Written question asked by Martin Smyth (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 14 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 November 2001. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 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 plans he has to encourage the Government of Sudan to promote human rights for all its citizens.

Answer: Rev. Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to encourage the Government of Sudan to promote human rights for all its citizens. [15855] Mr. Bradshaw: We remain concerned about the human rights of all in Sudan and we regularly urge all sides in the civil war to respect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. The promotion of human rights remains one of our priorities in Sudan and our Embassy in Khartoum is in constant touch with the Government of Sudan. We make representations about our human rights concerns both bilaterally and with our EU colleagues through the renewed EU/Sudan dialogue. The dialogue provides a forum for strong criticism of the Sudanese Government, and allows for a co-ordinated EU assessment of the human rights situation. We also work with our EU colleagues in the UN fora to keep our concerns on the international agenda. For example, the EU sponsored a resolution on Sudan at this year's UN Commission on Human Rights.

Secondary information