Recommendation 31

HM Government Not Addressed

The FCDO is committed to doing all it can on atrocity prevention in all settings, including non-conflict settings. We deploy a variety of tools, including early warning mechanisms, diplomacy, development and programmatic support, and defence tools—including the armed forces—to strengthen the international system’s prevention and response mechanisms. Our work in this area is long-standing, both in terms of preventing atrocities and securing accountability and justice for atrocities committed. Most mass atrocities occur in and around conflicts. As such the UK’s atrocity prevention work is set in the context of our wider cross-government approach to conflict prevention. Our geographic departments can draw on a wide range of expertise aimed at building inclusive and stable environments and preventing conflict and possible atrocities. Thematic teams include those leading on atrocity prevention, Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, sanctions, Women, Peace and Security, Girls’ Education, Children and Armed Conflict, the Protection of Civilians, Modern Slavery, the Right to Freedom of Religion or Belief and safeguarding Media Freedom. This work is supported by significant resources. In 2021/22, the Government will spend £874m on tackling conflict and instability through the cross-government Conflict, Stability and Security Fund. We also regularly raise atrocity risks through diplomatic engagement—both through bilateral and multilateral channels, including through relevant UN bodies. We judge that individual FCDO geographical departments, working with other government departments, are best placed to decide how to tackle atrocity risks in their regions. This allows agility and flexibility to respond to the particular risks and environments in each country. We do not therefore presently believe that a national, cross-departmental strategy is needed.