Full Minutes of the Meetings

SESSION OF THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2003

Violation of Human Rights in Nigeria: The Case of Amina Lawal

Karamanou (PSE). – Mr. President, Mr. Commissioner, the issue of the sentencing of women in Nigeria to death by stoning, which has shocked global public opinion, was discussed again here in plenary last September. However, Mr. Commissioner, it seems like the voice of one crying in the wilderness.

On March 25th, the case of Amina Lawal, an unfortunate woman who committed the grave crime of believing she had the right to control her own body as she wished, will be discussed again in a Sharia appeals court. According to Islamic law, this is considered a crime of apostasy. Is it possible that such things are happening in the 21st century, and no one among the powerful of the world is moved? I am deeply sorry that the Commissioner is not listening to me. Is it possible, Commissioner, that such violent and brutal violations of the fundamental freedoms and rights of women are taking place, and yet the entire issue has been left to the pressure exerted by women’s organizations, public opinion, and the media? What has the political leadership of the European Union, the Commission, and the Council done? What sanctions have we imposed on Nigeria, a country with which we have economic and trade agreements? What is the purpose of the clauses on respecting human rights and women’s rights in the Cotonou Agreement, Commissioner, when there are no sanctions? Ultimately, does Nigeria have a secular, democratic regime or a theocratic one? Is there a government in the country, or do the mullahs rule?