Ukraine

(asked on 5th November 2014) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on the use of sexual violence in the conflict in Ukraine.


Answered by
David Lidington Portrait
David Lidington
This question was answered on 17th November 2014
We are deeply disturbed by recent reporting from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of allegations of incidents of sexual and gender-based violence in eastern Ukraine. This includes reports of rape or detention of women at check-points and incidents of the abduction of women, by armed groups, whose whereabouts remain unknown. The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom has also received reports of a rise in domestic violence and human trafficking across Ukraine. The British Government has been in dialogue with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) around protection concerns, including sexual violence, at collective centres for the displaced and have confirmed that the UK’s £700,000 contribution to the UNHCR to repair housing for the displaced is being complemented by the work of UNHCR protection officers. We have consistently raised our concerns about these issues with partners and we will continue to call on all sides to ensure respect for international law.
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