The European Parliament has adopted three resolutions addressing serious human rights concerns in Honduras, the Central African Republic (CAR) and Hong Kong, calling for
democratic accountability, the protection of political freedoms, and urgent humanitarian action.
The resolutions were approved on Thursday and highlight Parliament’s growing concern over electoral integrity, arbitrary detention, and the erosion of fundamental rights in multiple regions worldwide.
Honduras: Parliament Recognises Nasry Asfura as President-Elect and condemns political violence
Following the presidential elections held on 30 November 2025, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) formally recognised Nasry Asfura as president-elect of Honduras, stressing that the will of the Honduran people must be respected.
MEPs strongly rejected a decree by the incumbent administration ordering a recount of the votes, describing it as unconstitutional and a direct threat to democratic principles. Parliament also expressed deep concern over attacks against opposition figures, including violence directed at National Assembly member Gladys López, and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
The resolution urges Honduran authorities to end intimidation and violence against political opponents, guarantee the safety of electoral institutions, and ensure a peaceful transfer of power. MEPs also called on outgoing Congress President Luis Redondo to stop obstructing the installation of the newly elected legislature.
In addition, Parliament encouraged all political actors to work together to tackle Honduras’ long-standing challenges, including poverty, inequality and insecurity, and urged the government to fully implement the recommendations of the EU Election Observation Mission.
The resolution was adopted by show of hands and will be published in full on 22 January 2026.
Central African Republic: MEPs demand medical eevacuation and release of Joseph Figueira Martin
MEPs strongly condemned the arbitrary detention of Joseph Figueira Martin, a Belgian-Portuguese humanitarian researcher abducted in 2024 and detained by actors linked to the Wagner Group in the Central African Republic.
Parliament denounced the inhumane detention conditions, lack of due process, and sentencing based on what it described as unfounded accusations. MEPs reiterated their demand for Martin’s immediate and unconditional release, recalling a previous resolution adopted in July 2025 that CAR authorities have failed to implement.
Given the serious deterioration of his health, Parliament called for Martin’s urgent medical evacuation, unrestricted access to healthcare, legal representation, consular support and family visits. MEPs also recommended sending an ad hoc European Parliament delegation to CAR to assess the situation on the ground and intensify diplomatic pressure.
The resolution urges the European Commission, the EU High Representative, the Council, and Belgian and Portuguese authorities to consider targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for Martin’s detention, mistreatment and conviction. MEPs again called for the Wagner Group to be designated as a terrorist organisation.
The resolution was adopted with 582 votes in favour, none against and 35 abstentions, and will be available on 22 January 2026.
Hong Kong: Parliament condemns prosecution of Jimmy Lai and erosion of fundamental freedoms
The European Parliament also adopted a resolution condemning the arbitrary prosecution of Jimmy Lai, a prominent pro-democracy activist, media entrepreneur and British citizen currently facing a potential life sentence in Hong Kong.
MEPs expressed grave concern for Lai’s health and safety, noting that the 78-year-old has spent more than 1,800 days in solitary confinement. Parliament warned that his prosecution illustrates the use of national security laws to suppress independent media, free expression and political opposition in Hong Kong.
The resolution calls on EU Member States to suspend extradition treaties with China and Hong Kong and urges the European Commission to initiate procedures to suspend Hong Kong’s special status under the World Trade Organization.
MEPs further called on the Council to impose sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and other officials responsible for the crackdown on civil liberties. The EU delegation in Hong Kong is urged to intensify diplomatic engagement and closely monitor Lai’s case and similar proceedings.
The resolution was adopted by 503 votes in favour, 9 against, with 100 abstentions, and will be published on 22 January 2026.