Conflict in Sudan

Lord Bellingham Excerpts

Tuesday 11th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

My noble friend is right. Some of the accounts that we have heard are completely harrowing. I will never forget being told some of these stories, sitting in a tent in Adré and looking into the eyes of a mother who told me her account of what has happened. We need to make sure that accountability is achieved. We also need to make sure that we work with some of those armed groups, even now, to try to make the case—futile though that often seems, you have to start somewhere—for the need to adhere to international humanitarian law. That is not happening by any stretch of the imagination at the moment. We are clear about what we stand for and on the rules of conflict that we expect, but this is not going to stop until the leaders of these armed groups decide that they would prefer a political solution, which involves dialogue, coming to a conclusion and the election of a civilian Government. These things feel a very long way off at the moment, but until they are achieved we will continue to see the darkest shade of hell that I have ever had to bear witness to. I fear for what happens to those communities in Sudan, particularly those women and those very young children.

[Lord Bellingham (Con)]

My Lords, those were very moving remarks by the Minister. In addition to what the noble Baroness, Lady Sugg, said a moment ago, there are many other examples that the most appalling war crimes are being committed—crimes against humanity. The Minister mentioned the gathering of evidence. What early discussions have taken place with the ICJ to make sure that these criminals—these barbarians, these war criminals—are arraigned and face justice in the future?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

We talk to competent courts about this, but the thing we are doing at the moment is ensuring that that evidence is there. Unless we do that, accounts become less admissible and have less status within a process. It is essential that we do this, not just for those people who have already become victims but to send a very clear message on such atrocities. The world has not covered itself in glory on this. Too little attention has been paid to this conflict for far too long. I am glad that there is focus on it now. We must use that to put pressure on all those who have any influence in this conflict and to make sure that those responsible are brought to account quickly.