Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of (1) internet blockades, (2) use of force, (3) intimidation by state policy, and (4) human rights abuses, against farmer protestors in India.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The right to gather lawfully and demonstrate a point of view is common to all democracies. Governments also have the power to enforce law and order if a protest crosses the line into illegality. We look to India to uphold the freedoms and rights guaranteed in its strong constitution and the international instruments to which India is a party. We were aware that some restrictions on internet connectivity were imposed at protest sites and welcome their removal. During his visit to India in December 2020, the Foreign Secretary discussed the protests with his Indian counterpart, whilst making clear that agricultural reform is an internal matter for the Indian authorities.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the other permanent members of the UN Security Council about (1) the four letters written by the UN rapporteurs on torture, arbitrary detentions, extra-judiciary and custodial killings in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir to the government of India, and (2) the absence of any response to date by that government to those letters.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
We are aware of the letters written by UN Special Rapporteurs. Kashmir was last discussed by the UN Security Council in August. The UK recognises that there are human rights concerns in India-administered Kashmir. We encourage all states to ensure domestic laws are in line with international standards. Any allegation of human rights violations or abuse is deeply concerning and must be investigated transparently, promptly and thoroughly. We raise our concerns with the Government of India where we have them. Most recently, the Foreign Secretary discussed Kashmir, among a number of issues, with the Indian External Affairs Minister on 15 December.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of India about repealing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts in order to allow members of the armed forces to be investigated for alleged human rights abuses, as recommended in the report by the APPG on Kashmir, Human Rights Abuses in Jammu Kashmir, published on 30 October.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
We note the concerns about human rights violations and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act raised in the report by the APPG on Kashmir. The Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific has agreed to meet with the APPG Kashmir to discuss the recommendations of their report. We encourage all states to ensure that their domestic laws meet international human rights standards. Any allegations of human rights violations or abuses is concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently. We raise the issue of Kashmir, including human rights, with the governments of India and Pakistan. The Government also works with the Indian and Pakistani governments to build capacity and share expertise to tackle challenges, including the promotion and protection of human rights.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by the APPG on Kashmir, Human Rights Abuses in Jammu Kashmir, published on 30 October; and what steps they are taking to encourage the governments of India and Pakistan to implement the recommendations of that report.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
We note the concerns about human rights violations and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act raised in the report by the APPG on Kashmir. The Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific has agreed to meet with the APPG Kashmir to discuss the recommendations of their report. We encourage all states to ensure that their domestic laws meet international human rights standards. Any allegations of human rights violations or abuses is concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently. We raise the issue of Kashmir, including human rights, with the governments of India and Pakistan. The Government also works with the Indian and Pakistani governments to build capacity and share expertise to tackle challenges, including the promotion and protection of human rights.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, with international partners, to monitor the forthcoming general election in Bangladesh.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The British Government has consistently made the case for international independent oversight of the election and the EU has agreed to send an Election Expert Mission. The UK will also support local observation of the general election through a Department for International Development-funded programme.
I am clear that the UK wants to see a free, fair and inclusive election in Bangladesh and Ministers and officials in our High Commission in Dhaka have consistently encouraged the Government of Bangladesh and opposition parties to engage in an effective dialogue to this end. The Minister for Asia and the Pacific, Mark Field, raised his concerns regarding the election with Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shahriar Alam, in a call on 1 November. As did I when I spoke to him on the 23 November. The Foreign Secretary raised his concerns with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when they met on 24 September at the UN General Assembly in New York
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support civil society and media organisations in Bangladesh ahead of the forthcoming general election.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
We remain very concerned by continuing restrictions on freedom of expression in Bangladesh. The Digital Security Act has attracted significant Civil Society and media criticism in Bangladesh. There are fears that the vagueness of its provisions could be used to prosecute a range of behaviours, and that its sentences are disproportionate. On 27 September, the UK, along with other EU Missions in Dhaka, issued a statement raising concerns that the Act could undermine freedom of expression. Subsequently, the Acting High Commissioner met the Bangladeshi Information Minister on 9 October to emphasise our concerns. Bangladesh remains a Human Rights Priority Country for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. We raised freedom of expression as a key concern in Bangladesh during the UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review.
I am clear that the UK wants to see a free, fair and pluralistic general election in Bangladesh, and continuing restrictions on freedom of expression will have a negative impact on that election. Ministers and our High Commission in Dhaka have consistently encouraged the Government of Bangladesh and opposition parties to engage in an effective dialogue to this end. The Minister for Asia and the Pacific, Mark Field, raised his concerns regarding the election with Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shahriar Alam, in a call on 1 November. As did I when I spoke to him on the 23 November. The Foreign Secretary raised his concerns with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when they met on 24 September at the UN General Assembly in New York.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the likelihood of the forthcoming general election in Bangladesh involving a broad range of political parties.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The British Government has been clear and consistent that we wish to see a free, fair, pluralistic and non-violent election in Bangladesh on 30 December. We have repeatedly encouraged the Government of Bangladesh and opposition parties to engage in an effective dialogue to this end. I am pleased that the opposition group, the Jatiya Oikya Front, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, have said they would take part in the election.
Through our High Commission in Dhaka we have been clear that the Election Commission should be allowed to continue its important work without interference. We have consistently made the case for international oversight of the election and the EU has agreed to send an Election Expert Mission. The UK will also support local observation of the general election through a Department for International Development-funded programme.
The Foreign Secretary raised his concerns regarding the next election in Bangladesh with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when they met at the UN General Assembly in New York on 24 September. In a call on 1 November with State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shahriar Alam, the Minister for Asia and the Pacific, Mark Field, again made the case for a free, fair and participatory election. As did I when I spoke to him on the 23 November.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Bangladesh to ensure that the forthcoming general election in that country is held in conditions which are free, fair, and without violence.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The British Government has been clear and consistent that we wish to see a free, fair, pluralistic and non-violent election in Bangladesh on 30 December. We have repeatedly encouraged the Government of Bangladesh and opposition parties to engage in an effective dialogue to this end. I am pleased that the opposition group, the Jatiya Oikya Front, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, have said they would take part in the election.
Through our High Commission in Dhaka we have been clear that the Election Commission should be allowed to continue its important work without interference. We have consistently made the case for international oversight of the election and the EU has agreed to send an Election Expert Mission. The UK will also support local observation of the general election through a Department for International Development-funded programme.
The Foreign Secretary raised his concerns regarding the next election in Bangladesh with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when they met at the UN General Assembly in New York on 24 September. In a call on 1 November with State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shahriar Alam, the Minister for Asia and the Pacific, Mark Field, again made the case for a free, fair and participatory election. As did I when I spoke to him on the 23 November.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the governments of Saudi Arabia and Qatar to resolve the dispute and to resume diplomatic relations between them.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
We remain very concerned by the ongoing tensions in the Gulf. The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and other Ministers engage with our Gulf friends to encourage de-escalation and that parties get firmly behind Kuwait's mediation efforts to resolve the dispute. We make it clear that Gulf unity matters to the security and stability of the region.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the progress of the Kuwait-led peace initiative between Qatar and the Saudi Arabian-led coalition.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Kuwait has remained at the forefront of mediation in the ongoing dispute. The UK and other international partners have supported Kuwait's efforts. Substantive progress can only happen when all countries involved are willing to discuss demands that are measured and realistic. We urge all parties to resolve their differences and unite for the security and stability of the region.