§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 24 November 1993,Official Report, column 79, (1) if he will consult widely with interested bodies concerned with human rights before writing and submitting the United Kingdom's next report to the United Nations Human Rights Committee in August 1994;
(2) what opportunities are available for nongovernmental organisations and hon. Members to submit evidence to his Department prior to the writing and submission of the United Kingdom's next report to the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations in August 1994.
§ Mr. Charles WardleI have been asked to reply.
Periodic reports in the United Nations Human Rights Committee, which are submitted in accordance with article 40 of the international covenant on civil and political rights, are a factual account of the measures taken by the Government to give effect to the rights recognised in the covenant. As such, we do not look to those outside Government to submit evidence or otherwise contribute to 677W the writing of the reports. But non-governmental organisations, hon. Members and others are consulted widely in the formulation of the policies recorded in these reports.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 24 November,Official Report, column 79, if he will place in the Library a draft of the United Kingdom's next report to the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations prior to its submission in August 1994.
§ Mr. Charles WardleI have been asked to reply.
In accordance with our usual practice, a copy of the United Kingdom's fourth report will be placed in the Library on the day that it is submitted to the Committee.