national and international media, and to allow its citizens uncensored access to the internet; notes that all the provocative actions of the DPRK and the restrictive measures imposed on its citizens have led to widespread poverty and material deprivation; 74. Raises profound concerns with reference to Kashmir, where any act of violence against civilians is to be strongly deplored; is aware that investigations into the issue of unidentified graves have been undertaken; urges, nevertheless, human rights protection mechanisms to be placed at the heart of any attempt to identify responsibility and ensure accountability for abuses against civilians; 75. Calls for the European Union to embark on a coordinated and inclusive strategy in the Sahel to improve security in the region on the one hand and to promote human rights on the other, so that human rights violations such as torture, the often arbitrary arrest of opponents and journalists, the suppression of peaceful demonstrations, acts of violence against women such as rape, forced marriage or genital mutilation, and ethnic or castebased discrimination come to an end, thereby helping to establish the rule of law guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms; 76. Is highly concerned by the growing trend of state violence against LGBTI persons in several sub-Saharan countries, especially Uganda, Nigeria, Cameroon and Senegal; firmly condemns attempts to enact ever more repressive laws in countries where homosexuality is already criminalised; calls on fellow parliaments to stop responding to populist and conservative pressure, including from religious leaders, and to protect the rights of all citizens, including LGBTI persons; points out that 76 countries still criminalise homosexuality, including five which provide for the death penalty; regrets again that the Cotonou Agreement was signed with no discussion of discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation as part of its political dialogue, as requested numerous times by this Parliament; reminds the Commission and the Council of Parliament’s firm resolve to include this aspect in the next revision of the Agreement; 77. Calls on the EU to build an efficient sanctions policy towards all regimes exercising repressive methods towards civilians; 78. Calls on the EU to continue to actively support human rights defenders, including by the timely provision of temporary shelter to those at risk; calls for the EU to extend its policy in support of human rights defenders to whistle-blowers and investigative journalists, who may significantly contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights; Election observation and democracy support policies 79. Welcomes the EU’s continued support for electoral processes around the globe by deploying Election Observation Missions (EOMs) and Electoral Expert Missions (EEMs) and providing electoral assistance and support for domestic observers; notes that these missions have recently contributed to support for democratic development in the EU’s neighbourhood, and have witnessed the transfer of power to the opposition (Senegal) and the consolidation of democracy emerging from conflict (Sierra Leone); 80. Stresses the importance of following up on the reports and recommendations of Election Observation Missions; highlights its initiative of strengthening the follow-up to EOM recommendations by using them as part of the ‘road map for democracy‘ in the country