Select Committee · International Development Committee

Humanitarian access and adherence to international humanitarian law

Status: Closed Opened: 4 Dec 2024 Closed: 5 Sep 2025 20 recommendations 31 conclusions 2 reports

International humanitarian law includes important rules to facilitate the passage of humanitarian relief such as food, clothing and medical supplies as well as rules on the protection of humanitarian personnel. In addition, UN Security Council resolutions have called for safe and unhindered access for humanitarian personnel. Yet, in recent years there have been concerning trends …

Clear

Reports

2 reports
Title HC No. Published Items Response
5th Report - Protection not permission: The UK’s role in up… HC 526 12 Jun 2025 51 Responded
Large print - Protection not permission: The UK’s role in u… HC 526 12 Jun 2025 0 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

1 item
17 Conclusion 5th Report - Protection not permission:… Deferred

Government failed to formally respond to ICJ opinion on Israel's IHL compliance.

The FCDO needs to be led by the law without fear or favour. In July 2024, the International Courts of Justice handed down its advisory opinion on the legality of Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This advisory opinion sets out various obligations in respect of third …

Government response. The government acknowledges the ICJ's advisory opinion and states it is carefully considering it, committing to publish a full response in due course. It reiterates its commitment to international law and respects the ICJ's independence.

Oral evidence sessions

1 session
Date Witnesses
11 Mar 2025 Anna Tazita Samuel · Women for Change, Imogen Wall · IW Response Associates, Jon Novakovic · Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF), Steve Dennis · Proper Support, Tarini Ross · Humanitarian Aid International View ↗

Correspondence

1 letter
DateDirectionTitle
26 Jun 2025 Correspondence to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade relating to the…