To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are assessing the compliance of Turkey with its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, in particular concerning the prosecution of minors under terrorism legislation and the length of custodial sentences currently being imposed; and whether they will make representations. [HL3034]

The UK shares the assessment of the UN Committee on the Convention on the Rights of the Child concerning Turkey's progress towards implementing all articles of the convention.

The committee's most recent report notes that there has been some progress in Turkey, including a new child protection law which entered into force on 3 July 2005. The committee recommends further strengthening of work and activities in the area of child rights. The UK supports these conclusions both in principle and practically through bilateral and EU projects aimed at ensuring the full implementation of UNICEF minimum standards. We follow developments relating to the prosecution of minors closely, including by meeting both the non-governmental organisations working on this issue and some of the minors affected, including during regional visits. We raised this issue with provincial governors in December together with EU colleagues, and raised the issue with central government as part of the EU's regular dialogue with Turkey.