Oct. 31 2023
Source Page: International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict high level meeting: Chair’s statementFound: International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict high level meeting: Chair’s statement
Apr. 29 2024
Source Page: The Duchess of Edinburgh becomes first Royal to visit Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasionFound: While in Ukraine, The Duchess of Edinburgh met with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and
Apr. 29 2024
Source Page: The Duchess of Edinburgh becomes first Royal to visit Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasionFound: sexual violence and torture, and as part of her work as a champion of the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence
Asked by: Baroness Coussins (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Colombia about reparations for victims of sexual and gender-based violence during the armed conflict.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Colombia is a Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) and Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan focus country. Colombia is current chair of the UK-founded International Alliance on PSVI, a key forum for coordinating global action on conflict-related sexual violence. The UK contributed to the opening of a landmark case to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) from the armed conflict in the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP), the authoritative transitional justice body providing reparations to SGBV victims. We continue to support this work, as well as assistance to victims and survivors seeking access to justice.
Asked by: Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to support the Colombian Ministry of Equality and Equity, particularly pertaining to its work on reparations for victims of sexual and gender-based violence during conflict.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Colombia is a Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) and Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan focus country. Colombia is current chair of the UK-founded International Alliance on PSVI, a key forum for coordinating global action on conflict-related sexual violence. The UK contributed to the opening of a landmark case to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) from the armed conflict in the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP), the authoritative transitional justice body providing reparations to SGBV victims. We continue to support this work, as well as assistance to victims and survivors seeking access to justice.
Asked by: Stephen Crabb (Conservative - Preseli Pembrokeshire)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the testimony of Amit Soussana.
Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
The Government continues to be appalled by the reports of conflict-related sexual violence committed by Hamas on 7 October and against hostages, including the report from UN Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) on sexual violence in conflict, Pramila Patten. The UK condemns sexual violence unequivocally and without exception. Hamas must release all hostages and all reports of sexual violence must be fully investigated to ensure justice for survivors and victims. The UK has been working with partners across the region to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals and their families.
Asked by: Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party - Strangford)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Colombian counterpart on sustainable access to medical services for people in that country.
Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK and Colombia work closely together on health as part of our commitment to the sustainability development goals. We are working to strengthen the capacity of public health systems in Colombia, including access issues. We recognise the importance of regulatory frameworks providing businesses with the confidence to innovate and invest in medical services, including robust intellectual property regimes. Our work on preventing sexual violence in conflict also focuses on medical services for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, where the UK provides targeted specialised psychosocial support in Colombia.
May. 28 2024
Source Page: Women’s participation as leaders, negotiators and peacebuilders greatly enhances the chances of long-lasting peace: UK statement at the UN Security CouncilFound: We fund Women Mediators Across the Commonwealth, a group of 50 conflict mediators engaged in conflict
Asked by: Caroline Lucas (Green Party - Brighton, Pavilion)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what recent discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on tackling sexual violence in conflict; and if he will make it his policy to call for incidents of sexual violence by (a) Hamas and (b) the Israel Defense Forces to be independently investigated.
Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
The UK condemns sexual violence unequivocally and without exception. Reports of sexual violence on and since 7th October are deeply disturbing. The UK has consistently called for these reports to be fully investigated to ensure justice for survivors and victims.
Through our Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict programmes and dedicated funding totalling £60 million, we are leading work internationally to prevent conflict-related sexual violence and strengthen justice and support for all survivors.
Mentions:
1: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con - Life peer) violence in conflict. - Speech Link
2: Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab - Life peer) violence in conflict. - Speech Link
3: Baroness Goudie (Lab - Life peer) Save the Children’s 2021 report, Weapon of War: Sexual Violence Against Children in Conflict, revealed - Speech Link