Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what level of training has been provided to British armed forces on tackling sexual violence in conflict; and if he will make a statement.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is working with Whitehall Departments to implement the UK National Action Plan on Women, Peace & Security. To support this, Joint Service Publication (JSP) 1325 'Human Security in Military Operations' issues direction on how the UK Military can recognise and protect civilians from human rights violations including sexual violence. JSP 1325 is available on Gov.uk at the following link:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/human-security-in-military-operations-jsp-1325

All UK Military deploying on operations receive training on preventing and responding to conflict related sexual violence. In addition to this, the MOD continues to expand the Human Security in Military Operations Adviser training programme. This equips personnel with a gender perspective to implement preventative measures to threats such as conflict related sexual violence from planning to patrol.