§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What recent information they have concerning the draining of the marshes in southern Iraq, the poisoning of water supplies, attacks on the civilian population by artillery and helicopters and new movements of refugees towards the Iranian frontier; and whether the United Nations Security Council will be considering these matters.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe have received reports about the Iraqi regime's continuing repression of the civilian population who live in the marshes of southern Iraq. We have also received reports of movements of people to the area bordering Iran. It is difficult to assess the numbers involved. We are monitoring the situation. We are funding, with Emma Nicholsons' Amar Appeal, a study by Exeter University on the impact of draining the marshes. We have also agreed to fund Iraqi Civilian Aid (a British NGO) to deliver emergency supplies for the displaced people on the Iranian border. The UN Security Council considers the policies and practices of the Iraqi regime under UN Security Council Resolution 688 at every given opportunity; most recently at the UN Security Council sanctions review meeting on 21st July.