§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the compliance of the Chinese Government with those agreements with human rights aspects agreed by that Government since 1997. [146717]
§ Mr. BattleThe Chinese Government signed the international covenants on economic, social and cultural rights, and on civil and political rights, in October 1997 and 1998 respectively.
China is not bound by the provisions of both covenants until instruments of ratification have been submitted to the UN Secretary-General. The Chinese authorities are yet to fully comply with a number of provisions, in both 564W covenants, including those pertaining to freedom of religion, the use of the death penalty and establishment of free trade unions.
We continue to urge the Chinese to move promptly towards ratification and implementation of the covenants, with a minimum of reservations. We are working with them to identify areas in which we can provide technical assistance to help move this process forward.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government will support a resolution condemning the Chinese Government at the 57th meeting of the UN Commission on Human Rights. [146716]
§ Mr. BattleWe and our partners are considering the EU' s approach towards China at the forthcoming 57th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights to be held in Geneva between 19 March and 27 April. This process has not yet been concluded.