Spain - August 2022
Political rights of Catalan leaders violated
The United Nations Human Rights Committee ruled that Spain violated the political rights of Catalan leaders by suspending them from public service before they were convicted for their participation in the 2017 independence referendum. While the decision is not binding, it sends a strong signal with regard to the suspension of elected officials.
Sources: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations News
Rule of Law
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Parliament approves affirmative consent law
A sweeping package of reforms safeguarding sexual freedom passed Spain’s Parliament with 205 votes in favour, 141 votes against, and three abstentions. The new law operates according to the affirmative consent, “only yes is yes” principle, and states: “it will only be guaranteed that there is consent when it has been freely expressed.” In addition, the law includes provisions promoting safe public spaces and quality of care during the complaints process in cases taken to the police. It also steps up detection and prevention of sexual violence and expands access to justice for victims.
Rights
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