Asked by: Rebecca Paul (Conservative - Reigate)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of proposals to be considered by the Iraqi Parliament to amend the Personal Status Law to reduce the age of consent for girls in that country to 9 years old.
Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK is analysing the proposed amendments to Iraq's Personal Status Law and its implications for women and children's rights, which we note have not yet been passed through the House of Representatives. As we continue to privately engage with a range of Iraqi interlocutors to discuss this, we are emphasising the importance of any amendments' compatibility with Iraq's international obligations.
Asked by: Rebecca Paul (Conservative - Reigate)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that the UK maintains funding for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK is proud to be a longstanding supporter of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), having contributed £1.4 billion since 1995. The UK continues to be a supportive partner to the GPEI and will take every opportunity to ensure every child everywhere is safe from polio. The UK is working with the international community to coordinate efforts and ensure sustainable resources for all upcoming global health replenishments. Effective coordination across the Global Health Initiatives will be needed to deliver for the global health challenges ahead.