Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-09-05-Speech-4-126"
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"en.20020905.9.4-126"2
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"Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, once again, a woman, Mrs Amina Lawal, has been sentenced to death by stoning in one of the Muslim states of the Federation of Nigeria. Her crime is to have given birth to a child after her divorce. Some months ago, Safiya Husseini, sentenced to the same fate, was spared following an international outcry. But how many people have been sentenced to the same barbaric fate before this victory and how many will be sentenced in the future?
It is high time that these highly antiquated legal decisions, which show complete contempt for human dignity, are prevented from being passed in Nigeria and elsewhere. This strict application of Sharia law, which has nothing to do with respect of the Muslim religion, was declared unconstitutional by the Nigerian Minister for Justice, including in the federal Muslim states of the north. In its constitution, the Federation of Nigeria describes itself as a secular State. Nigeria is also signatory to conventions which spell out its commitments at international level. Although the Katsina state is involved, there are other responsibilities: those of the federal Nigerian authorities which have a duty to ensure strict respect of the constitution and the protection of human rights for all Nigerian citizens, regardless of status, religion or sex.
The international community, and Europe in particular, must condemn this unacceptable breach of fundamental human rights. Europe is opposed to the death penalty. It has committed itself to protect women’s rights against sexual discrimination and against religious intolerance. Doing everything in our power to save Amina Lawal from death by stoning is also one of Europe’s duties. Human rights organisations are bravely fighting in Nigeria. These organisations are often under threat, but they are working together despite the lack of resources and the lack of support, other than support from European organisations. We must support their demands.
Lastly, as part of the Cotonou partnership agreements, Europe can and must urge Nigeria to respect its international commitments and to promote democracy and women’s rights."@en1
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