HC Deb 20 February 1985 vol 73 cc468-9W
28. Mr. Buchan

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any representations have been made to the South African Government concerning human rights violations in Namibia or South Africa since 12 December 1984.

Mr. Rifkind

We have consistently condemned human rights violations in Namibia and South Africa and shall continue to do so. Since 12 December 1984 we have expressed concern to the South African Government about the arrest of Ms. Gwen Lister and made public statements about the alleged Koevoet atrocities and Archbishop Hurley's trial.

31. Mr. David Young

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on human rights in Turkey.

Mr. Renton

We continue to take suitable opportunities to raise the question of human rights with the Turkish Government. My right hon. and learned Friend did so during his visit to Turkey from 11 to 13 February. They can be in no doubt as to our opinions and the importance we attach to progress in this area being maintained.

40. Mr. Simon Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give the reasons for the abstention by the United Kingdom representative to the United Nations in votes concerning the human rights situation in Chile.

Mr. Renton

; I have nothing to add to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 31 January at columns 293–94 to the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes).

72. Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made representations to the Iranian regime about human rights in Iran since the revolution; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

We have made clear to the Iranian Government on many occasions our concern at violations of human rights. We co-sponsored the United Nations Commission on Human Rights resolution on this question in March 1984. In addition, representatives of the European Community in Tehran have made a series of demarches on behalf of the Ten about the human rights situation in Iran, most recently on 2 October 1984.