Written question asked by Baroness Helic (Conservative) on Friday, 6 December 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 December 2024. It was answered by Lord Collins of Highbury (Labour) on Monday, 23 December 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Armed Conflict: Civilians

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to reviewing the Geneva Conventions and legal standards for humanitarian treatment and protection of civilians during war.

Answer: We continue to call for International Humanitarian Law (IHL), including the Geneva Conventions of 1949, to be respected around the world. International Humanitarian Law provides the minimum level of compliance required by parties to armed conflict. However, parties to the Geneva Conventions can choose, as the UK does, to implement policy that goes beyond these legal obligations, providing greater protection for civilians during war. Promoting IHL compliance is the cornerstone of UK humanitarian policy, as is evidenced by our activities recorded in the UK Voluntary Report on the Domestic Implementation of IHL.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL3260
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Armed conflict Civilians Humanitarian aid Geneva Conventions Protection
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk