Written question asked by Harold Best (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 July 2003. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Monday, 7 July 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many mass grave sites have been discovered in Iraq since the start of the recent conflict; and what steps are being taken by the occupying powers to (a) protect and secure the sites, (b) identify the victims and (c) bring criminal charges against the perpetrators. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Best: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many mass grave sites have been discovered in Iraq since the start of the recent conflict; and what steps are being taken by the occupying powers to (a) protect and secure the sites, (b) identify the victims and (c) bring criminal charges against the perpetrators. [123689] Mr. Rammell: To date 86 mass graves have been reported. Approximately 50 have been, or are currently, under investigation by coalition forces, who have been tasked with securing and protecting evidence of legacy crimes. We have sent a team of nine UK forensic experts to Iraq to investigate legacy crimes and mass graves. We are currently studying their recommendations for a long-term strategy for dealing with forensically important sites in Iraq and for further UK assistance in this area. We have always believed that those who have been responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes should be brought to justice. We believe it should be for the Iraqi people to decide how to bring those responsible to justice, with suitable international help.

Secondary information