Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Monday, 25 June 2007.

Bangladesh: UN Special Rapporteur

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have made representations to the Government of Bangladesh concerning their refusal to allow the United Nations special rapporteur on trafficking in persons, Mrs Sigma Huda, to leave Bangladesh in fulfilment of her mandate; if not, whether they will do so; and whether they have been in touch with the United Nations Secretary-General concerning a possible breach of the Convention on Privileges and Immunities(Article 22, Section 6) by the Government of Bangladesh in relation to this refusal.

Answer: Mrs Huda is currently on bail, having been charged with corruption. The caretaker Government's decision not to allow her to leave Bangladesh is connected to this case. We believe that the Bangladesh Supreme Court has upheld the decision. We understand that, although there is no connection to Mrs Huda's role as a UN special rapporteur, senior UN officials are discussing the issue with the Bangladesh authorities in the context of the UN Convention on Privileges and Immunities. In these circumstances, we do not think it appropriate to make specific representations to the Bangladesh Government. Through our missions in Dhaka, we and EU partners have consistently urged the Bangladesh Government, the Armed Forces and the law enforcement agencies to act impartially, with respect for human rights, freedoms and the rule of law.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4277; 693 c78-9WA
Session: 2006-07
Subjects: Travel restrictions Bangladesh Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children Huda, Sigma
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk