Written question asked by Win Griffiths (Labour) on Friday, 14 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he expects the EU to evaluate the outcome of the dialogue with Iran on improving human rights; and what assessment he has made of changes since the publication of his Department's Human Rights Report 2003.

Answer: Mr. Win Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the EU to evaluate the outcome of the dialogue with Iran on improving human rights; and what assessment he has made of changes since the publication of his Department's Human Rights Report 2003. [139762] Mr. Rammell: The EU regularly evaluates progress on the EU/Iran Human Rights Dialogue at both ministerial and official levels. At the October 2003 General Affairs and External Relations Council, EU Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their concern "about the human rights situation in Iran, including violations of civil and political rights, in particular the freedom of expression and the freedom of association, and systematic discrimination against women and girls, as well as against minorities". In the period since the FCO Human Rights Report was drafted, we assess that there has been some deterioration in the overall human rights situation in Iran.

Secondary information