Darfur: Atrocities

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Excerpts

Wednesday 24th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I would like to stop arms flows from every country into Sudan. I think there should be a complete embargo, which is what the UK Government are pushing for. As for specific conversations with particular countries, I do not think there is a conversation that I or my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary has had with the UAE or several other countries where we do not make that specific point.

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)]

My Lords, I draw attention to my entries in the register on organisations working in the Middle East and on conflict resolution. I thank the Minister. At a time when there is a lot of challenge in the air and on budgets, I know that she prioritises the issue of conflict-related sexual violence, having visited Sudan and Darfur. She has talked of the abhorrent nature of it. Meeting the victims of sexual violence in conflict leaves an impact embedded on one’s brain and heart. Therefore, I commend what she has done to continue what I hope she recognises as the important work of the previous Government.

My focus is very much on conflict resolution. What specific role is the United Kingdom playing in support of the efforts of the Quad, which brings all the key parties together, and notably the United States, to bring an end to this awful conflict?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

We very much support the Quad process and have been active in doing so. We have provided channels of communication in support of the Quad. It is not the only process and there are other tasks to be undertaken. The UK is also involved in the civilian track because when, God willing, a ceasefire is achieved, we need to have that track up and running and in play. We are actively involved, alongside other partners, in having the relevant conversations to bring that about.