HC Deb 15 January 1988 vol 125 cc413-5W
Mr. Dicks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Zimbabwe regarding the affront to civilised values revealed in the recent report by Amnesty International on the abuse of human rights in Zimbabwe, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

None. We are concerned at human rights violations wherever they occur. While there continue to be occasional reports of ill treatment of prisoners, we have noted a recent general improvement in the human rights situation in Zimbabwe as reflected in the Amnesty report itself, particularly the release of large numbers or opposition detainees. Significantly the African Association on Human and People's Rights in Development was established in the presence of a Zimbabwe Minister in Harare on 31 August 1987.

Mr. Dicks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Zambia regarding the affront to civilised values revealed in the recent report by Amnesty International on the abuse of human rights in Zambia, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

The importance we attach to respect for human rights is well-known to the Zambians arid is regularly expressed at the United Nations, and other international fora.

Mr. Dicks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Uganda regarding the affront to civilised values revealed in the recent report by Amnesty International on the abuse of human rights in Uganda, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

Amnesty International's 1987 report noted a "significant" improvement inrespect for human rights in Uganda. The Government of Uganda are publicly committed to respect for human rights. We have regular contacts with them.

Mr. Dicks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has made to the Government of Nigeria regarding the affront to civilised values revealed in the recent report by Amnesty International on the abuse of human rights in Nigeria, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what representations he has made to the Government of Ghana regarding the affront to civilised values revealed in the recent report by Amnesty International on the abuse of human rights in Ghana, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

We continue to monitor closely the human rights situation in west Africa as elsewhere and regularly make clear in appropriate fora our view that human rights must be respected in accordance with internationally agreed standards.

In respect of the 1987 Amnesty International report, no representations have been made to the Governments of Ghana or Nigeria. In general, the human rights situation in these countries has improved over recent years.

Mr. Dicks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of India regarding the affront to civilised values revealed in the recent report by Amnesty International on the abuse of human rights in India, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

None. We have noted the contents of Amnesty International's 1987 report. We regularly make clear our views on the need for all governments to respect human rights.

Mr. Dicks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Bangladesh regarding the affront to civilised values revealed in the recent report by Amnesty International on the abuse of human rights in Bangladesh, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

We have noted the contents of the 1987 Amnesty International report. We regularly make clear our views on the need for all governments to respect human rights and have on several occasions raised with the Bangladesh Government at the highest levels the concern felt in this country for human rights in Bangladesh.

Mr. Dicks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Kenya regarding the affront to civilised values revealed in the recent report by Amnesty International on the abuse of human rights in Kenya, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

Kenya's human rights record has been good since independence. In the context of the Amnesty International report, President Moi has given a number of public undertakings that human rights will continue to be respected. In his speech at the official banquet for my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the 5 January he said,Our law is clear on the question of protection of human rights … we cannot betray our struggle for Independence by denying our people the very same rights we fought for so hard".

We have made our view clear on this issue.

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