Interim Report 2017

Universal Everyone has the right to freedom of

thought, conscience and religion; this
Declaration of right includes freedom to change his
religion or belief, and freedom, either
Human Rights alone or in community with others and in
public or private, to manifest his religion
or belief in teaching, practice, worship
Article 18 and observance.

2 Annual Interim Report 2017 3

 About the THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT INTERGROUP ON FREEDOM OF RELIGION OR BELIEF
AND RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE IS A GROUP OF LIKE-MINDED MEMBERS OF THE
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DEDICATED TO ENSURING THAT THE EU, IN ITS EXTERNAL

Intergroup
ACTIONS, PROMOTES AND PROTECTS THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF RELIGION OR
BELIEF.

In December 2014, the European Parliament Conference of Presidents formally established

the Intergroup. The Intergroup is non-partisan, being composed of MEPs from almost all
political groups in the European Parliament. It is also impartial with respect to religion and
belief systemsthe merits and demerits of these are not considered. Rather, the Intergroup
is committed to ensuring that the right to believe or not to believe in accordance with
Article 18 of the ICCPR is upheld for all.

The Intergroup consists of co-chairs Dennis de Jong and Peter van Dalen and bureau
members Lars Adaktusson, Margrete Auken, Hannu Takkula and Miltos Kyrkos.

4 Annual Interim Report 2017 5

 Contents
About the Intergroup................... 5
Introduction from the Bureau...... 8
General Conclusions.................. 10
Institutional Review and
Recommendations...................... 12
General Recommendations
to the EEAS............................. 13
General Recommendations
to the European Commission.19
General Recommendations
to the Council of the
European Union...................... 22
Intergroup FoRB
Failed States................................ 24
Intergroup FoRB
Focal Countries........................... 26
Brunei Darussalam................. 27
China....................................... 28
Eritrea...................................... 29
India......................................... 31
6 Annual Interim Report 2017
Iran........................................... 32
Iraq.......................................... 34
The Maldives........................... 35
Myanmar (Burma)................... 37
Nigeria..................................... 38
North Korea............................ 39
Pakistan................................... 40
Saudi Arabia (KSA)................. 42
Sudan...................................... 42
Annex I European Parliament
Activity......................................... 46
Annex II EP Resolutions on
FoRB related issues.................... 49
Annex III EEAS Activity............ 50
Annex IIII FoRB Intergroup
Activity......................................... 52
Annex IIIII EEAS Activities
from the previous report............ 54
Abbreviations............................. 55
7
 Introduction from
IN 2015 AND 2016, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT INTERGROUP ON FREEDOM OF
RELIGION OR BELIEF AND RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE (THE INTERGROUP) PUBLISHED
ANNUAL REPORTS IN WHICH WE DESCRIBED THE SITUATION OF FORB/RELIGIOUS
MINORITIES IN COUNTRIES OUTSIDE THE EUROPEAN UNION. The reports also

the Bureau
contained a number of recommendations to the EU and its Member States for the
promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) and the promotion of
religious tolerance. In accordance with its mandate, the Intergroup did not analyse the
situation within the European Union.

The annual reports are based on publicly available material, in particular reports
from international and non-governmental organisations. After careful analysis of this
material, we identified focal countries for which we developed short country reports
and added a number of recommendations. Although the analysis was generally well
received, the need was also felt for a more robust methodology, so that it would be
possible to establish a proper ranking of countries in terms of their respect for freedom
of religion or belief. Thus, the Intergroup is currently engaged in a careful selection
procedure to hire relevant academic expertise to assist us in developing such a
methodology. The results of this exercise will appear in next years annual report.

The current report should therefore be considered as an interim report. It does not
contain a full analysis of the developments on the ground since our previous report,
instead it focuses on the implementation of last years recommendations. The analysis
is based on meetings with representatives of the European External Action Service
(EEAS) and the Commission, as well as on contributions from the European Parliament
Research Service (EPRS).

8 Annual Interim Report 2017 9


General
Conclusions
IT IS NOT UNFAIR TO SAY THAT HARDLY ANY
OF THE 2016 RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE
EEAS, THE COMMISSION AND THE COUNCIL
WERE IMPLEMENTED. To simply repeat, similar
recommendations, year after year, is pointless.
We therefore asked ourselves why the European
institutions are not giving more prominence
to human rights and fundamental freedoms in
general, and to freedom of religion or belief in
particular.
Firstly, we cannot help but notice that in the
international arena, the EU has less allies
than before in its fight for the promotion
and protection of human rights. Recent
developments in the US, Turkey and Russia are
not encouraging, to say the least. At the same
time, ever more governments of third countries
deny the universal nature of human rights and
see these as a reflection of western societies.
Secondly, it has become more difficult for the
EU to be convincing in its relations with third
countries, since within the EU there are also
certain governments who see human rights and
the rule of law as obstacles for their own policies,
instead of values on which the EU is based. This
Continued across
10
holds for a wide range of rights, such as judicial
independence, freedom of expression and the
right to privacy. It also affects the protection of
the freedom to manifest ones religion or belief.
It has become just too easy for third countries
to point to these intra-European developments
and undermine the credibility of human rights
dialogues, the EU is engaged in with these
countries
At the same time, we have to acknowledge
that freedom of religion or belief continues to
be imperilled throughout the world. Places of
worship and assembly continue to be attacked,
religious and belief groups continue to suffer on
account of their convictions and governments
continue to oppress the right of their citizens to
exercise their freedom of thought, conscience,
religion or belief.
Faced with these challenges, the importance of
the EU sticking to its tradition of promoting and
protecting freedom of religion or belief cannot
be overestimated. If even the EU or any of its
member states deny the universal value of the
freedom to manifest ones religion or belief,
the global picture will become even gloomier.
Hence, we call upon the European institutions
to show their determination to fight for human
rights and fundamental freedoms, including the
freedom of religion or belief.
Of course, we are aware of the dilemmas for the
EUs external policies. The EU has a number of
economic and strategic interests, for which co-
operation with third countries is vital. We witness
a trade-off between economic, in particular
trade-related, interests and human rights
policies. Similarly, we notice hesitance to raise
difficult human rights issues with countries of
strategic interest, be it because of their dominant
position in other parts of the world, or their role
in helping the EU cope with migration pressures.
This way, we hope that next years report can
For the reasons explained above, we fully expect
the EU to return to prioritising its human rights
policies, even if it brings with it sacrifices of an
economic or strategic nature. The Intergroup
stands for the protection of freedom of religion
or belief in the EUs external relations. We are
convinced that the EUs strong track record
Annual Interim Report 2017
in this area will eventually contribute to its
credibility, not only with citizens in Europe,
but world-wide. We therefore call upon the
European institutions to take up this challenge
and the Intergroup is ready to continue
meaningful dialogues with all interested parties.
We acknowledge the work of those tasked with
promoting FoRB in EU foreign policy, both in
the European Commission (Commission) and
the European External Action Service (EEAS).
Nevertheless, the visibility of these activities
is weak. We are still waiting for a full report on
the implementation of the EU Guidelines on
Freedom of Religion or Belief. The Intergroup,
needs this type of public information to
properly function. Through informal contacts
with the EEAS and the Commission, we know
that attempts are made to raise awareness with
embassies and delegations, but we cannot
report on these activities due to their confidential
nature. This really has to change, dilemmas in the
EUs external relations should not remain behind
closed-doors, the Parliament and the citizens in
Europe need to see what is being done in this
area.
We therefore call for a more meaningful and
transparent dialogue between the Intergroup,
the EEAS, the Council and the Commission. We
can no longer communicate with each other
simply by way of resolutions and conclusions.
At face value, and despite the excellent efforts
made by the Special Envoy of the Commission,
we see too many words and too few actions.
Considering the good, informal relations with
the EEAS and the Special Envoy, we are hopeful
that in the coming year, we can make tangible
progress. Moreover, we want to start a similar
dialogue with the Council, in particular with
its Working Party on Human Rights (COHOM).
be a reflection of strengthened engagement
of the EU-institutions with the promotion and
protection of freedom of religion or belief. The
EU itself, its citizens and the world deserve this.
11
 General Recommendations to the EEAS
1ST GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE EEAS IN LAST YEARS REPORT READ AS
FOLLOWS:

While we have been encouraged in our observations of the Religion in Foreign Policy training
sessions in Brussels this year, it is clear that further training on the EU Guidelines for FoRB is
urgently needed for diplomatic staff in EU delegations. Professor Francois Forets research results
revealed that awareness and expertise is very low. In many cases the delegations were not aware of
the Guidelines, and in cases where this was not the case, they were ill-equipped to implement these
measures particularly in terms of reporting on situations, organising demarches, and engaging in
public diplomacy.

Institutional IMPLEMENTATION

The shocking results of Professor Forets research were discussed within the EEAS in March 2017,

Review and
the EEAS acknowledged and used the results to exerpt more facilitate action on FoRB twithin
the respective delegations. Despite the generall consensus to step up efforts to raise awareness
among the delegations of the Guidelines and to discuss them in detail some completely ignore
the Guidelines. Only two training sessions were organised in Brussels: The European External

Recommendations
Action Service Seminar Religion and Foreign Policy, 13-14 June 2017 and the Human Rights and
Democratisation Training on 19 June 2017.

2017 RECOMMENDATION

This section reviews the activities of the EUs core institutions over the past year (since
the publication of our last report in June 2016), i.e. the EEAS, the Commission and the
Council. We recall last years recommendations for each of these, followed by an analysis
of the state of play with regard to their implementation.
We encourage the EEAS to step up its training sessions and to ensure that all delegations take part
in them. It is imperative that all delegations actively participate, not just those who take an interest
in the protection of FoRB. We therefore recommend setting up a targeted campaign to raise more
awareness about the sessions and that the EEAS organises specific seminars as a standard part of its
annual conference for the heads of EU delegations.

2ND GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE EEAS IN LAST YEARS REPORT:

Concerning EU delegations themselves, the Intergroup recommends: An evaluation of the

implementation of the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief (particularly in countries
highlighted in our country profiles chapter)

IMPLEMENTATION

Although the Annual report on human rights 2016 (foreseen for publication by June or July 2017)
and the Midterm review of the Human rights and democracy Action Plan 2015- 2019 (foreseen
for publication before the end of the year) include information on EU actions to promote FoRB,
an official, comprehensive and public report on the evaluation of the implementation of the EU
Guidelines was never published. The EEAS does present annual reports on the implementation
of the guidelines to COHOM, but these reports remain confidential and European citizens remain
unaware of any specific actions undertaken.

12 Annual Interim Report 2017 13

2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup maintains its 2016 recommendation for the EEAS to provide an official,
comprehensive and public report on the evaluation of implementation of the EU Guidelines.
The Annual report on human rights and the Midterm review of the Human rights and democracy
Action Plans do not specifically provide any details on the implementation of the Guidelines by EU
delegations and the COHOM evaluation cannot be made public. Therefore a public report could
also serve the previous recommendation and improve the quality of the training sessions, identifying
areas in which further clarification is necessary. Furthermore, it helps to identify which delegations
still lack awareness of the content of the FoRB Guidelines and to target the training sessions to
those delegations. Finally, it would create an incentive for delegations to report more diligently
on these matters, in particular, with regards to the focal countries mentioned in our annual report.
Even if certain delegations may argue that raising the issue of freedom of religion or belief may be
ineffective or even be counterproductive in respect of certain countries, it is better to have an open
and frank dialogue with those delegations, than to continue paying lip service to the Guidelines,
whereas in practice they are not implemented by all delegations.
3RD GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE EEAS IN LAST YEARS REPORT:
The development of country-specific FoRB action plans in order to step up the EUs efforts to
protect freedom of religion or belief
IMPLEMENTATION
The EU Human Rights Country Strategies were introduced in 2011 with the aim of achieving a more
targeted and coherent approach to human rights issues in third countries. The second round of
Strategies for 2016-2020, redefined as Human Rights and Democracy Country Strategies (HRDCS)
was launched in 2016 as part of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2015-2019.
The HRDCS are a joint undertaking between the EEAS, the Commission (DEVCO and NEAR) and
Member States.
In 2017, EEAS expects to receive 153 (HRDCS). So
far it has received 114. All the strategies provide a
description of the situation on FoRB in their respective
countries and 21 countries specifically identified FoRB
as a priority. The Intergroup was provided with the pie
chart below to indicate the proportional value FoRB is
given by the EEAS in view of the geographical regions,
however, no public country-specific FoRB action plans
were made available. Through informal dialogue with
the EEAS, the Intergroup was made aware that FoRB
was raised in communications with several delegations
as an item of concern. There were no specific
percentages or evaluation provided with this pie chart.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup recommends that the EEAS continues to develop country-specific FoRB action plans
and to make them public, insofar as possible. It further calls upon the EEAS to engage in more
14
frequent and in-depth exchanges of information with EP and civil society on the situation of FoRB in
those countries that have been identified as at risk in order to strengthen their action to fight FoRB
violations.
4TH GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE EEAS IN LAST YEARS REPORT:
Continued support for civil society organisations, including religious or belief organisations
helping to promote FoRB.
IMPLEMENTATION
Financial support for civil society organisations in the field of human rights is given through the
European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) programme managed by the
European Commission.The EIDHR nominates focal points who are appointed to work in partnership
and liaise with the EU delegations in third countries to engage with civil society organisations
working on FoRB .
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup recommends that EEAS diplomats and the EIDHR focal points organise civil society
workshops whereby they present the EU FoRB priorities and the funding available for initiatives in
this field.
5TH GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE EEAS IN LAST YEARS REPORT:
The Intergroup maintains our recommendation from the 2015 Annual Report to ensure mandatory
FoRB training for at least one staff member per EU delegation in at least our Focal countries. The
Intergroup expresses its willingness to contribute to these training sessions if and when required.
IMPLEMENTATION
Unfortunately, although the Intergroup was and will be invited to some training sessions, no regular
arrangements about the intergroups active contributions to these training sessions were made.
Members of the intergroup or its secretariat so far have attended the meetings as observers but were
not involved in the setting up of these meetings or their format.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup maintains this recommendation and is willing to work in partnership with the EEAS on
building effective frameworks for these training sessions.
Annual Interim Report 2017 15
6TH GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE EEAS IN LAST YEARS REPORT:
The Intergroup regrets that it did not receive any information about the implementation of the
FoRB Guidelines by delegations and calls for an official evaluative report in this respect.
IMPLEMENTATION
EEAS organised informal sessions with country desk officers for members of the Intergroup,
specifically in relation to the focal countries featured in the 2016 report. Despite the limited nature
of these sessions, our informal knowledge about the policies in respect to these countries was
improved.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
Although it remains important to receive an official report on the implementation of the EU-
Guidelines, the informal meetings with desk officers are very useful and should transform into even
more meaningful dialogue.
7TH GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE EEAS IN LAST YEARS REPORT:
EU and Member State representatives in the field and headquarters are urged to use the
various tools presented in the EU FoRB Guidelines, in particular reporting on general and
specific situations, demarches and public diplomacy. Close cooperation with various actors and
stakeholders, both locally as well as internationally, is essential.
IMPLEMENTATION
See above.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The 2016 Recommendation remains valid.
8TH GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE EEAS IN LAST YEARS REPORT:
The Intergroup recommends the EEAS urge all countries that do not currently accept requests for
visits from the UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB to do so in the near future.
IMPLEMENTATION
Upon direct liaison with the Special Rapporteur Dr Ahmed Shaheeds team, we received the
following feedback: Mr. Shaheed has only undertaken one mission, which was in Albania in May
2017. For this mission, the Special Rapporteur sought and received the interaction with the EU
delegation and so institutions last years recommendations me embassies of Member States in
Albania. Furthermore, he will as a matter of course seek meetings with EU delegations on his future
visits, including seeking their intercession in getting access to difficult countries.
16
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup welcomes this cooperation and call for its continuation.
9TH GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE EEAS IN LAST YEARS REPORT:
We encourage EUSR for Human Rights Mr. Stavros Lambrinidis in his mandate to continue his work
on promoting and protecting FoRB as a priority, and we look forward to enhanced cooperation
over the coming year.
IMPLEMENTATION
In 2016 and during the first part of 2017, the EUSR for human rights Stavros Lambrinidis raised FoRB
and the rights of persons belonging to religious and ethnic minorities during bilateral meetings with
partner countries and local and international civil society organisations at headquarter, in Geneva
and New-York as well as during official visits and human rights dialogues. In January 2017, the EUSR
addressed the UN high level event on combating anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred that was co-
organised by the EU, the United States, Canada and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation1. Most
recently, he delivered a statement on behalf of the EU at the Madrid Ministerial Conference on the
Victims of Ethnic and Religious Violence in the Middle East.2
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The intergroup welcomes the direction taken by the EUSR to address FoRB and encourages further
cooperation with the Intergroup when specific mention of FoRB can be difficult with third countries.
To facilitate this cooperation the Intergroup requests being added to the list of bodies consulted as
part of the Human Rights Dialogue briefing session held in Brussels prior to the missions the EUSR
undertakes.
10TH GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE EEAS IN LAST YEARS REPORT:
Respect for FoRB should be consistently monitored as part of the Human Rights Impact
Assessments that are carried out when the EU negotiates new bilateral trade and investment
agreements. Where gross and persistent FoRB violations occur, no such agreements should be
concluded. In the case of less severe violators, FoRB should at least be put on the agenda of the
human rights dialogue which most of these agreements foresee, for as long as the violations
continue.
IMPLEMENTATION
The EU has stepped up its efforts to reach trade and investment agreements with a range of
third countries, among which also several of our focal countries, as identified in last years report.
1 http://eu-un.europa.eu/speech-eu-special-representative-human-rights-lambrinidis-high-level-forum-combating-
anti-muslim-discrimination-hatred/
2 https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage_en/26864/Speech%20by%20H.E.%20Stavros%20
Lambrinidis%20at%20the%20Madrid%20Conference%20on%20ethnic%20and%20religious%20violence%20in%20the%20
Middle%20East
Annual Interim Report 2017 17

Generally, human rights issues, and, in particular, the protection of freedom of religion or belief are
not considered as main obstacles for concluding or deepening trade relations. In this area, the clash
between economic and strategic considerations on the one hand, and the promotion of human
rights is most prominent. We have not been informed of any specific link between trade preferences,
in particular GSP+ arrangements and respect for freedom of religion or belief.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup maintains the 2016 recommendation and urges the EEAS to notify the Intergroup
when trade discussions are foreseen to take place. This will allow the Intergroup to provide key
advice on key FoRB measures to ensure that the necessary provisions are in place as part of any trade
partnership agreement. The Intergroup is aware that the human rights impact assessments in these
cases may not be made public, but provisions like these would provide incentive for co-operation
between third countries and the EEAS to better ensure compliance with International Human Rights
Law.
11TH GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE EEAS IN LAST YEARS REPORT:
The Intergroup welcomes the efforts of the EU delegations at the UN and would like to co-operate
with the delegations in Geneva and New York, in particular, in the context of side events on issues
related to FoRB and the promotion of religious tolerance. It also believes that the number of such
initiatives could usefully be increased.
IMPLEMENTATION
On January 17, the EU co-sponsored the High Level Forum at the United Nations to discuss ways to
combat anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred. Representatives from government, intergovernmental
organisations, civil society, academia, and the private sector took part. The meeting followed
the September 2016 High Level Forum on Global Antisemitism and reflects the international
communitys shared concerns over all forms of discrimination and hatred.
The EU, together with the Maltese Presidency of the Council, organised on 8 March 2017 an event
in the margins of 34th UN Human Rights Council session on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB),
entitled Towards an agenda for implementation. The panel debate aimed at encouraging a
discussion on the recommendations provided in the Special Rapporteurs latest report related to the
guiding framework to implement the right to FORB.
Finally, the EU delegations played a fundamental role in the successful UN ECOSOC accreditation of
a FoRB NGO, Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup welcomes the continued efforts of the EU delegations at the UN, It reiterates its
willingness to co-operate with the delegations in Geneva and New York, in particular, in the context
of side events on issues related to FoRB and the promotion of religious tolerance. It also believes that
the number of such initiatives could usefully be increased.
18
General Recommendations to the
European Commission
1ST GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE COMMISSION IN LAST YEARS REPORT:
The Intergroup warmly welcomes the appointment of Mr. Jan Figel as Special Envoy for the
promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU it answers a call we have
made for a long time. First of all, we propose the extension of his mandate to more than one year,
to the end of the EP term (summer 2019). Furthermore, we stand ready to work together in co-
operation particularly as he considers planning his programme for the mandate ahead.
IMPLEMENTATION
We are grateful for the Commissions decision to extend the mandate of the Special Envoy with
another year, even though we had preferred an extension for the rest of the current Commissions
mandate. In the past year, Mr Figel, has undertaken numerous missions calling for the promotion and
protection of freedom of religion or belief outside of the European Union. He has visited, Iraq, and
Sudan amongst other states, to participate in dialogues with religious and political leaders, in order
to highlight issues concerning FoRB. The Intergroup was provided with mission reports for all of the
above visits, and close contact is maintained between Mr Figel, his team, the Intergroup co-chairs
and secretariat.
We look forward to our continued co-operation with the Special Envoy, whose work has proven to be
most valuable to the intergroup.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
Reiterates its call for the extension of the current mandate of the Special Envoy on
promotion and protection of FoRB outside of the EU to the end of the current Commission
term.
Encourages the Special Envoy to expand the issues that are focused upon under the
mandate to include people of all religions and beliefs, including non-theistic and atheistic
beliefs, in all of the missions that he undertakes.
Calls upon the Commission and High Representative Vice President Mogherini to broaden
the mandate of the Special Envoy to enable him to act on behalf of the HRVP and the EEAS.
In this respect, we encourage the Special envoy and the Special Representative on Human
Rights to intensify their coordination.
Annual Interim Report 2017 19
2ND GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE COMMISSION IN LAST YEARS REPORT:
We call upon the Commission, together with EEAS and the Council, to engage in a permanent
informal dialogue with the Intergroup on how the EU can best contribute to the promotion of FoRB
and religious tolerance. (FoRB recommendation 2016)
IMPLEMENTATION
Instrument (Programme Global Public Goods and Challenges). The global objective of this call for
proposals, which is still ongoing, is to promote intercultural dialogue, cultural diversity and respect
for equal dignity of all people. The action includes an objective to enhance cultural pluralism,
including aspects relating to religion or belief. Grounded in a rights-based approach encompassing
all human rights, activities should enhance sustainable capacities in the area of religious studies and
interreligious dialogue, promote inclusion of different communities and individuals with an inclusive
approach, and using culture and academic resources. The action aims at enhanced understanding,
tolerance and respect for cultural and religious diversity.

Contacts with the European Commission concentrated on meetings with the Special Envoy and 2017 RECOMMENDATION
with EIDHR. These contacts were fruitful. However, insofar as dilemmas involving the economic and
strategic interests of the EU and its Member States are concerned, for example in the context of Once projects have completed, the Commission should provide the Intergroup with an outline of
trade and other external agreements, no meaningful dialogue was yet established. all projects that focused on FoRB and their outcomes. In the event that the specific circumstances of
a project preclude explicit details from being shared, the Commission should at least provide the
In November 2016, Jan Figel took part in a bureau meeting of the Intergroup, during which a intergroup with a general description of its activities.
plan was developed to facilitate further integration of the work of the Commission, EEAS and
the Parliament in their efforts to promote FoRB. The Commission has actively cooperated with
the Intergroup in all of its requests for information, where possible, and has consulted with the
Intergroup in regard to Mr Figels mission planning. Furthermore, in the preparation of this report, 4TH GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE COMMISSION IN LAST YEARS REPORT:
detailed outlines of non-confidential projects funded by the Commission, to promote FoRB, were
made available to the secretariat. We also call for the Commissions continued observation of the EU Guidelines on FoRB.

2017 RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENTATION

The Intergroup calls for more meaningful cooperation between the Commission and the Intergroup,
apart from the meetings with the Special Envoy and with EIDHR. The meetings with the Special See above (in the part on the EEAS).
Envoy could be formalised, , and take the form of quarterly meetings between the co-chairs of the
intergroup and Mr Figel .

3RD GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE COMMISSION IN LAST YEARS REPORT:

While the EIDHR Regulation for 2014-2020 has committed a budget for FoRB, we have yet to see
any evidence of programming over this reporting period. Therefore, we request a mid-term review
(as previously agreed), as well as a forward-looking action plan for FoRB within EIDHR.

IMPLEMENTATION

In consultations for the development of this report, the Intergroup was given access on a confidential
basis to a list of FoRB projects funded through the EIDHR. A full list of projects was not available
due to confidentiality in certain cases. Also, it should be taken into account that projects may have
included FoRB elements whilst not having FoRB related aims as their main priority.

The Multiannual Action Plan 2016-20173 specifically mentions FoRB in its calls for proposals, and the
global EIDHR call in 2017 contains a lot that will focus on FoRB (indicative amount EUR 5 million).

In addition, the European Commission launched in 2017 a call for proposals on intercultural dialogue
and culture, for a total amount of EUR 9,7 million, financed through the Development Cooperation

3 Multiannual Action Plan 2016-2017, Annex 2, 7 December 2015, https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/multi-annual-

action-programme-years-2016-and-2017-european-instrument-democracy-and-human-rights_en

20 Annual Interim Report 2017 21

General Recommendations to the Council
2017 RECOMMENDATION

of the European Union

As opposed to a written report following up on the actions concerning its conclusions, the
Intergroup recommends the commencement of a dialogue between representatives of COHOM and
the co-chairs.

1ST GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE COUNCIL IN LAST YEARS REPORT:

While welcoming the many references to the protection of FoRB and of religious and belief
communities in the Councils conclusions, there seems to be a lack of follow-up given to these
conclusions by the European Commission and the EEAS. For example, we have noticed no response
or action following the Council Conclusions on Pakistan or Sri-Lanka. We therefore recommend
that the Council evaluate the follow-up given to its conclusions by the Commission, the EEAS and
Member States at least within half a year after their adoption.
2ND GENERAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE COUNCIL IN LAST YEARS REPORT:
The Intergroup calls upon the Foreign Affairs Council to encourage ministers to engage directly
with religious leaders. Moderate leaders often hold the key to genuine and reconciliatory processes
in countries and regions torn by religiously motivated conflict. Furthermore, religious leaders can
play an important role in the prevention of radicalisation.

IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION

Freedom of religion or belief remains on the Councils agenda. In the year since the publication of
the last report, FoRB has been mentioned in a number of resolutions and the Council has undertaken
a number of initiatives to promote FoRB. The most recent initiative was an event in Malta, where
civil society organisation, EU officials and other relevant stakeholders came together to discuss
the promotion and protection of freedom of religion and belief, both inside and outside of the EU.
In addition, the Maltese presidency of the Council in tandem with the EU delegation to the UN,
organised a side event at the 31st UNHRC, entitled Towards an agenda for implementation. During
the event stakeholders discussed the best ways to implement the right to FORB.
This year, the following council conclusions explicitly mentioned FoRB;11 12 13 14
Council conclusions on EU Priorities at UN Human Rights Fora4 February 27, 2017
Representatives of COHOM have met with various religious leaders who have visited Brussels
over the past year. Also, through the intercultural and interreligious dialogues facilitated by the EU,
religious leaders are encouraged to work together in order to achieve peace and counter extremism
in the world.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
Given the current situation in the world and the ever greater need to combat violent extremism and
radicalisation, The Intergroup recommends that the Council, along with the EEAS, the Commission
and the Parliament, continue to mobilise the Article 17 TFEU dialogue to engage with religious and
non-religious leaders.

CFSP Report Our priorities in 2016 as endorsed by the Council on 17

October 17, 2016
October 20165
EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World in
September 20, 2016
2015 thematic part6
Council conclusions on Pakistan7 July 18, 2016

4 Council of the European Union http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-5689-2017-INIT/en/pdf

5 Council of the European Union http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-13026-2016-INIT/en/pdf
6 Council of the European Union http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-10255-2016-INIT/en/pdf
7 Council of the European Union http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-11246-2016-INIT/en/pdf

22 Annual Interim Report 2017 23

 Failed States THE INTERGROUP RECOGNISES THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN INCREASED FINANCIAL
SUPPORT, AID AND GOOD GOVERNANCE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE EU AND THE
ASSIGNED FAILED STATES FROM OUR PREVIOUS REPORT. However as mentioned previously,
the current report should be considered an interim report and does not contain a full analysis of
the developments on the ground. The countries which we considered to be classed as such, in our
previous report, included: Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen

FORB RECOMMENDATIONS 2016

In all of these cases basic security is the immediate priority. For this reason, the EU must cooperate
in ensuring that no weapons are delivered to one of the parties in the internal conflict, unless this
is directly related to UN-backed peace-building initiatives. In the case of groups grossly violating
human rights, the EU should ensure that they are deprived of the proceeds of the selling of raw
materials and artifacts, which is, for example, the main source of income for Daesh.

The EU can also contribute by offering emergency humanitarian aid. We encourage the EU to be
generous and careful with its delivery of humanitarian aid to failed states.

We also urge the EU to cooperate with the United Nations in these areas. Generally the EU has
been proactive in supporting basic security in failed states. In Yemen, for example, the EU was able
to support the UN Envoy with technical, political and practical assistance ahead of the ceasefire and
peace-talks in April.

2017 RECOMMENDATION

The Intergroup maintains all of the 2016 recommendations.

24 See Map p26 Annual Interim Report 2017 25

 Focal Countries
Brunei Darussalam
2016 RECOMMENDATION

As the EU continues negotiations for a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, we propose the
inclusion of FoRB as a necessary element to such an agreement.

IMPLEMENTATION

In February 2017, a delegation of EU diplomats visited Brunei with a focus on EU-Brunei relations
and the objectives of promoting the EU and enhancing linkages8. Given the stagnation of
negotiations of the PCA agreement up until now, this visit was an ideal opportunity for the EU to
reiterate the need for the government of Brunei to respect FoRB. Whilst it was clear that trade and
foreign relations were at the top of the agenda for the visit, there was no mention of human rights in
the announcement of the visit.

2017 RECOMMENDATION

We propose that the EU continues to monitor developments concerning the application of Shariah
Law in Brunei, and continues to encourage Brunei to re-engage in the negotiations for a PAC
agreement, with Human Rights being made a key element to the approval of any deal.

Focal Countries

Failed States 8 EEAS Press release, February 02 2017 https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/20049/european-

ambassador-and-senior-diplomats-visit-brunei-promote-eu-and-enhance-linkages_

26 Annual Interim Report 2017 27

2016 RECOMMENDATION
Since EU relations with Brunei are currently only managed via ASEAN, the Intergroup proposes the
opening of direct bilateral relations, at which the EUs FoRB concerns particularly regarding recent
developments should be articulated.
IMPLEMENTATION
The EU has an accredited Ambassador to Brunei, located in Jakarta. Talks for a Partnership and
Cooperation Agreement (PCA) being negotiated between the EU and Brunei came to a halt after
the last round in 2014, following the decision of the Sultan of Brunei to introduce the Shariah Penal
Code to the country.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
We encourage the EU to continue its efforts and deepen its relations with Brunei, and if successful, to
insist that the law is in line with International Human Rights standards and upholds FoRB.
China
2016 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup calls for bold EU diplomacy on FoRB in EU-China Human Rights Dialogues, and to
raise the issues at the highest possible level.
IMPLEMENTATION
On 23 March 20179, HRVP Mogherini confirmed that the 35th round of the annual EU-China
Human Rights Dialogue did not take place in 2016, despite intensive efforts by the EU to organise
the meeting and the commitment made by the Chinese side. The EUs main priorities for the next
round of the Human Rights Dialogue with China would have been to discuss the EU and Chinas
adherence to human rights obligations under domestic and international law, support for freedom of
expression, for civil society and for persons belonging to religious and ethnic minorities, particularly
Uighurs, Tibetans, Falun Gong and the situation of human rights defenders.
Despite this setback, the European Parliament joint motion for a resolution adopted on 15 December
201610 directly and clearly calls upon the Chinese government to respect FoRB in its territory. The
resolutions recommended specific actions to be made by the Chinese authorities, and suggest
several ways to resolve some of the aforementioned issues.
The European Parliament joint motion for resolution adopted on15 December 2016 on the cases
of the Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Academy and Ilham Tohti called on the Chinese government
to stop the demolition of Larung Gar and the eviction of its residents, and in this way to respect
the freedom of religion. It also expresses the European Parliaments opposition to the repressive
regime faced by different minorities, in particular Tibetans and Uighurs, as additional constraints are
9 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini,
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getAllAnswers.do?reference=E-2017-000216&language=EN.
10 European Parliament resolution on the cases of the Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Academy and Ilham Tohti, http://
28
put on the constitutional guarantees of their right to freedom of cultural expression and religious
belief, and to the freedom of speech and expression, peaceful assembly and association, calling
into question Chinas stated commitment to the rule of law and respect for international obligations;
demands that the authorities respect these fundamental freedoms. Lastly, it declares the importance
of the EU bringing up Human Rights violations in China at every political dialogue.Other areas of
the resolution specifically pertain to the case of the Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Academy and Ilham
Tohti condemning the ongoing persecution and marginalisation of Tibetan and Uighur peoples and
cultures by the Chinese authorities and Demands that the freedoms of expression, association and
religion of the Tibetan and Uighur people are fully respected.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup is extremely concerned that there has not been a 35th round of the EU-China Human
Rights Dialogue and urges for discussions to resume as soon as possible.
The Intergroup maintains its call for bold EU diplomacy on FoRB in EU-China Human Rights
Dialogues, and to raise the issues at the highest possible level.
The Intergroup welcomes EEAS China delegations efforts to engage with the Chinese Government
and encourages them to ratify multilateral treaties, such as the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights (ICCPR), adopt recommendations contained in the outcome of its Universal Period
Review, and to work through international fora such as the United Nations to fulfil stated reforms.
The Intergroup believes that deepening EU-China relations should be used as an opportunity for
the EU to develop a contingency roadmap encouraging the Chinese authorities to recognise that
peaceful, open criticism, as well as the respect for human rights and more specifically freedom of
religion or belief make positive contributions towards improving governance.
2016 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup recommends that the EU support NGOs and activists working on FoRB within China
through its EIDHR programming to strengthen advocacy and reporting.
IMPLEMENTATION
The global EIDHR call for proposal in 201611 has a lot on supporting the rights of persons belonging
to minorities and persons affected by caste-based discriminations (indicative amount: 3,65 million
EUR). The EIDHR is currently at the processing stage and is awaiting full applications by shortlisted
applicants.
The EIDHR team affirmed that the 2017 call will focus on support for freedom of religion or belief
and civil societys contribution to the implementation of the EU Guidelines (indicative amount: 5
million EUR). An indicative date for the call is foreseen to be launched in the course of summer or
early autumn of 2017.
www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+MOTION+P8-RC-2016-1346+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN.
11 EU announces 2016 EIDHR global call for proposals, https://eeas.europa.eu/node/9049_en.
Annual Interim Report 2017 29
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup upholds its recommendation that the EU should explicitly support NGOs and
activists working on FoRB within China through its EIDHR programming to strengthen advocacy and
reporting.
Eritrea
2016 RECOMMENDATION
The Commissions decision to provide aid resources to the government of Eritrea went directly
against the EPs resolution (March 10). We urge the Commission to review its decision by taking the
Parliaments opinion into account.
IMPLEMENTATION
The Commission has yet to review the allocation of 200 million of long term support to Eritrea12and
its latest financial report showed the allocation of 12 million in EU official development assistance
(ODA)13. Through the long term support, the EU focuses on energy and governance programmes in
its cooperation with Eritrea. Challenges to that cooperation exist in the form of the low capacity of
Eritreas institutions, an unstable regional situation, restricted access and the host countrys approach
towards aid effectiveness. Even though the EP has been vocal in its condemnation of the government
for human rights abuses, evidenced by its resolution of March 201614, the EU continues to allocate
funds to Eritrea.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
It is understood that the people of Eritrea should not be made to suffer even more as a result of
their governments actions, and that aid is of key importance to the majority of Eritreas citizens.
However, the Intergroup implores the Commission to review the allocation of funds to Eritrea and in
the meantime, make any assistance to the government of Eritrea contingent on its respect for human
rights and the rule of law.
2016 RECOMMENDATION
The EU Guidelines on FoRB provide ample tools for action for the EU delegation in Eritrea. The
Intergroup would like to receive a report outlining the actions taken so far and the actions planned
for the immediate future.
IMPLEMENTATION
12 Eritrea-EU National Indicative Programme 2014-202
https://eeas.europa.eu/sites/eeas/files/eritrea_national_indicative_programme_2014-2020_en.pdf
13 2016 Annual Report on the implementation of the European Unions instruments for financing external action
https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sites/devco/files/annual-report-swd-part-2-2016-456-20161221_en.pdf
14 Situation in Eritrea, European Parliament resolution http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.
do?type=TA&reference=P8-TA-2016-0090&language=EN&ring=P8-RC-2016-0318
30
The Intergroup is yet to receive a report on the actions taken by the EU Delegation in Eritrea.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup maintains the 2016 recommendation for a report from the EU delegation in Eritrea,
outlining any training on FoRB literacy that delegation officials have received, and how they ensure
that FoRB is prioritised in the work carried out and funded within Eritrea by the EU.
2016 RECOMMENDATION
All ongoing EPA negotiations should include conditions relating to FoRB, and Eritrea should be
reminded of its obligations under the Cotonou Agreement.
IMPLEMENTATION
There are currently no ongoing EPA negotiations between the EU and Eritrea. However, the Cotonou
agreement remains in place, and Eritrea continues to ignore its obligations under that agreement.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup maintains its recommendation that the EU should remind Eritrea of its obligations
under the Cotonou agreement.
India
2016 RECOMMENDATION
Given the particularly alarming situation concerning religious minority relations in India, the
Intergroup proposes the allocation of EIDHR funding for religious tolerance.
IMPLEMENTATION
The situation concerning FoRB continues to be alarming. During an event held at the European
Parliament in March 2017, a representative from the Indian Embassy in Brussels shouted down
delegates, telling them that their allegations of mistreatment of minorities in the country were
fabrications that belonged in the past. This made it clear that FoRB is not necessarily an easy topic
to broach with the Indian Government, however it is an absolute necessity that the EU takes a firm
stance against discrimination and Religious Intolerance to ensure the protection of the rights of the
many minorities resident in the country.
This year, there was a joint call for proposals for India under 4 thematic priorities, including the
EIDHR, with an available budget of 8.1 million EUR15. Priorities under the EIDHR lot (1.8 million EUR)
included the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies and direct interventions that benefited
vulnerable groups of people. The lot under Partnership Instrument (0.55 million EUR) also promoted,
15 Joint call for propsals, India
http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/fpi/announcements/grants/20170324_en.htm
Annual Interim Report 2017 31
among other things, EU-India civil society policy dialogue on minority rights. Whilst there was no
specific mention to FoRB as such, FoRB projects will still clearly fall into these categories.
The last EIDHR call from 2014, resulted in 2 projects, currently ongoing, one addressing institutional
bias and discrimination in policing against religious minorities and other vulnerable groups, and
the second, focusing on empowerment of vulnerable groups, particularly religious minorities,
towards realizing their rights and accessing justice through legal interventions, including in cases of
communal violence.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
In deciding which projects will be allocated funding from the recent joint call for proposals, the
Commission and local EU delegation should prioritise projects with a FoRB aspect, especially those
that promote intercultural and interreligious dialogue.
2016 RECOMMENDATION
In all EU FTA negotiations, a chapter is included on Sustainability and Human Rights. In the context
of the EU-India FTA, we urge that human rights be included as a top priority at every stage.
IMPLEMENTATION
The EU-India Summit that took place in March 2016 saw the launch of the EU-India Agenda
for Action 2020, a common roadmap to jointly guide and strengthen the India-EU Strategic
Partnership... A very brief mention of Human Rights was included in the document, calling for a
reaffirmed commitment to the EU-India Human Rights Dialogue. It is yet to be seen if such a dialogue
will take place in 2017, and during a recent trip to India by the High Representative for Foreign
Affairs, cooperation in terms of trade and security seemed to be the priority; none of the public
coverage of the visit had any mention of human rights.
The FTA negotiations between the EU and India are ongoing.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup maintains its recommendation of 2016
2016 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup, acknowledging the source of the problems being largely ideological rooted in the
Hindutva ideology encourages any political parties (both national and European) with an open
political dialogue with the BJP, to raise FoRB as an issue therein.
IMPLEMENTATION
It is not clear whether or not European political parties that have contact with the BJP use their
channels to highlight issues surrounding FoRB. However, more generally, the EU and the Member
States have been interacting with Indian stakeholders and civil society on FoRB in the context of the
32
preparation of UNHRC Universal Periodic Review of India and consequently the EU MS raised FORB
at UPR on 4/5/ 2017 making a number of recommendations.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup recommends that the India delegation in the European Parliament focuses on raising
FoRB matters in its work and in meetings with MPs from Lok Sabha. Simply focusing on economical
and geo-strategic issues ignores the serious violations of FoRB that occur as a result of harsh BJP
policies.
Iran
2016 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup is encouraged by Irans apparent willingness to engage in a human rights dialogue
following JCPOA, and encourages the EU to take the initiative in making full use of this agreement
and initiate the agreed exchange visits of delegations as soon as possible. We encourage all
officials involved to make full use of the EU Guidelines on FoRB in this process.
IMPLEMENTATION
The European Parliament resolution of 25 October 201616 on the EU strategy towards Iran after
the nuclear agreement addresses FoRB directly, stating the European Parliament, Calls on Iran
to respect, protect and fulfil its commitmentsby respecting the rights to freedom of expression,
conscience, religion or belief and by guaranteeing in law and in practice the enjoyment by its
citizens of individual, social and political rights without discrimination or persecution on grounds
of sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, gender, sexual
orientation or other status.
The EU and Iran held the second meeting of the High Level political dialogue in Brussels on 9
November, 2016.17 This meeting followed the first session that took place in February 2016 in Tehran
and is part of the regular exchanges agreed by the HRVP Federica Mogherini and the Foreign
Minister of Iran, Javad Zarif. The discussions in Brussels also formed the basis of an exchange on
human rights with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Majid Takhtravanchi. The next round of the EU-Iran
High Level Dialogue is tentatively planned for mid-2017 in Tehran. It will provide an opportunity for
the second round of discussions on human rights with the relevant authorities of Iran.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup calls on the EEAS and EU in their human rights dialogue with Iran to foster good
governance to ensure that religious or belief or non-belief groups are not prosecuted simply on the
basis of their religious belief or lack thereof .
16 European Parliament resolution of 25 October 2016 on the EU strategy towards Iran after the nuclear agreement,
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-%2F%2FEP%2F%2FTEXT%2BTA%2BP8-TA-2016-0402%2B0%2B
DOC%2BXML%2BV0%2F%2FEN&language=EN.
17 EU-Iran High level Political Dialogue, https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage_en/14459/EU-
Iran%20High%20level%20Political%20Dialogue.
Annual Interim Report 2017 33
2016 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup reminds the EU that some restrictive measures including travel bans and asset
freezes were imposed specifically on human rights grounds, and recommends the continuation and
extension of these until reform measures have been taken, specifically in relation to the protection
and/or recognition of religious and belief minorities, such as the Bahas or the Mandaeans.
IMPLEMENTATION
In response to a written Parliamentary question on 24 January 201718 by MEP Marietje Schaake to
HRVP, Federica Mogherini reaffirmed that Human rights remain a central feature of EU engagement
with Iran and we will continue raising our concerns both bilaterally and in multilateral fora, as clearly
stated in the November Council Conclusions. This first discussion focused on both sides human
rights policies and concerns and touched, inter alia, on the following issues: the death penalty,
womens rights, cooperation with UN mechanisms and adherence to international conventions. The
Joint Statement agreed between the HRVP Mogherini and the Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif, on the
occasion of the HRVP visit to Iran on 16 April, specifically referred to the two sides determination
to enhance and promote human rights and confirmed that dedicated discussions on human rights
would take place, starting with exchanges of visits. The discussion on human rights held in the
context of the High Level Dialogue on 9 November was the start of this process.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
In order to improve relations between the EU and Iran, it is of great pertinence that Iran
communicates on matters such as fair trials and due process, and eliminates any seemingly
discriminatory practices by increasing transparency of its criminal justice system. In order to ensure
this, the Intergroup calls on the EU and EEAS to urge Iranian authorities and specifically courts to
ensure that members of religious minorities are not trialled solely on the basis of religious practices
or beliefs.
Iraq
2016 RECOMMENDATION
The EU can also contribute by offering emergency humanitarian aid. We encourage the EU to be
generous and careful with its delivery of humanitarian aid to failed states.
IMPLEMENTATION
The Cooperation Council under the EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between
the European Union (EU) and the Republic of Iraq met for the second time in Brussels on 18 October
201619. The HRVP Federica Mogherini referred to human rights at the joint press conference
following the event:we had a fruitful meeting getting into the details of all bilateral relations from
energy to trade, from human rights to humanitarian cooperation and many more other sectors
FoRB was never explicitly mentioned in the press release, but it is stated twice that inclusiveness is
18 Parliamentary Questions, http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getAllAnswers.do?reference=E-2016-
008521&language=CS.
19 http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2016/10/18-eu-iraq-relations/.
34
an objective, and that the EU will make sure that inclusiveness is one of the central and unavoidable
themes of discussion.
In its resolution of 24 October 201620 on the situation in Northern Iraq/Mosul, the European
Parliament strongly condemned the ongoing violence and mass executions by ISIS/Daesh in Iraq;
[] strongly condemns the displacement of thousands of Iraqis, including the ethnic and religious
minorities that inhabit northern Iraq; observes with extreme concern that ISIS/Daesh continues to
target Christians (Chaldeans/Syriacs/Assyrians, Melkites and Armenians), Yazidis, Turkmens, Shiites,
Shabaks, Sabeans, Kakai and Sunnis in its attempts to exterminate any religious and ethnic minorities
from the areas under its control.
The Intergroup is pleased to have been informed that the global EIDHR call in 2014 awarded funds
to address religious discrimination in Southern Iraq and continues to offer this opportunity and civil
society organisation through global EIDHR call for proposal in 2016 and 2017 that will be launched
in Summer/Autumn 2017.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup commends the work being done by the EEAS delegation to Iraq in relation to the
security of minorities in the region. The EUs major concern is that currently minorities are fleeing
due to unsafe and intolerable injustice they suffer on the basis of the conflict with Daesh. The
Intergroup maintains the need for the focus on minorities to be on basic security.
2016 RECOMMENDATION
We also urge the EU to cooperate with the United Nations in these areas. Generally, the EU has
been proactive in supporting basic security in failed states. In Yemen, for example, the EU was able
to support the UN Envoy with technical, political and practical assistance ahead of the ceasefire and
peace-talks in April of 2016.
IMPLEMENTATION
On 16 January 201721 The Council of the European Union adopted conclusions on the EU regional
strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the Daesh threat, outlining its priorities. Federica Mogherini
said:
Our determination to end the suffering of the people of Syria and Iraq is stronger than ever. We
decided to increase our political engagement to facilitate the start of the transition in Syria and
renewed our support to the stabilisation of Iraq.22
The EU actively supports a process leading to a credible and inclusive political transition in Syria,
within the International Syria Support Group and in support of the UN Special Envoy de Mistura.
Ministers highlighted in particular their support to the Iraqi government and the need to speed up
reforms in the country. Ministers noted the importance of stabilising the areas liberated from Daesh.
20 European Parliament resolution on the situation in Northern Iraq/Mosul, http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/
getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+MOTION+B8-2016-1165+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN.
21 http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2017/01/16/.
22 http://eu-un.europa.eu/foreign-affairs-council-main-results-syria-iraq-migration/.
Annual Interim Report 2017 35
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup calls on the EU to ensure that the rights of religious and non-religious groups are
guaranteed and protected and that their voices are heard when negotiations for reconciliation come
into play.
The Intergroup commends the work being done by the EEAS delegation to Iraq to maintain
discussions with the Iraqi authorities leading to upcoming elections and urges for the voices of
religious, belief or non-belief groups to be effectively represented post elections.
The Maldives
2016 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup is concerned how the EU continues to allow economic and tourism interests to
prevail over human rights in its bilateral relations with The Maldives, and recommends that the EU
establishes a specific Human Rights dialogue platform before furthering economic ties with The
Maldives. Currently no Human Rights Dialogue is in place but according to the EEAS discussions for
the establishment of this dialogue are under way.
IMPLEMENTATION
Though EU-Maldives relations are not formalised in any kind of Cooperation Agreement and given
there is no EU Delegation Embassy in the Maldives, (any EU exchange has to go through the Sri-lanka
office), effective dialogue on several issues including human rights remains challenging. Despite
these circumstances, relatively close relations have been maintained over the past few decades.
Bi-annual joint missions of the Colombo based EU Head of Missions provide the main opportunity
for dialogue with national authorities and civil society actors reaffirming the EUs commitment
and support to democracy and human rights. Alarms were raised in a statement released by the
European External Action Service23 after the Bill on Protection of Reputation and Good Name and
Freedom of Expression was adopted by the Maldivian Parliament on 9 August, 2016 imposing a
number of restrictions on the freedom of expression, including restrictions on grounds of religion,
defamation and social norms.posing a direct threat to media, political opposition and civil society .
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup maintains its recommendation that the EU establish a specific Human Rights dialogue
platform before furthering economic ties with The Maldives.
The Intergroup suggests that any continued or future Human Rights discussions be undertaken via
a nominated EEAS representative or the EUSR himself on a bilateral basis and not solely via the EU
delegation in Sri-Lanka.
23 Statement by the Spokesperson on restrictions of freedom of expression and independence of the media in the
Maldives, 11 August 2016, https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/sri-lanka/8575/statement-spokesperson-restrictions-freedom-
expression-and-independence-media-maldives_en
36
2016 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup recommends that the protection of religion and belief minorities receive priority in
the context of assistance for good governance programmes, and the EIDHR.
IMPLEMENTATION
Current development and cooperation programmes focus on supporting climate change adaptation
and mitigation and strengthening the national response to drug use but there are no specific FoRB
development programmes in place.24
The constitution continues to recognize Islam as the sole state religion and also forbids the
enactment of any laws contrary to any tenet of Islam imposing its practice on all Maldivian
citizens.25 Article 142 of the Constitution states: The Judges are independent, and subject only to
the Constitution and the law. When deciding matters on which the Constitution and law is silent,
Judges must consider Shariah. In the performance of their judicial functions, Judges must apply the
Constitution and the law impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice.26
2017 RECOMMENDATION
Considering the extreme level of discrimination of any religion other than Islam, the Intergroup
continues to recommend that the protection of religion and belief minorities receive priority in the
context of assistance for good governance programmes, and the EIDHR.
The Intergroup acknowledges that the Maldives judicial system is based on a mix of common law
and Shariah law. The Intergroup encourages the EEAS in their dialogue with the Maldives on good
governance to ensure that Judges are only appointed if they are experts in both areas of law
The Intergroup urges the EEAS and the EU to call upon the Maldives to ensure that citizenship and
the rights tied to citizenship are not stripped of individuals who chose to formally leave their system
of belief.
The Intergroup therefore welcomes that the EU has indirectly funded good governance in The
Maldives through NGO bodies such as Transparency International and Transparency Maldives. The
priorities for these programmes were to build-up the capacity of local officials and local governance
systems as well as empower youth groups organisations.
24 EU Political & economic relations with the Maldives, http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/sri_lanka/eu_maldives/
political_relations/index_en.htm
25 Functional Translation of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives 2008 http://www.majlis.gov.mv/en/wp-
content/uploads/Constitution-english.pdf.
26 Justice Adrift: Rule of Law and Political Crisis in the Maldives A Fact-Finding Mission Report, August 2015, https://
www.icj.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Maldives-Justice-Adrift-Rule-of-Law-Publications-fact-finding-report-2015-ENG.
pdf
Annual Interim Report 2017 37
Myanmar (Burma)
2016 RECOMMENDATION
We propose an analytical report from the EU delegation to ascertain where programming
regarding FoRB may be effective
IMPLEMENTATION
The EU continues to be a critical friend to Myanmar. Political relations between the two actors are
strong, with the EU continuing to support the new governments through the deepening of trade and
investment ties (the EU was the fourth largest foreign investor in the country as of January 2016) as
well as through development cooperation and political dialogue.
In the Council conclusions on EU strategy with Myanmar/Myanmar, published June 2016, the
situation of the Rohingya population was mentioned as was the fact that The European Union
strongly encourages initiatives to promote religious and ethnic tolerance27. Despite this, the
Intergroup is yet to receive an analytical report from the delegation to ascertain where programming
regarding FoRB may be effective.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup maintains its proposal for an analytical report from the EU delegation to assess the
areas where programming promoting the protection of FoRB and encouraging religious tolerance,
may be effective in contributing to stability and peace in Myanmar.
2016 RECOMMENDATION
We propose the EUSRs leadership on Human Rights Dialogues and recommend that the protection
and promotion of FoRB remain high on the agenda of these Dialogues
IMPLEMENTATION
During the third Myanmar-EU Human Rights Dialogue that took place in November 2016, the
EU referred specifically to the need to prevent religious intolerance and hatred, and to ensure
the freedom of persons of minorities to enjoy all of their human rights with a specific mention of
freedom of religion or belief28.
Furthermore, at the most recent UN Human Rights Council, the EU led efforts to pass a resolution
calling for the government to address the human rights violations occurring in the country, with
particular attention to the situation in Rakhine state, and the rights of the persecuted Rohingya
minority.
27 Council conclusions on EU strategy with Myanmar /Myanmar June 20, 2016
http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-10482-2016-INIT/en/pdf
28 3rd Myanmar-EU Human Rights Dialogue, November 25 2016
https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage_en/15867/3rd%20Myanmar-EU%20Human%20Rights%20
Dialogue
29 Resolution 34/22 on the situation of human rights in Myanmar
https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G17/081/98/PDF/G1708198.pdf?OpenElement
38
2017 RECOMMENDATION
Whilst it is understood that promotion of Freedom of religion, belief, thought or conscience is a
politically sensitive approach, especially in a country such as Myanmar, the Intergroup urges the EU
to continue to push for the protection of FoRB within Myanmar.
Nigeria
2016 RECOMMENDATION
Nigerias Supreme Court has not yet ruled on the constitutionality of applying Sharia punishments
in the 12 northern Sharia States. The Intergroup recommends that the EU delegation encourages
the authorities of Nigeria to do so.
IMPLEMENTATION
There has been no action from the Supreme Court and therefore the Intergroup maintains that the
European Union Delegation in Nigeria should encourage authorities to push for such a ruling.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The EU needs to take a strong position and make it clear to the government that there should be no
further stalling in the delivery of the judgement of Sharia law in the 12 northern states.
2016 RECOMMENDATION
EDF funding within rule of law, governance and democracy and EIDHR programming should
include proposals for projects relating to FoRB and the promotion of religious tolerance.
IMPLEMENTATION
(Proposals come from civil society so no way to measure this...)
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup proposes that the EU continues to encourage Civil Society organisations to apply to
29
its various funds to ensure funding for such work.
2016 RECOMMENDATION
Compliance with FoRB should remain an ongoing condition for the continuation of the Economic
Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
IMPLEMENTATION
Annual Interim Report 2017 39
In the past year, the EU has contributed 92 million to Nigeria in ODA and the country continues to
benefit from the GSP scheme. The 2014-2020 Country Strategy Paper remains in place, as do the
priorities to strengthen the rule of law and good governance in Nigeria. The advent of the Fulani
herdsmen and the continued presence of Boko-Haram provide large obstacles for the government
in its efforts to maintain and protect FoRB within the country.
However, Nigeria is yet to sign the Economic Partnership agreement with the EU. President Buahri
has stated that the reason for the lack of ratification is that technical concerns raised by Nigerian
government officials had not been answered satisfactorily by their European counterparts30.
Compliance with FoRB remains a condition for the EPA. There is a need to ensure continued
compliance and to introduce sanctions for governments, that fail to adhere to their obligations under
International Law.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
As the EU continues talks with Nigeria regarding the ratification of the EPA, it should make clear the
need for the respect of FoRB as well as all other human rights by the parties to the agreement.
North Korea
2016 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup is aware that the EU leverage in North Korea is minimal and could therefore be
questionable as a focal country. The EU clearly does not have constructive bilateral fora with North
Korea but equally still urged the European Commission and EEAS to be vocal and active in the
relevant International platforms such as the UN. The Intergroup supports the comprehensive Joint
Motion Resolution passed by the european Parliament on 20th January 2016, including the urging
of North Korea to fully implement the recommendations of the 2014 UN Commission of Inquiry.
We repeat here the resolutions calls made on HR/VP to further monitor and report on the situation,
and to develop the EUs strategy making use of the expertise of South Korea. The Intergroup urges
the EU to take leadership in negotiating this, where traditionally there has been a reluctance in the
region to act without the initiative of the US.
IMPLEMENTATION
Although the EU established diplomatic relations with North Korea in 2001 (not disregarding the
bilateral diplomatic relations many Member States already had in place), meaningful dialogue with
the regime has been and continues to be very difficult, if not impossible. States involved on the Six
Party Talks dominate the negotiations, of which the EU nor any other member state is part of. The
western voice in the region is still dominated by the US. The EUs influence is only relevant in that it
continues to supply some humanitarian aid.
Concerns continue to be raised on the human rights violations and in October 2016 the United
Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on the human rights situation in the DPRK.31 This was
30 http://www.businesstimes.com.ng/buhari-why-nigeria-is-yet-to-sign-economic-partnership-agreement-with-eu/
31 http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/a_c3_71_L23.
pdf
40
directly followed by a discussion/debate held on December 9, 2016 under the Spanish presidency
and requested by 8 other council members.32
On April 6, 2017 the European Council adopted further restrictive measures towards the DPRK,
These measures complement and reinforce the sanctions regime imposed by United Nations
Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.33, the most recent being the UN Security Council Resolution
2321, adopted in 2016. The UN press release for which, refers to Human Rights several times,
mentioning the grave human rights situation in the country.34
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup maintains the 2016 recommendation.
The Intergroup further supports the recommendation in the comprehensive Joint Motion Resolution
passed by the European Parliament on 20th January 201635 urging North Korea to fully implement
the recommendations of the 2014 UN Commission of Inquiry and calls on the EEAS to maintain
this point as central to all human rights discussion with North Korea on this basis. The 2014 UN
Commission of Inquiry highlights the almost complete denial of the right to freedom of thought,
conscience and religion. Believers are prohibited from practicing their religion and punished
severely if disobedient. The ruling regime considers the spread of Christianity a particularly severe
threat.36
Pakistan
2016 RECOMMENDATION
It is the Intergroups assessment that Pakistan is failing to effectively implement the ICCPR (and
failing to show intent to comply) by continuing the death sentence for blasphemy, and should
therefore have its GSP+ status revoked. The Commissions own 2016 report on GSP+ compliance
presented evidence which clearly agrees with our assessment, and we urge the Commission to
launch its own full inquiry into this, with a view of suspending or revoking Pakistans GSP+ status.
32 http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_pv_7830.pdf
33 https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/south-korea/24348/press-release-eu-expands-sanctions-against-democratic-
peoples-republic-korea-dprk_en
34 https://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sc12603.doc.htm
35 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+MOTION+P8-RC-2016-
0083+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=en
36 Report of the detailed findings of the commission of inquiry on human rights in the Democratic Peoples Republic of
Korea, BBC, 7 February 2014, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/17_02_14_nkorea_unreport.pdf.
Annual Interim Report 2017 41
IMPLEMENTATION
The EU maintains a close bilateral relationship with Pakistan. According to the last report of the
Commission, the EU provided 110million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the country.
Pakistan also continues to benefit from the GSP+ scheme, despite the recommendations of the
Intergroup that its privileges be curtailed until the government demonstrated that it was complying
with its human rights obligations under International Law.
The fact that this recommendation was not followed is of concern, especially considering that on its
assessment of GSP+ beneficiaries compliance with their obligations, published in January 2016, the
European Commission mentions several issues related to freedom of religion (p. 193), such as the
hate speech, inter-sectarian violence and violence against religious minorities, misuse of blasphemy
law.
As highlighted above, even though the Commission highlighted its concerns with the state of FoRB
in Pakistan during its last review, there have been no steps taken to reduce the privileges afforded to
Pakistan by way of the scheme.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
Whilst it is clear that the revocation of GSP+ status could lead to bigger problems for Pakistan,
the Intergroup feels that is necessary to put in place an interim warning measure in which the
government is penalised for not complying with its obligations under International Law.
2016 RECOMMENDATION
We call on the EU to make use of the EIDHR instrument to offer programmes on inter-religious
tolerance.
IMPLEMENTATION
FORB is one of the EUs human rights priorities regarding Pakistan and addressed at program level
under countering religious extremism (IcSP) and freedom of religion and belief (EIDHR).
The IcPS program Engaging Diverse Religious leaders to promote culture of tolerance,
reconciliation and peace seeks to engage Muslim madrasah teachers and non-Muslim religious
leadership in capacity building and awareness raising programmes to bring social change.
In addition two local programmes are currently implemented, under the EIDHR CBSS aiming at
protecting freedom of religion and belief by advocating for policy changes and amendment of
discriminatory laws as well as advocacy and awareness raising. The three programs have an overall
budget of over 1.8 million. In 2017, the local call under the EIDHR CBSS prioritized FoRB and up to
EURO 500.000 will be allocated to projects under this lot. The selection process is currently ongoing.
2016 RECOMMENDATION
We call on the EU to organise training exchange programmes for judges, police forces and public
prosecutors.
42
IMPLEMENTATION
There is no evidence of training exchange programmes having been organised between the EU
and Pakistan, however strengthening good governance and the rule of law is a priority in the Multi-
Annual indicative programming of the EU for the period 2014-2020.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup maintains its recommendation that a portion of the 97million allocated is used to
implement training and exchange programmes.
Saudi Arabia (KSA)
2016 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup is concerned that the EU continues to allow economic interests to prevail over
human rights in its bilateral relations with KSA, and recommends that the EU sever further
economic ties with KSA, including the denial of travel access for persons related to the regime, and
to prioritise human rights in all bilateral relations. The EU must also work with international partners
to stop financial flows from KSA to violent Wahabi groups across the world.
IMPLEMENTATION
It is telling that on the website of the EU delegation to the GCC countries, specifically on the page
that outlines relations between the EU and Saudi Arabia, there is no mention of good governance
or human rights. Though the EU has established a political dialogue through the Cooperation
Agreement concluded in 1988, human rights feature nowhere as a priority.
During a meeting with the EEAS, EU officials indicated to us that Wahabism, which represents a very
specific theological strand within Islam, needs to be understood properly before it is used as an
equivalent to violent extremism or jihadi Salafism. This in and as of itself is a problem, given that the
EU will not acknowledge openly the Kingdoms links to terrorism, and the subsequent oppression of
its own citizens.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup maintains the recommendation that the EU severs its ties with Saudi Arabia, and
works to encourage others to do the same, until there is a stem to the flow of money provided by
KSA to terrorists, and respect from the government towards the human rights of its citizens.
Sudan
2016 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup asks the EEAS to engage with Sudan with regard to the countrys upcoming
constitutional changes.
Annual Interim Report 2017 43
IMPLEMENTATION
Despite the fact that the EU is gradually transforming its humanitarian aid to development assistance
in Sudan (in 2017 there was 250 million euros worth of projects in the respective regions of Sudan)
and Sudanese civil society is currently a beneficiary of funding from the European Instrument for
Democracy and Human Rights37, Since 2015, the EU and respective member states like Germany
have been supporting a series of workshops in Sudan about constitutional processes. Max Planck
Institute has reached out to various political parties, constitutional lawyers, representatives of various
regions, judiciary and the relevant committees of the National Assembly. In the next phase the
outreach is planned to involve more civil society and the media. The EU Delegation was present at
these workshops and has been in constant dialogue with the Government and other stakeholders.
Despite this progress, religious diversity continues to be extensively challenged. Laws from the 1991
criminal code on apostasy and blasphemy have not been applied within all the states This violates
both the international agreements signed by Sudan and contradicts the interim Constitution of 2005.
It will remain to be seen how the new Constitution amends this discrepancy.
The EU has made it clear that the constitutional discussion is at the core of the national dialogue
taking place in Sudan. We therefore agree with Mr. Figels statement 38(on his recent mission in March
2017) on the importance of upholding FoRB in the Constitution and his recommendation for the
state to be constructed as a state based on equal citizenship for all. He advocated for reform of the
legal framework in order to ensure consistency with international agreements in the area of religious
freedom. In October 2014, the EU Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions provide guidance for EU
engagement on the issues. The African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (which also receives
EU funding) is the main international community facilitator for this process and sadly it has not been
fully inclusive, transparent or held discussions in a conducive environment with guaranteed basic
freedoms.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup commends EU engagement with Sudan on the basis of human rights through the
EIDHR and development programmes, however we maintain our 2016 recommendation to ensure
assistance and support for good governance in view of the implementation of the new constitution
(to secure inclusion of International Human Rights Law standards ) at this crucial phase.
2016 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup is concerned about the prevalence of Shariah and the consequences for religious
minorities and maintains that EU aid should only be provided on the basis of cooperation with
international human rights law, protection FoRB or non-belief minority groups. Furthermore,
the Intergroup recommends that the protection of FoRB and in particular of religious and belief
minorities receive priority in the context of assistance (from the EU) and good governance
programmes.
37 http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sites/devco/files/factsheet-eu-development-cooperation-with-sudan_en.pdf.;https://
eeas.europa.eu/delegations/sudan/26676/european-union-ambassador-europeans-look-back-pride-and-look-forward-hope_
en.
38 https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/24024/european-envoy-freedom-religion-or-belief-
sudanese-partners-open-dialogue-religious-diversity_en
44
IMPLEMENTATION
On 17th February, 2016 the European Institutions received Foreign Minister Prof. Ibrahim Ghandour
at a meeting in which HR/VP Mogherini stated the EUs commitment to peace and security in Sudan,
and an additional 100 million was set aside to address root causes of irregular migration and
displacement by improving the living conditions of vulnerable groups. issues of migration.39
The collaborative efforts of the Special Envoy, the international community and the Sudanese human
rights defenders/civil society.recently resulted in the presidential pardon of two pastors in Sudan,
Hassan Abdel-Rahim and Abdel-Monim Abdel-Mawla. It is an encouraging step regarding freedom
of religion or belief in the country. Czech missionary Peter Jaek had already been pardoned in
February 2017 upon the request of the collaborative efforts between the Czech government, the
international community and the Sudanese human rights defenders/civil society. The two pastors
were sentenced to 12 years for colluding with Jaek who had been condemned for espionage,
waging war against the state and inciting hatred against religious congregations.40
Figel was able to meet with human rights defender Dr Ibrahim Mudawi in his place of detention in
March 2017, yet the length of detention and delays in due process remain a source of concern.41
Among several meetings the Special Envoy had with various ministers and actors in Sudan, he
also met with the Sudanese Foreign Minister, Professor Ibrahim Ghandour to discuss co-existence,
tolerance and social cohesion.42
We commend the EUs support for the recent call by UN Independent Expert, Aristide Nononsi, for
the immediate release of Dr Mudawi and of Hafiz Idris, another human rights defender.43 We urge
the EU to closely engage with the government of Sudan on this matter.
2017 RECOMMENDATION
The Intergroup welcomes the action taken on behalf of the European Parliament with regards to
FORB in Sudan. It particularly supports the resolution that addresses the detention of pastors in
Sudan and urges the European Parliament to be even more specific in its recommendations. The
Intergroup calls upon the EU to provide support in the form of good governance training and
programmes so that the practice of the death penalty in Sudan is abandoned, ensuring fair trials with
sufficient, solid and legitimate evidence.
The Intergroup is extremely concerned at the Sudanese regimes religio-ethnic agenda of
Islamisation and Arabisation. The Intergroup particularly urges global partners from Muslim countries
to address this development, as well as those at the level of European political parties with political
links to calls on friends in other Muslim countries to join the effort to roll back this process.
EIDHR funding is also used to fund religious tolerance projects, including inter-faith dialogue.
The Intergroup recommends that the protection of FoRB and in particular of religious and belief
minorities receive explicit priority in the context of assistance for good governance programmes.
39 http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/sudan/documents/press_corner/2016/170216_en.pdf
40 http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article61932
41 https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/sudan/27121/statement-spokesperson-sudanese-human-rights-defender-dr-
mudawi_en.
42 http://allafrica.com/stories/201703160252.html.
43 https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/27121/statement-spokesperson-sudanese-human-
rights-defender-dr-mudawi_el
Annual Interim Report 2017 45
Annex I European Parliament Activity
European Parliament resolution on the cases of the Larung Gar Tibetan 15 December
Buddhist Academy and Ilham Tohti 2016

15 December
European Parliament resolution on mass graves in Iraq
Whilst the European Parliament has no co-decision powers on foreign affairs, it does hold the 2016
Commission and the council to account for their actions. It also engages in dialogue with the HR/ European Parliament resolution on Indonesia, notably the case of Hosea
VP, either orally or through written questions, and can elaborate recommendations to the Council or 19 January 2017
Yeimo and Ismael Alua and the Governor of Jakarta
the HR/VP. The Parliament also has direct political relations with third countries via its Delegations,
and MEPs can raise FoRB in the EP in their own capacity by hosting events and hearings. Perhaps the
European Parliament resolution on the situation in the Central African
strongest tool at the EPs disposal is its right to put forward amendments to the European budget 19 January 2017
Republic
(in accordance with article 314 TFEU) which it must agree to in negotiation with the Council. The
common foreign and security policys budget is part of the overall budget, with the exception of
European Parliament resolution on the 2016 Commission Report on
operational expenditure relating to military policies.44 This means that the Parliament does have 15 February 2017
Bosnia and Herzegovina
the power to block certain budget lines relating to foreign policy or agree only conditionally, i.e. by
putting forward statements to these budget lines explaining the conditions under which the money European Parliament resolution on the 2016 Commission Report on
15 February 2017
may be spent. Such statements can, for example, relate to the human rights situation in a third Albania
country, if the latter receives assistance from the EU.
European Parliament resolution on EU priorities for the UN Human Rights
16 March 2017
Although not legally binding, the Parliaments resolutions should also be mentioned here. Council sessions in 2017
Concerning the promotion and protection of human rights through the EUs external policies, a European Parliament resolution on addressing refugee and migrant
range of resolutions have been adopted with recommendations for the HR/VP, the Commission 05 April 2017
movements: the role of EU External Action
and Member States. listed are those relating to FoRB, which have been adopted over the reporting
period (June 2016 June 2017 urgency resolutions are in red):
Intergroup Members were involved in many of these resolutions namely the Intergroups
amendments to the Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2015 and the EU
European Parliament resolution on Myanmar, in particular the situation of
07 July 2016 Policy on the matter. Through the Intergroups intervention the report included six comprehensive
the Rohingya
paragraphs on FoRB on pages 29 and 3045, which state:
European Parliament resolution on Bahrain 07 July 2016
Freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief
European Parliament resolution on Sudan 06 October 2016
Freedom of religion has been under attack in many parts of the world. Persons belonging to religious
European Parliament resolution on human rights and migration in third minorities have been persecuted and forced to flee from lands they inhabited for centuries. The
25 October 2016
countries violations of human rights perpetrated by ISIL/Daesh and other terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq
have been particularly brutal and widespread, and were unreservedly condemned by the EU.
European Parliament resolution on the situation in Northern Iraq/Mosul 27 October 2016

European Parliament resolution on EU strategic communication to
counteract propaganda against it by third parties
European Parliament resolution on the situation in Syria
European Parliament resolution on the case of Ildar Dadin, prisoner of
conscience in Russia
European Parliament resolution on the Annual Report on human rights
and democracy in the world and the European Unions policy on the
matter 2015
European Parliament resolution on the implementation of the Common
Foreign and Security Policy
23 November In this context the implementation of the 2013 EU guidelines on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB)
2016 remained a priority in 2015. Making full use of these guidelines, numerous statements and calls have
been made to remind States of their primary duty to protect everyone, not least persons belonging
24 November to religious minorities, from discrimination, violence and other human rights violations. Freedom of
2016 religion or belief was systematically raised with many partners at different levels of political dialogue,
including in human rights dialogues and consultations. The EU also engaged through public
24 November
statements and discreet diplomacy on individual cases, such as that of Asia Bibi, the Christian woman
2016
convicted of blasphemy by a Pakistani Court.
14 December
In multilateral fora, the EU presented initiatives on FoRB, both at the Human Rights Council and at the
2016
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). At the March session (HRC 28), the EU-led resolution on
freedom of religion or belief was adopted by consensus. The resolution included a reference to the
14 December
report of the Special Rapporteur on FoRB on the need to tackle manifestations of collective religious
2016
hatred. The explicit language on the right not to have a religion, which was introduced for the first

44 The Council can also decide to leave certain other expenditures outside the EUs budget, but only if it decides so 45 EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World in 2015, 20 June 2016, http://data.consilium.
unanimously. europa.eu/doc/document/ST-10255-2016-INIT/en/pdf.

46 Annual Interim Report 2017 47

 Annex II EP Resolutions on FoRB related
time in the 2013 resolution, was confirmed. In the margins of HRC 28, the EU delegation in Geneva
organised a side event with the Special Rapporteur on FoRB, to explore how to tackle religious

issues
hatred within the current international human rights framework.

At the 70th session of the UNGA, the EU-led resolution on FoRB was also adopted by consensus.
The EU achieved its main objective of focusing on the protection of people belonging to religious
communities and minorities around the world, ensuring the inclusion of an explicit reference
to religious extremism that affects the rights of individuals, as well as a call to states to provide
adequate protection to persons and communities at risk of violent attack on the grounds of their European Parliament resolution on Freedom of expression in Bangladesh
religion or belief. including the full endorsement of the principle of non-discrimination and 26 November 2015
equal protection for people holding non-theistic or atheistic beliefs
The EU continued to engage with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the
implementation of resolution 16/1834, and was represented at the 5th Istanbul Process meeting held European Parliament resolution on Afghanistan, in particular the killings in
26 November 2015
in Jeddah in June 2015. the province of Zabul

As regards the EUs financial instruments, in 2015, FoRB-related projects selected under the EIDHR European Parliament resolution on the Annual Report on Human Rights
2013 global call for proposals on combating discrimination continued to be implemented in Asia, and Democracy in the World 2014 and the European Unions policy on 17 December 2015
Eurasia and the Middle East. Moreover, additional funding for FoRB was committed to a limited the matter
number of reserve-listed projects, bringing total EIDHR support for the promotion of FoRB to more
European Parliament resolution on the EUs priorities for the UNHRC
than EUR 11 million. The instrument now covers FoRB-related activities in all regions of the world. 21 January 2016
sessions in 2016
Generally the Intergroup was satisfied with the adoption of our proposed amendments here and European Parliament resolution on North Korea 21 January 2016
this section was far more comprehensive than last year but we were still disappointed at the
exclusion of two proposals concerning the establishment of a focal point in the EEAS for matters Joint motion for a resolution on the systematic mass murder of religious
03 February 2016
relating to religion or belief46, and the need for reporting on the implementation of FoRB policy.47 minorities by the so-called ISIS/Daesh
So far, there has been no clear mention or follow-up on the adoption of the EU FoRB Guidelines, a European Parliament resolution on the human rights situation in Crimea,
recent EEAS report shows that implementation of these guidelines is lacking. When the Intergroup 04 February 2016
in particular of the Crimean Tatars
met with several countries48 during a roundtable discussion on Freedom of Religion. We were
not encouraged by the feedback and found there is still a severe lack of understanding of these European Parliament resolution on the situation in Eritrea 10 March 2016
guidelines and on how to implement them at the delegation level. The upcoming training will focus
European Parliament resolution on freedom of expression in Kazakhstan 10 March 2016
on amending these issues and seek to fill the literacy gap on this issue
European Parliament resolution of on implementation and review of the
13 April 2016
EU-Central Asia Strategy

European Parliament resolution on the 2015 report on Turkey 14 April 2016

European Parliament resolution on Pakistan, in particular the attack in

14 April 2016
Lahore

European Parliament resolution on Nigeria 14 April 2016

European Parliament resolution on Tajikistan: situation of prisoners of

09 June 2016
conscience

European Parliament resolution on Vietnam 09 June 2016

46 We call for the EEAS to create an office to act as focal contact point for religion or belief matters, which would
be responsible for the promotion and protection of freedoms of religion or belief, and for facilitating dialogue between EU
delegations and relevant religious and belief organisations.
47 Reporting on country and local situations, engaging in close cooperation with local actors, especially with leaders of
religious or belief groups including respect for freedom of religion or belief rights in Human Rights Impact Assessments that
are carried out before the EU decides to conclude new trade and investment agreements and urging countries not currently
accepting requests for visits from the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief to do so.
48 These countries included Sudan, The Maldives, Brunei, Iran and Iraq, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Saudi Arabia; China
was notably absent.

48 Annual Interim Report 2017 49

Annex III EEAS Activity
The Foreign Affairs Council refined the EEAS remit on FoRB at the adoption of the EU Guidelines
on the promotion and protection of FoRB on 24 June 2013, to which the Intergroup actively
contributed. The EU raises FoRB at different levels of political dialogue, including in its human
rights dialogues and consultations with partner countries. In 2017 the EU raised FoRB in 14 human
rights dialogues. Since the publication of the last Intergroup report49 the EEAS has made numerous
statements and has undertaken a wide variety of actions on FoRB, including:
The 71st UNGA resolution, in addition to maintaining the updates of previous years, explicitly
refers to the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive community-based preventive approach,
involving a wide set of actors, including civil society and religious communities to fight against acts
of terrorism. (December 2016)
Statement by High Representative Federica Mogherini on the attack against the Quebec Islamic
Cultural Center. Like Canada, the European Union firmly supports freedom of religion and diversity
as a source of strength of our societies, and will keep protecting and promoting it. (January, 2017)50
Following the Guidelines committed to make use of all available tools, to promote a culture of
mutual respect, diversity, tolerance, dialogue and peace and coordinate, as appropriate, with
regional and international organisations in order to do so the EU supports initiatives in the field
of intercultural and interreligious dialogue in the spirit of openness, engagement, and mutual
understanding, including in the framework of UNESCO, the UN Alliance of Civilisations, the Anna
Lindh Foundation, and the Istanbul process. Most recently, on January 17, the EU co-sponsored
the High Level Forum at the United Nations to discuss ways to combat anti-Muslim discrimination
and hatred were representatives from government, intergovernmental organizations, civil society,
academia, and the private. The meeting followed the September 2016 High Level Forum on
Global Antisemitism and reflects the international communitys shared concerns over all forms of
discrimination and hatred. (January,2017)
Opening remarks by the High Representative Federica Mogherini at the debate on the travel
restrictions following the US Presidents Executive Orders, at the European Parliament Mini-Plenary
Session. No one no one can be deprived of his or her own rights because of their place of birth,
their religion, or their ethnicity. (01/02/2017)51
The EU, together with the Maltese Presidency of the Council, organised an event in the margins
of 34th Human Rights Council Session on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB), entitled Towards
an agenda for implementation. The panel debate aimed to encourage a discussion on the
recommendations provided in the Special Rapporteurs latest report related to the guiding
framework to implement the right to FORB. The HRC 34 resolution on FORB was adopted by
consensus.(March 2017)
The EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights, Stavros Lambrinidis, delivered today the EU
49 In Annex III, please find the activities by EEAS regarding FoRB during the previous reporting period.
50 https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/19481/statement-high-representativevice-president-
federica-mogherini-attack-against-quebec-islamic_en.
51 https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage_en/19727/Opening%20remarks%20by%20Federica%20
Mogherini%20at%20the%20debate%20on%20the%20travel%20restrictions%20following%20the%20US%20Presidents%20
Executive%20Orders,%20at%20the%20European%20Parliament%20Mini-Plenary%20Session.
50
statement on the behalf of the European Unions High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy Federica Mogherini at the High-level Segment of the 34th session of the United Nations
Human Rights Council, taking place in Geneva from 27 February 2017 to 24 March 2017 (March
2017)52.
Discussion session at the EEAS with ULB Professor Francois Foret regarding the outcome of how EU
delegations handle religion, a project is funded by Belgium and the European Commission. It draws
on an online survey of 38 EEAS delegations around the world as well as interviews with national
and European officials and representatives of civil society in Brussels, Washington and Tokyo.
(11/03/2017)53
Statement by the High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on the attacks on Coptic
Churches in Egypt, says those responsible for the attacks must be held accountable. Worshippers, no
matter what their belief is, should always be free to pray in peace. (09/04/2016)54
Statements by the Spokesperson on the ban of the activities of Jehovahs Witnesses in Russia,
stating that The European Union continues to promote freedom of religion or belief as a right to
be exercised by everyone everywhere, based on the principles of equality, non-discrimination and
universality (21/04/2017)55
The EEAS continued to raise awareness of the guidelines and FoRB related issues among its staff
and representatives of the EU member states by organising various training sessions and workshops.
Next training will take place in June in Brussels: The European External Action Service Seminar
Religion and Foreign Policy Brussels, 13-14 June 2017 and the Human Rights and Democratisation
training on 19th June 2017. (June 2017)
52 https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/21716/eu-special-representative-human-rights-
addresses-34rd-session-human-rights-council_en
53 https://www.coleurope.eu/system/files_force/research-paper/edp_7_2017_foret.pdf?download=1
54 https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/24450/statement-federica-mogherini-attacks-coptic-
churches-egypt_en.
55 INSERT
Annual Interim Report 2017 51
Annex IIII FoRB Intergroup Activity
As the Intergroup seeks to advance the EUs commitment to FoRB in the coming year, we expect to
build on our work from the previous year. For reference, here follows a list of some of our actions
over the reporting period (June 2015 June 2017). For more information please visit our website at
www.religiousfreedom.eu.
17 October 2016: Intergroup Welcomes
Mandate of EU Special Envoy and Calls for
Inclusive and Global Approach56
7 November 2016 Meeting: Intergroup co-
Chair Dennis de Jong meets with Mercedes
Garcia Peres EEAS Head of Division for HR.
14 November 2016 Meeting: Intergroup
co-Chair Dennis de Jong welcome the Grand
Mufti of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Muslim
Community.
16 November 2016 Bureau Meeting: in the
presence of Mercedes Garcia Peres EEAS Head
of Division for HR and EU Special Envoy Jan
Figel.
6 December 2016 Press Release, Event:
International Humanist and Ethical Union Report
Launch Event hosted by Intergroup co-Chair
MEP Dennis de Jong
6 December 2016: New report shows:
Persecution of adherents of non-theistic and
atheistic beliefs in the world on the rise57
13 December 2016 Press Release: Intergroup
welcomes Nadia Murad and Lamiya Aji Bashar
being awarded 2016 Sakharov Prize58
14 December 2016 Press Release: FoRB
Intergroup welcomes special attention given to
hopes for increasing safety of Christians in 25th April, 2017 Event: How religious and
Egypt61. belief communities reach out to each other
through words and deeds hosted by Intergroup
1 March 2017 Round Table: Discussion at the co-Chair Dennis de Jong and in the special
EEAS on the Intergroups Annual Report Focal presence of the UN Special Rapporteur on
Freedom of Religion or Belief in the EP Human Countries Freedom of Religion or Belief, Dr Ahmed
Rights Report59 Shaheed. European Parliament, Brussels. The
29 March 2017 Event: Challenges to Freedom event was held in partnership with EPRID,
21 December 2016 Press Release: EU FoRB &RT of Religion or Belief in India, Nepal and Pakistan Religions for Peace, Eurodiaconia and the
Intergroup calls on the EEAS to step up its efforts panel discussion hosted by Intergroup co- Bosnian and Herzegovina Muslim Community.
for the protection of Ahmadiyya in Pakistan60 Chair Peter van Dalen with Christian Solidarity
Worldwide, in the European Parliament, Brussels. 26th April, 2017 Event: Life after IS-Ensuring
18 January 2017 Event: Freedom of Religion a safe return for persecuted minorities panel
or Belief and the Persecution of Christians in the 5 April 2017: Intergroup Bureau Meeting in discussion hosted by Intergroup co-Chair Peter
World today hosted by Intergroup co-Chair Peter Strasbourg van Dalen in the European Parliament, Brussels
van Dalen, ECR, S&D and Open Doors. The event
was held to launch the World Watch Monitor List 6 April 2017: Meeting with new Article 17 April, 2017 Congratulations Letter for the EU
in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Vice-President of the European Parliament MEP Special Envoy Jan Figel
Mairead McGuinness
25 January 2017 Event: Intergroup Member
MEP Andrew Lewer hosted an event with the
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
(Mormons) entitled European Union, United
Kingdom, and Commonwealth cooperation in
the promotion of freedom of religion or belief
(FoRB). The event was organised in partnership
with the European Parliament Intergroup on
FoRB & Religious Tolerance.
6 February, 2017 Message of Support for the
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community: a message of
support was provided by Intergroup Co-Chair
Dennis de Jong for the Ahmadiyya campaign
regarding one of their members, Shakoor Bhai,
who had been jailed in Pakistan and charged
under the anti-Ahmadi laws.
21 February, 2017 Press Release: Intergroup

56 http://www.religiousfreedom.eu/2016/10/17/intergroup-welcomes-mandate-of-eu-special-envoy-and-calls-for-
inclusive-and-global-approach/
57 http://www.religiousfreedom.eu/2016/12/06/new-report-shows-persecution-of-adherents-of-non-theistic-and-
atheist-beliefs-in-the-world-on-the-rise/.
58 http://www.religiousfreedom.eu/2016/12/13/intergroup-welcomes-nadia-murad-and-lamiya-aji-bashar-being-
awarded-2016-sakharov-prize/.
59 http://www.religiousfreedom.eu/2016/12/14/forb-intergroup-welcomes-special-attention-given-to-freedom-of-
religion-or-belief-in-the-ep-human-rights-report/
60 http://www.religiousfreedom.eu/2016/12/21/eu-forb-rt-intergroup-calls-on-the-eeas-to-step-up-its-efforts-for-the-
protection-of-ahmadiyya-in-pakistan/. 61 http://www.religiousfreedom.eu/2017/02/21/intergroup-hopes-for-increasing-safety-of-christians-in-egypt/.

52 Annual Interim Report 2017 53

Annex IIIII EEAS Activities from the Abbreviations
previous report
A statement on the legislative passage of the Buddhist Womens Special Marriage Bill in The Intergroup EP Intergroup Freedom of HRVP High Representative Vice
Myanmar (July, 2015) Religion or Belief & President Mogherini
Religious Tolerance CSO Civil Society Organisations
Visit of the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to China, during which he urged FoRB Freedom of Religion or UNHRC United Nations Human Rights
China to amend provisions that could curtail freedom of religion and belief. (November, Belief Council
2015)
Commission European Commission CFSP Common Foreign and
The protection of FoRB was raised during the 34th EU-China Dialogue on Human Rights. EEAS European External Action Security Policy
(November, 2015) Service EDF European Development Fund
Council Council of the European EPA European Partnership
The protection of FoRB was included in the exchanges on human rights in the context of the Union Agreement
6th EU-Lao PDR Human Rights and Governance Dialogue in Vientiane. (November, 2015) EU European Union ECOWAS Economic Community of
ULB lUniversit libre de West African States
The EU enquired about the follow-up to the last visit of the UN Special rapporteur on Bruxelles IcSP Instrument Contributing to
Freedom of Religion or Belief during the EU-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue. (December,
COHOM The Council Working Party Peace and Stability
2015)
on Human rights GCC Gulf Cooperation Council
In February 2016, the EU stated its priorities within the UN, expressing commitment to HRDCS Human Rights and ASEAN Association of South East
continue to promote FoRB, strongly opposing religious intolerance, and calling for greater Democracy Country Asian Nations
protection of persons belonging to religious and other minorities against persecution and Strategies
ODA EUs Official Development
violence. (February 2016) EIDHR European Instrument for Assistance
Democracy and Human EP European Parliament
The Geneva delegation hosted a half-day informal panel discussion on Combatting Rights
MS Member States
religious intolerance: How to make the best use of existing frameworks? with the Universal EUSR European Union Special
Rights Group. The event presented an opportunity to exchange views, reflections, and UPS Universal Periodic Review
Representative for human
information on recent developments, ahead of the 31st session of the UN Human Rights rights BJP The Bharatiya Janata Party
Council in March, where the fight against religious intolerance and discrimination will once MP Member of Parliament
GSP+ Generalised System of
again be a key political priority for the international community. (9 February 2016) MEP Member of the European
Preferences
FTA Free Trade Agreement Parliament
Like in previous years the EU Delegation also hosted a side event with the UN Special
UN United Nations JCPOA Joint Comprehensive Plan of
rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief in the margins of the March session of the
Action
Human Rights Council. (8 March 2016: The Interdependence of Freedom of Religion NGO Non-Governmental
or Belief and Freedom of Expression). In addition, it co-hosted a public lecture on the Organisation ICCPR International Covenant on
occasion of the 30th anniversary of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom Civil & Political Rights
ECOSOC United Nations Economic
of Religion or Belief with the title Freedom of Religion or Belief as an Indispensable Part of and Social Council CBSS Country Based Support
the Human Rights Framework (March 2016). Scheme
Special Envoy Special Envoy for the
promotion & protection of
During the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting, the HR/VP emphasised the importance of
FoRB out of the EU
promoting freedom of religion or belief as a useful tool to prevent and counter violent
extremism and terrorism. (April, 2016)

In his keynote speech Ambassador/Head of EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS,

Ambassador Michel Arrion on the occasion of World Human Rights Day 2016 mentioned
FoRB. (May 2016)

54 Annual Interim Report 2017 55

The European Parliament Intergroup on Freedom
of Religion or Belief and Religious Tolerance is a
group of like-minded MEPs dedicated to ensuring
the EU, in its external actions, promotes and
protects the right to freedom of religion or belief.

To contact the Intergroup please email:

secretariat@religiousfreedom.eu

www.religiousfreedom.eu

56