§ John McDonnellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason Her Majesty's Government's representative on the United Nations Commission on Human Rights abstained on resolution 2002–11, passed on 2 June. [64958]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe resolution, dated 19 April and sponsored by the African Group, proposed termination of the mandate of the UN Special Representative on Equatorial Guinea. The EU unsuccessfully proposed an amendment to permit continuation of a monitoring mechanism. The EU decided by consensus to abstain on the resolution, together with its associates, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, most of the Latin American and Caribbean countries. In our statement we expressed deep disappointment at the African Group's refusal to negotiate on the text of the resolution, appreciation for the work of the UN Special Representative, profound concern over human rights violations in Equatorial Guinea, and deep regret at the absence of any monitoring mechanism.
The EU remains concerned at human rights violations in Equatorial Guinea. In the context of the recent trials of alleged coup plotters, the EU issued a Declaration urging the Government to respect their rights.