A number of rights and freedoms are still being threatened - Francis Zammit Dimech

A number of our rights and freedoms are still being threatened, and civil society, including many voluntary and non-governmental organizations, are facing challenges in a number of countries around the world, including in Europe and in Malta, Partit Nazzjonalista MEP Francis Zammit Dimech said.

Seaking during a plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels, Francis Zammit Dimech said that although 70 years have gone by the Universal Declaration on human rights was signed, this declaration remains relevant. He referred to the fact that freedom of expression remains under threat, and many journalists are intimidated because of their work, including on European ground. He said that after last year's assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta, in recent days, the Slovak investigative Jan Kuciak and his partner Martina Kusnirova were killed. "These cases not only silence journalists, but also deprive citizens of their right to receive information that is of interest to them," said Zammit Dimech.

The MEP welcomed the fact that the European Union's priorities include freedom of the media, as well as the need to combat impunity, respect for the rule of law around the world, and the need to take the necessary measures to combat terrorism.

Next week, Francis Zammit Dimech, a member of the Committee on Human Rights will form part of a delegation of the European Parliament which will be participating in the 37th session of the Council of Human Rights in Geneva. Zammit Dimech said "Although 70 years have gone by, we are still far from where one can speak of an absolute respect for fundamental human rights, and therefore this issue requires ongoing commitment."

from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2F2HVL6
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