HL Deb 26 June 2003 vol 650 cc32-3WA
Lord Howell of Guildford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What reports they have received from United Kingdom delegates to the United Nations Human Rights Commission, following the recent session under the chairmanship of Libya. [HL3282]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The United Kingdom played an active role in this year's session of the Commission on Human Rights. As in previous years, there was progress in some areas but setbacks in others. We were pleased that the commission passed important resolutions on issues such as the death penalty, torture, the right to education and the protection of human rights in the context of HIV/AIDS as well as on the human rights situations in a number of countries including Burma, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba and, for the first time, North Korea, Turkmenistan and Belarus.

We were, however, disappointed that the commission failed to adopt resolutions on Zimbabwe, Chechnya and Sudan. We welcomed the increased time allotted to interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteurs and the equitable distribution of speaking time to non-governmental organisations. While we did not endorse the election of a representative of Libya as chair of this year's session, she conducted proceedings in a competent and objective manner for much of the commission.

On 29 April, the UK was re-elected to serve on the commission for a further three years. We will continue to use our membership to press for the commission to fulfil its mandate to set and promote human rights standards and address human rights violations around the world.

Lord Howell of Guildford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether United Kingdom Government delegates serving on the United Nations Human Rights Commission voted for the recent election of Cuba as a member. [HL3283]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The 54 members of the United Nations Economic and Social Council elected 24 members to the Commission on Human Rights on 29 April 2003. As there were only six candidates for the six available places in the Latin America and Caribbean Group, a vote was not required. Cuba was re-elected by acclamation along with Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras and Peru.