§ Mr. StinchcombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he made of progress towards(a) multi-party democracy and (b) protection of human rights in Kenya (i) prior to and (ii) since the Kenyan elections in 1997; and if he will make a statement. [37985]
§ Mr. Tony Lloyd(a) Following pressure, both internal and from the UK and other donors, the Kenyan Parliament approved reforms in late 1997, which among other things allowed 26 parties to stand in the elections in December 1997. The EU statement of 6 January made the point that these elections were a further step towards greater democracy but noted that there were still shortcomings. The results are still being contested. Ten parties are represented in the new Parliament. On 2 April, the Attorney-General announced a cross-party Committee to take forward the constitutional review process. We welcome efforts to ensure that this process remains broad-based and inclusive.
(b) We receive reports from a variety of sources about human rights in Kenya. We are particularly concerned about evidence of persistent police brutality, torture and extra-judicial killings. The Kenyan Government are bound under international obligations to make progress in this respect. We will play a full part in ensuring that pressure for such progress is maintained, including ratification of the UN Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.