§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has received from human rights organisations regarding human rights violations in Rwanda and Nigeria;
(2) what investigation he has made of human rights violations in Rwanda and Nigeria regarding (a) the welfare of refugees and (b) allegations of killings taken place.
§ Mr. BaldryWe have received many representations from human rights organisations, hon. Members and members of the public concerning human rights in Nigeria and Rwanda.
Britain fully supported the UN Commission of Experts' investigation into the atrocities committed in Rwanda last year and subsequently co-sponsored the resolution that established the International Criminal Tribunal which is now being set up in Rwanda and which aims to bring the organisers of the genocide to justice. We have also made it clear to the Rwandan authorities that we hold them responsible for the safety of returning refuges and internally displaced persons.
We are well aware of the recent reports of extra-judicial killings in Nigeria. The European Union has made efforts to establish the truth of the allegations, but the results have been inconclusive. We continue to watch the situation closely.