Written question asked by Bob Spink (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 June 2003. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 June 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, what action will be taken to ensure that those responsible for human rights abuses in Iraq are brought to justice.

Answer: Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action will be taken to ensure that those responsible for human rights abuses in Iraq are brought to justice. [114340] Mr. Mike O'Brien: British Government policy is that war criminals and those responsible for crimes against humanity should be brought to justice. Where possible, British forces have been tasked with securing and protecting evidence of such crimes so they may hand it over to the relevant prosecuting authority at the appropriate time. The Iraqi people should be able to bring to justice those who have committed crimes against them, with suitable international help. A coalition team, including British forensic experts with the Office for Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA), is assessing the situation on the ground and will make recommendations for future action.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 114340; 406 c246W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Administration of justice Crimes against humanity Evidence Iraq War crimes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk