when the European Union seems to be going through a “protection crisis”.

20/09/2005 – Amnesty International welcomes in principle the creation of an EU Fundamental Rights Agency after repeatedly calling for effective monitoring and correction mechanisms. However, what we see is a strong push for a minimalist conception of the agency in order to ensure that something is put in place quickly that fits existing structures and that does not offend political sensitivities (Article by Dick Oosting).

21/06/2005 – Presentation by Dick Oosting, Director of Amnesty International EU Office at the EP Committee on Women’s Rights Public hearing on combating violence against women, 21 June 2005.

20/06/2005 – Amnesty International writes to the incoming UK Presidency of the EU highlighting concerns raised in three EU countries reports (Versione italiana disponibile).

20/06/2005 – The treatment of foreign nationals detained in ‘temporary stay and assistance centres’ (CPTAs) (Versione italiana ugualmente disponibile).

Amnesty international releases reports on UK, Spain, Italy