§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many suspected or actual cases of human rights violations connected with vessels operating in the waters surrounding the Falklands took place in each of the last three years. [79039]
§ Mr. Tony LloydNo cases of human rights abuses involving fishing vessels were recorded by the Royal Falkland Islands Police in 1996. In 1997, three incidents were reported in which mistreatment of seamen was suspected. These were pursued to the extent possible, but legal action could not be taken. Of two reported incidents in 1998, one resulted in the successful prosecution of the Captain of a fishing vessel. Both HMG and FIG take human rights violations seriously and continue to monitor the situation.