Iraq: Refugees

House of Lords written question – answered at on 16 May 2007.

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Photo of Lord Hylton Lord Hylton Crossbench

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the outcome of the recent United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees conference in Geneva concerning refugees from Iraq and those internally displaced within Iraq.

Photo of Baroness Amos Baroness Amos President of the Council, Privy Council Office, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Lords (Privy Council Office)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) conference was successful in drawing international attention to the plight of displaced Iraqis inside Iraq and in the region and recognising the burden this places on host communities and countries. The main outcome of the conference was the Government of Iraq's commitment to take the lead in providing support and security for their citizens, including for those who have fled the country. The conference also agreed a new UN strategic framework for humanitarian action in Iraq, which will co-ordinate UN action in support of the Iraqi Government's efforts. Further assistance to support the displaced was also pledged by a number of international donors.

Since January, the UK Government have provided £10 million to support emergency relief and other services to displaced and vulnerable Iraqis. This takes our total humanitarian assistance to more than £125 million since 2003. We will continue to work closely with the Iraqi Government and our international partners to ensure that needs are met.

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