PROJECTO DE RESOLUCIÓN DEL PARLAMENTO EUROPEO SOBRE CRISIS MIGRATORIA Y HUMANITARIA DE VENEZUELA (EN INGLÉS)

JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

pursuant to Rule 123(2) and (4) of the Rules of Procedure

on the migration crisis and humanitarian situation in Venezuela and at its terrestrial borders with Colombia and Brazil  

on behalf of the EPP Group

on behalf of the ...

European Parliament resolution on the migration crisis and humanitarian situation in Venezuela and at its border,

The European Parliament,

-        having regard to its previous resolutions on Venezuela, in particular those of 27 February 2014 on the situation in Venezuela, of 18 December 2014 on the persecution of the democratic opposition in Venezuela, of 12 March 2015, of 8 June 2016, of 27 April 2017, of 8 February 2018 on the situation in Venezuela, and of 3 May 2018 on the presidential elections in Venezuela,  (EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, Greens)

-        having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, (EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, Greens, EFDD)

-        having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, (EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, EFDD)

-        having regard to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, (EFDD)

-        having regard to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, (EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE)

-        having regard to the statement of 8 February 2018 by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Ms Fatou Bensouda, (EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, EFDD)

-        having regard to the statement of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Venezuela of 31 March 2017, (EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, EFDD)

-        having regard to the Report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights “Human Rights Violations in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela” of 22 June 2018, (EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, Greens, EFDD)

-        having regard to the joint statement of 28 April 2017, by the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, (EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE)

-        having regard to the G7 Leaders’ statement of 23 May 2018, (EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE)

-        having regard to the declarations of ‘El Grupo de Lima’ of 23 January 2018, 14 February 2018, 21 May 2018 and 15 June 2018, and 2 June 2018 (EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE)

-        having regard to the declaration of 20 April 2018 by the Organisation of American States (OAS) on the worsening humanitarian situation in Venezuela, (EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, EFDD)

-        having regard to the report of the General Secretariat of the OAS and the panel of independent international experts on the possible commission of crimes against humanity in Venezuela of 29 May 2018, (EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE)

-        having regard to the report of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights “Democratic Institutions, the Rule of Law and Human Rights in Venezuela,” of 12 February 2018, as well as its resolution of 14 March 2018,(EPP, ECR, ALDE,EFDD)

-        having regard to the declarations of 26 January, 19 April and 22 May 2018 by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) on the latest developments in Venezuela, (EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE,EFDD,)

-        having regard to the EU Council conclusions of 13 November 2017, 22 January, 28 May and 25 June 2018,(EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, Greens, EFDD)

-        having regard to the statement of the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides of the official mission to Colombia in March 2018, (EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE,EFDD)

-        having regard to the statement of 23 April 2018 by its Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group,(EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE)

-        having regard to Rules 135(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.    whereas the situation of human rights, democracy and rule of law in Venezuela continues to deteriorate; whereas Venezuela is facing an unprecedented political, social, economic and humanitarian crisis, characterised by insecurity, violence, human rights violations, deterioration of the rule of law, lack of medicine and social services, loss of income and increasing poverty rates (S&D A, ALDE G), which is resulting in increasing number of deaths, migrants and refugees;  (EPP A, S&D A, ECR A, ALDE A, Greens A, EFDD C);  

B.     whereas a growing number of people in Venezuela, in particular vulnerable groups such as women, children and sick people, are suffering from malnutrition as a consequence of limited access to quality health services, medicines, food and water; whereas 87 % of the population of Venezuela is affected by poverty, with extreme poverty at 61.2%; whreeas maternal mortality has inreased by 60%, infant mortality up to 30%; whereas in 2017 malaria disease has increased 69% from a year before this being the largest increase worldwide, and other diseases such as tuberculosis and measles are at the limit of becoming epidemics; (S&D B);

B (new)

whereas despite the readiness of the international community, regrettably the Venezuelan Government persists in denying the problem and refusing to openly receive and facilitate the distribution of international humanitarian aid; (EPP B, S&D B, ECR B, ALDE E, EFDD D/E);

C.     whereas the economic situation has significantly worsen; whereas the International Monetary Fund has projected that hyperinflation in Venezuela will soar to 13 000 % in 2018, up from an estimated 2 400 % in 2017, resulting in price increases of, on average, almost 1.5 percent each hour; (EPP C, S&D C, ECR C, ALDE F);

D.    whereas an UN Human Rights report published on 22 June 2018 spotlights the failure of Venezuelan authorities to hold accountable perpetrators of serious human rights violations that include killings, the use of excessive force against demonstrators, arbitrary detentions, ill - treatment and torture; whereas impunity also appears to be pervasive in favour of security officers suspected of extrajudicial killings of demonstrators; (EPP D, S&D D, ECR D, ALDE J, EFDD F);

D (new)

whereas according to the report of 29 May 2018 by a panel of independent international experts designated by the OAS seven crimes against humanity have been committed since at least February 2014 in Venezuela and the government itself has been responsible for the current humanitarian crisis in the region (ALDE I); whereas the ICC prosecutor announced the opening of a preliminary investigation into alleged crimes committed in Venezuela since April 2017 (ALDE J);

E.     whereas the elections hold on 20 May 2018 were conducted without complying with the minimum international standards for a credible process, not respecting political pluralism, democracy, transparency and rule of law,what pose additional constraints to resolve the political crisis; whereas the European Union together with other democratic bodies recognise neither the elections nor authorities put in place by this illegitimate process;  (EPP F, S&D I, ECR E, ALDE L);

F.      whereas the current multidimensional crisis in Venezuela is generating the largest population displacement in the region (EFDD G); whereas according to the UNHCR and IOM, the number of Venezuelans who have left the country has increased dramatically, from 437 000 in 2005 to over 1.6 million in 2017; whereas around 945 000 Venezuelans have left the country between 2015 and 2017; whereas in 2018 the total number has surpassed 2 million people since 2014; whereas there is 2 000% increase in the number of Venezuelan nationals seeking asylum worldwide since 2014, reaching more than 280 000 by mid – June 2018; (EPP F, S&D E, ECR F, ALDE B, Greens B/C, EFDD A/B);

F(new)

whereas 520 000 Venezuelans in the region have accesssed to alternative legal forms of stay; whereas more than 280 000 Venezuelans have claim refugee status worldwide; whereas Venezuelan applicants for international protection in the EU have increased by over 3 500% between 2014 and 2017 (ALDE D); whereas its estimated that more than 60% of Venezuelan remain in irregular situation (S&D F);

G.    whereas according to UNOCHA, Colombia is hosting the biggest share with over 820 000 Venezuelans living at its territory (EFDD H); whereas Cucuta and Boa Vista, on the border with Venezuela, are seeing a major influx often in dramatic health and nutrition conditions (EFDD K); whereas Peru, Chile, Argentina, Panama, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Bolivia and Paraguay are equally facing great numbers of migrants and refugees; whereas maritime routes are becoming more significant, particularly in the Caribbean islands such as Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana; whereas the European countries are also being increasingly affected, in particular Spain, Portugal and Italy; whereas host countries are coming under increasing strain in terms of providing assistance to new arrivals; (EPP G, S&D F, ECR G, ALDE C, Greens D, EFDD M);

G (new)

whereas Colombian national and local authorities are commendably working in order to grant the enjoyment of basic human rights (such as right to primary education, right to basic health services) to people fleeing, regardless of their status; (EFDD I); whereas local communities, religious institutions and Colombian people are welcoming Venezuelan migrants in a spirit of fraternity and are giving proof of a great resilience and solidarity (EFDD J);

H.    whereas on 7 June 2018 the EU announced a package of 35.1 million euro in emergency aid development assistance to support the Venezuelan people and the neighbourhood countries affected by this crisis; whereas this financial contributions will be added to the 37 million euros that the EU has already engaged in humanitarian aid and cooperation projects in the country (S&DH); whereas as of 13 June 2018 there is 56% funding gap in the UNHCR supplementary Appeal for 41.1 million (S&D G);

(New) whereas every month more than 12,000 Venezuelans enter the Brazilian State of Roraima, of which around 2700 stay in the city of Boa Vista; whereas Venezuelans already represent more than 7% of this city population and at this rhythm by the end of the year they will be more than 60,000; whereas this demographic influx represents an enormous pressure on the city’s public services, namely public health and education, whereas Roraima is one of the poorest States of Brazil with a very narrow work market and shallow economy which is another obstacle for the migrants and the refugees integration; (S&D J)

H (new)

whereas the European Parliament has sent an ad hoc delegation to the Venezuelan borders with Colombia and Brazil from 25 to 30 June to assess the impact of the crisis on the ground; (S&D K)

1.      Is deeply alarmed and shocked by the devastating humanitarian situation in Venezuela resulting in many deaths and unprecedented influx of migrants and refugees to neighbouring countries and beyond; expresses its solidarity with all Venezuelans forced to flee their country because of the lack of very basic living conditions such as food, drinking water, health services and medicines; (EPP 1, S&D 1, ECR 1, ALDE  1/4, EFDD 1)

2.      Urges the Venezuelan authorities to recognise ongoing humanitarian crisis, prevent its further deterioration, and promote political and economic solutions ensuring safety for all civilians and stability for the country and the region;  (EPP 2, ECR 2, ALDE 2, Greens 1, EFDD 9/10)

3.      Demands the Venezuelan authorities to allow unimpeded humanitarian aid into the country as a matter of urgency to prevent the aggravation of the humanitarian and public health crisis, particularly against the reappearance of diseases such as measles, malaria, diphtheria and food-and-mouth disease, and to grant unhindered access to international organisations wishing to assist all affected sectors of society; calls for the rapid implementation of a short-term response to counter malnutrition among the most vulnerable groups such as women, children and sick people;  (EPP 3,  S&D 2, ECR 3, ALDE 3, EFDD 8/11); is extremely worried about the amount of unaccompanied children crossing the borders; (EFDD 5)

4.      Commends the Colombian government for its prompt reaction and support provided to all incoming Venezuelans; equally praises Brazil and other countries in the region, in particular Peru, regional and international organisations, private and public entities, catholic church, as well as citizens of the whole region for their active help and solidarity towards Venezuelan migrants and refugees; (EPP 4, S&D 3, ECR 4, ALDE 5, EFDD 2);  calls on EU Member States to provide immediate protection-oriented responses to Venezuelan migrants or refugees in their soil, such as humanitarian visas, special stay arrangements or other regional migratory frameworks, with the relevant protection safeguards (S&D 3); calls upon the Venezuelan authorities to facilitate and speed up the issuance and renewal of identification documents to their own nationals either in Venezuela or abroad (ALDE 9);

5.      Calls on the international community, including the EU, to establish coordinated, comprehensive and regional response to the crisis and to intensify their financial and material assistance to recipient countries by fulfilling their commitments; warmly welcomes the EU humanitarian aid allocated so far and urgently calls for additional humanitarian support, in particular to be released via emergency funds, in order to meet rapidly increasing needs of the Venezuelan crisis in the neighbouring countries;  (EPP 5, S&D 4/5, ECR 5, ALDE 6/7, Greens 2/4, EFDD 3)

6.      Reiterates that the humanitarian crisis reflects a political one (S&D 6); strongly calls upon the Venezuelan authorities to ensure that all human rights violations and any violations against civilians be immediately put to an end, and that all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, freedom of press and freedom of assembly to be fully respected; (EPP 6,  S&D 8, ECR 6, ALDE 8); urges the Venezuelan authorities to respect all democratically elected institutions, notably the National Assembly, to release all political prisoners and to uphold democratic principles, rule of law and human rights ( S&D 9, ALDE 10);calls on the EEAS to do its utmost in relation to the international mediation efforts needed to open space for viable solution for the current humanitarian and political crisis (S&D 7)

7.      Calls for the holding of fresh presidential elections in accordance with internationally recognised democratic standards and  the Venezuelan constitutional order, within a transparent, equally, fair and international observation framework, with no limitations to political parties or candidates and with full respect of the political rights of all Venezuelans; (S&D 10); stresses that the legitimate government resulting from such elections must urgently address the current economic and social crisis in Venezuela and work towards the national reconciliation of the country;(EPP 7,  S&D 9,  ECR 7, ALDE 11);

8.      Recalls that any sanctions adopted by the international community should be targeted  and reversible, and don’t harm in any manner the Venezuelan population; (EFDD 12) welcomes the swift adoption of additional targeted and revocable sanctions, as well as the arms embargo imposed in November 2017; reiterates that these sanctions are imposed on high ranking officials for grave human rights violations, for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela and for (ALDE 12) conduct of illegitimate and internationally not recognised elections of 20 May 2018 which took place without an agreement on the date or on the conditions, and in circumstances which did not allow for the participation of all political parties in an equal manner; recalls the possibility of new sanctions to be extended against those responsible for the increased political, social, economic and humanitarian crisis, namely to the President Nicolas Maduro, in the line with the previously adopted EP resolutions; (EPP 8, ECR 8, ALDE 12);

9.      Reiterates that those responsible for grave human rights violations must be held accountable (ALDE 13);fully supports the preliminary (ALDE 13) investigations of the International Criminal Court (ICC) into the extensive crimes and acts of repression perpetrated by the Venezuelan regime, and calls on the EU to play an active role in this regard; fully supports the panel of independent international experts report by the OAS and the UNHRC High Commissioner ’s call to establish a Commission of Inquiry into the situation in Venezuela and deeper its involvement by the ICC; 

10.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government and National Assembly of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Republic of Colombia, Republic of Brazil, Republic of Peru, the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly and the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American State and the Group of Lima;