Lord Young of Darlingtonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will urge the International Committee of the Red Cross to assume a greater role in setting up and maintaining safety zones for the Kurds, and also for the Shias.
The Earl of CaithnessOur aim is that the United Nations should take over the running of the camps as60WA soon as possible. The UN Secretary-General has made clear he is willing to take this on and has sent in UN personnel and relief supplies.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is providing emergency humanitarian assistance to vulnerable groups throughout Iraq and in neighbouring countries. It is already performing an effective role in Northern Iraq providing food, water, shelter, basic sanitation and medical aid to displaced people. A copy of the ICRC's latest report will be placed in the Library of the House.