HUMAN RIGHTS AND MR KHAING KAUNG SAN

Early day motion 248, tabled 2 December 2002 by Eddie McGrady (Social Democratic and Labour Party). Signed by 52 members.

That this House notes the universal right of the individual to hold and peacefully express political beliefs; further notes the widespread persecution of peaceful, democratic politicians in Burma by that country's military government; further notes the work of Amnesty International as an independent defender of human rights throughout the world; further notes the positive work carried out through the years by local members of that organisation in Northern Ireland in defence of the human rights throughout the world; resolves to support the campaign for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Khaing Kaung San, a prisoner of conscience in Burma who has been sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment for the non-violent expression of his political beliefs; and urges the Government to make representations on behalf of this prisoner of conscience to the Burmese authorities in an effort to secure his release from prison.

Signatures by party: Labour 30, Labour/Co-operative 6, Liberal Democrat 4, Scottish National Party 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 2, Conservative 1, DUP 1.