House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Universal Declaration of Human Rights and UN Convention on Genocide

07 December 2023 · 5 other contributors · 16,944 words

Opened by Tony Lloyd Lab Rochdale

Responding minister: Andrew Mitchell

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Tony Lloyd raised concerns about universal declaration of human rights and un convention on genocide in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

Mr Lloyd expressed regret at the absence of his co-sponsor and highlighted breaches of human rights and genocide conventions in multiple countries.
Concerns were raised over the lack of early warning systems and strategic oversight from the Government to identify potential genocides.
The MP urged the Government to embed human rights in everything its Foreign Office does and to prioritise prevention-first policy thinking.

Key requests to Government

He urged the Government to embed human rights in everything its Foreign Office does, including trade deals and security arrangements. He suggested establishing mandatory supply chain due diligence for human rights protection and environmental conservation, and advocated for building capacity around human rights defenders and environmental protections. The MP calls for the implementation of a national strategy on mass atrocity crimes to ensure early intervention, consistent monitoring, and clear lines of accountable political leadership. She also urges the Government to prioritise prevention-first policy thinking and invest in network analysis to identify leverage points for preventing escalation.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Tony Lloyd Lab Rochdale

Mr Lloyd expressed regret at the absence of his co-sponsor, mentioned the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Convention on Genocide. He highlighted breaches in various countries including Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, Serbia, Philippines, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Mali, India, Israel and Gaza, and the United States. Concerns were raised over human rights violations such as arbitrary arrests, unlawful killings, torture, and discrimination against minorities. The MP is concerned about the lack of early warning systems and strategic oversight from the Government to identify potential genocides. She notes that modern atrocities often arise from unchecked power, identity-based grievance, discrimination, and organised conspiracy by state or non-state actors. Examples include ongoing situations in Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Tigray, Myanmar, Xinjiang, and Israel-Palestine.

Other contributors (5)

Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

Expressed disappointment in the lack of attendance for the debate but praised its thoughtful nature. Emphasized the ongoing need for the UDHR and genocide convention given continued human rights violations globally. Highlighted the work of grassroots activists defending human rights under extreme danger. Criticised the government's reluctance to acknowledge genocides due to legal obligations, questioning if they still lack an atrocity prevention strategy.
Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Briefly interjected to note disagreement with something previously stated, without elaborating further. Discussed the connection between freedom of religion or belief and mass atrocity crimes, highlighting issues in Pakistan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Xinjiang, Israel, Gaza, Iran, Nigeria, Sudan, Syria, Tigray, and the Philippines. Mentioned the UK's role in preventing atrocities but criticised the lack of a consistent response to crises like those in Ukraine and Sudan. Jim Shannon interrupted to raise concerns about the plight of 120,000 Christians in Artsakh, Armenia, who are under threat and facing genocide sponsored by Russia. He thanks the Minister for addressing concerns about Sudan and asks if it is intended to use the UK's influence at the United Nations to bring attention to genocide occurring there.
Karen Bradley Con Staffordshire Moorlands

She apologises for missing parts of the debate and asks if the Minister recognises the role played by organisations such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in promoting human rights globally.
Lyn Brown Lab West Ham

Ms Lyn Brown expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak and highlighted the importance of preventing atrocities through strategic international cooperation. She noted severe humanitarian crises in Sudan, particularly targeting Masalit communities, and praised the US determination of war crimes. Ms Brown argued that symbolic acts and petty political divisions are insufficient and emphasized the need for humility and respect in navigating complex global relationships. She advocated for supporting accountability through the International Criminal Court, working with civil society, and empowering diplomats to support community leaders.
Patrick Grady Lab Glasgow North

Concerned about the denial of human rights around the world, Patrick Grady highlighted issues in China, Eritrea, Colombia and Palestine. He raised concerns over UK's arms embargo on Somalia and called for mandatory supply chain due diligence to protect human rights.

Government Response

Andrew Mitchell

Expressed concern and dismay at the absence of his hon. Friend from Henley, an expert on the topic. He also discussed Rwanda's recovery from genocide and highlighted it as a success story in terms of safety and stability.