Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 26 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 March 2001. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 March 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 steps his Department has taken to prevent human rights abuses on the islands of (a) Zanzibar and (b) Pemba, following the arrests and deaths of political opponents of the Government of Tanzania.

Answer: Mr. Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department has taken to prevent human rights abuses on the islands of (a) Zanzibar and (b) Pemba, following the arrests and deaths of political opponents of the Government of Tanzania. [151696] Mr. Wilson: Following the shocking incidents in Zanzibar and Pemba over the weekend of 27-28 January 2001, the EU issued a statement condemning the actions of the security forces and calling on the Government of Tanzania to ensure respect for human rights. We also raised our concerns with the Government of Tanzania and pressed for swift humanitarian access to those injured and detained on both islands. The ICRC have since been given access to Zanzibar and Pemba. I reinforced these concerns when I saw the Tanzanian Foreign Minister on 15 February. We believe the Tanzanian Government have a duty to find a peaceful solution to the political impasse on Zanzibar that respects the human and democratic rights of all Zanzibaris.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 151696; 364 c237-8W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Abuse Human rights Politics and government Oppression Tanzania Zanzibar
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk