HL Deb 27 May 1999 vol 601 cc113-4WA
The Earl of Carlisle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What measures they are taking to assist Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania fully to meet their obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and to respect the jurisdiction of the court; and what further assistance they are contemplating. [HL2054]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The Government fully support the work of the Council of Europe in helping new member states meet their obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), including the right of individual petition to the European Court of Human Rights. This includes policy advice, capacity building and practical assistance. UK experts regularly take part in training programmes organised by the Council of Europe for new member states, including the Baltic States.

Most recently a FCO deputy legal adviser spoke at a meeting of Government agents for the ECHR in Vilnius.

This brought together agents for cases before the ECHR from all CoE member states to encourage good practice and for an exchange of views/experiences on practical aspects of the role and function of the agents.