The European Parliament has adopted three resolutions condemning escalating human rights violations in Iran, Afghanistan and Indonesia, while calling for stronger international
action, sanctions and accountability measures.
EU lawmakers condemn Iran crackdown and demand expanded sanctions
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voiced solidarity with the Iranian people amid what lawmakers described as the deadliest crackdown on protesters in the country’s modern history. Parliament strongly condemned the use of the death penalty to suppress dissent and called for its complete abolition.
MEPs denounced the reported secret executions of dissidents — including minors — carried out in March and April, and demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners.
The Parliament urged the European Union to widen sanctions against Iranian officials involved in repression, particularly members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and institutions linked to the Supreme Leader. Lawmakers also called for travel bans on IRGC members and their relatives, as well as the closure of Iranian diplomatic missions allegedly connected to transnational repression.
In addition, MEPs pressed the EU and allied nations to help Iranians bypass state-imposed internet blackouts by providing secure access to communication tools.
Citing warnings from the UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Iran that the government’s actions may amount to crimes against humanity, Parliament called on the EU to ensure the mission receives adequate funding.
The resolution passed with 516 votes in favour, 14 against and 39 abstentions.
Parliament condemns Taliban policies targeting Afghan women and girls
Lawmakers also sharply criticised the Taliban’s newly adopted Criminal Procedure Code for Courts, describing it as a mechanism for the systematic persecution of women and girls in Afghanistan.
According to MEPs, the legislation institutionalises severe human rights abuses, including gender apartheid, corporal punishment and forced restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
Parliament called on the Taliban authorities to repeal the code immediately, halt public floggings and executions, and remove restrictions targeting women, girls, LGBTQ+ individuals, religious minorities and other vulnerable groups.
MEPs urged the EU to strengthen pressure on Taliban leaders through expanded sanctions and the enforcement of International Criminal Court arrest warrants. They also called for increased humanitarian support for famine relief efforts and for Afghan women’s rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, judges and women-led organisations.
The Parliament further appealed to EU institutions and member states to formally condemn slavery, child marriage and gender apartheid at all diplomatic levels, and to support efforts to classify such acts as crimes against humanity under a proposed international treaty.
Lawmakers reiterated their opposition to recognising or normalising relations with the Taliban government and criticised the decision to invite Taliban representatives to Brussels.
The resolution was approved by 480 votes to 5, with 83 abstentions.
Indonesia urged to investigate attacks on activists
In a separate resolution, MEPs condemned recent acid attacks against Indonesian environmental and human rights activists Andrie Yunus and Muhammad Rosidi, calling on authorities to investigate the incidents and end impunity for rights violations.
Parliament also expressed concern over recent legal reforms in Indonesia that expand military influence in civilian affairs, warning that the measures could weaken democratic oversight and threaten fundamental freedoms.
Lawmakers raised alarm over proposed legislation on disinformation, broadcasting and cybersecurity, arguing that the measures risk increasing restrictions on freedom of expression and limiting protections for human rights defenders.
Despite describing Indonesia as a key EU partner in addressing regional security, economic and environmental challenges, MEPs insisted that human rights, labour standards and environmental protections must remain central to EU-Indonesia relations.
The Parliament also highlighted worsening conditions in Papua and West Papua, urging that the issue be addressed within the framework of the EU-Indonesia Human Rights Dialogue.
The resolution passed with 469 votes in favour, 38 against and 62 abstentions.