WRITTEN QUESTION E-0514/03

by Miet Smet (PPE-DE) to the Council

(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?

Reply

(22 July 2003)

The Council would remind the Honourable Member that the signing of the Association Agreement with Egypt gave a new dimension to relations with that country, in particular making it possible to engage discussions on the subject of human rights and fundamental freedoms, even though the Agreement has not yet come into force as it awaits ratification. The Heads of Mission of the Troika countries in Egypt have begun discussions with the Egyptian authorities on matters of concern, including respect for human rights. Two meetings took place in July and November 2002. At the first meeting both sides agreed to hold regular discussions in the spirit of the Barcelona Declaration and the Association Agreement. The first political dialogue meeting at ministerial level is scheduled for June and will give the European Union an opportunity to raise a number of issues.

Once the Association Agreement has entered into force it will provide a framework for conducting political discussions at regular intervals, as required and at the appropriate level. The Agreement itself stipulates that respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights forms the basis of relations between the European Union and Egypt, constituting an essential element.

Some progress has been observed regarding women's rights, in particular with the establishment of a regulatory framework. In 2000 the Egyptian government created a National Council for Women with the mission of promoting women's rights and well-being. A new, progressive law on personal status (family law) was adopted in 2000 and also improved conditions for women. A law making it easier for women to obtain a divorce has also been passed. However, the application of these laws too often runs into administrative and social obstacles and into traditions which are often based on religion. The Egyptian government is also trying to eliminate the practice of genital mutilation. The practice was banned by a decree issued by the Ministry of Health in 1996. Through information campaigns supported by the European Union, society is gradually becoming aware of the problem, but the proportion of women who are the victims of such practices remains too high.