FIDH published a joint statement ahead of the Council meeting demanding an urgent, strong and unified EU response proportionate to the massive scale and nature of the violations being committed and send an unequivocal message to the authorities that ongoing violations and impunity will not be tolerated.
The Council conclusions echo these concerns and recommendations, namely regarding the allegation of crimes against humanity, an extension to the existing embargo on arms and equipment, and a strong reminder to engage with the authorities through the Everything but Arms (EBA) scheme insofar as respect for human rights is a crucial part of the EU’s trade policy and underpins the granting of trade preferences.