HL Deb 19 April 1995 vol 563 cc54-5WA
Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that China's family planning policy constitutes a coercive population programme, of the kind condemned by the UNFPA.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

The Government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are aware of reports of human rights abuses associated with population activities in China. We are deeply concerned about these, as is UNFPA. We know that UNFPA is working to promote a more humane population policy in China.

Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will publish in the Official Report, or place in the Library of the House, recent clear statements made by the International Planned Parenthood Federation condemning coercive population policies in China.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

I refer my noble friend to the reply I gave him on 19 January at col.WA 51 of the Official Report. The statements referred to have been placed in the Library of the House.

Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will publish in the Official Report the letter of Mr. Steven W. Mosher dated 1st March 1995 to the United States House of Representatives Appropriations Committee on the coercive nature of China's population control policy, a copy of which has been supplied to them by the Lord Braine of Wheatley.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

We will place a copy of this letter in the Libraries of the House.

Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the UNFPA programmes in China are operated consistently with Article 42 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Rights and Interests of Women 1992; and if so, whether they will reconsider their funding for such programmes.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

The United Nations Population Fund's (UNFPA) assistance to China, as in all other countries where they provide assistance, operates on the basis of adherence to fundamental human rights standards. UNFPA has several projects in China which are specifically designed to improve the status of women, through literacy training, empowerment opportunities and quality care in the areas of maternal and child health and family planning including informed consent and contraceptive choices. At the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo in September 1994, the Chinese Government endorsed, without reservation, the programme of action which includes human rights and gender equality principles.