The Commission for women’s rights and equal opportunities has adopted a report by Dutch MEP Joke Swiebel (PSE) on the 2002 annual report and on the 2003 programme of work in the field of equal opportunities between men and women. The European Parliament has expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Commission to promote equal opportunities for men and women in a greater number of political sectors of the Union. The European Commission was also invited to play a more active role in promoting the participation and access of women in the new technologies, and in addressing the weak position that wives often occupy in rural areas, in terms of right to employment and social protection. Appreciation was also expressed for the proposal of the Executive for a directive on the promotion of the principle of equality of treatment for men and women in access to goods and services. Also in the field of human rights, the Irish Presidency has announced its intention to contribute to the 60th session of the Commission for human rights (Geneva, 15 March- 23 April 2004). In this regard Amnesty International has asked for improvements in EU human rights policy.
