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(2004/C 33 E/043)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0515/03

by Miet Smet (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(24 February 2003)

Subject:   Women's rights in Egypt

Cooperation between the European Union and Egypt is based on the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. This partnership builds on the Barcelona Declaration, which was signed by the Member States of the EU and the 12 partner countries from the Mediterranean region. In 2001 the EU and Egypt signed an association agreement.

In spite of the fact that both the Barcelona Declaration and the association agreement with Egypt refer to human rights, women's rights in Egypt are not always respected. AFP has reported instances of genital mutilation of Egyptian women, and of discriminatory legislation, e.g. with regard to divorce.

Has the EU yet reacted to these grave infringements of women's rights? If not, does it intend to do so?

Is there any provision for a mechanism to systematically monitor and enforce respect for women's rights in Egypt? Is there provision for the possibility of suspending cooperation between Egypt and the EU if women's rights, and human rights in general, are continually violated in Egypt? If not, will the EU make provision in future for such possibilities?

If there is provision for the monitoring and enforcement of respect for human rights and for the possible suspension of cooperation between Egypt and the EU, does this apply to all the countries which have signed an association agreement with the EU in the framework of the Barcelona Declaration?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(25 March 2003)

Egypt has ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child. Women's rights are also covered by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which defines the respect of democratic principles and fundamental human rights which, constitutes an essential element of the Union-Egypt Association Agreement (signed in June 2001 and now in the process of ratification).

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is illegal in Egypt and the practice of FGM in any government medical facility and by all medical personnel was banned in 1996 by decree. Although proponents of FGM temporarily overturned the ban in the courts, the government successfully re-imposed it. However the practice, largely imposed by families on their female children, is endemic and remains deeply rooted in the culture. Between 80-90 % of all Egyptian women of all religions, regions and class have been genitally mutilated. This is not only a gender issue but also a serious assault on the rights of the child. The Egyptian Government seems to remain committed to combating FGM through law and through actions to change attitudes through education, advocacy and support to civil society initiatives — and many senior political and religious figures are associated with the campaign. The European Union is supporting this approach through its programmes in reproductive and basic health and its co-financing of relevant civil society initiates (one of the specifically campaigns against FGM; and another one supports the registration of women voters).

With respect to divorce, the situation is much improved since 2000. Women can now end marriages unilaterally although only if they give up their rights to financial support. Other discriminatory aspects of family law, both secular and Islamic, are being slowly tackled, but many inequalities remain. One of the most contentious issues concerns the nationality laws which deny Egyptian nationality to children born to Egyptian mothers and non-Egyptian fathers. Literacy amongst girls, and access to further education and health facilities by girls and young women is also improving slowly and the Union strongly supports this process through its existing programmes in basic health and basic education, and in its planned programmes in vocational training, regional development, and support to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working with the most socially vulnerable.

The enforcement of human rights, including women's rights, in Egypt is the responsibility of the Government of Egypt, the Egyptian Parliament and of the judiciary. But the Commission's Delegation and Member State Embassies in Cairo, together with many others, systematically monitor the state of human rights in Egypt and make representations to the Egyptian authorities through the appropriate channels whenever necessary. The Union does so regularly in support of individual cases. And it also actively supports Egyptian civil society organisations campaigning for civil rights.

In line with all Association Agreements signed with the Mediterranean Partners, the EU-Egypt Association Agreement provides for a structured and regular political dialogue. This will be an important additional forum for both parties to discus a range of important issues of common interest, including democratic and human rights. Respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights is explicitly identified in the Agreement as an essential element. The Association Agreement also contains provisions for either party to take measures in the event of a material breach of the Agreement.

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