MPs probe UK actions in preventing atrocities worldwide

The International Development Committee will question a peacebuilder who works in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as other international experts in atrocity prevention, as part of its first evidence session in a new inquiry into the UK government’s approach to promoting dialogue and preventing atrocities.

This session of the inquiry Promoting dialogue and preventing atrocities: the UK Government approach will look into the UK Government’s approach to atrocity prevention around the world, both within and outside of armed conflicts. A later session in March 2022 will look specifically at the UK’s work to promote dialogue in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the face of ongoing tensions in that country.

The Committee is undertaking this inquiry because the world order is becoming increasingly complex and contested. Many experts have warned that the risk of mass atrocities may be rising. The government has warned that conflict and instability will remain prevalent in the next decade – and may increase unless concerted action is taken.

The aim of this first session is to gain understanding of how the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) approaches, leads and organises the UK’s cross-government work on atrocity prevention among other questions.

During this first session, there will be two panels, with witnesses appearing virtually.

The first panel will question Saidi Zirhumana, deputy director of the Support Office for Peacebuilding, Democratic Republic of Congo, a peacebuilding organization with experience of working on an FCDO-funded atrocity prevention project; and Denisa Delić, Advocacy Director, International Rescue Committee UK.

Savita Pawnday, executive director at the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, an advocacy organisation working to make the UN principle of the ‘responsibility to protect’ a reality, and Natalie Samarasinghe outgoing CEO at the United Nations Association will be questioned at the second panel.