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 the Government's policy is on whether MINURSO should be mandated to monitor human rights in the Western Sahara.

Answer: [holding answer 10 September 2008]: The UK is concerned that the conflict in the Western Sahara remains unresolved and we are keen to see a resolution to the issue of the Western Sahara that will provide for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution offering self-determination of the people of the Western Sahara. To this end, we support the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and the negotiations between the parties under his auspices.The UK also continues to support the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). MINURSO's mandate does not include human rights monitoring. However, success in the negotiations depends upon building greater confidence between the parties. In this respect, the UK remains open to supporting UN human rights monitoring in the Western Sahara if it can be shown to enhance the mutual confidence of the parties.

Secondary information