Sakharov Prize Network Conference in the EP in Brussels. Statements by Ulrike LUNACEK (Greens/EFA, AT) and Stavros LAMBRINIDIS, EU Special Representative for Human Rights.

Brussels

conference

LUNACEK, Ulrike (Greens/EFA, AT)

Sakharov Prize

Sakharov Prize Network

LAMBRINIDIS, Stavros (S&D, EL)

Sakharov Prize Network Conference: extracts from the conference in the presence of Sakharov Prize Laureates

SOUNDBITE (English), Ulrike LUNACEK (Greens/EFA, AT), I have to speak up in those parts of the world, where life is more safer for all of us. So that is what I think all of you are telling us, all of you that are here.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ulrike LUNACEK (Greens/EFA, AT), What identifies politics, religion and ethnic diversity, what does it mean for human rights defenders, how can the EU and human rights defenders help making our societies better in respecting ethnic and religious diversity and explain that diversity is a richness and should not been seen as a threat.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ulrike LUNACEK (Greens/EFA, AT), This year we are starting with the first Sakharov Prize fellowship which is for the first time taking place this year in June where we have invited fourteen young human rights defenders from all over the world, seven women, seven men, to come to the European Union and to the Human Rights University in Venice in June in order to help them, to support them in their struggles, it is an investment in empowering the next generation of human rights defenders.

SOUNDBITE (English), Stavros LAMBRINIDIS, EU Special Representative for Human Rights, What is so scary about the cartoonists in Paris that terrorists attacked them and killed them? Obviously freedom of expression is scary; obviously freedom of religion and belief is scary. Why is ISIS in Iraq trying to destroy and discredit any institution in the country that exists, obviously because of the power of vacuum of institutions. Not having independent institutions, having weak institutions, having corrupt institutions, again creates the space for all of those who don't want the rule of law to govern but they want power to govern, it gives them the space to impose themselves on the will of people.

Sakharov Prize Network Conference: extracts from the conference in the presence of Sakharov Prize Laureates

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