Nepal: Human Rights (Hansard, 13 March 1990)

§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Brabazon of Tara)
My Lords, we have made a number of representations. I discussed human rights issues with both the Nepalese Prime Minister and Foreign Minister during my visit to Kathmandu last month.

§ Baroness Ewart-Biggs
My Lords, in view of the timely visit which the Minister was able to make to Nepal at such a critical time, and bearing in mind our historic links with the country, was he able to request the release of any of those who are detained without trial? Further, having regard to the very worrying reports from Amnesty International about the methods used by the security forces after the demonstrations, can he say whether the United Kingdom still trains any of those forces? Can he also say what type of military equipment we export to Nepal and its value?

§ Lord Brabazon of Tara
My Lords, I was certainly able to point out the concern which Nepal's friends felt over the violence which had taken place when I discussed the situation with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Of course, I was able to say how much we regretted the violence between the police and those who demonstrated for greater political representation. I did not raise specifically the issue of the release of detainees. I understand that the government released 593 people on 23rd February and a further number in March. Therefore, something along those lines has happened.
1463 As to the training of security forces, I do not think that we train the police force in Nepal. I do not have details of what, if any, military equipment we provide at present. In any event, it would only be for external rather than internal use.

Lord Hunt
My Lords, is it not a fact, as my informants assure me, that the Government of Nepal have been faced with serious threats to law and order in the country, instigated by agitators who are intent upon exploiting legitimate political demands for reform and that reports of over-reaction and excessive force and repression of press freedom are grossly exaggerated for political ends? Is that not more credible in view of the known benevolent nature of the regime of Nepal and the notably peaceful character of the Nepalese people?

§ Lord Brabazon of Tara
My Lords, as I have outlined, it is a fact that there have been serious demonstrations and outbreaks of violence. The Nepalese Government have to react in such situations but it could be argued that they need not react quite as they did, as a result of which a number of people lost their lives. That was, of course, most regrettable.

§ Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos
My Lords, does the noble Lord not agree that the reason for the troubles in Nepal was the refusal of the King and his very subservient government to recognise opposition parties in the country? Can the noble Lord say what discussions he had with the main leaders of the opposition parties during his visit? Further, can he say what aid Her Majesty's Government give to Nepal at present?

§ Lord Brabazon of Tara
My Lords, I did not have discussions with the opposition parties in Nepal. They are at present illegal as such. That was the result of a referendum which took place in 1981 when people voted in favour of the present system of government, the panchayat system. However, I am encouraged by statements made on 21st February which stated that the government were open to political dialogue within a peaceful and constitutional framework. I have since been further encouraged to hear that steps have been taken to start a dialogue.
Our aid is currently some £16 million a year which is a substantial increase over the figure of three years ago. The main areas of assistance have been roads, forestry and natural resources. Those projects are mainly directed to the needs of the poor in rural areas. I can assure noble Lords that they are very much needed.

§ Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos
My Lords, while I understand what my noble friend Lord Hunt said about the Nepalese people—and I thoroughly agree with everything he said—does the noble Lord agree that there is strong evidence for saying that the Government of Nepal is a corrupt despotism?

§ Lord Brabazon of Tara
My Lords, that may be taking things just a little too far. As I said, there was 1464 a referendum in 1981 and the people voted in favour of the present system of government. Elections are held in Nepal; indeed, one will take place in about a year's time. One suggestion I made during my visit was that perhaps the date of that election could be brought forward. I understand that that would be possible. However, to call an old friend, as Nepal is to this country, a "corrupt despotism" is really a little unfortunate.

§ Baroness Ewart-Biggs
My Lords, can the noble Lord say whether the demonstrations were dealt with in a brutal manner? Can he also say how many detainees are still held without trial?

§ Lord Brabazon of Tara
My Lords, the demonstrations were dealt with quite strongly, I think. That resulted in some loss of life, about which we are naturally very sorry. I said just that. As for the number of detainees currently under arrest, I am afraid that I have no figure. There are various different estimates around but there is nothing which I might be able to use as an official figure.

§ Lord Mellish
My Lords, what is the point of a country of this kind holding elections when at present Opposition parties are illegal?

§ Lord Brabazon of Tara
My Lords, the people vote for individuals rather than parties. It is not for me to justify nor to criticise their system. I happen to know that, for instance, a by-election will take place any day now at which there are no fewer than nine candidates for a seat. That is one form of holding an election.