WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3040/96 by Guido PODESTÀ to the Commission. Human rights violations in Afghanistan
Date: 1996-11-06
Institutions: European Parliament, PODESTA
Subjects: Afghanistan, EU aid, Islamic State, civil war, extremism, human rights, humanitarian aid, non-governmental organisation, sexual discrimination, women's rights













EUR-Lex - 91996E3040 - EN






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91996E3040

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3040/96 by Guido PODESTÀ to the Commission. Human rights violations in Afghanistan  


Official Journal C 072 , 07/03/1997 P. 0089 





WRITTEN QUESTION P-3040/96 by Guido Podestà (UPE) to the Commission (6 November 1996)Subject: Human rights violations in AfghanistanSince taking control of two-thirds of Afghanistan, including the capital, Kabul, the Taliban (also referred to as 'the theology students'), an army of Islamic militants, have embarked on a reign of terror, imposing the strictest form of Islamic law yet to be seen in the Muslim world, based on a literal interpretation of the Koran, and thus establishing a rigid, orthodox system which takes no account of modern-day realities.In addition to cutting off the hands of thieves and preventing women from going to school or working, thus effectively obliging them to stay at home, these Islamic extremists are using prisoners of war to clear paths through minefields.The international organizations have threatened to leave Kabul since female staff, teachers and nurses no longer have the right to work, female children to go to school or women to attend vocational training courses.According to the latest figures released by UNICEF, during the 16 year-old civil war, 1 500 000 people - one third of them children - have died, 1 000 000 have been disabled, very many of them children injured by mines, more than 2 500 000 have been obliged to leave their homes and over 3 000 000 children are suffering from hunger, war and poverty.Given the above, will the Commission state whether, and under what conditions, it intends to make a financial contribution to reconstruction in Afghanistan and support for humanitarian organizations as long as human rights continue to be disregarded in that country?Answer given by Mr Marin on behalf of the Commission (26 November 1996)The Commission shares the Honourable Member's concern for the violation of human rights especially those of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taleban regime.The Commission has been providing yearly contributions of approximately 40 MECU in food aid as well as programmes dealing with resettlement of returning refugees (de-mining, basic infrastructure, basic education and health care, agriculture) and drug control.Without a peace agreement, aid to significant rehabilitation and reconstruction is premature. Concerning the continuation of humanitarian aid and the possible introduction of a strong conditionality of aid, which has been demanded by some donors, the Commission is of the opinion that this aid should be continued as the needs of the vulnerable groups remain unchanged or have increased in some areas.The policy of gender-based-discrimination impedes effective work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Considering that aid has to be delivered irrespective of the gender or ethnic background and in order to achieve effective delivery and reception of it, the Commission supports efforts to find a common donor position to strengthen the position of NGOs in their dealings with the Taleban and the other factions.