HC Deb 21 November 1984 vol 68 c187W
Mr. Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise with the United Nations Commission for Human Rights allegations of persecution of religious groups in Ethiopia.

Mr. Rifkind

We can find little evidence of any worsening of the situation of religious groups in Ethiopia, which has been unsatisfactory' in certain areas for some time. Under the circumstances we have no plans to raise this matter with the United Nations Commission for Human Rights.

Mr. Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise with the Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporzting Countries the need for a concerted response by developed states to the famine in Ethiopia.

Mr. Rifkind

The United Nations has appointed a special co-ordinator to oversee national and international efforts to alleviate the famine in Ethiopia. He will, no doubt, be looking for contributions from all Governments in a position to help.