§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contact the British Embassy in Yemen has had with human rights groups in the past year; and if he will make a statement. [76203]
§ Mr. FatchettOur Embassy in Sana'a has provided modest financial support for human rights organisations operating in Yemen. It has assisted with inward and outward visits by MPs and other officials, including projects run by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, to help improve good government. We have also provided assistance in training judges and related officials on national and international human rights law and its application in the court-room. We are looking to continue similar cooperative projects in the future.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Yemen concerning human rights and cases of kidnapping. [76204]
§ Mr. FatchettWe regularly raise our concerns about human rights issues with the Yemeni Government. I refer my hon. Friend to my previous answer (76203) and the answer I gave him on 1 March 1999,Official Report, column 606. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has also raised with the Yemeni Prime Minister, our concerns about the incidence of kidnapping in Yemen, especially where UK nationals have been involved.