Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 23 June (HL1030), what assessment they have made of the conduct of the presidential election held in Zambia on 13 August, including reports of irregularities, restrictions on political freedoms and the arrest of opposition figures.

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

Further to Baroness Chapman of Darlington's Written Answers of 23 June, the UK continues to support credible and inclusive democratic processes in Zambia. Our High Commission in Lusaka has been closely monitoring developments in Zambia through the electoral period and beyond. The UK is engaging closely with key stakeholders to urge transparency and adherence to due process, including on the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 23 June (HL1031), what assessment they have made of the implications for institutional resilience, political pluralism and the rule of law in Zambia of the post-election detention and charging with treason of opposition politicians and officials.

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

Further to Baroness Chapman of Darlington's Written Answers of 23 June, the UK continues to support credible and inclusive democratic processes in Zambia. Our High Commission in Lusaka has been closely monitoring developments in Zambia through the electoral period and beyond. The UK is engaging closely with key stakeholders to urge transparency and adherence to due process, including on the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether representatives of the British High Commission in Lusaka have sought to establish the location, condition and treatment of the Right Reverend Dr Trevor Mwamba; and whether he has been granted regular access to his legal representatives, family and any necessary medical care.

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

Our High Commission in Lusaka has been closely following developments in Zambia through the electoral period and beyond, including recent detentions. We understand this case is currently under consideration by the Zambian courts. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has emphasised in its engagements with the Zambian government and other stakeholders the importance of transparency and following due process on all issues.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what information they have received concerning the factual basis for the treason charge brought against the Right Reverend Dr Trevor Mwamba in Zambia; and whether they have sought assurances that he will receive due process and a fair and prompt trial.

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

Our High Commission in Lusaka has been closely following developments in Zambia through the electoral period and beyond, including recent detentions. We understand this case is currently under consideration by the Zambian courts. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has emphasised in its engagements with the Zambian government and other stakeholders the importance of transparency and following due process on all issues.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Zambia concerning the detention and charging with treason of the Right Reverend Dr Trevor Mwamba, former Bishop of Botswana.

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

Our High Commission in Lusaka has been closely following developments in Zambia through the electoral period and beyond, including recent detentions. We understand this case is currently under consideration by the Zambian courts. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has emphasised in its engagements with the Zambian government and other stakeholders the importance of transparency and following due process on all issues.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 23 June (HL1032), what representations they have made to the government of Zambia concerning an independent investigation into the death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya during a post-election security operation in Lusaka.

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

Further to Baroness Chapman of Darlington's Written Answers of 23 June, the UK continues to support credible and inclusive democratic processes in Zambia. Our High Commission in Lusaka has been closely monitoring developments in Zambia through the electoral period and beyond. The UK is engaging closely with key stakeholders to urge transparency and adherence to due process, including on the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya.

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.