Sexual violence, the scourge of Egypt
11.2.2015
Question for written answer E-002210-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Barbara Matera (PPE)
According to a report circulated on 21 January 2015 by Amnesty International, violence against women in Egypt has reached alarming levels, both in a domestic setting and in public.
Despite the introduction in recent months of a law punishing sexual violence and imposing a minimum penalty of one year's imprisonment, there have been very few convictions and the majority of female victims still await justice. The Egyptian authorities are slow to implement the measures necessary to put a concrete end to this violence and also the deep-seated discrimination against women.
Over 99% of Egyptian women who took part in a survey by UN Women in 2013 reported that they had suffered sexual assaults.
Considering the role of the EU in the promotion of human rights at international level (Article 21 TEU), can the Commission explain:
- —What action it intends to take to combat this phenomenon?
- —With specific reference to the association agreement between the European Union and Egypt, what measures does it intend to take to ensure compliance with Article 2 of that agreement?