Written question asked by Lord Judd (Labour) on Monday, 10 July 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 July 2017. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 24 July 2017 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Crimes against Humanity

Question: Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to prioritise the prevention of atrocity crimes in the execution of British foreign policy at the UN and elsewhere; and what arrangements they have in place to ensure that this is prioritised by UK representatives in the work of the Security Council, together with advocacy of the responsibility to protect.

Answer: The British Government is a strong supporter of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and is committed to the prevention of atrocity crimes; through the UN system, bilaterally and also through other multilateral fora. The UK continues to prioritise this work in the Security Council: supporting debates, briefings from the Special Advisors on Genocide Prevention and R2P, and campaigning for swift effective action where the risk of mass atrocities exists. As the majority of atrocity crimes happen in and around conflict, our continued efforts in the Security Council to maintain peace and security ensure our representatives retain focus on these important issues.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL619
Session: 2017-19
Subjects: Crimes against humanity UN Security Council Responsibility to protect
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk