Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-04-24-Speech-3-083"
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"en.20020424.4.3-083"2
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"Mr President, many of you this week will have noticed the exhibition about the work of Herman Hesse in the Spinelli building. Anyone who has taken the time to look at the exhibition must have been impressed by one of his statements and I quote, "For me the world is not made up of nations, but of people." Would not the world be a different place if, in our shaping of policy and legislation, in our negotiations and decision-making, we as politicians could keep these words in mind.
There is a need for a new approach to foreign policy and indeed not only to foreign and development policy, but in all aspects of our dealings with third countries. If we could move away from thinking in terms of facts and figures, sums and statistics, markets and merchandise; if we could remember at all times that our policies impact on the real lives of real people, then we would demonstrate a genuine commitment to the fundamental values we claim to cherish.
The promotion of democracy, respect for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms are all values which form an integral part of the Union which we have built together over the past number of years. These are the values which have brought peace, prosperity and freedom to our continent, and it is only right and fitting that we should seek to promote these benefits further afield.
I share the view of the rapporteur that what is needed are concrete proposals for firm action. Lofty ideals and expressions of goodwill are not enough. We must fully integrate our human rights policies with all policies which involve countries outside the Union, be that trade, agriculture, fisheries, etc. I support the requirement for a democracy clause in international agreements as well as strict monitoring for compliance with these clauses.
The Irish Government currently allocates almost EUR 2 million to democracy and human rights projects. The grants are aimed at promoting respect for human rights and democracy worldwide. The emphasis is on helping people to assert their rights and to understand to participate fully in the democratic process. Building a stronger democratic structure must be a key aspect of development efforts.
There are a broad range of projects which we can support, involving the promotion and protection of human rights and support for democracy and good governance in developing countries. It is perfectly legitimate to link financial incentives to human rights and democracy questions through our funding of key projects. Practical steps are being taken to make an ethical foreign policy a reality. I firmly believe that continued action in this direction would ensure that the support of projects would have a real and positive impact on the lives of poor people living in developing countries."@en1
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