WRITTEN QUESTION E-0522/03

by Miet Smet (PPE-DE) to the Council

(24 February 2003)

Subject: Women's rights in Zambia

Cooperation between the EU and Zambia takes place on the basis of ACP-EU partnership. In the Cotonou Agreement, which outlines the general framework for ACP-EU relations for the next 20 years, respect for human rights and the equality of women and men are stressed repeatedly by both parties.

In spite of the fact that Zambia subscribes to these principles, the rights of women in Zambia are not always respected. According to a report of 28 January 2003 by Human Rights Watch, girls in Zambia are five times more likely to be infected with the HIV virus than boys, because they are the victims of widespread sexual abuse.

Has the EU yet reacted to these grave infringements of women's rights? If not, does it intend to do so?

Is there any provision for a mechanism to systematically monitor and enforce respect for women's rights in Zambia? Is there provision for the possibility of suspending cooperation between Zambia and the EU if women's rights, and human rights in general, are continually violated in Zambia?

If not, will the EU make provision in future for such possibilities?

If there is provision for the monitoring and enforcement of respect for human rights and for the possible suspension of cooperation between Zambia and the EU, does this apply to all the countries which have signed the Cotonou Agreement?

Reply

(22 July 2003)

As pointed out in the question, cooperation between Zambia and the EU takes place in the framework of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000. Respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms is an essential element of this Agreement, as foreseen in its Article 9. Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement opens the possibility for the signatories of the Agreement to engage in consultations when a Party has failed to fulfil an obligation stemming from inter alia respect for human rights. These consultations occur if political dialogue has failed. If consultations are refused or fail, appropriate measures may be taken which may include the suspension of development cooperation.

The EU remains concerned about the spreading of the HIV virus in Southern Africa, often due to widespread sexual abuse.

Specific consultations with Zambia under Article 96 have however not been considered on this matter. The question of respect of human rights, including women's rights, is part of the dialogue with the Zambian Government, and the EU will continue to use its political dialogue with Zambia to press for further progress in this matter. It urges the Zambian authorities to fully respect human rights and human dignity with particular reference to women.