Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Deferred
Paragraph: 53
FCDO must revisit previous report to improve the OCSM atrocity prevention hub.
Conclusion
In its previous report, this Committee welcomed the Government’s introduction of the Office for Conflict, Stabilisation and Mediation (OCSM) with a hub to consider atrocity prevention. However, it seems that this hub has not met its promise. The FCDO should revisit our previous report and look at how to improve the hub, 20 Humanitarian situation in Gaza because it should be forming a central part of the Government’s response in Gaza and it appears not to have the resource to give the leadership across Whitehall that is required.
Government Response Summary
The government's response focuses on the importance of protecting healthcare workers and facilities in Gaza and ensuring effective deconfliction, entirely sidestepping the recommendation to improve the OCSM hub for atrocity prevention.
Paragraph Reference:
53
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
46. The Court’s call for the immediate release of hostages and to get more aid into Gaza is a position that the UK Government has long advocated. Far too many aid workers and ordinary civilians have lost their lives in Gaza and the situation is increasingly intolerable. The Prime Minister was clear when he spoke to PM Netanyahu on 2 April that the UK expects to see immediate action by Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid, deconflict with the UN and aid agencies, protect civilians and repair vital infrastructure like hospitals and water networks. 47. We share the Committee’s concern that health care workers and facilities must be protected, as provided in IHL. The Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have underlined the need for Israel to ensure effective deconfliction in Gaza, and to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of medical personnel and facilities. 48. It is imperative that those doing life-saving work are properly protected and allowed full, unhindered access to conduct their work safely.