EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/104

(2004/C 88 E/0109)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2594/03

by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission

(14 August 2003)

Subject: Persecution of Christians

One of my constituents highlighted the ongoing persecution of Christians around the world, giving examples in Laos and in Cambodia where five Christian families who, having been ordered to leave their province, continue to face threats and intimidation in attempts to force them to abandon their faith.

What is the Commission doing in its relations with countries outside the EU to promote and practise religious tolerance?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(17 September 2003)

The Commission attaches great importance to the rights of freedom of religion, belief and expression in its dialogues with third countries. Freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief is one of the fundamental human rights and as such is enshrined in a number of international instruments including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 18), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 18) and the European Convention on Human Rights (Article 9). In addition, the Charter of fundamental rights of the European Union, which guides the Commission's external action in this field, makes clear that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion (Article 10) and that cultural, religious and linguistic diversity should be respected.

The Union has repeatedly affirmed that human rights and democratisation must form an integral part of all political dialogues with third countries. Religious freedom as a fundamental human right as well as the rights of religious minorities are thus addressed through the Union's bilateral political dialogues, and, when appropriate, through démarches and public declarations, as well as through Union action in fora such as the United Nations (UN) Commission on Human Rights or the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly.

As regards the situation in Laos, the Commission is aware of reports that freedom of religious expression remains restricted in Laos, including reports of members of Christian groups being persecuted and/or detained on grounds of their religious affiliation.

This is done despite the fact that the Constitution stipulates ‘the right and freedom to believe or not to believe in religion’. The level of tolerance of religious practice varies between regions. Some reports mention difficulties for religious groups seeking to establish new places of worship in particular provinces. In other parts of the country both Catholic and Protestant followers are able to worship openly.

The Commission follows this and other matters relating to human rights in Laos closely and concerns are frequently raised in bilateral meetings between the Commission and Laos. The Commission also participates fully in all Union démarches to convey our concerns to the Laotian authorities.

As regards Cambodia, there have been less incidences of reports of difficulties faced by religious groups or persons. In his latest report, religious freedom has not been listed by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Human Rights in Cambodia as one of the major issues of concern in the country.