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Written question asked by Julian Lewis (Conservative) on Thursday, 15 September 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 October 2016 (named day). It was answered by Tobias Ellwood (Conservative) on Tuesday, 11 October 2016 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq: Islamic State

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the US in respect of coalition obligations to exclude from forces preparing to expel Daesh from Mosul any militias which are assessed as lacking respect for (a) human rights and (b) the laws of war; and what assessment he has made in such regards of the Shiite militia Hashd al-Shaabi.

Answer

The coalition goal is to liberate Mosul by expelling Daesh in a way that minimises the humanitarian impact, civilian casualties and human rights abuses and violations. We have spoken to Coalition partners, including the US and the Government of Iraq and Kurdistan Regional Government, and have made clear that forces taking Mosul need to respect human rights and laws of armed conflict. All training provided by the UK includes Law of Armed Conflict training and an awareness of human rights.

Ultimately the forces used will be determined by the Government of Iraq and Kurdistan Regional Government. The Coalition however will not support units which it has concerns about, including certain Shia militia units.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
46544
Session
2016-17
Subjects
Armed forces Armed conflict Human rights Iraq International law Islamic State
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk