Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of international sanctions regimes in deterring conflict-related sexual violence and holding perpetrators accountable.

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is prohibited under international law and can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, or an act of genocide. The Government supports the full implementation and strengthening of existing international legal frameworks, which provide an important basis for preventing and responding to CRSV. The principal challenge is not the absence of international legal prohibitions on CRSV, but ensuring their effective implementation, strengthening accountability, addressing impunity and improving access to justice and support for survivors.

The Government supports the use of sanctions as one tool among a broader range of measures to promote accountability for CRSV. We do not assess sanctions in isolation. They complement wider diplomatic and accountability efforts aimed at deterring atrocities, reinforcing international norms and signalling that perpetrators of these crimes will face consequences.

The Government maintains a distinct and dedicated focus on CRSV, while delivering this work as part of the wider International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, Women, Peace and Security agenda, and efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. We recognise that while women and girls are disproportionately affected by CRSV, men and boys can also be affected. Our survivor-centred, intersectional and inclusive approach seeks to support all survivors according to their needs and circumstance.