– having regard to its resolution of 7 July 2011 on EU external policies in favour of democratisation1, – having regard to its resolution of 11 December 2012 on a digital freedom strategy in EU foreign policy2, – having regard to the UN General Assembly resolution 67/176 of 20 December 2012 on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, – having regard to United Nations Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009), 1960 (2010) and 2106 (2013) on women, peace and security, – having regard to the report on the EU indicators for a Comprehensive Approach to the EU implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 1325 and 1820 on women, peace and security, adopted by the EU Council on 13 May 2011, – having regard to the UN General Assembly resolutions on the rights of the child, most recently that of 4 April 2012 (66/141), – having regard to its resolution of 25 November 2010 on human rights and social and environmental standards in international trade agreements3, – having regard to its resolution of 25 November 2010 on international trade policy in the context of climate change imperatives4, – having regard to its resolution of 25 November 2010 on corporate social responsibility in international trade agreements5, – having regard to Rule 48 of its Rules of Procedure, – having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on Development and the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (A7-0418/2013), A. whereas the various transitional processes, including popular uprisings, conflict and postconflict situations, as well as trapped transitions in authoritarian countries, have posed increasing challenges to the EU’s policies in support of human rights and democracy in the world; whereas the EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World in 2012 demonstrates the need for the EU to continue to develop flexible policy responses; whereas the most fundamental policy choice for the EU concerns the resilience and political determination to stay true to the founding values of the European Union in challenging times under the pressure of other policy objectives and interests; B. whereas justice, the rule of law, responsibility, transparency and accountability, the fight against impunity, fair trials and an independent judiciary are indispensable elements in the protection of human rights; 1 OJ C 33 E, 5.2.2013, p. 165. Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0470. OJ C 99 E, 3.4.2012, p. 31. OJ C 99 E, 3.4.2012, p. 94. OJ C 99 E, 3.4.2012, p. 101. 2 3 4 5