VP/HR — repeated massacres of Christians in Nigeria and action against the Boko Haram terrorist group
20.2.2014
Question for written answer E-002040-14
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 117
Sergio Berlato (PPE)
In Nigeria an extremely serious persecution is under way against citizens who are Christians. The deaths continue, in their hundreds. These numerous murders with a religious background have mostly been the work of a terrorist group inspired by Islam. Known as Boko Haram, it is a sect affiliated to Al-Qaeda. The last violent incident took place on Sunday 16 February. At least ninety Nigerian Christians were killed in this vicious attack. We are witnessing one of the most dramatic religious persecutions of the 21st century, and the European institutions cannot stand idly by.
Now, therefore, the following questions are referred to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy:
- — Does the European Union intend to back the Nigerian Government against the Boko Haram terrorist group? If so, can it describe what the operational arrangements will be?
- — In view of the danger faced by hundreds of thousands of Christians worldwide, does it intend to propose to the EU Member States that coordinated action be taken to protect the security of Christians in the world?
- — Apart from the Nigerian situation, does the European Union intend to adopt specific measures with regard to governments which do not fully protect freedom of worship and the security of the religious minorities in their countries, but which are in receipt of EU-funded cooperation aid or other forms of finance?
OJ C 317, 16/09/2014