A Bill to provide for the High Court of England and Wales to make a preliminary finding on cases of alleged genocide; and for the subsequent referral of such findings to the International Criminal Court or a special tribunal.
House of Lords
2 May 2017
These provisions would let the High Court in England and Wales make a preliminary decision about whether alleged acts meet the legal definition of genocide. If the Court makes such a finding, it could be referred to the International Criminal Court or to a specially created tribunal for further action. The aim is to provide a domestic route to trigger international accountability while safeguarding fair legal process.
The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Lords (originating house). If it progresses, it would move to detailed scrutiny in a committee stage and then return to both Houses for further consideration.
Generated 21 February 2026
First reading took place on 13 June. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.
The 2016-2017 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
