President. – The next item is the debate on seven motions for resolutions on the position of women in Afghanistan and Pakistan.(1).
Charles Tannock, author. – Mr President, the situation of women in Pakistan and Afghanistan remains serious. Human rights abuses perpetrated against women remain commonplace, sadly, and more worryingly are frequently tolerated by the authorities. Pakistan’s tradition of honour killings must be addressed in particular, and the government there must take much stronger action to ensure that this crime in particular does not go unpunished. Genital mutilation is still reported in some rural parts of Pakistan, and therefore we urge the authorities to investigate these alleged crimes fully as well.
Afghanistan, for its part, has the second-highest rate of maternal mortality in the world, and we call upon the Afghan Government to do more in the area of maternal health. Sharia law enacted in some areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan permits the execution of pregnant women, and this must, of course, be condemned in the strongest possible terms and is indeed against UN international human rights declarations.
Despite the significant financial and technical EU aid in Afghanistan, girls and women are still experiencing major difficulties in accessing primary education due to deeply-rooted cultural discrimination against the female sex. Safeguards aiming to ensure gender equality are not acted upon, especially in the recruitment of women to positions of influence, such as the national legislature or the judiciary. It is imperative that this situation is addressed and a concrete, lasting and enforceable solution found before NATO ISAF forces finally withdraw from Afghanistan in 2014.
The recent talks at the Bonn Conference were indeed encouraging. We believe that, as well as the measures taken by the governments of the countries themselves, the Commission should give even more assistance to those projects that promote and protect the rights of women in these two countries.
Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg, author. – (PL) Mr President, it may seem unbelievable that in the 21st century there are still countries which prevent women from participating actively in public and economic life. In Afghanistan, as well as in Pakistan, women are socially marginalised, and are denied the opportunity of developing and fully exploiting their potential. Numerous prohibitions, punishments and physical and psychological discrimination limiting the areas in which women may be active are nothing unusual in these countries. The situation of Afghan women has improved somewhat in recent years due to the fall of the Taliban regime. However, the conditions of women in Pakistan has deteriorated significantly due to the introduction of discriminatory regulations, such as the law on blasphemy, which allows the persecution of both women and minority groups.
A review of the rights of women in the national law of these two countries should therefore be a first step towards ensuring decent living conditions for women there, including the right to professional and personal development, together with protection for the safety of women in schools and at work. In view of the long-term support offered by the Union to both of these countries, it is our duty not only to express our concerns in connection with discrimination against women, but also to call for equal treatment of men and women.
Raül Romeva i Rueda, author. – Mr President, ten years after the Petersberg Conference on Afghanistan in 2001, which laid the foundation of the ongoing partnership between the international community and Afghanistan, it is true that some progress has been achieved for women. According to the government, over 4 million girls are attending school and higher education; 17% of civil servants are female and more than 25% of the members of parliament are women.
However, improvements remain fragile, and are often reduced to rhetoric. Female illiteracy and maternal and infant mortality rates remain among the worst in the world. Women and girls continue to face endemic domestic violence, trafficking, forced marriages, including child marriages, and in particular the abusive practice of Boad continues to occur regularly, where a girl is given to an agreed family to compensate for a committed crime. Let us remember as well that the stoning and physical disfigurement of women accused of violating the repressive social code of the Taliban and other insurgent groups are still a common occurrence.
Afghan women with public roles have faced increasing attacks. This is something which we need to address and this is why we ask the Afghan security forces not only to be trained in counter-insurgency but also in law and order, community safety and protecting women and children from abuse. Let us remember, that women should also be leaders of organisations and be included in the design, monitoring and evaluation of the provincial security indicators.
On Pakistan, we have to denounce similar situations. The fact that in some regions the authorities are acting in a very similar way to those in Afghanistan is especially worrying. This is why we ask the Pakistani Government to reintroduce the fundamental rights of the 1973 Constitution which were suspended after the military coup in 1997, including the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of sex.
Paul Murphy, author. – Mr President, it is now over ten years since the newly-found concern for women’s rights was used as one of the pretexts for going to war in, and then occupying, Afghanistan. However, the situation facing women there remains absolutely devastating. They have the lowest literacy rate in the world at 13%, with only 5% of young women going on to secondary school, which is higher than it was under the Taliban but lower than it was in 2005.
According to the NGO Womankind, anywhere between 60% and 80% of marriages are forced and 87% of women complain of domestic violence. It is the most dangerous place in the world to be a woman. The case of the young woman Gulnaz is a horrific demonstration of the laws that women face. She was raped when she was 19 by her cousin’s husband, became pregnant, and as a result was convicted and jailed for the crime of ‘adultery by force’. Thankfully, she was pardoned yesterday and has been released, although she was facing a jail term of up to 12 years. In fact, half the women in Afghanistan prisons have been locked up for moral crimes.
This terrible situation cannot be used as a pretext to continue the occupation. The troops must be withdrawn now and activists in the West need to give real assistance and solidarity to women’s organisations, organisations of workers and the poor, to fight for...
(The President cut off the speaker)
Cristian Dan Preda, author. – (RO) Mr President, we are discussing today both Afghanistan and Pakistan. We can identify in both countries certain elements which can be described as positive. For example, in Afghanistan, some women have been appointed to positions of responsibility. Gulnaz, who had been a rape victim and initially sentenced to prison, was recently pardoned, while in Pakistan the adoption of the law on preventing certain practices against women and the law against acid attacks adopted at the start of the week are all encouraging signs.
However, some extremely harsh practices persist in both countries. Domestic violence is prevalent in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Again, in Afghanistan, stoning and physical disfigurement are used for breaches of social norms. In Pakistan, women are victims of honour crimes, and there is also forced conversion to Islam. These practices are especially alarming and we must denounce them in this Chamber.
Norica Nicolai, author. – (RO) Mr President, this resolution, although aimed at these two countries with different situations regarding the position of women, features some issues in common, such as the tragic situation regarding equal opportunities, women’s rights and, in particular, violence against women, especially what is happening in Pakistan.
However, in the case of Afghanistan, we must acknowledge that the situation has improved, at least in terms of legislation. The recent Afghanistan Constitution features an explicit provision about equal opportunities. The 2009 law on combating violence against women has been enacted. I also believe that the representation of women has improved, but we must acknowledge that the situation will be difficult after the withdrawal of the troops from Afghanistan because, in these circumstances, I believe that there is a risk that the gains made during this period will be lost very quickly.
This is why the European Union must step up the cooperation programmes to preserve an improved situation.
Bernd Posselt, on behalf of the PPE Group. – (DE) Mr President, although neighbours, the two countries are very different. The differences are even more marked within the countries. Pakistan had a female head of government long before Germany. Afghanistan has not yet reached that point, yet it does have a number of female provincial governors. There are, however, regions and tribal areas in both countries where women are still not permitted to attend school or even visit the doctor. Such crass differences within the countries can only be eliminated through patient reforms rather than ideology.
To this extent, our efforts in Afghanistan have been a failure. These were borne by the idea of leaping over millennia in a single bound. It is just not possible to do this. It was not possible in Europe and it is certainly not possible in the Hindu Kush. We need to get used to the idea that these countries will develop at their own pace, that they require patience and sustained support and that we cannot change society there by simply sending in the army or by pressing a button.
Joanna Senyszyn, on behalf of the S&D Group. – (PL) Mr President, according to Reuters, Afghanistan is ranked first in the world when it comes to violations of women's rights. Pakistan takes third place on this list of shame. There is a religious and cultural acquiescence to pouring acid on women, stoning and honour killings in these countries, and the reason for this is their lack of ideological neutrality. The majority religion, which deprives women of most of their human rights, has a decisive influence on their situation.
Half of the women serving prison sentences in Afghanistan have been convicted for moral crimes such as adultery, abandoning their husband or escaping from home. Ninety per cent of Afghan women have experienced beatings, rape, mental harassment or forced marriage. Despite the intervention of NATO forces, the situation of women in Afghanistan has deteriorated rather than improving. Laws adopted for their protection stir up yet more aggression on the part of men. We need to staunchly oppose this state of affairs.
Marie-Christine Vergiat, on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group. – (FR) Mr President, once again we are going to express our outrage at the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, in particular the situation of women’s rights, as demonstrated in this resolution.
As has already been pointed out, unfortunately these countries are some of the worst offenders in terms of violating women’s rights: life expectancy, rape, murder, honour crimes. The list is long and many of my colleagues have already given examples of these. I do not believe that the presence of the military forces in Afghanistan has made any difference to Afghan women, or that their withdrawal will make anything worse.
Nevertheless, we have to put pressure on these countries to make changes, and not just from a legal perspective. We have partnership agreements with them, so we should put them to good use, in the interests of the civilian population, in the interests of human rights and in the interests of democracy.
We must learn from our past mistakes, particularly in the Maghreb. We must ensure that the democracy and human rights clauses are actually implemented, and we shall all reap the rewards.
Jaroslav Paška, on behalf of the EFD Group. – (SK) The status of women in Islamic countries is complicated by enduring religious customs and traditions.
Especially in remote regions and areas controlled by radical religious political groups, brutal, medieval customs remain in use. Therefore, the European Union’s efforts to change the thinking of the populations of these countries towards a more humane and cultivated coexistence are hugely important. The EU’s activities in support of refuges for women who need protection against domestic violence or intimidation within the family as well as in public are extremely important. In addition to providing real humanitarian aid to women and girls on the ground, we must put sustained pressure on state authorities to use all their influence in society to curb these brutal practices against women and girls. State authorities must be the upholders of civilised and humane coexistence in society and must play a decisive role in combating the monstrosity of customs from the past.
Eija-Riitta Korhola (PPE). - (FI) Mr President, it is difficult to appreciate the extent of the physical and mental violence and the brutality against women in Pakistan and Afghanistan, unless we remember that the legal system there is a mixture of Islamic and secular law. The irrationality of the outcome of this is the result of interpretations of Sharia law. Thus, for example, if a woman is raped, that is adultery on her part, and the shame redounds to the woman’s male relations. Such an interpretation is a disgrace to Islam. It is against life, humanity and human justice.
In both countries, however, the trend has been two-pronged: a small but growing number of women exert influence in the upper echelons of society, while, in rural areas, women live in extreme poverty. It is easier for a woman, for example, to set up her own design business in the city than to sell vegetables in the countryside.
Of course, it is a positive sign that the status of women has improved in some aspects, but sustainable change will be impossible to achieve if there are to be different rules in force in different areas and for different social classes. Now it is important to focus on women’s problems in rural areas also, because the improvement in human rights, as indicated in the statistics, does not correspond to the actual situation.
Corina Creţu (S&D). – (RO) Mr President, as my colleagues have just said, there have, in actual fact, been some improvements in Afghanistan. However, I find it outrageous that the situation of women in Afghanistan is still almost unchanged 10 years after the signature of the Bonn Agreement on creating the transitional government under the presidency of Hamid Karzai.
I am deeply concerned about the high rates of mortality at birth and of infant mortality, the marginalisation of women in society, the existence of fundamentalist courts in some regions, as well as about the frequent armed attacks against girls and women who go to school or try to take part in public life.
In spite of the progress made in terms of their representation in parliament and the administration, Afghan women also remain victims of domestic violence, trafficking and forced marriages, the lack of medical care and police and judicial discrimination. The explosion which took place on Saturday night at the girls school in Pakistan speaks volumes about the situation of women in this country which the European Union is attempting to develop a partnership with, but this is at risk of being undermined by the brutal violation of human rights.
I too endorse the appeal made to the Afghan and Pakistani authorities.
Róża Gräfin von Thun und Hohenstein (PPE). – Mr President, at the beginning of December the international community met with Afghani authorities at the Bonn II conference. Afghanistan made a commitment to include the upholding of human rights commitments in its constitution, including equality between men and women, which is to be welcomed and supported by the European Union.
Looking ahead to 2014 when the allied forces withdraw from Afghanistan and Afghanistan has full independence to run its own affairs, it is imperative that progress is not undone. The peace dialogue at present underway between the government and elements of the Taliban should in no way result in a deterioration of the rights acquired by women, and we as the EU should give support in this matter.
Ana Gomes (S&D). – Mr President, I will never forget the self-burned women whom I visited in Herat in 2008 and the tales I heard of the women who filled the jails of Afghanistan, escaping oppressive families and a police and judicial system that badly discriminates against them.
I have no doubt that much has improved since the liberation from the rule of the Taliban, but I know that we are facing tremendous risks with the negotiations with the Taliban. It is imperative that the EU demands that women be at the negotiating table and demands that the Afghani authorities be held accountable for Afghanistan’s international obligations.
There is a vibrant society in Pakistan, but it is not enough to have a woman in a position of power, namely as Foreign Minister. It is incredible and outrageous that discriminatory uncivilised laws prevail against women, from Hudood, to marriage laws, blasphemy and so on. It is imperative, as we have requested in this resolution, that we demand accountability for the human rights clause that is inserted in the EU-Pakistan cooperation agreement.
Rui Tavares (Verts/ALE). – (PT) Mr President, Afghanistan and Pakistan are cases where the worst tendencies of international geopolitics – the politics of great empires, of great powers – meet the worst local tendencies. Moreover, afterwards, when these countries have stopped serving their temporary purpose for high-level international politics, they will be left to collapse and then regress to these countries’ worst tribal and atavistic tendencies.
That is what has happened in Afghanistan. The United States have been discovering for a number of years that there is no military solution for Afghanistan. Of course there is no military solution for Afghanistan. We have known for decades – if not centuries or millennia – that there is no military solution for Afghanistan. However, preparations are being made for a transitional government, including the Taliban, which will mean a significant regression to all sorts of practices traditional in that country; sometimes anti-women practices, such as the practice of baad – the sale of women – or of gang rape as a way of avenging the honour of certain families.
Yes, let us vote for these resolutions, but let us also demand that the EU be fully aware of these events, particularly when it implements its agreements with these countries.
Mitro Repo (S&D). - (FI) Mr President, the situation of women in Pakistan and Afghanistan is very alarming and extremely serious. It is now 10 years since the Petersberg Conference in Bonn, at which the international community began to build Afghanistan’s democratic future.
Rape, abuse, the trafficking of women, children being forced into marriage and violence in the home are the fate of almost every woman in Afghanistan. Nevertheless, they rarely result in action on the part of the police or the judicial authorities.
With the Taleban gone, the Afghans have of course been given constitutional social rights and access to education, yet discrimination still exists in access to basic health care and cultural life generally. Women must be allowed to participate actively in building a democratic, secure and open society. Afghanistan cannot just ignore women, who make up more than half the entire country’s population. Unfortunately, the situation is just as bad in Pakistan.
Joaquín Almunia, Vice-President of the Commission. – Mr President, I would like to first of all address the Afghanistan issue. On the occasion of the recent Bonn Conference, the EU, together with the international community, highlighted again the importance it attaches to upholding the rights of women. Vice-President Ashton, together with Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, met a group of Afghan women at the beginning of the Conference. They are a real inspiration to all of us.
While the EU supports an Afghan-led reconciliation process, it remains particularly important to safeguard and expand on the progress Afghanistan has made in the field of human rights, and rights of women in particular, since 2001.
The situation of Afghan women in this society often remains precarious. The EU brings up the issue directly with the government of Afghanistan whenever appropriate and makes its position clear through public statements – for instance the statement on women’s shelters in Afghanistan of February 2011. It has also reconfirmed its position in the Council conclusions of last July and again in November.
Increased access to justice and legal aid services for women affected by family violence is a very important element of the EU’s assistance, while progress across the board will depend on broader reforms of Afghanistan’s justice institutions. The EU is closely involved in this sector and supports Afghan efforts in this respect in the context of the Kabul Process.
Regarding Pakistan, promotion of women’s rights is a priority for the EU and Member States’ engagement with Pakistan. Although progress depends on action by the government of that country, the EU and Member States can exercise influence through engagement and dialogue with the authorities, by supporting measures which address women’s human rights and by assisting access to justice.
Among many human rights concerns faced by women in Pakistan, violence is one of the most serious issues to address. The EU consistently uses its political dialogue with Pakistan to raise issues relating to the rights of women. A long-term objective is to ensure effective implementation of the UN Convention for Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, of which Pakistan is a signatory.
In the short term the EU is supporting measures to ensure implementation of legislation in Pakistan to outlaw all forms of violence against women and ensure support for victims of violence.
President. – The debate is closed.
The vote will take place at the end of the next debate.
Written statements (Rule 149)
Monica Luisa Macovei (PPE), in writing. – We say that women are among the most vulnerable people in Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, their vulnerability rests solely on the way society perceives and treats women. Vulnerability is a social construct, and what is made by people can by remade by people. Violence is a main factor that makes women vulnerable. In Afghanistan, on 12 November, a woman and her daughter were executed by stoning in Ghazni, Kandahar, an area where Sharia law is imposed. In Pakistan, Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, mother of five children is the first woman to be sentenced to death under the blasphemy laws. She is being held on death row, while an Islamic cleric offered a cash prize of about EUR 5000 for her killing. The government in the two countries must put an end to such abuses and ensure the protection of the life and integrity of all, including women. The EU must urge the authorities of Afghanistan and Pakistan to protect women’s rights. We must assist, including with funding, the political actors and civil society who struggle to bring democracy, human dignity, and basic human rights in their countries.
Anna Záborská (PPE), in writing. – (SK) Article 1 of the Cooperation Agreement that the EU has concluded with Pakistan states: ‘Respect for human rights and democratic principles as laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (...) constitutes an essential element of this Agreement.’ For this reason, I supported the submitted joint resolution in which Parliament requests the Commission, and the European diplomatic service in particular, to submit a detailed report on how Pakistan is complying with its commitment. It is clear that violations of human rights, particularly of women and Christians, occur every day in Pakistan. However, it is not entirely clear what the Commission, which is equally bound by the agreement in force, is doing or can do. Mechanisms are available to diplomacy that can be used in these cases. It is up to us to prove that human rights are important for Europeans not just on paper, but also in real life.