EU-US JHA: Begin a new phase of transatlantic relations based on respect for human rights

EU: Support UN probe into violations of international law during Gaza conflict

27/04/2009 – A new report, to be published this week, entitled ‘Mixed Messages: Obama’s First 100 days’, shows that although there has been some progress under the new administration in changing the counter- terrorism policies and practices of the previous administration, serious challenges still remain. The EU, as a key strategic partner for the US, both under the former and the current administrations, has an important role to play in meeting these challenges.

15/04/2009 – In view of the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 27/28 April 2009, Amnesty International once again calls on the EU to consistently apply its own Guidelines by adopting clear conclusions in favour of full investigation and accountability for violations of international law, including war crimes, committed by both parties in the recent conflict in Gaza and southern Israel.

(Brussels, 3 April) The Heads of State and Government of the EU’s 27 countries should reiterate to President Obama that the EU is willing to accept Guantánamo detainees who are stateless or cannot be returned home, says Amnesty International ahead of the historic EU-US Summit on Sunday.

03/04/2009 – To complement Amnesty International’s programme for the rotating EU presidencies, the following document is intended to address our broader human rights concerns to the full range of EU policy makers and actors. It is additionally directed at relevant EU decision makers that do not necessarily have a background in human rights, but whose work nonetheless can potentially create a real impact.

01/04/2009 – The summit meeting between the USA and EU member states on 5 April 2009 is a historic event. It is historic because it marks the EU‟s first formal discussion with the new US administration, and also because it offers the opportunity to mark a step change in EU-US co-operation. It provides the opportunity to begin to draw to a close the dark chapter of abusive practices, involving states on both sides of the Atlantic, used to combat terrorism, and to open a new chapter in global relations, with both the EU and the USA in a position to show responsible leadership in tackling human rights issues of mutual concern.

EU: Now is the time to act to help end the death penalty in Belarus

24/03/2009 – Over the past five months, the EU has embarked on a new period of engagement with Belarus, including the suspension of travel restrictions, increased bilateral political dialogue and technical cooperation with the Belarusian authorities, and the prospect of the country’s inclusion in the new Eastern Partnership. Furthermore, the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 16 March 2009 specifically recommended the launch of a human rights dialogue with Belarus in the near future.

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Reprieve, and the Center for Constitutional Rights held a Press Conference ahead of next week’s meeting of EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers on: Closing Guantanamo: How can the EU and its Member States help end a human rights scandal       Speakers:     Zachary Katznelson, Reprieve Reed Brody, Human Rights Watch Camilla Jelbart, Amnesty International Irena Sabic, Guantanamo Global Justice Initiative, Center for Constitutional Rights