Responding to conflict situations
Violent conflict is a human tragedy which undermines development and exacerbates poverty. The UK must play a leading role in preventing conflict and promoting international human rights law. Conflict-affected and fragile countries are complex and pose formidable challenges that the UK Government must approach with a long-term view.
Any UK Government should therefore commit to:
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Promoting human security by upholding international humanitarian and human rights agreements and laws including the UN ‘Responsibility to Protect', supporting the International Criminal Court, pressing for successful negotiations over a robust and comprehensive global Arms Trade Treaty and implementing UN Security Council Resolutions such as those addressing violence against women in conflict and the protection of children affected by armed conflict.
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Developing a cross-Government strategy for preventing violent conflict and working to joint country strategies across relevant departments, particularly in conflict-affected countries.
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Ensuring that political and foreign policy interests are clearly separated from the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and to make all efforts to protect and promote humanitarian space and humanitarian principles whereby people affected by conflict are assured access to impartial and independent assistance.
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Ensuring that whilst development aid aims at poverty eradication, and in conflict situations is used to promote human security and access to justice, it is not diverted to equipping security forces.
