Kenya: Human Rights (Hansard, 3 December 1991)

§ Lord Judd
My Lords, in the absence through ill health of my noble friend Lord Ennals, at his request I beg leave to ask the Government the following Question:
What is their attitude to the denial of human rights in Kenya in the light of the Harare Declaration of Commonwealth Heads of Government.

§ Lord Cavendish of Furness
My Lords, Her Majesty's Government deplore abuse of human rights wherever it occurs, and the Kenyan Government have been made well aware of our anxieties over the restraints on freedom of expression and assembly in Kenya.
The British Government therefore warmly welcome the reported decision of the Kenyan Government to move speedily to a repeal of Section 2A of the Kenyan Constitution and to the holding of multi-party elections in Kenya next year. This represents a major advance in implementation of the pledge made by Commonwealth Heads of Government to work with renewed vigour to promote democracy and fundamental human rights.

§ Lord Judd
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for the reply. However, is he aware that there will be widespread support in this country for the stand that the Government have made in this respect? Is he also aware that for many working in the front line of economic and social development in the third world, the context of democracy and freedom is absolutely essential to progress, but that if that policy is to carry weight, consistency is essential? For example, 98 Indonesia is as important as Kenya. While the policy is being pursued, it is essential to protect the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable members of society.

§ Lord Cavendish of Furness
My Lords, first, perhaps I may say how sorry I am to hear that the noble Lord's noble friend is in poor health. I hope that he will pass on my best wishes. I was grateful for the noble Lord's opening remarks. I can only agree with everything that he said.

§ Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos
My Lords, I know that the whole House appreciates the close ties that this country has enjoyed with Kenya over a long period of time. However, is the Minister aware that there is a good deal of disquiet in this country and elsewhere about the tardy way in which the Government have regarded the problems of Kenya and the development of an oppressive and cruel regime? Will he say what actions the Government are taking to indicate their displeasure and disagreement with those policies? For example, will he say what aid Britain is giving to Kenya at present? We support the Government's late conversion to taking some action. However, is he aware that Canada and the United States have been far more active in making their opposition to that government known?

§ Lord Cavendish of Furness
My Lords, we speak frankly to the Kenyans about our anxieties on human rights and political reforms. We were very disappointed at the Kenyan reaction to the rally organised by proponents of the multi-party democracy and to their arrest. We spoke forcefully on that occasion. The criteria which guide our aid policy have been clearly set out. We take into account many factors including respect for the rule of law, human rights, market principles and good economic management, pluralism and public accountability. To those, Kenya is no exception.

§ Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos
My Lords, can the Minister go further and say to what extent the declaration has influenced the Government in their aid policy towards Kenya? He did not answer my question. Do we still continue to give the same aid? Have we reduced it or does it not exist?

§ Lord Cavendish of Furness
My Lords, we and other donors will be looking for further indications that Kenya is committed to a programme of economic and political reform before considering further aid pledges. That approach was strongly endorsed at the meeting of the donors in Paris on 25th and 26th November.

§ Lord Bottomley
My Lords, is the Minister aware that Odinga, who was number two to Kenyatta and helped to build up the independence of Kenya, has been denied human rights for a long time? Have the Government made any specific representations on his behalf?

§ Lord Cavendish of Furness
My Lords, will the noble Lord tell me to whom he is referring? I am afraid that I missed the name.

§ Lord Bottomley
My Lords, I was referring to Odinga.

§ Lord Cavendish of Furness
My Lords, the impression that I have is that human rights have been restored to everyone to whom they were previously denied.

§ Lord Molloy
My Lords, is the Minister aware that those of us with a close interest in and considerable knowledge of Kenya will heartily welcome the Government's new approach, despite its lateness, as will tens of thousands of African Kenyans? There will not be a great deal of support for the policy from white Kenyans. However, will the Government press ahead as fast as they can in order not to let down the tens of thousands of black Kenyans who believe that a new life is offered to them by our Government's proposals?

§ Lord Cavendish of Furness
My Lords, the noble Lord is right in saying that the news of the decision of the Kenyan Government will be welcomed by tens of thousands of Africans. Indeed, it will be welcomed even more widely.

§ Lord Hatch of Lusby
My Lords, while welcoming the new moves by the Moi Government in Kenya on pluralism, does the Minister realise that he was incorrect in saying that human rights have been restored to all those in Kenya who were deprived of them? There are many Kenyans in prisons who have suffered torture and many are exiled. The coming of plural government does not necessarily restore those rights to them. Will the Minister look into the matter more deeply before coming to the House and saying that the Government believe that human rights are restored to all to whom they were refused?

§ Lord Cavendish of Furness
My Lords, I must accept from the noble Lord, Lord Hatch, that my answer was too sweeping. I am not aware of individual cases. However, I am under the impression that President Moi is making an effort to reverse previous policies and to root out corruption.