Sudan: Atrocities

Jim Shannon Excerpts
Thursday 22nd June 2023

(10 months, 2 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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Yes, I think I can give an assurance that the Minister for Africa will do exactly that.

Jim Shannon Portrait Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
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I thank the Minister for his response to this urgent question, and the right hon. Member for Chelmsford (Vicky Ford) for her assiduous commitment to highlighting all these issues across the House. It is estimated that since 15 April fighting in the city of El Geneina in Darfur has taken the lives of 1,100 people, and it is increasingly coming to light that many of them are not soldiers in combat but civilians fleeing the city in fear of their lives. Will the Minister outline what discussions have taken place with our allies to enable women and children to get to safety, and what steps can we take to stop this carnage?

Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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The protection of women and children is at the heart of our diplomatic efforts and we discuss that with our allies in all fora, including the African Union and the UN. The hon. Gentleman makes a good point.