WRITTEN QUESTION E-0875/04 by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Human rights violations in northern Uganda.
Date: 2004-03-22
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU relations, Uganda, aid policy, child protection, civil war, civilian victim, human rights, war crime

3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84 E/693

long-term carcinogenic

effects by introducing safety margins

recommended for electricity lines is currently 100µT. It also establishes a precautionary approach to
possible
limits.
The Commission keeps this Recommendation under constant review in the light of new scientific evidence
available. Considerable research work has been undertaken to investigate a possible impact on health.
However, further studies are necessary on the possible long-term effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on
public exposure. The World Health Organisation is currently conducting a major assessment relating to
EMF. The Commission is following this project closely. It is expected that the outcome of this work will
provide key elements to determine possible further steps.

exposure

in the

However, it is the Member States’ responsibility to ensure that adequate health protection measures are
taken. Where reference levels are exceeded,
it is recommended that national authorities carry out an
assessment of the situation and take the appropriate follow-up measures, such as informing those who are
exposed or changing the installation or design of the source of radiation or the way it is operated.

(2004/C 84 E/0778)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0875/04

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(22 March 2004)

Subject: Human rights violations in northern Uganda

For more than 16 years a civil war has been raging in the northern regions of Uganda between the
Ugandan army (Uganda People’s Defence Force, UPDF) and the armed opposition, the LRA. As both sides
are struggling to gain control over the population, civilians are caught increasingly frequently in the
crossfire between the two groups. 400 000 people have been driven out of the districts of Gulu and
Kitgum since 1996; in Gulu alone this represents some 80 % of the population. For a long time the extent
of the human rights violations perpetrated by the LRA against the population has diverted attention from
similar violations on the government side.

Executions, acts of cruelty and rape by Ugandan soldiers are everyday occurrences.

In addition, opposition groups active mainly in the west and north of the country are also responsible for
serious human rights violations, mainly against the civilian population. Civilians with no involvement in
the dispute are the victims of deliberate, arbitrary killings. Even children are mistreated, raped, sexually
enslaved and forced to bear arms. Escape bids are paid for by many girls and boys with their lives.

In view of this high level of brutality against the civilian population, would the Commission say whether it
is already aware of this situation and whether it intends to do something about these crimes, or has
already done so?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(26 April 2004)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written P-0646/04 by Mr Mauro. (1)

(1) See page 646.