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1177211

registered interest
date	10/02/2020
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Shaadi.com
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether Shaadi.com, when facilitating relationships and marriages, promotes (1) the caste system, and (2) discrimination against Dalits.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL1457
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/02/2020 answer text <p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not made any assessment of Shaadi.com, or similar matrimonial websites.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/02/2020 13:31:32 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1177212

registered interest
date	10/02/2020
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Armed Conflict: Sexual Offences
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 29 January (HL Deb, col 1446), when the postponed Time for Justice: Putting Survivors First conference will take place; and how they intend to prioritise their commitment to support the victims and survivors of sexual violence in conflict in their policies.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL1458
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/02/2020 answer text <p>The Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) International Conference, Time for Justice: Putting Survivors First, will take place this year and we will confirm the exact date with the House in due course. The Foreign Secretary and I, as the Prime Minister's Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, will host the event.</p><p>The UK is fully committed to supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and follows a survivor-centred approach, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2467 on Sexual Violence in Conflict. This includes working closely with survivor networks to ensure their perspectives inform PSVI policy and programming. In October 2019, I appointed two UK PSVI Survivor Champions, Nadine Tunasi and Kolbassia Haoussou. The Survivor Champions advocate for all survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and are a vital element of our survivor-centred approach. The UK plans to announce a contribution to the International Fund for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in due course.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/02/2020 13:34:15 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1177213

registered interest
date	10/02/2020
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Africa: Trade Agreements
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage countries in Africa to sign up to the African Continental Free Trade Area.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL1459
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/02/2020 answer text <p>54 of the African Union's 55 member states have signed the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and 28 of those have so far deposited their instruments of ratification with the African Union Commission (AUC). The UK is supporting the initiative by providing technical assistance, including the secondment of an investment expert to the AUC. We are also spending over £400 million annually across Africa to help countries break down barriers to trade - supporting critical trade infrastructure like ports and roads; tackling burdensome regulations, high transport costs and delays at customs; and building trade skills so that partner countries are better able to take advantage of trading opportunities. The AfCFTA was an area of focus in the trade and investment session at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London on 20 January, with AUC Chairperson Faki outlining progress to date to UK investors.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 24/02/2020 15:23:08 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1177214

registered interest
date	10/02/2020
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Arms Trade: Export Controls
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the proposals in the report by John Deverell for Oxfam A Process for Arms Exports: Fulfilling Criterion 2C of the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licencing Criteria, published on 6 February.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL1460
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/02/2020 answer text <p>The Government has been made aware of the contents of the report published on 6 February by John Deverell for Oxfam entitled A Process for Arms Exports: Fulfilling Criterion 2C of the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licencing Criteria, and has noted them fully. The Government has some of the most stringent exports rules in the world and will not issue an export licence where it considers there is a clear risk that the goods might be used in the commission of a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law. We already draw on a range of sources in making assessments, including from non-governmental organisations and international organisations, and welcome any further information or proposals they choose to provide.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 24/02/2020 17:51:42 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1177215

registered interest
date	10/02/2020
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Islamic State: Genocide
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that children born out of rape of the victims of Daesh genocide are being left in orphanages; what assistance they offer to such children; and what steps they are taking to combat any stigma or discrimination such children face.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL1461
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/02/2020 answer text <p>We are appalled by reports that children born out of rape of the victims of Daesh violence are being left in orphanages. Children born of Daesh-perpetrated sexual violence remain particularly vulnerable and present significant protection challenges. We continue to engage with the Government of Iraq on the importance of ensuring children born of sexual violence can attend school and access healthcare.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 24/02/2020 17:52:06 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1177216

registered interest
date	10/02/2020
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	BBC Persian Service
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the harassment of BBC Persian staff in London, and (2) reports that such staff's families in Iran have been (a) called in for questioning, (b) had their passports confiscated, and (c) threatened with consequences if their relatives continue to work for the BBC; and what representations they have made to the government of Iran about the treatment of journalists.
tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
uin	HL1462
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/02/2020 answer text <p>We condemn the judicial persecution of family members of employees and ex-employees of BBC Persian, and are deeply concerned by the reports of any threats against journalists in the UK. The British Government is committed to the promotion of media freedom which is vital to functioning societies and that journalists must be able to investigate and report as they see fit. We regularly raise human rights with the Iranian authorities at all levels and we continue to take action with the international community to press Iran to improve its poor record on all human rights issues including restrictions on media freedom. On 29 January, the UK alongside Canada co-hosted the first official meeting of the Media Freedom Coalition in Geneva, a partnership of 35 countries working together to advocate the safety of journalists worldwide and to defend media freedom.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 24/02/2020 17:53:48 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1177244

registered interest
date	10/02/2020
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made on the implementation of the decisions taken in London in April 2018 by the Commonwealth Heads of Government.
tabling member printed	Lord Luce
uin	HL1490
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/02/2020 answer text <p>Over the past two years, the UK - as Chair-in-Office - has worked closely with our Commonwealth partners to drive collective delivery of the commitments agreed at the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The work is supported by over £500 million of projects to support the Commonwealth in achieving these goals, which are already delivering benefits for member states. For example, over 3,000 women-owned businesses have now received training from the Commonwealth SheTrades project, supporting inclusive economic growth and prosperity. 31 Member States have committed to take action on marine plastic pollution as part of the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance. Also, the Pacific Nationally Determined Contribution Hub was officially opened by the Prime Minister of Fiji last week, helping Pacific Island Countries tackle climate change. The Government will publish a detailed update on the UK's period as Chair-in-Office in the coming months.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/02/2020 13:30:09 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	908 label Biography information for Lord Luce

1177253

registered interest
date	10/02/2020
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Israel: Palestinians
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Israel about the reported imprisonment of Palestinian children in Israel in conditions that are insanitary and abusive.
tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
uin	HL1499
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/02/2020 answer text <p>The UK has significant concerns about the continued reports of ill-treatment of Palestinian minors in Israeli military detention. Reports of the heavy use of painful restraints and the high number of Palestinian children who are not informed of their legal rights, in contravention of Israel's own regulations, are particularly concerning. We also remain concerned at reports of the continued transfer of Palestinian child and adult detainees to prisons inside Israel in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. We remain committed to working with Israel to secure improvements to the practices surrounding children in detention in the country. We welcomed progress made with recent Israeli policy amendments. This includes a reduction in the number of detainees aged 12 to 14 years old, the increase in the age of maturity from 16 to 18 years old, the establishment of separate juvenile courts and the enactment of a special statute of limitations for minors. Initial detention periods have also been shortened. However, we continue to make representations to the Israeli authorities on the treatment of Palestinian children in detention. Officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv did so most recently on 16 December 2019.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 26/02/2020 16:16:05 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1177254

registered interest
date	10/02/2020
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Israel: Palestinians
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report produced by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights which alleges that, between 23 and 29 January, Israel committed 262 violations of international law against Palestinians.
tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
uin	HL1500
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/02/2020 answer text <p>While we have not made an assessment of this report, we have a regular dialogue with the Government of Israel on legal issues relating to the occupation. We continue to urge Israel to ensure it abides by its obligations under international law.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 24/02/2020 17:54:06 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge

1177255

registered interest
date	10/02/2020
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Israel: Palestinians
house id	2
legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Israel about reports of harassment, detention and violence towards teachers and pupils by Israeli forces, sometimes accompanied by Israeli settlers.
tabling member printed	Baroness Tonge
uin	HL1501
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/02/2020 answer text <p>We have publicly and privately expressed our longstanding concerns about the use of excessive force by the Israel Defense Forces. We have also stressed the importance of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population, including children. We are clear that Israel has the legitimate right to self-defence, and the right to defend their citizens from attack. In doing so, it is vital that all actions are proportionate, in line with International Humanitarian Law, and are calibrated to avoid civilian casualties. We also condemn any incidence of violence by settlers against Palestinians. Officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv last raised settler violence with the Israeli authorities on 17 December 2019. We welcome the efforts of Israeli authorities to address settler violence, and urge them to thoroughly investigate every instance and bring those responsible to justice.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 26/02/2020 15:27:08 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
tabling member	200 label Biography information for Baroness Tonge