PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Mozambique: Armed Conflict and Human Rights (2 December 2021)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations she has made to her counterpart in the government of Mozambique on (a) the ongoing conflict and (b) recent reports of human rights abuses in that country; and if she will make a statement.

Asked by:
Feryal Clark (Labour)

We welcome the news that Mozambican, Southern African Development Community and Rwandan Forces have recovered areas of Cabo Delgado, north-east Mozambique, that were previously under insurgent control. We now look forward to the Government of Mozambique working with international partners to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches affected areas, and reconstruction can take place. Lord Ahmad, the UK's Minister of State for Human Rights, spoke to Mozambican Foreign Minister Macamo in March, reaffirming UK support to help Mozambique fight terrorism and stressing that respect for human rights must be at the forefront of Mozambique's response. We are working with the Government of Mozambique to address the root drivers of the conflict and instability, including by providing targeted assistance under the framework of a Defence Memorandum of Understanding and by co-chairing a high-level international taskforce on Cabo Delgado with Ireland. We are also supporting implementation of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, working with Government, civil society and the private sector to promote a community-focused approach to security and minimize the risks of human rights abuses.

Answered by:
Vicky Ford (Conservative)
9 December 2021