Claude Ajit Moraes OBE is a name synonymous with unwavering dedication to human rights and social justice. As a British Labour Party politician and campaigner, Moraes’ remarkable journey from a young boy in Scotland to a distinguished Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for London epitomizes resilience, commitment, and the relentless pursuit of equality. His tenure in the European Parliament, marked by significant achievements, reflects his profound impact on civil liberties, justice, and home affairs.
Early Life and Education of Claude Ajit Moraes
Born on October 22, 1965, in Aden (State of Aden), Claude Ajit Moraes is of Indian descent. At the age of four, he moved from India to Dundee, Scotland, where he grew up. His parents, Indian Catholics from Karnataka (Mangalore) and Mumbai, instilled in him a strong sense of justice and community.
Moraes attended St Modan’s High School in Stirling and pursued law at the University of Dundee, followed by postgraduate studies in international law at Birkbeck, University of London, and the London School of Economics and Political Science. These academic pursuits laid the foundation for his future endeavors in advocating for human rights and social justice.
Early Career and Activism
After leaving Scotland, Moraes settled in East London, where he volunteered at Toynbee Hall, an anti-poverty charity. His commitment to social causes led him to become a Council Member of the organization.
In 1987, following the General Election, Claude Ajit Moraes served as a House of Commons researcher to MPs John Reid and Paul Boateng. His advocacy extended to the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in 1989, representing the TUC at the European Trade Union Confederation.
As the director of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), Claude Ajit Moraes played a pivotal role in organizing legal challenges in the UK and European Courts, specializing in refugee and migration issues. His leadership at JCWI from 1992 onwards marked a significant period in his career, as he succeeded Dame Anne Owers and furthered the cause of immigrant welfare.
Political Journey: Member of the European Parliament
Claude Moraes’ political career reached new heights when he was elected to the European Parliament in 1999, becoming the first South Asian (Indian) origin MEP. His re-elections in 2004, 2009, and 2014 solidified his position as a key figure in the European political landscape. Initially a member of the Employment and Social Affairs and Legal Affairs and Internal Market Committees, he championed the EU-wide implementation of the Race Equality Directive (2000).
Legislative Contributions and Leadership
Moraes’ legislative contributions are vast and impactful. His reports, including the Protection of Minorities in an Enlarged Europe (2005), Protection of Seasonal Workers in the EU (2014), and Blue Card Migration Directive (Revision) (2017), highlight his dedication to protecting vulnerable populations. From 2009 to 2014, he served as the elected Spokesperson for the Socialists and Democrats Group (S&D) on the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee.
Championing Civil Liberties and Data Protection
In 2013, Claude Ajit Moraes was appointed Rapporteur for the Parliament Inquiry into Mass Surveillance following the Edward Snowden leaks. His report on the impact of US NSA surveillance programs on EU citizens’ fundamental rights underscored his commitment to data protection and privacy.
This report, often referred to as the “European Digital Bill of Rights,” addressed critical issues such as human rights, commercial priorities, encryption, and cybercrime.
Inquiry into Facebook and the Cambridge Analytica Scandal
As Chair of the European Parliament Inquiry into Facebook in 2018, Claude Ajit Moraes played a crucial role in questioning Mark Zuckerberg and addressing issues of electoral interference, misuse of personal data, and the implications of the Cambridge Analytica scandal. His leadership in this inquiry highlighted the importance of accountability and transparency in the digital age.
Advocacy During the Refugee Crisis
Moraes’ work extended to humanitarian efforts during the refugee crisis. In 2018, he led delegations to Libya, Niger, Lebanon, and the Greek and Italian reception “hotspots” to improve the EU’s response. His role as Rapporteur for the European Asylum Support Agency in 2019 further emphasized his dedication to refugee rights.
Honours and Recognition
Claude Moraes’ contributions have been widely recognized. In 2011, he was named ‘MEP of the Year’ by Dod’s and the European Parliament Magazine for his work on human rights. Politico Magazine included him in their list of “40 MEPs Who Actually Matter” in 2016. Vote Watch Europe ranked him as “the most influential” British MEP and the sixth most influential MEP in the European Parliament in 2017.
In 2019, Claude Ajit Moraes received the Ambassador Award for his work on EU citizens’ rights from the3million. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours and awarded an honorary doctorate (DUniv) by the University of Greenwich in 2022.
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