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Written question asked by Baroness Helic (Conservative) on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Monday, 6 July 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Syria: Women

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have raised with (1) European counterparts, and (2) G7 members, reports of abductions and gender-based violence against women and girls in minority communities in Syria; and whether they plan to make joint representations to the Syrian authorities on this matter.

Answer

The UK firmly supports the documentation and investigation of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Syria. We remain concerned about allegations around forced abduction, and we have consistently emphasised to the Syrian Government that civilians must be protected from violence, and those responsible held to account. Over half of UK humanitarian programming in Syria was focussed on women and girls in FY 2024/25 with 271,000 women reached with VAWG-related support.

On the international stage, during the UK's UN Security Council Presidency in February, we focused on the rights of women and girls, delivering a joint statement calling for women's full, equal and meaningful participation and an end to discriminatory Assad-era laws. The UK continues to engage with both the Government of Syria and civil society to press for a genuine political transition that protects the rights of all Syrians, including women.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1255
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Women Abduction Minority groups Syria Gender based violence
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk