Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have (1) to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the independence of Azerbaijan on 18 October, and (2) to mark the anniversary by strengthening bilateral cooperation with the government of Azerbaijan.
Answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
Her Majesty the Queen sends her congratulations on the occasion of the anniversary of countries' national or independence days, including Azerbaijan. In Azerbaijan, the UK Ambassador will congratulate the people of Azerbaijan on 18 October - the Day of Restoration of Independence. The UK Government continues to work with Azerbaijan to strengthen our bilateral cooperation. In her recent call with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov, the Minister for Europe and Americas welcomed the continued strengthening of UK-Azerbaijani relations including in key areas such as trade and English language learning.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect the rights under international law to freedom of association and peaceful assembly in India.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The right to gather lawfully and demonstrate a point of view is common to all democracies. Governments also have the power to enforce law and order if a protest crosses the line into illegality. We look to India to uphold the freedoms and rights guaranteed in its strong constitution and the international instruments to which India is a party. We were aware that some restrictions on internet connectivity were imposed at protest sites and welcome their removal. During his visit to India in December 2020, the Foreign Secretary discussed the protests with his Indian counterpart, whilst making clear that agricultural reform is an internal matter for the Indian authorities.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of (1) internet blockades, (2) use of force, (3) intimidation by state policy, and (4) human rights abuses, against farmer protestors in India.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The right to gather lawfully and demonstrate a point of view is common to all democracies. Governments also have the power to enforce law and order if a protest crosses the line into illegality. We look to India to uphold the freedoms and rights guaranteed in its strong constitution and the international instruments to which India is a party. We were aware that some restrictions on internet connectivity were imposed at protest sites and welcome their removal. During his visit to India in December 2020, the Foreign Secretary discussed the protests with his Indian counterpart, whilst making clear that agricultural reform is an internal matter for the Indian authorities.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the other permanent members of the UN Security Council about (1) the four letters written by the UN rapporteurs on torture, arbitrary detentions, extra-judiciary and custodial killings in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir to the government of India, and (2) the absence of any response to date by that government to those letters.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
We are aware of the letters written by UN Special Rapporteurs. Kashmir was last discussed by the UN Security Council in August. The UK recognises that there are human rights concerns in India-administered Kashmir. We encourage all states to ensure domestic laws are in line with international standards. Any allegation of human rights violations or abuse is deeply concerning and must be investigated transparently, promptly and thoroughly. We raise our concerns with the Government of India where we have them. Most recently, the Foreign Secretary discussed Kashmir, among a number of issues, with the Indian External Affairs Minister on 15 December.