Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what further representations they have made to the government of Nigeria to encourage (1) the investigation, and (2) the prosecution, of (a) war crimes, (b) crimes against humanity, and (c) other human rights abuses.

The Nigerian authorities have a responsibility to investigate and prosecute all war crimes, crimes against humanity and other human rights abuses committed on their territory. We continue to make clear to the Nigerian authorities, at the highest levels the importance of protecting civilians including ethnic and religious minorities, and human rights for all. The Minister for Africa discussed the impact of violence in Nigeria with President Buhari's Chief of Staff, on 29 June.

An International Criminal Court (ICC) preliminary examination into the situation in Nigeria commenced in 2010, and focussed on alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity including by Boko Haram in the North East. The ICC Prosecutor acknowledged that steps have been taken by the Nigerian authorities to investigate these offences but requested further information and evidence demonstrating that relevant national proceedings are being conducted or are intended to be conducted.

The Nigerian Human Rights Commission, set up by the Nigerian Federal Government, also serves as an extra-judicial mechanism to safeguard the human rights of Nigerians. The UK Government will continue to push for allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity and other human rights abuses to be investigated by the Nigerian authorities, and for those responsible to be held to account. Suspects should have access to justice and cases should be carried out in accordance with Nigerian law and international human rights standards.