To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether account is taken of the human rights implications of the Chinese one-child policy in his Department's decisions on aid to China; and if he will make a statement. (259022)

The Department for International Development (DFID) works closely and has ongoing constructive dialogue with the Chinese Government regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights. This is an important element of our support for reproductive health (through agencies such as UNFPA and IPPF) and HIV prevention. The UK Government do not support China’s one-child policy or its implementation. We are working to promote and uphold the principles of free and informed choice as set out at the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1994.

Although the one-child policy remains in place, China has made good progress in ensuring reproductive rights more generally, especially through its implementation of the 2002 Law of Population and Family Planning. The law spells out rights and responsibilities for clients, service providers and family planning officials. Most provinces have enacted their own regulations in accordance with national law.