Has Britain broken its promise to uphold human rights?

BBC Radio 4's Crossing Continents was broadcast on Monday, 31 March, 2003, at 2030 BST.

Thousands of men and women have fled Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

But after reaching the Turks & Caicos islands - one of the most exclusive holiday spots of the Caribbean - they live in constant fear of deportation.

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Many are denied health care, even if they have AIDS. And their children are barred from local schools.

Who is responsible for this abuse of basic human rights? The British Government.

Britain has attempted over the years to grant considerable autonomy to its remaining "colonies" of overseas territories.

But, as Claire Bolderson discovered, there are signs that in attempting to shed the role of imperial ruler, Britain is failing in its legal duty to uphold human rights.

Reporter: Claire Bolderson
Producer: Lucy Ash
Editor: Hugh Levinson

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