Eight Members of the Subcommittee on Human Rights visited Canada from 29 October to 2 November.

The Chair of the Subcommittee, Pier Antonio Panzeri, stated: "Our delegation visited Canada to have an exchange on human rights challenges and to learn more about the human rights situation of indigenous peoples (IP), notably in the light of Prime Minister Trudeau's commitment to reset the government's relationship with Canada's indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Metis).

On the occasion of the 16th World Day against the Death Penalty on 10 October, Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D, IT), Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, stated:

"I would like to recall the EU's unwavering and united stance against the Death Penalty in all cases and under all circumstances.

Following the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Kashoggi, the Chair of the EP Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI), Pier Antonio Panzeri, stated:

"A journalist, Jamal Kashoggi is a staunch defender of human rights who in the past constantly denounced human rights violations in Saudi Arabia. He disappeared a week ago after having entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Statement in full below.

Following an Egyptian high-instance court's recent decision to uphold the final death sentence rulings against the defendants in the 2013 Kerdasa massacre, the Chair of Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights, Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D, IT), made the following statement:

"I am dismayed by the Kerdasa and Rabaa Dispersal case verdicts. The Egyptian courts continue to hand down death sentences in mass trials that are indefensible both on procedure and on the merits of the cases against defendants.

A delegation of subcommittee on human rights members visited Turkey (Ankara and Istanbul) on 17-19 September.

In meetings with various parliament and government representatives, members of the European Parliament listened to renewed ambitions to strengthen Turkey's ties with the EU.

Following the decision by the Guatemala's authorities not to renew the mandate of the international UN-led International Commission against Impunity (CICIG), DROI chair Panzeri stated:

"I am deeply disappointed by this decision, which also prevents CICIG Head Ivan Velazquez to enter the country and is a blow in the strengthening process of the Guatemala justice system and the rule of law. In addition, there is serious concerns over the ongoing waves of police intimidations against human rights defenders and dissidents' voices. This worrying trend could trigger a serious human rights crisis in Guatemala in a time of acute difficulties across the region..." Full text below

EP Human Rights Subcommittee Chair Pier Antonio Panzeri congratulates Michelle Bachelet on her appointment as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.