European Parliament
Catania (GUE/NGL ).
(IT)
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, it is inconceivable that we are discussing the Maldives when this name evokes for us all holidays and a scene of paradise. In reality, there is systematic violation of human rights on these islands. We are faced with a situation in which women and children are denied their fundamental freedoms and, most importantly, a process of arbitrary mass detention of many citizens is under way.
I think that the European Union must promote a widespread initiative to support an awareness campaign for European citizens in our countries, so that they do not go on holiday to the Maldives until light has been shed on the tragic human rights situation and on the systematic violation of democracy in that land.
I think that a firm resolution is needed, aiming at ensuring,
inter alia
, that the Maldives really are a paradise, but a paradise in which democracy and the respect of human rights prevail.

