Amnesty International Luxembourg has renewed calls for the government to take decisive action on human rights issues, both internationally and domestically. In an open letter titled “18 Months of Silence. What Now?” Amnesty, along with over 50 other NGOs, urged Luxembourg to recognise the State of Palestine and advocate for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement due to alleged human rights violations in Gaza.
The letter, timed ahead of an EU-level discussion in June, reflected widespread concern from civil society, with support from groups like Jewish Calling for Peace and a strong response from artists, former politicians, and cultural figures. Although Luxembourg has joined a coalition of EU countries pressing for more assertive diplomatic action, it has stopped short of backing a full suspension of the agreement. This is what Amnesty continues to campaign for ahead of the next international meeting on July 15.
In addition to international advocacy, Amnesty Luxembourg has expressed deep concern over proposed changes to protest laws. According to Amnesty, a draft bill would introduce an “authorisation regime,” requiring demonstrators to seek official permission to protest. This is a move Amnesty says undermines basic democratic rights. The bill also includes clauses restricting face coverings at protests, raising fears of discrimination and potential exclusion of vulnerable groups, such as asylum seekers or civil servants.
While some of Amnesty’s recommendations have been taken into account in updated versions of the bill, the organisation remains wary of future implications, especially amid rising far-right influence across Europe.