Written question asked by Baroness Helic (Conservative) on Monday, 4 September 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 September 2023. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 18 September 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Sudan: Arms Trade

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to (1) improve the enforcement of and compliance with the UN Arms Embargo and Sanctions Regime on Darfur, and (2) extend the arms embargo to the whole of Sudan.

Answer: The UN Arms Embargo and Sanctions Regime on Darfur was renewed in March 2023, and is due for review by September 2024. The United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) will brief the UN Security Council on 13 September ahead of mandate renewal negotiations for which the UK will hold the pen. There is a longstanding bilateral UK arms embargo in place for the whole of Sudan which prevents weapon flows and tackles individuals working against peace. UK sanctions under the Sudan Sanctions (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 provides another tool for holding those to account for violations against peace and stability in Sudan.

Secondary information