"Thank you, Edward, thank you everyone" Hu Jia, green reformist and winner of the EP's 2008 Sakharov Prize, on the phone from Beijing. He was then imprisoned for 'subversion' and now lives under house arrest

...in the Arab World

Edward was the first politician to get into Cairo the day after Hosni Mubarak fell. He has been in the region six times since, including two visits to Tunisia and another visit to Palestine

"Edward got me released from prison in March 2005. He is a strong voice for democracy and human rights." Dr Ayman Nour, Leader of the El Ghad Party, Egypt

...in the Middle East

"Edward's work was much appreciated when he was Chief European Parliamentary Observer for the Palestinian Parliamentary and Presidential elections. His balanced view point in this sensitive region is notable, as is his support for the democratic process." Moustafa Bargouti, former Palestinian

"We in Palestine are especially grateful that Edward's EU Democracy Fund financed our first free elections. His personal help to me as a candidate was greatly appreciated."  Ziad AbuZayyad former MP and Minister in the Palestine National Authority

... in China

"Edward, during my long period of loneliness, I have often thought about your words of concern. To my family, it is like a ray of bright sunshine tearing through dark clouds to reach our hearts. Please accept our gratitude." Gao Zhisheng, disappearedhuman rights lawyer, Nobel Prize nominee 2008

 "Edward McMillan-Scott MEP, has been excellent on the issue of Chinese human rights." John Kusumi, columnist on US political website Nolan Chart

"As an American China analyst , I can report that Edward McMillan-Scott has raised morale on both sides of the Atlantic by tirelessly leading the struggle for human rights and democracy in China." Ethan Gutmann, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, author of award-winning Losing the New China

"Thank you, Edward, thank you everyone" Hu Jia, green reformist and winner of the EP's 2008 Sakharov Prize, on the phone from Beijing. He was then imprisoned for 'subversion' and now lives under house arrest

... in Russia

Edward is a regular visitor to Russia, most recently for a conference of political reformists in July 2011. He is pictured here with Ludmilla Alexeeva, one of the foremost dissidents still living. They are discussing the death that week of Yelena Bonner, widow of Andrei Sakharov, a mutual friend
"I, and many of my human rights activist colleagues, express our support for Mr Edward McMillan-Scott to be re-elected as a Vice-President of the European Parliament. We regard highly his efforts to support democracy and human rights in Russia." Lev Ponomarev, Executive Director of the For Human Rights All-Russia Movement, Deputy Chairman of the Foundation for Protection of Prisoners’ Rights, and Co –Chairman of the All-Russia Civil Congress

"Edward McMillan-Scott is a strong defender of human and democratic rights in Russia. His contribution is greatly appreciated by those seeking to restore Russia to the democratic path." Oksana Chelysheva, Russian journalist and human rights advocate

"Edward McMillan-Scott should be counted among the true friends of the Russian people. His voice is critical in helping to build Russia based on European values." David Clark, Chair of the Russia Foundation (Edward was the only European politician to speak at Gary Kasparov's "Other Russia" conference in Moscow)

.. in Cuba

"It was great, my dear Edward, that you came to Havana to meet me and other political dissidents. Our country needs change and people in your position can help to bring it about."
Martha Beatriz Roque, prominent political dissident, Cuba

Edward with Havana's Mothers in White (their menfolk are political prisoners) They were awarded the 2005 Sakharov Prize but have been refused permission to travel to collect it

Edward also had long discussions with the celebrated political activist Osvaldo Paya, who won the 2002 Sakharov Prize
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more worldwide endorsements

"It was great, my dear Edward, that you came to Havana to meet me and other political dissidents. Cuba needs change and people in your position can help to bring it about." Martha Beatriz Roque, prominent political dissident, Cuba

"Edward used his Vice-Presidency to promote excellent causes like peace and democracy in the Middle East. I hope he will be re-elected." Luisa Morgantini, former Vice-President of the European Parliament

"I have worked alongside Edward on many occasions, in support of freedom and human rights. It is an asset to the Parliament to have a Vice-President who speaks for those who have no voice". Former MEP Marco Cappato (ALDE

Edward got me released from prison in March 2005. He is a strong voice for democracy and human rights." Dr Ayman Nour, Leader of the El Ghad Party, Egypt

Working for child rights

Edward is seen here with Kate McCann, mother of missing Madeleine. He sponsored a Wrritten Declaration signed by 418 MEPs calling for a Missing Child Hotline for Europe: "We were relieved and delighted" said Kate

"Edward has been a dedicated advocate of children's rights and has been very supportive in our struggle to get a Missing Child Alert adopted by all EU members. We value his support and would very much like to continue working with him. " Lady Catherine Meyer, founder of Parents and Children Together (PACT)

Edward helps Kerry, the mother of Ben Needham, abducted from Kos in 1991, in organising a new investigation 
 

"When no-one else would help Edward was there and he  stood behind me all the way. He helped us to make the court listen to what I wanted: you're a very special person", Jessica, aged 7

Working for better property rights

"Edward, you have proved to be one of the rare EU officials with guts and willingness to work in order to see the system improved in my country. You certainly deserve the best."  Bogdan Veljkovic, Chairman of the Board of the Network for Property Restitution in Serbia

"Edward has worked very hard to draw the attention of the EU authorities to the problems still experienced in the private property and restitution sector. He also organised the financing of a major European Parliament study into property rights across the continent." Stratios Paradias, Secretary General of International Union of Property