HC Deb 25 January 1961 vol 633 c26W
71. Mrs. Castle

asked the Lord Privy Seal what steps the United Kingdom delegate to the United Nations is now taking to ensure that the United Nations force in the Congo does not permit violations of Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Mr. Heath

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has no legally binding force, but proclaims common standards of achievement; there are therefore no means, other than moral persuasion, by which its provisions can be imposed. Our representative at the United Nations last month sponsored in the Security Council a resolution condemning any violation of human rights in the Congo and any measures contrary to recognised rules of law and order. Unfortunately this resolution was vetoed by the Russian representative on the Security Council.

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