VP/HR — Harassment of South Sudan's Christian community

20.7.2015

Question for written answer E-011565-15
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso (PPE)

The South Sudan Evangelical Presbyterian Church has been suffering significant harassment by the authorities for months. Numerous members of the church — such as Pastors Michael Yat and Peter Yen Reith — have been arrested, accused of undermining the constitutional system, waging war against the state, espionage and blasphemy. These crimes carry the death penalty under Sudan’s Criminal Act of 1991. The South Sudan Government is waging a campaign against the Christian community, involving threats and intimidation, as well as the destruction of Church property. This represents a breach of Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, of which Sudan is a signatory.

In view of this situation, what type of diplomatic pressure is the EU considering exerting to make South Sudan meet its international commitments and ensure that Christians' fundamental human rights are respected?