MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
19 April 2004
pursuant to Rule 50 of the Rules of Procedure
by Niall Andrews
on behalf of the UEN Group
on the killings of Christians in Nigeria
B5-0194/2004
European parliament resolution on the killings of Christians in Nigeria
The European parliament,
- having regard to its previous resolutions on the situation in Nigeria,
- having regard to the international human rights covenants ratified by Nigeria,
A. whereas the recent eruption of religious violence in the Nigerian state of Plateau, resulting in the death of some 1 500 Christians, the displacement of up to 50 000 persons and the destruction of 173 churches, is one of the worst in the ongoing violence against Christian communities in Nigeria but also in the whole african continent in recent years,
B. whereas a large number of mercenaries are allegedly being recruited from Niger and Chad by Islamic extremists in the Plateau state to attack Christian towns and villages,
C. whereas since 1999, 12 northern states with a Muslim majority have introduced strict Islamic Sharia law, followed by increased tension between Muslims and Christian and resulting in ethnic and religious violence including the killing of over 10 000 people,
D. whereas the Nigerian Constitution adopted in 1999 guarantees total freedom of belief,
1. Condemns the recent widespread killing of Christians and the destruction of churches in the Nigerian state of Plateau, and all other ongoing forms of religious intolerance and violence in Nigeria,
2. Calls on the nigerian government to take immediate and effective measures to protect its citizens, put an end to the violence, implement actively the promotion and respect of human rights and in particular the freedom of religion, and promote a dialogue leading to lasting peace and security all over the country,
3. Calls on the European Union to closely monitor the situation and to start immediately a political dialogue with Nigerian officials and religious authorities from both sides with a view to promoting the respect for human rights and religious freedoms as well as peace and security,
4. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the European Commission, the ACP-EU Council, the Co-Presidents of the ACP-EU Joint Assembly and the Nigerian Government.