Inquiry: Humanitarian access and adherence to
international humanitarian law
Today the International Development Committee has launched a
new inquiry into the
impact a lack of adherence to international humanitarian law is
having on access to humanitarian aid.
The launch comes as the cross party committee of MPs publishes a letter
from Development Minister Annaliese Dodds, in which she says the
Government is “profoundly concerned” about aid access in Gaza.
“Like the UN and many of our partners,” she writes “the
Government is also concerned by Israel's commitment to and
compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL).”
She adds that the Government “will not arbitrate on whether or
not Israel or individual Ministers are responsible for breaching
international humanitarian law,” following the International
Criminal Court's issuing of arrest warrants but says the
Government will comply with its legal obligations.
International humanitarian law helps to allow civilians to access
relief like food, clothing and medicine when conflict strikes.
Relevant rules are found in particular in the Fourth Geneva
Convention of 1949 and in customary international law. Several UN
Security Council resolutions have advocated for safe and
unhindered access for humanitarian workers.
But reports from recent conflicts suggest international
humanitarian law is coming under increasing strain. According to
the Aid Worker Security Database, 280 aid workers were killed in
2023. In Sudan, 25 aid workers have been killed since the year
began, suggesting this year will be the deadliest for aid workers
ever recorded in the country.
The Committee's inquiry will explore how the UK Government is
encouraging other countries to adhere to international
humanitarian law, and how it is seeking to protect aid workers
through its funding arrangements with partners delivering aid
around the world.
The Committee is encouraging anyone impacted by this issue to
give evidence, including aid workers, organisations delivering
FCDO aid, academics and former diplomats.
Issues to address in evidence could include the impact
non-compliance with international humanitarian law has on access
to aid and the safety of aid workers, or which diplomatic levers
the Government could use to encourage adherence.
Terms of reference are available on the Committee's website.
, Chair of the International
Development Committee, said:
“Sudan. Ukraine. Gaza. Today's most dangerous conflicts are
marked by increasing concerns that actors are sidestepping
international humanitarian law.
“This trend is of grave concern. Aid workers being unable to
deliver essential goods to innocent civilians who need them
represents a serious challenge to the rules that keep us all
safe. Attacks on humanitarian workers and the blocking of vital
assistance must never be accepted as the cost of doing business.
“How can the Government work with its allies and delivery
partners to ensure that international law is adhered to and that
aid workers are protected? Our inquiry will consider what more
could be done to secure a safe environment for those going where
many of us dare not.”
