The European Parliament has adopted three resolutions addressing human rights concerns in Iran, Türkiye, and Uganda.
In the case of Iran, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) criticized what they described as systematic violence by the Iranian authorities against civilians. The resolution specifically highlighted actions targeting civil society members, protesters, women, minorities, and communities. MEPs called for the immediate release of detained women, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi. They expressed concern over reports that recent protests have resulted in approximately 35,000 deaths and warned that these actions could be considered crimes against humanity.
MEPs stated: “Parliament is concerned by reports estimating that the death toll from the recent protests may amount to approximately 35,000 victims and warns that the documented acts meet the threshold for crimes against humanity.” They called for independent documentation of these events by United Nations bodies and preservation of evidence for possible future prosecutions. The resolution urged an end to violence and repression against civilians—such as arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and torture—and demanded authorities stop harassing healthcare workers who treat injured protesters.
The text also reaffirmed support for the Iranian people as “the sole legitimate source of sovereignty in Iran” and asked EU institutions to expand targeted sanctions. MEPs requested a strategy to support detainees’ families and prevent what they described as “hostage diplomacy” by Iranian authorities. The role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is designated by the EU as a terrorist organization, was also mentioned as central to state repression.
On Türkiye, Parliament condemned expulsions of foreign journalists and Christians under national security pretexts without due process or access to evidence. MEPs said: “Parliament strongly condemns the targeted expulsion of foreign journalists and foreign Christians in Türkiye, carried out under unsubstantiated national-security pretexts and without due process.” The resolution called on Turkish authorities to end all forms of harassment against foreign journalists immediately. It also demanded a halt to deportation proceedings against individuals such as Kaveh Taheri and Joakim Medin.
MEPs urged Türkiye to stop using administrative codes N-82 and G-87—which have led at least 300 foreign Christians being labeled security threats—and asked for transparent judicial review processes. Citing concerns from the Commission’s Türkiye 2025 report about restricted media freedom and pluralism in Türkiye, MEPs encouraged continued dialogue with Turkish officials on these issues.
Regarding Uganda’s January 2026 elections, Parliament denounced widespread intimidation during voting along with reports of fraud, violence, internet blackouts, suspension of civil society groups, threats toward opposition leaders—including Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) and Dr Kizza Besigye—and killings such as that of National Unity Platform supporter Mesach Okello.
According to MEPs: “Parliament strongly condemns the conduct of the Ugandan elections on 15 January 2026, which were marred by abuses, widespread intimidation, fraud, violence and a nationwide internet blackout.” They called for unconditional release of detained opposition figures; an end to military trials for civilians; reforms ensuring judicial safeguards; transparency regarding missing persons; comprehensive electoral reforms; no further internet restrictions; critical engagement with Ugandan authorities; prioritization of support for civil society organizations; protection for human rights defenders; independent investigations into alleged crimes against humanity by political or military leaders.
All three resolutions were adopted with large majorities in favor.
