Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ukraine: War Crimes

Tuesday 13 December 2022 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK has led efforts to refer the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court and established the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group.
  • The UK designated 12 more Russian military officers in command when atrocities occurred and works closely with international partners to ensure accountability for perpetrators.
  • The UK is exploring legally robust mechanisms to seize assets from individuals supporting Putin, aiming at reparations and reconstruction.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Selous Con
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The question addresses diplomatic efforts to prosecute and sanction perpetrators of war crimes in Ukraine.

Question

What diplomatic steps are being taken to help ensure the prosecution of and effective sanctions against those committing war crimes in Ukraine?

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK has led efforts to refer the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court. With the US and EU, we established the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group. We are working closely with international partners to ensure that those responsible for atrocities and breaches of humanitarian law are held accountable.

Answered
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Q2 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

A recent visit by the first lady of Ukraine highlighted cases of rape and sexual violence committed with commander consent, raising questions about accountability.

Question

Will he set out specifically what diplomatic efforts will be made to ensure that those responsible for sexual violence and rapes are held accountable in the International Criminal Court?

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK designated 12 more Russian military officers in command when atrocities occurred. We work closely with the Ukrainian chief prosecutor, the International Criminal Court and international allies to ensure an effective accountability framework for perpetrators, from ground-level soldiers to high-ranking officials.

Answered
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Q3 Andrew Selous Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Foreign Affairs Women & Equalities
Context

The question highlights specific cases, such as the torture by a Russian police officer, Ivan Ryabov, who targeted women speaking out against the war.

Question

Should prosecutions and sanctions be extended to those in Russia who perpetrate violence against women and girls?

Answer from James Cleverly

More than 1,200 Russians have been sanctioned as a result of Putin's invasion. The name mentioned will be noted for future reference, reflecting the bravery of those opposing the war in Russia.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific designation comments

How: We Do Not Comment On Specific Designations

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Q4 David Lammy Lab Tottenham
Justice & Courts Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

Labour has called for a special tribunal to prosecute Putin, which would aid in securing justice for war victims by legally seizing Russian assets.

Question

Why is the Government not setting up a special tribunal to prosecute Putin or implementing measures like Canada's to shift frozen Russian assets into rebuilding Ukraine funds?

Answer from James Cleverly

We are exploring legally robust mechanisms to seize assets from individuals supporting Putin, aiming at reparations and reconstruction. We will learn from the Canadian model to ensure a robust legal vehicle for these measures.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific tribunal plan

How: Exploring Ways, Not Committed Yet

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