HC Deb 11 December 1978 vol 960 cc87-8W
Mr. Russell Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what way the Government propose to recognise the thirtieth anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Mr. Tomlinson:

The Government have celebrated the anniversary in the following ways, in furtherance of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 32 /123 which was adopted by consensus on 16th December 1977:

  1. (a) On 5th December, my hon. Friend addressed a public meeting to commemorate the anniversary organised by the United Nations Association with Government financial support.
  2. (b) The United Nations flag is being flown in Parliament Square from 4th to 15th December.
  3. (c) Her Majesty's Stationery Office is arranging special displays at its bookshops.
  4. (d) Annual grants to two non-governmental associations, the International Institute of Human Rights and the International Commission of Jurists have been increased.
  5. (e) The Government intend, subject to parliamentary approval, to make a special payment to the British Institute of Human Rights.
  6. (f) A commemorative postmark has been issued.
  7. (g) A leaflet has been produced by the Central Office of Information which includes the full text of the declaration. There are editions 88 in English, Welsh and the five main immigrant languages.
  8. (h) A poster depicting the main themes of the declaration has been produced by the Central Office of Information, in consultation with the United Nations Association, for distribution through the human rights network and to main libraries, and local authorities.

There will be a ceremony and special debate in plenary at the United Nations General Assembly on 11th December. The United Kingdom will make a national statement there, in support of a joint intervention on behalf of the Nine to be delivered by the German presidency.