Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what is her assessment of the potential implications for her policies of a new report by Fortify Rights and Truth Hounds, titled I Was Tricked Into War: The Risk of Human Trafficking and Coerced Recruitment of Bangladeshi Men into Russia’s War in Ukraine, and what steps is the United Kingdom taking to engage with the government of Bangladesh to stop the practice of trafficking and forced recruitment of its citizens into the Russian Armed Forces.

Russia's recruitment of foreign nationals to fight in its illegal war against Ukraine is deeply concerning. The UK condemns any deception, coercion or trafficking linked to Russia's war effort and is working with partners to expose these practices, support accountability and disrupt those responsible. On 5 May, the UK announced sanctions targeting networks involved in trafficking vulnerable migrants to support Russia's war effort, including deceptive recruitment and exploitation. The UK calls for full compliance with international humanitarian law, including the humane treatment of prisoners of war and appropriate access and protection arrangements.