WRITTEN QUESTION E-2088/02

by Bob van den Bos (ELDR) to the Commission

(12 July 2002)

Subject: Slavery

In late May, the US-led Eminent Persons Group on Slavery, which was set up by President Bush and includes members from a number of European countries, published a damning report on the situation in Sudan. The Group accused the Sudanese Government of turning a blind eye to slavery. Slavery is a phenomenon which occurs not only in a large number of African countries but also, for example, in the Islamic Gulf States, in the Caucasus and in south-east Asia.

1. Is the Commission aware of the existence of that report? What political conclusions does it draw therefrom?

2. Is the Commission aware of slavery occurring in ACP States? If so, what policy is it pursuing with a view to this practice being abolished in those countries?

3. What sanctions does the Commission have at its disposal if no progress is made towards the abolition of slavery in those countries where its existence is proven?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(24 September 2002)

The Commission was informed that an International Eminent Persons Group (IEPG) in the framework of the mission of the United States Presidential Envoy for Peace in the Sudan, Senator J. Danforth, was requested to investigate the situation on Slavery, Abduction and Forced Servitude in the Sudan. The Commission is aware that the IEPG issued a report for the consideration of both Senator Danforth and the United States' Administration for possible follow-up. Although the Commission was involved neither in its preparation nor in its possible implementation it considers the report as a very useful tool for a better understanding of these sensitive matters. Furthermore, and as it is suggested by the IEPG, deeper research and analysis is needed even in the eventuality of a peace settlement. The Union has consistently underlined its opposition to contemporary slavery, including at the 58th session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (CHR). The Union also expressed its concern at the incidences of forced labour in the resolution which it introduced on Sudan at the last CHR.

The Union's Annual Human Rights Report of 2001 addresses the issue of slavery in the section dealing with trafficking in human beings and points to several initiatives taken by the Union to combat such practices. Moreover, Article 5 of the Charter for Fundamental Rights, proclaimed by the Union at Nice in December 2000, underlines the prohibition of slavery and forced labour.

The Commission is aware of slavery occurring in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states. Where possible it tries to discuss the issue with the authorities. However, it also acts through support to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the civil society. The Cotonou Agreement provides a new basis for discussion on those kinds of topic (Article 8) which should be used in the future. Moreover, the Cotonou Agreement provides instruments for when human rights and the rule of law are violated in a country.

Funding has been allocated under the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (Chapter B7-7 of the Community budget) for projects tackling the issue of trafficking, child labour and slavery. For example, under the 2001 budget, EUR 1 252 375 was allocated to Alizei (Associazione per la Cooperazione Internazionale e l'Aiuto Umanitario) to promote children's rights and to combat child trafficking, modern forms of slavery and the exploitation of minors in Gabon, Benin, Togo and Nigeria. Such support complements the assistance which is channelled through country-specific programmes.

As far as co-operation with West Africa is concerned, the ongoing 9th European Development Fund (EDF) programming exercise has indeed looked into the issues of conflict prevention and human being trafficking. It is envisaged to support Ecowas through specific actions in those areas.

The human rights clause, which is included in all co-operation agreements between the Community and third countries, defines respect for human rights as an essential element of the agreement. Core labour standards, as set out in the eight key standard International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions (including those on forced and child labour) fall within the remit of this clause, which provides a basis for raising such concerns with third countries and for procedures including ultimately the suspension of the co-operation agreement in the event that human rights' abuses continue.