EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 84/713

(2004/C 84 E/0801)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0182/03

by Miet Smet (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(30 January 2003)

Subject: Women's rights in Iran

Despite major violations of women's rights — discrimination, stonings, torture, etc. —, on 12 December 2002 the European Union began negotiations with Iran on the conclusion of a trade and cooperation agreement. Given the importance Europe attaches to promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, the EU plans to incorporate a human rights clause in this trade and cooperation agreement.

A European troika paid a visit to Iran on 16/17 December 2002 in connection with the launching of the human rights dialogue between the EU and Iran. According to a press release from the Danish Presidency, the dialogue took place in an open and constructive atmosphere. Is there a connection between the troika visit and the Iranian government's decision to issue an invitation to a UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women?

The European Parliament has always called for pressure to be exerted to ensure that women's rights are respected whenever agreements are concluded between the EU and third countries. A human rights clause is to be included in the agreement with Iran. To what extent will this clause also lay down stringent conditions in the area of women's rights? How will the EU be able to monitor and enforce compliance with this clause? Will the possibility of suspending the agreement if Iran should fail to respect women's rights, or human rights in general, also be built in?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(10 March 2003)

The negotiations with Iran on a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) are linked to negotiations on political dialogue and counter-terrorism. This is in line with the political package defined by the General Affairs and External Relations Council in June and formally adopted on 12 July 2002. In accordance with the relevant praxis regarding Community Agreements the Council has decided that this TCA shall contain a standard Human Rights clause, which in case of grave violations would entail appropriate measures.

As the Honourable Member points out, a specific Union-Iran Human Rights dialogue was launched in Tehran 16/17 December 2002, based on the Council conclusions of 21 October 2002. This dialogue takes the form of a restricted session at governmental level, led by the Troïka on the Union side and addresses all Human Rights issues of concern. It is complemented by a round-table involving Union and Iranian civil society representatives. Two major themes were addressed during the round-table held in December 2002: discrimination (including discrimination against women) and prevention of torture. As regards discrimination against women, the Union made clear that it regarded Iran's accession to the relevant international convention (CEDAW), which Iran is currently studying, would be a very important step. The same approach was followed for the invitations by Iran of United Nations thematic rapporteurs, including the one on violence against women, scheduled to visit Iran in 2003.

The emerging Human Rights dialogue has been launched without pre-conditions, but it is to be regularly assessed through the use of benchmarks. The dialogue also feeds into the semi-annual EU-Iran Comprehensive Dialogue meetings which are ongoing since 1998.

The Commission has been informed — in connection with the Human Rights dialogue in December 2002 as well as during the visit of the Member of the Commission responsible for External relations to Iran 3/5 February 2003 — that a moratorium on stoning is in effect since late 2002.