Beheading of children in Mozambique

Question for written answer  E-001480/2021
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 138
Silvia Sardone (ID)

In the province of Cabo Delgabo in north-eastern Mozambique, more than 2500 people have been killed and beheaded by Islamist militiamen linked to ISIS and 700 000 have fled their homes since the start of the Islamist insurgency in 2017.

Islamic State militants appeared in the country in 2015 and since last year they have been carrying out a sweep campaign of attacks, including in neighbouring Tanzania.

Save the Children has said that it has spoken to families of displaced persons who have reported brutal scenes and horrifying deeds such as the recent beheading of children aged only 11 and of more than 50 people on a football pitch in November 2020, as well as abuse and torture.

In view of this, can the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy answer the following questions:

• 1.Is he aware of what is happening?
• 2.Does he intend to do anything to combat these ISIS crimes?
• 3.What is he doing in this area to defend children and their rights?