Full Minutes of the Meetings

SESSION OF THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2004

Nigeria

Karamanou (PSE). – Mr. President, Commissioner, ethnic and religious violence in Nigeria has repeatedly concerned our Parliament.

The Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, which I have the honor to preside over, has repeatedly intervened and condemned the revival of religious hatred in Nigeria, particularly against women, through the implementation of Islamic law, “Sharia,” which even includes sentences of stoning for adultery. This is above and beyond the laws and constitution of Nigeria, as well as beyond the Cotonou Agreement and its provisions for the respect of human rights and women’s rights.

It seems, Commissioner, that the Nigerian government either lacks the strength or the political will to enforce the 1999 constitution and laws in the country. The recent violence by fundamentalists and the outbreak of religious violence in Plateau State, which cost the lives of 1,500 people and led to the destruction of 173 churches, represents the culmination of a series of bloody events, with Islamist extremists playing a central role.

I believe that the European Commission should use its power and international reputation to contribute more actively to strengthening security, ending violence, and promoting respect for religious freedom and fundamental human rights in Nigeria. What we need is closer cooperation and pressure on the Nigerian government and President Obasanjo in order to ensure the implementation of the constitution and laws in the country.