Roma People

HC Deb 25 February 1998 vol 307 cc240-1W

Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy regarding(a) human rights and (b) the treatment of Roma people in those European countries likely to be in the next group to join the European Union. [31073]

Mr. Doug Henderson

We have made clear our commitment to place human rights at the centre of foreign policy. We will be strict in ensuring that EU applicants comply with the Copenhagen political criteria, including therespect for and protection of minorities".

This is why we support strongly all efforts to address shortcomings in the treatment of minorities in EU applicant countries, both through bilateral Know How Fund projects and our contributions to the Phare Programme. We have also been working bilaterally with several Central European Governments to help them implement measures to improve the position of the Roma and other minorities.