The Standing Group on Atrocity Crimes , comprised of leading global practitioners on atrocity crimes and a cross-party group of UK parliamentarians, has launched its seminal report, The Atrocity Crimes Review . Following an 18-month inquiry augmented by parliamentary hearings, the Review provides an independent and comprehensive assessment of the United Kingdom's approach to atrocity prediction, prevention, response and a practical programme for reform.
The International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) launched the initiative alongside the Accountability Unit and the Coalition for Genocide Response and acts as part of its secretariat, helping to organise independent reviews and expert recommendations on the UK's approach to atrocity prevention and response.
The Atrocity Crimes Review examines the full trajectory of atrocity crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression, from early warning and prevention to accountability, sanctions and reparations. One of the principal findings of the Review uncovered several systematic inadequacies in implementing international obligations into domestic legal frameworks.
The Review concludes that whilst the UK possesses considerable diplomatic, legal and institutional strengths, the country lacks a coherent, cross-government framework capable of translating early warning into timely action.
The Standing Group urges the UK government to take a diplomatic lead on addressing atrocity crimes and strengthen support for its international legal mechanisms. The Review suggests 22 recommendations across four areas, including atrocity prediction, prevention and response, as well as funding, resourcing and implementation.
Baroness Helena Kennedy of the Shaws LT KC, IBAHRI Director and Chair of the Standing Group on Atrocity Crimes, remarked: 'It is imperative for the United Kingdom to resolve shortcomings within its laws and policies on atrocity crimes, given the rise of global armed conflicts and the existing challenges to the international rules-based order. Considering that the UK is already equipped with important diplomatic tools, adopting the recommendations of the Standing Group could help the UK to play a more proactive role on the world's stage, including addressing atrocity crimes before they occur. Prevention is our only hope to change the trajectory of the pain and suffering of victims/survivors globally.'
Dr. Ewelina Ochab, IBAHRI Senior Programme Lawyer and Co-convenor of the Standing Group on Atrocity Crimes, commented: 'The report makes it clear that the UK is still far from where it should be to ensure comprehensive responses to atrocity crimes. As we see the highest number of active conflicts and situations of atrocity crimes since the Second World War, prediction, prevention and responses should be a priority for the UK and other countries. As we witness constant attacks on the international rules-based order, including from our friends and allies, the UK needs to show renewed leadership and galvanise like-minded countries to turn the tide and change the recent trajectory of too little too late responses and impunity. The cost of doing so is little, but it can deliver a palpable change, and first and foremost save lives.'
Among its 22 recommendations, the Review calls on the UK to:
- establish a reliable, equitable, comprehensive and transparent framework for deciding which situations require assessment;
- embed atrocity prevention as a core domestic and foreign policy objective and national security priority;
- equip UK courts with powers to prosecute atrocity crimes independent of the nationality or residency of the alleged perpetrators;
- ensure steps are taken to strengthen the government's leadership over the global sanctions regime as a response to ongoing atrocity crimes; and
- adopt a distinct, cross-government strategy for atrocity prediction, prevention and response.
The Review's authors note that considering the current global political climate, a robust and comprehensive approach is required from the UK and that the residual impacts of such crimes extend beyond immediate victims/survivors and, as such, should concern the international community.
The Atrocity Crimes Review can be downloaded here . It was launched at a high-level event on 13 October 2026 at the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, London.
