Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 9 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 October 2003. It was answered by Gareth Thomas (Labour) on Monday, 6 October 2003 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development, what support has been given by his Department to the Marsh Arabs of Iraq since the conclusion of hostilities in that country; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figures.

Answer: Lady Hermon: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what support has been given by his Department to the Marsh Arabs of Iraq since the conclusion of hostilities in that country; and if he will make a statement. [129825] Mr. Gareth Thomas: DFID has been providing support for health care and sanitation for Iraqi Marsh Arabs and refugees in Iran through the NGO AMAR (£2.45 million over the last four years). We are in the process of considering a further year's support for AMAR. DFID has also granted £522,000 to the International Medical Corps for its work in Iraq, which includes providing clean and sustainable water supplies in Marsh Arab areas. Social and economic needs assessments being undertaken by the World Bank, IMF and United Nations are expected to identify future requirements in the Marsh Arab areas. The Coalition Provisional Authority and the UN Environment Programme are also planning to assess environmental issues in Iraq, including in the southern marshlands. Future DFID support will be informed by outcome of these assessments.

Secondary information