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Preventing Future Mass Atrocities Around the World
19 January 2023
Lead MP
Sarah Champion
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
UkraineChildren & Families
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Sarah Champion raised concerns about preventing future mass atrocities around the world in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Ms Sarah Champion welcomes the publication of the Government’s response to the International Development Committee’s inquiry and report on atrocity prevention. She acknowledges the ongoing atrocities in Ukraine, Bosnia, Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia, China, and Myanmar. The statement highlights the UK's potential role as a democracy and major economy in preventing such crimes. It commends the establishment of a mass atrocity prevention hub within the Government post-integrated review of 2021 and acknowledges changes driven by her committee’s inquiry. However, she questions the lack of adoption for a national strategy to prevent and respond to mass atrocities. She emphasises the need for cross-Government collaboration, including dedicated budget lines and political leadership from key Ministers to ensure consistency in atrocity prevention efforts.
Question
Does the hon. Lady agree that adopting the road map outlined in her Committee's report would not only fulfil this recommendation but mean that, when we say ‘never again’ on Holocaust Memorial Day next week, the Government can match their words with concrete action?
Minister reply
I fully support the hon. Lady’s comments and highlight the importance of early warning mechanisms to prevent de-escalation of violence.
Question
What could be more important in our foreign policy than working to prevent mass atrocity? The Government's failure to recognise and address uncomfortable truths, like supporting armed groups causing atrocities, undermines their consistency in atrocity prevention efforts.
Minister reply
I am appalled by the ongoing atrocities in Congo and support the need for a national strategy that is ‘legal not political’ to address these issues consistently.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
The report is remarkable, commending the hon. Lady for her leadership in addressing issues such as sanctioning architects of abuse in China where genocide may be occurring.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the issue in Xinjiang and urges the Government to use every tool at their disposal under atrocity prevention.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Question
Discusses the need for early-warning mechanisms against genocide and crimes against humanity, using Bosnia as an example.
Minister reply
Congratulates those who have raised these issues and urges the Government to continue diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Question
Commends the Committee's report and mentions that they have condemned all violence in DRC and Kivu, contributing £500,000 to support peace efforts.
Minister reply
Acknowledges condemnation of violence but expresses concern for stronger public statements against Rwandan involvement.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
Welcomes the report and questions if the Government's decision not to accept recommendations for a cross-departmental strategy adequately addresses inflammatory rhetoric from Republika Srpska.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the current work but calls for international condemnation to prevent further escalation.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Question
Asks if preventing mass atrocities is not only a moral imperative but also delivers security benefits for Britain.
Minister reply
Agrees, noting that early intervention prevents terrorism and reduces human cost.
Shadow Comment
Fiona Bruce
Shadow Comment
Fiona Bruce thanks Sarah Champion for her Committee’s report and supports its road map as a fulfillment of the Government's manifesto commitment. She urges the Government to match their words with concrete action on Holocaust Memorial Day next week by adopting the Committee’s recommendations.
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