Found: length bodies (ALBs) that monitor government performance in certain areas, such as the Equality and Human

Found: Rights. 2022.

Found: International agreements cannot on their own ensure that prisoners’ human rights are protected, that

Found: LFR also has the potential to raise wider human rights considerations.

Found: was made in order to prevent violation of the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human

Found: p2 12 The Impact of LASPO on routes to justice, James Organ and Jennifer Sigafoos (Equality and Human

Found: family law, immigration law, public law, community care, actions against public authorities and human

Found: and knowledge resource for members of the immigration law profession; and to help ensure a fair and human

Found: Exceptional Case Funding (ECF) was included in LASPO for out of scope situations where the individual’s human

Found: Case Funding (First-tier Tribunal cases and Upper Tribunal representation on cases that involve human

Found: Advancing universal human rights, freedom and democracy ii.

Found: Advancing universal human rights, freedom and democracy ii.

Found: Rights, the right to a private and family life.

Found: Many countries are now looking at mandatory human rights due diligence in line with the UN guiding

Found: Rights Resource Centre and the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre, found that

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to facilitate engagement and meetings between faith communities and the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) is one of the UK's longstanding human rights priorities. I and the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Fiona Bruce MP, regularly meets with members of different faith communities to discuss freedom of religion or belief around the world. She also attends each meeting of the UK FoRB Forum, which brings together around 80 civil society groups working on the issue. Over the last year, she has hosted a series of round table meetings focussing on different countries of concern, at which various faith groups have been well represented.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Gender Apartheid Inquiry report Shattering Women's Rights, Shattering Lives: Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Inquiry Into The Situation Of Women And Girls In Afghanistan And Iran, published by the International Bar Association on 4 March, with particular reference to the forthcoming 79th meeting of the UN General Assembly Sixth Committee in April.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The FCDO is aware of the report. There are complex legal and political questions which arise in considering any new crime of 'gender apartheid'. We are considering these questions and consulting legal advisers and subject matter experts. The situations of women and girls in Afghanistan and Iran are distinct and we will consider the unique circumstances of each country when assessing the recommendations of the Inquiry.

We have repeatedly condemned Taliban and Iranian policies and actions that restrict the rights of women and girls. Officials from the UK Mission to Afghanistan regularly press Taliban acting ministers to reverse their harmful policies on women and girls. Since Iran's mass protests of 2022-23, we have sanctioned 94 individuals or entities for human rights abuses, including senior decision makers responsible for Iran's oppressive hijab law. We will continue to work with the international community to address women and girls' rights issues in Afghanistan and Iran.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the statement by Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton in a press release on 19 March that the new Article 23 National Security Legislation in Hong Kong "undermines Hong Kong’s implementation of binding international obligations including the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights", what steps they are taking to ensure that human rights and civil liberties in Hong Kong are protected.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We will continue to raise our strong opposition to the continued erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong and China's ongoing non-compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration in international fora and at the highest levels of government. The Foreign Secretary last did so with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 16 February. Our Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva also set out our concerns at the Human Rights Council on 20 March, noting the view of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights that the law was likely incompatible with international law. We will monitor the application of the new Safeguarding National Security Ordinance in Hong Kong closely and not hesitate to speak out in defence of international rights and norms.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what evidence they have examined, and from which organisations, to determine that (1) Georgia, and (2) India, are safe countries.

Answered by Lord Sharpe of Epsom - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

As with all our country assessments to inform asylum and immigration decision making, we have drawn on evidence taken from a wide range of reliable sources, including reputable media outlets; local, national and international organisations, including human rights organisations; and information from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what specific action they have taken to mitigate risk factors, and prevent atrocity crimes, in response to the conclusion of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia in October 2023 that “eight of the Common Risk Factors for atrocity crimes are present in Ethiopia and that there is evidence to suggest that certain indicators of majority of the Specific Risk Factors for atrocity crimes are also present”; and what steps they are taking to support continued international scrutiny and independent investigations into past and ongoing violations in Ethiopia.

Answered by Lord Benyon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK has repeatedly called for those responsible for atrocities in Ethiopia to be held to account. The UK was strongly supportive of the establishment of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE). The UK has deployed an expert to support the drafting of Ethiopia's national Transitional Justice Policy and we are working to promote a survivor-centred, gender-sensitive approach. We fund UNOHCHR to deploy international human rights monitors and build early warning networks of CSOs and human rights defenders. Through our Human Rights and Peacebuilding Programme, we are supporting the investigative capacity of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and facilitating dialogue between groups from across Ethiopia.  We regularly convene with likemindeds to coordinate support and ensure accountability for atrocities and human rights violations and to ensure the effective, full implementation of the Tigray peace agreement and the Transitional Justice Policy once finalised.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of efforts since the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in November 2022 to achieve justice and accountability for conflict-related sexual violence in Tigray, and what support they are providing to those efforts.

Answered by Lord Benyon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is committed to preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence in Ethiopia. We have consistently called for an end to the appalling gender-based violence committed across Ethiopia, including sexual violence, particularly during the Tigray conflict. We therefore welcome the recent agreement to implement a comprehensive national Transitional Justice policy aimed at accountability, redress for victims, reconciliation, and healing. The UK has called for the perpetrators to be held to account and the importance of a victim-centered, gender-sensitive approach. We will work with the Ethiopian Government and civil society in their efforts to hold perpetrators to account, including building the capacity of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission through the UK's Human Rights and Peacebuilding programme (HARP).

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they expect to publish the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's strategy on Open Societies, Democracy and Human Rights.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The FCDO acknowledges the commitment made in the International Development White Paper to publish an Open Societies and Human Rights Strategy. The Strategy is in draft, and it will be published in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what explanation they have received from the Sudanese authorities for an air strike on a school in South Kordofan state on 14 March, which resulted in the deaths of 11 children and two teachers and multiple injuries.

Answered by Lord Benyon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Our senior diplomats have used meetings with senior decision-makers in the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other groups to raise concerns about credible reports of human rights violations. The UK continues to urge the warring parties to agree to a ceasefire, engage in a meaningful peace process, and grant immediate humanitarian access. The UK is also funding open-source investigation experts to use satellite imagery and social media to verify and preserve information relating to attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. It is essential that those responsible for human rights violations and abuses are held to account.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to continue with the Colombia–UK Bilateral Investment Treaty after October 2024; and, if it is continued, what plans they have to increase protections for (1) human rights, and (2) the environment.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I regularly raise human rights issues, as well as specific cases of concern with the Colombian Government. The UK-Colombia Bilateral Investment Treaty plays an important role in supporting the investment relationship between the UK and Colombia by protecting investors from arbitrary, discriminatory, and unfair treatment, as well as expropriation without adequate compensation. The UK is content with the standard of protection that it currently provides to investors of both the UK and Colombia. Colombia is a Human Rights Priority Country for the British Government and we actively engage with civil society through regular channels regarding our human rights concerns.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the high number of Investor-State Dispute Settlement cases against Columbia; and the impact of these cases on (1) the implementation of the Columbian Peace Accord, (2) the UK's role as penholder at the UN Security Council, and (3) human rights and the environment in Columbia.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I regularly raise human rights issues, as well as specific cases of concern with the Colombian Government. The UK Government cannot comment on legal disputes arising from Bilateral Investment Treaties where it is not a party to the dispute. Resolution of any such disputes is a matter for the Government of Colombia and the investors concerned. Colombia is a Human Rights Priority Country for the British Government and we actively engage with civil society through regular channels regarding our human rights concerns.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the Gambia and what discussions they have had with the government of the Gambia in relation to proposed legislation repealing the law banning FGM.

Answered by Lord Benyon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a form of violence and a human rights violation. The UK Government, alongside our international partners, continues to have frank and open conversations with The Gambian Government, including the President and other Ministers, about the Bill to repeal the ban on FGM. On 19 March, the Foreign Secretary issued a tweet reinforcing the UK Government's position that FGM is harmful and should be illegal, and the Minister for Development and Africa spoke to the President about the repercussions of any vote in favour of FGM once again being permitted in The Gambia.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what capacity assistance they are providing to Burundi in support of efforts to ensure justice and accountability for past atrocities, including support for the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission and efforts to strengthen the rule of law.

Answered by Lord Benyon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK welcomes the Government of Burundi's stated commitment to strengthening the rule of law. Between 2019 and 2022, the UK's Peace Direct programme delivered £1 million of development assistance to Burundi targeted at building community resilience and strengthening social networks, to consolidate progress that Burundi has made towards reconciliation. We continue to call on the Government of Burundi to implement fully the recommendations made in last year's Universal Periodic Review. We will continue to monitor developments and advocate for improved transparency and accountability in Burundi through the British Embassy Office in Bujumbura and through our network of partners.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many Iranian leaders they have sanctioned using Magnitsky-style sanctions since the death of Masha Amini in 2022; and how many sanctions they have imposed on those responsible for the suppression of the rights of women and girls in Iran.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Mahsa Amini's death is a shocking reminder of the repression faced by women in Iran. Since October 2022, we have sanctioned 94 individuals or entities for human rights abuses under the Iran sanctions regime. This includes senior decision makers responsible for enforcing Iran's mandatory hijab law, the Minister for Culture and Islamic Guidance, the Mayor of Tehran and the Iranian Police spokesperson. Individuals in the Iranian judiciary and Tehran metro were also sanctioned for their involvement in imposing and enforcing the mandatory hijab law. We will continue to raise women and girls' rights issues at all appropriate opportunities with the Iranian Government.

Found: Consular services for cases involving human rights

Russia’s supreme court ruled the ‘international LGBT movement’ as ‘extremist' in November 2023. We are concerned this is leading to the increased persecution of people suspected to be LGBTQ+.

Found: influence to pressure the Russian government to abandon anti-LGBTQ+ measures - Urge the United Nations and human

Found: how the government intends to apply its obligations under Article 2 (right to life) of the Human

Found: are of the view that non-compliance with the victims’ code also constitutes a breach of the Human

Found: 206, leave out line 26 to end of line 2 on page 207 and insert— “(a) the rule of law, respect for human

Found: manufactu rers, national electricity grid developers and operators, environmental, climate change, and human

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Found: “Human Rights Convention” means the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental

Found: “Human Rights Convention” means the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental

Found: for employers on supporting people with a range of disabilities in the workplace • the Equality and Human

Found: for employers on supporting people with a range of disabilities in the workplace • the Equality and Human

Found: with the Learner Entry Tool Currency codes for Data Element 4/10 of the Customs Declaration Service Human

Found: Mr Kara-Murza is a champion of human rights.

Found: These include everything from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Office for Environmental

Found: A committed human rights activist striving for a democratic Russia, and an outspoken critic of the war

Found: Ms Sanchez, violence and criminality – including the killings of former combatants, social leaders, human

Found: protections for pregnant women and new parents, Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chairwoman of the Equality and Human

Found: UN Human Rights Council 55: UK Statement on Syria resolution

Found: UN Human Rights Council 55: UK Statement for Item 10 General Debate

Found: drivers joining the profession could result in a reduction in days lost to sickness. 37 Human

Found: Judges Reforming the Law of Apologies in Civil Proceedings 6 Disability Rights UK Equality and Human

Found: Output % of OC contracts which include a human rights, modern slavery and ethical trading commitment

Found: They were shorter than full inspections and looked at key areas based on our existing human rights -

Found: Forces, you must go on to consider whether refusal of the application would breach Article 8 of the Human

Found: safe, child and gender sensitive manner with due respect for the young person’s dignity and their Human

Found: HRIA follows a human rights -based approach, which integrates human rights principles such as non-discrimination

Found: They were shorter than full inspections and looked at key areas based on our existing human rights -

Found: Biography Cath Denholm joined the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) as Executive Director of

Found: We also ensure robust arrangements are in place around social, human rights, anti-corruption, anti-fraud

Found: We also ensure robust arrangements are in place around social, human rights, anti-corruption, anti-fraud

Found: We also ensure robust arrangements are in place around social, human rights, anti-corruption, anti-

Found: We also ensure robust arrangements are in place around social, human rights, anti-corruption, anti-

Found: the option of merging the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland with the Scottish Human

Found: The Scottish Human Rights Com mission, the European Court of Human Rights, the United Nations C onvention

Found: coherence are also addressed, along with four key priorities: international development, climate justice, human

Found: Human rights defenders in general face high levels of risk as a result of their work.

Found: Human Rights Bill Governance and Engagement Advisory Board: December 2023

Found: Kingdom’s position against the backdrop of the ICJ ruling; UN Security Council, General Assembly and Human

Found: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has made a statement condemning the blockade of Gaza, saying

Found: Finance): Please send to Director for Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights DirectorforEIHR@gov.scot

Found: Northern Lighthouse operating as the Northern Lighthouse Board, Scottish Futures Trust, Equality and Human

Found: Northern Lighthouse operating as the Northern Lighthouse Board, Scottish Futures Trust, Equality and Human

Found: The IRISR considered how to ensure a human rights -based and person -centred approach is central to

Found: His other strategic engagements with the UN include: Head of Human Rights Investigations for the UN

Found: Safe Place, the Scottish Government established the physical intervention working group to develop new human

Found: provided on the Equality, inclusion and HR fund page, which you can view via this link Equality and Human

Question

To ask the Scottish Government when it expects to introduce a bill on ending conversion practices.

Answered by Roddick, Emma - Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees

The Scottish Government is committed to introduce legislation to end conversion practices in Scotland that is as comprehensive as possible within devolved competence.

Conversion practices, which aim to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, are damaging and destructive acts that violate people’s human rights. Whilst our proposals will protect people from the harms of conversion practices, our approach also recognises and respects established rights and freedoms. This includes freedom of thought, conscience and belief and private and family life as well as parents exercising their rights and responsibilities in relation to their children.

Our public consultation, containing detailed proposals, ran for 12 weeks and closed on 2 April 2024. Responses to that consultation will now be analysed and considered.

Future legislative programmes will be announced in relevant Programmes for Government in the usual way.