WRITTEN QUESTION E-3432/97 by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission (31 October 1997)

Subject: Human rights violations by the Kabul Government

In September 1996 the Taliban, or Afghan theology students, captured Kabul and imposed a very severe way of life on the people, based on an austere version of Islam that distorts the true faith and stifles the manifestations of civil society.

They have set up a 'Ministry of Vices and Virtues' and used it to lay down commandments which have to be scrupulously observed on pain of mutilation or corporal punishment.

Women are obliged to wear long garments that cover their bodies from head to foot and are forbidden, among other things, to go out into the street, study, or work; men must not engage in any activity that distracts them from work and prayer; and children are not allowed to play freely.

The Kabul Government has also been taking an intransigent and hostile line in relation to the international community and humanitarian bodies, since it is aiming to replace Western-inspired organizations with Islamic institutions.

In the light of this situation, can the Commission adopt an attitude of condemnation and halt the human rights violations being perpetrated every day?

In addition, can it exert economic pressure to persuade the Kabul Government not to interfere in the activities of bodies seeking to promote peace and democratic development on Afghan territory?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (1 December 1997)

The Commission strongly condemns the frequent human rights violations by the Taliban since their takeover of Kabul in October 1996. Furthermore, following her visit to Afghanistan in October 1997, the member of the Commission in charge of humanitarian aid strongly denounced the precarious situation of the population in general, and women in particular due to Taliban decrees that arbitrarily restrict fundamental human freedoms.

In order to stop these human rights violations, the Commission would have to have a strong leverage on the factions to force them to adhere to internationally agreed standards. In this respect two possibilities are frequently raised, firstly the imposition of a conditionality of aid and secondly the political decision to withhold recognition of any faction. Given that humanitarian aid is by nature impartial and unconditional and that the entire Community aid committed to Afghanistan is humanitarian in character, there are strong reservations concerning the introduction of conditionality on Community aid to Afghanistan.

On the other hand, as the Taliban are seeking international recognition, it should be conveyed to them that international recognition will only be forthcoming if governments abide by international law and international human rights standards. Moves to strengthen a common position of the international community in this respect are to be encouraged.

Concerning possible economic pressure to stop interference with organisations promoting peace and democratic development, the Community does not have much scope for action given the limited amount of trade between the Community and Afghanistan.

It is recalled that the Presidency of the Union stressed in its statement of October 1996 its concern at the restrictions on the work of non governmental organisations. However, in view of the situation in Afghanistan, only a peaceful settlement of the conflict can bring about the changes required. Therefore, the Community has the intention to contribute to the reactivation of the political démarches in this respect.