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International Humanitarian Law

Asked by Sarah ChampionLabourForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 24 June 2025UIN 904788

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to uphold International Humanitarian Law.

Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer

The UK is a champion of International Humanitarian Law and committed to promoting compliance. Where the UK is involved in military action, this is conducted in full accordance with UK and international law. If we see signs that violations of International Humanitarian Law may occur, we raise the alarm – directly with the countries involved, with nearby nations, and through international organisations. It is the UK government’s long-standing position that determinations of breaches of International Humanitarian Law are a matter for courts, and not for governments.

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