Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Wednesday, 3 September 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 September 2008. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Monday, 6 October 2008 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Western Sahara: Human Rights

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the UK embassy in Morocco takes to monitor the human rights situation in the Western Sahara; and when UK diplomats last discussed matters arising with the Moroccan Government.

Answer: [holding answer 10 September 2008]: The Government are concerned that the long-running dispute over the status of the Western Sahara remains unresolved and that human rights across the region continue to suffer. Staff from our embassy in Rabat continue to monitor the situation through non-governmental organisations, journalists and visits to the territory. Staff from our embassy in Rabat are hoping to visit the territory later this year. Our ambassador in Rabat discusses a range of issues relating to the Western Sahara with Moroccan officials, including the issue of human rights when appropriate.

Secondary information