EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/392

(2004/C 88 E/0398)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2227/03

by Michael Cashman (PSE) to the Commission

(2 July 2003)

Subject: Human rights in Western Sahara

Following the dissolution of the Sahara section of the human rights NGO ‘Forum for Truth and Justice’ in Layounne Court on 18 June 2003, can the Commission indicate what action is being taken by the European Union to protect human rights in Western Sahara?

The Commission will be aware that this is not the first measure taken to restrict the human rights of the Sahrawi people and that it is important that those who fight to protect human rights should themselves be protected and allowed to operate.

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(29 July 2003)

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that the protection of the freedom of action of human rights defenders, in accordance with international standards, is a matter of the utmost importance.

The Commission is aware of the dissolution of the Sahara section of the ‘Forum for Truth and Justice’, as well as persisting allegations of harassment and intimidation against Western Saharan civil society activists. The Commission understands that in this particular case, defense lawyers have announced their intention to appeal against the decision handed down in Layounne on the 18 June 2003. The Commission is following the matter closely.

Relations between Morocco and the Union are governed by the Association Agreement and questions related to human rights as well as those connected with the Western Sahara are treated, inter alia, in the framework of the political dialogue (article 2) during the Association Councils and Committees.

On 22 May 2003 the Commission issued a Communication (1) aimed at reinvigorating Union actions on Human Rights and democratisation with the Mediterranean partners, within the framework of both dialogue and cooperation under the Euro-Med Association Agreements.

This Communication outlines guidelines for the best use of the instruments that are at the disposal of the Union and its Mediterranean partners to effectively implement their common goal of the promotion of democratisation and the promotion and protection of universal Human Rights and fundamental freedoms. It proposes 10 concrete recommendations to improve the dialogue between the Union and its Mediterranean partners, as well as Union's financial co-operation on Human Rights issues. Several of the recommendations touch on the vital role played by civil society in the promotion and protection of human rights, and the need to collaborate constructively with partners to effectively ensure civil society freedom of action in accordance with international norms. The implementation of the Communication will be enhanced by three levels of complementarity: between the political dialogue and financial assistance, between the MEDA programme and assistance under the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), and finally between the national and regional dimensions.

The Communication will provide an additional, concrete platform to engage the Mediterranean partners, such as Morocco, on a continuous dialogue on all the questions of human rights and democratisation including, when appropriate, those dealing with specific cases.

In this respect the Commission would like to reassure the Honourable Member that the effective protection of human rights in Western Sahara remains a continuous and major priority for the Commission.

(1) COM(2003) 294 final.