On Wednesday, the European Parliament adopted its 2024 annual report on human rights and democracy worldwide, which raises alarms about the deteriorating conditions of human rights globally.

The report was passed with 390 votes in favor, 116 against, and 126 abstentions.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressed deep concerns regarding the increase in authoritarianism, totalitarianism, and populism, pointing to a notable rise in violations of democratic values and international humanitarian law.

The document articulates disapproval over the weakened protection of democratic institutions and procedures, alongside frequent political attacks on international institutions.

It also condemns acts of censorship, threats against independent media, and the diminishing space for civil society across the globe.

The report reiterates the European Union's (EU) strong support for the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court (ICC), emphasizing their essential roles as independent and impartial institutions, especially during a particularly challenging period for international justice.

MEPs have shown grave concern regarding the sanctions imposed on the ICC, describing them as a significant assault on the international judicial system.

They are calling on the European Commission to activate the blocking statute to counteract these sanctions urgently.

Concerns regarding the implications of unregulated artificial intelligence (AI) on democracy and human rights were also addressed in the report.

MEPs warned that improper regulation of AI has the potential to undermine political freedom and integrity in elections.

Furthermore, the report stresses the necessity of protecting women’s rights, highlighting a decline in respect and increasing discrimination and violence faced by women and girls, particularly in conflict situations.

The report underscores the EU’s responsibility to uphold universal democratic values, human rights, international justice, and peace.

It outlines various mechanisms available to bolster these efforts, including suspending European Neighbourhood policy projects linked to human rights violations in non-EU countries, integrating human rights clauses into trade agreements with third nations, and enforcing the EU’s global human rights sanctions regime, commonly referred to as the EU Magnitsky Act.

MEPs pointed out the tools at the EU's disposal to promote and defend universal values, urging their activation.

Among its recommendations, the report suggests that resources allocated to the EU’s Special Representative for Human Rights be increased.

It also calls for enhanced collaboration among European institutions and member states in promoting and protecting human rights.

Prior to the vote, a plenary debate was conducted on Tuesday, where MEPs engaged with the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, to discuss the annual report on human rights and democracy.

This report forms a part of the annual assessments regarding foreign, security, defense, and human rights policies, contributing significantly to the EU's foreign policy shaping process.

Isabel Wiseler-Lima, the rapporteur for the report from the European People's Party in Luxembourg, articulated the urgency of the situation, stating, "Our world is entering a new era, one where international courts, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights are being constantly undermined." She emphasized the EU's obligation to reaffirm its commitment to these values, stating that the European Parliament will persist in advocating against such abuses and will strive to assist those defending democracy.