Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Accepted
Insufficient UK support for local prosecution of IHL breaches.
Conclusion
We agree with the Government that it is preferable to prosecute suspected breaches of IHL within the jurisdiction where they occurred, but only where there are sufficient resources and guarantees of fair trials. There is more the UK could be doing to support these legal systems. (Conclusion, Paragraph 47)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that prosecuting breaches of IHL locally is preferable and highlights its existing support for capacity building in partner countries to strengthen justice and accountability mechanisms for IHL violations.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The UK takes its responsibilities regarding accountability for violations of IHL extremely seriously. We agree that prosecuting suspected breaches of IHL within the jurisdiction where they occurred, is generally preferable. However, this relies on a State being willing and able to genuinely investigate and prosecute such crimes. If there are insufficient resources or guarantees of fair trials, the UK supports the use of international mechanisms. The UK supports capacity building in partner countries for strengthening justice and accountability mechanisms, including for investigating and prosecuting IHL violations.