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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Answer

Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what instructions and guidance have been given to members of the armed forces and other United Kingdom personnel and contractors in Iraq as to the obligations imposed by (a) the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and (b) the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment; and if he will make a statement. [183941] Mr. Straw: [holding answer 20 July 2004]: The UK armed forces are fully aware of their obligations under international law. They are given thorough mandatory training, which includes specific guidance on handling prisoners of war. All personnel must attend refresher training every year. Other UK personnel going to Iraq who are likely to be involved in activities that require an understanding of these international obligations are also given appropriate guidance. UK staff seconded from HM Prison Service are deployed to Iraq solely to act as monitors and mentors within civil prisons run by the Iraqi Correctional Service, where all prisoners are held on remand or following conviction of criminal charges in civil courts. All HM Prison Service staff receive in-depth training on their roles and responsibilities and act at all times in accordance with international statutes and conventions. There are no contractors employed by the UK in Iraq who have duties in detention facilities or who are involved in activities that may require an understanding of these international obligations.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

183941; 424 c541W;424 c541-2W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Abuse Detainees Armed forces Human rights Iraq Inhuman treatment International law Prisoners Torture Private military and security companies UN Convention against Torture International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk