§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress is being made in the renegotiation of the Lomé Agreement on the enhancement of human rights and in particular whether it is anticipated that responsibility for deciding whether a human rights issue has arisen will lie with the European Union, with the African, Caribbean and Pacific states or with both together. [HL2120]
28WA
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe renegotiation of the Lomé Convention will not begin until 30 September. The UK for its part would like to see a provision in the new convention affirming that parties' domestic and foreign policies must be informed by respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, and good governance (the essential elements of the convention). We would also like it to include a clause permitting any of the parties to seek appropriate action in the event of a violation of one of the essential elements. This action should enshrine dialogue as the preferred means of reaching a solution.