Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 16 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 July 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 15 July 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that the prohibition of (a) torture and (b) any other form of ill treatment is respected by (i) coalition forces, (ii) Iraqi police and (iii) other official forces involved in detaining suspects.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure that the prohibition of (a) torture and (b) any other form of ill treatment is respected by (i) coalition forces, (ii) Iraqi police and (iii) other official forces involved in detaining suspects. [166998] Mr. Ingram: Members of the United Kingdom armed forces are liable under both UK and international law for their conduct while on operations in Iraq. As such, military personnel are fully informed of their responsibilities and obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law, not only through training received prior to deployment, but also through specific Standard Operating Procedures. All UK military personnel deploying to Iraq receive an Aide Memoire card on the Law of Armed Conflict, which clearly states that prisoners, detainees and civilians must be treated with dignity and respect, and must not in any way be subject to abuse, torture or inhuman or degrading treatment. Any credible allegations of abuse by UK forces are investigated. Allegations made against other coalition nations are a matter for them. Members of Iraqi security services, including the Iraqi police and Iraqi Civil Defence Corps, are subject to Iraqi criminal law. They are controlled by the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior, who have issued them with a code of conduct.

Secondary information