AQW 34614/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 04/11/2025
Answered On Date: 05/12/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail how the Executive ensures consistency in applying human rights standards across its overseas work, including in jurisdictions that maintain trade, or military, links with Israel, during the conflict in Gaza.

Answer:

Devolved Governments have responsibility for the implementation of human rights obligations within their jurisdiction. Where there is a concern about the actions of other governments on human rights issues this falls within the field of international relations which is not a devolved matter.

The aim of our international engagement is to promote our region as a place where people want to live and work, to visit, to study and invest, and to build the relationships that can help us deliver the Executive’s Programme for Government.

When we engage with our international partners, we promote the values that are important to us and demonstrate how our experience of building an accountable political and democratic system can support business growth, strengthen the economy, and generate many wider benefits for all in society.