HC Deb 27 June 2002 vol 387 cc1025-6W
Andy King

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what recent discussions he has had with colleagues in the European Union concerning religious freedom in Bhutan; and if he will make a statement; [64301]

pursuant to his answer of 30 April 2002, Official Report,column 655W, what recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the Royal Government of Bhutan concerning the persecution of Christians in Bhutan; [64299]

what steps the UK Government are taking to encourage Bhutan to provide constitutional guarantees for religious liberty in accordance with Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards; [64298]

what steps the UK Government are taking to encourage Bhutan to ratify (a)the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, (b)the International Covenant on Economic, Cultural and Social Rights and (c) the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; [64300]

what plans (a)Her Majesty's Government and (b) the European Union have to encourage the Royal Government of Bhutan to draw on the expertise of the international community, particularly with regard to (i) shared legal expertise and (ii) good practice on constitutional drafting. [64297]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

We have received occasional NGO reports suggesting mistreatment of Christians in Bhutan. Although we have made no recent representations, we have in the past expressed our concern to the Royal Government of Bhutan that the right to choose, declare, and practice one's religion should be respected. We understand the position of the Royal Government of Bhutan is that there is freedom of individual religious practice in Bhutan. We have had no reason to discuss the issue with our European Union colleagues.

During a visit to Thimphu in May 2001, the Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi raised with the Royal Government of Bhutan the desirability of an early Bhutanese accession to the UN Convention Against Torture. We understand that the Royal Government of Bhutan need to pass additional legislation before they can ratify this and several other human rights conventions.

The form and content of the Bhutanese constitution is a matter for the Government and people of Bhutan. The Commission established by HM the King in 2001 has been tasked with drafting a constitution that reflects international norms and democratic practices. The Commission has yet to produce its first report. HMG would be glad to respond to any request from Bhutan to share legal expertise and good practice on constitutional drafting.

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