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Written question asked by Bishop of Coventry (Bishops (affiliation)) on Monday, 1 July 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 July 2019. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 15 July 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Middle East: British Nationals Abroad

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the recent statement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on 24 June, what plans they have to repatriate the children of British citizens now held in Iraq and Syria as a result of their parents' involvement with Daesh.

Answer

The situation that young children are facing in north-east Syria through no fault of their own is tragic. The UK has no consular presence within Syria from which to provide assistance to British Nationals there. This makes it difficult to help but we look at every single case where we are asked for consular assistance. We are not aware of any British children in camps in Iraq.

Our advice to any British national abroad who needs emergency help from the British Government is to contact the nearest British Embassy or Consulate, which in this case will be outside Syria. If a minor is unable to do so, those with parental responsibility can make the request on their behalf. British nationals can also call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The number is clearly advertised on FCO Travel Advice pages.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL16788
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Children British nationals abroad Iraq Repatriation Syria Islamic State
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk