Written question asked by Earl of Sandwich (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Tunnicliffe (Labour) on Thursday, 12 February 2009.

Iraq

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made in protecting the rights and meeting the humanitarian needs of Assyrian Christians in Iraq.

Answer: We are concerned that some people in Iraq, including the Assyrian Christians, may be vulnerable due to their ethnic or religious affiliation. However, it is not the UK's policy to limit assistance to particular religious groups. Rather, we channel our assistance through established international organisations, notably the United Nations, with a mandate to assist all vulnerable people. The Department for International Development (DFID) has provided over £170 million in humanitarian assistance to international agencies working in Iraq and the region since 2003. This funding has provided immediate assistance such as food, shelter and medical supplies to those most in need. It is also helping to create the conditions to allow displaced people to return to their homes in Iraq.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1163; 707 c233WA
Session: 2008-09
Subjects: Development aid Humanitarian aid Iraq Religious freedom Christianity Assyria
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk