§ Mr. Hilary BennTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking on human rights in Saudi Arabia following the Amnesty International report "Saudi Arabia: A Justice System Without Justice"; and if he will make a statement. [126080]
159W
§ Mr. HainSaudi Arabia is an Islamic country in which justice is based on Sharia Law. The British Government respect Islam but have concerns about human rights in the Kingdom, including the discrimination against women and non-Muslims, the restrictions on freedom of expression, movement, assembly and worship, the implementation of UN human rights instruments, and issues relating to the judicial process.
The British Government are firmly committed to constructive engagement on human rights with Saudi Arabia and discuss the issue regularly with the Saudis. The Government take, and will continue to take, every realistic and responsible step to try to improve matters.