EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 65/33

(2004/C 65 E/032)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0516/03

by Miet Smet (PPE-DE) to the Council

(24 February 2003)

Subject: Women's rights in Nigeria

Cooperation between the EU and Nigeria takes place on the basis of ACP-EU partnership. In the Cotonou Agreement, which outlines the general framework for ACP-EU relations for the next 20 years, respect for human rights and the equality of women and men is stressed repeatedly by both parties.

In spite of the fact that Nigeria subscribes to these principles, the rights of women in Nigeria are not always respected. According to AFP, there are instances of women being stoned to death in some provinces of Nigeria. These stonings are decreed by Islamic courts which apply the Sharia. Reuters also mentions the fact that Nigeria is one of the countries where female circumcision still frequently occurs, particularly among the Muslim population in the North.

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 Nigeria? Is there provision for the possibility of suspending cooperation between Nigeria and the EU if women's rights, and human rights in general, are continually violated in Nigeria? 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 Nigeria and the EU, does this apply to all the countries which have signed the Cotonou Agreement?

Reply

(17 November 2003)

The EU remains concerned about the sentences of stoning to death continuing to be applied by the Sharia Courts. The Presidency on behalf of the European Union, has reacted to those infringements referred to by the Honourable Member. The EU welcomed in its declaration of 27 March 2002 the acquittal of Safiya Hussaini after being sentenced to death by stoning. The EU then followed closely the case of Amina Lawal, also sentenced to death by stoning and expressed, in the declaration of 21 August 2002, its deep concern about the decision of the court of appeal dismissing the appeal lodged by Amina Lawal. It will continue to monitor developments in this case in the future.

In both these cases and in the political dialogue at HoMs level the EU continues to reiterate its position on the death penalty and encourages the Government of Nigeria to continue to work towards the abolition of the death penalty and the prevention of all forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The European Union will continue to use its political dialogue with Nigeria to press for further progress in this matter. It urges the Nigerian authorities to fully respect their international obligations and, in particular, human rights and human dignity with particular reference to women (1).

In addition, the EU attaches great importance to the role of civil society and supports in particular human rights and other non-governmental organisations active in this area.

As pointed out in the question, cooperation between the EU and Nigeria takes place in the framework of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000. Respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms is an essential element of this Agreement, as stipulated in Article 9. Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement opens the possibility for the signatories of the Agreement to engage in consultations when a Party has failed to fulfil an obligation stemming from i.a. respect for human rights. These consultations occur if political dialogue has failed. If consultations are refused or fail, appropriate measures may be taken which may include the suspension of development cooperation.

(1) Barcelona European Council, 15/16 March 2002.