Index 
 Previous 
 Next 
 Full text 
Procedure : 2014/2634(RSP)
Document stages in plenary
Select a document :

Texts tabled :

RC-B7-0251/2014

Debates :

PV 13/03/2014 - 19.2
CRE 13/03/2014 - 19.2

Votes :

PV 13/03/2014 - 20.2

Texts adopted :

P7_TA(2014)0254

Verbatim report of proceedings
Thursday, 13 March 2014 - Strasbourg Revised edition

19.2. Launching consultations to suspend Uganda and Nigeria from the Cotonou Agreement in view of recent legislation further criminalising homosexuality
Video of the speeches
PV
MPphoto
 

  El Presidente. - El punto siguiente es el debate sobre seis propuestas de Resolución relativas al inicio de consultas con miras a suspender la aplicación del Acuerdo de Cotonú a Uganda y Nigeria a raíz de la reciente legislación que penaliza en mayor medida la homosexualidad (2014/2634(RSP)).

Quiero informar a sus Señorías de que pasado mañana se reúne, en este mismo edificio, la Asamblea Parlamentaria Paritaria ACP-UE y que, en una reunión que hemos mantenido esta mañana los miembros europeos de la Mesa de la Asamblea Parlamentaria Paritaria, hemos decidido que el texto que se apruebe ahora en relación con este punto se usará como referencia de la postura del Parlamento Europeo en una materia tan grave, con ocasión de la reunión de la Mesa y del Pleno de la Asamblea Parlamentaria Paritaria, donde, entre otros, están presentes, naturalmente, los parlamentarios de Uganda y de Nigeria.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Charles Tannock, author. - Mr[nbsp ]President, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s recent decision to enact harsh anti-gay legislation is profoundly disappointing. Among the most egregious clauses is the prescription of life imprisonment for the so-called crime of aggravated homosexuality. Together with President Jonathan’s recent tightening of LGBT laws in Nigeria, these combined actions form a depressive narrative of discrimination against ordinary people whose only crime is to feel attraction to someone of their own sex.

I reject the charge that homosexuality is somehow a colonial import. This matter is clearly a sensitive one, so we must be careful in our response not to alienate these governments and deter dialogue. However, considering suspension from the Cotonou Agreement, as well as the redirection of EU aid towards NGOs rather than central government, must be on the agenda as we demonstrate our commitment to promoting human rights for all.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Raül Romeva i Rueda, author. - Mr President, once again we have to condemn the adoption of the same-sex marriage act in Nigeria and the homosexuality act in Uganda. These laws constitute great threats to the universal right to life, to freedom of expression and of association, and – ultimately – to freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Sexual orientation and gender identity are matters falling within the remit of individuals’ rights to privacy, as guaranteed by international law and national constitutions.

LGTBI equality is an undeniable element of fundamental human rights. By signing these anti-homosexuality acts, the governments of Uganda and Nigeria fail to fulfil an obligation stemming from respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, as referred to in Article 9(2) of the Cotonou Agreement. It is for all these reasons that we call on the Commission to immediately launch consultations under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement with Uganda and Nigeria with a view to their possible suspension from the agreement, and to take any appropriate measures while they are being conducted.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Mitro Repo, laatija. - Arvoisa puhemies, tällä päätöslauselmalla me peräänkuulutamme universaalia periaatetta, jonka mukaan kaikki ihmiset ovat syntyneet vapaina ja tasavertaisina arvoltaan ja oikeuksiltaan. Kenenkään ei tulisi joutua elämään pelossa oman seksuaalisen suuntautumisensa vuoksi. Silti yhä vielä 76 valtiossa homoseksuaalisuutta pidetään rikoksena ja viidessä maassa siitä voidaan langettaa jopa kuolemantuomio.

Ugandassa ja Nigeriassa langetetut useiden vuosien vankeusrangaistukset ovat käsittämättömiä. Ne polkevat ihmisoikeuksia ja loukkaavat ihmisarvoa. Ne rikkovat myös Cotonoun sopimusta, jolla unioni tarjoaa puitteet yhteistyösuhteille Afrikan, Karibian ja Tyynenmeren valtioiden talouden, yhteiskunnan ja kulttuurin kehittämiseksi.

Parlamentti vaatii Cotonoun sopimuksen hengessä komissiolta toimia poliittisten konsultaatioiden aloittamiseksi. Myös yksittäisten valtioiden, kuten Ruotsin, Tanskan ja Hollannin, esimerkki kehitysapumäärärahojen uudelleenohjaamisesta pois Ugandan ja Nigerian viranomaisilta suoraan kansalaisjärjestöille on tervetullut innovaatio. Koko yhteiskuntaa ei saa rangaista keskeyttämällä kaikki tuki, tuen uudelleenohjaus riittää. On tärkeää, että EU on laatinut suuntaviivat sekä työkalupakin HLBTI-henkilöiden kaikkien ihmisoikeuksien edistämiseksi ja suojaamiseksi.

Meidän on nyt toimittava lupauksemme mukaan. Ugandan ja Nigerian viranomaisia tulee kannustaa poistamaan homoseksuaalisuus rikoslaista. Laki aiheuttaa sekä nigerialaisille että ulkomaisille HLBT-ihmisille vakavan uhan joutua väkivallan uhriksi ja pidätetyksi.

Jokaisen ihmisen yksityisyys ja tasa-arvo on kiistaton osa ihmisten perusoikeuksia. Millään valtiolla ei ole lupaa vetäytyä kansainvälisistä velvoitteistaan.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Marietje Schaake, author. - Mr President, Commissioner and colleagues, as the ACP meeting commences in this House, we are forced to take measures in response to the laws which have been adopted in Uganda and Nigeria criminalising LGBTI people and imposing very severe punishments. These laws violate the Cotonou Agreement, and we must use mutually-agreed human rights clauses under Article 96 to deal with this very urgent situation.

Fuelled by religious evangelical extremists from the United States, a true witch-hunt is under way, with LGBTIs being criminalised. These laws also hinder the vital fight against HIV and AIDS, and that is why several Member States have already decided to freeze their development aid. Such a move is very disagreeable, but it has been deemed necessary. We must make it clear that it is not our wish to see ordinary people suffering more than they already do in these African countries.

Genuine problems that impact on so many people, such as corruption, poor infrastructure, the need for more for development and education, and the need to end violent extremism, should be the focus of our continued active dialogues. We seek to cooperate, but not without sticking strictly to EU values and mutually-agreed treaties to which these African countries have themselves signed up. They must commit to respecting all human rights.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Bogusław Sonik, autor. - Jesteśmy zobligowani do podjęcia zdecydowanej interwencji wobec Ugandy i Nigerii i do potępienia tych państw za przyjęte w grudniu 2013 r. ustawodawstwo. Nie możemy się zgodzić, aby w XXI w. państwa, które prowadzą z nami rozbudowaną współpracę zarówno polityczną, handlową, jak i rozwojową dopuszczały się tak rażących naruszeń praw człowieka, jak to ma miejsce obecnie w Nigerii czy w Ugandzie. Jako przykład wystarczy podać karę 10 lat pozbawienia wolności wobec osób jedynie uczestniczących w spotkaniach osób homoseksualnych, biseksualnych i transseksualnych, czy publikowanie w gazetach wizerunku takich osób. Natomiast w 12 stanach Nigerii kontakty homoseksualne podlegają karze śmierci. Co my jako Unia możemy zrobić? Mamy do dyspozycji skuteczne sankcje przewidziane w łączącej nas z państwami Afryki i Karaibów umowie z Kotonu i wzywam Unię Europejską do podjęcia zdecydowanej interwencji w tej sprawie podczas szczytu UE-Afryka w dniach 2 i 3 kwietnia.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Marie-Christine Vergiat, auteure. - Monsieur le Président, en Ouganda, ce que l'on craignait depuis deux ans s'est produit: le président Museveni a finalement promulgué, le 24 février, la loi qui criminalise l'homosexualité. La peine de mort a été transformée en peine de prison à perpétuité: "Un homosexuel est un homme malade, a dit le président, et il ne peut être tué".

Au Nigeria, il en va de même avec la promulgation d'une loi analogue, le 13 janvier. Les premières victimes viennent être condamnées à recevoir quinze coups de fouets.

Dans ces deux pays, la situation était difficile puisque l'homosexualité y était déjà sévèrement réprimée. Aujourd'hui, ils ont franchi un cap laissant à penser que la chasse aux homosexuels est permise, dans un contexte où certaines voix, notamment des églises évangélistes et catholiques américaines, ont une influence évidente, une mauvaise influence évidente sur les populations. Le climat de tension, d'hostilité et de délation est déjà tristement à l'œuvre. Le tabloïd publié en Ouganda dès le 15 février identifiant 200 personnes avec leur nom et photographie en témoigne. On se rappelle qu'un premier tabloïd publié en 2011 a coûté la vie à David Kato. Nous lui avions consacré une résolution d'urgence à l'époque.

Ces lois forcent à la délation et alimentent dangereusement la haine. Leurs termes sont délibérément vagues, laissant à ceux qui vont l'appliquer toute latitude pour en abuser. On sait parfaitement que le flou juridique bénéficie toujours à ceux qui n'instruisent qu'à charge.

Un pays partie à l'accord de Cotonou qui promulgue une loi liberticide et discriminatoire comme celle-ci ne peut s'en tirer avec quelques critiques et rodomontades. L'Ouganda et le Nigeria doivent abroger ces lois contrevenant à leurs engagements internationaux. Nous devons faire pression sur ces États en utilisant l'article 96 de l'accord de Cotonou, mais aussi en soutenant publiquement, politiquement et financièrement les ONG de défense des personnes LGBT. Faut-il souligner à quel point leur implication sur le terrain est indispensable pour œuvrer à une réelle évolution des mentalités, seule à même de faire reculer l'obscurantisme, d'où qu'il vienne?

Aider les ONG et faire appliquer les accords de Cotonou ne sont pas contradictoires. Pour une fois, nous pouvons vraiment faire œuvre utile.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Derek Vaughan, on behalf of the S&D Group. – Mr President, Nigeria and Uganda have both adopted laws that increasingly criminalise homosexuality, and there are talks about similar issues in other Member States. This situation has been building up for a number of years, and now it is becoming a reality.

Many will suspect, of course, that these laws are put in place by political leaders who want to direct attention away from real economic and social problems in their country. Therefore, the EU cannot remain silent on this. We must show that we are serious about human rights. So the question is: what can the European Union do?

I believe the solution must come from the European Union and not from isolated, individual Member States. There will be some opportunities in the near future where we could try to address this problem, in addition to launching consultations on the agreement. There is the ACP-EU JPA over the next few days – as you mentioned, Mr[nbsp ]President, earlier today – and we will take that opportunity to raise the issue there. There is, moreover, a political dialogue on human rights scheduled with Uganda for 28[nbsp ]March[nbsp ]2014, and there is also the EU-Africa Summit on 2[nbsp ]and[nbsp ]3 April[nbsp ]2014. These are all opportunities to raise this issue.

Someone also raised the question of suspending aid payments to some of these countries, but a more preferable option would be – as others said – to redirect money more towards NGOs, particularly those which deal with health and education. I believe the EU should also urge the African Union to take up the issue and show some leadership, in order to make sure that this issue does not spread right across the region. People, wherever they are in this world, deserve human rights and equal rights.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Marije Cornelissen, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. – Mr President, there comes a point when we need to prove that human rights are indeed a priority for the EU. In Uganda and Nigeria, governments and parliaments have wilfully made a decision to discriminate, and even criminalise, LGTBI people. It was not a spur of the moment decision. It was a thought-through one, despite all the protests from national NGOs, international NGOs, EU Ministers, from us and from other institutions. Now Ugandan gays and lesbians may be imprisoned for years, as may the friends and family that support them. The situation is equally horrible in Nigeria. This has already led to an increase in violence and discrimination against people.

There can be only one conclusion from our side. Uganda and Nigeria are not living up to their obligations under the Cotonou Agreement, so preparations for their suspension must begin and we must review relations and aid going to these countries’ governments. If not, then we are obviously only moving air here.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Franz Obermayr (NI). - Herr Präsident! Wenn man bedenkt, dass Homosexualität in Uganda und in Nigeria mit Gefängnisstrafe, bei wiederholtem Praktizieren sogar mit lebenslänglichem Freiheitsentzug bestraft wird oder noch schlimmer in zwölf Scharia-Staaten mit der Todesstrafe geahndet wird, dann relativieren sich die zum Teil hysterisch geführten Debatten um eine angebliche Diskriminierung Homosexueller in der EU. Allerdings steht fest, dass die Gesetze zur Bestrafung von Homosexualität menschenverachtend sind und die EU entsprechende Konsequenzen zu ziehen hat. Die Zahlungen von Entwicklungshilfe müssen daher überdacht werden. Sie sollten jedenfalls nicht den Regierenden zugutekommen, sonst würden solche Gesetze indirekt unterstützt.

Durch das Abkommen von Cotonou genießen die sogenannten AKP-Staaten günstige Zollkonditionen im Handel mit der EU. Das Abkommen verpflichtet die Unterzeichnerstaaten allerdings auch zur Einhaltung der Menschenrechte. Die EU hat offensichtlich alle Möglichkeiten des diplomatischen Dialogs ausgeschöpft, allerdings ohne Erfolg. Nun ist die Frage: Was ist zu tun? In der Konsequenz müsste das heißen: Nigeria und Uganda aus dem Cotonou-Abkommen ausschließen.

 
  
 

Intervenciones con arreglo al procedimiento de solicitud incidental de uso de la palabra («catch the eye»)

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Seán Kelly (PPE). - Mr[nbsp ]President, I agree completely with the proposals here, because what is happening in Uganda and Nigeria – particularly criminalising homosexuality and the draconian, discriminatory penalties that are being applied – is not acceptable. We certainly have to look at the aid we are giving to these countries, and in particular I think we should cut off aid to central government and give it to the NGOs.

We should also challenge the Ugandan President, who claimed that his actions are based on a report by so-called medical experts stating that homosexuality is not genetic and classifying it as social behaviour. Clearly there is room here for major educational efforts. If we look at how far we ourselves have come in 20 years, in terms of our attitudes, practices and laws, then hopefully the same can be achieved in a shorter period of time in Uganda and Nigeria.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D). - W dniu 16 stycznia br. przyjęliśmy na forum Parlamentu rezolucję potępiającą decyzję Ugandy i Nigerii o kryminalizacji środowisk LGBT. Nowe regulacje stanowią, że małżeństwa tej samej płci, świadkowie ceremonii jak i osoby działające w organizacjach broniących praw homoseksualistów będą karane. Działania obu krajów stoją w sprzeczności z zapisami powszechnej deklaracji praw człowieka a także umowy z Kotonu, w tym art. 9 pkt 2. Unia Europejska kontynuując swą pomoc dla krajów rozwijających się powinna wymagać od nich poszanowania uniwersalnych praw człowieka i podstawowych wolności. W tym kontekście apeluję do Komisji Europejskiej o rewizję zasad współpracy z Ugandą i Nigerią, w tym umowy z Kotonu. Ponadto wszystkie przyszłe umowy między Unią a krajami trzecimi powinny zawierać klauzule odnoszące się wyraźnie do obowiązku poszanowania podstawowych wolności i swobód jednostki, w tym zasady niedyskryminacji ze względu na orientację seksualną. Pragnę przypomnieć, że 30 ...(Przewodniczący odebrał posłance głos.)

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Krisztina Morvai (NI). - Mr President, please could Mr Romeva i Rueda, and other authors of this report, answer my question. What exactly is the test for picking and choosing which cases to bring here?

Let me share another story with you. A Saudi Arabian diplomat, stationed in the United States, who has come out as a homosexual, is being threatened by Saudi Arabia with torture and inhuman treatment. He is asking for asylum in the United States, and the United States is refusing to give it to him.

Saudi Arabia is a strong, rich country and a good friend of the United States. The United States is a big, strong country and, even after the Snowden revelation and our report, a very good friend of the European Union – one big, happy family. Nevertheless, do we see a chance that this particular case will be put before the European Parliament, perhaps now or another time?

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Eija-Riitta Korhola (PPE). - Arvoisa puhemies, kehitysyhteistyön tärkeä periaate on koetuksella. Mitä tehdä, kun avunsaajamaan enemmistö kannattaa väärää, ihmisoikeuksia loukkaavaa politiikkaa? Kansainvälinen yhteisö ei ole jäänyt hiljaiseksi. Ruotsi, Norja, Tanska ja Alankomaat ovat ilmoittaneet jäädyttävänsä tai leikkaavansa Ugandan kehitysapua. Osa meistä vaatii samaa koko EU:lta.

Kyseessä on kuitenkin kaksiteräinen miekka. Yksi hyvä keino auttaa on ollut paikallisten ihmisoikeusjärjestöjen tukeminen. Heidän työnsä on nyt entistä vaikeampaa, kun seksuaalivähemmistöjen ihmisoikeuksien puolustaminen voi viedä vankilaan. EU:n ja kolmansien maiden välisessä yhteistyössä on myös jatkossa muistettava, että kaikilla mailla on ihmisoikeussopimuksissa tunnustettu velvollisuus estää kansalaisiinsa kohdistuva väkivalta ja syrjiminen heidän identiteettinsä vuoksi.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Piotr Borys (PPE). - Bardzo dziękuję! Musimy wspólnie ocenić porozumienie z Kotonu i kwestie zaostrzenia sankcji karnych dla grup osób LGBT. To faktycznie stanowi naruszanie godności i praw człowiekaoraz dyskryminację ze względu na orientację seksualną. Dlatego uważam, że powinniśmy bezwzględnie wstrzymać pomoc rozwojowąi[nbsp ]wzmocnić kanał wsparcia dla organizacji pozarządowych. Powinien być to ladla tych państw jasny sygnał, że jednak nie można naruszać umów i[nbsp ]postanowień. Uważam, że taka presja ze strony Unii Europejskiej może być bezwzględnie skuteczna, a wszystko zależy od tego, czy uwarunkujemy pomoc rozwojową właśnie od zmiany bardzo krzywdzącego i bardzo rygorystycznego prawa. Dlatego apeluję tutaj o[nbsp ]to, aby zastanowić się właśnie nad wstrzymaniem pomocy rządowej i utrzymaniem wyłącznie pomocy na rzecz organizacji pozarządowych.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE). - Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, le leggi contro l'omosessualità approvate e adottate da Nigeria e Uganda sono sicuramente leggi ingiuste e deprecabili che dobbiamo condannare, contro cui dobbiamo avviare azioni forti. Però, mi spiace constatare che non manca in queste occasioni chi non perde l'occasione per reintrodurre in questo Parlamento i temi dell'identità di genere, il diritto alla procreazione assistita per coppie omosessuali, il diritto all'adozione da parte delle coppie omosessuali, come fatto puntualmente nella relazione annuale sui diritti civili approvata da questo Parlamento. Mai, nessuna risoluzione urgente per chiedere la tutela dei diritti degli embrioni.

Gli LGBT hanno voce, possono far sentire la loro voce. Ma tanti bambini mai nati non hanno mai avuto voce per farsi ascoltare. Mi chiedo quando questo Parlamento discuterà dei diritti degli embrioni, che sono la vera minoranza discriminata e inascoltata.

 
  
 

(Fin de las intervenciones con arreglo al procedimiento de solicitud incidental de uso de la palabra («catch the eye»))

 
  
MPphoto
 

  Janusz Lewandowski, Member of the Commission. - Mr President, what is under discussion today is the recent legislation penalising homosexuals in Uganda and Nigeria. This is, of course, not the only case of discrimination against the LGBTI community around the world. The EU has a strong and principled position against all forms of discrimination. In June[nbsp ]2013, the Council adopted EU guidelines to promote and protect the enjoyment of all human rights by LGBTI persons. This is equivalent to protecting homosexuals against discrimination.

In opposing recent legislation in Uganda and Nigeria, the EU is – and will remain – committed to the principle of the universality of human rights. Our position is that cultural, traditional or religious values cannot be invoked to justify any form of discrimination.

Some Members of this Parliament have today called for the launch of Article 96 consultations with Nigeria and Uganda. In our view, immediate resort to Article 96 would be premature. We have some other opportunities for dialogue, and we are already engaged in very frank discussions with both authorities. The EU will meet the Ugandan authorities for a round of enhanced political dialogue under Article 8 of Cotonou on 28[nbsp ]March[nbsp ]2014. Then we have a ministerial dialogue in June, and some other opportunities were mentioned by Derek Vaughan. I have to say that no payments from our budgets will be made at this stage, so there is – in practice – a freeze.

We expect that the outcome of these meetings will be of great importance in determining how our relations with both countries, Nigeria and Uganda, will develop under the Cotonou Agreement in the months ahead. So this is to determine the next steps that we should take.

 
  
MPphoto
 

  El Presidente. - Se cierra el debate.

La votación tendrá lugar al final de los debates.

 
Legal notice - Privacy policy