WRITTEN QUESTION E-1346/03

by Ilka Schröder (GUE/NGL) to the Council

(10 April 2003)

Subject: Persecution of homosexuals in the Palestinian autonomous areas

In recent months there have been repeated reports in the press (including in New Republic, 19 August 2002, East Bay Voice, 19 September 2002, Ha'aretz, 6 March 2003 and 10 September 2001, Jerusalem Post, 5 June 2001) and by civil rights groups (e.g. Agudah, http://agudah.israel-live.de) on serious violations of the human rights of gays, lesbians, transsexuals and trans-genders in the autonomous areas ruled by the Palestinian Authority (PA). In 2000, it is claimed, four Palestinians were killed for being homosexual, and hundreds were forced to flee to Israel. It is alleged that harassment of gays is practically official policy in the PA. The victims are frequently called collaborators and accused as such. However,

there have also been two cases in the last three years where people have been specifically accused of homosexuality. In the wake of the Al-Aqsa Intifada, Sharia courts have also been set up where homosexuals are threatened with the death penalty by stoning, burning and hanging. These courts also declare persons suspected of homosexuality to be outlaws, who can be murdered with impunity. It is also reported that the PA police regularly inflicts appalling torture on homosexuals.

The EU has committed enormous amounts of financial aid to the region. Since 1993, over EUR 1,4 billion has flowed into the PA-ruled areas, and since June 2001 the EU has paid a steady EUR 10 million per month to the PA through direct budget payments. Further large appropriations are granted through the MEDA programme. Is the Council aware of the above-mentioned facts about the situation of gays, lesbians, transsexuals and trans-genders in the PA areas? Does it have any other information? If so, what? Does it know about the situation of homosexuals in the UNWRA camps co-funded by the EU? Has the Council already taken any measures to bring about a change in this intolerable situation? If not, does the Council consider that the EU in view of the extent to which it supports the PA has a right to insist on compliance with human rights obligations by the PA, and must assert this right? If not, would the Council agree that the EU and its Member States should grant those affected immediate and unlimited asylum? If not, why not?

Joint answerto Written Questions E-1338/03 and E-1346/03

(7 October 2003)

The Council cannot confirm the information and has not specifically discussed this matter.

The Council remains concerned to defend the values and principles in particular liberty, democracy, equality, respect for all human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law on which the European Union is founded and which govern its relations with its Partners in the Barcelona Process. The Association Agreement concluded with Israel and the Interim Agreement in place with the PLO/Palestinian Authority both state in Article 2 that relations are based on respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights, which constitute an essential element of the Agreements. The Council, in its dialogue with Israel and the Palestinian Authority, always stresses these points and will continue to do so.