HC Deb 21 May 1980 vol 985 cc264-5W
Mr. Gummer

asked the Lord Privy Seal what discussions he has had with the voluntary organisations on the problems of refugees from Ethiopia.

Mr. Luce

The Government continue to be in close contact with representatives of the voluntary organisations both individually and through organisations such as the Standing Conference on Refugees and the Disaster Emergency Committee who are actively considering the plight of refugees from Ethiopia particularly in Somalia.

Mr. Gummer

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will raise at the United Nations Commission for Human Rights the position of refugees from Ethiopia.

Mr. Luce

The next meeting of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights is not due to take place until February 1981. We shall continue to bear in mind the possible need to include the question of refugees for discussion at this meeting.

Mr. Gummer

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will raise with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics their responsibilities under the Helsinki agreement towards refugees and dissidents in Ethiopia caused by Russian involvement in that country.

Mr. Luce

The Soviet Union's record of implementation of the Final Act, like that of other signatory States, will be fully discussed at the Madrid CSCE review meeting in November.