HL Deb 21 April 2004 vol 660 cc40-1WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will encourage member states of the African Union and its partners to facilitate the setting up and effective functioning of the African Court of Human and People's Rights; and [HL2374]

Whether they will encourage the states parties to the African Charter of Human and People's Rights that have not yet ratified the protocol to the charter to do so as expeditiously as possible. [HL2375]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We welcome the recent entry into force of the protocol establishing the African Court of Human and People's Rights. This represents a step forward by Africa in strengthening the continental human rights framework. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, through its Human Rights Project Fund, has supported this initiative. We will continue to encourage those states which have not yet ratified the protocol to do so as speedily as possible.