Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 May 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 May 2005. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Monday, 6 June 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Sudan

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on reports that refugees from Darfur have been killed, attacked and subject to other violence in countries to which they have fled, with particular reference to those who fled to Iraq.

Answer: We understand that reprisal attacks were instigated by Sudanese refugees in several Chadian camps and towns during the week of 9–16 May. Chadian authorities and national police had arrested refugee leaders refusing to co-operate with a UN-led registration exercise to verify refugee numbers and thereby reduce excess food distributions. Refugees retaliated by clashing with Chadian security forces; several refugees were injured though no mortalities were reported. UN officials and Chadian authorities share the view that the events were triggered by a small group of individuals eager to retain private and illegitimate benefits they enjoy through inflated numbers of beneficiaries.We have received no reports of particular targeting of refugees from Darfur in other third countries. Sudanese migrants have long resided in Iraq and in other Gulf states. Sudanese nationals in Iraq are facing the same challenges and insecurity in Iraq as other nationalities. We understand that a section of the Sudanese nationals living in Iraq have decided to move to other countries due to fears for their security.

Secondary information