Written question asked by Baroness Helic (Conservative) on Monday, 21 July 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 August 2025. It was answered by Lord Collins of Highbury (Labour) on Friday, 1 August 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Syria: Women

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Syria regarding the protection of women from ethnic and religious minority communities; and how these efforts reflect the UK’s obligations under the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Answer: We have consistently advocated for an inclusive political transition and underlined the importance of protecting the rights of all Syrians, including women, and an improved response to sectarian violence. The Foreign Secretary raised these issues with the Syrian Government during his recent visit to Damascus and offered UK support. Syria remains a focus country in the UK's 5th National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, guiding our efforts in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325. UK funding supports Syrian women's rights organisations to promote gender equality, strengthen women's roles in peacebuilding, and increase their participation in political and public life. Thirteen years on from the launch of the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative, the UK is proud of its leadership on this issue and continues to fund programmes in Syria which document human rights violations and support the trial and convictions of perpetrators of these crimes.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL9685
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Syria: Women
Monday, 6 July 2026
Written questions
House of Lords
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Women Minority groups Syria
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk