Written question asked by Tony Baldry (Conservative) on Monday, 31 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 April 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Friday, 4 April 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what responsibilities under the Geneva Convention coalition forces have to deliver humanitarian relief in disputed territory in Iraq.

Answer: Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what responsibilities under the Geneva Convention coalition forces have to deliver humanitarian relief in disputed territory in Iraq. [106846] Mr. Ingram: The United Kingdom is a party to the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and will comply fully with its obligations under that Convention. The application of the provisions of that Convention depends on the progress of the conflict and may differ across the country. The provision of humanitarian assistance by United Kingdom forces has already begun in towns in southern Iraq where the situation has stabilised enough to make this possible. That effort will continue until civilian aid agencies can deploy fully. In other areas where United Kingdom troops are present, we are monitoring the humanitarian situation and stand ready to provide whatever assistance is required once local elements of the regime collapse and a secure environment is established.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 106846; 402 c882W;402 c880W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Armed forces Armed conflict Civilians International assistance Humanitarian aid Geneva Conventions Iraq Iraq conflict
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk