Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Acknowledged
Mass atrocities not only reflect deep inhumanity but undermine global stability at a time when...
Conclusion
Mass atrocities not only reflect deep inhumanity but undermine global stability at a time when population displacement is more pronounced than at any point since World War Two. Key trends today may fuel greater violence, for instance climate change, threats to democracies and the involvement of non-state actors in conflict. The Prime Minister has expressed her personal commitment to preventing mass atrocities, seeing this as morally right and “absolutely” in the UK’s strategic interest. Without concerted action, however, mass atrocities are likely to become more common, which will constrain global development. (Paragraph 15) Policy response
Government Response Summary
The Government agrees that in its efforts to prevent mass atrocities the full range of tools, multilateral or otherwise, should be considered, and decisions should be made based on the context. The Government will continue to use multilateral mechanisms wherever appropriate and will continue to use its influence to advocate for strengthened mechanisms.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
8. The Government agrees that in its efforts to prevent mass atrocities the full range of tools, multilateral or otherwise, should be considered, and decisions should be made based on the context. The Government will continue to use multilateral mechanisms wherever appropriate, including relevant bodies across the UN system, such as the General Assembly, Human Rights Council, Security Council, and the Agencies, Funds, and Programmes, each of which can play a vital role in preventing atrocities, galvanising international response, and delivering justice for victims and survivors. 9. The UK Government will continue to use its influence to advocate for strengthened mechanisms, greater cohesion and integration of the UN system, and investment in a system-wide approach to conflict and atrocity prevention. 10. In addition to the UN, the UK works multilaterally with likeminded countries through international working groups and the Group of Friends for the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), and bilaterally with individual member states. We are collaborating closely with US counterparts on approaches to atrocity prevention, including through the recently published US Atrocity Prevention Strategy. We are increasing awareness of these approaches across the FCDO through joint training sessions with US and European counterparts. 11. On conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), the UK launched a new initiative, Accountability Commission and Taskforce (ACT) for Survivors, at the PSVI Conference in November 2022. The initiative aims to strengthen accountability for CRSV crimes at the national level through increased analysis and best practice sharing, including an online repository and guidance for states; capacity building for states to support them to build better judicial mechanisms to prosecute CRSV; and support for survivors, including broader justice and accountability measures.