HL Deb 28 April 2003 vol 647 cc63-4WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will raise the subject of violence against women, including domestic violence, at the next Russo-British human rights meeting. [HL2528]

Baroness Amos

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office discussed the issue of violence against women during bilateral talks with the Russian Government in September 2002. It is likely to be raised at the next talks, due in the first quarter of 2004, although the date of these talks has not yet been set.

We will also continue to raise the issue of violence against women with the Russian Government in other bilateral and multilateral fora.

In addition, Her Majesty's Government have supported projects in this area, including emergency social and legal assistance to help women; monitoring women's rights through a network of women's NGOs; publicising women's issues through theatre; strengthening the Russian association of crisis centres for women and training volunteers to work in these centres.