Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 June 2026. It was answered by Chris Elmore (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 July 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Offences: International Cooperation

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help support the reporting of sexual harassment and offending against women and girls internationally, including to help strengthen victims' confidence in the local justice system.

Answer: The UK is leading international efforts to tackle all forms of violence and abuse faced by women and girls, including sexual harassment, and to ensure all countries adopt best practice in terms of encouraging the reporting of these crimes, and supporting victims through the investigative and judicial processes. The Foreign Secretary recently launched the International Coalition to end Violence Against Women and Girls, alongside an initial seven partner countries, and the UK will host a global summit on these issues next year. The UK works with a range of international partners, including in justice systems, to ensure that survivors of violence can access support and receive justice. For example, through our What Works to Prevent Violence programme we are working with local women's rights organisations and the Malawian police force to improve their response to violence.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 12677
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Administration of justice International cooperation Sexual offences Sexual harassment
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk