Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Catherine West and Paul Kohler
Tuesday 25th February 2025

(1 month, 1 week ago)

Commons Chamber
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Paul Kohler Portrait Mr Paul Kohler (Wimbledon) (LD)
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15. If he will take diplomatic steps to help ensure accountability for alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka.

Catherine West Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Catherine West)
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The UK Government are committed to human rights in Sri Lanka and are leading international efforts to promote accountability and human rights, including at the UN Human Rights Council. In a visit to Sri Lanka last month, I raised these issues with Ministers in the new Government in Colombo.

Paul Kohler Portrait Mr Kohler
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It is over 15 years since the end of the bloody civil war in Sri Lanka, but those responsible for the many war crimes committed during that conflict, including the targeting of civilians and sexual violence, have still not been held accountable. In opposition, the Foreign Secretary called on the Government to follow the example of our allies, including the US and Canada, in imposing sanctions against individuals suspected of committing these appalling acts. Now he is in government, will he commit to finally doing so?

Catherine West Portrait Catherine West
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In October 2024, the UK and our core group partners got a resolution on Sri Lanka in the UN Human Rights Council, outlining just what the hon. Member says. It renewed the mandate of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to report regularly on Sri Lanka, and to protect and preserve evidence to use in future accountability processes. We consider a range of justice and accountability options, including sanctions, and keep evidence for any potential designations under close review.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Catherine West and Paul Kohler
Tuesday 14th January 2025

(2 months, 2 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Paul Kohler Portrait Mr Paul Kohler (Wimbledon) (LD)
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T5. Wimbledon has one of the largest Korean populations in the UK, and there is widespread concern in the community about the ongoing situation in South Korea. Can the Foreign Secretary tell the House what communications, if any, the Government have had with acting President Choi or suspended President Yoon concerning the current situation?

Catherine West Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Catherine West)
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The UK Government have been in touch with the South Koreans, our great friends, and we continue to support the arrangements there, any democratic moves towards stability and the ongoing relationship with the UK.