The European Parliament has approved a report assessing the state of Human Rights in the World in 2007. The report, prepared by ALDE MEP Marco Cappato (Radicale, IT), stresses the importance of the human rights clause in EU relations with third countries, the necessity of an EU migration policy respectful of human rights and the importance of supporting the International Criminal Court. Furthermore, it asks for an enhanced commitment of the EU to grant freedom of expression in internet, due to still existing censorship in countries such as China. In addition, the Report asks the EU to ensure protection and support to human rights defenders, women - especially concerning female genital mutilations - and minorities - with particular regard to the situation in China, Burma, Tibet and Iran.

The Report welcomes the European success of the adoption of a United Nations Resolution for a moratorium on the death penalty and demands that it be fully implemented by every member country of the UN. Mr Cappato reiterated his desire, incorporated in the report, to have the European Union declare the year 2010 as “European Year of nonviolence” and to take action to establish the World Organization of Democracy and Democracies.

"In Europe we tend to criticize the US strategy of promoting democracy through military interventions, but we remain unable to elaborate a viable alternative strategy, that is nevertheless different from pacifist neutrality which too often serves as an ally of dictators all over the world. It was through such appeals for nonviolent action that the European Parliament confirmed its support to the path chosen by the Dalai Lama in promoting Tibetan autonomy."