HL Deb 27 January 1999 vol 596 c152WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proposals they have made to the Presidency of the European Union for matters to be raised at the forthcoming meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Commission; and whether existing European Union mechanisms allow for inputs by non-governmental organisations to the formulation of European strategy at the Commission. [HL614]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Her Majesty's Government will contribute to the preparation of EU initiatives at the Commission on Human Rights in meetings of the CSFP Human Rights Working Group in February and March.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are welcome to provide input through the EU Presidency or member states. My honourable friend the Minister of State, Mr. Lloyd, will be hosting a briefing session for UK-based NGOs on 4 February to hear their views.