On the case of Joseph Figueira Martin
B-10-2026-0094
on behalf of the S&D Group · Rapporteur: Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis
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This resolution concerns the case of Joseph Figueira Martin, a Belgian-Portuguese humanitarian researcher kidnapped in the Central African Republic (CAR) in 2024 and sentenced to ten years of hard labour. Parliament urges his release and calls for action to protect humanitarian workers.¶¶¶ It calls on the EU and member states to engage with CAR authorities, consider restrictive measures, and establish a European mechanism for protecting humanitarian workers worldwide.¶¶¶
Key points
- Urges the CAR authorities to overturn the conviction of Joseph Figueira Martin and immediately and unconditionally release him.¶
- Calls on the HR/VP and member states to take all possible steps, in coordination with Belgian and Portuguese authorities, to secure his release and ensure his rights, including legal defence, consular assistance, and healthcare.¶
- Urges the EU and member states to engage with CAR authorities to protect humanitarian workers and uphold their rights under international humanitarian law.¶
- Reiterates its call on the Council to include the Wagner Group on the EU terrorist list and expresses concern over foreign interference in the CAR.¶
- Calls on CAR authorities to ensure armed groups cease illegal and arbitrary arrests and attacks against humanitarian and NGO workers.
- Calls on the EU to strengthen protection of humanitarian workers and establish a European mechanism for their protection worldwide.¶
- Calls on the Council and HR/VP to consider targeted restrictive measures against those responsible for human rights violations in CAR, including related to the arbitrary detention of Joseph Figueira Martin.¶
Who is affected
- Joseph Figueira Martin, a Belgian-Portuguese humanitarian researcher, who is detained in the CAR.¶¶¶
- Humanitarian and NGO workers in the Central African Republic, who face illegal arrests and attacks.¶¶
- The CAR authorities, who are urged to release him and ensure armed groups stop abuses.¶
- The EU, its member states, and the HR/VP, who are called on to take diplomatic and restrictive measures.¶¶¶