Russia: Human Rights

Debate between Lord Morgan and Baroness Warsi

Monday 21st October 2013 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Warsi]

My Lords, these laws have a huge impact on individuals and communities, in the way in which these communities feel that they can exercise their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The NGOs on LGBT issues with which we have been working in Russia and other regions say that this has led to concerns of an increase in homophobia and homophobic attacks. It has also meant that the operating environment for NGOs that work in the LGBT field is much more difficult. We have been raising this matter for a number of years, since these laws first started to be enacted on a regional or provincial level, before it became national law. During 2013-14, we have invested £1.3 million specifically into NGOs working to protect human rights, of which LGBT is one area.

[Lord Morgan (Lab)]

My Lords, the Orthodox Church has been remarkably bigoted in dealing with this issue. Does the Minister have any particular information on protests made by churches in Russia against this cruel persecution of a minority?

[Baroness Warsi]

I am not sure how the Orthodox Church, or any faith communities, have responded on this issue. However, the noble Lord will be aware that this issue can be seen in the light of our concerns on general human rights issues in Russia. He will be aware that Russia was one of our countries of concern referred to in our human rights report, and concerns about LGBT issues formed a large part of that.

Kenya: Kenyan Emergency

Debate between Lord Morgan and Baroness Warsi

Tuesday 18th June 2013 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Warsi]

I am not sure whether there has been any reaction but it would be inappropriate for us to comment on their behalf as to what their reaction should be. They, of course, were given prior notice of the announcement and we have secured their buy-in for a memorial to the victims.

[Lord Morgan]

My Lords, is it not the case that information on these terrible atrocities was concealed by the custodians of the public archive over many decades? Will the Minister kindly, on behalf of the Government, make some pronouncement on the responsibility of successive British Governments for this appalling falsification of our history?