§ 4. Linda Gilroy (Plymouth, Sutton) (Lab/Co-op)What discussions he has had with the Government of Kazakhstan about human rights. [157414]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Bill Rammell)My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed human rights issues with both President Nazarbaev and Foreign Minister Tokaev when he visited Kazakhstan on 5 February. I have also raised those issues with the Kazakh ambassador in London
§ Linda GilroyI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that free, independent and democratic trade unions have an important part to play in bringing democracy and human rights to countries such as Kazakhstan? Is he aware of the work of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions in Kazakhstan, and will he ensure that it gets the support that it needs to continue to play a role in enabling that country to be a force for stability in that region?
§ Mr. RammellI thank my hon. Friend for that question and for the work that she does as the vice-chair of the all-party group, which engages importantly on those issues. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has been pleased to be able to fund a substantive project for the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions in Kazakhstan. Under the new criteria for the new global opportunities fund, Kazakhstan is not a priority country. Nevertheless, in direct response to my hon. Friend's concern—I have also discussed the issue with other colleagues—I can confirm that trade union work in Kazakhstan remains important, and I am prepared to consider creatively, within the criteria, future funding bids.
§ Bob Spink (Castle Point) (Con)Since gaining independence about a decade ago, Kazakhstan has made tremendous progress in many areas and is now a good place for mutual business between our two countries. However, does the Minister agree that Kazakhstan must have the confidence to develop stronger press and media freedom?
§ Mr. RammellI thank the hon. Gentleman for that question. As is often the case in such situations, the forces of progress and reaction are present at the same time. I understand his point about press freedom; the issue was raised by the Foreign Secretary during his recent visit to Kazakhstan and there have been positive 745 developments, but we need to continue to press the Kazakh authorities to follow through on all such issues, whether they are to do with electoral law or press freedom.