§ 19. Mr. MillerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his Department is doing to discourage human rights abuses in the Commonwealth.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe stand by and we encourage others to implement those provisions of the Harare declaration that deal with human rights.
§ Mr. MillerWill the Minister make human rights a cornerstone of his policies towards Commonwealth countries? Will he, in particular, make it clear that the death penalty is repugnant? In his discussions with Commonwealth countries will he ensure that the view of the House—that the death penalty is primitive and should not be used—is expressed to them? Will he look in particular at cases in which children are under threat of the death penalty in one particular country?
§ Mr. HoggI would not restore the death penalty to the United Kingdom, but, that said, I do not think that it is repugnant. It is a matter for the Parliament of any country 924 to determine its own criminal code and that includes the penalties that it might deem to be appropriate. As to the generality of the hon. Gentleman's question, human rights are a cornerstone of our policy within the Commonwealth, as elsewhere. That is why we did so much to encourage the part of the Harare declaration which emphasised the importance of the respect for human rights.
§ Mr. FormanTo what extent is that part of the Harare declaration enforceable? What measures can be taken to see that members of the Commonwealth follow it to the letter? Are there some particular instances to which my right hon. and learned Friend can point where we have had some success with that policy?
§ Mr. HoggThe Harare declaration is not a legal document but a political declaration. Therefore, and to that extent, it is not enforceable in the sense that my hon. Friend means. By political pressure, however, one can influence the policies of countries within the Commonwealth and we seek assiduously to do that.