After many years far from their families, over 80 girls kidnapped by Boko Harm have been finally released in Nigeria.

This news is a glimmer of hope that one day all the kidnapped girls will once again return home, live freely and have a peaceful future.

Our thoughts are with them as they have the chance to rebuild their lives and also with those that remain captive. 

All must be done to ensure that those responsible of their ordeal are brought to justice.

The EU continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and in its tireless work to free the girls.

The EU also continues to be fully committed to supporting humanitarian, development and reconstruction work in Nigeria. 

Another execution has taken place in Belarus: that of Siarhei Vostrykau. The European Union again reaffirms its strong opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances.

The continued application of the death penalty goes counter to Belarus’ stated willingness to engage with the international community, including the European Union, on the matter and to consider the introduction of a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

The European Union urges Belarus, the only country in Europe still applying capital punishment, to commute the remaining death sentences and to introduce without delay a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its abolition.
 

Another execution has taken place in Belarus: that of Siarhei Vostrykau. The European Union again reaffirms its strong opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances.

The continued application of the death penalty goes counter to Belarus’ stated willingness to engage with the international community, including the European Union, on the matter and to consider the introduction of a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

The European Union urges Belarus, the only country in Europe still applying capital punishment, to commute the remaining death sentences and to introduce without delay a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its abolition.
 

he High Representative and Vice-President Federica Mogherini spoke today with Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Al Serraj and the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed, to discuss the recent political developments concerning Libya.  The HRVP expressed her appreciation and support for the meetings between Prime Minister Serraj and General Khalifa Haftar that took place in the United Arab Emirates. The European Union, Mogherini stressed, will continue to encourage and accompany the political process in Libya with all means at its disposal so that all Libyans can unite for a secure, peaceful and prosperous country. This can be achieved only through the positive engagement and contribution of all parties.
 

The prominent Chinese human rights lawyer Li Heping was convicted of charges of ‘subversion of state power’ last week, almost two years after his arrest.

Mr Li’s rights under China’s Criminal Procedure Code and international law obligations, to a fair trial, proper defence and access to a lawyer of his own choice, were not respected. He is also being deprived of his right to appeal the conviction in the timeframe allowed under Chinese law. The European Union calls for him to be set free.

The Chinese authorities are expected to abide by China’s international law obligations, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and respect the rights of all citizens as recognised by China’s Constitution, as well as to drop all pending charges against the human rights lawyers and defenders detained in connection with the 9 July 2015 crackdown, including Jiang Tianyong, Wang Quanzhang, Xie Yang and Wu Gan, and ensure their release.