On 12 July 2026, the European Parliament adopted three resolutions condemning human rights violations in Sudan, Nigeria, and Pakistan, with strong language on war crimes, religious persecution, and forced child marriage. The resolutions, passed during a plenary session, call for urgent EU action including sanctions, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic pressure.
In the resolution on Sudan, MEPs condemned in the strongest possible terms war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the siege of El-Obeid by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Parliament urged the EU to step up humanitarian aid, provide direct funding to local organisations, and establish humanitarian corridors. It called for sanctions on those responsible for attacks on civilians and external facilitators, such as the Global Security Services Group, for violating the UN arms embargo. MEPs also demanded that the EU add the RSF to its list of terrorist organisations and support an independent investigation into alleged war crimes, with the International Criminal Court extending its jurisdiction to the whole country. The resolution was adopted by 476 votes in favour, 28 against, and 96 abstentions.
On Nigeria, MEPs strongly condemned the attack in Kawel village and expressed solidarity with the Christian community in Plateau State. They reiterated commitment to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and condemned the rise in abductions, particularly of women and girls. The resolution called on Nigerian authorities to take counter-terrorism measures against Boko Haram, ensure independent investigations, and strengthen civilian protection. It also urged the EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief to pay attention to the deteriorating situation of Christians and other persecuted religious communities in Nigeria. The resolution passed with 510 votes in favour, 1 against, and 86 abstentions.
The resolution on Pakistan highlighted the case of Maria Shahbaz, a 13-year-old Christian girl abducted, forcibly converted to Islam, and married to her abductor in March 2026. MEPs called for her access to legal representation, family, and psychological support, and condemned similar abuses against underage girls from religious minorities. They urged Pakistan's authorities to fully implement the national framework to end child marriage and create a mechanism for handling complaints from families of abducted or forcibly converted girls. The resolution also called for transparent investigations and prosecution of perpetrators, and for abducted girls to be able to return safely. It was adopted by show of hands.
The resolutions reflect the Parliament's stance on human rights as a core EU value, with implications for EU foreign policy and aid allocation. The votes demonstrate broad cross-party support, though the abstentions and opposition indicate some divergence on the approach. The EU is now expected to consider the resolutions' recommendations, including potential sanctions and increased humanitarian funding, in its ongoing engagement with the affected countries.