92002E1184

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1184/02

by James Nicholson (PPE-DE) to the Council

(25 April 2002)

Subject: Persecution of Christians in China, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam and Burma

It would appear that in spite of earlier assurances given by the respective governments religious persecution and human rights violations continue to occur.

Would the Council indicate what representations have been made to the respective governments and what meaningful assurances have been received regarding protection of the religious freedoms of Christians in China, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam and Burma?

Reply

(3 October 2002)

The Council, in its global approach to human rights, supports promotion of respect for the freedom of religion and belief, whatever the faith of those concerned. It has raised particular concerns regarding respect for this freedom with the Governments of China and Vietnam. In the case of China, these concerns have not been restricted to the rights of Christians, but have extended to other religious groups including Muslims and Buddhists. The Governments concerned have, in each case, responded that they do indeed respect this fundamental freedom. The Council would assure the Honourable Member that it will continue to monitor respect for this and other fundamental freedoms in these countries and elsewhere, whenever and wherever exercise of those freedoms may be put at risk.

The Council would like to bring to the attention of the Honourable Member that on 11 March the European Union issued a declaration welcoming the peace agreement signed on 12 February for the Indonesian province of the Moluccas, as an important step forward in the reconciliation of the Muslim and Christian communities. In the declaration the European Union urged the government of Indonesia to take the necessary measures against intruders seeking to disrupt the ongoing peace process in the province.