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1124854

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Pakistan: Marriage
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they welcome the decision of the Pakistan Senate to pass a bill to amend the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 1929 to set the minimum marriage age at 18 years in Pakistan; and whether they will consider ways in which UK aid to Pakistan could be used to facilitate the effective enforcement of that legislation.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL15529
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>The UK welcomes the decision by the Pakistan Senate to pass the Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Bill 2019.</p><p>The UK provided £282 million to Pakistan for the financial year 2018-19 under the AAWAZ I: Voice and Accountability Programme to promote the rights of children, youth and women. Of this, around £400,000 was spent on preventing forced and early marriages. The Department For International Development (DFID) is considering ways in which UK aid could be used to facilitate the effective implementation of the legislation once the Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Bill is passed by the National Assembly, working with government institutions and communities to help end child marriage. DFID has set aside funding for interventions in support of ending child marriage under its AAWAZ II programme.</p><p>We will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to take the steps necessary to comply in full with its human rights obligations to vulnerable groups, including women and girls, and to uphold the rule of law.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 13:09:16 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1124865

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Daphne Caruana Galizia
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any Government ministers have met the family of Daphne Caruana Galizia to offer support to efforts to achieve justice in her case.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Helic
	uin	HL15540
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>​No British Government ministers have met with the family but we have made clear, both in public and with the Maltese Government, our support for justice to be served. We would consider any written request for a meeting if received.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 13:16:38 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4331 label Biography information for Baroness Helic

1124871

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Israel: Golan Heights
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Israel about the extension of Israeli laws, jurisdiction and administration to the Golan Heights; what were the outcomes of any such discussions; and what assessment they have made of whether that extension prejudices the possibility of peace in Syria.
	tabling member printed	Lord Hylton
	uin	HL15546
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>We have been clear to our Israeli counterparts that the UK views the Golan Heights as territory occupied by Israel. Annexation of territory by force is prohibited under international law, including the UN Charter. The UK did not recognise Israel's annexation in 1981 and we have no plans to change our position. On 26 March we reiterated our firm position on this matter at a meeting of the UN Security Council.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 15:42:21 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2018 label Biography information for Lord Hylton

1124872

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Israel: Bedouin
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to secure the permanent protection and improvement of Bedouin villages in Israel and the West Bank, in particular Khan al-Ahmar.
	tabling member printed	Lord Hylton
	uin	HL15547
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>The UK is gravely concerned by Israeli proposals to relocate the Bedouin population from the E1 area, which the UN has said could constitute forcible transfer. We have also expressed our strong opposition to the proposed demolition of Khan al-Ahmar. We regularly raise our concerns with the Israeli authorities</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 13:17:02 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2018 label Biography information for Lord Hylton

1124873

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Israel: Palestinians
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of Palestinian children detained in prison in Israel; whether, and to what extent, they consider such detentions to violate Article 147 of the Geneva Convention; and whether they intend to call for penal sanctions under that Convention against persons who commit unlawful deportation, transfers or confinement.
	tabling member printed	Lord Hylton
	uin	HL15548
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>We understand 203 Palestinian children were in Israeli military detention at the end of December 2018. It remains our assessment that the transfer of Palestinian child and adult detainees to prisons inside Israel is in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. We continue to make representations on this important issue to the Israeli authorities as well as to ensure proper access for parents and legal advisers to Palestinian children under arrest by the Israeli authorities.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon grouped question UIN HL15549 question first answered 21/05/2019 13:17:33 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2018 label Biography information for Lord Hylton

1124874

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Israel: Palestinians
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they will take to ensure proper access for parents and legal advisers to Palestinian children under arrest by Israel.
	tabling member printed	Lord Hylton
	uin	HL15549
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>We understand 203 Palestinian children were in Israeli military detention at the end of December 2018. It remains our assessment that the transfer of Palestinian child and adult detainees to prisons inside Israel is in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. We continue to make representations on this important issue to the Israeli authorities as well as to ensure proper access for parents and legal advisers to Palestinian children under arrest by the Israeli authorities.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon grouped question UIN HL15548 question first answered 21/05/2019 13:17:33 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2018 label Biography information for Lord Hylton

1124879

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Cyprus: Peace Negotiations
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Report of the Secretary-General on his mission of good offices in Cyprus, submitted to the UN Security Council on 16 April; and what assessment they have made of the preparedness of the Greek Cypriot political community to agree a solution on the basis of political equality with the Turkish Cypriot community within the framework of UN parameters following the rejection of the Annan Plan by the Greek Cypriot electorate and the failure of the Crans-Montana talks.
	tabling member printed	Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
	uin	HL15554
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/05/2019 answer text <p>​The UK is grateful for the ongoing work of the Secretary General and his good offices on the island, as we are to Ms Jane Holl Lute for her ongoing consultations with the parties. We endorse the Secretary-General's view that prospects for a settlement remain alive, as reaffirmed in his April report. We echo his calls for the leaders to engage constructively, creatively and with the necessary sense of urgency. We also welcome the UN Security Council's recent call for the two sides to agree terms of reference as a basis for meaningful result-orientated negotiations.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 20/05/2019 13:19:14 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	648 label Biography information for Lord Maginnis of Drumglass

1124880

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Cyprus: Military Alliances
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications of the recent Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Cyprus for the Government’s role as a guarantor power under 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, and for the rights of the Turkish Cypriot community to be fairly represented on the island.
	tabling member printed	Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
	uin	HL15555
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>​The Defence and Security Co-operation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus builds on the existing Bilateral Defence and Co-operation Programme and strengthens our cooperation. The MoU has no implications for the UK's role as a Guarantor Power under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee or for how the Turkish Cypriot community is represented on the island.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 13:20:13 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	648 label Biography information for Lord Maginnis of Drumglass

1124904

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Israeli Settlements
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that the government of Israel intends to seize 95 acres of Palestinian-owned agricultural lands in order to build new roads for Israeli settlers; and what steps they intend to take to protect Palestinians who own and farm such land.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL15579
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>We oppose any steps taken by the Israeli Government towards the expansion of settlements. We consistently call for an immediate end to all actions that undermine the viability of the two-state solution, including the UK’s statement at the UN Security Council on 29 April, and we continue to raise with our Israeli counterparts our concerns about the destruction of Palestinian agricultural land that has been caused by settlement-related activity.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 13:20:42 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1124905

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Israel: West Bank
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that the government of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism has made monetary grants available for the construction of hotels in Area C of the West Bank.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL15580
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>We oppose any steps taken by the Israeli Government towards the expansion of settlements. Such settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the physical viability of the two-state solution. We reiterated this in the UK’s statement at the UN Security Council on 29 April. We continue to urge the Government of Israel to develop improved mechanisms for zoning, planning and permitting in Area C for the benefit of the Palestinian population, including by facilitating local Palestinian participation in such processes.</p><p>​</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 13:25:35 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1124906

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Israel: Palestinians
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Israel about the number of Palestinian properties being demolished, in particular those that have been demolished without warning or explanation.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL15581
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>We have repeatedly made representations to the Government of Israel to end the demolition of Palestinian properties. Demolitions and evictions of Palestinians from their homes cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians, call into question Israel's commitment to a viable two-state solution, and, in all but the most exceptional of cases, are contrary to International Humanitarian Law.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 15:42:40 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1124907

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Israel: Palestinians
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they intend to make to the government of Israel about the treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL15582
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>We regularly raise the treatment of Palestinians in Israeli prisons with the Israeli authorities and emphasise the importance of treating prisoners and detainees humanely and in accordance with international law.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 13:22:46 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1124908

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Israel: Palestinians
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they intend to take to protect Palestinian agricultural land following reports that Israeli occupation forces used military bulldozers to raze Palestinian cultivated land lots in Beit Jala.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL15583
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>We continue to raise with our Israeli counterparts our concerns about the destruction of Palestinian agricultural land that has been caused by settlement-related activity.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 13:24:04 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1125496

	registered interest
	date	08/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Serbia: Refugees
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will discuss with the government of Serbia ways and means of addressing the needs of refugees and migrants on their territory; and in particular, to identify those who may have close family members living legitimately in the UK.
	tabling member printed	Lord Hylton
	uin	HL15591
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/05/2019 answer text <p>We regularly discuss issues relating to refugees and migrants with the Serbian authorities, including with the Minister of Interior, Nebojsa Stefanovic. Minister Stefanovic visited London on 29 April 2019 and discussed a number of issues including migration during his meeting with Home Office Minister Ben Wallace.</p><p><br>In recent years Her Majesty's Government, through the UK’s Migration Returns Fund, has provided support to strengthen migration and asylum management systems in Serbia, building institutional, administrative and judicial capacity. This included the use of UK expertise to help the Serbian authorities more effectively manage the arrival of asylum-seekers in line with international standards.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 20/05/2019 13:21:49 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2018 label Biography information for Lord Hylton

1125521

	registered interest
	date	08/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Jerusalem: Demolition
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they will take in response to the call by UN officials on 3 May for an immediate halt to demolitions in East Jerusalem and respect for international law.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL15616
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>We have repeatedly urged the Government of Israel to end demolitions of Palestinian properties in East Jerusalem given the impact on ordinary Palestinians and on the viability of a future Palestinian state. The EU issued a statement on 26 April noting recent demolitions with grave concern and requesting that Israel reconsider pending demolition orders in East Jerusalem.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 13:38:07 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1125522

	registered interest
	date	08/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Gaza: Israel
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to supporting the establishment of safe havens for the people of Gaza who are unable to protect themselves from Israeli bombing.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL15617
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>​We deplore the loss of life in both Israel and Gaza during the recent exchange of rocket fire. We remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and remain a committed and leading supporter of the UN Refugees and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). The UK also recognise that Israel has the right to protect itself from indiscriminate Hamas rocket attacks on Israeli communities. The UK welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire and recognises the vital role played by the UN and Egypt in securing it.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 13:39:24 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1125841

	registered interest
	date	09/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Bahrain: Capital Punishment
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Bahrain about the imminent execution of Ali al-Arab and Ahmed al-Malali; and about the legal processes which led to their sentences.
	tabling member printed	Lord Judd
	uin	HL15631
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/05/2019 answer text <p>We are closely following the cases of Mr Almalali and Mr Alarab and have raised the cases with the Bahraini Government. The UK's position on the use of the death penalty is longstanding and clear; we oppose its use in all circumstances and countries. The Government of Bahrain are fully aware of our position. The British Government consistently and unreservedly condemns torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and it is a priority for us to combat it wherever and whenever it occurs. We urge allegations of this nature to be reported to the appropriate national human rights oversight bodies and continue to encourage these oversight bodies to carry out swift and thorough investigations into any such concerns or allegations.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 20/05/2019 13:36:58 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	1660 label Biography information for Lord Judd

1125854

	registered interest
	date	09/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Bahrain: Human Rights
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will include Bahrain as a Human Rights Priority Country in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Human Rights and Democracy Report 2018; and if so, on what basis.
	tabling member printed	Lord Scriven
	uin	HL15644
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>Bahrain currently remains a Foreign and Commonwealth Office human rights priority country on the basis outlined in the last published report of 2017.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 13:39:42 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4333 label Biography information for Lord Scriven

1125855

	registered interest
	date	09/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Sayed Alwadaei
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government why they did not refer to reprisals against family members of human rights defender Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Human Rights and Democracy Report 2017; and whether they intend to refer to such reprisals in the Human Rights and Democracy Report 2018.
	tabling member printed	Lord Scriven
	uin	HL15645
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>While the case of Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei and his family was not specifically mentioned in the 2017 Foreign and Commonwealth Office Human Rights and Democracy Report, the British Government has raised his case with the Bahraini Government. The noble Lord will be aware from previous answers in this House that we have received categorical assurances from the Bahraini authorities that legal cases against Mr Alwadaei’s family members are not related to Mr Alwadaei’s activities.</p><p>​</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 13:43:04 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4333 label Biography information for Lord Scriven

1125856

	registered interest
	date	09/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Hajer Mansoor Hassan
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 29 April (HL15262), what steps they will take to verify the “categorical assurances” they have received that Ms Mansoor will continue to receive access to appropriate medical care.
	tabling member printed	Lord Scriven
	uin	HL15646
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>We have raised the cases of Bahraini national, Hajer Mansoor Hassan, on a regular basis at senior levels with the Bahraini Government and continue to closely monitor the case. We have received confirmation that Ms Mansoor has had numerous medical appointments since January 2018 and will continue to have access to all necessary healthcare and medical treatment whilst in detention, as guaranteed by the Bahraini constitution.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 13:46:42 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4333 label Biography information for Lord Scriven

1125857

	registered interest
	date	09/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Bahrain: Capital Punishment
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of concerns expressed by the UN and other international actors that Ali Al-Arab and Ahmed Al-Malali were convicted and sentenced to death in Bahrain based on confessions they gave under torture; and (1) what representations they have made to the King of Bahrain, and (2) what other steps they are taking, to prevent their execution.
	tabling member printed	Lord Scriven
	uin	HL15647
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/05/2019 answer text <p>We are closely following the cases of Mr Almalali and Mr Alarab and have raised the cases with the Bahraini Government. The UK's position on the use of the death penalty is longstanding and clear; we oppose its use in all circumstances and countries. The Government of Bahrain are fully aware of our position. The British Government consistently and unreservedly condemns torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and it is a priority for us to combat it wherever and whenever it occurs. We urge allegations of this nature to be reported to the appropriate national human rights oversight bodies and continue to encourage these oversight bodies to carry out swift and thorough investigations into any such concerns or allegations.​</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon grouped question UIN HL15648 question first answered 20/05/2019 13:41:06 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4333 label Biography information for Lord Scriven

1125858

	registered interest
	date	09/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Bahrain: Capital Punishment
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the failure of oversight bodies in Bahrain to investigate allegations of the torture and coerced confessions of Ali Al-Arab and Ahmed Al-Malali.
	tabling member printed	Lord Scriven
	uin	HL15648
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/05/2019 answer text <p>We are closely following the cases of Mr Almalali and Mr Alarab and have raised the cases with the Bahraini Government. The UK's position on the use of the death penalty is longstanding and clear; we oppose its use in all circumstances and countries. The Government of Bahrain are fully aware of our position. The British Government consistently and unreservedly condemns torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and it is a priority for us to combat it wherever and whenever it occurs. We urge allegations of this nature to be reported to the appropriate national human rights oversight bodies and continue to encourage these oversight bodies to carry out swift and thorough investigations into any such concerns or allegations.​</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon grouped question UIN HL15647 question first answered 20/05/2019 13:41:06 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4333 label Biography information for Lord Scriven

1126294

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iraq: Christianity
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bates on 5 February (HL13010), what assessment they have made of the report by the Institute of Development Studies The Persecution of Christians in the Middle East, published in 2017, that estimates that in 2003 there were approximately 1.5 million Christians in Iraq, and that in 2017 that number was between 200,000 and 250,000.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL15654
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2019 answer text <p>While we are unable to confirm the exact numbers, we are gravely concerned about the decline in the numbers of Christians in Iraq in recent years as also cited in the independent interim report of the Bishop of Truro into the Persecution of Christians. We assess that a number of factors have resulted in this decline, including conflict and insecurity in Iraq and the particular threat posed by Daesh. We continue to engage with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government on the need to protect the rights of Christians and other religious minorities. However, during a recent meeting with the Iraqi Foreign Minister on the 17 May and the Archbishop of Erbil on 21 May I heard of the steps being taken to reopen churches and the increased number of church services being help in Iraq.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2019 12:01:07 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1126295

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Christianity: Religious Freedom
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether a departmental, or cross-governmental strategy, was devised to prevent or ameliorate the global persecution of Christians between 2003 and 2018; and if so, whether they will place a copy of the relevant documents in the Library of the House.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL15655
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/05/2019 answer text <p>There has been no cross-government strategy on the global persecution of Christians between 2003 and 2018, however the promotion of human rights has and remains at the heart of our foreign policy and we regard freedom of religion or belief as a universal human right. In my role as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, I regularly raise the importance of this issue with international counterparts. We condemn instances where individuals are persecuted because of their faith or belief, including Christians, wherever it happens and whatever the religion or belief.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 23/05/2019 12:42:47 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1126296

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Burkina Faso: Churches
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the deaths of six people during a church service in Burkino Faso on 12 May, and other recent attacks on churches; what ideology they believe motivated those attacks; and who they believe was responsible.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL15656
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>The British Government is appalled by the murder of six people in Burkina Faso during a Sunday Church service on 12 May and other recent attacks on civilians peacefully practicing their faith. We are deeply concerned at the deteriorating security situation in Burkina Faso, which is spreading from the north to the east of the country, and the increasing instability in the wider Sahel region.</p><p>The identity of the attackers is not confirmed and there have been no claims of responsibility. The UK is committed to work with Burkina Faso and international partners to help tackle instability and protect freedom of religion or belief for all.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 13:47:11 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1126297

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Pakistan: Blasphemy
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the case of the Pakistani Christian woman, Shagufta Kauser, who, with her disabled husband, Shafqat Emmanuel, was sentenced to death in 2014, for allegedly sending blasphemous text messages, including reports that the couple are illiterate and that the messages were in English; and what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan about this case.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL15657
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2019 answer text <p>​We are aware and are monitoring the case of Shagufta Kausar and her husband Shafqat Emmanuel. We remain deeply concerned about reports of discrimination against the Christian community and other religious minorities in Pakistan. We regularly raise our concerns about the misuse of the blasphemy laws with the government of Pakistan at a senior level.</p><p>I raised our concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief and the protection of minority religious communities with Pakistan's Federal Minister for Human Rights, Dr Shireen Mazari, during my visit to Islamabad in February. The UK raised concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief at Pakistan's UN Universal Periodic Review of human rights in November 2017. We urged Pakistan to strengthen the protection of minorities, including by establishing an independent National Commission for Minorities from all faith communities.</p><p>The UK remains firmly opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances. We have repeatedly called upon the Government of Pakistan to end capital punishment and, at a minimum, commit to publicly renewing the previously imposed moratorium on the death penalty.</p><p>We will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee fully the rights of all Pakistani citizens, including religious minorities, and to honour its international obligations.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2019 13:27:26 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1126298

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Sudan: Politics and Government
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the request of the former Sudanese Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi that the UK help Sudan to create a modern democracy and support the handing over of Field Marshall Omar al-Bashir to the International Criminal Court.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL15658
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>The UK has received no official request from Mr al-Mahdi, although we are aware of reports of the request in the media. Since Bashir's removal on 11 April, the UK has made clear public statements calling for all sides to engage in an inclusive dialogue that leads to a swift and peaceful transition to civilian rule. The UK has called for a transition to a political system that is inclusive, supported by a sound constitutional basis that is respectful of human rights and the rule of law and that ensures accountability for the crimes committed by members of the former regime. The UK strongly supports the mission of the International Criminal Court; due legal process must be followed. We continue to engage with national and international actors, articulating the UK's readiness to work with Sudan's people in order to make the political transition a success.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 13:59:21 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1126301

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Sri Lanka: Terrorism
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what humanitarian assistance they have sent, or intend to send, to the communities affected by the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of Coventry
	uin	HL15661
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2019 answer text <p>​Sri Lanka has not requested humanitarian assistance. Following the Easter Sunday attacks, the Sri Lankan Government announced it would provide compensation for victims and fund the repair of the affected churches. The Minister of State for Security and Economic Crime, Ben Wallace, visited Sri Lanka on 2-3 May to demonstrate solidarity and discuss what UK support would be most helpful. Existing UK support in Sri Lanka includes £8.3 million of Conflict Stability and Security Fund funding over three years (2016-2019) to support police reform and training, reconciliation and peacebuilding, resettlement, interfaith dialogue and demining in the north of the country. We are also engaging with the Sri Lankan Government, faith and community leaders to encourage the Government to take all appropriate measures to reassure all of Sri Lanka's citizens that it will protect and uphold their safety and rights, and that its response to the attacks is proportionate and builds trust across all communities in Sri Lanka.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2019 13:28:23 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4266 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Coventry

1126302

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Pakistan: Religious Freedom
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support the government of Pakistan to continue to uphold  the right to freedom of religion or belief in that country.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of Coventry
	uin	HL15662
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/05/2019 answer text <p>​The UK has a long history of supporting Freedom of Religion or Belief for all people. We stand up for everyone's right to practise or not practise a religion that is in line with their conscience, wherever they are in the world.</p><p>We regularly raise our concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief with the Government of Pakistan at a senior level. I raised the treatment of religious minority communities with Pakistan's Federal Minister for Human Rights, Dr Shireen Mazari, during my visit to Islamabad in February, and in subsequent telephone calls.</p><p>Under the Government's Magna Carta Fund for Human Rights and Democracy, the UK has supported projects in Pakistan to promote greater tolerance and religious freedom. In November 2018, the Government announced a new £12 million fund to bolster the work of civil society and Non-Governmental Organisations to promote respect, and the value of religious diversity and tolerance.</p><p>On 30 January 2019, the Foreign Secretary and the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro, launched an Independent Review of Foreign and Commonwealth Office support for persecuted Christians overseas. The Bishop submitted his interim report on 3 May; he will submit his final report in the summer.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 23/05/2019 12:58:58 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4266 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Coventry

1126303

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iraq: Children
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that some 45,000 children in Iraqi displacement camps are without civil ID documentation; and what representations they intend to make to the government of Iraq to ensure that those children are not excluded from Iraqi citizenship and society in the future.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of Coventry
	uin	HL15663
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>​We are aware of the media reports regarding children without documentation in Iraqi displacement camps, although we cannot verify the numbers cited. We recognise the vulnerability of these children and the risks of them being excluded from Iraqi citizenship and society in the future. We continue to raise these concerns with the Iraqi authorities including the importance of formal recognition of all children. We were pleased to hear of the Government of Iraq's initiative to address the status of children born of rape to Yezidi women and hope this will soon be reflected across the country.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 14:00:03 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4266 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Coventry

1126304

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Nigeria: Boko Haram
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Nigeria about reports of recent attacks by Boko Haram in Molai, Borno State.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Cox
	uin	HL15664
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/05/2019 answer text <p>We are concerned about reports of continuing attacks by insurgents in Borno State. We continue to urge the Nigerian Government to develop a clear strategy to tackle the conflict. The Foreign Secretary met the Nigerian Vice President during his visit in April to discuss long-term solutions to improve security, increase livelihoods and provide opportunities in the region. We will continue to look at how best to support the Nigerian Government in tackling the threat of terrorism, along with options for how the UK could further support dialogue and peacebuilding efforts.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 24/05/2019 11:42:37 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	3364 label Biography information for Baroness Cox

1126317

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Cameroon: Conflict Resolution
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what involvement the UK currently has in conflict resolution in Cameroon; what plans they have, if any, to raise the conflict in Cameroon at the UN Security Council; and what representations they have made to the government of France about the impact of its policies on the government of Cameroon.
	tabling member printed	Lord Judd
	uin	HL15677
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/05/2019 answer text <p>​The UK continues to be deeply concerned at high levels of violence in the North-West and South-West (Anglophone) regions of Cameroon, reports of human rights violations and abuses and the severe impact the deteriorating humanitarian situation is having on ordinary civilians. We continue to call for an end to violence on all sides and urge the Government of Cameroon to establish a credible political dialogue to address the root causes of the crisis. The UK has shared experiences with the Government on conflict resolution; we remain ready to provide further support. On 13 May, the UK participated in an informal discussion on Cameroon at the UN Security Council, noting that dialogue and humanitarian assistance were needed to exit the crisis. The UK also raised concerns in a statement at the bi-annual UN Office for Central Africa briefing in the UN Security Council on 13 December 2018, calling for urgent action by the Government to prevent further conflict. The UK regularly discusses developments in Cameroon with international partners, including France and the US, to encourage and support efforts to resolve the crisis.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 24/05/2019 11:42:02 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	1660 label Biography information for Lord Judd

1126333

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Gaza: Israel
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment, if any, they have made of the ecological damage caused by the recent escalation of hostilities in Gaza.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL15693
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2019 answer text <p>We have not made any assessment on this issue.​</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2019 13:28:31 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1126334

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Gaza: Israel
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the damage caused by the recent escalation of hostilities in Gaza, in particular to public facilities and services, and electricity networks; and what assessment they have made of the impact of the loss of such facilities, services, and networks on the civilian population in Gaza.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL15694
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2019 answer text <p>The UK is gravely concerned by the recent escalation of hostilities in Gaza. We wholly condemn rocket fire by Hamas and other militants. The then acting Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, the Rt Hon. Mark Field MP, spoke to UN MEPP Coordinator Mladenov on 8 May where he welcomed the Egyptian and UN brokered ceasefire. We urge the parties to make progress towards a long-term agreement to ensure a durable solution for Gaza. We are concerned by damage to infrastructure in Gaza and the impact this has on the civilian population. The UK is supporting up to 1 million Gazans by addressing critical water and sanitation needs through £2 million to UNICEF. We have also announced £2 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross for medicines and surgical supplies.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2019 13:29:21 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1126335

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Israeli Settlements: Palestinians
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Israel about the number of attacks on Palestinian civilians by Israeli settlers including hit and run offences.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL15695
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2019 answer text <p>We condemn any incidence of violence by settlers against Palestinians. We welcome the efforts of Israeli authorities to address settler violence, and urge them to thoroughly investigate every instance and bring those responsible to justice. We have also stressed the importance of the Israel security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population. While the vast majority of settlers do not engage in attacks, there are pockets of extremely worrying violence.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2019 13:51:57 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1126336

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Israeli Settlements: Palestinians
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about reports that Israeli settlers have poisoned water supplies used by shepherds in the West Bank; and what steps they intend to take to protect those shepherds from attacks by settlers.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL15696
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2019 answer text <p>We continue to raise with our Israeli counterparts our concerns about the humanitarian and environmental impact of the damage to water sources and the destruction of Palestinian agricultural land that has been caused by settlement-related activity. We continue to condemn any incidence of violence by settlers against Palestinians and stress the importance of the Israel security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2019 13:37:01 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1126337

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Gaza: Fisheries
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about the restrictions faced by fishermen in Gaza; what assessment they have made of the (1) amount, and (2) communication, of changes to the size and location of the fishing zone in Gaza; and what steps they intend to take to protect fishermen in Gaza from attacks by Israeli forces.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL15697
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2019 answer text <p>We regularly raise with the Government of Israel the urgent need to ease access and movement restrictions on Gaza, including fishing limits. This would help to restore the fishing industry. Our understanding is that on 9 May, Israel increased the permitted fishing zone off the coast of Gaza to twelve nautical miles. The UK would like to see a permanent increase in the size of the fishing zone off the coast of Gaza, in line with the limit of twenty nautical miles stipulated in the Oslo accords.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2019 13:54:05 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1126338

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Gaza: Israel
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 8 May (HL15420), what steps they intend to take to ensure that books, particularly educational books, are not prevented by Israel from reaching those living in the Gaza Strip.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL15698
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2019 answer text <p>We have not raised this specific issue with the Israeli authorities. But we continue to stress to the Israeli authorities the damage that their restrictions are doing to the living standards of ordinary Palestinians in Gaza and regularly call for them to ease restrictions further. We also support education through our funding to the Palestinian Authority and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2019 13:56:10 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1126683

	registered interest
	date	14/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Leah Sharibu
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they have taken to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, following her sixteenth birthday.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL15700
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/05/2019 answer text <p>The UK is committed to supporting the Nigerian Government in their attempts to secure the release of the remaining girls taken from Chibok, Leah Sharibu taken from Dapchi, and all others abducted by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa. The Prime Minister raised the plight of the abducted school girls with the President of Nigeria during his official visit to the UK in 2018. We continue to use Ministerial visits, such as the Foreign Secretary's visit last month, and public messaging to ensure that the girls' plight is not forgotten. Our officials in Abuja will continue to engage regularly and offer their support to the Government of Nigeria and other organisations working to securing their release.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon grouped question UIN HL15701 question first answered 24/05/2019 11:43:17 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1126684

	registered interest
	date	14/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Nigeria: Abduction
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the protests in Nigeria demanding the release of the Chibok schoolgirls who have been held in captivity for over 1,500 days; and when they last raised their captivity, and that of Leah Sharibu, with the President of Nigeria.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL15701
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/05/2019 answer text <p>The UK is committed to supporting the Nigerian Government in their attempts to secure the release of the remaining girls taken from Chibok, Leah Sharibu taken from Dapchi, and all others abducted by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa. The Prime Minister raised the plight of the abducted school girls with the President of Nigeria during his official visit to the UK in 2018. We continue to use Ministerial visits, such as the Foreign Secretary's visit last month, and public messaging to ensure that the girls' plight is not forgotten. Our officials in Abuja will continue to engage regularly and offer their support to the Government of Nigeria and other organisations working to securing their release.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon grouped question UIN HL15700 question first answered 24/05/2019 11:43:17 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1126689

	registered interest
	date	14/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Taiwan: World Health Assembly
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the World Health Organisation about Taiwan being excluded from the World Health Assembly; and what plans they have to provide Taiwan, in its absence, with information from that Assembly.
	tabling member printed	Lord Blencathra
	uin	HL15706
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2019 answer text <p>Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department of Health officials have made a number of senior-level representations with like-minded partners about Taiwan’s exclusion from the World Health Assembly and technical meetings of the World Health Organisation. The UK supports Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations where statehood is not a prerequisite and where Taiwan can make a valuable contribution, such as global health. In line with our longstanding unofficial relationship, we have a wide range of exchanges with Taiwan, including on global health issues.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2019 13:58:22 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	497 label Biography information for Lord Blencathra

1126699

	registered interest
	date	14/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Papua: Travel Restrictions
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made, or intend to make, to the newly elected president of Indonesia, when the result is announced, regarding access to West Papua for journalists and non-governmental organisations.
	tabling member printed	Lord Harries of Pentregarth
	uin	HL15716
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/05/2019 answer text <p>The British Government regularly raises the situation in Papua with the Indonesian authorities and presses them to address the legitimate concerns regarding access. In January 2018, I raised my concern about this issue with the Indonesian ambassador to London, and our officials in Indonesia also raised this when they visited Papua in February this year. The Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific acknowledged at a Westminster Hall Debate on 8 May that transparency and media access are important. We continue to encourage Indonesian journalists to write openly and frankly about Papua to ensure that local perspectives are properly heard and are part of any debate, and will do so with the next President and their team when the election results are announced in due course.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 29/05/2019 13:09:45 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	3813 label Biography information for Lord Harries of Pentregarth

1126702

	registered interest
	date	14/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Guatemala: War Crimes
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make representations to the government of Guatemala about the risks of the bill proposing to grant amnesty to those who have committed war crimes; and whether, in any such representations, they will emphasise the need to protect the justices of the Constitutional Court and other judges against threats and intimidation.
	tabling member printed	Lord Hylton
	uin	HL15719
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2019 answer text <p>​We welcome the fact that the proposed amendments to the National Reconciliation Law, which would have signified a worrying trend towards impunity from serious crimes, lacked sufficient backing in the Guatemalan Congress on 13 March. The UK supported a statement by the local donors' coordination group G13 on 13 March and an EU statement on 26 March condemning the proposed amendments, reiterating support for Guatemala's democratic institutions and calling on the Guatemalan government to respect the independence of the constitutional court. Through our Embassy in Guatemala City, we continue to raise our concerns about the rule of law, human rights and institutional independence with the Guatemalan government.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/05/2019 14:01:57 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2018 label Biography information for Lord Hylton

1126703

	registered interest
	date	14/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Turkey: Life Imprisonment
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recommendations in the report by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Report to the Turkish Government on the visit to Turkey carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 28 to 29 April 2016, published in March 2018, in particular that there should be a complete overhaul of the detention regime for those sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment.
	tabling member printed	Lord Hylton
	uin	HL15720
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/05/2019 answer text <p>As the Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific made clear in the debate in the House of Commons on 10 April we expect Turkey to respect its international obligations with regard to prison conditions. This includes acting on the recommendations of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) of the Council of Europe concerning prisoner association, isolation and access. When raising these issues with the Turkish authorities, we have encouraged them to implement the recommendations made by the CPT following their 2016 visit to the prison. The Minister of State for Europe and the Americas raised the issue of prison conditions with the Turkish authorities most recently on 13 May.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 28/05/2019 15:07:32 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2018 label Biography information for Lord Hylton

1126704

	registered interest
	date	14/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether reports of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment may, in some circumstances, be published without the prior consent of the state in question.
	tabling member printed	Lord Hylton
	uin	HL15721
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/05/2019 answer text <p>​The UK encourages Council of Europe members to engage fully with the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT). The UK Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe has intervened in the Committee of Ministers in the past, calling on Member States to agree to the publication of all CPT reports concerning that State. The UK Government promotes a general policy of transparency by authorising the publication of the visit reports and the UK responses thereon, encouraging other Member States to do likewise. We shall continue to take this approach.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 23/05/2019 13:03:21 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2018 label Biography information for Lord Hylton

1126705

	registered interest
	date	14/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they intend to make to the Council of Europe about finding ways to ensure that all members implement the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
	tabling member printed	Lord Hylton
	uin	HL15722
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/05/2019 answer text <p>​The UK unreservedly condemns the use of torture and works closely with international partners to eradicate this abhorrent practice, including making robust statements in multilateral organisations and by Ministers. The UK encourages Council of Europe members to engage fully with the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Where necessary, the UK Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe will intervene in the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers meetings to call on member states to engage with the recommendations of the Committee's reports.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 23/05/2019 13:06:07 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2018 label Biography information for Lord Hylton

1126708

	registered interest
	date	14/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made in implementing the decisions made at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting held in London in April 2018.
	tabling member printed	Lord Luce
	uin	HL15725
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/05/2019 answer text <p>​The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs wrote to the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) on 15 May 2019 enclosing an update on progress against commitments made at the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. I refer the Noble Lord to this report, which the FAC has now published on their website.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 24/05/2019 11:45:04 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	908 label Biography information for Lord Luce

1126724

	registered interest
	date	14/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Nigeria: Minority Groups
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 9 May (HL Deb, cols 1299–1300), what representations they intend to make to the government of Nigeria to call for urgent and effective action to be taken to protect ethnic and religious minorities in that country.
	tabling member printed	Lord Selkirk of Douglas
	uin	HL15741
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/05/2019 answer text <p>The UK is firmly committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief around the world, as well as being a strong voice internationally in defence of this fundamental right. In Nigeria, the right to freedom of religion is protected by the Constitution. The Foreign Secretary, during his recent visit to Nigeria, raised the issue of freedom of religious belief with the Vice President and had discussions with religious leaders to discuss how the UK can further support their work to promote interfaith relationships and long-term peacebuilding.</p><p>We are committed to working with Nigeria to help tackle threats to Nigeria's security and to address the underlying causes of instability which exist within Nigeria. We echo President Buhari's calls for calm and reconciliation between the many ethnic groups and communities that make up and contribute to the strength and diversity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 24/05/2019 11:44:48 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	802 label Biography information for Lord Selkirk of Douglas

1126731

	registered interest
	date	14/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Gaza: Animals
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the loss of (1) farm, and (2) pack, animals as a result of the blockade and the escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip on (a) food supply, and (b) those in Gaza who rely on such animals for their livelihoods.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL15748
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2019 answer text <p>Whist we have not made any assessment on this specific issue, we continue to stress to the Israeli authorities the damage that their restrictions are doing to the living standards of ordinary Palestinians in Gaza and regularly call for them to ease restrictions further.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/05/2019 13:57:12 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1126733

	registered interest
	date	14/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Gaza: Israel
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent assessment they have made of the prediction made in the report by the Office of the UN’s Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Jerusalem, Gaza in 2020: A Liveable Place?, published in 2012, that Gaza would be unfit for human inhabitancy by 2020.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
	uin	HL15750
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/05/2019 answer text <p>The UK remains deeply concerned by the situation in Gaza and the report in question’s prediction that Gaza could become uninhabitable by 2020. UK aid has supported economic development, provision of basic services, and enabled reconstruction through support to the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism. The Minister of State for the Middle East (the Rt Hon Andrew Murrison) visited Gaza on 28 May 2019 and saw the extent of this first hand.</p><p>However, as the report makes clear, aid alone cannot solve the problems in Gaza. Improvements in infrastructure, employment, energy and water are essential to improve living conditions. The Government will continue to urge all the parties to take the necessary practical steps to improve conditions. We will continue to press for a sustainable political solution for Gaza and to address the underlying cause of humanitarian strife in Gaza by more than doubling the amount of UK aid spent on economic development in the Occupied Palestinian Territories to around £38 million over the next five years (2018-2023). This will include support to addressing the water and electricity crisis and seek to address movement and access restrictions.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 29/05/2019 13:11:50 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge