§ Lord Bottomleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are seeking, in conjunction with the International Committee of the Red Cross and other signatories of the four international conventions of 1949, to which Iraq is a party, to activate these conventions in respect of the Kurds and Shias, including the fourth convention concerning the protection of civilians in conflicts not of an international nature, thus involving the international community in the intended creation of neutral and safety zones.
The Earl of CaithnessThe provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, such as Article 15, which provides for the setting up of neutralised zones in regions where fighting is taking place, are applicable only to international conflicts. During non-international armed conflict, Article 3 of the Fourth Geneva Convention sets out the minimum humanitarian standards which are to be applied.
The ICRC are providing humanitarian assistance to those in need in Iraq. We fully support their efforts in this respect.