Written question asked by Malcolm Savidge (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 July 1998. It was answered by Tony Lloyd (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 1998 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will comment on the UN Representative's report on human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Savidge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the United Nations representative's report on human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [48733] Mr. Tony Lloyd: The United Nations Secretary- General's Investigative Team's report was published on 30 June. We regret that the investigation was not able to be completed. The team was therefore unable to establish the accuracy of many allegations of violations of international humanitarian law or international human rights law. It is nonetheless clear from such work as the team were able to conduct that serious violations did take place, and were carried out by a variety of groups. We are carefully considering the report's recommendations and the possibilities for further investigation. We continue to call upon all countries in the region to acknowledge their international legal obligation to respect human rights. We have urged regional Governments to take appropriate legal action if members of their forces are shown to have been involved in any violations.

Secondary information