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To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received of the level of violence and persecution aimed at gay men in (a) Iraq and (b) Iran.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

2 May 2008

For answer on

7 May 2008

Answered on

19 May 2008

We have serious concerns about the treatment of homosexuals in Iran and Iraq.We are particularly concerned that homosexual activities are illegal and can carry the death penalty in Iran although we have not been able to confirm any executions that have taken place solely on the grounds of homosexuality in recent years. We are aware of concerns that some people charged and executed for other crimes (such as rape and kidnap) may have been homosexual.Homosexuals, along with other minority groups in Iran, do experience discrimination but we do not have any evidence of a state-led campaign of persecution targeting Iran's gay community. It is difficult to get reliable information about the situation of homosexuals in Iran as the issue is not generally discussed in public.The UK and the EU regularly raise human rights concerns with the Iranian Government. Most recently, in a demarche to the Iranian authorities on 27 April, the EU raised concerns about a report that over 30 men had been arrested when police raided a party at a home in Esfahan in February. The men were reportedly referred to a forensic medical examiner to look for evidence that they had engaged in homosexual conduct.The UK is concerned about reports of violence and persecution of homosexuals in Iraq. We do not have any direct evidence of targeted or systematic abuses taking place against the homosexual community within Iraq, although random acts of violence have taken place. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials, together with the private secretary to Ann Clwyd MP, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's Special Envoy to Iraq on Human Rights, will soon be arranging a meeting with the Iraqi lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group to discuss the issues and challenges that face them in Iraq.

Date

19 May 2008

Reference

476 c75-6W; 204334

House

House of Commons

Iraq

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the effect of the level of corruption amongst public agencies in Iraq on the effective distribution of development aid.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Department for International Development

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

7 December 2006

For answer on

11 December 2006

Answered on

18 December 2006

Corruption poses a risk to the momentum of recovery and reconstruction in Iraq. The US Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR) reports that corruption costs Iraq US$4 billion per year. At the moment, the Iraqi Commission of Public Integrity are pursuing more than 1,400 cases involving US$5 billion in suspected fraud and other criminal activities. It is essential that the Government of Iraq, supported by the international community, is able to take the lead in tackling this issue.The UK, with the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and other donors, continue to work with the Iraqi Government to improve accountability and transparency in Iraq’s public finances at both national and provincial levels. The Government of Iraq has announced plans to establish a Joint Anti-Corruption Council (JACC), the purpose of which is to advise the Prime Minister on anti-corruption policy and to improve co-ordination among the different bodies and institutions covering the rule of law, transparency and governance. In late July, the World Bank hosted an anti-corruption workshop in Dubai that brought Iraqis and donors together to examine how the Bank and others can more effectively assist in the fight against corruption.DFID has reporting arrangements in place for each of our own projects, which means that the funding is tracked and monitored throughout the process. All of DFID’s funds are subject to rigorous internal controls and the National Audit Office audits DFID’s accounts on an annual basis. Our 2005-06 audited resource accounts are available at"http://www.dfid.gov.uk/aboutdfid/resource-accounts.asp"

Date

18 December 2006

Reference

108737; 454 c1462-3W;454 c1464-5W

House

House of Commons

Iraq: Human Rights

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports she has received on the observance of the human rights of gay men in Iraq.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

13 December 2006

Reference

108724; 454 c1101W;454 c1103W

House

House of Commons

Iraq

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training is being given to British troops to ensure that they respect the rights of civilians in Iraq.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

9 October 2006

For answer on

11 October 2006

Answered on

24 October 2006

All service personnel receive training on the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) during their initial training. It ranges from up to two hours of training for soldiers, through to eight hours of training for junior officers, including a practical exercise on search, arrest and detention. While LOAC and its implications are first introduced during initial training, it is recognised that this is a very complex topic for the inexperienced and requires continual reinforcement during productive service. Therefore, the content and frequency of the training in productive service is appropriate to rank, responsibility and force readiness. Specifically, all army and RM personnel are required to undertake annual refresher training in LOAC each year as part of their Mandatory Annual Training Tests programme. LOAC training includes instruction on the treatment of combatants, POWs and civilians, as well as rules of engagement, the Law of Self Defence and emphasises that only reasonable and proportionate force may be used where a necessity of defence arises. Additional and enhanced LOAC training is also provided, again related to rank and role of the individual, in command and staff courses for selected SNCOs and officers.Prior to deployment on operations all personnel undertake pre-deployment training, which includes LOAC and theatre-specific operational law and cultural awareness briefings. These lessons are also reinforced during in-theatre arrival briefings. Units and personnel specifically detailed to undertake prisoner handling/detainee duties undertake 10 days of specialist training, both theoretical and practical, under the control of the Provost Marshal (Army).This training has been subject to International Committee of the Red Cross and British Red Cross observations, and we have engaged both organisations to ensure UK planning for treatment of detainees is appropriate.In addition to LOAC training, Service personnel are aware that under the Service Discipline Acts, they are subject to English criminal law wherever they are serving. This provides that any conduct on operations which would constitute a criminal offence if committed in England, can be prosecuted by courts-martial.

Date

24 October 2006

Reference

92943; 450 c1731-2W;450 c1737-8W

House

House of Commons

Iraq

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of reports that fundamentalist militias are operating in Iraq and are persecuting gay Iraqis.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

18 October 2006

Reference

450 c1245W;450 c1250-1W; 93632

House

House of Commons

Asylum/Immigration

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what post-return monitoring is in place to ensure that all returns to Iraq are safe and sustainable.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

10 May 2006

Reference

446 c312W; 65622

House

House of Commons

Asylum/Immigration

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures and safeguards are in place to ensure that all returning Iraqi asylum seekers, reach their home village or town safely.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

20 April 2006

For answer on

24 April 2006

Answered on

10 May 2006

In respect of voluntary returns through Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, returnees assisted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are met upon arrival by the IOM. Arrangements are in place at both airports which allow the IOM and their representatives unrestricted access, enabling staff to provide assistance to returnees from the moment they land. They are assisted through immigration, baggage retrieval and customs formalities.The IOM arranges with local transportation companies in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah for returnees to be transported via bus or car to their final destination within the three Northern Governorates and their immediate vicinity, this means Kirkuk and Mosul. Arrival is confirmed by the transportation company. For returns through Baghdad, passengers are met at the airport by IOM staff. Only one company is able to provide transportation from Baghdad International airport. The IOM arranges for the returnees to be taken to Baghdad's main land transportation hubs where onward travel is organised either by taxi or bus. For enforced returns, there is clearly a difficult position in those parts of Iraq most affected by insurgent action, but it is not accepted that this applies to all areas.Returns are taken forward on a case by case basis and are only enforced to areas assessed as sufficiently stable and where the Home Office is satisfied that the individual concerned will not be at risk of persecution or in need of humanitarian protection. The 15 individuals who were removed on an enforced return flight to Erbil on 20 November 2005 were offered onward transport to their home town or village.

Date

10 May 2006

Reference

65623; 446 c312-3W

House

House of Commons

Iraq

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received regarding the use of torture in Iraq.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

21 March 2006

Reference

58810; 444 c335W;444 c335W

House

House of Commons

Iraq

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of prisoners being held without charge or trial by the Iraqi authorities.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

21 March 2006

Reference

58812; 444 c335W;444 c335W

House

House of Commons

Iraq

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of reports that paramilitary troops are carrying out torture and executions in Iraq with the consent of the Interior Ministry.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

20 March 2006

Reference

58811; 444 c82-3W;444 c82-3W

House

House of Commons

Asylum/Immigration

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what (a) criteria are used and (b) process is followed in selecting failed asylum seekers to be returned to Iraq; and what level of access to legal advice to challenge the decision is provided for those being returned.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

9 January 2006

Reference

36309; 441 c354W

House

House of Commons

Asylum/Immigration

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to ensure (a) that Iraqi failed asylum seekers are returned to their town of origin, (b) that their safety is guaranteed and (c) that they receive assistance to readjust to life in Iraq.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

20 December 2005

Reference

36308; 440 c2875-6W

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on NATO's role in Iraq.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Oral questions - Lead

Status

Answered

Date

25 October 2004

Reference

425 c1143-4; 193220

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence

1st supplementary on drawing on NATOs experience in Afghanistan in the run up to elections in Iraq.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Oral questions - 1st Supplementary

Status

Answered

Date

25 October 2004

Reference

425 c1143-4

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to provide security (a) before, (b) during and (c) after elections in Iraq.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

4 October 2004

Reference

424 c1881W;424 c1879W; 188342

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to make a separate status of forces agreement with the Iraqi Government.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

4 October 2004

Reference

424 c1880W;424 c1878W; 188317

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what safeguards have been put in place by his Department to prevent the mistreatment of detainees in Iraq.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

4 October 2004

Reference

424 c1880-1W;424 c1878-9W; 188321

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the safety of United Kingdom personnel in Iraq following the transfer of sovereignty.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

16 September 2004

Reference

424 c1768W;424 c1766W; 188318

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Defence

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the required numbers of Iraqi (a) armed forces, (b) police, (c) civil defence corps and (d) border police. - Inc figures.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Ministry of Defence

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

16 September 2004

Reference

424 c1768W;424 c1766W; 188353

House

House of Commons

Dept for International Development

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps his Department is taking to promote economic development in Basrah. - Inc figures.

Asked by

John Bercow (Conservative)

Answering body

Department for International Development

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

7 September 2004

For answer on

16 September 2004

Answered on

16 September 2004

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to promote economic development in Basrah. [188345] Hilary Benn: Iraq's economic growth will depend not only on extensive reconstruction to make good the dilapidation of infrastructure under Saddam-Hussein, but also on wide-ranging economic reforms to promote private sector growth. We are encouraging the Iraqi Interim Government to agree an IMF programme, and debt reduction through the Paris Club. The international community pledged over US$32 billion for reconstruction at the Madrid Donors' Conference in October 2003. The UK and the US are also leading the G7 in pushing for generous relief of Iraq's debt. Iraq's oil revenues, currently estimated at over $20 billion per year (and with the capacity to rise substantially in the future) will, of course, be a major source of finance for growth. The Interim Government have asked for help with public administration and economic policy reform and DFID is helping with both. The aim is to strengthen planning and budgeting and to plan economic reforms that will help all of Iraq, but particularly the poorer areas such as Basra. In southern Iraq, DFID has funded an Emergency Infrastructure Programme that has helped to stabilise and improve infrastructure. We are starting to implement a £20.5 million project for Capacity Building for Southern Iraq Governorates (including Basra). The project will focus on strengthening planning and budgeting in the governorates so they are better able to support to the local economy and community. We are also funding a £16.5 million programme to promote employment and sustain infrastructure.

Date

16 September 2004

Reference

424 c1713-4W;424 c1711-2W; 188345

House

House of Commons

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