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International Development and Gender-based Violence
26 November 2020
Lead MP
Anthony Mangnall
Responding Minister
James Cleverly
Tags
Women & Equalities
Word Count: 10735
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Anthony Mangnall raised concerns about international development and gender-based violence in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I ask the Government to consider ringfencing 1% of its international development budget to tackle gender-based violence, ensuring long-term funding for this critical issue. I also urge the Minister to support an international body based in the UK to collect and document information on sexual violence in conflict.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
I am concerned about the prevalence of gender-based violence globally, which affects millions of women, girls, men, and boys. The pandemic has worsened these issues with an estimated 242 million women and girls experiencing sexual or physical violence in the past year, increasing to over 31 million cases during lockdowns. Additionally, 87,000 women and girls are intentionally killed annually, equivalent to 137 a day.
Anna McMorrin
Lab
Cardiff North
Praised the work of her Front-Bench colleague and highlighted the impact of gender-based violence on women and girls globally, noting that one in three women and girls experience abuse throughout their lifetime. Cited a report indicating 243 million women and girls were abused by an intimate partner last year alone, despite less than 40% reporting it. Criticised the government's decision to cut the aid budget, which undermines efforts against gender-based violence.
She briefly acknowledged the chair's procedural contribution, thanking Andrew Rosindell for his remarks.
Fiona Bruce
Con
Congleton
Concerned about violence against women and girls in Pakistan and China, highlighting the abduction of girls from minority groups in Pakistan for forced marriage and violation, as well as Uyghur women facing forced birth control measures. Cited cases like that of 14-year-old Maira Shahbaz and 13-year-old Arzoo Raja being kidnapped, with judges often ordering their return to abductors. Also raised the plight of Leah Sharibu, abducted by Boko Haram and still in captivity for refusing to renounce her faith. Highlighted birth rates plummeting in mostly Uyghur regions due to population control measures.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Concerned about the rise in violence against women and girls, particularly in conflict zones like Tigray where there have been 40,000 Ethiopian refugees. Criticised the cutting of the 0.7% aid commitment as harmful to addressing gender-based violence. Highlighted cases of sexual violence from UN reports and called for survivor-centred approaches with safe spaces and empowerment.
Imran Ahmad Khan
Lab
Milton Keynes South
The MP highlighted the increase in violence against women and girls globally during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing statistics such as a 700% rise in helpline calls to charity Refuge. He expressed concern over the reduction of UK foreign aid from 0.7% to 0.5% of GDP and advocated for the application of pressure on governments with poor women's rights records. Responded to Fiona Bruce's speech by stating that Pakistan's own laws allow for the abuse of citizens, citing the case of 14-year-old Maira Shahbaz who was gang-raped and forcibly converted to Islam. Highlighted that under Pakistani law, renouncing religion after forced conversion could result in a death sentence.
Naseem Shah
Lab
Bradford West
Ms Shah highlighted instances of violence against women in occupied Kashmir by Indian armed forces, noting that rape is often used as a weapon of war. She cited Human Rights Watch reports and specific events like the Kunan-Poshpora mass rapes of 1991. Ms Shah also criticized dismissals of calls for inquiries into these abuses. Is the money that the Minister is talking about affected by the recent announcement on development funding being cut?
Owen Thompson
SNP
Central Ayrshire
Gender-based violence is a global pandemic, with at least 15 million more cases predicted due to covid-19 restrictions. The UK must ratify the Istanbul convention to ensure comprehensive protections for women and girls, but has failed to do so in four years. Concerned about underfunding of programmes addressing gender-based violence, including aid worker system changes, women's empowerment initiatives, and anti-FGM efforts.
Government Response
James Cleverly
Government Response
The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa emphasised the Government's commitment to addressing gender-based violence, noting its prevalence before and during the pandemic. He highlighted successful programmes like What Works to Prevent Violence that have significantly reduced intimate partner violence in less than three years. The minister also detailed additional funding of £1 million from the UK to the UN trust fund to end violence against women, increasing their total contribution to £22 million. Furthermore, he mentioned the creation and co-leadership of the Generation Equality action coalition on gender-based violence to spur collective international action for change over five years.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.