WRITTEN QUESTION E-1391/02 by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission. Security and human rights.
Date: 2002-05-15
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: human rights, public safety, terrorism

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6.3.2003

Does the Commission intend to carry out comparative studies on the implementation of part-time and/or
temporary employment policies in the Member States and the contribution of
flexible forms of
employment to combating unemployment? Does it intend to draw up a report on the subject or to take
any other initiatives?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(4 June 2002)

The balance between flexibility and security has been at the heart of the European strategy since its launch
in 1997. It is a major aspect of work quality, as was confirmed by the Council on 3 December 2001. The
conclusions of the Barcelona European Council (15 and March 2002) also referred to its importance.

The National Action Plans for Employment submitted by the Member States enable the main political
developments in this field to be monitored, and these are summarised in the Joint Employment Report. In
addition,
the
characteristics of employment, including the use of flexible working arrangements.

the Commission’s annual report on employment

in Europe contains an analysis of

The European social partners are involved in the debate about this crucial combination of flexibility and
security in the context of their social dialogue and their contribution to the employment strategy. This
question is also the subject of work being carried out by the Foundation in Dublin, and was an important
element in the discussions of the high-level group of experts concerning industrial relations in the face of
change.

The Commission therefore does not currently have any plans for additional work or reports concerning
this matter.

(2003/C 52 E/075)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1391/02

by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission

(15 May 2002)

Subject: Security and human rights

Following the tragic events of 11 September, serious concerns have arisen over the way in which national
security has become the overarching concern of many governments to the detriment of human rights, with
secondary, parallel systems for the dispensation of justice being created in many cases.

Recently Amnesty International, the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies and other non-governmental
organisations published an open statement addressed to the United Nations Commission on Human
Rights, asking states to ensure that any measures taken to tackle terrorism complied with their human
rights obligations. The above-mentioned non-governmental organisations expressed their support for Mary
Robinson’s appeal for the creation of a mechanism to monitor the human rights impact of anti-terrorism
measures taken by states, and requested the High Commissioner to produce a report on the effects of such
measures on human rights, which will lead to recommendations for their effective observance.

What is the Commission’s position in relation to the views of the non-governmental organisations and
Mrs Robinson, and does it intend to take steps to support and implement them?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(13 June 2002)

The Commission fully supports the stance taken by the Union with regard to the need for the fight against
terrorism to be conducted with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Presidency
on behalf of the Union again underlined this point during the Union’s explanation of vote on the

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resolution on Human rights and Terrorism introduced by Algeria at the 58th session of the Commission
on Human Rights (CHR). The Union abstained on this resolution, principally because it included the
assertion that
terrorist acts constituted a violation of human rights (the Union having consistently
maintained that human rights violations can only be perpetrated by States).

With respect to the creation of a mechanism to monitor the human rights impact of anti-terrorism
measures taken by States, the Union participated actively in the negotiations at the 58th CHR on the text
of a resolution introduced by Mexico on Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while
Countering Terrorism which requested the High Commissioner to provide advice, recommendations and
analysis on the protection of human rights in the context of the fight against terrorism. The Union’s
support for this move was demonstrated by its indication of co-sponsorship on the resolution. However,
strong opposition from other States led to the withdrawal of the text. Further efforts to secure progress on
the issue are expected at the next session of the CHR.

(2003/C 52 E/076)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1392/02

by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission

(15 May 2002)

Subject: Sudan

What progress is being made in terms of the resumption of normal relations between the EU and Sudan?
Is there any identified progress in the ongoing political dialogue with the Sudanese Government?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(25 June 2002)

Positive steps have been made towards a progressive normalisation of relations between the Sudan and the
Union.

From the Commission’s side the three commitments for 2002 agreed upon during the Union Troïka
Mission December 2001, were implemented as follows:

(cid:1) the Management Unit for the ‘Humanitarian Plus’ Programme was established before end January

2002;

(cid:1) the notification letter by the Member of

the Commission responsible for development and
humanitarian aid for the 9th European Development Fund (EDF) allocation was delivered to the
President of the Sudan on 29 January 2002, ahead of the date agreed with the Sudanese government;

(cid:1) discussions for the preparation of the Country Strategy Paper with the Government, the Sudan
People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) and Sudanese Non-State Actors (North and South)
started in February 2002 and are progressing with a view to possible signature by end 2002.

As regards the Union’s commitment
the
to high level contacts,
Commission received Mr Mutrif Siddiq from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Sudanese contact point for
the Union/Sudan political dialogue in Khartoum. This was an occasion to exchange views on the progress
in the Union/Sudan dialogue.

the above-mentioned Member of

The Directorate General for Development received for the first time since the suspension of co-operation
the Sudanese Minister of Finance to discuss progress in the preparation of the Country Strategy Paper and
the economic situation of the country.