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Select Committee · Human Rights (Joint Committee)

Accountability for Daesh crimes

Status: Closed Opened: 12 Oct 2023 Closed: 14 Jul 2025 11 recommendations 6 conclusions 1 report
Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
2nd Report - Accountability for Daesh crimes HC 612 13 May 2025 17 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

3 items
5 Conclusion 2nd Report - Accountability for Daesh c… Acknowledged

The UK legal framework applicable to international crimes is inconsistent.

The UK legal framework applicable to international crimes is inconsistent. Whilst it is possible to prosecute individuals for torture and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions committed abroad, it is not possible to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, or other war crimes committed abroad, unless the individuals are … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the committee's observation regarding the inconsistent UK legal framework for international crimes and explains its current support for accountability under existing national laws and international obligations.
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Ministry of Justice
13 Conclusion 2nd Report - Accountability for Daesh c… Acknowledged

There is no official public data from the Government on the number of British individuals...

There is no official public data from the Government on the number of British individuals currently detained in camps and prisons in North East Syria (NES). (Conclusion, Paragraph 95)

Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the presence of British nationals in NES but states it cannot comment on exact numbers due to shifting circumstances, lack of consular presence, and varied information sources.
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Ministry of Justice
15 Conclusion 2nd Report - Accountability for Daesh c… Acknowledged

We recognise that the Government may in some cases feel that national security considerations render...

We recognise that the Government may in some cases feel that national security considerations render repatriations difficult. We acknowledge this and recognise that keeping the public safe must be the Government’s highest priority. We also acknowledge that conditions on the ground are volatile and dangerous, leading to a significant possibility … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the committee's observations regarding national security considerations, the priority of public safety, and the volatile conditions on the ground impacting repatriations.
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Ministry of Justice

Oral evidence sessions

6 sessions
Date Witnesses
12 Feb 2025 OBE Alex Crawford · Sky News View ↗
13 Dec 2023 Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC MP · Ministry of Justice View ↗
6 Dec 2023 Jonathan Hall KC · Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation View ↗
22 Nov 2023 Dr Anne Charbord · Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, Katherine Cornett · Reprieve, Laura Durán · ECPAT UK (Every Child Protected Against Trafficking), Laura Durán · ECPAT UK, Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin · University of Minnesota Law School View ↗
15 Nov 2023 Bethan David · Crown Prosecution Service, Detective Chief Superintendent Gareth Rees · Metropolitan Police Service View ↗
18 Oct 2023 Dr Ewelina Ochab · International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), Pari Ibrahim · Free Yezidi Foundation (FYF) View ↗

Who gave evidence

12 witnesses
WitnessOrganisationSessions
Bethan David · Head of the Counter Terrorism Division in the Spe… Crown Prosecution Service 1
Detective Chief Superintendent Gareth Rees · Head of Operations and Investigations, SO15 Count… Metropolitan Police Service 1
Dr Anne Charbord · Senior Legal Advisor Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin 1
Dr Ewelina Ochab · Programme Lawyer International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) 1
Jonathan Hall KC · Independent Reviewer Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation 1
Katherine Cornett · Head of the Syria and Iraq Detention Project Reprieve 1
Laura Durán · Head of Policy, Advocacy and Research ECPAT UK (Every Child Protected Against Trafficking) 1
Laura Durán · Head of Policy, Advocacy and Research ECPAT UK 1
OBE Alex Crawford · Special Correspondent Sky News 1
Pari Ibrahim · Founder and Executive Director Free Yezidi Foundation (FYF) 1
Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin University of Minnesota Law School 1
Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC MP · Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State Ministry of Justice 1

Correspondence

12 letters
DateDirectionTitle
12 Feb 2025 — Correspondence from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry …
10 Jan 2025 — Correspondence from the Committee to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Common…
10 Jan 2025 — Correspondence from the Committee to the Secretary of State for the Home Depart…
10 Jan 2025 — Correspondence from the Committee to the Secretary of State to the Lord Chancel…
28 May 2024 — Correspondence from the Committee to the Secretary of State for the Home Depart…
28 May 2024 — Correspondence from the Committee to the Minister of State Lord Ahmad regarding…
28 May 2024 — Correspondence from the Committee to the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State…
8 May 2024 — Correspondence from the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Rt …
3 May 2024 — Correspondence from The Right Honourable Alex Chalk KC MP Lord Chancellor & Sec…
3 May 2024 — Correspondence from Rt Hon James Cleverly MP Secretary of State for the Home De…
3 May 2024 — Correspondence from Amal Clooney, Barrister, Doughty Street Chambers to the Co…
3 May 2024 — Correspondence from Rt Hon James Cleverly MP Secretary of State for Foreign, Co…