Written question asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Wednesday, 19 January 2011.

Iraq: Camp Ashraf

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of loudspeaker equipment used on the outskirts of Camp Ashraf on the physiological condition of residents; what steps they will take to ameliorate this disruption; and what plans, if any, they have made to ensure that United Kingdom parliamentarians can visit Camp Ashraf in the immediate future.

Answer: The UK is aware of reports of loudspeaker equipment being used outside Camp Ashraf. We will continue to encourage the Iraqi authorities to respect the residents' human rights. However, Camp Ashraf is in a sovereign and democratic Iraq, and any decisions on the future of the camp are for the Iraqi Government to take. We are aware of the interest shown by UK parliamentarians in visiting Camp Ashraf in Iraq. While we have yet to receive a formal request for assistance, it should be noted that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all travel to Baghdad and its surrounding areas where Camp Ashraf is based.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5589; 724 c43WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Access Human rights Iraq Inhuman treatment Noise Refugees Iran Mujahedin-e Khalq
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk