Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 30 November 2001. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Friday, 30 November 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with Christian Solidarity on the subject of slavery and abduction in the Sudan.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with Christian Solidarity on the subject of slavery and abduction in the Sudan. [19724] Mr. Bradshaw: We take the issue of abductions very seriously and are keen to work with any organisation that is dedicated to tackling the problem. FCO officials keep in touch with Christian Solidarity. They and our Embassy in Khartoum also work very closely with Save the Children (UK), who are involved in efforts to address the problem in Sudan, and we have given significant funding to them for their work with the Committee for the Eradication of Abduction of Women and Children (CEAWC). We have also provided funding through the EU to UNICEF. Our ambassador in Khartoum regularly urges the Sudanese Government to greater efforts, and encourages them to increase their support for the work of the CEAWC. We also raise the issue of abductions through the EU/Sudan dialogue.

Secondary information