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Written question asked by Stephen Twigg (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 December 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 December 2016. It was answered by Rory Stewart (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 December 2016 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Iraq: Minority Groups

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to support Yazidis, Christians and other vulnerable minorities in Iraq.

Answer

All UK-funded humanitarian aid is distributed on the basis of need irrespective of race, religion or ethnicity. The organisations through which we channel our support in Iraq do not identify or record beneficiaries by their religion. Since June 2014, the UK has committed £169.5 million in humanitarian assistance to the crisis in Iraq. This includes access to clean water, food, medicines, protection and other life-saving assistance, targeted towards the most vulnerable people in Iraq.

Through the Conflict, Security and Stabilisation Fund (CSSF), the UK provides funding for projects designed to support community cohesion and encourage reconciliation, acceptance and tolerance between communities.

In our dialogue with the Government of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and the United Nations, UK Ministers and officials frequently raise the importance of protecting the rights of minorities.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
56651
Session
2016-17
Subjects
Iraq Minority groups
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk