Security and Human Rights, Council’s Response

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1390/02

Submission: Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Council

(15 May 2002)

Subject: Security and Human Rights

Answer
(30 September 2002)

At the European Council of Laeken, the European Union confirmed “its unwavering solidarity with the American people and the international community in the fight against terrorism, with full respect for individual rights and freedoms” (paragraph 17 of the conclusions).

At the latest session of the United Nations Human Rights Committee (CHR), the European Union actively supported a Mexican initiative draft for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the fight against terrorism. However, Mexico decided to suspend the presentation of the initiative when it became clear that the final approval of this draft by the CHR (United Nations Human Rights Committee) was unfortunately not guaranteed. Initially, this important initiative will be submitted to the CHR next year.

The Council has not yet taken a position regarding the proposals of the High Commissioner to which the honorable Member of the European Parliament refers.