Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what specific proposals they have advanced in international discussions on the development of international law relating to conflict-related sexual violence, beyond their participation in negotiations on a future Crimes Against Humanity Convention.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is prohibited under international law and can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, or an act of genocide. The Government supports the full implementation and strengthening of existing international legal frameworks, which provide an important basis for preventing and responding to CRSV. The principal challenge is not the absence of international legal prohibitions on CRSV, but ensuring their effective implementation, strengthening accountability, addressing impunity and improving access to justice and support for survivors.

The Government supports the use of sanctions as one tool among a broader range of measures to promote accountability for CRSV. We do not assess sanctions in isolation. They complement wider diplomatic and accountability efforts aimed at deterring atrocities, reinforcing international norms and signalling that perpetrators of these crimes will face consequences.

The Government maintains a distinct and dedicated focus on CRSV, while delivering this work as part of the wider International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, Women, Peace and Security agenda, and efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. We recognise that while women and girls are disproportionately affected by CRSV, men and boys can also be affected. Our survivor-centred, intersectional and inclusive approach seeks to support all survivors according to their needs and circumstance.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they support the development of additional international legal standards specifically concerning the protection of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence; and, if so, what form they consider such standards should take.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is prohibited under international law and can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, or an act of genocide. The Government supports the full implementation and strengthening of existing international legal frameworks, which provide an important basis for preventing and responding to CRSV. The principal challenge is not the absence of international legal prohibitions on CRSV, but ensuring their effective implementation, strengthening accountability, addressing impunity and improving access to justice and support for survivors.

The Government supports the use of sanctions as one tool among a broader range of measures to promote accountability for CRSV. We do not assess sanctions in isolation. They complement wider diplomatic and accountability efforts aimed at deterring atrocities, reinforcing international norms and signalling that perpetrators of these crimes will face consequences.

The Government maintains a distinct and dedicated focus on CRSV, while delivering this work as part of the wider International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, Women, Peace and Security agenda, and efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. We recognise that while women and girls are disproportionately affected by CRSV, men and boys can also be affected. Our survivor-centred, intersectional and inclusive approach seeks to support all survivors according to their needs and circumstance.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether conflict-related sexual violence is treated as a distinct policy area rather than solely as a component of violence against women and girls; and how their policies and programmes address the needs of male survivors.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is prohibited under international law and can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, or an act of genocide. The Government supports the full implementation and strengthening of existing international legal frameworks, which provide an important basis for preventing and responding to CRSV. The principal challenge is not the absence of international legal prohibitions on CRSV, but ensuring their effective implementation, strengthening accountability, addressing impunity and improving access to justice and support for survivors.

The Government supports the use of sanctions as one tool among a broader range of measures to promote accountability for CRSV. We do not assess sanctions in isolation. They complement wider diplomatic and accountability efforts aimed at deterring atrocities, reinforcing international norms and signalling that perpetrators of these crimes will face consequences.

The Government maintains a distinct and dedicated focus on CRSV, while delivering this work as part of the wider International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, Women, Peace and Security agenda, and efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. We recognise that while women and girls are disproportionately affected by CRSV, men and boys can also be affected. Our survivor-centred, intersectional and inclusive approach seeks to support all survivors according to their needs and circumstance.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what specific gaps they have identified in existing international legal frameworks for securing accountability for conflict-related sexual violence.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is prohibited under international law and can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, or an act of genocide. The Government supports the full implementation and strengthening of existing international legal frameworks, which provide an important basis for preventing and responding to CRSV. The principal challenge is not the absence of international legal prohibitions on CRSV, but ensuring their effective implementation, strengthening accountability, addressing impunity and improving access to justice and support for survivors.

The Government supports the use of sanctions as one tool among a broader range of measures to promote accountability for CRSV. We do not assess sanctions in isolation. They complement wider diplomatic and accountability efforts aimed at deterring atrocities, reinforcing international norms and signalling that perpetrators of these crimes will face consequences.

The Government maintains a distinct and dedicated focus on CRSV, while delivering this work as part of the wider International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, Women, Peace and Security agenda, and efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. We recognise that while women and girls are disproportionately affected by CRSV, men and boys can also be affected. Our survivor-centred, intersectional and inclusive approach seeks to support all survivors according to their needs and circumstance.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government which specific provisions or areas of international law relating to conflict-related sexual violence they consider require clarification, development or strengthening; and what changes they are seeking in each area.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is prohibited under international law and can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, or an act of genocide. The Government supports the full implementation and strengthening of existing international legal frameworks, which provide an important basis for preventing and responding to CRSV. The principal challenge is not the absence of international legal prohibitions on CRSV, but ensuring their effective implementation, strengthening accountability, addressing impunity and improving access to justice and support for survivors.

The Government supports the use of sanctions as one tool among a broader range of measures to promote accountability for CRSV. We do not assess sanctions in isolation. They complement wider diplomatic and accountability efforts aimed at deterring atrocities, reinforcing international norms and signalling that perpetrators of these crimes will face consequences.

The Government maintains a distinct and dedicated focus on CRSV, while delivering this work as part of the wider International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, Women, Peace and Security agenda, and efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. We recognise that while women and girls are disproportionately affected by CRSV, men and boys can also be affected. Our survivor-centred, intersectional and inclusive approach seeks to support all survivors according to their needs and circumstance.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of international sanctions regimes in deterring conflict-related sexual violence and holding perpetrators accountable.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is prohibited under international law and can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, or an act of genocide. The Government supports the full implementation and strengthening of existing international legal frameworks, which provide an important basis for preventing and responding to CRSV. The principal challenge is not the absence of international legal prohibitions on CRSV, but ensuring their effective implementation, strengthening accountability, addressing impunity and improving access to justice and support for survivors.

The Government supports the use of sanctions as one tool among a broader range of measures to promote accountability for CRSV. We do not assess sanctions in isolation. They complement wider diplomatic and accountability efforts aimed at deterring atrocities, reinforcing international norms and signalling that perpetrators of these crimes will face consequences.

The Government maintains a distinct and dedicated focus on CRSV, while delivering this work as part of the wider International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, Women, Peace and Security agenda, and efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. We recognise that while women and girls are disproportionately affected by CRSV, men and boys can also be affected. Our survivor-centred, intersectional and inclusive approach seeks to support all survivors according to their needs and circumstance.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 1 July (HL1362), which international initiatives specifically addressing conflict-related sexual violence the United Kingdom currently leads or co-leads; and, for each initiative, what are the UK's role, objectives and expected measurable outcomes.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government remains committed to preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). Central funding to tackle CRSV has been protected at £3.85 million per year for the next three financial years, through to April 2029. The Government has also stepped up our support to survivors of CRSV this year in contexts including Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Whilst our work on CRSV and gender-based violence runs through different programmes in these countries, we announced a multi-year £20 million programme to specifically support survivors of CRSV to access medical and psychological support in Sudan. In March, the UK announced £7.3 million in extra humanitarian support to communities affected by escalating conflict in eastern DRC and the wider region. This includes £2 million for the International Committee of the Red Cross providing emergency healthcare, including trauma surgery and specialist support for survivors of sexual and gender‑based violence in the DRC.

Survivor reach is calculated using implementing partners' monitoring data against agreed programme results frameworks. The form of assistance and duration vary according to programme design. Partners are required to apply agreed reporting methodologies and safeguards which minimise double counting.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Collins of Highbury on 27 June 2025 (HL8607), whether the indicative multi-year allocations referred to in that Answer were subsequently published; and what funding has been allocated to Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative programmes for each financial year from 2026–27 onwards.

Answered by Lord Wood of Anfield - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government remains committed to preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). Central funding to tackle CRSV has been protected at £3.85 million per year for the next three financial years, through to April 2029. The Government has also stepped up our support to survivors of CRSV this year in contexts including Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Whilst our work on CRSV and gender-based violence runs through different programmes in these countries, we announced a multi-year £20 million programme to specifically support survivors of CRSV to access medical and psychological support in Sudan. In March, the UK announced £7.3 million in extra humanitarian support to communities affected by escalating conflict in eastern DRC and the wider region. This includes £2 million for the International Committee of the Red Cross providing emergency healthcare, including trauma surgery and specialist support for survivors of sexual and gender‑based violence in the DRC.

Survivor reach is calculated using implementing partners' monitoring data against agreed programme results frameworks. The form of assistance and duration vary according to programme design. Partners are required to apply agreed reporting methodologies and safeguards which minimise double counting.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Collins of Highbury on 5 March 2025 (HL5277), what funding has subsequently been allocated to programmes addressing conflict-related sexual violence in (1) Sudan, and (2) the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and how those allocations compare with the previous financial year.

Answered by Lord Wood of Anfield - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government remains committed to preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). Central funding to tackle CRSV has been protected at £3.85 million per year for the next three financial years, through to April 2029. The Government has also stepped up our support to survivors of CRSV this year in contexts including Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Whilst our work on CRSV and gender-based violence runs through different programmes in these countries, we announced a multi-year £20 million programme to specifically support survivors of CRSV to access medical and psychological support in Sudan. In March, the UK announced £7.3 million in extra humanitarian support to communities affected by escalating conflict in eastern DRC and the wider region. This includes £2 million for the International Committee of the Red Cross providing emergency healthcare, including trauma surgery and specialist support for survivors of sexual and gender‑based violence in the DRC.

Survivor reach is calculated using implementing partners' monitoring data against agreed programme results frameworks. The form of assistance and duration vary according to programme design. Partners are required to apply agreed reporting methodologies and safeguards which minimise double counting.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how they calculate the number of survivors supported through the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative; what forms and duration of assistance qualify a survivor for inclusion in that number; and what steps they take to avoid double counting.

Answered by Lord Wood of Anfield - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government remains committed to preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). Central funding to tackle CRSV has been protected at £3.85 million per year for the next three financial years, through to April 2029. The Government has also stepped up our support to survivors of CRSV this year in contexts including Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Whilst our work on CRSV and gender-based violence runs through different programmes in these countries, we announced a multi-year £20 million programme to specifically support survivors of CRSV to access medical and psychological support in Sudan. In March, the UK announced £7.3 million in extra humanitarian support to communities affected by escalating conflict in eastern DRC and the wider region. This includes £2 million for the International Committee of the Red Cross providing emergency healthcare, including trauma surgery and specialist support for survivors of sexual and gender‑based violence in the DRC.

Survivor reach is calculated using implementing partners' monitoring data against agreed programme results frameworks. The form of assistance and duration vary according to programme design. Partners are required to apply agreed reporting methodologies and safeguards which minimise double counting.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 3 April (HL5685), what assessment they have made of the report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, published on 18 July 2024; and of its conclusion that sexual assaults committed by parties to an armed conflict will almost always constitute torture.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government notes the report and welcomes all contributions to international discussions on strengthening survivor-centred accountability for conflict-related sexual violence. As set out in the answer to HL5685, conflict-related sexual violence is prohibited under international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international criminal law. Some forms of conflict-related sexual violence, such as rape, may also constitute torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The Government continues to work with partners to eradicate conflict-related sexual violence and strengthen justice for survivors.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 1 July (HL1363), whether the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office holds data enabling it to assess progress made by the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict initiative since its launch in 2012; if so, what measurable outcomes are demonstrated by that that data; and, if not, why the Initiative has not been evaluated across its lifetime.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) remains a Government priority. It is an important part of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's women and girls priority as reflected in the International Women and Girls Framework, published in May 2026. Work is underway to refresh the UK's approach to preventing sexual violence in conflict. We will set out our approach in due course.

Since launching the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) in 2012, the UK has helped strengthen international standards, improve the documentation and investigation of CRSV, support survivor-centred justice and reparations, and drive greater international action to prevent and respond to these crimes.

The PSVI programme has robust monitoring and evaluation arrangements, including quarterly partner reporting, ongoing outcome tracking and annual reviews (which are published on DevTracker). The Independent Commission for Aid Impact has reviewed PSVI, informing the UK's 2022-25 PSVI Strategy, and independent Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning reviews have been conducted to inform our CRSV programming and policy development, most recently in March 2026. The UK's work on CRSV will also be reported through the Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan.

The recently appointed UK Special Envoy on PSVI will champion survivor-centred approaches and support global efforts to prevent CRSV and improve accountability. Success will be measured through strengthened prevention, survivor support, accountability and international engagement.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 1 July (HL1359), what measurable outcomes have been achieved since April 2016 in relation to (1) preventing conflict-related sexual violence, (2) securing justice and accountability, and (3) providing support and reparations to survivors; and what evidence they use to substantiate those outcomes.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) remains a Government priority. It is an important part of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's women and girls priority as reflected in the International Women and Girls Framework, published in May 2026. Work is underway to refresh the UK's approach to preventing sexual violence in conflict. We will set out our approach in due course.

Since launching the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) in 2012, the UK has helped strengthen international standards, improve the documentation and investigation of CRSV, support survivor-centred justice and reparations, and drive greater international action to prevent and respond to these crimes.

The PSVI programme has robust monitoring and evaluation arrangements, including quarterly partner reporting, ongoing outcome tracking and annual reviews (which are published on DevTracker). The Independent Commission for Aid Impact has reviewed PSVI, informing the UK's 2022-25 PSVI Strategy, and independent Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning reviews have been conducted to inform our CRSV programming and policy development, most recently in March 2026. The UK's work on CRSV will also be reported through the Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan.

The recently appointed UK Special Envoy on PSVI will champion survivor-centred approaches and support global efforts to prevent CRSV and improve accountability. Success will be measured through strengthened prevention, survivor support, accountability and international engagement.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence remains a departmental priority following the appointment of the new Foreign Secretary; and how that priority is reflected in ministerial responsibility, funding, objectives and measurable outcomes.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) remains a Government priority. It is an important part of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's women and girls priority as reflected in the International Women and Girls Framework, published in May 2026. Work is underway to refresh the UK's approach to preventing sexual violence in conflict. We will set out our approach in due course.

Since launching the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) in 2012, the UK has helped strengthen international standards, improve the documentation and investigation of CRSV, support survivor-centred justice and reparations, and drive greater international action to prevent and respond to these crimes.

The PSVI programme has robust monitoring and evaluation arrangements, including quarterly partner reporting, ongoing outcome tracking and annual reviews (which are published on DevTracker). The Independent Commission for Aid Impact has reviewed PSVI, informing the UK's 2022-25 PSVI Strategy, and independent Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning reviews have been conducted to inform our CRSV programming and policy development, most recently in March 2026. The UK's work on CRSV will also be reported through the Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan.

The recently appointed UK Special Envoy on PSVI will champion survivor-centred approaches and support global efforts to prevent CRSV and improve accountability. Success will be measured through strengthened prevention, survivor support, accountability and international engagement.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 1 July (HL1361), what specific criteria and indicators they use to assess the effectiveness of the United Kingdom’s work on preventing conflict-related sexual violence; how frequently that effectiveness is assessed; and whether the results are published.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) remains a Government priority. It is an important part of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's women and girls priority as reflected in the International Women and Girls Framework, published in May 2026. Work is underway to refresh the UK's approach to preventing sexual violence in conflict. We will set out our approach in due course.

Since launching the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) in 2012, the UK has helped strengthen international standards, improve the documentation and investigation of CRSV, support survivor-centred justice and reparations, and drive greater international action to prevent and respond to these crimes.

The PSVI programme has robust monitoring and evaluation arrangements, including quarterly partner reporting, ongoing outcome tracking and annual reviews (which are published on DevTracker). The Independent Commission for Aid Impact has reviewed PSVI, informing the UK's 2022-25 PSVI Strategy, and independent Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning reviews have been conducted to inform our CRSV programming and policy development, most recently in March 2026. The UK's work on CRSV will also be reported through the Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan.

The recently appointed UK Special Envoy on PSVI will champion survivor-centred approaches and support global efforts to prevent CRSV and improve accountability. Success will be measured through strengthened prevention, survivor support, accountability and international engagement.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Collins of Highbury on 10 July 2025 (HL8885), what conclusions they have reached from their consideration of the future approach to the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative; and when they intend to publish a successor to the 2022–2025 strategy.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) remains a Government priority. It is an important part of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's women and girls priority as reflected in the International Women and Girls Framework, published in May 2026. Work is underway to refresh the UK's approach to preventing sexual violence in conflict. We will set out our approach in due course.

Since launching the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) in 2012, the UK has helped strengthen international standards, improve the documentation and investigation of CRSV, support survivor-centred justice and reparations, and drive greater international action to prevent and respond to these crimes.

The PSVI programme has robust monitoring and evaluation arrangements, including quarterly partner reporting, ongoing outcome tracking and annual reviews (which are published on DevTracker). The Independent Commission for Aid Impact has reviewed PSVI, informing the UK's 2022-25 PSVI Strategy, and independent Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning reviews have been conducted to inform our CRSV programming and policy development, most recently in March 2026. The UK's work on CRSV will also be reported through the Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan.

The recently appointed UK Special Envoy on PSVI will champion survivor-centred approaches and support global efforts to prevent CRSV and improve accountability. Success will be measured through strengthened prevention, survivor support, accountability and international engagement.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what objectives the UK Special Envoy for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict has been set; and against what criteria and timetable his performance will be assessed.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) remains a Government priority. It is an important part of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's women and girls priority as reflected in the International Women and Girls Framework, published in May 2026. Work is underway to refresh the UK's approach to preventing sexual violence in conflict. We will set out our approach in due course.

Since launching the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) in 2012, the UK has helped strengthen international standards, improve the documentation and investigation of CRSV, support survivor-centred justice and reparations, and drive greater international action to prevent and respond to these crimes.

The PSVI programme has robust monitoring and evaluation arrangements, including quarterly partner reporting, ongoing outcome tracking and annual reviews (which are published on DevTracker). The Independent Commission for Aid Impact has reviewed PSVI, informing the UK's 2022-25 PSVI Strategy, and independent Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning reviews have been conducted to inform our CRSV programming and policy development, most recently in March 2026. The UK's work on CRSV will also be reported through the Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan.

The recently appointed UK Special Envoy on PSVI will champion survivor-centred approaches and support global efforts to prevent CRSV and improve accountability. Success will be measured through strengthened prevention, survivor support, accountability and international engagement.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 6 July (HL1287), whether their reference to the “clear protections” provided by international humanitarian law means that they consider the law sufficiently clear regarding the responsibilities of armed forces towards civilian casualties in areas under their effective control; and, if so, what they consider those responsibilities to be.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Promoting compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a cornerstone of the UK's commitment to the rule of law. The Government draws upon a range of expertise and sources to inform our approach towards IHL, such as the Chatham House report of 11 June 2026. We are committed to upholding and promoting the clear protections set out under IHL for the wounded and sick during armed conflict, as well as medical personnel and facilities. We believe IHL provides a comprehensive legal framework for the regulation of hostilities and sets out the balance of considerations, informed by the operational context, that must be addressed by parties to the conflict with a view to upholding the principles of distinction, proportionality, and rule of precaution.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 6 July (HL1289), which recommendations in the Chatham House report, published on 11 June 2026, Addressing the Crisis of Medical Care in Armed Conflict they (1) accept, (2) partially accept, or (3) reject; and what steps they plan to take in response to those that they accept.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Promoting compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a cornerstone of the UK's commitment to the rule of law. The Government draws upon a range of expertise and sources to inform our approach towards IHL, such as the Chatham House report of 11 June 2026. We are committed to upholding and promoting the clear protections set out under IHL for the wounded and sick during armed conflict, as well as medical personnel and facilities. We believe IHL provides a comprehensive legal framework for the regulation of hostilities and sets out the balance of considerations, informed by the operational context, that must be addressed by parties to the conflict with a view to upholding the principles of distinction, proportionality, and rule of precaution.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 6 July (HL1288), whether their statement that international humanitarian law provides “clear protections” means that they consider the law sufficiently clear on what constitutes a hostile act by a wounded or sick person receiving medical treatment; and, if so, what definition of a hostile act they apply in that context.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Promoting compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a cornerstone of the UK's commitment to the rule of law. The Government draws upon a range of expertise and sources to inform our approach towards IHL, such as the Chatham House report of 11 June 2026. We are committed to upholding and promoting the clear protections set out under IHL for the wounded and sick during armed conflict, as well as medical personnel and facilities. We believe IHL provides a comprehensive legal framework for the regulation of hostilities and sets out the balance of considerations, informed by the operational context, that must be addressed by parties to the conflict with a view to upholding the principles of distinction, proportionality, and rule of precaution.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster on 14 September (HL2941), whether any of their engagements with the government of Zambia have included a specific request for a prompt, independent, and impartial investigation into the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya; and, if so, what response they received.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Our British High Commission in Lusaka engages frequently with the Zambian government and other stakeholders, urging transparency and the following of due process, including in relation to the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya. Further meetings are being arranged.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster on 15 September (HL2938), whether representatives of the British High Commission in Lusaka have established (1) where the Right Reverend Dr Trevor Mwamba is being held, (2) his condition and treatment, and (3) whether he has regular access to his legal representatives; and, if not, whether they will seek that information from the government of Zambia.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Our British High Commission in Lusaka engages frequently with the Zambian government and other stakeholders. We emphasise the importance of transparency and the following of due process, including in relation to the detention of Bishop Trevor Mwamba and others.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster on 15 September (HL2937), what information they have received concerning the factual basis for the treason charge brought against the Right Reverend Dr Trevor Mwamba; whether they have sought specific assurances that he will receive due process and a fair and prompt trial; and what response they have received.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Our British High Commission in Lusaka engages frequently with the Zambian government and other stakeholders. We emphasise the importance of transparency and the following of due process, including in relation to the detention of Bishop Trevor Mwamba and others.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster on 15 September (HL2936), whether their engagements with the government of Zambia have included representations specifically concerning the detention of, and treason charge against, the Right Reverend Dr Trevor Mwamba; and, if so, when those representations were made, and at what level.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Our British High Commission in Lusaka engages frequently with the Zambian government and other stakeholders. We emphasise the importance of transparency and the following of due process, including in relation to the detention of Bishop Trevor Mwamba and others.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 1 July (HL1363), what changes have resulted from the initiatives listed as milestones in the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative Strategy 2022–2025 in relation to (1) survivors’ access to support and reparations, (2) the investigation, prosecution and conviction of perpetrators, and (3) the adoption and implementation of relevant national laws and policies.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government remains resolute in its commitment to preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), supporting survivors and tackling impunity.

Since July 2024, UK support has strengthened survivor-centred justice and national capacity to investigate and prosecute CRSV. Most recently, Ukraine adopted new Instructions for the pre-trial investigation of CRSV, developed with UK funding and expertise, which establish consistent, mandatory and survivor-centred standards across relevant Ukrainian investigating and prosecuting authorities.

UK support has helped thousands of survivors and children affected by CRSV to access redress, including through support to the Global Survivors Fund. It has contributed to vital legislative changes in Bosnia Herzegovina and Kosovo, and the opening of a judicial macro-case on sexual violence crimes in Colombia. We are also strengthening survivor participation in our work through our Survivor Advisory Group and Survivor Champions.

We are building on the progress of the 2022-25 Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) Strategy, with a continued focus on prevention, survivor support, accountability and strengthening international action to tackle CRSV.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support (1) national, and (2) international, investigators and prosecutors to (a) investigate, and (b) charge, conflict-related rape and other sexual violence as torture offenders where the applicable legal elements are satisfied.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government remains resolute in its commitment to preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), supporting survivors and tackling impunity.

Since July 2024, UK support has strengthened survivor-centred justice and national capacity to investigate and prosecute CRSV. Most recently, Ukraine adopted new Instructions for the pre-trial investigation of CRSV, developed with UK funding and expertise, which establish consistent, mandatory and survivor-centred standards across relevant Ukrainian investigating and prosecuting authorities.

UK support has helped thousands of survivors and children affected by CRSV to access redress, including through support to the Global Survivors Fund. It has contributed to vital legislative changes in Bosnia Herzegovina and Kosovo, and the opening of a judicial macro-case on sexual violence crimes in Colombia. We are also strengthening survivor participation in our work through our Survivor Advisory Group and Survivor Champions.

We are building on the progress of the 2022-25 Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) Strategy, with a continued focus on prevention, survivor support, accountability and strengthening international action to tackle CRSV.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the outcomes from the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative since July 2024, and (2) how successful the Initiative has been in tackling conflict-related sexual violence.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government remains resolute in its commitment to preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), supporting survivors and tackling impunity.

Since July 2024, UK support has strengthened survivor-centred justice and national capacity to investigate and prosecute CRSV. Most recently, Ukraine adopted new Instructions for the pre-trial investigation of CRSV, developed with UK funding and expertise, which establish consistent, mandatory and survivor-centred standards across relevant Ukrainian investigating and prosecuting authorities.

UK support has helped thousands of survivors and children affected by CRSV to access redress, including through support to the Global Survivors Fund. It has contributed to vital legislative changes in Bosnia Herzegovina and Kosovo, and the opening of a judicial macro-case on sexual violence crimes in Colombia. We are also strengthening survivor participation in our work through our Survivor Advisory Group and Survivor Champions.

We are building on the progress of the 2022-25 Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) Strategy, with a continued focus on prevention, survivor support, accountability and strengthening international action to tackle CRSV.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what lessons they have learned from recent conflicts about the adequacy of existing international legal frameworks for addressing conflict-related sexual violence; and what changes to their policy or international engagement have resulted.

Answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given on 17th September to Questions HL3116-3121 (Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament). Recent conflicts have demonstrated that the principal challenge is often not the absence of international legal frameworks, but ensuring their effective implementation, including through survivor-centred investigations, documentation and accountability. The Government has therefore strengthened its policy and international engagement in these areas, including through our work with justice providers, and promotion of the Murad Code and the International Protocol on the Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence in Conflict.