HL Deb 02 February 2004 vol 656 c87WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the light of the criticisms made by the United Nations Committee on Human Rights of the Child and the Joint Committee on Human Rights (Tenth Report Session 2002–03, HL paper 117), they will withdraw the reservation made to Article 22 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child when ratifying that convention; and if not, what are their reasons. [HL876]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Government believe the reservation is necessary to maintain an effective immigration control. We have no plans to withdraw it. Comprehensive provision for the care and protection of children already exists in United Kingdom law.

The Government have responded formally to the views expressed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR), and the Government's position was explained during a debate in another place on the UNCRC report on 24 October 2002.