Written question asked by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 January 1997. It was answered by Baroness Chalker of Wallasey (Conservative) on Wednesday, 15 January 1997.

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Chalker of Wallasey, RtHonBaroness

Question

Whether the United National High Commissioner for Refugees consulted HMG about the proposed closure of the refugee camp at Atrush in northern Iraq; whether they consider that, in view of attacks on the camp by KDP forces, and the absence of any alternative proposals by UNHCR to ensure the security and well-being of the refugees, they can be said to give informed consent to their repatriation, and whether the United Kingdom will insist on consultation with representatives of the refugees in Atrush, as well as unimpeded access by humanitarian agencies and human rights NGOs to the emergency region in Turkey, to which it is proposed that they return, as part of any international endorsement of the proposed arrangements.

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Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

577 c31-2WA

Session

1996-97

Subjects

Armed conflict Closures Iraq Refugees Turkey UN High Commissioner for Refugees Kurds Migrant camps