HC Deb 19 March 1996 vol 274 cc110-2W
Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals the United Kingdom will put forward to ensure that the 52nd session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights takes consistent action on countries which commit human rights abuses. [21069]

Sir Nicholas Bonsor

We support a consistent approach by the UN Commission on Human Rights, but it is not always possible to achieve the necessary majorities. Together with our EU partners, we will deliver a statement to the Commission commenting on human rights practices in over 40 countries. The EU will also table several resolutions on human rights practices in countries with exceptional bad records. We will be active in encouraging fellow members of the commission to support them.

Mr. Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what considerations underlie the United Kingdom's objection to clauses in the draft declaration on human rights defenders allowing third parties to take court action against violators of human rights. [21070]

Sir Nicholas Bonsor

We support the concept of non-governmental organisations acting as legal representatives of those alleged to be victims of human rights violations, and are happy to work with such organisations for the achievement of an acceptable outcome. However, we and others are opposed to the notion of individuals being entitled to bring actions in the courts relating to claims in which they themselves have no direct interest.

Mr. Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government(a) participation in and (b) policy towards the working group on the draft optional protocol to the convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; and what proposals he has to move the initiative forward at the 52nd session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. [21071]

Sir Nicholas Bonsor

We have participated actively at each session of the working group. We aim to negotiate, as rapidly as possible, a protocol to the torture convention, which will create a new UN body to visit and report on places of detention in the territories of states parties. At the forthcoming session of the Commission on Human Rights, we shall endeavour to ensure that the mandate of the working group is extended to enable it to continue this work.

Mr. Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals the United Kingdom has to ensure that the United Kingdom Commission on Human Rights implements the Beijing declaration and platform for action on women. [21072]

Sir Nicholas Bonsor

We are fully committed to following up the recommendations of the Beijing platform for action on women. One of the main forums for discussion on this subject is the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, currently in session in New York, but a few specific recommendations from the Beijing conference will also be discussed during the forthcoming session of the UN Commission on Human Rights. The UK delegation is playing an active part in both forums.

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