§ Lord BROCKWAYasked Her Majesty's Government:
What conclusions were reached at the Geneva meeting of the United Nations Human Rights sub-Commission to consider 568WA means of ending the torture of prisoners; whether proposals were considered for the establishment of inspectorates to visit detention centres where torture is alleged; and whether coordinated action is proposed by United Nations' Agencies including the ILO, to eradicate the torture of detainees and prisoners.
Lord, GORONWY-ROBERTSThe noble Lord refers, I think, to the meeting of the sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities. The main results of discussion of this subject were the appointment of one of the members of the sub-Commission to draw up a body of principles for the protection of all persons under any form of detention or imprisonment. And secondly the recommendation that the Economic and Social Council should authorise the appointment of a Working Group of the sub-Commission to prepare the sub-Commission's annual review of developments in this field.
The establishment of an inspectorate was advocated by the United Kingdom member but not pursued by the sub-Commission since it did not attract sufficient support. The UN Specialised Agencies, which include the ILO, will be invited to provide information to the Secretary-General in time for it to be considered by the sub-Commission at its next session and by its Working Group, if that is established. There was no proposal for co-ordinated action on a wider basis.
House adjourned at six minutes past midnight.