Answer given by Ms Ferrero-Waldner on behalf of the Commission

4.7.2007

Allegations of stem cells and organs having been removed from new born children who would have been killed for that purpose have been reported several times — by the BBC in December 2006 and by Euronews in 2004.

So far, information available to the Commission, which has been obtained, among others, from human rights Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Ukraine (including in Kharkhiv, the city where the events allegedly happened), has not been able to provide secure confirmation of these reports.

For information, the Honourable Member should also note that on 14 December 2006, the Ukrainian Health Ministry stated that no evidence could be found to support the media reports and informed that a criminal investigation had been launched to inquire into the alleged improper fulfilment of professional duties by staff of maternity hospital number 6 in Kharkiv. On 18 December 2006, the Prosecutor’s General’s Office denied the information provided by the BBC article.

The Commission will continue to follow this matter very closely. The respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, starting with the right to life, is at the basis of the relationship between the EU and Ukraine and enshrined in the EU‑Ukraine Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and in the EU‑Ukraine Action Plan. Ongoing cooperation of the Commission with the Ukrainian authorities aims at strengthening the capacity of the Ukrainian institutions to guarantee the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. In this context, the Commission will continue to monitor very closely the respect of these rights by the Ukrainian authorities and actors.

OJ C 45, 16/02/2008