HL Deb 02 April 1998 vol 588 cc61-2WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will raise with the United Nations Human Rights Commission the practice adopted in Bahrain of detaining minors with no right of access by their parents or lawyers and of trying them before the State Security Courts, from which there is no right of appeal. [HL1172]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We have no plans to initiate a resolution on Bahrain at this year's session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. We urge all countries to observe the due process of law and to comply with the International Convention on the Rights of the Child. Bahrain is a party to this convention. It has assured us that it is aware of its responsibilities towards children under the requirements of the convention and that it will take all necessary measures accordingly.

Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will urge the relevant authorities of Bahrain to inform parents of the whereabouts of children under the age of 18 who are detained in custody, and to grant the parents access to their children. [HL1173]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We urge all countries to observe the due process of law and to comply with the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Bahrain is a party. Bahrain has assured us that parents are advised of the whereabouts of, and are granted access to, any children detained in custody.