WRITTEN QUESTION E-0148/04 by Cees Bremmer (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Human rights in Burma.
Date: 2004-01-26
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Bangladesh, EU relations, India, Myanmar/Burma, aid policy, aid to refugees, ethnic discrimination, human rights, humanitarian aid, religious discrimination

8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 88 E/687

The Commission is financially supporting the OAS in the implementation of the 29 May 2003 Agreement,
with an amount of EUR 600 000. Nevertheless, the Commission is not playing any other role within the
process, because it has not been invited either to observe the collection of signatures or to support the
verification.

The Commission supports the NEC efforts to comply with its constitutional role of verifying the signatures
and has no reasons to believe the NEC will fail
in its obligations. It is very important that both the
government’s supporters and opposition publicly commit themselves to accept any decision which is
consistent with the constitution and democratic principles. The EU (Declaration of 22 December 2003) has
publicly urged both parties to act in this sense. President Chávez and some parts of the opposition have
done so and this contributes to decreasing possible political tension.

If the NEC’s decision is that a Presidential referendum should take place, and provided that Venezuelan
authorities issue an invitation to the European Union to observe, the Commission will deploy an Electoral
Observation Exploratory Mission to Venezuela to make recommendations as to whether the deployment of
a full EU observation mission would be advisable, useful and feasible, in accordance with the practice laid
down in the Commission’s Communication on Election Assistance and Observation (1).

The Commission is pleased by the fact that the processes of signature collection took place in an
atmosphere of tolerance and restraint and hopes that the same spirit of tolerance will prevail during the
verification process and when the NEC announces the results.

(1) COM(2000) 191 final.

(2004/C 88 E/0706)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0148/04

by Cees Bremmer (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(26 January 2004)

Subject: Human rights in Burma

Is the Commission aware of the very serious human rights abuses in Burma committed by the military
junta since the most recent democratic elections in 1990? These abuses have involved the oppression of
various ethnic groups, which have led to, among other things, the problem of Burmese refugees in north-
east India (Christians from the Chin ethnic group), who fled the terror inflicted by the Burmese army, and
to the problem of the Burmese Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh?

Does the Commission share the view that Burma has failed significantly to meet its obligations as a
member of the UN and that it is the task of the international community, and of the European Community
in particular, to bring this to Burma’s attention?

Does the Commission share the view that the issue of human rights in Burma can be resolved only
through a process of democratisation based on dialogue between the military junta, the democratic
opposition and ethnic groups?

With regard to the above point, is the Commission prepared to contribute to the reinforcement of Burma’s
nascent civil society in, for example, the areas of healthcare, education and the environment, where needs
are greatest due to a lack of funds and of organised initiatives?

Is the Commission also prepared to contribute to resolving the refugee question by calling on the Indian
authorities not to put any more pressure on Burmese displaced persons in north-east India, and by
facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid? Is the Commission further prepared to apply pressure on the
Bangladeshi authorities and the UNHCR to ensure that Burmese Rohingya Muslim refugees in the
recognised official refugee camps in southern Bangladesh are not forced to return and that unrecognised
Rohingya Muslim refugees receive some kind of humanitarian aid?

C 88 E/688

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

8.4.2004

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(25 February 2004)

The Commission is well aware of reports of alleged persecutions of ethnic minority groups by the military
in Burma/Myanmar and has on numerous occasions expressed its grave concern for the human rights
situation in the country, particularly in ethnic minority areas, to the Burmese Government.

The Commission has always stated that it is convinced that a lasting solution to the political situation,
which is a necessity for the improvement of the human rights situation in Burma, must be based on
agreement between the State Peace and Development Council
the democratically elected
‘opposition’ and the ethnic minorities.

(SPDC),

According to the EU Common Position on Burma/Myanmar, non-humanitarian aid or development
assistance to Burma remains suspended. However, exceptions may be made for programmes defined in
consultation with democratic groups and run with their involvement in areas such as basic education,
health and poverty alleviation.
Initiatives in support of human rights and democracy can also be
supported.

At present, Commission humanitarian support to Burma/Myanmar, totalling approximately EUR 10 million
per year, is mainly targeted at refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons. Activities include food
aid, basic health and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS),
water and sanitation. All humanitarian programmes are implemented by non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) or International Organisations.

As regards the situation of Burmese refugees in Bangladesh and India, the Commission has discussed its
concerns with Indian and Bangladeshi authorities on several occasions.

The Commission is also providing substantial financial assistance to the Rohingya population, both in
Bangladesh and in the Rakhine State in Burma. This assistance is provided in full co-operation with the
United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). The Commission will continue to monitor the
situation of the Rohyinga refugees closely in order to ensure that no forced repatriation takes place and it
remains ready to take further action if needed.

(2004/C 88 E/0707)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0188/04

by Marco Cappato (NI) to the Commission

(29 January 2004)

Subject: Abduction of two Ivorians

On 4 December 2003, while inside their vehicle, a grey Peugeot 405 with the registration number
2532CE01, Gbane Aboubacar and his brother Soule Ouattara were abducted by an armed commando near
the Treichville cultural centre in Côte d’Ivoire.

Since then, attempts by their family in Koumassi to find them have been in vain. Searches at police
stations and gendarmes’ barracks in the administrative capital, Abidjan, have so far proved fruitless.
Relatives of the victims and their political family, the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI-RDA), are
shocked by this new episode of violence in the country.

Does the Commission have any information about
circumstances?

this abduction that

took place in mysterious

Can the Commission intervene with the Ivorian authorities so that this kidnapping can be solved as
quickly as possible?