Written question asked by Lord Rana (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Malloch-Brown (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 November 2008.

UN: Human Rights Committee

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps they intend to take to ensure gender diversity on the United Nations Human Rights Committee in light of the all-male list of candidates elected by state parties on 4 September 2008 in New York.

Answer: The UK considers that the primary criteria for candidates for the Human Rights Committee are the qualities set out in the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). These do not include a gender element. But as a matter of good practice, the UK does consider that achieving a gender balance in the committee's membership is good for the committee and its work. The UK was therefore disappointed that no female candidates were put forward in the ballot for the last election. The committee has five female members.

Secondary information