EP - Report on Afghanistan: challenges and prospects for the future

Andre BRIE (EUL/NGL, D)
Report on Afghanistan: challenges and prospects for the future
(2003/2121(INI))
Doc.: A5-0035/2004

Procedure : Own-initiative
Debate : 11.02.2004


In a draft resolution drawn up by Andre BRIE (EUL/NGL, D) for the Foreign Affairs Committee, MEPs in committee say that lack of security and the slow pace of reconstruction in Afghanistan have trapped the country in a "vicious circle".

MEPs in the committee are primarily concerned about the situation of Afghan women, and believe that a strategy to improve the situation of women must be "a priority for the nation". They welcome the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women by the Afghan Transitional Authority (ATA), but they call on the ATA to "regularly, publicly and unequivocally" condemn violence against women and girls. The report also urges the Council and the Commission to assist the ATA in setting up a country-wide system of safe shelters and support services to protect women and girls from further oppression.

MEPs in the committee express support for the new Constitution adopted on 4 January by the Loya Jirga (Grand Tribal Council), which includes a specific reference to the equal treatment of men and women. They remain concerned, however, about a number of issues, such as limitations on the right of freedom of expression and freedom of religion. They also point out that the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) cannot bring human rights violations to court. Another cause for concern is the fact that among the constitutional Loya Jirga members are commanders and warlords who may reject anything which they see as strengthening the central government.

The Foreign Affairs Committee also believes that the lower amount foreseen in the EU's 2004 budget for Afghanistan (compared to 2003) sends the wrong signal to the Afghan government and people. MEPs call for more funds to be allocated to the ATA's recurrent budget and ask the Commission to consider setting up a European Agency for Reconstruction in Afghanistan, on the lines of the agency working in Kosovo.

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• The European Union and Afghanistan (30/3/2004)
• EP - Afghanistan - MEPs call for action on civil liberties and women's rights (12/2/2004)
• Commissioner Patten's Speech on 'Afghanistan, the road to Bonn' at the EP (12/2/2004)
• EU Presidency declaration on the approval of a constitution for Afghanistan (6/1/2004)
• EUHR Solana welcomes adoption of new Afghan Constitution (5/1/2004)