§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will publish the official review of international human rights instruments in addition to the summary of the conclusions of the review; and, if not, why not. [HL1454]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)There is nothing available beyond the document placed in the Library. The remainder of the papers relating to the review comprise internal opinion, advice, recommendations, consultation and deliberation.
§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are their reasons for deciding not to accept the right of individual petition under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. [HL1455]
§ Lord Williams of MostynAs stated in my reply to the noble Baroness, Lady Lockwood, on 4 March (Official Report, col. WA 201–202) our reason is that accepting such additional complaints procedures could present an undesirable distraction in relation to the vital work of preparing for and bedding down the Human Rights Act.
§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are their objections to permitting individuals to have recourse to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination established under Article 8 of the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (1966) in relation to complaints where there is no effective remedy in United Kingdom law. [HL1479]
125WA
§ Lord Williams of MostynAs stated in my reply to the noble Baroness, Lady Lockwood, on 3 March (Official Report, col. WA 201–202) our reason is that accepting such additional complaints procedures could present an undesirable distraction in relation to the vital work of preparing for and bedding down the Human Rights Act.
§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider that additional rights are contained in the United Nations Convention Against Torture and the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, respectively, over and above those contained in the European Convention on Human Rights; and, if so, what rights. [HL1458]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe European Convention on Human Rights is drafted in general terms; the other instruments referred to are more specific. Although they cover broadly similar areas it is not possible to say definitively what rights are contained in each as they are living instruments which evolve over time and their interpretation depends upon the developing case law. We believe that the United Kingdom is compliant with all these instruments.
§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are their objections to permitting individuals to have recourse to the Committee against Torture established under Article 17 of the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment of Punishment (1984) in relation to complaints where there is no effective remedy in United Kingdom law. [HLI480]
§ Lord Williams of MostynAs stated in my reply to the noble Baroness, Lady Lockwood, on 4 March (Official Report col. WA 201–202) our reason is that accepting such additional complaints procedures could present an undesirable distraction in relation to the vital work of preparing for and bedding down the Human Rights Act.
§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are their objections to permitting individuals to have recourse to the United Nations Human Rights committee established under Article 28 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966) in relation to complaints where there is no effective remedy in United Kingdom law. [HLI481]
§ Lord Williams of MostynAs stated in my reply to the. noble Baroness, Lady Lockwood, on 4 March (Official Report, col. WA 201–202) our reason is that accepting such additional complaints procedures could present an undesirable distraction in relation to the vital work of preparing for and bedding down the Human Rights Act.
126WA
§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they will decide whether legislation is necessary to enable the United Kingdom to ratify the Fourth Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights. [HL1457]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe Fourth Protocol raises difficult issues, including the need for legislation. We will keep them under consideration.