91999E2095

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2095/99

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(19 November 1999)

Subject: Use of force against young people in the USA

The media repeatedly carries reports of violence by American young people. It would not be unreasonable to suspect that such actions could be a direct consequence of the violence they themselves have experienced, as young people in the USA (and elsewhere) are the victims of acts of violence every day, not least violence by the national authorities. The case of an 11-year-old boy with Swiss and American nationality, who was taken from his bed by the police in handcuffs and shackles and is currently being held on remand in America on charges of incest, provides evidence that children are forcibly removed from their parents without proper evidence.

In the light of such horrifying cases, does the Commission intend:

- to bring increasing pressure to bear on the United States to prevent such acts of violence being carried out against children and young people, in particular by the national authorities?

- to point out to the United States that, in view of its alleged support for observance of human rights throughout the world, including China, it is essential that such rights are also observed at home?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(16 December 1999)

The Commission shares the concern of the Honourable Member that the rights of children and young people should be properly observed around the world. The individual case, to which the Honourable Member is referring, has now been settled by the Court. The boy has been released and returned from the United States to Switzerland.

It should be recalled that the Community and United States have an open dialogue on issues in the field of freedom, security and justice within the framework of the New transatlantic agenda. In general, this exchange of views includes criminal matters, such as money laundering, corruption and the fight against illegal drugs. The Community and United States have recently jointly organised a conference on combating child pornography on the Internet.

The Commission will not hesitate to raise with the appropriate American authorities issues of concern similar to the one put forward by the Honourable Member whenever the need arises.