HC Deb 26 February 1947 vol 433 cc2061-2
33. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign. Affairs if he will consider proposing a charter of human rights to be adopted by the United Nations, including the right of the illegitimate child and the unmarried mother to claim the father of the child across frontiers.

Mr. Mayhew

The Human Rights Commission set up by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations has begun to draw up a Bill of Human Rights. His Majesty's Government are still considering what provisions should be contained in this Bill. It is probable, however, that the Bill will present a statement of fundamental rights, which would render it inappropriate to try to make explicit provision for the particular point to which my hon. Friend refers.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the Minister aware that the principle embodied in this proposal has the support of a large number of people, and if sympathetic attention could be given to it, leading to its ultimate adoption, it would receive considerable support from this country and other countries?

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, Sir, I am aware of that feeling.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Are we to understand from the reply that the United Nations are not considering this problem of unmarried mothers and illegitimate children?

Mr. Mayhew

I cannot say whether that is so without notice, but the main concern there is with the statement of fundamental human rights.