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To ask Her Majesty’s Government what financial aid or support the United Kingdom has given, directly or indirectly, to the government of Iraq since 2010.[HL2756]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what financial aid or support the United Kingdom has given, directly or indirectly, to the government of Iraq since 2010.[HL2756]
We currently provide no direct budgetary assistance to the Government of Iraq.
Since 2010, the Government has spent approximately £23 million through the Department for International Development in Iraq. Of this, approximately £6.2 million has taken the form of UK contributions to EU and other multilateral funds, and £3.3 million has been assistance to the estimated 220,000 Syrian refugees in Iraq. The Government also provides bilateral project funding to various local partners including the Government of Iraq, parliament, judiciary and civil society organisations, which has totalled around £11 million since 2010. Details on this work can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/world/iraq.
The UK also supports Iraq through our contributions to the United Nations, including approximately £41.6 million to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq since 2010, and to the European Union.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are assisting the search for political solutions in Iraq; and, if so, how.[HL2422]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are assisting the search for political solutions in Iraq; and, if so, how.[HL2422]
The Government continues to support Iraq in improving the security situation and building prosperity. Our work supports the cross-Government Iraq Strategy published in October 2012 and includes initiatives such as a £1.5 million project delivered by Global Partners to help to improve Iraq’s parliamentary process and build capacity. Further information about our work in Iraq can be found on our The UK in Iraq website at: www.gov.uk/government/world/iraq.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what response they have received from the government of Iraq to their representation requesting an investigation into the violence at Camp Ashraf on 1 September. [HL2275]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what response they have received from the government of Iraq to their representation requesting an investigation into the violence at Camp Ashraf on 1 September. [HL2275]
The Government of Iraq has told our Embassy in Baghdad that a committee will conduct a full and open investigation into the attack on Camp Ashraf on 1 September, and that its findings will be made public.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to discuss at the United Nations the persecution of Christians in Egypt, Iran, Iraq and Syria.[HL2321]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to discuss at the United Nations the persecution of Christians in Egypt, Iran, Iraq and Syria.[HL2321]
The persecution of Christians, indeed of all people on the basis of their faith or belief, is deeply troubling and we are committed to combating this wherever it happens. During the United Nations General Assembly Ministerial Week at the end of September I convened a meeting of international leaders to discuss what more politicians in particular can do to promote freedom of religion or belief and fight religious intolerance within our societies. I am determined to build strong collective leadership to tackle the rising tide of religious intolerance which affects Christians, amongst others, in many countries.
On 9 September at the UN Human Rights Council we raised our concerns about the recent events in Egypt, including the increased sectarian violence. We have also lobbied in support of UN General Assembly resolutions on the human rights situation in Iran, which have covered the persecution of religious minorities including Christians, and will continue to do so. We will continue to monitor the state of religious freedom in these countries, and in Iraq and Syria and will respond either bilaterally or with other international partners—whichever we judge will be most effective in each case. With EU partners we will also table a resolution at the UN this autumn which stresses the importance of promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief worldwide.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the United States, other allies, and within the United Nations, regarding the successor to Martin Kobler as UN Special Adviser in Iraq, and about that individual’s responsibility for Camp Ashraf.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the United States, other allies, and within the United Nations, regarding the successor to Martin Kobler as UN Special Adviser in Iraq, and about that individual’s responsibility for Camp Ashraf.
My Lords, officials in New York and at our embassy in Baghdad have had informal discussions with international partners about the appointment of a new special representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq. The UN has a critical role to play in helping the Government of Iraq to address the challenges facing the country, and we hope that a new United Nations Secretary-General special representative will be appointed as soon as possible.
My Lords, officials in New York and at our embassy in Baghdad have had informal discussions with international partners about the appointment of a new special representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq. The UN has a critical role to play in helping the Government of Iraq to address the challenges facing the country, and we hope that a new United Nations Secretary-General special representative will be appointed as soon as possible.
My Lords, officials in New York and at our embassy in Baghdad have had informal discussions with international partners about the appointment of a new special representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq. The UN has a critical role to play in helping the Government of Iraq to address the challenges facing the country, and we hope that a new United Nations Secretary-General special representative will be appointed as soon as possible.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the United States, other allies, and within the United Nations, regarding the successor to Martin Kobler as UN Special Adviser in Iraq, and about that individual’s responsibility for Camp Ashraf.
I understand the strength of the noble Lord’s feeling on this matter, which is a one on which we have had discussions in the past. We do not accept the criticisms of Martin Kobler. Indeed, in his latest report on Iraq, the United Nations Secretary-General made specific reference to and paid tribute to the work of Martin Kobler. We believe that a new representative needs to be appointed quickly and that a huge range of issues needs to be dealt with by the head of the UN once that appointment is made.
In relation to his comments on Camp Liberty, the noble Lord is aware that the UNHCR is overseeing Camp Liberty. It is its intention to ensure that various countries around the world accept these individuals from Camp Liberty. I understand that some countries have now come forward: Albania has offered to take 210 and Germany is relocating about 100. Of course, we are assessing certain individuals who in the past have been given refugee status in the United Kingdom.
I understand the strength of the noble Lord’s feeling on this matter, which is a one on which we have had discussions in the past. We do not accept the criticisms of Martin Kobler. Indeed, in his latest report on Iraq, the United Nations Secretary-General made specific reference to and paid tribute to the work of Martin Kobler. We believe that a new representative needs to be appointed quickly and that a huge range of issues needs to be dealt with by the head of the UN once that appointment is made.
In relation to his comments on Camp Liberty, the noble Lord is aware that the UNHCR is overseeing Camp Liberty. It is its intention to ensure that various countries around the world accept these individuals from Camp Liberty. I understand that some countries have now come forward: Albania has offered to take 210 and Germany is relocating about 100. Of course, we are assessing certain individuals who in the past have been given refugee status in the United Kingdom.
My Lords, I do not know whether to be heartened or disheartened by that Answer. The reality is that Martin Kobler has been an absolute failure. He has been compromised by the fact
that his wife is an ambassador to the Iraqi Government, and it appears that effectively no one—not the United Nations, the United States or the United Kingdom—is concerned about the sequence of attacks on Camp Liberty, condoned, it would appear, by the Iraqi Government. After moving people from Camp Ashraf to Camp Liberty, when are we going to see some compassion for the 3,000-plus Iranian refugees?
I am aware of two specific attacks; namely, one that took place in February of this year, which resulted in, I think, nine deaths, and one that took place in June of this year, which I understand resulted in the deaths of two residents. However, on both occasions, Iraqis outside the camps lost their lives as well. We have to see this in the context of, sadly, the rising level of violence in Iraq: for example, in May, 1,000 people lost their lives. I am also aware that responsibility for the attacks has now been claimed by the Mukhtar Army, which is an individual militia group and not the Government of Iraq.
I am aware of two specific attacks; namely, one that took place in February of this year, which resulted in, I think, nine deaths, and one that took place in June of this year, which I understand resulted in the deaths of two residents. However, on both occasions, Iraqis outside the camps lost their lives as well. We have to see this in the context of, sadly, the rising level of violence in Iraq: for example, in May, 1,000 people lost their lives. I am also aware that responsibility for the attacks has now been claimed by the Mukhtar Army, which is an individual militia group and not the Government of Iraq.
Is the Minister aware that the residents who have been transferred to Camp Liberty from Ashraf have been subjected to missile attacks and other pretty awful conditions, which are so bad that they are seeking a return to Ashraf? The influence of Mr Kobler has not been exercised on their behalf and something should be done to assist these very unfortunate people.
I hear the point that my noble friend is making. Noble Lords may be aware that there is a long history to this matter. The particular group, Mujaheddin e Khalq, which originally was in Camp Ashraf and was moved to Camp Liberty, is being assessed by the UNHCR for relocation. Concerns have been raised about the conditions within the camp—concerns about water, sanitation and electricity. This is not to justify the conditions in those camps but they are similar to, if not sometimes better than, some of the conditions that people face in Baghdad. It therefore has to be viewed in the context of the country in which we are operating.
I hear the point that my noble friend is making. Noble Lords may be aware that there is a long history to this matter. The particular group, Mujaheddin e Khalq, which originally was in Camp Ashraf and was moved to Camp Liberty, is being assessed by the UNHCR for relocation. Concerns have been raised about the conditions within the camp—concerns about water, sanitation and electricity. This is not to justify the conditions in those camps but they are similar to, if not sometimes better than, some of the conditions that people face in Baghdad. It therefore has to be viewed in the context of the country in which we are operating.
My Lords, surely we cannot accept the context to which my noble friend was referring as any form of justification for what has been taking place in Camp Liberty. Is there not ample evidence that there has been widespread abuse, violence and killings over a long period? How much longer will this go on before action is taken by the two Governments concerned—the United States and the United Kingdom—the United Nations and the Government of Iraq? Is it not to be condemned that the word of
President Maliki is not to be trusted at all? He gave commitments, which he has not honoured. When will that happen?
My Lords, because of noble Lords’ concerns I have raised this matter with officials, who I understand are currently in discussions with members of other embassies. This is a UN lead and it is important, therefore, that whatever we do we do in conjunction with other countries. I understand that they are now looking at potential dates when members of various embassies could go together to the camp. However, this has to be done in conjunction with the security concerns that there are in Baghdad at the moment.
My Lords, because of noble Lords’ concerns I have raised this matter with officials, who I understand are currently in discussions with members of other embassies. This is a UN lead and it is important, therefore, that whatever we do we do in conjunction with other countries. I understand that they are now looking at potential dates when members of various embassies could go together to the camp. However, this has to be done in conjunction with the security concerns that there are in Baghdad at the moment.
My Lords, I am sure the Minister is aware that ever since the evacuation of people from Camp Ashraf to Camp Liberty, which I suppose is the most misnamed camp in the world— I have often described it as a concentration camp—we have had reports of these goings-on and the conditions that have been mentioned. The Minister just said that the Government are trying to advise the Iraqi Government so that they get credibility. Would they not get more credibility if they were to allow the media, lawyers and doctors to go into the camp, which has been denied to outsiders? There is no confidence in Kobler, whatever the Minister may say today. People outside who have been watching this situation know that the United Nations has been pretty poor. Will she please use her best endeavours to get the doors open to the outside world so that we can see what is going on and hear the truth?
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Warsi on 18 March (WA 116), why they have not produced any estimate for the number of Iraqis killed as a result of terrorist and war-related violence since the invasion of that country in 2003.[HL6688]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Warsi on 18 March (WA 116), why they have not produced any estimate for the number of Iraqis killed as a result of terrorist and war-related violence since the invasion of that country in 2003.[HL6688]
The Government do not collate or publish numbers for civilians killed during conflicts. This is because it is immensely difficult to collect robust, accurate data. There are a number of publicly available sources that estimate such numbers. The Government
do publish official numbers of UK service personnel and civilians employed by the Government who are killed during conflict. The continuing violence and loss of life in Iraq is deplorable, and we have urged all political groups to work together to tackle terrorism and secure Iraq’s future.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the comments by the Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, on 27 February that victory for rebels in the Syrian war could spark sectarian violence in Iraq and Lebanon.[HL6380]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the comments by the Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, on 27 February that victory for rebels in the Syrian war could spark sectarian violence in Iraq and Lebanon.[HL6380]
We are concerned that the crisis in Syria presents a risk of regional spillover, which is one of the reasons why we want to see an end to the conflict as soon as possible. The violence has already impacted on neighbouring countries, most recently through an aerial attack by the Syrian regime on Lebanon earlier this month, which we strongly condemned. We
are working with our partners in the region and in the international community to increase our efforts to bring an end to the violence in Syria and reduce the risks to the region.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their estimate of the gross domestic product of Iraq in 2000, 2001, 2002 and in the latest year for which figures are available.[HL6053]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their estimate of the gross domestic product of Iraq in 2000, 2001, 2002 and in the latest year for which figures are available.[HL6053]
The Government do not produce estimates for Iraq’s gross domestic product (GDP). However the World Bank has produced estimates for Iraq’s annual GDP between 2000-02 and 2011.
| 2011 | $115.4
Billion |
| 2002 | $18.9
Billion |
| 2001 | $18.9
Billion |
| 2000 | $25.8
Billion |
Source: www.data.worldbank.org
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their estimate of the total oil output of Iraq in 2000, 2001, 2002 and in the latest year for which figures are available.[HL6054]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their estimate of the total oil output of Iraq in 2000, 2001, 2002 and in the latest year for which figures are available.[HL6054]
The Government do not produce estimates for Iraq’s oil production. However, the oil company BP has produced estimates for Iraq’s oil production between 2000-02 and 2011.
| 2011 | 2798
thousand barrels per day
(kbd) |
| 2002 | 2116
kbd |
| 2001 | 2523
kbd |
| 2000 | 2614
kbd |
Source: www.bp.com/statisticalreview
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many Iraqis they estimate to have died as a result of terrorist and war-related violence since the invasion of that country in 2003.[HL6052]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many Iraqis they estimate to have died as a result of terrorist and war-related violence since the invasion of that country in 2003.[HL6052]
The Government have not produced any estimate for the number of Iraqis killed as a result of terrorism and war-related violence since 2003. While the security situation in Iraq has greatly improved since the violence of 2006-07, the threat from terrorism remains high and attacks do sadly continue. We utterly condemn such violence and call for those responsible to be brought to justice.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the United Nations about Martin Kobler’s role as special adviser to Ban Ki-moon on refugee camps Ashraf and Liberty.[HL5941]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the United Nations about Martin Kobler’s role as special adviser to Ban Ki-moon on refugee camps Ashraf and Liberty.[HL5941]
We support the UN’s efforts to broker a peaceful solution to the situation at Camps Ashraf and Liberty. We have made no representations to the UN Secretary-General about the role of his special representative.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they support the expulsion from Iraq of members of the Mojahedin-e Khalq organisation, currently residing in Camp Liberty; and whether they have made representations to the government of Germany regarding reports that the German ambassador to Iraq, Britta Wagner, had issued a statement of...
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they support the expulsion from Iraq of members of the Mojahedin-e Khalq organisation, currently residing in Camp Liberty; and whether they have made representations to the government of Germany regarding reports that the German ambassador to Iraq, Britta Wagner, had issued a statement of...
We support the UN’s efforts to relocate residents of Camp Liberty in third countries, as outlined by the memorandum of understanding signed between the Government of Iraq and the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq. We have made no representations to the government of Germany about this issue.
My Lords, we are aware that parts of Camp Liberty were flooded during a recent period of heavy rainfall, as were many parts of the Baghdad area. Fortunately, this did not affect residents’ accommodation blocks. We continue to monitor the situation at Camp Ashraf and Camp Liberty through the embassy in Baghdad and to raise issues with the Government of Iraq and the United Nations.
My Lords, we are aware that parts of Camp Liberty were flooded during a recent period of heavy rainfall, as were many parts of the Baghdad area. Fortunately, this did not affect residents’ accommodation blocks. We continue to monitor the situation at Camp Ashraf and Camp Liberty through the embassy in Baghdad and to raise issues with the Government of Iraq and the United Nations.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what recent information they have concerning flooding by sewage and storm water at Camp Liberty, and whether they have made representations to the United Nations and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq about conditions at the camp.
Before I answer the noble Lord’s very important question, I am sure the rest of the House will want to join me in wishing him a very happy birthday.
The noble Lord raises an important point. The Secretary-General, whom I met with last week at the United Nations, is doing a very important job, with the support of the international community, in some
very difficult circumstances. The specific situation in relation to Camp Liberty is that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, as part of the United Nations Assistance Mission, regularly reports about the situation in Camp Liberty and Camp Ashraf. Our own officials visited in July last year and the international community does not, at this stage, find any credible evidence to support the matters that have been raised by Mr Tahar Boumedra.
Before I answer the noble Lord’s very important question, I am sure the rest of the House will want to join me in wishing him a very happy birthday.
The noble Lord raises an important point. The Secretary-General, whom I met with last week at the United Nations, is doing a very important job, with the support of the international community, in some
very difficult circumstances. The specific situation in relation to Camp Liberty is that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, as part of the United Nations Assistance Mission, regularly reports about the situation in Camp Liberty and Camp Ashraf. Our own officials visited in July last year and the international community does not, at this stage, find any credible evidence to support the matters that have been raised by Mr Tahar Boumedra.
My Lords, is it not time that the Government made a judgment, based on first-hand evidence such as that produced by the ex-UNAMI chief Tahar Boumedra, and ignored the manipulation and dissembling by Martin Kobler on behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations? If the United Kingdom is to maintain its integrity and influence in the Middle East, we should be pressing for the dismissal of Herr Kobler and, indeed, be asking ourselves, with our allies, whether the present Secretary-General of the United Nations has not outlived his usefulness.
As my noble friend is aware, the situation in Camp Ashraf and Camp Liberty is in many ways much better than that of residents in Baghdad. For example, electricity is available for 24 hours a day, as opposed to the three hours for which it is available in some parts of Baghdad. About 200 litres of water are available to residents there, when about 90 litres are available in some parts of Baghdad. My noble friend raises the very important issue of the recent death of a resident there. We share those concerns about the death of Behrooz Rahimian and have made inquiries specifically in relation to the medical assistance that he received. We are aware that there is a doctor and medical facilities on site 24 hours a day; there is also the opportunity to receive medical assistance from doctors in Baghdad. We understand that Mr Rahimian was afforded medical assistance in relation to his illness.
As my noble friend is aware, the situation in Camp Ashraf and Camp Liberty is in many ways much better than that of residents in Baghdad. For example, electricity is available for 24 hours a day, as opposed to the three hours for which it is available in some parts of Baghdad. About 200 litres of water are available to residents there, when about 90 litres are available in some parts of Baghdad. My noble friend raises the very important issue of the recent death of a resident there. We share those concerns about the death of Behrooz Rahimian and have made inquiries specifically in relation to the medical assistance that he received. We are aware that there is a doctor and medical facilities on site 24 hours a day; there is also the opportunity to receive medical assistance from doctors in Baghdad. We understand that Mr Rahimian was afforded medical assistance in relation to his illness.
My Lords, considering that many of the complaints that are made by the residents of Camp Liberty and, indeed, Camp Ashraf, against the Iraqi authorities and UNAMI could be easily verified or refuted and that some have been confirmed not only by Mr Tahar Boumedra but by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, will the Government press for an inspector to be appointed by the UN Secretary-General to look into the serious allegations of ill treatment, such as denial of access to urgently needed medical treatment, which has lead to the deaths of two inmates of Camp Liberty? Since we have been aware for some time that 52 residents of Camp Liberty were formerly refugees in the United Kingdom, will my noble friend press for their immediate transfer to the UK?