Human Rights (Hansard, 22 January 2003)

§ Llew Smith
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the United States administration on the guidance given in the publication, "A Human Rights Approach to Prison Management—Handbook for Prison Staff", in respect of United Kingdom citizens held by the United States in the prison at Guantanamo Bay. [90232]

§ Mr. Mike O'Brien
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not specifically discussed the publication "A Human Rights Approach to Prison Management—Handbook for Prison Staff" in the context of Guantanamo with the United States Administration. We have however discussed the welfare and treatment of British detainees held at Guantanamo Bay with the US authorities.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the United Kingdom representatives at the United Nations regarding human rights surveillance by the United Nations in Colombia. [92628]

§ Mr. Rammell
During my visit to New York from 2–3 December I had detailed discussions with UK and UN officials about the work of the UN Human Rights Office in Bogota.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Colombia regarding(a) abuses of human rights and (b) persecution of human rights workers. [92632]
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§ Mr. Rammell
My hon. Friend the Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office raised these concerns at the highest level during his visit to Colombia in October. We maintain a regular dialogue with the Colombian Government and make our concerns on these issues clear.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions he has had with the United States regarding abuse of human rights in Colombia; [92633]
(2) what discussions he has had with the United States regarding (a) Plan Colombia and (b) other aid packages to Colombia. [92629]

§ Mr. Rammell
We have regular discussions with the US Administration about developments in Colombia, including the peace process, the human rights situation, and the EU aid package. The EU also has a dialogue with the US on these issues. Neither the EU nor the UK are involved in Plan Colombia.