Written question asked by Lord Judd (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Malloch-Brown (Labour) on Monday, 5 October 2009.

International Conventions

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will ratify (a) the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, and (b) the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

Answer: The work being undertaken within 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. We currently have no plans to ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. The Government believe that migrants are entitled to the same human rights as other citizens. We are proud of our record in protecting migrants under national and international law.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5172; 712 c379-80WA
Session: 2008-09
Notes: Answer received between Wednesday 22 July and Monday 27 July 2009.
Subjects: International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk