Re-elect Jean for action on human rights

Jean speaks about why she thinks that the European elections are important, and why Londoners should vote for her on June 4th:



And if that wasn't enough, then just look through the archive of this blog to see how hard Jean works for all the diverse communities that she represents in London. Today, her human rights work has led her to the AGM of the Kurdish Federation - and another strong, outspoken statement on human rights for all people. The kind of statement that, with your help, she will continue to make in the European Parliament!

GREEN MEP’S HUMAN RIGHTS CALL AHEAD OF KURDISH FEDERATION AGM

Jean Lambert, London’s Green Party MEP, will join members of the Kurdish community in London this Sunday [24 May] to address the ninth AGM of Fed-Bir, the Kurdish Federation in the UK.

Jean, a longstanding champion of Kurdish rights in London and Europe, said:

“I am delighted to be joining Fed-Bir again for their AGM.

For years, the Federation has carried out its important work – promoting Kurdish culture and identity in London, supporting Kurds here and around the world. Fed-Bir also understands the struggle of others for justice and peace, as their expression of solidarity with the Tamil community shows.”

Last month, Jean met Leyla Zana, the leading Kurdish politician, former prisoner of conscience and European Parliament Sakharov prize winner to discuss her forthcoming court case to appeal against her recent ten year sentence. Jean signed an open letter to David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, in March, expressing concern over Ms Zana’s arrest and sentencing, and calling on the British Government to use its influence in supporting her case.

Jean added:

“I was fortunate enough to meet Leyla Zana again this year. Her courageous commitment to her cause is an inspiration to the Kurdish people, and to all those who seek justice and equality around the world. We shall be monitoring the progress of her upcoming court case as a test of justice and democratic pluralism in Turkey.

I welcome recent reports that suggest that a settlement to the conflict in Turkey, which has claimed over 40,000 lives, might at last be on the agenda. This is a small sign of hope in what has been a devastating era, but it must not be allowed to eclipse the repression which many Kurdish people in the country are still suffering. Let us hope that this might also mark progress for the Kurds in Iran and elsewhere.

“The international community must put pressure on Turkey to ensure it conforms to human rights standards. The EU has a crucial role to play since Turkey’s proposed entry to the European Union must rest on a commitment to democracy, equality and justice for all.”