# CE2004088EN.01025101.xml

| 8.4.2004 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 88/251 |
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8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 88/251

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(2004/C 88 E/0256)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0938/04

by Margrietus van den Berg (PSE) to the Commission

(26 March 2004)

Subject:   Religious minorities in Gujarat

Subject:

Following the Commission's answer of 15 May 2003 to question E-1417/03 (1) tabled by myself and other MEPs on 9 April 2003, there has been scarcely any improvement in the situation in Gujarat with regard to bringing to justice the perpetrators of the February 2002 massacre and rehabilitation of the victims and/or their relatives. In November 2003 Amnesty International again reported the illegal detention of Moslems in Gujarat. Before this there was a Human Rights Watch report on threats to human rights activists in Gujarat. AWAAZ South Asia Watch recently concluded in its report ‘In Bad Faith? British Charity and Hindu Extremism’ that umbrella organisations of the Hindu extremist RSS had raised millions of pounds from the British public under false pretences and was channelling it to organisations involved in large-scale violence and incitement to hatred against minorities. Finally, there have been various reports of discrimination against Muslims in employment.

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| 1. | Is the Commission aware of these reports by Amnesty International, Human Right Watch and AWAAZ? |
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1.

Is the Commission aware of these reports by Amnesty International, Human Right Watch and AWAAZ?

| 2. | Has the Commission taken any action in response to the reports? |
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2.

Has the Commission taken any action in response to the reports?

| 3. | If so, what was the outcome? If not, why not? |
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3.

If so, what was the outcome? If not, why not?

| 4. | Does the current situation in Gujarat have implications for the ability of European firms effectively to apply the principle of non-discrimination in their personnel policy? |
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4.

Does the current situation in Gujarat have implications for the ability of European firms effectively to apply the principle of non-discrimination in their personnel policy?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 2004)

(30 April 2004)

The Commission is aware of the reports mentioned by the Honourable Member and continues to follow closely the developments in Gujarat. The Commission fully agrees that the perpetrators of the crimes should be brought to justice, the victims rehabilitated, and the rights of religious minorities protected.

The Commission has responded to the Gujarat violence by providing a relief package for the victims through its Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO).

Furthermore, the EU has agreed to deal with all matters concerning democracy and human rights in India through its regular, on-going constructive dialogue with the Indian Government.

India and the EU have recently engaged in the Athens process' – regular human rights consultations with the Indian authorities – to exchange views on issues of concern. EU Heads of Mission in New Delhi (including the Commission's Head of Delegation) are closely monitoring human rights issues, with a particular emphasis on Gujarat and questions of religious freedom.

It is not within the purview of the Commission to give explicit recommendations to private companies on how they should operate in third countries. However, the Commission is committed to encouraging companies to act according to United Nations (UN) and EU guidelines on Corporate Social Responsibility. These guidelines notably make clear reference to the need to protect and promote the human rights of employees, and to avoid discrimination against minority groups.

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(1)  See page 30.

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