Eritrea

Debate between Earl of Courtown and Lord Elton

Tuesday 16th June 2015 Lords Chamber

[The Earl of Courtown]

As the noble Lord is aware, Eritrea is very much a closed country. I was not aware of the forced labour incidents. I will of course pass this on to the department and, if there is any more information that I can give him, I will write to him.

[Lord Elton (Con)]

My Lords, what has become of the last lot of Christians unfortunately intercepted by ISIL on their way to the Mediterranean?

[The Earl of Courtown]

My Lords, as I understand it, ISIL has intercepted a group of Christian Eritreans. Her Majesty’s Government are aware of reports of these nationals, 86 in number, who were abducted in Libya on 3 June by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. We have no further information at this time of what is happening. We have seen appalling acts of terror inside Libya, including the targeting of others because of their faith. At the moment, there is no further information, but we will be watching closely.