§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their existing knowledge of, and what research they have or will commission into, sponsorship or encouragement by states (or factions within them) of rape during wars or internal violence or to intimidate opposition movements. [HL2361]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe use of rape in armed conflict is an abhorrent practice and a violation of international humanitarian law. Under the newly adopted Statute of the International Criminal Court rape is both a war crime and a crime against humanity.
At the recent UN Commission on Human Rights, the UK tabled a successful resolution extending the mandate of Ms Gay J. McDougall, UN Sub-Commission Special Rapporteur on Systematic Rape, Sexual Slavery and Slavery-Like Practices during Armed Conflict. Ms McDougall's report (E/CN.4/Sub.2/1998/13), which is an in-depth study of the situation of systematic rape, sexual slavery and slavery-like practices during armed conflict, is available as an official UN document, and is accessible through the Library of the House.
We are deeply concerned by all instances of intimidation of opposition movements in violation of internationally accepted human rights standards.