– having regard to its resolution of 21 January 2010 on human rights violations in China, notably the case of Liu Xiaobo1, – having regard to Rules 48 and 119(2) of its Rules of Procedure, – having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A7-0339/2010), A. whereas the Universal Declaration of Human Rights continues to be the world’s reference document, which puts all human beings at the heart of the action, B. whereas the 11th European Union Annual Report on Human Rights (2008/2009) provides a general overview of EU action on human rights and democracy in the world, C. whereas this resolution sets out to examine, evaluate and, in specific cases, offer constructive criticism of, the EU activities regarding human rights and democracy, D. whereas the EU’s internal human rights record has a direct impact on its credibility and ability to implement an effective external human rights policy, E. whereas the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief and the rights of persons belonging to minorities, F. whereas justice, democracy and the rule of law are the pillars of sustainable peace, in that they guarantee fundamental freedoms and human rights, and whereas sustainable peace cannot be achieved by protecting those responsible for systematic human rights abuses and violations of international criminal law, G. whereas the Treaty of Lisbon reinforced the EU’s powers on foreign policy in a way that will strengthen its values and objectives; whereas the main innovations related to the EU’s external action, such as the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/VicePresident of the Commission (HR/VP) and the European External Action Service (EEAS), should further consolidate the EU’s external action in the area of human rights and should provide better opportunities in terms of mainstreaming human rights in all relevant policy areas, H. whereas the Treaty provides the EU with a single legal personality, which will allow it to accede to the European Convention on Human Rights and enable the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg to verify compliance by EU acts with the Convention, I. whereas with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights became legally binding, thus strengthening protection of human rights in Europe, J. whereas the EU is a strong supporter of the ICC and promotes the universality, and defends the integrity, of the Rome Statute with a view to protecting and enhancing the independence of the Court, K. whereas the Council Common Position of 16 June 2003 and the Action Plan of 2004 are in need of updating in the light of developments in international criminal law since 2004; whereas effective assistance and cooperation by the EU must be intensified and improved as the warrants for arrest and trials at the ICC increase in number, 1 OJ C 305 E, 11.11.2010, p. 9.