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Written question asked by Chris Law (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 9 September 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 September 2024. It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 September 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Azerbaijan: Prisoners

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for his policies of (a) arbitrary detainment of prisoners in Azerbaijan and (b) reports of human rights abuses in prisons in that country.

Original answer

The UK government remains concerned at reports of serious allegations of severe acts of ill-treatment and torture in prisons in Azerbaijan. We continue to urge the authorities to ensure that those in detention are treated with humanity and respect for the inherent dignity of the human person, in line with international human rights law, and that those in detention are afforded a fair trial and are provided safe conditions, in accordance with Azerbaijan's international obligations and commitments.

The answer was corrected by Stephen Doughty (Labour)

on Monday, 23 September 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Corrected answer

The UK government remains concerned at reports of serious allegations of severe acts of ill-treatment and torture in prisons in Azerbaijan. We continue to urge the authorities to ensure that those in detention are treated with humanity and respect for the inherent dignity of the human person, in line with international human rights law, and that those in detention are afforded a fair trial and are provided safe conditions, in accordance with Azerbaijan's international obligations and commitments.

The UK government remains concerned by reports of serious allegations of severe acts of ill-treatment and torture in prisons in Azerbaijan. In line with international human rights law, we continue to urge the authorities to ensure those in detention are: i) treated with humanity and respect for the inherent dignity of the human person, ii) afforded a fair trial and iii) provided safe conditions. Our Embassy in Baku will continue to raise this with the government of Azerbaijan.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
4733
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Human rights Prisoners Azerbaijan
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk