The civil liberties committee of the European Parliament has recently adopted its annual resolution on fundamental rights in the EU, in which it criticises violations of the basic rights of migrants, LGBT people, women and national minorities. The committee has urged member states and the Commission to do more to ensure that fundamental rights are fully respected in Europe.
With regard to gender equality and the fight against homophobia, EU countries are urged to set specific employment targets and strategies to close the pay and pension gaps between women and men. These targets must address the concentration of women in part-time, low-pay and precarious jobs, says the resolution.
MEPs have also called for the Commission and the Council to intervene more forcefully against homophobia, violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation. LGBT people's rights are more likely to be safeguarded if they have access to legal institutions such as cohabitation, a registered partnership or marriage.
