92001E2822

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2822/01

by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Council

(10 October 2001)

Subject: Gender mainstreaming in ACP countries

What plans does the Council have for working to ensure that trade policies promote human rights and gender equality in ACP countries?

In the context of deconcentration, and the stated objective of mainstreaming gender in the EU's development cooperation with ACP countries, does the Council agree that at least one member of all delegations in ACP countries should have expertise and responsibility for gender?

Reply

(12 February 2002)

1. The Council Resolution of December 1995, the Council Conclusions of May 1998 and the Council Regulation of December 1998 on Integrating Gender Issues in Development Co-operation set the policy framework for EC Development cooperation and gender equality. For the ACP countries in addition, gender issues are emphasised in the Cotonou Agreement as cross-cutting issues.

2. Pursuant to these Resolutions and instruments the Council warmly welcomes the Commission Communication on the Programme of Action for the mainstreaming of gender equality in Community Development Co-operation.

With a view to further reinforcing the above framework, the agenda of the Council on 8 November 2001 envisages the adoption of Conclusions on the Commission's Programme of Action. It notes that gender aspects will be analysed and integrated within the priority areas contained in the EC Development Policy, inter alia, support for macro-economic policies as well as trade and development (in particular to identify mechanisms ensuring that trade and investments support gender equality).

3. The Council is of the opinion that adequate human resources in terms of quantity, capacity and continuity are crucial for a timely and effective implementation of this Programme of Action over the coming years.

In this context the Council emphasises the need to include training on gender issues in all training activities related to development cooperation and notes that the Commission's internal gender mainstreaming capacities will be established through a number of methods (for instance training and the development of tools).

While the Council supports the Commission's plans for building its internal capacity, tools and methods for gender mainstreaming, it considers that the allocation of adequate human resources within Commission delegations in ACP countries is the responsibility of the Commission.