Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Corbett of Castle Vale (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 25 January 2011.

Iraq: Camp Ashraf

Question: I thank the Minister for that response. Can he tell me what representations the UK has made to Iraq about the round-the-clock use of about 180 loudspeakers constantly blaring out threats to kill Ashraf residents, amounting to psychological torture? Given Iraq’s breaches of its undertakings to secure the safety and security of these pro-democracy refugees, will the UK now ask the United Nations to station a monitoring force inside Camp Ashraf to prevent further abuse of residents by Iraqi thugs in uniform?

Answer: We have made, and indeed are making all the time, representations through our work with the United Nations and we are also planning another direct meeting with Iraqi Government officials. I know the noble Lord appreciates that this is Iraqi Government sovereign territory and therefore we have to make our approaches, apply our pressure and express our concerns, which he expresses so well, through the Iraqi Government. As to the United Nations, it has taken certain views about withdrawing the regular monitoring operation it had when the United States and the allied forces were there. Now that they have withdrawn it makes fairly systematic and regular visits but it is not at the moment ready to return to a monitoring system. That is the current position but I would be the first to agree with the noble Lord that it is far from satisfactory.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 724 c838
Session: 2010-12
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Human rights Iraq Monitoring Refugees United Nations Iran Mujahedin-e Khalq Police Violence
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk