HC Deb 05 March 1996 vol 273 cc165-6W
Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations the British high commission in Lagos made to other European embassies in Lagos regarding action to be taken by European Governments over the death sentence passed on Ken Saro-Wiwa; [18595]

(2) what discussions the British high commission in Lagos had with other European embassies in Lagos regarding the death sentence passed on Ken Saro-Wiwa. [18594]

Mr. Hanley

The British high commission in Lagos has regular meetings with European partners in Lagos. We consult closely on a wide range of human rights issues and continue to monitor the situation closely.

Ms Lynne

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's plan to raise the violation of human rights in Nigeria at(a) the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and (b) other inter-governmental conferences; and if he will support at the Commission on Human Rights the creation of a special rapporteur on violations of human rights in Nigeria. [18470]

Mr. Hanley

We are working with our EU and Commonwealth partners to secure a resolution on Nigeria at the UN Commission on Human Rights, including the appointment of a special rapporteur. In addition, we are members of the Commonwealth ministerial action group, which is considering a range of options to ensure that Nigeria takes steps to respect human rights.

Ms Lynne

To ask the Secretary of States for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the British high commissioner in Nigeria has made to the Nigerian Government relating to the judicial process faced by the 19 Ogonis currently on trial for murder. [18472]

Mr. Hanley

Our high commissioner has repeatedly made it clear to senior Nigerian Ministers that the international community expects the 19 Ogonis facing trial to be brought before a properly constituted court that respects their basic legal rights.

Ms Lynne

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action is being taken(a) by his Department and (b) in co-operation with other Commonwealth countries to promote the improvement of human rights in Nigeria. [18471]

Mr. Hanley

We are working with our EU and Commonwealth partners to secure a resolution on Nigeria at the UN Commission on Human Rights, including the appointment of a special rapporteur. In addition, we are members of the Commonwealth ministerial action group, which is considering a range of options to ensure that Nigeria takes steps to respect human rights.