Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what dialogue they are holding with the governments of (1) Jordan, (2) Lebanon, and (3) Turkey, to ascertain the number of Iraqi refugees hosted by those countries who wish to return to Iraq, and the obstacles stopping those refugees from so doing.

The UK has committed over £30million to help stabilise liberated areas in Iraq by delivering basic services like water and electricity, rebuilding livelihoods, removing mines and supporting community reconciliation. This will contribute to creating the right conditions for refugees and internally displaced people from across the region to safely return to their areas of origin.

The UK is also financially supporting Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey in meeting the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable refugees from across the region, including from Iraq, to alleviate pressure on local communities hosting refugees. The UK is committed to ensuring that any refugee returns take place voluntarily in safety and dignity, in line with international law. We work closely with UNHCR, the official agency mandated to lead discussions with Government, and advocate strongly in refugee host countries on this basis. UNHCR estimate that the total registered Iraqi refugee population is currently 152,976 in Turkey; 17,411 in Lebanon and 60,000 in Jordan.