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Parliamentary question - E-005397/2016Parliamentary question
E-005397/2016

VP/HR — Women's rights in the People's Republic of China

Question for written answer E-005397-16
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Ilhan Kyuchyuk (ALDE)

Women’s rights are still massively violated or denied around the world. It is not surprising that the UN has adopted gender equality as a sustainable development goal, which will transform the world. The EU works actively to provide women and girls with equal access to education, healthcare, decent work and representation in political and economic decision-making processes. Unfortunately, women’s rights are at risk in China, despite the country’s reaffirmed commitment to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women. Today, women activists as well as other human rights defenders continue to be systematically harassed, intimidated and prosecuted. Last year, five women’s rights activists were detained for planning to mark International Women’s Day with a campaign against sexual harassment. In addition, Chinese activist Su Changlan could face a lengthy jail sentence after being arrested for her activism on women’s rights. Ms Changlan has been detained for 18 months without trial.

1. What steps will the VP/HR take to protect women’s rights, gender equality and civil society in China?

2. What action will the VP/HR take to ensure the release of Su Changlan?