Written question asked by Helen Goodman (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 February 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 5 February 2016 (named day). It was answered by David Lidington (Conservative) on Friday, 5 February 2016 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Conscientious Objectors

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which of the countries listed in the Human Rights and Democracy Report have been highlighted as lacking respect for conscientious objection; and what representations he has made to his counterpart in each such country on this matter.

Answer: The UK Government recognises that conscientious objection can be regarded as a human right under Article 18 of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights. The UK co-sponsored a UN Human Rights Council resolution on conscientious objection to military service in 2013. It is important that all states live up to their international obligations to protect freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The UK Government does not specifically monitor respect for conscientious objection in individual countries.

Secondary information