Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress is being made in bringing Omar al Bashir to trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC); what assessment they have made of the proposal that any ICC trial could take place in Khartoum if removal to the Hague is not acceptable to the government of Sudan; what resources they have offered to enable such a trial to occur; and what support they intend to provide to assist with (1) the training of judges, (2) ensuring credible judicial processes, (3) transitional justice mechanisms, (4) institutional reform, and (5) restitution for victims of violence in Sudan.

The arrest warrant against Omar al Bashir still stands and we urge the Sudanese authorities to cooperate with it. The UK strongly supports the mission of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its independence. The location of any ICC trial is a matter for the Court to decide.

For a number of years, the UK has supported the strengthening of the Sudanese Parliament towards becoming an institution capable of providing effective scrutiny. Our Embassy in Khartoum has also supported civil society groups advocating on behalf of victims at international fora such as the Human Rights Council. As the transition deal is agreed, respect for human rights, accountability for past abuses and a process of rehabilitation for victims will be essential for its success.

We are assessing opportunities of further engagement and support to develop justice and reconciliation mechanisms offered by the current political environment.