HL Deb 23 February 2005 vol 669 cc199-200WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will support the recommendations contained in the report by the United Nations International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur, Sudan, headed by Judge Antonio Cassese as regards the International Criminal Court. [HL1164]

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)

Our preference is for the situation in Darfur to be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC), as recommended by the International Commission of Inquiry. Since Sudan is not a state party to the ICC statute, and is unlikely to refer the situation to the court, a decision by the Security Council will be required.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they support the referral to the International Criminal Court of those responsible for the deaths of an estimated 218,000 people in Darfur, Sudan. [HL1173]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

I refer the noble Lord to the reply I gave the noble Lord, the Lord Lester of Herne Hill today [HL1164].