HL Deb 22 June 1998 vol 591 cc1-2WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will be able to announce before the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1998 their decision on ratification of the First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. [HL2276]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Government announced on 3 July 1997 that they intended to review the United Kingdom's position under various international instruments. This includes whether to accept the right of individuals to submit complaints to the United Nations Human Rights Committee under the First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This review is under way and we expect it to be completed by the end of the year.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will be able to announce before the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1998 their decision on ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. [HL2277]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Government have been considering the United Kingdom's position on the Second Optional Protocol as part of our general review on various international human rights instruments. The review is expected to be completed by the end of the year. This work will now also be informed by the recent decision to ratify Protocol 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will be able to announce before the fiftieth Anniversary of the Signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1998 their decision on ratification of the Sixth Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. [HL2278]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

There is not a Sixth Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Question may be intended to refer to Protocol 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Government have undertaken to ratify that Protocol.

The rights contained in Protocol 6 to the European Convention on Human Rights have been added to the Convention rights contained in the Human Rights Bill [H.L.]. My right honourable friend the Home Secretary is now considering what needs to be done to enable the United Kingdom to ratify the Protocol.