Iraq: Minority Groups

(asked on 13th March 2018) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq about practical steps that can be taken to (1) support and protect Iraq’s minority communities, (2) ensure the return home of members of minority communities persecuted by Daesh, and (3) encourage Iraq’s government, religious, political and civic leaders to prioritise the protection of minority communities.


Answered by
 Portrait
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
This question was answered on 27th March 2018

The UK's Ambassador to Iraq works closely with the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General to support the Government of Iraq's efforts to stabilise the country and protect all communities. Through our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate-General in Erbil, alongside UN officials and our other international partners, we consistently urge the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to ensure the safe, voluntary and unhindered return of all Internally Displaced Persons, including minorities, supported by the prospect of genuine community reconciliation. We recognise that security is one of the main concerns facing not just minorities but many other displaced Iraqis wanting to return home. Ultimately, restoring security in liberated areas and creating an environment that is safe for everyone is the responsibility of the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

We are also working with the UN and other international partners to support the Iraqi Government in its efforts to stablilise areas which have been liberated from Daesh.

Reticulating Splines