Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Sudan: Atrocities

22 June 2023 · 15 other contributors

Opened by Leo Docherty Con Constituency

Foreign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Leo Docherty raised concerns about sudan: atrocities in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The UK condemns the violence in Sudan, particularly in Darfur.
  • The goal is to stop the violence and protect civilians, ensuring humanitarian access according to international law.
  • Enhanced observation of human rights through remote monitoring has been initiated, with funding provided to organisations collecting and verifying digital content from the conflict.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Leo Docherty

The UK condemns the violence in Sudan, particularly in Darfur. The goal is to stop the violence and protect civilians, ensuring humanitarian access according to international law. On June 16, the Minister for Development and Africa called for an end to atrocities and humanitarian aid access. Enhanced observation of human rights through remote monitoring has been initiated, with funding provided to organisations collecting and verifying digital content from the conflict, which may be used in future accountability mechanisms. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, including engagement with regional counterparts and a UN Human Rights Council resolution passed on May 11. Over five years, £250 million of humanitarian aid has been invested by the UK.

Other contributors (15)
  • Vicky Ford Con Chelmsford

    Question

    A systemic ethnic cleansing is happening in Darfur, with reports of genocide and atrocities. What actions are the UK taking to stop violence and protect civilians? Why hasn't the UK called for an urgent debate at the UN Security Council or sanctioned the commercial wings of RSF/SAF?

    Minister reply

    The UK is exerting all diplomatic efforts in concert with USA and Saudi Arabia, calling for debates in the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and closed consultations in the Security Council. The role of French troops will be considered through liaison with allies. Future sanctions options remain under review.

  • Lyn Brown

    Question

    The reports from Darfur are horrifying, with hundreds killed and raped. Why did we not better anticipate or prepare? What can we do to ensure rapid civilian protection now in Darfur?

    Minister reply

    Our diplomats have a deep understanding of the volatile situation, but cannot predict every event. The Wagner Group's activities are under close watch, and all efforts focus on pushing for diplomatic peace to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid.

  • Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford

    Question

    Inquires about the UK's role in securing a Human Rights Council commission of inquiry on Sudan, criticises lack of action against the Wagner Group, and suggests implementing internet balloons to aid communication from Darfur.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges importance of accountability for alleged war crimes, confirms that all options are under consideration including UN route; indicates ongoing review of Wagner Group activity.

  • Drew Hendry

    Question

    Questions the UK's response to warnings about Sudanese violence, citing lack of an atrocity prevention strategy as noted by academics and NGOs.

    Minister reply

    Defends government's engagement with civil society and expertise on Sudan; affirms significant humanitarian investment despite fiscal constraints.

  • Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West

    Question

    Asks when the UK will take concrete action against the Wagner Group.

    Minister reply

    Cannot comment on a specific timescale, citing it as inappropriate.

  • Sarah Champion Lab Rotherham

    Question

    Highlights cuts to FCDO bilateral aid to Sudan and questions if these will be reversed given the current conflict.

    Minister reply

    Defends engagement with civil society; highlights significant humanitarian investment despite budget constraints.

  • Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

    Question

    Inquires about diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire for Eid al-Adha.

    Minister reply

    Commits to continuing efforts with Gulf partners and African Union to advocate for peace during the festival.

  • Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

    Question

    Highlights potential food crop planting issues due to conflict, asking if diplomatic channels will address this.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges acute food crisis exacerbated by global supply constraints, especially from Ukraine; affirms efforts to improve regional and global grain supplies.

  • Andrew Selous

    Question

    Asks about representations made to the African Union regarding its role in resolving the Sudan situation.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges importance of the AU as a partner; emphasises need for reform, enterprise promotion and institutional capacity building.

  • Stephen Timms Lab East Ham

    Question

    Asks if UK charity initiatives closed by Sudan authorities can reopen soon.

    Minister reply

    Realistically doubts near-term opening but commits to energetic diplomacy for such organisations' return.

  • Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley

    Question

    Inquires about steps taken to support Sudan's neighbouring countries amid refugee influx.

    Minister reply

    Confirms focus on humanitarian efforts in affected regions, highlighting diplomatic initiatives by the Minister for Africa.

  • Fleur Anderson Lab Putney

    Question

    Calls for atrocity prevention training for all country teams to inform future work.

    Minister reply

    Commits to considering this recommendation from the Minister for Africa.

  • Patrick Grady

    Question

    Asks about targeting and deportation of Eritrean refugees in Sudanese camps, asking if diplomatic initiatives will support them.

    Minister reply

    Assures that the issue will be investigated by the Minister for Africa.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Thanked the Minister for his response and highlighted the right hon. Member for Chelmsford's commitment to addressing issues in Darfur. Raised concern over the estimated death toll of 1,100 civilians due to conflict in El Geneina since 15 April. Asked about discussions with allies regarding safety for women and children and steps to stop violence.

    Minister reply

    Emphasised that protection of women and children is a key focus in diplomatic efforts, discussing the issue with allies through various international bodies such as the African Union and the UN.

Shadow Comment

Vicky Ford

A systemic ethnic cleansing is happening in Darfur, with widespread violence and atrocities reported. The UK needs to take stronger actions like calling for an urgent UN Security Council debate, pressuring warring generals, sanctioning commercial entities of RSF/SAF as the US has done, proscribing the Wagner Group as terrorists, and engaging more with allies like France to provide safe corridors for civilians. More engagement with Sudanese civil society is needed.

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