Written question asked by Michael Connarty (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 March 2012. It was answered by Alistair Burt (Conservative) on Tuesday, 27 March 2012 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will appoint a human rights envoy to Iraq to submit reports to the Government and Parliament.

Answer: The promotion and defence of human rights around the world remains a key Foreign and Commonwealth Office priority. The appointment of the previous 'human rights envoy' was a specific appointment under the previous Government. There are no current plans to reinstate the position but Ministers raise human rights issues whenever necessary. We continue to support the Iraqi Government in improving human rights in Iraq, not least by providing training and expertise on a range of human rights issues including to the Iraqi Council of Representatives Human Rights Committee. We will continue to update Parliament on our work to improve the human rights situation in Iraq, including how we can continue to help the Government of Iraq.

Secondary information