[{"topic":"Africa","id":"44207","proposer":"13864","edm":"75","session":"2012-13","title":"Religious Freedom","text":"That this House supports religious freedom for people in all nations; notes the renewed pressure from the Algerian authorities on evangelical churches and individual Christians; further supports the estimated 25,000 Christians in Algeria and supports the right of conversion from other religions; and believes that diplomatic pressure should be applied to ensure that Algeria brings into full operation the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights which enshrines religious liberty and to which the Algerian government has signed up.","date":"2012-05-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"44148","proposer":"10527","edm":"16","session":"2012-13","title":"Protection Of Coptic Christians In Egypt","text":"That this House notes with alarm the sectarian violence directed at Coptic Christians in Egypt; believes that the Egyptian authorities have failed to investigate or prosecute those responsible for these attacks on Christians and their places of worship; further believes that Egyptian military and police appear to have played a role in the violence; and calls on the Government to fulfil its legal and moral responsibilities to ensure that the UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination on Religion or Belief is adhered to by pressuring Egyptian authorities to provide a prompt, thorough and impartial inquiry conducted by independent judicial authorities, leading to accountability and the better protection of Egypt's Coptic Christian minority.","date":"2012-05-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"44170","proposer":"10258","edm":"38","session":"2012-13","title":"Continuation Of Violence Against The Nuba People","text":"That this House condemns the continued violence on the people of the Nuba Mountains by the Sudanese government; is concerned over the continuation of military offensives in the region, the denial of access for humanitarian aid and journalists and the killing of citizens directly through bombing campaigns; considers the death of many others because of lack of access to medical care, malnutrition, dehydration and displacement as deplorable; and urges the Government to act urgently to increase pressure on the Sudanese government to halt the violence on its own people, and to allow the access of foreign aid to bring an end to these gross violations of human rights.","date":"2012-05-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"44049","proposer":"10258","edm":"2941","session":"2010-12","title":"Violence Against The Nuba People","text":"That this House condemns the continued violenceagainst the people of the Nuba Mountains by the Sudanese government; is concerned over the continuation of military offensives in the region, the denial of access for humanitarian aid and journalists and the killing of citizens directly through bombing campaigns; considers the death of many others because of lack of access to medical care, malnutrition, dehydration and displacement as deplorable; and urges the Government to act urgently to increase pressure on the Sudanese government to halt violence against its own people and to allow accessfor foreign aid to bring an end to these gross violations of human rights.","date":"2012-04-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"44054","proposer":"10575","edm":"2946","session":"2010-12","title":"Global Peace Index","text":"That this House looks forward to the forthcoming publication by the Institute of Economics and Peace of the sixth annual Global Peace Index, which measures ongoing domestic and international conflict, safety and security in society and militarisation in 158 countries; notes with concern the continuous decrease in internal peacefulness in the Middle East and North Africa in 2011; further notes that violence cost the world an estimated 5.2 trillion in 2011; welcomes the identification in the Index of areas across which governments and other stakeholders can take action which builds social resilience and enables countries better to withstand severe shocks; and urges the Government to consider this peace dividend when developing domestic and external policy.","date":"2012-04-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43735","proposer":"10133","edm":"2638","session":"2010-12","title":"Safety Of Journalists In Somalia","text":"That this House is concerned about the ongoing threats to, and arrests and killing of journalists in Somalia; condemns the mass arrest of journalists without charge in Somaliland; believes that these arrests are an attempt to intimidate journalists into notcovering news stories critical of the governing authorities; is appalled at the killing of journalist Abdisalan Sheik Hassan, who was shot dead on 18 December 2011; equally condemns the killing of journalists Farah Hasan Sahel, Noramfaizul Mohd Nor and Abdiaziz Ahmed Aden, who were killed in 2011; supports the efforts of the National Union of Somali Journalists andits members who perform a crucial role in reporting in Somalia against a background of violence and intimidation for carrying out their jobs; and urges the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to raise the issues of organised and continuing threats against journalists in Somalia as a matter of urgency with the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia.","date":"2012-01-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43685","proposer":"13864","edm":"2589","session":"2010-12","title":"Christians In Nigeria","text":"That this House notes the continued frenzied attacks onChristians in Nigeria; condemns those who are choosing to attack people based on their region; calls on the Government to apply any diplomatic pressure available to ensure there is support and aid available for those who have been burned out of their homes or left widowed and orphaned; and further calls on the government of Nigeria to take dedicated action to protect those who are being persecuted because of their beliefs.","date":"2012-01-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43653","proposer":"24910","edm":"2558","session":"2010-12","title":"Guant\u00e1namo Bay","text":"That this House notes that on 11 January 2012 it will be a decade since the first detainees were incarcerated at Guantnamo Bay naval base; believes that Guantnamo detainees should either be charged and prosecuted in fair trials or released to countries that will respect their human rights, including the USA if that is the only available option; further believes that US military commissions, which do not meet international fair trial standards, should be abandoned, as should any pursuit of the death penalty; considers that victims of human rights violations must be provided genuine access to effective remedy; calls for former or current US officials responsible for human rights violations to be held to account and brought to justice, including in respect of crimes under international law such as torture and enforced disappearance; further calls on the USA to recognise the applicability of, and fully respect, international human rights law when conducting counter-terrorism operations, and at detention facilities in Guantnamo, Bagram in Afghanistan and elsewhere; and urges the Government publicly to insist that President Obama address the detentions at Guantnamo Bay as a human rights issue that requires urgent attention.","date":"2011-12-20","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43647","proposer":"10133","edm":"2552","session":"2010-12","title":"The Case Of Ali Aarrass","text":"That this House recognises the deep concern amongst human rights lawyers and experts ontorture across Europe about the 15-year sentence handed down by the Rabat court sitting at Sal to the dual Belgian-Moroccan national Ali Aarrass after a trial that appears to have ignored all due process, relied solely on torture evidence, and which took place a year after the Spanish authorities ignored an instruction by the UN Human Rights Committee not to extradite him to Morocco while the Committee was considering his case; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to follow the lead of the Bar Human Rights Committee, Freedom From Torture and a number of distinguished Queen's Counsel to make urgent representations to the Moroccan government to secure justice for Mr Aarrass and his family.","date":"2011-12-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43651","proposer":"10133","edm":"2556","session":"2010-12","title":"Elections In Democratic Republic Of Congo","text":"That this House expresses deep concern at the conduct of the recent elections in Democratic Republic of Congo; notes that the respected Carter Centre found that the election results announced by the Electoral Commission lacked credibility and that in a detailed analysis from its 26 teams covering 10 provinces, expressed a number of concerns including the process at Mulemba Nkulu voting staions in Katanga which reported 99.46 per cent. turnout with 100 per cent. of the votes going to President Kabila; further notes that the EU observer mission expressed concern that 17 per cent. of votes were cast from missing persons' registers, twice the number recorded in 2006; further notes the United Nations Stabilisation Mission observed that there were `significant irregularities' in the counting and tabulation of votes; and therefore, in view of the widspread concerns and protests throughout the country, questions the legitimacy of the elction process and whether the result is a genuine expression of the wishes of the people of Democratic Republic of Congo.","date":"2011-12-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43646","proposer":"10133","edm":"2551","session":"2010-12","title":"Eu Fishery Agreement With Morocco","text":"That this House welcomes the decision by the European Parliament to reject the extension of the fishery agreement with Morocco because of the exploitation of the disputed waters off the Western Sahara Coast; and hopes that there will be no further agreements between the EU and Morocco that allow any exploitation of the natural resources of the Western Sahara until such time as the people have been able to exercise their right of self determination.","date":"2011-12-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43612","proposer":"10383","edm":"2517","session":"2010-12","title":"Human Rights Abuses In Ogaden","text":"That this House expresses its deep concern at the continuing human rights abuses perpetrated against the people of Ogaden by Ethiopian government forces and militias previously evidenced by Human Rights Watch; and urges the UK Government to work with the African Union and United Nations to enable the access of independent human rights observers and journalists to Ogaden to press for the release of the Swedish journalists Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson and to seek a negotiated settlement of the conflict between the Ethiopian regime and the Ogaden National Liberation Front.","date":"2011-12-06","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43557","proposer":"13864","edm":"2465","session":"2010-12","title":"Basil D'oliveira","text":"That this House recognises the passing of Basil D'Oliveira; and records its thanks for the dignified and courageous role he played in helping to do away with apartheid in South Africa and the important and critical part he played in changing history.","date":"2011-11-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43530","proposer":"11707","edm":"2438","session":"2010-12","title":"Child Sacrifice In Uganda","text":"That this House condemns the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice in Uganda; notes with concern that between 2006 and 2010 only one person was found guilty despite 83 criminal cases and an estimated 900 murders of young people through child sacrifice; and urges the Ugandan government to implement the terms of both the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child which it has signed andto implement the recommendations of the Jubilee Campaign and Kyampisi Childcare Ministries' Child Sacrifice in Uganda report.","date":"2011-11-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43533","proposer":"11963","edm":"2441","session":"2010-12","title":"Human Rights In Egypt","text":"That this House strongly condemns the continuing human rights abuses by the military rulers in Egypt; notes with serious concern that on 9 October 2011, 26 people were killed after the army targeted a peaceful protest marching to Egypt's state television buildings at Maspero; is concerned that the ruling military's account of the events seems contradictory to eye-witness reports and video footage; is deeply worried by reports that the prominent blogger and activist Alaa Abdelfattah is being detained, accused of a number of serious crimes in relation to the 9 October march; is deeply alarmed that the Egyptian authorities allegedly tortured the 24-year-old prisoner Essam Ali Atta to death; further condemns the Egyptian government's increasing violence towards protestors and the use of military tribunals instead of civilian courts; is furtherconcerned to hear accounts that the campaign of harassment and intimidation against journalists is escalating; and calls on the Government to put diplomatic pressure on the military rulers of Egypt to respect human rights, stop using military trials for citizens and end their crackdown on protestors and journalists.","date":"2011-11-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43460","proposer":"13814","edm":"2371","session":"2010-12","title":"Religious Freedom In Algeria","text":"That this House commends the progress made by the Algerian government towards creating an open and democratic society, in which individuals have the right to freedom of conscience and freedom of religious belief; welcomes the formal recognition given to Christians through the Eglise Protestante d'Algrie; expresses regret and concern that Ordinance 06-03 continues to restrict freedom of worship and expression of faith for individual Christians and churches in Algeria, giving opportunity for people to be fined or jailed for practising their faith; and calls on the Algerian government to repeal Ordinance 06-03 in the interests of progressing their objective of building a fully open, democratic and free society.","date":"2011-11-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43441","proposer":"11817","edm":"2353","session":"2010-12","title":"Gadaffi Loyalists","text":"That this House notes that some 30 Gadaffi regime loyalists, including Gadaffi family members, are reportedly under house arrest in Niger; sends its respectful wishes to His Excellency Mahamadou Issoufou, President of Niger; asks him to co-operate with the International Criminal Court in the Hague and authorities in Libya to ensure the immediate extradition of Gadaffi loyalists wanted for crimes against humanity currently seeking sanctuary in his country; and believes that this a golden opportunity for Niger to show the world her aspiration for peace, stability and democracy to prevail in Africa.","date":"2011-11-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43398","proposer":"24959","edm":"2310","session":"2010-12","title":"Presidential And Parliamentary Elections In The Democratic Republic Of Congo","text":"That this House recognises the critical importance of the presidential and parliamentary elections due to take place in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on28 November 2011; calls on the UK Government and international community to act to help ensure the elections are free and fair; notes the commitment of successive UK Government administrations to supporting the democratic electoral process in the DRC and to working to eradicate levels of violence, particularly against women; further notes that there will be 62,000 polling stations for a population of over 71 million in a country the size of Western Europe and therefore calls on the international community, including the UK, USA and EU to send adequate numbers of impartial international election observers; further calls on all stakeholders to do more to deliver adequate impartial domestic and regional election observers; further recognises the importance of the elections in securing democracy in the DRC and the importance to regional stability that these elections are transparent and secure; and further calls on all political parties to respect the rule of law and conduct their campaign in a non-violent manner.","date":"2011-10-26","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43339","proposer":"11963","edm":"2256","session":"2010-12","title":"Rhino Poaching","text":"That this House expresses concern at the continuing global practice of rhino poaching by crime syndicates and at the almost daily killing of these animals; notes that this practice is particularly prevalent in South Africa and Zimbabwe; further notes that almost 200 of these highly endangered animals were killed in South Africa alone in the first half of 2011 and killings this year are expected to exceed the 2010 figure of 333; expresses deep concern at the suffering faced by the animals during hunts by poachers; further notes that this poaching is fuelled by demand for rhino horn in traditional medicine markets in Asia; and calls on the Government to work with Asian and African nations to tackle this crime and enforce a global ban on rhino horn use in medicines.","date":"2011-10-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43327","proposer":"10527","edm":"2245","session":"2010-12","title":"Protection Of Coptic Christians In Egypt","text":"That this House notes with alarm the sectarian violence directed at Coptic Christians in Egypt; believes that the Egyptian authorities have failed to investigate or prosecute those responsible for these attacks on Christians and their places of worship; further believes that Egyptian military and police appear to have played a role in the violence; and calls on the Government to fulfil its legal and moral responsibilities to ensure that the UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination on Religion or Belief is adhered to by pressuring Egyptian authorities to provide a prompt, thorough and impartial inquiry conducted by independent judicial authorities, leading to accountability and the better protection of Egypt's Coptic Christian minority.","date":"2011-10-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43268","proposer":"10260","edm":"2190","session":"2010-12","title":"Women And The Kenyan Constitution","text":"That this House welcomes the provision in Kenya's new constitution for one third of members of the Kenyan parliament to be women; expresses support for the Kenyan women fighting to ensure this provision is implemented and congratulates them on their work to ensure the inclusion of chapter four which guarantees equality of opportunity for men and women; underlines that only 10 per cent. of MPs in Kenya are women and, ahead of the 2012 elections, further underlines the opportunity this constitutional provision represents; calls on the UK Government to back the demands of the women in Kenya and help them achieve greater political representation; pays tribute to the vital work of UN Women in Kenya; is concerned that women and girls face particular problems including illiteracy, death in childbirth, discriminationand female genital mutilation, which is why it is important to ensure women have greater representation in parliament; and calls on the UK Government to ensure that UK aid contributes to women's empowerment.","date":"2011-09-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43137","proposer":"10009","edm":"2066","session":"2010-12","title":"Life Of Floribert Chebeya","text":"That this House commemorates the life of Floribert Chebeya, a Congolese human rights defender tortured to death in Congo on 2 June 2010; endorses the call of the UN, EU, US and others for an impartial, credible and transparent judicial investigation conforming to international standards; recognises Floribert Chebeya's contribution to fighting for the respect of human rights and the rule of law in Congo as attested by the Reebok Award for human rights; notes with concern the statement of the clergy of the diocese of Butembo-Beni; condemns the recent killing of Armand Tungulu and the continued detention of dozens of journalists, religious leaders, rights and political activists in the Makala Prison on what Save the Congo considers politically-motivated and trumped up charges to silence dissent of State authorities and activities; commends the courage and resilience of Congolese journalists and rights activists who continue to tackle sensitive political and human rights issues despite the harassment and abuses by security forces; calls on the UK Government to exclude from the UK and freeze assets of those alleged to be responsible for the arbitrary arrest, torture, and assassinations of journalists and rights and political activists; and further calls on the Congolese President Joseph Kabila to intervene in these grave cases of violation of human rights.","date":"2011-07-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43126","proposer":"10260","edm":"2055","session":"2010-12","title":"South Sudan's Independence","text":"That this House congratulates the people of South Sudan on their independence; recognises this is a great moment of optimism and hope for South Sudan; acknowledges the huge challenges that lie ahead including the highest rate of maternal deaths in the world, non-existent infrastructure, an illiteracy rate of 92 per cent. among women and one in seven children dying before the age of five; calls on the Governmentto workwith other donors to set out a programme of long-term support for South Sudan and to work effectively together to help build the capacity of the South Sudanese government to meet the needs of its people, to provide significant support to the health system in South Sudan and to increase access to justice; and further calls on the Government and the international community to help resolve pressing issues between North and South Sudan, including citizenship rights, finance and above all the sharing of oil, including prioritising a lasting solution to the dispute over Abyei and South Kordofan.","date":"2011-07-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43053","proposer":"11923","edm":"1984","session":"2010-12","title":"Southern Kordofan","text":"That this House notes that on 9 July 2011 the country of Sudan is due to split formallyin two following an overwhelming `Yes' vote in the South Sudan independence referendum, which took place between 9 January and 15 January 2011; further notes that a humanitarian emergency is unfolding in the northern Sudanese state of Southern Kordofan as tension between the ruling National Congress Party and the southern Sudan People's Liberation Movement has led to forces from the North and South launching attacks with artillery and military aircraft on villages and other civilian areas; condemns fighting between the Sudanese armed forces and elements of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) which broke out across the state on 5 June 2011 and has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes and has caused many civilian deaths; expresses concern over reports of opposition members and local officials being singled out for attack and of reports from the UN Human Rights Watch that journalists are being refused access to the area, together with international relief agencies, resulting in a worrying lack of information about the conflict, and that several Al Jazeera journalists were severely beaten near Kadugli when attempting to make their way to report from South Kordofan; and calls on the Government to maintain its engagement in the negotiations in Addis Ababa to resolve the conflict between elements of the Sudanese armed forces and the SPLA and to urge the Sudanese government immediately to put a stop to attacks on populated civilian areas as South Sudan moves on towards independence.","date":"2011-06-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43059","proposer":"11589","edm":"1990","session":"2010-12","title":"Kader Asmal","text":"That this House mourns the passing of Kader Asmal, who was inspirational in the Anti-Apartheid Movement in these islands and who served with distinction as a Cabinet Minister in the democratic South Africa he worked to achieve; recalls that he founded the Anti-Apartheid Movement in London before moving to teach at Trinity College, Dublin where he also led the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement for many years and made a strong ongoing contribution to the African National Congress; recognises his tireless activism for civil liberties in these islands, his articulate advocacy of human rights internationally, the integrity of his struggle against Apartheid and his proud role in embedding democratic principles and a human rights ethic in post-Apartheid South Africa; acknowledges his personal role in ensuring, during the 1990s, that all parties in Northern Ireland were able to share insights from the process of negotiation and transition in South Africa; celebrates his exemplary espousal of democratic values, his animated oratory, academic erudition and challenging brand of intellectual honesty; and salutes his significant achievements as the Minister for Water Affairs and Forestry in the Government of National Unity and as Minister for Education in the first ANC government.","date":"2011-06-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"43022","proposer":"10383","edm":"1953","session":"2010-12","title":"Situation Of The Nuba People","text":"That this House expresses its deep concern at the attacks by Sudanese armed forces and alliedmilitias moving heavy artillery and aerial bombardment indiscriminately to destroy towns and villages in the Nuba mountains, causing the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people who are now living in appalling conditions without food, water and shelter; and urges the Government to act urgently to mobilise the international community to exert pressure on the Sudanese government to halt the bombardment and the fighting and killing of civilians, and to allow access to international agencies to deliver humanitarian aid to the civilian population and to assist the displaced Nuba people to return to their homes and villages.","date":"2011-06-20","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42960","proposer":"10260","edm":"1893","session":"2010-12","title":"Women In Egypt","text":"That this House recognises the active involvement of Egyptian women in Tahrir Square calling for social justice, dignity and freedom and the opportunity for a new era of democracy and human rights in Egypt; notes the 4th June Egyptian National Women's Statement; expresses support for their demands, ensuring women's representation throughout the democratic transition process and throughout the new parliament and the entrenchment of women's social, political and economic rights in the new Egyptian Constitution; further recognises the important role of the Alliance for Arab Women in organising this declaration and further notes the importance of UN Women in working for women's empowerment in Egypt; sees this as a pivotal moment for women in Egypt and calls for action to ensure they are able to play an equal role in their country's future in the way they demand; warns that the legal, democratic and economic advances made by women over the last decade are at risk; and calls on the Government through its own programme of aid and through multilateral institutions including the World Bank, the UN and the EU, to ensure women's rights are protected and that UK and international support for political and economic reform in Egypt is based on equality for women and men.","date":"2011-06-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42881","proposer":"10431","edm":"1815","session":"2010-12","title":"Democracy In Somaliland","text":"That this House congratulates the people of Somaliland as they celebrate their 20th anniversary as a self-declared autonomous republic; pays tribute to their impressive and unwavering commitment to the democratic process; applauds the demonstration of that commitment in 2010 when the outgoing President Rayale accepted the result of the election and facilitated a peaceful transfer of power to incoming President Silanyo; notes that a similar level of wisdom and maturity had been demonstrated by Mohamed Silanyo when he was the runner-up in the Presidential election in 2003; welcomes the UK Government's commitment to reward these democratic achievements through increasing existing development aid and help in sustaining democratic institutions in Somaliland; and believes that Somaliland has both earned and deserves a higher level of support and encouragement from the international community as a result of its impressive 20 year record of democratic development, acting asa beacon of peace and stability within one of the world's more turbulent regional environments.","date":"2011-05-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42765","proposer":"24784","edm":"1711","session":"2010-12","title":"Links Between Libya And Sri Lanka","text":"That this House notes the strong diplomatic relationship between Libya and Sri Lanka in recent years; further notes that Libya was one of the countries which supported Sri Lanka when the UN Human Rights Council sought a resolution against Sri Lanka for alleged war crimes in the wake of the country's 26-year civil war; acknowledges that Sri Lanka has strongly disagreed with the NATO-led military initiative against Libya; further acknowledges that Sri Lanka believes `air strikes will simply increase the suffering of the people of Libya'; believes that Sri Lanka should have shown a similar level of concern for its own civilians, when it failed to protect citizens during the final months of the conflict on the island; and calls on the government of Sri Lanka to ensure the security and well-being of all its citizens, now and in the future.","date":"2011-04-04","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42730","proposer":"24726","edm":"1675","session":"2010-12","title":"Tuberculosis And HIV In Rwanda","text":"That this House welcomes the significant improvement in treatment rates for tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in Rwanda over the last decade; notes the importance of integration of TB and HIV services within wider health efforts in the country, particularly in maternity care; acknowledges the benefits that this approach can bring to a country's health system; is concerned by the continuing high levels of co-infection between TB and HIV and high mortality rates associated with both diseases in many African countries; and calls on the Government to support efforts to share best practice from Rwanda in other countries.","date":"2011-03-30","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42645","proposer":"11324","edm":"1597","session":"2010-12","title":"Good Governance In Democratic Republic Of Congo","text":"That this House recognises the 10th anniversary of the first UN report on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth in Democratic Republic of Congo; notes the continuing militarisation of, and illegal control over, tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold mines by local armed groups as well as criminal elements in the Congolese army to fund their criminal activities; expresses its solidarity with the people of Congo, who have, for over 13 years, endured the evils of violence, war crimes, human rights violations, humanitarian crises, looting and rape; calls on the Rwandan government to ensure that its territory is not usedasa trading or transit ground for conflict minerals from Congo; and calls on the Government to encourage all British-based or -owned companies trading in minerals to observe diligence standards set out by the UN and OECD, push for EU legally binding legislation on corporate transparency in the extractive industries to empower people in developing countries that are consistently resource-rich but cash-poor with the information to challenge corruption in their own country and to consider imposing a travel ban and asset freeze on those named and shamed in UN Panel of Experts and Group Experts reports in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions nos. 1952, 1807, 1896 and 1771, and to do everyting possible to restore good governance to the Congo.","date":"2011-03-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42611","proposer":"10133","edm":"1565","session":"2010-12","title":"Libya, North Africa And The Middle East","text":"That this House does not believe that Western intervention in Libya or elsewhere will bring about the peace, justice and democracy that is being sought by millions of people in North Africa and the Middle East; and calls for a rethinking of British and European foreign policy and a more concerted effort to apply international law and its human rights clauses in any negotiations or actions relating to the historical process that is now taking place.","date":"2011-03-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42494","proposer":"10133","edm":"1463","session":"2010-12","title":"Eu-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement","text":"That this House notes with concern the fishery agreement between Morocco and the EU which includes the waters off the Western Sahara which is occupied by Morocco; is aware that this agreement is due for renewal; and, in view of the continued denial of self determination of the peoples of the Western Sahara, calls on the Government to vote against the renewal of the EU-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement at the forthcoming EU meeting.","date":"2011-02-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42473","proposer":"10685","edm":"1444","session":"2010-12","title":"Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative Principles","text":"That this House upholds and applauds the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) principles which state that the prudent use of natural resource wealth should be an important engine for sustainable economic growth that contributes to sustainable development and poverty reduction; notes that if natural resource wealth is not managed properly, negative economic and social impacts will likely follow; expresses concern over the removal of the Kolwezi and Frontier mines from First Quantum Minerals by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in light of the EITI Principles and DRC's current status as an EITI Candidate country; further notes with concern the involvement of UK-listed companies now in possession of the Kolwezi mine; calls on the UK Government to bringlegally-binding measures for UK-listed extractive companies to report their payments to foreign governments to create a new standard of global extractive industry transparency, building upon requirements contained in the US Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (July 2010) which requires companies engaged in oil, gas and mining extraction to report countryand project-specific payment data in their annual filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission; and recognises that this new standard of transparency will not only reduce opportunities for embezzlement, but will help shelter companies from the costs of bribery and corruption creating a more level, stable and transparent playing field in which to operate.","date":"2011-02-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42448","proposer":"13864","edm":"1419","session":"2010-12","title":"Situation In Egypt","text":"That this House, taking into account the level of distress and civil unrest in Egypt and mindful of the relationship between the UK and Egypt, urges the Government to take the diplomatic steps necessary to ensure that there is real democratic freedom and security within that country.","date":"2011-02-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42449","proposer":"24784","edm":"1420","session":"2010-12","title":"Workers' Rights In Egypt","text":"That this House is concerned by reports that the Egyptian government is forcing public sector employees to take to the streets in an attempt to disrupt the legitimate protests; supports the Foreign Secretary in his call for a peaceful transition of power; and calls for the Egyptian government to fulfil its obligations under international law to respect trade union rights and fundamental liberties such as freedom of expression and peaceful protest.","date":"2011-02-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42410","proposer":"11559","edm":"1385","session":"2010-12","title":"Brenda Namigadde","text":"That this House is concerned by the imminent proposed deportation of Brenda Namigadde, who has claimed asylum because she fears persecution based on her sexuality; believes the atmosphere in Uganda towards homosexuality, driven by inflammatory rhetoric, puts gay and lesbian citizens at risk; deplores the recent murder of Ugandan gay activist David Kato; notes that a politician in Uganda had demanded Ms Namigadde repent or be punished; believes that widespread publicity about Ms Namigadde's sexuality has placed her at severe risk of harm; is worried by persecution of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people around the world; and calls on the Government to exercise its powers to allow Brenda Namigadde to remain in the United Kingdom.","date":"2011-02-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42397","proposer":"10133","edm":"1371","session":"2010-12","title":"Al Jazeera In Cairo","text":"That this House opposes the actions by the Egyptian government in shutting down the broadcast station Al Jazeera in the country and arresting its correspondents; and urges the Government and the Foreign Secretary to make the strongest representations to the Egyptian government and the international community for the immediate release of the journalists and to allow Al Jazeera to function and report fully and freely in accordance with the right to a democratic and free press and media.","date":"2011-01-31","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42352","proposer":"11323","edm":"1333","session":"2010-12","title":"South Sudan Referendum And Peace Campaigning By Emmanuel Jal","text":"That this House notes the peaceful South Sudan independence referendum which took place between 9 January and 15 January 2011; welcomes the fact that the referendum's validity threshold of 60 per cent. of the electorate voting was reached and hopes that, whatever the result, there shall be an end to violence in the region; supports the We Want Peace campaign by international artiste and former south Sudanese child soldier and Lost Boy, Emmanuel Jal, who is a spokesman for the Make Poverty History campaign, the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, the Control Arms campaign, Oxfam and Amnesty International; and believes that music can make a difference and can unite people and that the message of the We Want Peace song has a universal theme to end political violence and suffering across the world.","date":"2011-01-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42274","proposer":"11963","edm":"1259","session":"2010-12","title":"Women's Rights In Sudan","text":"That this House strongly condemns the abhorrent flogging of a woman in Sudan which has been widely circulated on the internet and in the media; expresses deep concern that 44 women and five men protesting at this barbaric act were arrested in Khartoum and that journalists attempting to report this event were obstructed in doing so; notes that these events highlight how the basic civil liberties and human rights enshrined in Sudan's national interim constitution and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement are being infringed in Sudan, particularly against women, with 43,000 public order charges against women occurring in Khartoum State alone in 2008; and calls on the Government to use its leverage to require Sudan to fulfil its international obligations and specific clauses regarding free speech and peaceful demonstration under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.","date":"2011-01-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42230","proposer":"24881","edm":"1217","session":"2010-12","title":"Pretoria Pit Mining Disaster Centenary","text":"That this House acknowledges the 100 year anniversary of the Pretoria Pit Disaster, the third largest coal mining disaster in British history, which saw the loss of 344 men and boys on 21 December 1910; offers condolence to the many families who still remember their relatives and their coal mining heritage with pride; congratulates the people of Westhoughton and Atherton for their hard work over a number of years to ensure that the centenary is commemorated with the unveiling of a specially commissioned statue of a miner at work, the launch of a heritage trail and that the tragedy is remembered in the form of books written by the families and music produced by the Wingate Brass Band.","date":"2010-12-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42221","proposer":"10133","edm":"1208","session":"2010-12","title":"European Parliament Resolution On Western Sahara","text":"That this House acknowledges the most recent European Parliament resolution on the situation in the Western Sahara, which calls on the European Commission to monitor the human rights situation in Western Sahara and regularly to send missions to that territory.","date":"2010-12-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42183","proposer":"10685","edm":"1171","session":"2010-12","title":"Uganda And The Lord's Resistance Army","text":"That this House deplores the atrocities committed by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic and Sudan, which include the systematic rape and mutilation of civilians and the kidnapping and abduction of thousands of children and young people; condemns the failure of the Ugandan government and the international community to bring Joseph Kony and the LRA leadership to justice; believes that this failure constitutes a humanitarian disaster which destabilises the region; recognises recent legislation on the LRA passed through the United States Congress in the week of 7 December 2010; urges the Government to make similar commitments; and calls on the Government to support the demobilisation of LRA members and act on the UK's duty as a State Party of the International Criminal Court(ICC)to help arrest Joseph Kony and those members of the LRA subject to ICC warrants.","date":"2010-12-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42148","proposer":"24738","edm":"1140","session":"2010-12","title":"Human Rights In The Gambia","text":"That this House notes with concern continuing reports of human rights abuses in the Gambia; further notes that according to an independent report by Amnesty International the alleged abuses include arbitrary arrest, torture, incommunicado detention, unfair trials, rape, disappearance and extra-judicial executions; reaffirms its support for the recognition of fundamental human rights across the world; applauds members of the Gambian Human Rights Campaign in Scotland for continuing to raise awareness of this tremendously important issue; expresses its solidarity with the people of the Gambia in light of the reported human rights abuses being committed in their country; and calls on the coalition Government to do everything it can to place international pressure on the Gambian government in support of fundamental human rights.","date":"2010-12-06","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42109","proposer":"10258","edm":"1105","session":"2010-12","title":"Child Marriage In Ethiopia","text":"That this House welcomes the Government's clear position against female genital mutilation and forced marriage; notes that there is not much information in the UK about child marriage; congratulates Miss Alemtsahye Gebrekidan, a former child wife in Ethiopia, for forming the Campaign Against Child Marriage in Ethiopia, which works both to raise awareness of the lasting psychological and social impacts of child marriage, and to support former child wives; further notes the latest UN population report which indicates that the population of Ethiopia is currently 74 million of which 30 per cent. or 22 million are under 15 years; believes that child marriage robs countless Ethiopian children of their childhood and opportunities for education; applauds the Ethiopian government for its efforts in reducing poverty especially among women; and now calls on the Government to work with the Ethiopian authorities and community support groups to tackle child marriage if Ethiopia is to meet UN Millennium Development Goals.","date":"2010-11-30","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42048","proposer":"10685","edm":"1058","session":"2010-12","title":"Disclosure Of Payments To Governments By Oil, Gas And Mining Companies (No. 2)","text":"That this House notes that corruption in the oil, gas and mining industries has caused great human misery in Africa and other developing regions; considers that corruption would be curbed by full disclosure of revenue payments to governments by oil, gas and mining companies; further notes that the United States Congress has passed a law to require all such companies regulated in the US to fully disclose such payments; and urges the Government to consider similar legislation.","date":"2010-11-18","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"42033","proposer":"10133","edm":"1044","session":"2010-12","title":"Western Sahara (No. 2)","text":"That this House notes the seriousness of the human rights situation in the Western Sahara and the need for an urgent international and independent investigation into any violence in the region; acknowledges the need for Minurso to be given a human rights monitoring mandate; further acknowledges the need for the Western Sahara territorial water to be excluded from the EU-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement; and calls on the Government, in its capacity as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to take decisive action toward ensuring a free and fair referendum on self determination for the Saharawi people.","date":"2010-11-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"41962","proposer":"10133","edm":"973","session":"2010-12","title":"Western Sahara","text":"That this House expresses its horror at the violent dismantling by the Moroccan forces of refugee camps in the Western Sahara; notes the accompanying deaths of three security officials, another potentially lethal stabbingand many injuries; notes that the unrest precedes by hours the resumption of informal UN-sponsored talks in New York between Morocco and the Polisario Front; and calls on the Government to signal that it is not prepared for the stalemate to continue in defiance of UN resolutions and international law, to organise higher-level UK engagement in a resolution of the issue, to monitor human rights violations and to end the exploitation of resources in the Occupied Territory.","date":"2010-11-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"41954","proposer":"24714","edm":"965","session":"2010-12","title":"Fifth Anniversary Of The Scotland-Malawi Partnership","text":"That this House recognises the fifth anniversary of the Scotland-Malawi partnership; welcomes the important role played by Scottish organisations in Malawi; notes the historic links between the two countries, initiated by the discovery of Malawi by Blantyre's David Livingstone; welcomes the research undertaken by the University of Edinburgh which found that at least 1.3 million Malawians and 280,000 Scots have benefited from the partnership in the last year; and urges all to sign the partnership's pledge of support.","date":"2010-11-04","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"41819","proposer":"10258","edm":"840","session":"2010-12","title":"Political Situation In Uganda","text":"That this House welcomes the unanimous decision by the Ugandan Constitutional Court that the November 2006 court siege by armed commandos during the trial of the main opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and the alleged People's Redemption Army rebels, violated their basic rights and contravened the provision of the constitution; notes the court ruling that no further charges may be brought against Dr Besigye in any court, civilian or military, in relation to his alleged rebel activities; congratulates Dr Besigye on his election as the joint opposition presidential candidate in theMarch 2011 election; regrets the decision of some Ugandan political parties not to join the inter-party co-operation; recalls the appalling violence that marred the December 2007 election in neighbouring Kenya; and calls on the Government to work with its allies in the European Union and the Commonwealth to persuade Uganda's authorities to constitute a non-partisan electoral commission in order to ensure afree, fair and peaceful election.","date":"2010-10-18","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"41438","proposer":"10431","edm":"485","session":"2010-12","title":"Elections In Somaliland","text":"That this House congratulates the people of Somaliland on the democratic and peaceful process through which they have elected a new government; further congratulates Ahmed Mohamed Mahamoud Silanyo of the Kulmiye Party on being elected President; notes that after a previous election when he was narrowly defeated Silanyo urged his followers not to dispute the result, saying `we accept the outcome - we are a democracy now'; believes that the peaceful transfer of power is greatly to the credit of outgoing President Riyale and of all three parties contesting the election; welcomes the Government's commitment to reward these democratic achievements through increasing existing development aid and help in supporting the democratic institutions in Somaliland; is encouraged by the Prime Minister's positive response to the election and his promise of ongoing support for Somaliland; and further believes that 20 years of democratic development has earned Somaliland a much greater degree of respect, support and encouragement from the international community.","date":"2010-07-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"41294","proposer":"10685","edm":"354","session":"2010-12","title":"Congo","text":"That this House recognises the 50th anniversary of Congolese independence on 30 June 2010; welcomes the progress made by the Congolese government since the end of the country's civil war in 2003; notes in particular the successful passage of the country's first democratic elections held in 2006; welcomes the cordial relationship that the UK Government enjoys with its Congolese counterparts in Kinshasa; notes the 2009 rapprochement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda as a positive step towards finding a non-military and regional approach to the conflict in eastern DRC; calls on the Government to maintain and strengthen its engagement in the DRC; urges the Government to give further support to measures that will better protect Congolese civilians from violence, especially considering that conflict in eastern DRC has been ongoing for almost 15 years and is estimated to have cost over 5.4 million Congolese lives; abhors the sexual violence and other consequences of conflict which particularly affect Congo's women and children; further calls on the Government to support efforts to better address these problems; supports the use of non-military and regional solutions to the ongoing conflict; recognises that more accountable government across the region is central to stabilising the area; further calls on the Government to promote these measures; further calls on the UK to take a leading role in preventing natural resources from fuelling the conflict in eastern Congo; and encourages responsible UK companies to engage with the DRC in this respect.","date":"2010-06-29","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"41034","proposer":"24910","edm":"118","session":"2010-12","title":"Trafigura And Shipping Hazardous Waste To The Ivory Coast","text":"That this House, concerned that due to the start of fresh legal proceedings in the Netherlands on 14 and 17 May 2010 concerning the multinational commodities trading group Trafigura, including allegations that UK nationals and UK firms may have been involved in illegal waste shipments and a subsequent cover-up and that payments were made to truck drivers in return for favourable witness statements and given that this is not being fully reported in the United Kingdom because of the chilling effect of the UK's libel laws, calls on the Government to launch a full inquiry into the allegations against Trafigura and to review the libel laws to ensure that this matter can be reported fully in the UK.","date":"2010-05-27","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"40999","proposer":"11420","edm":"84","session":"2010-12","title":"Human Rights In Malawi","text":"That this House notes the same-sex engagement ceremony in late December 2009 of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, their subsequent prosecution on charges of homosexuality and the 14 year jail sentence imposed upon them; calls on the President of Malawi to ensure that they are released from jail and that all charges against them are dropped; and further calls on the Government of Malawi to decriminalise homosexuality in accordance with the equality and anti-discrimination provisions of Article 20 of the Malawian constitution and Articles 2, 3 and 4 of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights, and to ensure equal treatment and human rights for all Malawian citizens, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.","date":"2010-05-26","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"40842","proposer":"10528","edm":"1189","session":"2009-10","title":"Forthcoming Election In Ethiopia","text":"That this House notes with concern the new restrictions placed on media coverage of the forthcoming general election in Ethiopia; further notes with great sadness the violent aftermath of the 2005 election; expresses its anxiety over the findings of the European Parliament's election monitoring team led by Ana Gomez MEP in 2005; and calls on the Ethiopian government to ensure that this year's election is free, fair and transparent.","date":"2010-03-25","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"40817","proposer":"10133","edm":"1149A1","session":"2009-10","title":"First Eu-Morocco Summit 7 March 2010","text":"at end add `but believes that before any progress is made the occupation of the Western Sahara should end, the Saharwi people should be allowed to determine their own future, and Morocco and the EU should cease exploiting Western Saharan fish and minerals.'.","date":"2010-03-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"40788","proposer":"10295","edm":"1146","session":"2009-10","title":"UK Scout Association And Ugandan Mp David Bahati","text":"That this House acknowledges the action taken by the UK Scout Association in response to a Private Members' Bill tabled in the Ugandan Parliament by David Bahati MP; notes the immediate response of the UK Scouts to raise the matter with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement which has responsibility for co-ordinating scouting on a global level; recognises the clear and unequivocal equal opportunities policy and practices maintained by the UK Scout Association; and supports UK Scouts in the action they take on the matter.","date":"2010-03-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"40791","proposer":"11817","edm":"1149","session":"2009-10","title":"First Eu-Morocco Summit 7 March 2010","text":"That this House welcomes the holding of the first EU-Morocco Summit on 7 March 2010, in Granada, under the Spanish Presidency as being the first summit of its kind with an Arab country; recognises the degree of maturity and trust attained by the political dialogue between the parties; acknowledges the importance of the strategic partnership between the European Union and Morocco particularly the need for Morocco to achieve optimum proximity to the EU; further welcomes the parties' commitment to begin a thorough process of reflection on the nature and form of a new contractual relationship beyond the Advanced Status granted to Morocco in October 2008; takes note of the need to accelerate integration in the Maghreb region through a responsible and constructive dialogue between members of the Maghreb Arab Union; and further acknowledges that the co-operation between the EU, Morocco and other countries of the Sahel-Saharan region must be further developed in order to efficiently tackle security threats in this region.","date":"2010-03-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"40682","proposer":"11420","edm":"874A1","session":"2009-10","title":"Ugandan Mp David Bahati And Homosexuality","text":"leave out from `individual;' to `and further calls' in line 7, and insert `supports the actions of the leadership of the UK Scout Association in raising concerns about Mr Bahati's conduct through the World Organisation of the Scout Movement; believes that Mr Bahati's conduct is discriminatory, incompatible with and contrary to the values and belief in the sanctity of life held by the Scouting Movement worldwide;'.","date":"2010-03-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"40645","proposer":"10123","edm":"1019","session":"2009-10","title":"Famine Aid To Ethiopia","text":"That this House notes the report by Martin Plant, Africa Editor for the BBC World Service, that aid money including that raised from the Live Aid concerts, to combat widespread famine in Ethiopia in 1984-85 was siphoned off by rebels to buy weapons; that, because the then Soviet Union supported the Ethiopian government, the United States under President Reagan issued its National Security Directive 75 which declared that `US policy will seek to limit and destabilise activities of Soviet Third World allies and clients', and that from this the BBC report concludes that `the suggestion cannot be ruled out that the CIA not only knew about, but supported, the diversion of aid fund'; and considers that, if this were the case, it was a monstrous act by the then US authorities, betraying the trust and generosity of the millions of people who supported the aid effort, and resulting in the deaths of Ethiopian famine victims who could, with the proper application of those funds, have been saved.","date":"2010-03-04","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"40483","proposer":"10190","edm":"874","session":"2009-10","title":"Ugandan Mp David Bahati And Homosexuality","text":"That this House deplores the comments made by the Chief of the Scout Board of Uganda, David Bahati MP, calling for serial homosexual offenders to be hanged; notes that the comments lack humanity and are not consistent with the Scout Movement's goals of personal development and promoting physical, intellectual, social and spiritual well-being of the individual; calls on the Chief Executive of the UK Scout Association, Mr Derek Twine, to press his colleagues in the World Organisation of the Scout Movement to expel Mr Bahati from his post; and further calls on Ugandan MPs to vote against the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill which was authored by Mr Bahati.","date":"2010-02-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"40429","proposer":"10571","edm":"829","session":"2009-10","title":"Morocco And Solar Power","text":"That this House welcomes the constructive participation of Mrs Amina Benkhadra, Moroccan Minister of Energy and her accompanying delegation to the conference on climate change and the Desertec initiative organised on 2 February 2010 in this House; congratulates the Kingdom of Morocco for its commitment to making renewable energy a strategic priority for the next 10 years ahead and particularly for the ambitious and integrated Moroccan solar project; and recognises Morocco's strong interest in the Desertec initiative.","date":"2010-02-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"40410","proposer":"11784","edm":"810","session":"2009-10","title":"Human Rights In Cameroon","text":"That this House condemns the continued abuse of political activists by the Cameroonian government, particularly of the SCNC political party; notes Cameroon's poor human rights record, and its continued abuses including denial of the rights to freedom of expression, association, press, and assembly; further notes the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's advice to avoid political demonstrations and large public gatherings in Cameroon; also notes abuses against the SCNC documented by Amnesty International, which include arbitrary arrest, unlawful detentions and inhuman or degrading treatment; acknowledges the clear risks posed to members of the SCNC by the Cameroonian government; and calls on the Government to offer help to members of the SCNC who are judged to be in danger due to these human rights abuses.","date":"2010-02-05","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"40405","proposer":"10177","edm":"806","session":"2009-10","title":"Comprehensive Peace Agreement In Sudan","text":"That this House is concerned about the current situation in Sudan; notes that the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement put an end to one of Africa's longest running civil wars, in which over two million people lost their lives; is gravely concerned that, without adequate preparation, the upcoming national elections and referendum on southern independence could re-ignite conflict between north and south Sudan, with broader implications for regional stability; notes with horror the significant spike in violence in South Sudan in 2009, with over 2,500 killed and 350,000 displaced; also notes that, in the western region of Darfur, millions continue to suffer daily in camps; calls on the Government to seek urgent action now to protect civilians during this turbulent period in Sudan; and further calls on the Government to devote greater attention to inducing the parties, North, South, East and Darfur, to continue dialogue and find constructive solutions to the problems they face.","date":"2010-02-04","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"40257","proposer":"11093","edm":"668","session":"2009-10","title":"Elizabethan High School Retford And The Massambeh Project, The Gambia","text":"That this House congratulates the committee of students from the Elizabethan High School in Retford who received the Diana Princess of Wales' award for group excellence on 15 December 2009; applauds the students' efforts in raising funds to build a primary classroom block in the rural village of Massambeh, The Gambia, as well as to provide the school with supplies, football shirts and all the resources needed to offer as good an education as possible; notes that The Gambia does not currently offer any education provision for the under-sevens and only limited provision for the over-sevens; further notes that Massambeh is several hours up country and beyond the reach of regular communications and basic utilities; and wishes the students well in their future endeavours to assist the village school.","date":"2010-01-20","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"40154","proposer":"10123","edm":"575","session":"2009-10","title":"Anti-Homosexuality Bill In Uganda","text":"That this House calls on the British Government and the European Union to press the government of Uganda not to proceed with its Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which violates the equality and non-discrimination provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter of Human and People's Rights; abhores that this Bill, currently before the Uganda parliament, proposes the death penalty for repeat homosexual acts, extends the existing penalty of life imprisonment for anal intercourse to all other same-sex behaviour, including the mere touching of another person with the intent to have homosexual relations and imposes life imprisonment for contracting a same-sex marriage; notes that under the provisions of the Bill membership of providing funding for gay organisations advocating gay human rights and providing condoms or safer sex advice to gay people will result in a sentence of between five and seven years for promoting homosexuality and that a person in authority who fails to report offenders to the police within 24 hours will incur a three year prison sentence; further notes that this monstrous proposed law contains extra-territorial jurisdiction so that it will apply to Ugandans who breach its provisions whilst living abroad, even in countries where such behaviour is not a criminal offence, and that such Ugandans living overseas could be subject to extradition, trial and punishment in Uganda; and demands that the Ugandan government uphold international humanitarian law by abandoning its Anti-Homosexuality Bill, decriminalising same-sex acts between consenting adults in private, and outlawing discrimination against gay people.","date":"2010-01-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"40143","proposer":"11420","edm":"564","session":"2009-10","title":"Human Rights In Malawi","text":"That this House notes the same-sex engagement ceremony in late December 2009 of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga; calls on the President of Malawi to ensure that they are released from jail and that all charges against them for homosexual relations are dropped; and calls on the government of Malawi to decriminalise homosexuality in accordance with the equality and non-discrimination clauses of the Malawian constitution and the African Charter on Human and People's Rights, and to ensure the human rights of all its citizens, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.","date":"2010-01-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"40124","proposer":"10123","edm":"546","session":"2009-10","title":"Food Aid To Somalia","text":"That this House expresses alarm at the suspension of the UN World Food Programme to Somalia following threats and attempted extortion by al-Shabaab militia extremists; notes that this could result in up to one million people facing starvation; considers this, the never-ending conflict and the strengthening of al-Qaeda groups in Somalia, to be the diabolical consequence of the misjudged US toppling of an Islamic government, which the world could have worked with, by the sponsoring of an Ethiopian invasion in December 2006; now considers that the best way to get vitally-needed food into the country is by an urgent, massive increased commitment of African Union troops for this purpose, but that this needs to be organised and fully funded by the international community, particularly Western governments; and calls on the Government to make this a high priority.","date":"2010-01-06","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"39962","proposer":"10780","edm":"400","session":"2009-10","title":"Charity Drought Relief In Kenya","text":"That this House notes the horrendous ongoing problems in much of Africa, the battle against drought, famine and corruption that has been fought for generations; commends the many volunteers, church groups and charities that continue to offer hope to those most affected; draws particular attention to groups such as Excellent Development, a British charity that has constructed 200 sand dams in Kenya, offering help and hope to Kenyans in such a way as to combat drought and corruption; and expresses the hope that support for their, and other, such ventures will be sufficient to allow them to expand their efforts and bring assistance to millions more throughout the East African region.","date":"2009-12-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"39859","proposer":"10177","edm":"299","session":"2009-10","title":"Wave Of Abuse In Western Sahara","text":"That this House condemns the escalating wave of human rights violations against Saharawi human rights activists in October and November 2009 including the detention of seven prominent Saharawi prisoners of conscience; expresses concern over the intention of the Moroccan authorities to try these prisoners in a military court where they may face the death penalty; is dismayed over the expulsion of prominent Saharawi human rights activist and winner of the 2009 Civil Courage Award Aminatou Haider from Western Sahara; notes with concern the actions of the Moroccan authorities to prevent Saharawi human rights activists from travelling abroad; expresses regret over the arrests of several Saharawi human rights defenders; opposes the regressive and systemic trend of human rights violations against those who peacefully resist the occupation of Western Sahara; and calls on the Government to condemn these actions and urge the United Nations to implement human rights monitoring in the region.","date":"2009-12-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"39487","proposer":"10780","edm":"2226","session":"2008-09","title":"Aid To Africa","text":"That this House notes the extent of international assistance offered particularly in recent years to African nations; commends the many efforts governments, aid agencies, churches and individuals have made to assist in the drive against poverty, HIV\/AIDS and corruption which afflict so many African countries; and hopes that more can be done in future to continue these efforts in a campaign that should have the support of the entire international community.","date":"2009-11-04","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"39199","proposer":"11199","edm":"1972","session":"2008-09","title":"Giraffe Centre Nairobi","text":"That this House commends the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi's Lang'ata suburb for its tireless and magnificent efforts in educating Kenyan school children about the country's wildlife and environment; recognises the centre as the creation of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife; pays tribute to its founder, the late Jack Leslie-Melville, for realising his extraordinary vision for education in conjunction with rescuing the endangered Rothschild giraffe; fully supports its efforts to continue to expand the sanctuary; and is encouraged by its drive to further diversify activities in educating children and adults alike in the practical benefits to both people and wildlife of taking an active interest in the environment and the welfare of this magnificent wild animal.","date":"2009-07-21","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"39200","proposer":"11199","edm":"1973","session":"2008-09","title":"Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Uganda","text":"That this House commends the Ngamba Island Sanctuary in Uganda, part of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust, for its dedicated work over the past 11 years in caring for orphaned and confiscated chimpanzees; celebrates its reputable approach in affectionately caring for the animals, whilst respecting their requirements for a natural environment; acknowledges the invaluable effort undertaken in offering a high-quality educational experience for visitors of all ages; and fully supports its mission to promote the understanding, appreciation and conservation of chimpanzees and their habitats in particular and African wildlife in general.","date":"2009-07-21","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"38907","proposer":"10439","edm":"1714","session":"2008-09","title":"Work Of The Alive And Kicking Charity","text":"That this House commends the work of Alive and Kicking, a charity which takes on previously unemployed adults in Kenya, Zambia and South Africa to hand-stitch durable sports balls for local communities; welcomes the opportunity that these sports balls give for children in some of the poorest communities in Africa to play games; notes that every job provided by Alive and Kicking usually supports an extended family of up to seven or eight people; recognises the importance of the health messages printed on the balls, which raise awareness of HIV and AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis; and wishes this innovative charity a successful future, particularly in the build-up to the 2010 World Cup which is to be held in South Africa.","date":"2009-06-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"38763","proposer":"11245","edm":"1585","session":"2008-09","title":"Day Of The African Child (No. 2)","text":"That this House commemorates 16 June 2009 as the Day of the African Child; notes with concern that across the globe, 9.2 million children die before the age of five each year; supports the Save the Children global child survival campaign which aims to ensure that the global community achieves Millennium Development Goal 4; and calls on the G8 leaders assembling in Italy to declare that no low-income country in Africa or elsewhere with a credible plan to reduce maternal, newborn and child mortality should fail to achieve these objectives for a lack of donor resources.","date":"2009-06-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"38348","proposer":"10298","edm":"1226","session":"2008-09","title":"Kari Blackburn Boto","text":"That this House joins in the tributes to Kari Blackburn Boto whose life achievements to public service were wonderfully celebrated at St Mary le Strand in London in March 2009 on what would have been Kari's 55th birthday; expresses its great sadness at her untimely death; recognises with gratitude Kari's outstanding BBC career including as producer, Head of the Swahili Service, Head of the African Service, as executive editor of the African and Middle East region, and as international operations director of the World Service Trust; expresses thanks for Kari's unlimited commitment to her family, friends, colleagues, the BBC and Africa; delights in the support she and her family have given to Ogogoro Primary School in Liri, in northern Uganda; and urges the BBC World Service always to follow the highest standards set by people like Kari Blackburn Boto, and ensure that excellent, fearless and impartial broadcasting by the BBC is always available to all the peoples of Africa.","date":"2009-03-31","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"38297","proposer":"10685","edm":"1177","session":"2008-09","title":"Fifteenth Anniversary Of The Rwandan Genocide","text":"That this House recognises the 15 year anniversary commemoration of the genocide in Rwanda which began in April 1994 and resulted in around one million dead in 100 days; urges the United Nations as well as all countries to learn from its terrible consequences and act decisively to prevent genocide; acknowledges the enduring legacy of the genocide for the 400,000 survivors in Rwanda today, many of whom are vulnerable widows and orphans; condemns continued instances of attacks on genocide survivors; notes that shelter, education, healthcare and livelihood programmes to deliver restorative justice for survivors are vital for reconciliation in Rwanda; commends the work of organisations working towards this end; and calls upon the Government to maintain and build upon its support to survivors.","date":"2009-03-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"38139","proposer":"10231","edm":"1041","session":"2008-09","title":"South African Customs Charges On Free Football Equipment","text":"That this House welcomes the football coaching and educational activities undertaken over the last six years in deprived and impoverished townships in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town by British Airways, the Metropolitan Police, the Charlton Athletic Community Trust and the British High Commission working together with the South African Police and local premier soccer league teams of Ajax Cape Town, AmaZulu FC and Wits FC; recognises the financial contribution made by the British partners of around \u00c2\u00a3250,000 per year in coaching, flights, travelling and staffing costs of running these courses; but regrets the fact that the South African customs authorities are demanding that the British partners now pay nearly \u00c2\u00a327,000 in 2009 for bringing in the new kit which is used for the coaching courses and given free to the children and schools who participate in the organised programmes.","date":"2009-03-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"37885","proposer":"10685","edm":"810","session":"2008-09","title":"Dr Alison Des Forges","text":"That this House mourns the death of Dr Alison Des Forges, the leading expert on the 1994 Rwandan genocide and its aftermath, who was killed in the crash of Flight 3407 to Buffalo on 12 February 2009; recognises her unfaltering commitment to the people of the Great Lakes region of Africa and her major contribution to the promotion of human rights, in particular during almost two decades as senior adviser to Human Rights Watch's Africa division; expresses gratitude for her profound understanding of the region, which she shared with wit and generosity; notes her role as expert witness at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and her award-winning account of the Rwandan genocide; and further expresses its deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.","date":"2009-02-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"37889","proposer":"10616","edm":"814","session":"2008-09","title":"Deportations To The Democratic Republic Of Congo","text":"That this House believes that in spite of the decision made by immigration judges to refuse to accept the compelling evidence of ill-treatment of asylum seekers who are forcibly returned to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the recent Country Guidance case, there is information from reliable sources demonstrating that there is very real persecution by the security services at the behest of President Kabila himself of anyone perceived to be in opposition to his regime, including arrest, torture and extrajudicial execution, particularly in the Kinshasa, Bas-Congo and Equateur areas; further believes that asylum seekers sent back from the UK will be viewed as political dissidents and that their physical integrity will be at risk if deported; and further believes that given the gravely unstable conditions in the country as a whole, the appalling human rights record and the fact that average life expectancy is below 40 years old, there should be an immediate moratorium on forced returns to that country.","date":"2009-02-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"37906","proposer":"10385","edm":"831","session":"2008-09","title":"International Criminal Court","text":"That this House welcomes the historic first use of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the trial of the Congolese warlord, Thomas Lubanga, for human rights violations including torture, rape and the forced conscription of child soldiers; encourages the ICC's continued investigations in the central African region; regrets the loss of over three million lives to fighting and poverty over 12 years in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and calls on the Government to use all available routes to assist with peace-building and the relief of extreme poverty.","date":"2009-02-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"37492","proposer":"10177","edm":"468","session":"2008-09","title":"International Policy On Sudan","text":"That this House notes the fourth anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between North and South Sudan that ended decades of brutal civil war; welcomes the Chatham House report entitled Against the Gathering Storm which highlights the risk of renewed civil war in Sudan if the CPA breaks down; underlines the need for international supporters of the CPA to engage urgently and multilaterally with a new approach that draws together the problems in Darfur with those in all other regions of Sudan; urges the parties to the agreement and its international guarantors to push the CPA beyond operational implementation by moving forward provisions on root causes of the conflict such as land, national reconciliation and local governance; and calls on the Government and its international partners to adopt a consistent and coherent policy towards Sudan that takes into account the country's interlocking conflicts and ensures free and fair elections in 2009.","date":"2009-01-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"37201","proposer":"10100","edm":"207","session":"2008-09","title":"Democracy In Uganda","text":"That this House notes that the Ugandan main opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye returned from exile in South Africa three years ago on 26 October 2005, and was immediately arrested and charged with rape, terrorism and treason; recalls that he won an impressive 37 per cent. of vote share although he was nominated as a presidential candidate while in prison; notes that the Uganda Supreme Court, the Commonwealth Election Observer Team and the European Union Monitoring Team reported that the presidential elections were conducted outside the law because there was no separation between the ruling party and the state, and because of violence perpetrated by the army against the opposition; also notes that Lieutenant Ramathan Magara, who allegedly shot and killed three of Dr Besigye's supporters at a rally on 15 February 2006, has been set free; regrets that Dr Besigye's treason trial is yet to be finalised; and calls on the Government to use its influence in the Commonwealth and the European Union to ensure not only the expeditious trial of Dr Besigye and Lieutenant Magara, but also the implementation of the recommendations of the European Union and Commonwealth reports on the 2006 elections.","date":"2008-12-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"37054","proposer":"10527","edm":"62","session":"2008-09","title":"Angola Elections","text":"That this House welcomes recent legislative elections in Angola, the first since 1992; notes with concern reports from the European Union observers and Human Rights Watch that the elections were not free, fair and transparent; and calls on the Government to act to encourage the Angolan state to ensure that a free, fair and transparent process is followed for the scheduled 2009 presidential election.","date":"2008-12-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"37092","proposer":"10815","edm":"102","session":"2008-09","title":"Ambassador Belmahi Of Morocco","text":"That this House notes that His Excellency Mohammed Belmahi is to relinquish his appointment as Ambassador of His Majesty the King of Morocco to the Court of St. James'; expresses its gratitude for his outstanding contribution to UK-Moroccan relations during nine years in the UK and in particular his personal commitment ensuring His Majesty's \u00c2\u00a31 million sponsorship for Oxford University and the remarkable exhibition of ancient examples of the Bible, the Koran and the Torah at the British Library to promote greater inter-faith understanding; acknowledges the charming dedicated support Mrs \u00c3\u201ese Belmahi has given to British-Moroccan events; and records its thanks to the Belmahi family for their distinguished service in furthering the historic friendship between our countries.","date":"2008-12-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36935","proposer":"10133","edm":"2520","session":"2007-08","title":"Status Of Western Sahara","text":"That this House recalls that at 9.00am on 16th October 1975, the International Court of Justice delivered its Advisory Opinion on the Western Sahara, upholding the right of self-determination of the people of Western Sahara; welcomes the public reading of the said opinion at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) organised by Sandblast, a UK-based arts organisation and the Centre for the Study of Colonialism, Empire and International Law at SOAS to remind the international community of its duty; and urges the UK Government to to play a full part in ensuring that the Saharawi people are able finally to exercise their right to self-determination after 33 years.","date":"2008-11-18","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36879","proposer":"11672","edm":"2473","session":"2007-08","title":"Execution By Stoning Of Aisha Ibrahim Duhulow In Somalia","text":"That this House expresses grave concern following the unlawful stoning of Aisha Ibrahim Duhulow in Somalia; unequivocally condemns the inaction to defend her from bogus accusations of adultery; sees no justice under international human rights law, Sharia law or any other Somali law, in the sentence of stoning passed to this 13 year old girl; deplores the state of human rights affairs in Somalia with the lives of human rights activists and journalists being threatened on a daily basis; and calls on the Government to use every diplomatic measure at its disposal to prevent any future repeats of this terrible incident.","date":"2008-11-11","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36833","proposer":"10323","edm":"2433","session":"2007-08","title":"Stoning Of Thirteen Year Old Rape Victim In Somalia","text":"That this House is deeply concerned by the horrific killing of 13 year old Aisha Ibrahim Duhulow who was stoned to death in Somalia; condemns the al-Shabab militia who arranged for a group of 50 men to stone Aisha Ibrahim Duhulow in front of a crowd of 1,000 spectators; notes that she was accused of adultery in breach of Islamic law but that her father and other sources told Amnesty International that she had in fact been raped by three men; is appalled that when she attempted to report the assault to the al-Shabab militia, she was detained and sentenced to death; further notes that when some of the witnesses to the stoning attempted to come to her aid, the al-Shabab militia opened fire and shot dead a boy who was a bystander; and calls on the Government to intervene in any possible way to help ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice and to help prevent any repetition of such a barbaric act.","date":"2008-11-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36789","proposer":"11707","edm":"2397","session":"2007-08","title":"Conflict In The Democratic Republic Of Congo","text":"That this House notes with utmost concern the escalation of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo; further notes that this conflict has now cost an estimated 5.4 million lives, making it the most deadly conflict since World War II; is concerned by recent reports received by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees that camps north of the city Goma, which were home to 50,000 refugees, have been forcibly emptied, looted and torched; is alarmed that aid agencies are being forced from the country because of concerns for their safety; and urgently calls on the Government to take a leading role in achieving a peaceful and lasting settlement to this conflict.","date":"2008-11-03","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36794","proposer":"11522","edm":"2402","session":"2007-08","title":"Port Facilities At Benghazi","text":"That this House expresses its concern about the strategic defence implications of the Russian-Libyan negotiations regarding port facilities for the Military Maritime Fleet of Russia at Benghazi.","date":"2008-11-03","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36740","proposer":"10177","edm":"2359","session":"2007-08","title":"Home Office Treatment Of Darfur Asylum Seekers","text":"That this House believes recent events in Sudan, including the Justice for Equality Movement attack of 10th May 2008 on Khartoum, have led to a drastic change in circumstances and have reinforced the need for Darfuris to be protected from persecution; notes the September 2008 report by the UN Special Rapporteur on Sudan, Sima Samar, in which she warns that at least 500 civilians are still in National Intelligence and Security Services detention and that most are thought to have been arrested on grounds of their Darfurian ethnicity; further notes concerns raised by human rights group Waging Peace regarding severe breaches of law and procedure which occurred during re-documentation interviews of Darfuri asylum seekers by a Sudanese official in Home Office facilities in March and April 2007; expresses concern at the one-year delay for a Home Office response to the report; expresses concern at reports that Home Office officials have recently encouraged Darfuri asylum seekers to sign voluntary return forms without the presence of interpreters; welcomes the upcoming guidance case in November in which returns to Khartoum of individuals of Darfurian origin will be reassessed; urges the Home Office to acknowledge the growing evidence of targeting and persecution of Darfuris in Khartoum; and requests that the Home Office engage as a matter of urgency with the Home Affairs Select Committee and Waging Peace in order to address remaining questions regarding the re-documentation interviews of Darfuri asylum seekers.","date":"2008-10-28","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36743","proposer":"10252","edm":"2362","session":"2007-08","title":"Speaker Abbot Award","text":"That this House applauds Jonathan Paye-Layleh from Liberia and Michel Kilo from Syria, joint winners of the 2008 Parliamentary Press Gallery Speaker Abbot Award, supported by the Silbury Fund, given since 2003 to international journalists considered to have made the greatest contribution internationally to the protection, promotion and perpetuation of parliamentary democracy; notes that while Jonathan Paye-Layleh was able to receive his award from Mr Speaker in October 2008 at a reception in Mr Speaker's apartments at Westminster, Michel Kilo was arrested on 14th May 2006, accused of publishing `mendacious and exaggerated reports with the aim of discrediting the government' and `defaming the president and the courts', and remains in prison in Syria; and calls on the authorities in Syria to release Michel Kilo and allow him to continue the struggle for democracy in Syria.","date":"2008-10-28","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36707","proposer":"10785","edm":"2328","session":"2007-08","title":"Death Penalty In Nigeria And Saudi Arabia","text":"That this House welcomes the two Amnesty International reports entitled, Waiting for the Hangman and Affront to Justice; notes with concern that over 700 people are currently under sentence of death in Nigeria's prisons; is concerned to hear reports of evidence indicating Nigerians cannot rely on their criminal justice system to produce results that are either fair or accurate; further notes that executions in Saudi Arabia have risen sharply in the last two years, with a fourfold increase from 2006; further notes with concern that death sentences in Saudi Arabia are often imposed at the end of largely secret and unfair trial processes with many defendants being executed for non-violent or vaguely worded offences; and calls on both the Saudi Arabian and Nigerian governments to impose a moratorium on executions, as called for by the UN General Assembly in December 2007.","date":"2008-10-22","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36598","proposer":"10177","edm":"2248","session":"2007-08","title":"Two Year Anniversary Of Eastern Sudan Peace Agreement","text":"That this House recognises the two year anniversary of the Eastern Sudan Peace Agreement signed between the Sudanese government and the Eastern Front; notes with concern that implementation of the agreement has been slow; points to rising tension between ethnic groups in the region and between the parties to the conflict; stresses that malnutrition rates in the east are in places the highest in Sudan, that 90 per cent. of the population in rural areas do not have access to safe drinking water, and that illiteracy in some localities reaches over 80 per cent.; further recognises that anger over such conditions was a primary cause of violent tension in the region, as in Darfur; and therefore urges the international community to engage more actively in monitoring and supporting the implementation of the Eastern Sudan Agreement to avoid further conflict and continued humanitarian catastrophe.","date":"2008-10-15","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36521","proposer":"10527","edm":"2171","session":"2007-08","title":"Angola Elections","text":"That this House welcomes recent legislative elections in Angola, the first since 1992; notes with concern reports from the European Union observers and Human Rights Watch that the elections were not free, fair and transparent; and calls on the Government to act to encourage the Angolan state to ensure that a free, fair and transparent process is followed for the scheduled 2009 presidential election.","date":"2008-10-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36414","proposer":"10295","edm":"2073","session":"2007-08","title":"China And Ivory Licences","text":"That this House notes with urgent concern the Government's decision to approve China's application to legalise purchasing of ivory stockpiles from Africa; is concerned that the licence will provide myriad opportunities for illicit ivory to be laundered into legal stock and will increase the already tragic number of 20,000 elephants being illegally killed across the African continent; and condemns the decision to bow to political pressure regarding relations with China rather than using Great Britain's position as European representative on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) committee to make a stand for positive international wildlife protection.","date":"2008-07-16","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36364","proposer":"10001","edm":"2023","session":"2007-08","title":"Darfuri Asylum Seekers In The UK","text":"That this House is greatly concerned at the Home Office's recent decision to resume the removal of Darfuri asylum seekers from the UK and return them to Khartoum; recalls that in 2007 the Home Office suspended the deportations in order to investigate further accusations of torture in the region by Sudanese authorities, but concluded that the accusations were not confirmed; notes that this conclusion failed to take into consideration the UN High Commissioner for Refugees' position against the return of Darfuris to Khartoum, which stated that they would be subjected to torture and even death; further notes that upon lifting the ban on deporting Darfuri asylum-seekers the Home Office failed publicly to disclose its change in policy; and therefore urges the Home Office immediately to reverse its decision in order to honour the Government's international human rights obligations.","date":"2008-07-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36252","proposer":"10106","edm":"1930","session":"2007-08","title":"Persecution Of Christians In Algeria: The Case Of Habiba Kouider","text":"That this House expresses concern at reports of the closure of churches and the detention of Christians in Algeria; expresses particular concern at the case of Habiba Kouider, a 37 year old Algerian woman facing prosecution as a result of being in possession of copies of the Bible; and urges the Government to raise this case and other cases of persecution of Christians in Algeria in the course of the discussions on the proposed Union for the Mediterranean due to commence in Paris on 13th July.","date":"2008-07-01","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36236","proposer":"10258","edm":"1914","session":"2007-08","title":"Cocoa Industry And Trafficking","text":"That this House calls attention to the trafficking of an estimated 12,000 children into slavery on cocoa farms in Cote d'Ivoire to make the chocolate that is consumed in the UK; notes with dismay that the cocoa industry will not meet its commitments to eradicate the worst forms of child labour in supply chains by 1st July 2008, and thus it continues to profit from modern-day child slavery; is concerned with the lack of Government pressure on the industry to uphold children's rights; calls on the cocoa industry to guarantee its products are not made by trafficked children; and further calls on the Government to hold chocolate manufacturers to account.","date":"2008-06-30","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36204","proposer":"11245","edm":"1883","session":"2007-08","title":"Humanitarian Situation In Somalia","text":"That this House is deeply concerned by the developing humanitarian crisis in Somalia arising from civil war, political instability and catastrophic climate failures which have led to famine and drought; notes that the number of people desperately in need of help may rise to three million and that children under five years old are worst affected by these conditions and are suffering terrible consequences; and therefore calls on the Government to work with other African countries, non-governmental organisations and the international community and, particularly, to use bilateral aid to get humanitarian aid to the people of Somalia.","date":"2008-06-25","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36167","proposer":"10029","edm":"1857","session":"2007-08","title":"NELSON MANDELA'S 90th BIRTHDAY","text":"That this House warmly congratulates Nelson Mandela on the occasion of his 90th birthday; recognises that his life and work have been an inspiration and example for millions throughout the world; appreciates the work of The Nelson Mandela Foundation, The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and The Mandela Rhodes Foundation in working to raise awareness of AIDS and to promote HIV prevention measures; and welcomes the 46664 concert to London on 27th June to celebrate the occasion and to continue to generate support for such a worthy cause.","date":"2008-06-23","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36152","proposer":"10616","edm":"1843","session":"2007-08","title":"Detention Of Asylum Seekers From Democratic Republic Of Congo","text":"That this House calls for the immediate release of all asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who are still being held in immigration detention centres around the UK, including one in Belmarsh Prison, as their deportation is not imminent while the DRC country guidance is being appealed against; and considers that their continued detention, in some cases far in excess of 12 months, is becoming unlawful, as it is blatantly punitive rather than administrative.","date":"2008-06-19","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36154","proposer":"11973","edm":"1845","session":"2007-08","title":"Josie Pasane","text":"That this House condemns the Home Office decision to separate Josie Pasane from her family, whom she has been living with for seven years in Broughty Ferry, and to deport her to South Africa; expresses concern over reports that Josie received incorrect advice from the Home Office over her status which has led to the order for deportation; notes that Josie, a graduate of Abertay University, is a valued member of the local community; and calls on the Government urgently to review her case.","date":"2008-06-19","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36134","proposer":"11245","edm":"1760A1","session":"2007-08","title":"Global Action To Improve Maternal And Child Health","text":"leave out from `services' to `services' in line 8.","date":"2008-06-17","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36135","proposer":"11245","edm":"1760A2","session":"2007-08","title":"Global Action To Improve Maternal And Child Health","text":"leave out from `World' to `and' in line 12.","date":"2008-06-17","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36060","proposer":"10378","edm":"1760","session":"2007-08","title":"Global Action To Improve Maternal And Child Health","text":"That this House notes with concern that maternal and child death rates are still extremely high in developing countries, owing to the inadequacy of human resources and the absence of quality health services, particularly in rural areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America; acknowledges that the international community agreed to reduce maternal mortality by 75 per cent. by 2015 under Millennium Development Goal 5; therefore welcomes the emphasis placed on strengthening health services, especially sexual and reproductive health and rights, including maternal and child health and family planning services, in the Department for International Development's Achieving Universal Access, The New UK Strategy for Halting and Reversing the Spread of HIV in the Developing World; further notes that United Kingdom medical organisations, including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists are working to ensure that training and expertise are provided in developing countries; and calls upon the Government to highlight maternal and child health at forthcoming key events in the European Parliament, the G8 Summit and UN meetings.","date":"2008-06-11","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36022","proposer":"10616","edm":"1736","session":"2007-08","title":"Ugandan Diplomatic Passports In The UK","text":"That this House notes the Prime Minister's letter published in The Times on 2nd June, which says that the extension of the maximum length of pre-charge detention is necessary because `the police find themselves investigating multiple identities and passports'; notes the 29th February 2008 conviction in the UK of Rose Birungi, former aide to General Salim Saleh, President Museveni's brother and State Minister for microfinance, who has been sentenced to 12 years for trafficking Class A cocaine while travelling on a Ugandan diplomatic passport; further notes the recent statement by the Uganda Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Okello Oryem that his government does not know how many people have diplomatic passports; fears that these passports could fall into terrorists' hands; and calls on the Government to check routinely everyone entering or leaving the UK while carrying a Ugandan diplomatic passport.","date":"2008-06-10","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36038","proposer":"11946","edm":"1700A1","session":"2007-08","title":"Ethiopia","text":"leave out from `Ethiopia' to end and insert `notes that the Ethiopian government and UN agencies are working closely together to assist people exposed to drought in certain areas of Ethiopia; and calls upon the international community, including the Government, the European Union, the United States, the UN agencies and the African Union, to assist with the full deployment of AMISOM and UN peace-keeping forces in Somalia, so that Ethiopia can withdraw from Somalia without leaving a security vacuum, and for full support to be given to the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia to strengthen its institutions in order to facilitate the democratic process within the framework of the Transitional Charter of Somalia which paves the way for a democratically elected government in Somalia by 2009.'.","date":"2008-06-10","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"36004","proposer":"11427","edm":"1718","session":"2007-08","title":"International Links Between Schools","text":"That this House warmly congratulates the staff, children and parents of St Mary's Primary School in Whickham for the work they have done since 2002 through a twinning arrangement with St Anthony's Academy in the Nakuru region of Kenya; further congratulates pupils of St Mary's for gaining the UNICEF national award of Rights Respecting School; further notes that \u00c2\u00a37,000 has been raised by the school and local parish communities to provide clean water from a well dug, built and managed by the local community in Subukia, Kenya; acknowledges the role that Father Ithondeka played in strengthening relations between the two schools; is deeply saddened that Father Ithondeka was murdered by armed youths at an illegal roadblock during the recent disturbances; further notes that for three of the last six years the British Council has funded reciprocal visits for teachers from both countries enabling the link to grow and strenghten; is disappointed that this funding has now stopped though the link continues, and that visits will be reduced due to lack of funds; and urges the Government to support such links and to play a key role in returning Kenya to the path of peace and ensuring that basic human rights such as health, water and education for children are made available to all.","date":"2008-06-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"35984","proposer":"10123","edm":"1700","session":"2007-08","title":"Ethiopia","text":"That this House is concerned at the new drought and famine in Ethiopia; and, whilst favouring aid to those innocent civilians including children affected, records its condemnation, in such circumstances, of the Ethiopian government for its war policy which led it to invade and be the principal occupying force in neighbouring Somalia where it has established a warlord regime creating more refugees and human carnage there than in Darfur; expresses disapproval that the Ethiopian government was encouraged and financed to do this by the US and UK governments; and considers it a wicked regime that invests its resources in such wars rather than feeding its own people.","date":"2008-06-04","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"35824","proposer":"11892","edm":"1552","session":"2007-08","title":"Vumba Massacre","text":"That this House notes that 23rd June 2008 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Vumba Massacre of British missionaries by members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation Army in the former Rhodesia that resulted in the murder of nine missionaries and four children; further notes that all were associated with the Elim Pentecostal Church; recalls that those who were murdered were Peter McCann, his wife, Sandra, son Phillip aged six and daughter Joy aged five, Phillip Evans, his wife, Suzan, and their daughter Rebecca aged four, Catherine Picken, Elizabeth Wendy Hamilton-White, Mary Fisher and Roy Lynn, his wife, Joyce and their daughter Pamela Grace aged three weeks old; further recalls that according to witnesses the missionaries were praying for their killers as they died; notes that since then, several of those terrorists have become Christians, and the work that the missionaries started is being carried on today by Zimbabwean nationals; expresses its gratitude to all who have imperilled their lives in order to carry the Gospel to those in need; and takes comfort in the promise contained in the book of Revelation chapter 14 and verse 13 that says `Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth... that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them'.","date":"2008-05-13","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"35799","proposer":"10218","edm":"1529","session":"2007-08","title":"Occupation Of Somalia And Human Rights Abuses","text":"That this House notes the publication by Amnesty International of damning evidence of human rights abuses carried out by Ethiopian forces and their allies in Somalia; further notes that 700,000 people, nearly half of the population of Mogadishu, have been forced to flee following the Ethiopian invasion; recalls that the US administration has trained and supplied Ethiopian troops involved in the occupation of Somalia and that the European Union is also a funder of the regimes in Ethiopia and occupied Somalia; and therefore supports the call by Amnesty International for an international commission of inquiry into allegations of war crimes in Somalia and into the role of other countries that have given military or financial support to those who might have committed them.","date":"2008-05-09","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"35742","proposer":"10358","edm":"1476","session":"2007-08","title":"Conduct Of Zimbabwe And Equatorial Guinea Towards Mr Simon Mann","text":"That this House deplores the transfer by Zimbabwe to Equatorial Guinea of Mr Simon Mann after nearly five years in gaol, in contravention of assurances given to the UK Government that this would not occur while his appeal process was still underway; is appalled that he has been held in shackles in Black Beach Prison ever since; condemns the continuing refusal to grant United Kingdom consular access to him since a single visit in March; and urges the Government to seek the support of the United States and other influential countries to safeguard Mr Mann's human rights in this perilous situation.","date":"2008-05-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"35696","proposer":"10616","edm":"1435","session":"2007-08","title":"Human Displacement By Monocultures","text":"That this House notes with interest the Friends of the Earth report Losing Ground on the many adverse human rights and environmental effects of large-scale palm oil plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia; further notes the widespread reports from the global South of human rights abuses and harm to local environments amid the advance of monocultures associated with the present commodities shock and biofuel drive, including of palm oil elsewhere and of soya, cotton, sugarcane and jatropha; further notes that 11,000 villagers are being displaced in Tanzania by jatropha plantations cultivated for the UK firm Sun Biofuels; urges that British and European decision-makers consult more actively with Southern non-governmental organisations when devising trade and energy policies; and also recognises the need to reduce the UK's ecological footprint in its national choice of energy sources, and the value of individuals doing so within a balanced diet by reducing consumption of animals.","date":"2008-04-28","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"35594","proposer":"10062","edm":"1350","session":"2007-08","title":"South African Trades Unions And Zimbabwe","text":"That this House congratulates the members of South African trades unions who have refused to unload a Chinese vessel containing weapons bound for Zimbabwe; notes that the An Yue Jiange is thought to be carrying around three million rounds of ammunition, thousands of mortar bombs and rocket-propelled grenades; shares the fears of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union, the main trade union at the port of Durban, that the arms would be used by President Robert Mugabe against the Zimbabwean people in an attempt to prop up his tyrannical regime; and calls on the UK Government to exert pressure on the Chinese government to stop the shipment and to support an international ban on the sale of arms to Zimbabwe.","date":"2008-04-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"35560","proposer":"10685","edm":"1321","session":"2007-08","title":"Murder Of Serge Maheshe","text":"That this House expresses its great distress at the murder in Bukavu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo of the UN radio journalist Serge Maheshe; notes with gravest concern the report of the United Nations identifying gross shortcomings in the investigation of the crime and the trial of two of Mr Maheshe's colleagues currently under sentence of death for the murder; and calls on the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to address the deficiencies already identified and to ensure a free and fair appeal process.","date":"2008-04-02","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"35462","proposer":"10186","edm":"1235","session":"2007-08","title":"ETHIOPIAN TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION","text":"That this House shares the deep concern of Education International, the TUC and the National Union of Teachers over the future of the legitimate Ethiopian Teachers' Association (ETA) following the recent Ethiopian Supreme Court ruling which resulted in an order for the union's property, assets and even its name to be handed over to a rival organisation, also called ETA, set up by the Ethiopian government; further expresses concern about the safety of ETA teacher members who continue to be forcibly detained, or arbitrarily dismissed, for any form of criticism of the Ethiopian government; notes that these are gross breaches of international standards in relation to trade union rights; and requests that the UK Government uses its influence with the government of Ethiopia to help secure a meeting between Education International and Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, to explore avenues for dialogue and reconciliation between the rival organisations in order to avert further tension and unrest.","date":"2008-03-19","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"35404","proposer":"11589","edm":"1183","session":"2007-08","title":"Human Rights In Western Sahara","text":"That this House expresses deep concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in the occupied territory of Western Sahara; deplores the evidence of human rights abuses perpetrated against Saharawi citizens including torture, beatings, false imprisonment, unfair trials, rape and disappearances; notes that some of these abuses have continued to escalate since the 2007 reports by Amnesty International and by the Saharawi human rights organisation, CODESA; further notes that the report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reflecting serious concern and calling for urgent action has never been formally released; calls for the OHCHR report to be officially published and adopted by the UN Security Council so that its recommendations may be implemented; and calls on the Government to act urgently in this regard.","date":"2008-03-12","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"35349","proposer":"10001","edm":"1129","session":"2007-08","title":"Chinese Investment In Darfur","text":"That this House believes that the continuing crisis in Darfur could be eased by a reduction in foreign investment, most notable of which is Chinese investment in the Sudanese oil industry; and notes that oil revenues have been used to fund the continuing conflict and that, given the international focus on China in the run up to the Beijing Olympic Games, the Government should urge China to reduce its investment in Sudan and join the international community in applying pressure to all parties in the conflict for a peaceful settlement.","date":"2008-03-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"35261","proposer":"11156","edm":"1062","session":"2007-08","title":"Elephants","text":"That this House condemns the South African authorities who have lifted the moratorium on the culling of elephants; and urges the same authorities to find alternative methods of saving the habitat while protecting these magnificent animals.","date":"2008-02-27","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"35086","proposer":"11923","edm":"909","session":"2007-08","title":"Books 4 Tanzania","text":"That this House celebrates the work and successes of the Cumbria-based charity Books 4 Tanzania; is proud of their work in increasing literacy levels and education in villages in rural Tanzania; and wishes Books 4 Tanzania continued success for years to come.","date":"2008-02-07","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"35002","proposer":"10328","edm":"834","session":"2007-08","title":"Kenya","text":"That this House deplores the violence in Kenya which has cost over 850 lives and displaced 250,000 people; further deplores the assassination of two members of parliament, one a member of the team trying to negotiate a settlement to the current crisis; and calls on the UK Government to both maintain the pressure on the political parties in Kenya to persist with the UN instigated process to find a democratic solution to the crisis, and also to continue to provide humanitarian support to the victims of the violence.","date":"2008-01-31","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"34769","proposer":"10685","edm":"616","session":"2007-08","title":"Chinese Engagement In Africa","text":"That this House notes the increasing engagement of the People's Republic of China in sub-Saharan Africa; warmly welcomes responsible Chinese developmental, commercial and diplomatic involvement; calls on the Government to encourage the Chinese government to ensure its activities, and the activities of Chinese enterprises and organisations, fully reflect the need for transparency, good governance, democratic accountability, corporate responsibility, and environmental protection; and further calls on the Government to engage systematically with China on these issues and to encourage other nations to do so and to work together to ensure international standards for bilateral aid, government-supported commercial agreements and similar projects are developed and respected.","date":"2007-12-18","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"34751","proposer":"10459","edm":"600","session":"2007-08","title":"Deportation Of Mr Alhassan Bangura","text":"That this House notes with concern the decision to deport Alhassan Bangura to Sierra Leone; expresses alarm that Mr Bangura is being forced to return to the country he fled at the age of 15, escaping witchcraft and threats to mutilate him; notes that this deportation affects not only Mr Bangura but his girlfriend and newly born child and ignores the valuable contribution he has made to his community through playing for Watford Football Club; further notes the overwhelming support from fans at the Championship football club where a rally in support of Mr Bangura was held on Saturday 15th December; welcomes the support of the honourable Member for Watford who has drafted a petition calling for Mr Bangura to remain in Britain; emphasises that this high-profile case is one among many facing the same grave situation; and calls upon the Home Secretary urgently to review the case of Mr Bangura and grant him indefinite leave to remain in the UK.","date":"2007-12-17","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"34704","proposer":"10177","edm":"561","session":"2007-08","title":"Death Of Joseph Musasizi Kifefe","text":"That this House regrets the recent death in detention of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) member Mr Joseph Musasizi Kifefe; notes that the deceased was the subject of early day motion 1448 of Session 2006-07, Safety of Ugandan Opposition Members which received the support of more that 60 hon. Members; also notes that in addition to 19 opposition members, including their leader Dr Kizza Besigye, who are out on bail, the following suspects have not appeared in court since their arrest in March 2003: Deus Mande, Amon Byarugaba, Didas Atunga, Asiimwe Steven, Okello Dagama, Aloro Moro, Mabe Akollo, Yassin Nuru, William Mamenero, Matte Simon, Muchimba Zephanias, Kyarisima Matsiko, Kiliope Isaac, Abbey and Cosma Komakech; and calls on the British and Ugandan governments to ensure that Mr Musasizi Kifefe's death is fully investigated and that Dr Kizza Besigye and other opposition members are immediately brought to court and convicted or released.","date":"2007-12-12","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"34708","proposer":"10371","edm":"565","session":"2007-08","title":"Archbishop John Sentamu","text":"That this House congratulates the stand taken by the Archbishop of York on the Andrew Marr show on the BBC last Sunday when he cut up his dog collar and vowed not to wear this symbol of his faith again whilst the tyrant Robert Mugabe remains in office; applauds the strong and inspirational leadership he has given since his appointment to the see of York; and calls on African leaders in a position of influence with the Zimbabwe regime, particularly in the states adjoining Zimbabwe, to follow his lead.","date":"2007-12-12","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"34678","proposer":"10295","edm":"537","session":"2007-08","title":"Naval Personnel And Canal Zone General Service Medal","text":"That this House welcomes the decision by the Government to award military service personnel who served in the Suez Canal Zone between 1951 and 1954 a Canal Zone General Service Medal with clasp in recognition of their efforts; pays tribute to the 200,000 who served during this period in extremely difficult circumstances where 300 troops were killed; recognises that in order to qualify for the medal with clasp personnel had to serve a minimum of 30 days continuous service; recognises that while this is appropriate for Army and Air Force personnel this does not apply fairly to naval personnel who served considerable time in the zone without ever achieving 30 days continuous service; and calls on the Government to extend the medal to naval personnel who achieved 30 days aggregated service in the canal zone during this period.","date":"2007-12-11","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"34615","proposer":"10123","edm":"482","session":"2007-08","title":"Somalia","text":"That this House notes with dismay the consequence of the Ethiopian invasion of Somalia in December 2006 and the installation of an unpopular regime which followed; is dismayed at the continuing conflict and the displacement of many hundreds of thousands of civilians; further notes that shortages of shelter, food, water and healthcare have plunged Somalia back into a grave humanitarian crisis; considers that the United States actively prompted the Ethiopian invasion and that what has happened represents another disaster for the foreign policy of President Bush; and calls on the Ethiopians to leave, the present government in Somalia to leave office, and the United Nations to intervene to broker peace and a new government, and make arrangements for humanitarian relief to flow unfettered.","date":"2007-12-05","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"34617","proposer":"10614","edm":"484","session":"2007-08","title":"Release Of Gillian Gibbons","text":"That this House commends the efforts of Lord Ahmed and Baroness Warsi in helping to secure the release of Gillian Gibbons of Liverpool who was jailed in Sudan; notes that the actions of these two peers were important as part of the wider efforts of the Foreign Secretary, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other organisations; believes that Ms Gibbons's imprisonment was unjust; and hopes that the Government will continue to work with the Sudanese government on issues of mutual interest.","date":"2007-12-05","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"34490","proposer":"10177","edm":"370","session":"2007-08","title":"Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement","text":"That this House notes that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between North and South Sudan is the cornerstone of sustainable peace in Sudan; warns that the agreement is in danger of collapse; notes with concern the current standoff between the National Congress Party and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement over the implementation of the agreement; expresses dismay at the recent mobilisation of armed forces at the borders between southern and northern Sudan; calls on both parties to implement in full the agreement that they have signed; urges the Government and the wider international community to immediately engage in resolving disputes, particularly over the status of the Abyei region, transparency in wealth sharing, redeployment of armed forces, the national census and elections; and strongly affirms that a return to war is unacceptable.","date":"2007-11-22","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"34491","proposer":"10177","edm":"371","session":"2007-08","title":"Sustainable Political Settlement For Darfur","text":"That this House welcomes the first phase of the AU-UN Darfur peace talks; underlines the importance of a political solution to the situation in Darfur; notes that the talks are hindered by rebel fragmentation and represent the beginning of a rolling process; therefore urges the international community to continue to work towards greater unity among opposition movements to enable an inclusive second phase of negotiations and work with all parties to find forums conducive to negotiations by all; argues that it is essential for all stakeholders, including Arab communities, to be represented at the talks if peace is to be sustained; and notes this requires increased efforts on civil society inclusion, continued UK support for Darfur-Darfur dialogue, improved communication and reporting mechanisms and an enhanced capacity within the Joint Mediation Support Team.","date":"2007-11-22","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"34423","proposer":"10133","edm":"312","session":"2007-08","title":"Western Sahara","text":"That this House welcomes the ongoing UN-sponsored negotiations between Morocco and the POLISARIO Front aimed at reaching a mutually acceptable solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara as called for in Security Council resolution 1754; reaffirms that Morocco's unilateral proposal of autonomy is contrary to the principle of self-determination; expresses its deep concern about the gross violations of human rights perpetrated by Moroccan occupying forces in Western Sahara; and calls upon the Government to remain active in ensuring the release of all Saharawi prisoners of conscience, open up the territory for international observers and media and engage in supporting UN efforts to achieve a just solution to the conflict in Western Sahara.","date":"2007-11-19","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"34371","proposer":"10439","edm":"264","session":"2007-08","title":"Elections In Sierra Leone","text":"That this House congratulates Sierra Leone for its recent conduct of successful parliamentary and presidential elections, and the peaceful transition of power to the new regime; notes the important role of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy in providing training and support to the political parties in Sierra Leone; supports the Foundation's ongoing work in the country; further supports President Koroma's desire to tackle corruption; believes that Sierra Leone can now build on these elections to create a prosperous and democratic state; recognises the role that Britain and the United Nations played in bringing stability to Sierra Leone; welcomes the trial of Charles Taylor at the Special Court for Sierra Leone in the Hague; and hopes that the conclusion of this trial will allow Sierra Leone to leave its difficult past behind it.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Africa","id":"34156","proposer":"10258","edm":"66","session":"2007-08","title":"Trafficked Children On African Cocoa Plantations","text":"That this House notes with concern that trafficking of children is a growing problem in the production of cocoa and that at least 15,000 Malian children have been trafficked on to cocoa and coffee plantations in Cote d'Ivoire; welcomes the UK's support for the relevant International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions and ILO programmes elsewhere; notes with dismay the lack of progress by the cocoa industry in implementing a monitoring and certification process and its inability to be able to guarantee the absence of trafficked labour on cocoa production lines; and calls upon the Government and the cocoa industry to provide a Traffick Free Guarantee, as suggested by the Stop the Traffick coalition, for all cocoa products.","date":"2007-11-06","status":"c"}]