§ 6. Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will take steps to propose to the General Assembly of the United Nations that the right of conscientious objection be universally recognised by member nations.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsNo, Sir. We looked into this recently and concluded that there was little common ground for United Nations action. The Council of Europe has also come to a similar conclusion in relation to its members.
§ Mr. JenkinsDoes not my hon. Friend agree that since this country recognises real conscientious objection, it would be right and proper for us to endeavour to extend that recognition generally?
§ Mr. RobertsWe have taken part in discussions both in the Council of Europe and in the United Nations with a view to expanding liberal and humane policies in this aspect of human rights but, as I have said, detailed discussions in the Council of Europe, for instance, have yielded the position that there is so little common ground that, as of now, it would not seem to be a fruitful point for us to take up in the United Nations.