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Written question asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 September 2026. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Armed Conflict: Sexual Offences

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence remains a departmental priority following the appointment of the new Foreign Secretary; and how that priority is reflected in ministerial responsibility, funding, objectives and measurable outcomes.

Answer

Preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) remains a Government priority. It is an important part of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's women and girls priority as reflected in the International Women and Girls Framework, published in May 2026. Work is underway to refresh the UK's approach to preventing sexual violence in conflict. We will set out our approach in due course.

Since launching the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) in 2012, the UK has helped strengthen international standards, improve the documentation and investigation of CRSV, support survivor-centred justice and reparations, and drive greater international action to prevent and respond to these crimes.

The PSVI programme has robust monitoring and evaluation arrangements, including quarterly partner reporting, ongoing outcome tracking and annual reviews (which are published on DevTracker). The Independent Commission for Aid Impact has reviewed PSVI, informing the UK's 2022-25 PSVI Strategy, and independent Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning reviews have been conducted to inform our CRSV programming and policy development, most recently in March 2026. The UK's work on CRSV will also be reported through the Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan.

The recently appointed UK Special Envoy on PSVI will champion survivor-centred approaches and support global efforts to prevent CRSV and improve accountability. Success will be measured through strengthened prevention, survivor support, accountability and international engagement.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3274
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Armed conflict Sexual offences
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk