Written questions by Begum.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Government has taken steps to provide aid to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan.

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is widespread and underreported in Sudan. Cases have increased significantly since the start of the conflict, particularly in Khartoum, Darfur and Kordofan. As part of the UK's Official Development Assistance to Sudan and neighbouring countries, which now stands at £226.5 million, we provide support to survivors of SGBV through partners such as UNICEF, the Danish Refugee Council and the Sudan Humanitarian Fund. On 26 September, the UK convened an event at the UN General Assembly with Dutch and Swiss partners to address conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan, drawing international attention to the plight of women and girls and stressing the importance of survivor-centred, local and women-led response efforts. The UK also co-led a Resolution at the UNSC with Sierra Leone on the protection of civilians which failed to pass due to a Russian veto. We have also pivoted our existing programmes to focus more on prevention of SGBV, protection and care for rape survivors, including the provision of clinical treatment, dignity kits and psycho-social services.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of reports of sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan.

In October, the UK successfully led the mandate renewal of the Human Rights Council UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan (FFM), which independently investigates credible evidence of human rights violations and abuses in Sudan, including sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The FFM has found that SGBV, in particular rape and gang rape, is widespread and continues to occur on a large scale across Sudan. Findings from the FFM, as well as evidence from the UK-funded Sudan Witness project which collects open-source evidence of harms against civilians, have informed our programming in Sudan. Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, we have pivoted existing programmes to increase focus on SGBV prevention and response. In doubling the UK's aid commitment to Sudan to £226.5 million, more funding to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund will also enable increased support to survivors. In addition, on 26 September, the UK convened an event at the UN General Assembly with Dutch and Swiss partners to address conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan, drawing international attention to the plight of women and girls and stressing the importance of survivor-centred, local and women-led response efforts. The UK also co-led a Resolution at the UNSC with Sierra Leone on the protection of civilians which failed to pass due to a Russian veto.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Government has taken steps to provide aid to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Palestine.

We are deeply concerned by allegations of sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinians. The UK has consistently called for these reports to be fully investigated to ensure justice for victims and survivors, and for all parties to take a survivor-centred approach. Lord Collins, who was appointed as the Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI) on 15 November, attended the Conference of the International Alliance on PSVI in Colombia on 25-26 November and made a clear recommitment to the UK's support of PSVI. The UK is committed to alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza, providing vital services to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank through partner agencies. Assistance includes support to pregnant women, distribution of dignity kits for women and girls, and mental health, and psychosocial support (MHPSS). The UK's partners, UNICEF, UNRWA, WFP and the ICRC, have gender sensitive strategies in place, including Gender-Based Violence (GBV) risk mitigation.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of reports of sexual and gender-based violence being committed by Israeli forces against Palestinian women.

We are deeply concerned by allegations of sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinians and the disproportionate impact of the conflict on women, children and vulnerable populations. The UK unequivocally condemns any alleged violations and abuses, including sexual violence, and calls for all reports to be fully investigated to ensure justice for victims and survivors. In March, the UK led calls for a UN Security Council emergency debate on sexual violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Lord Collins, who was appointed as the Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI) on 15 November, attended the Conference of the International Alliance on PSVI in Colombia on 25-26 November and made a clear recommitment to the UK's support of PSVI. Following our decision to suspend some arms exports to Israel on 2 September, the Foreign Secretary has raised and continues to raise our concerns around International Humanitarian Law compliance with the Israeli government.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to his European counterparts on steps to help implement the arrest warrant for (a) Benjamin Netanyahu, (b) Yoav Gallant and (c) Mohammed Deif issued by the International Criminal Court on 21 November 2024.

We respect the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC) which is the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern. It is for all ICC States Parties to consider how to meet their obligations under the Rome Statute, including on cooperation with the Court. The Government engages with other States Parties on such matters via the ICC Assembly of States Parties.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to the incoming United States Administration on steps to help implement the arrest warrant for (a) Benjamin Netanyahu, (b) Yoav Gallant and (c) Mohammed Deif issued by the International Criminal Court on 21 November 2024.

We respect the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC) which is the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern. The UK is a State Party to the Rome Statute, and we will always comply with our legal obligations. The Government will engage with the current and incoming US Administration on all our priorities.