Ní Riada welcomes minority rights resolution

Sinn Féín MEP Liadh Ní Riada has welcomed the passing of a minority rights resolution in the European Union.

The Ireland South MEP was among those who voted in favour of the resolution before the EU Petitions Committee today which will now go to Plenary next month.

The resolution commits Member States to protecting and promoting minority rights.

“I was very proud to be able to help pass this resolution today,” she said.

“If we are to protect people’s rights then we must be clear and unambiguous in our commitment to equality and I believe this resolution does that.

“Not only does it commit Member States to consistently uphold the rights of minorities and periodically assess whether or not those rights are being respected it also points out where the EU is falling down on these commitments and urges Member States to bring themselves up to standard.

“As well as making specific recommendations for LGBT rights it also singles out the obligations of Member States to protect language rights.

“It is a resolution the Irish and British Governments would do well to be mindful of when contemplating reneging on their commitments to Gealtacht funding or Acht na Gaeilge.

“Resolutions like this are important and in an era when those with vested interests are trying to push the EU more and more in the direction of a military coalition they are a timely reminder of the reasons the EU was founded and the social Europe people hoped it would produce.

“I look forward to this resolution’s further progression through the Parliament.”