HL Deb 13 February 2001 vol 622 cc28-9WA
Lord Archer of Sandwell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations have been made to encourage the "Committee for the Eradication of Abduction of Women and Children" set up by the Sudanese Government, in particular:

  1. (a) aiding it to examine the underlying causes of slavery; and
  2. (b) providing the means for independent investigators and human rights experts to work alongside the committee. [HL588]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Abduction is a key issue to which we pay particular attention in Sudan and we are active in our support of the Committee for the Eradication of the Abduction of Women and Children (CEAWC).

Through the EU, we have part financed the work of the CEAWC. Our Ambassador in Khartoum has visited the areas affected and has attended CEAWC workshops in Khartoum to urge all concerned to greater efforts and to demonstrate our concerns. Both UNICEF and Save the Children Fund (UK) are closely involved in efforts to resolve this distressing problem.

Lord Archer of Sandwell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In view of the overwhelming evidence of the existence of slavery in Sudan, what recent representations they have made to the Government of Sudan concerning the issue. [HL590]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Our Ambassador in Khartoum has been active in support of the Committee for the Eradication of Abduction of Women and Children (CEAWC) and has urged all concerned, including the Government of Sudan, to greater efforts. In support of this action in Khartoum, we recently co-sponsored a United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Sudan with our EU partners. The resolution called upon the Government of Sudan to reinforce action undertaken to prevent and stop abductions of women and children, and to bring to trial any person suspected of supporting or participating in such activities.