Ancram: Call to UN

The opposition has warned the UN that it cannot ignore Zimbabwe's human rights record.

The warning came after the UN human rights commission voted to throw out a EU resolution criticising Robert Mugabe's rights record.

Shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram said on Friday: "The UN cannot turn a blind eye to the abuses of Robert Mugabe and nor can South Africa, which is beginning to be affected financially and politically by what is happening."

Ancram is also warning that Zimbabwe has the potential to destabilise the whole region.

"This crisis is not confined to Zimbabwe. What we are seeing is a humanitarian crisis that is spreading beyond its borders," he said.

"Refugees are pouring into Botswana and the northern part of South Africa."

The Conservatives say there is "a very strong case" for involving the UN in the country.

"UN observers should be sent into Zimbabwe to ensure that food is properly distributed to starving people," said Ancram.

"I would also like to see a resolution before the UN Security Council, preferably moved by Britain and backed by the United States, and I would like to see the whole question internationalised."

The intervention follows a leaked report from Commonwealth secretary general Don McKinnon which listed a catalogue of human rights abuses.

McKinnon noted that "overall the general political, economic and social situation in Zimbabwe has deteriorated since March 2002".