The European Parliament has adopted three separate resolutions expressing deep concern over deteriorating human rights situations in Haiti, China and Venezuela, calling for
urgent reforms, accountability, and stronger international action.
Haiti: children caught in cycle of gang violence and trafficking
MEPs voiced alarm over the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in Haiti, where criminal gangs are increasingly involved in child trafficking and recruitment. According to lawmakers, children now make up as much as half of some armed groups’ ranks.
The Parliament stressed that minors involved in gangs should be treated primarily as victims rather than perpetrators. It called for comprehensive disarmament efforts, the dismantling of criminal networks, and reintegration programmes tailored specifically for children and young people.
The resolution also highlights widespread sexual violence used by gangs as a tool of intimidation against women and girls. MEPs urged immediate access to medical services, psychological support, and legal assistance for survivors, alongside stronger investigations into abuses, including alleged extrajudicial killings.
Lawmakers pressed Haitian authorities to reinforce social protection systems, expand access to safe education, and strengthen justice mechanisms. They also reaffirmed EU support for a rights-based response to the crisis.
At the international level, Parliament called for full enforcement of the UN arms embargo and stronger efforts to stem illicit arms and financial flows. It also urged increased humanitarian funding, warning that global support is falling short, and appealed for an end to deportations of Haitians from host countries.
The resolution passed with 511 votes in favour, 21 against, and 42 abstentions.
China: Parliament rejects “ethnic unity” law and calls for prisoner releases
In a second resolution, MEPs condemned a new Chinese law on “ethnic unity and progress”, arguing it promotes forced assimilation and restricts cultural, religious, and linguistic freedoms in regions including Tibet, Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia.
Lawmakers called on Beijing to repeal the legislation immediately, stating it contradicts international human rights obligations. They also demanded the release of political prisoners, including prominent Uyghur academic Ilham Tohti, a Sakharov Prize laureate.
The Parliament emphasised that the selection of the Dalai Lama must remain strictly a religious matter, guided solely by Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
MEPs warned that continued enforcement of the law could seriously damage EU–China relations. They also condemned transnational repression targeting individuals in Europe and urged member states to reconsider extradition agreements with China.
In addition, Parliament called for the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime to be applied against those responsible for implementing the contested law.
The resolution was adopted with 439 votes in favour, 52 against, and 71 abstentions.
Venezuela: amnesty law criticised as inadequate and ineffective
Turning to Venezuela, MEPs criticised the recent handling of the country’s Amnesty Law, following the announcement of its termination on 23 April.
Lawmakers said the law had failed to meet expectations for political reconciliation, citing its limited scope, lack of independent oversight, and discriminatory application.
Parliament expressed serious concern that at least 470 political prisoners remain detained under what it described as inhumane conditions. It renewed its demand for their unconditional release and restoration of full civil and political rights.
MEPs also warned that any amnesty framework must not shield individuals responsible for human rights violations from accountability.
The resolution urged the Venezuelan authorities to end repression and undertake structural reforms of the judiciary, security forces, and electoral system. It also called for the closure of detention facilities used for arbitrary imprisonment.
Finally, Parliament insisted that EU sanctions on Venezuelan officials responsible for abuses should remain in place until clear progress is made toward a democratic transition, including the dropping of politically motivated charges against opposition figures.
The resolution passed with 507 votes in favour, 31 against, and 35 abstentions.