HL Deb 29 June 2000 vol 614 cc92-3WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether their current practice of constructive engagement with the Sudan has so far led to changes in the conduct and policies of the Sudanese government towards its own citizens; and whether the time has come for a review of their policy. [HL2992]

Baroness Ramsay of Cartvale

We attach high priority to improved respect for human rights in Sudan. We discuss this bilaterally and in the context of the EU/Sudan dialogue. We believe that these exchanges with the Government of Sudan have played a part in securing intensified action to resolve problems such as the abductions of women and children. A number of legal changes are planned. Prisoners have been released.

We look to the Government of Sudan to make sustained progress in human rights matters and will be reviewing progress in the EU/Sudan dialogue with our European partners in the autumn.