Written Questions & Answers from Baroness Caroline Cox 07/01/2019

Syria

Question: Baroness Cox

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 8 October (HL17990), what further steps they have taken to minimise the impact on civilians of sanctions imposed on Syria.

Answer: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

We remain at the forefront of the humanitarian response to the crisis in Syria, and have committed £2.81 billion to support Syrian civilians since 2012.

Sanctions remain a key lever in pressing the regime to engage seriously with the political process and to bring about a peaceful end to the Syrian conflict.

We actively seek to minimise the impact of sanctions on ordinary Syrians. The EU regularly considers the wider impact of Syria sanctions, most recently ahead of an EU annual review of the Syria sanctions regime which concluded in June. The EU Syria sanctions regime also has a number of exemptions in place in order to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Nigeria

Question: Baroness Cox

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Nigeria about reports of multiple attacks, by Fulani militia in Northern and Central Belt states, of torture, murder and the destruction of homes, churches and villages.

Answer: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

We remain concerned by intercommunal violence in Nigeria and the devastating impact it has had on affected communities including heavy loss of life. We continue to push for a solution that meets the needs of all communities affected. We regularly raise our concerns with the Government of Nigeria at the highest levels. The Secretary of State for International Development raised the issue with the Nigerian Vice President and the Governor of Kaduna during his visit in July. He highlighted how factors including ethnicity, religion and climate change are driving intercommunal violence across Nigeria. The UK, including the British High Commission in Abuja, will continue to engage closely with the federal government, state government, international partners and the National Economic Council to help address the underlying issues that cause conflict.