Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Red Line initiative pioneered by Dr Denis Mukwege which aims to establish a binding treaty obliging states to end sexual violence in conflict; and what plans they have, if any, to provide support for this initiative.

The Foreign Secretary is determined to strengthen the global response to conflict-related sexual violence and build a new consensus to prevent these atrocities.

On 16 November 2021, the Foreign Secretary launched a campaign to end violence against women and girls in conflict around the world: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-launches-campaign-to-tackle-sexual-violence-in-conflict-around-the-world

We are exploring all options for stronger international action, including a new international convention. The proposal put forward by Dr Mukwege during his time on the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC) has informed the UK's exploration of a new convention, and we will continue to engage closely with the Red Line Initiative as this work develops.