Unit responsible for collecting information on conflict incidents is to close
April 2026
The news is variously described as ‘unbelievable’ or ‘incredible’ but is reported to be true: the Labour government is to close the Conflict and Security Monitoring Unit which collects, verifies and analyses human rights incidents in Israel and in the occupied territories. It hardly needs saying that the necessity for such a unit is essential at the present time with significant human rights violations taking place in Gaza, the West Bank and now in south Lebanon.
But it is to close. One of the Unit’s functions was to advise on the supply of arms to Israel so one wonders where that advice is to come from in future. The decision is reported to have been taken by Sir Oliver Robbins who was sacked by the prime minister last week over the Peter Mandelson affair.
Only on 9th of this month, the Foreign Secretary was delivering a speech in the Mansion House extolling her and her government’s belief in the rule of law and human rights. Part of her speech is:
“But for a Labour government it is a fundamental part of our moral purpose to stand up against global disease and hunger, and help those trapped in crises caused by conflict or climate breakdown. We know that supporting development is not just about our party’s values but about our national interests: tackling insecurity and building partnerships abroad helps our security and economy back home.
“The role that rules-based frameworks play is vital, and respect for the rule of law is a core British value that supports our national interest, underpins our economic stability, makes us a reliable place for international investment, while the whole world spins around us and underpins our security and prosperity.” (our italics)
Pious words. Yvette Copper is another MP who is a member of Labour Friends of Israel.
It is vital that the FCDO has accurate information both for any future war crimes and to advise on the sale of arms to the IDF. The decision has been criticised by Human Rights Watch and by the Campaign Against the Arms Trade. Katie Fallon, the advocacy manager at CAAT said:
“Closing the IHL cell would protect ministers and senior Foreign Office officials “who know that they have been manipulating the data on potential violations of International Human Rights Law, beyond any logical interpretation, to obscure unimaginable violations and crimes committed against the most vulnerable people in conflict and sustain arms sales at any cost.
“The timing of this closure is notable. As Olly Robbins explained to a parliamentary committee this week, the civil service is under pressure to give the government the answers that they want. Nowhere is this more clear than on ensuring arms sales to ‘allies’ continue, despite the risks of war crimes.”
Sources: Guardian, Middle East Eye, Human Rights Watch, FCDO, Wales Herald
Amnesty in Salisbury & South Wiltshire 
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