HC Deb 08 June 1993 vol 226 cc184-5W
Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on the details of the United Kingdom Government's policy towards devising or strengthening appropriate mechanisms or powers for implementing the universal adherence of existing United Nations human rights standards and the enforcement of international legal agreements on human rights in advance of the UN world conference on human rights in Vienna on 14 to 25 June;

(2) what current initiatives he is promoting within the United Nations to strengthen appropriate mechanisms or powers for implementing the universal adherence of existing United Nations human rights standards and the enforcement of international legal agreements on human rights; and if he will make a statement;

(3) if he will make a statement outlining the United Kingdom Government's policy and specific proposals to strengthen appropriate mechanisms or powers for implementing the universal adherence to UN human rights standards and the enforcement of international legal agreements on human rights;

(4) if he will make a statement on his policy towards the proposals before the United Nations conference on human rights to be held in Vienna on 14 to 25 June to give consideration to the creation of a UN permanent commissioner for human rights and an international court for human rights.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We regard the implementation of universal human rights standards as a high priority. We recognise the need to strengthen the role of the UN Centre for Human Rights which is the UN body mainly responsible for human rights work. With our EC partners, we have proposed that the post of director of the centre be upgraded to that of Under Secretary-General for Human Rights or High Commissioner for Human Rights. We have also co-sponsored resolutions at the UN General Assembly and the UN Commission on Human Rights calling for the centre to be given a greater share of the existing UN regular budget. We will continue to work towards these objectives at the world conference on human rights.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role his Department has played in preparations for the United Nations world conference on human rights in Vienna on 14 to 25 June.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We have been represented at the four preparatory meetings held in advance of the UN world conference on human rights. We shall also play an active role at the conference itself.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he intends to make a substantive submission to the world conference on human rights in Vienna on 14 to 25 June.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I will lead the United Kingdom delegation to the world conference on human rights, and I will address the conference on behalf of Her Majesty's Government.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to receive a copy of the final agenda for the United Nations world conference on human rights in Vienna on 14 to 25 June; and if it will be made available to the general public.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The agenda for the forthcoming world conference on human rights was adopted as the annex to resolution 47/122 of last year's United Nations General Assembly. As such, it is freely available to the general public.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the list of(a) delegates and (b) observers who will represent the United Kingdom at the United Nations world conference on human rights in Vienna on 14 to 25 June, and the non-governmental organisation to which each belongs, where appropriate.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I refer the hon. Lady to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Clydebank and Milngavie (Mr. Worthington) on 13 May, at column559. The precise composition of the delegation is being finalised, and will be transmitted to the conference organisers in due course.