§ Mr. McDonnellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the human rights record of the present Gambian Government. [87947]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe regularly review the Gambian human rights record, on a bilateral basis, and as a member of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group which has a standing remit to monitor the situation in The Gambia. We have consistently made it clear that developments in the bilateral relationship, not least in the 373W UK's development assistance programme, depend on Gambian observance of human rights and commitment to good governance.
There have been some improvements in recent months: harassment of the independent media has declined and the UDP opposition party has managed to hold regular rallies without interference. Nonetheless, we continue to press for Decrees which proscribe certain politicians and which place heavy burdens on the independent media to be repealed.
We have also raised the recent abduction of Mr. Nyassi of the opposition UDP party and are pressing for an independent inquiry into the incident.
§ Mr. McDonnellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of the Gambia with regard to the arrest and disappearance of Mr. Shyngle Nyassi of the United Democratic Party. [87945]
§ Mr. Tony LloydOur High Commissioner in Banjul pursued the matter with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 27 and 28 May. He called on the Foreign Minister on 31 May and tried repeatedly to obtain a response from the Gambian Government.
He carried out a UK-inspired demarche on behalf of the EU on 9 June, urging the Government to take urgent action to secure Mr. Nyassi's release and punish those responsible for his detention. He pursued the matter again with the Foreign Minister on 11 June and, with other Diplomatic colleagues in Banjul, met President Jammeh on 18 June.
I am pleased to report that Mr. Nyassi was subsequently released on 21 June.