HC Deb 06 March 2002 vol 381 c392W
Bob Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the EU on the compliance of national states which receive aid from the EU in respect of non-refoulement; and if he will make a statement; [39870]

(2) which countries in receipt of British or EU bilateral or multi-lateral aid are suspected of breaking international law on human rights, with particular reference to non-refoulement. [39871]

Mr. MacShane

We have not had any specific discussions on aid dispersion in respect of non-refoulement with EU Governments.

However, when considering overseas aid the UK Government and the EU take into account the human rights record of the receiving country.

We are committed to the principle of non-refoulement and support UNHCR's efforts to ensure that states are aware of, and act on, their obligations to protect refugees and persons seeking asylum.

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