Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench) on Wednesday, 20 January 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 February 2021. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 3 February 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Tigray: Armed Conflict

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the damage to cultural monuments and artefacts caused by the conflict in Tigray; and whether they intend to ask UNESCO for its response to any such assessment.

Answer: We are concerned by further reports from Tigray of attacks on places of worship as well as damage to cultural monuments and artefacts. An ongoing lack of access to the Tigray region means that it remains difficult to confirm these reports. We will continue to work with partners to seek further information. We continue to urge all parties to allow unfettered humanitarian access, a point the Foreign Secretary discussed with Prime Minister Abiy during his visit on 22 January.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL12329
Session: 2019-21
Subjects: Armed conflict Cultural heritage Artworks Damage Monuments UNESCO Tigray
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk