(Preseli Pembrokeshire)
(Con): What makes this latest tragic wave of violence even more
concerning is the emergence of new terror groups in the
Palestinian territories such as the Lions’ Den and the Jenin
Brigades alongside Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, coupled
with the seeming loss of control of the Palestinian Authority.
Does my hon. Friend share my concern about the influence of
outside actors—namely Iran—in enabling and
encouraging violence in the region?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign,
Commonwealth and Development Affairs (): My right hon. Friend makes
an incredibly important point. The actions of
Iran are abhorrent and causing all sorts of
challenges in regional instability, and they need to be called
out.
Iran: Human Rights
Violations
(Chesham and Amersham) (LD):
What diplomatic steps he is taking to tackle human rights
violations in Iran.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign,
Commonwealth and Development Affairs (): We detailed Iran’s dire
human rights record in the FCDO’s annual report. The UK is at the
forefront of holding Iran to account. At the United Nations Human
Rights Council, we have worked with partners to establish a UN
fact-finding mission. We have announced over 80 human rights
sanctions since the start of the process and we raise human
rights with Iran at all appropriate opportunities.
: I am sure the Minister will
share my concern at the excessive use of force and violence by
the Islamic Revolutionary Guard
Corps against those women who are protesting. This week’s
news that the morality police are reinstating the hijab patrols
illustrates the need for possible protections for those women.
Has the Minister had any conversations with the Home Office about
a potential visa scheme for those women and girls who have been
instrumental in the protests, who may need to flee Iran?
: These are very important and
concerning issues. For decades, the morality police have used the
threat of detention and violence to control what women wear and
how they behave in public. The UK sanctioned the morality police
in its entirety in October 2022. It is intolerable that that
institution still exists in 2023. We will continue to focus on
that.
