Overview

This bill mandates that the UK Secretary of State consider the prevention and punishment of genocide when allocating international humanitarian aid. The Secretary of State must form a view on whether genocide has occurred if requested by a group of at least ten members of either the House of Lords or the House of Commons.

Description

The Humanitarian Assistance (Genocide Victims) Bill amends the International Development Act 2002. It requires the Secretary of State to take into account the need to prevent and punish genocide when deciding how to distribute humanitarian aid.

Specifically, clause 1(1) states that "due regard" must be given to preventing and punishing genocide. Clause 1(2) introduces a mechanism for triggering this consideration; a formal request from ten or more members of either the House of Lords or the House of Commons requires the Secretary of State to determine whether genocide has occurred in a specific situation. Clause 1(3) defines "genocide" according to the 1948 Genocide Convention.

The bill's extent, commencement, and short title are specified in Clause 2. It applies to the whole of the UK, comes into force immediately upon passage, and will be known as the Humanitarian Assistance (Genocide Victims) Act 2016.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify an increase or decrease in government spending on humanitarian aid. The impact on government spending will depend on the decisions made by the Secretary of State regarding aid allocation in light of the new requirements. No figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Victims of genocide: The bill aims to prioritize aid for those affected by genocide.
• Organizations receiving humanitarian aid: The allocation of aid may shift based on the Secretary of State's consideration of genocide.
• Members of Parliament: They can trigger a formal review of genocide allegations.
• The Secretary of State for International Development: This individual is directly responsible for implementing the bill's requirements.

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