Europe

Press release

The New Generalised Scheme of Preferences Approach: Commission Organises Civil Society Dialogue

This press release summarizes discussions on the European Union’s revised Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) framework ahead of its 2027 implementation. It highlights proposed changes to GSP+ eligibility, strengthened compliance and monitoring mechanisms, concerns regarding human rights performance in beneficiary countries, and the relationship between trade preferences and international human rights obligations.

Press release

World Press Freedom Day 2026: European Parliament Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Journalists and Democratic Resilience

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2026, the European Parliament highlighted the global decline of media independence due to violence, legal harassment, and AI-driven disinformation. Experts and lawmakers demanded the EU move beyond condemnation to concrete action, such as better funding distribution, monitoring internal violations of the Media Freedom Act, and using diplomatic leverage to protect journalists worldwide.

Press release

Addressing Forced Exile, Removal of Nationality and Statelessness: The EU Extends Support to Stateless People Worldwide

This article summarises a European Parliament exchange of views on statelessness, forced exile, and the deprivation of nationality as tools of repression. Speakers highlighted how authoritarian governments and discriminatory legal systems leave millions without nationality, restricting access to healthcare, education, documentation, and protection. Testimonies from Nicaragua and the Rohingya community illustrated the severe human consequences of forced displacement and denationalisation, while experts and civil society representatives called for stronger EU sanctions, more coherent foreign policy, improved asylum protections, and sustained international accountability efforts.

Press release

The European Parliament Targets Industrialized Misogyny: A Call For Urgent Ban on AI “Nudifier” Apps

This article covers a European Parliament FEMM Committee hearing on the rise of AI-facilitated gender-based violence, particularly the spread of non-consensual deepfake pornography and “nudifier” applications. Experts, lawmakers, and civil society representatives warned that existing AI and digital platform laws are failing due to weak enforcement and profit-driven platform models. The hearing stressed the urgent need for stronger corporate accountability, EU-wide bans on exploitative AI tools, improved protection for women and children online, and a proactive approach that treats digital safety as a fundamental human rights and public health issue.

Press release

Human Rights Defenders Warn of Escalating Criminalisation and Violence Against LGBTIQ+ Communities in Africa

This article summarises a European Parliament DROI exchange of views on the escalating criminalisation, violence, and discrimination faced by LGBTIQ+ persons, particularly across Africa and among displaced queer communities. Speakers highlighted how anti-rights legislation increasingly targets identity, advocacy, healthcare, and public expression, while displaced LGBTIQ+ refugees face severe violence, exclusion, and humanitarian neglect. The discussion stressed the importance of sustained EU engagement, protection for human rights defenders, stronger asylum safeguards, and support for locally led initiatives grounded in universal human rights principles.

Press release

European Parliament Addresses Forced Recruitment of Foreign Nationals in Russia’s War of Aggression in Ukraine

This press release highlights a European Parliament hearing on the forced recruitment of third-country nationals into Russia’s war against Ukraine. It points to growing evidence of trafficking, coercion, and deception targeting vulnerable migrants through false job offers and exploitative recruitment networks. The hearing called for stronger international cooperation, victim protection, and accountability for those responsible.

Article

Pressures, Scandals, and Survival: The Darker Side of Civil Society

This article humanizes Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) by taking a deep dive into the external and internal challenges they face in today’s highly dystopian world. External challenges range from funding cuts, shrinking civic space, and smear campaigns. Internally, issues rise from rigid hierarchies influenced by reputation seeking board members with elite links, donor-imposed conditions that shift priorities, and employees working with low remunerations.

Article

The Price of a Rose: Who Really Pays?

Europe buys roses as symbols of love, yet behind many imported bouquets lies a hidden cost. Pesticides banned within the EU are still used in production abroad, exposing plantation workers, often women with limited protection – to daily health risks, while the final flowers are sold safely in European markets. The real issue is not residue levels for consumers, but whether Europe is willing to take responsibility for the working conditions and environmental harm embedded in its global supply chains.

Press release

DROI Mission to Türkiye Highlights Continued Human Rights Concerns and Stalled Democratic Progress

Members of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights conducted a mission to the Republic of Türkiye to assess human rights, the rule of law, and democratic governance within EU Türkiye relations. Led by rapporteur Isabel Wiseler-Lima, the delegation met governing and opposition parties, civil society organisations, journalists, and independent media. The mission evaluated implementation of European Parliament resolutions and examined conditions affecting political rights, judicial independence, and freedom of expression. Meetings and prison visits informed a critical assessment, highlighting democratic backsliding, misuse of terrorism legislation, and prolonged detention of political figures, while emphasising Convention obligations under international human rights.

6th GHRD International Film Festival: Human Trafficking Edition
Submission Deadline: 9th August 2026
Submission Form