Government says it supports the ICC Prosecutor’s continuing investigation into the allegations of atrocity crimes committed in Darfur but in a separate reply – on Uyghur genocide – reiterates the discredited position of the previous Government on how genocide is determined – having voted against it while in Opposition.
Lord Collins of Highbury, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL475):
Question by Lord Alton of Liverpool:
To ask His Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the situation in Darfur, particularly with regard to the findings of the Darfur Inquiry published in April 2023 and subsequent concerns raised, including by the UN Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, about the serious risk of genocide there. (HL475)
Tabled on: 30 July 2024
Answer:
Lord Collins of Highbury:
The UK condemns in the strongest terms the escalating violence across Sudan, particularly in Darfur. We continue to call for those responsible to be held to account. On 13 June, the UNSC adopted a UK-led resolution demanding a halt to the Rapid Support Forces’ siege of El Fasher and calling on the warring parties to immediately end hostilities and to allow safe and unimpeded humanitarian access. The UK continues to support the ICC Prosecutor’s continuing investigation into the allegations of atrocity crimes committed in Darfur since 1 July 2002, including consideration of the atrocities committed in the ongoing conflict.
Date and time of answer: 08 Aug 2024 at 11:19.
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From: Written Parliamentary Questions and Answers <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, August 8, 2024 11:24:04 AM
To: ALTON OF LIVERPOOL, Lord <[email protected]>
Subject: Written answer to your QWA HL379 received from Baroness Chapman of Darlington, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Baroness Chapman of Darlington, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL379):
Question by Lord Alton of Liverpool:
To ask His Majesty’s Government what is their response to the House of Commons Resolution passed in April 2021 that Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region are suffering Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide. (HL379)
Tabled on: 26 July 2024
Answer:
Baroness Chapman of Darlington:
It is the long-standing policy of the British Government that any judgment as to whether crimes against humanity or genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent national or international court, rather than for governments or non-judicial bodies. It should be decided after consideration of all the evidence available in the context of a credible judicial process. Regardless of any court’s decision, this Government will stand firm on human rights, including China’s repression of Uyghurs and others in Xinjiang.
Date and time of answer: 08 Aug 2024 at 11:23.
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The @Coalition4GR and @AU_Feed have also published a briefing paper, today, on the Genocide Determination Bill, together with some accessible FAQs, w/t @Aarif_Abraham. Briefing Link: https://accountabilityunit.org/s/AU-Legal-Briefing-Genocide-Determination-Bill-2023-24.pdf… Leading Lawyers’ Letter on Bill, Link: https://accountabilityunit.org/new-blog/2024/letter-to-uk-prime-minister-and-foreign-secretary-on-the-genocide-determination-bill… 2/3
