The European Parliament has issued a series of sharply-worded resolutions condemning human rights abuses in Azerbaijan, Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau, calling for sanctions,

accountability and urgent political action.

Azerbaijan: EU demands release of political prisoners

MEPs have urged the EU to make any future partnership with Azerbaijan conditional on clear progress in human rights, including the immediate release of political prisoners.

The Parliament denounced the arrest of academics Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov, accusing Azerbaijani authorities of “misusing national security laws” to silence dissent. MEPs also criticised the sentencing of researchers Gubad Ibadoghlu and Fazil Gasimov, and condemned the detention of opposition leader Ali Karimli on 1 December.

MEPs are calling for EU sanctions against officials deemed responsible for abuses, stressing that democracy and the rule of law must guide future relations with Baku. The resolution passed with 477 votes in favour, seven against and 69 abstentions.

Nigeria: outrage after mass school kidnapping

A separate resolution focused on Nigeria, where more than 300 students and 12 staff members were abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, on 21 November.

MEPs expressed solidarity with the victims and warned that repeated attacks have forced widespread school closures, putting millions of children at risk of losing access to education. They urged Nigerian authorities to strengthen school protection and early warning systems, ensure alternative learning arrangements, and investigate the kidnappings thoroughly.

Lawmakers also called for stronger action against rising insecurity and religious and ethnic violence, noting that Christian communities are being specifically targeted. The resolution was adopted by 519 votes to two, with 50 abstentions.

Guinea-Bissau: coup condemned, democracy at risk

Parliament also condemned last month’s military coup in Guinea-Bissau, which took place three days after general elections in which the main opposition party was barred from standing.

MEPs demanded the restoration of constitutional order, the release of detained opposition figures and accountability for human rights violations. They urged the EU to review its funding agreements to ensure no support is given to the junta and called on the Council to consider targeted sanctions.

The resolution was approved by 535 votes, with 42 abstentions and none against.

All three resolutions were adopted on Thursday in Strasbourg. Full texts will be released later today. Photo by Nammarci, Wikimedia commons.