Written question asked by Michael Moore (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 24 May 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 June 2007. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Thursday, 7 June 2007 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Iraq: Internally Displaced Persons

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development who represented the UK at the United Nations conference in Geneva on Iraqi refugees and internally displaced people on 17 and 18 April 2007; and if he will make a statement on the outcome of that conference.

Answer: At the UNHCR Conference in Geneva, the UK delegation consisted of senior officials from DFID, FCO and the Home Office.The conference was successful in drawing international attention to the plight of the displaced Iraqis inside Iraq and in the region, and recognising the burden this places on host communities and countries. The main outcome of the conference was the Government of Iraq’s commitment to take the lead in providing support and security for its citizens, including for those who have fled the country. The conference also agreed a new UN Strategic Framework for humanitarian action in Iraq, which will coordinate UN action in support of the Iraqi Government's efforts. Further assistance to support the displaced was also pledged by a number of international donors. We are now working with the UN and other partners to ensure that the Strategic Framework is taken forward.Since January, DFID has provided £10 million to support emergency relief and other services to displaced and vulnerable Iraqis. This takes our total humanitarian assistance to over £125 million since 2003. We will continue to work closely with the Iraqi Government and our international partners to ensure needs are met.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 461 c685W; 140494
Session: 2006-07
Related items: Iraq: Internally Displaced Persons
Thursday, 21 June 2007
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Iraq Internally displaced people
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk