Written question asked by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Malloch-Brown (Labour) on Monday, 20 July 2009.

Enforced Disappearance

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Triesman on 20 February 2007 (WA 239–40), whether they have conducted their detailed analysis of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance; whether they have made or will make any reservations to the Convention; and when they envisage they will ratify the Convention.

Answer: The work being undertaken within the Government to examine the potential impact of the Convention against Enforced Disappearance on the law of the UK is ongoing. This includes analysing the extent to which common law provisions may need to be replicated in statute law, the creation of one or more new criminal offences, and whether the UK required any reservations or declarations upon ratification. It is now clear that primary legislation would be necessary to permit ratification if the Government decide to pursue this course of action. This would be introduced when parliamentary time allowed.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4710; 712 c277WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: UN: International Covenant on Enforced Disappearance
Tuesday, 20 February 2007
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk